SmackDown is in O-H! I-O!

24 hours before Backlash and his Undisputed WWE Championship defense, JOHN CENA is on SmackDown! Will Dayton, Ohio get an Attitude Adjustment?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu; Knight & Priest win.
• Chelsea Green & Piper Niven w/ Alba Fyre VS Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss; Zelina & Alexa win.
• WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nia Jax VS Jade Cargill; Nia wins and will challenge Tiffany Stratton for the title.
• WWE Tag Team Championship Eliminator: The Street Profits VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins and earn a title opportunity.
• Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz; Aleister wins.
• Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar VS Rey Fenix & Andrade; Fenix & Andrade win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Damian Priest.

Byron Saxton catches the Archer of Infamy at gorilla and knows his match is moments away. Byron brings up tomorrow night’s Fatal 4 Way for the United States Championship at Backlash, how is he feeling? Priest says he was good with just getting his hands on Drew McIntyre. But now the idea of becoming a two-time US Champion and getting his hands on Drew, that’s pretty… Oh, there he is. LA Knight steps up and wishes Priest all the luck in the world. But Knight is in that match tomorrow night, too, and anyone who gets in his way of the title, the backlash will be swift and severe!

But tonight, Knight & Priest take on Solo & Fatu, and what they gonna do? Priest is glad Knight brought that up. They’re facing two of the baddest men on this entire roster. Priest isn’t worried about having Knight’s back, but about Knight having his. Knight says he came in here with a clean conscience, trust wasn’t an issue, but now alarm bells are going off, Priest is acting a little sus. Here’s the deal: If Priest has Knight’s back, Knight has Priest’s. If you do dirt, you get dirt, so don’t make Knight give you dirt. Let’s do the thing, hit his music! YEAH!

Knight leads the way into battle, but will he and Priest be rolling into Backlash after tonight? Or will it be all gas, no brakes with it, YADADA MEAN!?

LA Knight & Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu!

The teams sort out but Priest and Knight argue. Solo CLOBBERS Priest and tells Knight to get out! The bell rings as Solo fires off on Priest more! The fans boo, Solo soaks it up, then throws more hands. Solo CHOPS, HEADBUTTS, then fireman’s carries, but Priest fights free to BELL CLAP! Priest then KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW! Solo wobbles, goes to a corner, and Priest ROCKS him again! Priest runs corner to corner to BACK ELBOW! solo staggers, Priest runs to RUN Solo over! The fans fire up and Priest roars at Fatu. Priest wrenches Solo, knuckle locks, and goes up the corner. Priest goes Old School with the CROSSBODY!

The fans rally up, Priest winds up, and Priest runs, only for Solo to bail out! The fans boo but Priest goes out the side. Priest runs in around the way, uses the steps to leap in, and AX HANDLES Solo down! Fatu stares Priest down and Priest dares Fatu to do something. But then Knight WRECKS Fatu with a dropkick! Priest tells Knight he didn’t need that, but Knight says he was gonna do that because the title will be Knight’s again. They argue that point while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Knight tells Priest to focus on Solo and Priest puts Solo in the ring. Priest storms in but Solo UPPERCUTS! Priest comes back to ROCK Solo! Priest JABS and ROCKS Solo again and again in the corner, the ref counts, but Knight tags in. Priest is annoyed by that but he lets it slide. Solo takes a swing on Knight but Knight blocks to counter punch! Knight stomps away on Solo, the ref counts, but then Priest tags in. Knight lets that slide, and Priest whips Solo. Solo reverses, Priest grabs ropes and he ELBOWS Solo away! Fatu takes a swing, Priest dodges, and then Priest DECKS Fatu! But Solo LARIATS Priest up and out!

Solo argues with the ref, and Fatu CLBOBERS Priest! Knight protests but the ref has him stay back. Priest drags himself up with the desk, Solo tags Fatu, and Fatu fires hands! Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest, stalks after him, and SMACKS him off the barriers! Priest staggers away but Fatu is right on him, to SMACK him off the apron! Fatu puts Priest in, whips him to a corner, and Priest hits buckles hard! Priest falls to the mat, but Fatu puts him on the ropes to COHKE! The ref counts, Fatu stops at 4, but Solo HEADBUTTS Priest down! Solo soaks up the heat and Fatu throws hands. Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest down, then HEADBUTTS him again!

Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest again, tags in Solo, and they mug Priest. SmackDown returns to single picture as Solo clamps on a shoulder claw! Priest endures and fights up while the fans rally. Priest stands and pries the claw away, but Solo CLUBS him! Solo talks smack, but Priest ROCKS him! Priest reaches for Knight but Solo grabs his hand! Priest throws hands but Solo holds on! Priest still reaches out, still throws hands, but Solo dodges to BLAST Knight! Priest ELBOWS Solo down, but he doesn’t have anyone to tag! Solo SPLASHES Priest from behind! SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Priest stays in this but Solo tags Fatu.

Fatu runs and SENTONS! The fans are torn but Fatu HEADBUTTS Priest down! And HEADBUTTS again! Fatu shouts all gas, no brakes! He HEADBUTTS Priest down, runs corner to corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Fatu snarls, he tags in Solo, and the fans boo. Solo soaks up that heat, then runs in, but Priest WHEEL KICKS Solo down! The fans fire up as Solo and Priest stir, and Knight rises! Priest and Solo crawl, hot tags to Fatu and Knight! The fans fire up as Knight fires haymakers on Fatu! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Knight whips, Fatu reverses, but then Knight didges the splash! JUMPING NECKBREAKER!

Knight scoops Fatu for the POWERSLAM! Knight mocks the geeking out, then spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” ELBOW DROP! Knight then kicks and B F- NO, Fatu powers out, swings, but into a BIG back suplex! Knight goes to the corner, he spells it out again, but Priest tags in! The fans boo and Knight is indignant, but Priest winds up to LARIAT Fatu down! Priest brings down the straps and he takes aim. But Knight manages to tag in! The fans cheer but Priest and Knight argue, Solo CLOBBERS them both! SUPERKICK on Knight! Solo stands Knight up for the SAMOAN- NO, Knight spins that around to B F T!! Cover, Knight & Priest win!

Winners: LA Knight & Damian Priest, by pinfall

The dysfunction didn’t stop them from winning, but now Knight and Priest start shoving! Then they start throwing hands! And Fatu CLOBBERS them both! The fans are torn as Fatu HEADBUTTS Knight then POSTS him! Then he POSTS Priest! HIP ATTACK for Knight! HIP ATTACK for Priest! And repeat! Fatu geeks out and the fans fire up! Fatu grabs his belt and holds it up. The fans in Dayton cheer the Samoan Werewolf, but wait! CLAYMORE!! The Scottish Terminator takes Fatu down! The fans boo but now McIntyre holds up the belt. Will McIntyre complete his Grand Slam by destroying three other men to do it?

R-Truth is cheering on Cena… in the parking lot…?

Jimmy Uso walks over and asks what Truth is doing. Truth says Cena is in the house tonight to talk Backlash. It is on! Uh, but Cena sucks, though. Whoa! Truth’s childhood hero says you should never give up, but sounds like Jimmy threw in the towel. Jimmy says No Yeet then heads out. Will Truth be the only one in the locker room on Cena’s side?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Byron catches up with Drew and asks why he laid out Fatu, and Drew says it was a message to the Werewolf. Tomorrow night, Drew puts a silver bullet in him! But shouldn’t it be 1v1? Didn’t Drew win that #1 contender’s match with LA Knight? Didn’t Knight bring up the outside interference? Drew is a big details guy, cuz the devil is in the details. LA Knight shouldn’t have been in that match cuz he lost at WrestleMania! That’s BS! And speaking of BS, why is Priest in this match?! Drew told Priest that at Mania he would beat Priest in front of the world, in front of his family, brother, sister, father and mother, and he did that fair and square.

But Priest can’t succeed without Drew! Priest is rewarded with a spot in this match! BS!! And Fatu, the baddest dog in the yard, that’s who Drew wants to face. And when Drew wins, he’ll become a Grand Slam Champion. But Drew has some advice for Fatu so listen closely. “The problem when you’re all gas and no brakes~, is things are great when you’re mowing everybody down. But eventually, with no brakes, you hit a brick wall. And that brick wall is your next United States Champion, Drew McIntyre!” Drew heads out, will he make Backlash into a human demolition derby?

The Green Administration holds a funeral service…?

Alba Fyre says today, they are here to celebrate the Women’s US Championship reign of Miss Chelsea Green. But then Nick Aldis turns the lights on as he and Zelina Vega walk in. Aldis asks what in the world is going on. Piper Niven says sorry, this is a family and friends only event. Do they have clearance to be here? It’s HIS office! Chelsea say Alba was about to give one of the greatest #Eulogirlies, aka Eulogy for the Girlies, ever! She is in mourning! Zelina says spare us the crocodile tears. She’s mourning something she lost fair and square. So pathetic. Chelsea says Zelina doesn’t understand cuz she has zero friends!

Oh, wow, Zelina has zero friends? Well, maybe Chelsea & Piper should face Zelina and her non-existent friend in a match tonight. Aldis likes where this is going. Okay, then, see you in the ring tonight. Bye~! Zelina leaves, Chelsea says she is going through too much to do this! But she has no choice, that match is next! Just who does Zelina have in her corner to help against the Green Regime? We find out, after the break.

Aleister Black speaks.

“I guess this is the part where you expect me to speak in riddles. To pick up where I left off. Well, that part of myself, that man, I buried him. Ritualistically, violently. And funny enough, what I found six feet deep, it wasn’t death. No, no, it was the truth. And the truth is, I came back because I truly believe that I am the consequences this company so desperately needs. I am more than just the man that whispers in shadows, despite what you what me to do, despite what you think I might do. Now when I say that, I don’t mean that in a villainous way. No, this is so much bigger than just good versus evil. This is more than just the chants, the fog.

“Because this… This will cut deeper than any symbol could, deeper than I could ever do. I’m here to confront you, both mentally and physically. And you get to decide which one is worse. And as far as you, Carmelo, I haven’t quite figured you out. Or have I?” The Dark Father is still very mysterious, but will he make H1M #FadeToBlack?

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven w/ Alba Fyre VS Zelina Vega & ???

SmackDown returns as Chelsea fires Piper up. Zelina makes her entrance, and her partner is… ALEXA BLISS! Dayton cheers as their hometown girl stands side by side with La Muneca! Will these dolls make the Hot Mess & Miss P their playthings?

The teams sort out and Piper starts against Zelina. Zelina dodges Piper, runs up, but Piper scoops. Zelina slips free, Piper bucks the O’Conner, but then Zelina avoids the splash! Zelina sunset flips but Piper stays up. Zelina avoids the stomp, jumps again, but Piper catches her for a POWERSLAM! Piper drags Zelina over, tags Chelsea, and then Piper scoops and SLAMS Zelina! Chelsea goes up, up, and VADER FLOPS as Zelina moves! Zelina bumps Chelsea off buckles, JUMP KICKS her, then brings her around to ropes. Zelina calls her shot but Piper runs in! Zelina drop toeholds Piper into Chelsea! Zelina dials it up, DOUBLE 619! Cover, TWO!

Chelsea survives but Zelina points to Alexa. The fans cheer, but Chelsea THROWS Zelina down by her hair! The fans boo but Chelsea swings on Alexa. The ref keeps Alexa from retaliating, but Zelina kicks Chelsea. Zelina whips, Chelsea reverses and Piper gets a cheap shot in! Chelsea hooks a leg for a modified snapmare, then tags Piper! Piper runs and ELBOW DROPS! The Green Administration salutes but the fans boo, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Zelina fires forearms on Chelsea! Chelsea still keeps Zelina back, then she kicks low! Chelsea whips Zelina to a corner, but Zelina ELBOWS Piper! Zelina DUMPS Chelsea out, crawls her way over, but Chelsea tags Piper! Piper runs and ELBOW DROPS, but Zelina narrowly dodges! Zelina runs up, Piper catches her, then HEADBUTTS her! Piper scoops but Zelina swings to DDT! The fans fire up while both women are down! Zelina crawls, as does Piper, hot tags to Chelsea and Alexa! Dayton erupts and Chelsea panics! Alexa rallies on Chelsea, blocks a kick, and hits a DRAGON SCREW!

Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and runs up on Chelsea to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Chelsea tumbles to ropes and Alexa runs in, DOUBLE KNEES! Alexa YANKS Chelsea back, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Alexa drags Chelsea up. Alexa whips Chelsea into a corner, but Chelsea ELBOWS her away! Chelsea salutes as she climbs, but Alexa trips her up! Chelsea is in the Tree of Woe, Alexa DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up as Alexa climbs the corner, TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, PIPER BREAKS IT! Zelina grabs Piper and hops on, CODE- NO, Piper blocks it! But Alexa KICKS Piper into the CODE RED!

The fans fire up and Zelina pushes Piper out of the ring. Zelina then METEORAS to the floor! Chelsea hooks Alexa’s arms and turns her! But Alexa powers out, and has the clinch! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Alexa wins!

Winners: Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

They might be small but they are mighty, Zelina & Alexa win big together! Will they stick together to keep the Green Administration out of power?

Rey Fenix is backstage.

And Santos Escobar finds him. Fenix doesn’t wanna hear it, and he tells Santos that Fenix won last week. No more conversation. Santos says yeah, he knows he lost. But he has one thing to say, and then he’ll go. Okay, fine, what is it? Santos asks, “Who said anything about a conversation?” LOS GARZA ATTACKS! Legado del Fantasma mugs Fenix, throws him around into road case after road case, but security and producers rush in! They get Legado to back off, and Andrade hurries over. El Idolo checks on Fenix, but did the Emperor of Lucha just get the revenge he wanted? Or will Legado work to make sure the Firebird never rises again?

Charlotte Flair is here!

Dayton is torn as The Queen struts her way to the ring. Charlotte still has someone hold the ropes open for her before stepping inside, and she smiles as she accepts cheers and jeers. Charlotte then grabs a mic to tell Dayton, “Your Queen has arrived! Here I am, coming off the greatest women’s match in WrestleMania history! And I need to give credit where credit is due. I was… I was out for almost two years, with a career-ending knee injury. And I took your champion to her absolute limit! Check this out, check this out.” Charlotte has the tron show an image of Tiffany Stratton near the end of the match.

Charlotte asks if that looks like someone who enjoyed her WrestleMania Moment? Charlotte enjoyed hers so much, she is going to announce her path back tot he WWE Women’s Championship! The fans are even more divided over that and she asks why they’re so disrespectful. Seriously! Why?! Charlotte is the Women’s Wrestling GOAT! THE Greatest Of All Time! See, if you continue to be this disrespectful, she will just leave Dayton and never come back. The fans cheer that! Charlotte says last chance, Dayton! The fans say bye bye already, and Charlotte throws her mic down in frustration! Charlotte storms off to the back, but then wait! “A storm is coming.”

Jade Cargill makes her way out here, the fans cheer, and Jade stares Charlotte down as they cross paths. Charlotte and Jade move on, but then Jade grabs that mic. Jade wants Charlotte to wait. “Before you go… You had your chance. Now head to the back of the line.” Jade throws shade, but will she be shining in the spotlight with her golden ticket? Or will the Irresistible Force make sure no one gets to Tiffany before her?

Charlotte returns backstage.

She argues with Aldis about leaving. He says she can’t just walk out. She isn’t “walking out,” she’s just leaving. Aldis says this is not how professionals handle business. Charlotte says she has done more for this division than anyone, and this is how he’s treating her? Aldis says she should be a leader and lead by example, not throw a temper tantrum when things don’t go her way! She says she can’t do this, and she wants her driver to take her to the airport. But then someone slams the door shut! It’s Alexa! And Alexa says, “Let’s chat.” A curious move from Lil’ Miss Bliss, but what does she have in mind for The Queen?

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Nia Jax VS Jade Cargill!

SmackDown returns and Nia makes her entrance. But then wait! “It’s Tiffy Time!” Tiffany Stratton makes her way to ringside so she can watch this in person. The bell rings, Jade and Nia circle, and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Jade manages to push Nia back a couple steps. Nia digs in her heels and pushes Jade back those steps. Jade turns things around to put Nia in a corner, the ref counts, and Jade lets off at 4. Nia wants a timeout and talks trash on Tiff. Tiff talks trash back, then Nia rushes Jade. Jade slips around, waistlocks, but Nia ELBOWS her away. Nia CLOBBERS Jade and soaks up the heat.

Tiff and the fans boo but Nia whips Jade to a corner. Jade goes up and over, runs and RAMS Nia! Nia rebounds to RUN Jade over! Nia flexes, Tiff and Dayton boo more, but Nia soaks it up. Nia runs in and BACK ELBOWS Jade! Jade sputters, Nia brings her around, but Jade fires hands! Nia shoves Jade, Jade dodges and hurdles! Jade then SHOULDER TACKLES Nia down! The fans fire up and Tiff applauds as Jade brings Nia up. But Nia fights the fireman’s carry with knees and elbows! Nia fireman’s carries and SAMOAN DROPS! Jade sputters again and Nia runs, to drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO!

Jade survives, Nia grows frustrated, but Tiff talks more trash as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Nia lifts Jade with a STRETCH MUFFLER! Jade endures, uses her core to sit up, and she sunset flips over! But Nia stays up! Only for Jade to avoid the hip drop! Tiff cheers for Jade to get going, and Jade hurries to bring Nia up! Jade fireman’s carries and the fans fire up for Jade’s SAMOAN DROP! Jade rises up again as the fans cheer her on! Jade runs up on Nia to ROCK her! And then ROCKS her again! Nia blocks the third shot to KNEE low! Nia brings Jade around, suplexes, but Jade fights that to suplex Nia! The fans fire up and Jade kips up! Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs in at the corner, but Nia puts her on the apron!

Jade RAMS Nia, slingshots up and over and keeps moving, SUPERKICK! And a SUPERKICK! Nia staggers, into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff is excited just like the fans as Jade watches Nia rise again. Jade runs up, but Nia gets under the boot! POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jade survives and Nia is shocked! Nia shakes her head, rises up, and she drags Jade to a drop zone. Nia goes up, up, but Jade SUPERKICKS! Jade then ROCKET LAUNCHES Nia off the corner!! The fans fire up and Tiff cheers Jade on! Jade roars, climbs, and FROG SPLASHES! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives and Jade is beside herself!

Jade drags Nia up, reels her in, but Nia elbows free! And TOSSES Jade to a corner! Nia SPLASHES, then runs corner to corner, only for Jade to BOOT her down! Cover, TWO!? Nia survives and Jade is beside herself! BUT WAIT, NAOMI ATTACKS TIFF!! The fans freak out as Naomi RAMS Tiff into steel steps! Jade sees Naomi and wants after her, but Nia CLOBBERS Jade from behind! SENTON! Nia drags Jade to a corner while Naomi stomps away on Tiff! Nia goes up, up, and A-NIA-LATES Jade!! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Championship)

Give an assist to Naomi, Tiffany did not #ProceedWithCaution! Will Naomi help Nia tear Tiffany apart and take the title from whatever’s left?

The Street Profits walk the halls.

Mia Yim & B-Fab are there, and Michin says, “DAYUM! Y’all look messed up.” Fab says they still look so good drippin’ in all that gold. That TLC match was nothing less than fab-u-lous! The Profits thank Fab for that, and Fab says Dawks & Tez are doing their thing. Ford tells the ladies that they never lie. But also, they heard Mia & Fab put their foot down and talk tag titles. Tonight, right now, Ford & Dawkins are gonna do the same thing. Fab says tell ’em! Ford & Dawkins head to gorilla, what will the WWE Tag Team Champions have to say about what’s next? We’ll find out, after the break.

The Street Profits head to the ring!

Dayton cheers as Dawkins & Ford go to the ring, holding up the belts. Ford says, “The gorilla fears us!” IYKYK. Ford grabs a mic to say, “Oh, Daytoooon~!” Dawkins asks, “Who Dey?” The fans are torn as not everyone is a Bengals fan. But Ford says here’s how you do it. “O H I!” “O~!” See? Good pop. But anyways, cut the noise. Unless you’ve been under a rock the last couple weeks, Profits have been the talk of the town, right? Think about it. They put on arguably the greatest… No, they DID put on the greatest TLC match of all time! The fans cheer that. Ford says yeah, that’s right! The gorilla fears us!

But with that said, the blood, the sweat, the tears, the passion, and hell, they even used a prosthetic leg! They got a leg up on the competition! They’re a whole leg ahead! But with that said, what happened is what always will happen, and that’s the Profits coming out on top. The fans cheer that! But then wait! Fraxiom makes their way out here! Ford is already annoyed, but Nathan Frazer sincerely apologizes for this interrupting. But damn, it feels good to be here on Friday Night SmackDown! Ford says duh. Frazer says look at them, amigo! They’re rubbing shoulders with THE WWE Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits! Quite possibly the best tag team in the game right now.

Ford says hey, at least they’re smart. Frazer & Axiom step in, and Frazer asks Axiom if he remembers what Shawn Michaels told them as they left NXT. Oh yes, he does. HBK gave them one direct command: When you see an opportunity, go ahead and take it! Axiom says hey, The Profits are amazing, truly, best of the best. No disrespect, but Fraxiom saw them out here and just thought, “Man, those tag titles would look great on Fraxiom.” The fans are torn, and Dawkins needs a second. Y’all only had two matches on SmackDown. They think they deserve a title shot? The fans are torn again but Fraxiom is united in saying, “Yes!”

Ford says, “What? Are you serious? After three weeks, you want a title shot? Against the Street Profits? Who last week, put on a classic?” But Aldis steps in here. Aldis says Fraxiom is in the ring with The Profits, and Aldis likes what he sees. And yes, Fraxiom is new and haven’t proven themselves worthy, yet. But they have been extremely impressive. And we’re in the heartland of America with Dayton, Ohio! The fans cheer that and Aldis says with this being the Land of Opportunity he can’t think of a better opportunity to prove themselves than to face the Street Profits… RIGHT NOW! Let’s get a ref and let’s do this!

The Profits are upset, because between being beat up and NOT being dressed to compete, they’re not ready! But will they hurry and get ready? Because the match is happening after the break!

The Street Profits VS Fraxiom!

SmackDown returns and the match is already underway. Ford bucks Axiom’s O’Conner Roll, but Axiom comes back to RAM low! Tag to Frazer, then Axiom reels Ford in for an IRON OCTOPUS! Frazer runs and runs and runs, to DROPKICK Ford down! Ford flounders away and tags in Dawkins. Dawkins CLOBBERS Frazer, but his arm bothers him. Dawkins runs, Frazer drops down, hurdles, but Dawkins manages to cartwheel! The arm slows Dawkins down but Frazer always says #NeverSlowDown! Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges, then DROPKICKS Dawkins down! Dawkins stagger sup, Frazer runs up and hits a snapmare!

The fans rally as Frazer grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins fights up, powers up, but Frazer hits a flying-mare! Frazer has the headlock and grinds Dawkins again, but Dawkins fights up. The fans rally, Dawkins powers up and out, then catches Frazer as he goes up and over! Frazer slips free, shoves, but Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Frazer flops out, the fans rally up, and Dawkins goes out the side. Dawkins runs in and POUNCES Frazer into the desk! Frazer flops down, Dawkins leaves him behind, and the ring count climbs. Axiom checks Frazer, helps him up, and then helps him into the ring.

The fans rally as Frazer stands, but Dawkins is on him. Dawkins CLUBS Frazer, tags Ford, and Ford slingshot SENTONS! That was a bit double-edged, but the fans fire up as Ford rises. Ford runs to KICK Frazer in the side! Cover, TWO! Ford KICKS Frazer again, tags Dawkins, and Ford snapmares Frazer for the SPLASH STOMP COMBO! Dawkins shakes out the bad arm before he covers, TWO! Frazer stays in this but Dawkins looms over him. The fans rally, Dawkins whips Frazer corner to corner hard, then runs in for a CYCLONE SPLASH! Dawkins sputters as he covers, TWO! Dawkins seethes but he grabs at Frazer’s legs.

Frazer kicks at Dawkins, Dawkins HYANKS him up, but Frazer ENZIGIRIS! Tag to Axiom and the speed combo fires off! DDT on Dawkins! Ford runs in, he gets KICK after KICK and the ASSISTED DROPKICK! Ford tumbles out, as does Dawkins, Axiom DIVES on Dawkins while Frazer DIVES on Ford! And then repeat! Dawkins is sent into barriers, then Ford is sent into barriers, and Dayton fires up for Fraxiom as SmackDown goes picture in picture!

Fraxiom fires up, and Axiom stands Dawkins up to CLUB the bad arm! Axiom puts Dawkins in the ring, pushes him over and covers, TWO! Axiom waistlocks Dawkins but Dawkins endures. Axiom shifts up to a chinlock, then he goes for the arms! Dawkins fights against the motorcycle stretch, so Axiom shifts to a ghost pin! TWO, and Axiom DROPKICKS Dawkins down! Cover, TWO! Axiom facelocks and he grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins endures, fights up, but Axiom keeps between him and Ford. Dawkins fights up and lifts Axiom, to then THROW him! Frazer tags in and runs up to grab a leg! But Dawkins BOOTS Frazer away!

Axiom tags back in, he grabs legs, and he YANKS one! Dawkins writhes, Axiom looms over him, and Axiom clamps on a chinlock. Dawkins endures, reaches out, and fights up. Dawkins pries at the hold, but Axiom shoves him away. Axiom LARIATS at the ropes, tags Frazer, then feeds Dawkins to a GAMANGIRI! Fraxiom DOUBLE SUPERKICK Dawkins down! They BLAST Ford, Frazer STANDING SHOOTING STARS on Dawkins! Cover, TWO! Dawkins survives but Frazer goes to a corner. Frazer climbs while SmackDown returns to single picture. Frazer takes aim, PHOENIX- NO, Dawkins dodges and FLAPJACKS!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Frazer and Dawkins crawl, hot tags to Axiom and Ford! Ford runs and CLOBBERS Axiom! Then he BLASTS Frazer! And he LARIATS Axiom! And LARIATS again! Ford then dodges Axiom, both men run, and then Ford blows past Axiom to LARIAT again! The fans fire up with Ford, and he gets around Axiom to hit a BIG back suplex! Ford kips up and fires up, and Dayton is with him! Ford sets up, flexes, and STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Axiom survives and Ford is frustrated. Ford whips, Axiom KICKS, and Frazer tags in! Ford ENZIGIRIS Axiom, Frazer springboards in!

Ford dodges Frazer, Frazer handsprings through and comes back to roll up! TWO, and Ford SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up again, and Ford runs up, only for Frazer to put him right up top! GAMANGIRI! Ford wobbles, Frazer climbs, and Frazer brings Ford to the very top! Ford resists with body shots, then he shoves Frazer back! Frazer backflips to land out, then he goes right back up! But Dawkins sneaks a tag! Dawkins gets under Frazer to Electric Chair Lift! Ford goes up, BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, AXIOM BREAKS IT! The fans are torn as this continues, but they all know “This is Awesome!”

Axiom drags Ford up at the apron but Ford GAMANGIRIS! Ford climbs, leaps, but into a SUPERKICK! Ford falls out of the ring, Dawkins ENZIGIRIS Axiom! Dawkins runs up on Frazer but Frazer TOSSES him out! Frazer runs, DIVES, but into a HAYMAKER! Dawkins hurries up the corner, but Frazer UPPERCUTS! Axiom tags in and ENZIGIRIS! Frazer tags back in as Axiom climbs! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FORD BREAKS IT AND UPPERCUTS AXIOM!! The fans are thunderous and Frazer drags Dawkins up. But Dawkins ROCKS Frazer! Frazer PELES Dawkins!

Ford sneaks a tag, Dawkins gives Frazer the SKY HIGH! Ford hurries to a corner but Axiom hits a GOLDEN RATIO on Dawkins! Ford still reaches the top, but Frazer runs up! Ford hops down to GAMANGIRI, then he climbs again! Axiom runs up, Ford BOOTS him down! FROM THE HEAVENS FLOPS as Frazer dodges! Tag to Axiom and Frazer sets Ford up! MISSLE DROPKICK HIGH LOW!! Cover, Fraxiom wins!!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

The “Catapulta Infernal” strikes its target, and the new kids on the block just beat The Profits! Fraxiom offer handshakes, the Profits accept, and now these two teams will battle again with titles on the line. Will Fraxiom’s winning combination reach the titles in record time? Or will the Profits be able to heal up and bring their 100% to the match?

Tiffany Stratton returns backstage.

The WWE Women’s Champion is hunting down Naomi, but Nia finds her first. Nia says it isn’t easy being champion, is it? Tiff’s made some enemies. But instead of worrying about Naomi, worry more about Nia, because Nia is the #1 contender now to take back what is rightfully hers. Tiff says that’s fine, because once she beats Nia, Tiff can reserve a spot for Nia at the loser’s table. Right next to Charlotte Flair! Tootles. Tiff heads out and Nia scowls. Will Nia make sure time runs out on Tiffy Time?

The Miz talks with Carmelo Hayes at gorilla.

The Hollywood A-Lister insists that last week was all about getting game film on Aleister Black. And if Melo watched that film, then he should know a lot of counters to Aleister’s moves. If Melo studied that film, he should know that during Miz’s match, Melo was out of position. But that is okay, because Miz will show Melo where he needs to be to get the job done. Just watch Miz out there, because tonight is about Melo. Tonight is about showing Melo IS the Tenth Wonder of the World! For Miz, for Melo, and for #Dre, and for the WWE Universe, Melo will run the play just as Miz designed it, because #MeloDon’tMiz! And they are… AWES-H1M!

Who’s H1M? Melo is! Who’s H1M? MELO IS! That’s right! Let’s go! Miz & Melo make their entrance, but will Melo use Miz’s game plan to hit that game winner? Or will there be no three pointer when things #FadeToBlack?

Aleister Black VS Carmelo Hayes w/ The Miz!

SmackDown returns and Aleister makes his entrance. The bell rings and Aleister stares Melo down. They slowly circle, feel things out, and tie up. Aleister wrenches but Melo rolls. Melo facelocks, cranks on the hold, but Aleister wrenches out to headlock. Melo powers up and out, but Aleister spins that around to hit a headlock takeover. Melo keeps his shoulders up, fights to his feet, and he powers up and out. Aleister wrenches and whisp but Melo rolls off Aleister’s back. Melo ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, but Aleister ducks under to sit cross-legged! The fans cheer as Melo is rather stunned. Melo runs up, Aleister avoids the low crossbody!

Aleister kips up, Melo kicks low and Miz tells Melo to keep on him! Melo fires off hands in the corner, then stomps away! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Melo lets off to soak up heat. Aleister just snarls, and then he KNEES Melo low! Aleister fires hands and kicks, then KICKS Melo at the rope! melo tumbles out, Aleister goes up and out, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Melo and Miz is worried. Miz stays back but Aleister does take a moment to catch his breath. Aleister also refreshes the ring count, then he runs up on Melo. Melo dodges, Aleister’s boot gets stuck on barriers! Melo DROPKICKS Aleister down!

Miz fires up and Melo crosses his arms like Andre the Giant. Melo is in control while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Melo goes around the way to fetch Aleister, and CHOPS him against barriers! Melo RAMS Aleister into more barriers, CHOPS him again, then refreshes the ring count. Melo drags Aleister back around to wrench and RAM Aleister into the apron! Melo CHOPS Aleister against the desk, then he puts Aleister back in the ring. Melo hurries to KNEE Aleister in the side! Aleister ELBOWS Melo in return! Aleister ROCKS Melo, Melo mule kicks! Melo stomps Aleister down, then covers, TWO! Aleister toughs it out but Melo clamps on. Melo whips, ELBOWS Aleister down, and Melo drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO!

Melo is frustrated but he clamps onto Aleister with a top wristlock. Aleister endures, fights up, and arm-drags Melo away! Aleister KICKS Melo, snapmares, and basement DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Melo toughs it out but Aleister whips him to ropes. Melo uses that to springboard and CROSSBODY! Down goes Aleister and Melo says swish! Melo stands Aleister up, CHOPS him, but Aleister CHOPS in return! Melo ROCKS Aleister, Aleister ROCKS Melo! Melo ELBOWS Aleister, Aleister fires fast hands! Melo HEADBUTTS, Aleister ROCKS Melo! Aleister clinches, fires KNEES and then sweeps the legs! SmackDown returns as Melo goes to the apron.

Aleister storms over and brings Melo up, but Melo HOTSHOTS him away! The fans rally, Melo climbs, but Aleister steps up to KICK Melo in the face! Melo wobbles, Aleister climbs, and Miz coaches Melo. Melo shoves Aleister away, but Aleister comes back, so Melo leaps over. Melo rolls through, comes back, tilt-o-whirl, but Aleister slips free! Aleister blocks a kick to JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Aleister and Melo stir while Miz coaches Melo up. Melo rises, fires forearms on Aleister, but Aleister fires back! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, the fans duel, and Aleister CLOBBERS Melo!

Aleister fires off a strike fest! LEG SWEEP! SLIDING KNEE! Aleister kips up, then QUEBRADAS! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Miz can breathe again. Aleister checks his teeth, shakes off the cobwebs, and then looms over Melo. Aleister reels Melo in, suplexes, but Melo counters to a cradle! TWO! Aleister blocks a kick to sweep the legs! Then Aleister suplexes, but Melo knees free! Aleister blocks another kick, but Melo rebounds to SUPERKICK! Melo runs, tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! And then Melo brings Aleister up, but Aleister suplexes! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Miz is relieved as Melo survives!

Aleister scowls while he thinks on what to try next. The fans rally, Aleister stalks behind Melo, and then Aleister spins Melo around just to lift him up with his foot! Miz distracts Aleister, but then Aleister senses Melo! Aleister ducks, Melo BLASTS Miz, and Aleister rolls Melo up! ALEISTER WINS!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

Miz rushes back in, but into BLACK MASS!! The A-Lister tried trickery but paid for it! Will Aleister not back down on SmackDown? Will he find his way to gold soon enough?

Solo and Fatu return backstage.

Solo throws a bit of a fit over the loss. He says the numbers game is no longer with their family tomorrow. They need a game plan for it! They need to figure something out, because Solo is all outta sorts! Everyone is hurt! They need- Fatu says stop! “WE?! Game plan?! Man, the only game plan I that I got tomorrow is just to run the play! So tomorrow, Backlash, live in The Lou, these three suckas gonna get in where they fit in! Cuz tomorrow, Damian Priest, DOG WALKED! LA Knight, DOG WALKED! GADDAMN DREW MCINTYRE! I’ma ’bout to dog walk his ass!! That’s the only play that I ’bout to run! Cuz I’m all gas, no brakes with it. Yadada mean?”

Fatu is locked in, and Solo accepts that. At least, it seems he does. Will there still be something up Solo’s proverbial sleeve to ensure the Samoan Werewolf stays on top?

Fraxiom returns backstage.

They’re both still fired up from winning over the Profits, THE WWE Tag Team Champions. And then Motor City Machine Guns walk over and Chris Sabin says that is how you do it! They just won over the champs! Alex Shelley says Fraxiom came in, made some noise, and MCMG loved it! That’s exactly what MCMG did. They took the volume and cranked it to 11. Now, let’s see if Fraxiom can keep that energy up, because they know eventually, they’ll be facing MCMG. But then DIY CLOBBERS them all!! Johnny Gargano & Tommas Ciampa ran down fists on Fraxiom, and Ciampa shouts, “Don’t get it twisted, boys! You didn’t beat the tag team champions, the Profits, tonight!”

Ciampa says what Fraxiom did was they took advantage of two guys who were very banged up from TLC! Gargano says only a couple of lowlifes would do that! Then DIY stomps Fraxiom more. DIY hurries away, will Johnny Wrestling & Sicilian Psycho make sure no one gets ahead of them in line?

Los Garza w/ Santos Escobar VS Rey Fenix & Andrade!

Angel y Berto got the jump on the Firebird, but now they will have to fight fair and square with their enemies. Will the Firebird and El Idolo be able to humble Los Garza? Or will Legado del Fantasma lead the way for lucha libre in WWE?

SmackDown returns and Andrade makes his entrance, followed by Fenix. The teams sort out, Angel rushes Fenix but Fenix dodges to BLAST Berto! Fenix then SOBATS Angel, CHOPS him, and whips. Angel reverses, Fenix goes up and FLYING HEADBUTTS! Fenix runs, tilt-o-whirls, and he wrangles Angel into a ghost pin! TWO, and Angel RAMS Fenix into the corner! Tag to Berto, Los Garza stomp a mudhole, and Santos is mostly making sure commentary speaks positively about “running the bingo.” Los Garza taunt Andrade, and Angel throws his tearaway pants at him! The fans boo but Berto goes back to Fenix.

Berto drags Fenix up and snapmares for a KICK! Fenix writhes, Berto covers, TWO! Berto drags Fenix up, Fenix fires body shots, and Fenix CHOPS! Fenix runs, but Berto DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Fenix stays in this but Berto argues the count. Berto drags Fenix up, reels him in and suplexes, but Fenix knees free! Fenix CHOPS Berto, then dodges to hot tag Andrade! The fans fire up as Andrade LARIATS, then blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! Berto goes to a corner, the fans fire up, and they join in with “SI! SI! SI!” Andrade goes corner to corner and back again, but Berto runs up! Andrade dodges, Berto switches, and Angel sneaks a tag.

Andrade ELBOWS Berto, runs the ropes, but Berto drops down. Angel holds the ropes open, but Andrade stops short! Andrade wags his finger, but Berto CLOBBERS Andrade out of the ring! Fenix runs up, Berto TOSSES him and Angel DROPKICKS Fenix to the floor! Angel y Berto then go to the corners, climb up, and DOUBLE ARIHARA MOONSAULT! All four men are down but Santos loves it, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Andrade endures the chinlock. Andrade fights up, JAWBREAKERS free, but Berto kicks low! Berto suplexes, Andrade fights that, and Andrade ducks both the roundhouse and the enzigiri! Then he hops on, and POISON-RANAS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Berto and Andrade crawl, hot tags to Angel and Fenix! The fans fire up more as Fenix rallies on Angel! Fenix whips, Angel reverses, but Fenix reverses again to ENZIGIRI in the corner! Fenix puts Angel up top, CHOPS, but Berto storms up! Fenix ROCKS Berto then CHOPS Angel again! Fenix wrenches Berto, KICKS him, then knuckle locks.

Fenix goes up, up, jumps around, and ENZIGIRIS Angel before he FLYING ARM-DRAGS Berto! Dayton fires up and Santos is furious, but Fenix runs corner to corner! Somersault LARIAT on Angel, and Fenix puts him up top! Fenix tucks Angel in, but Angel slips free to FLAPJACK KCIK! Andrade runs in, dodges and CLOBBERS Angel! Berto springboards to FLYING CHUCK! Fenix SUPERKICKS Berto! The fans fire up while all four men are down! “This is Awesome!” as all four luchadores stir. Angel and Fenix find each other, and Angel CHOSP! Fenix CHOPS back! Angel CHOPS again, but Fenix CHOPS again!

Both men stand, Angel KNEES low, and then he runs to SPLASH Fenix in the corner! Berto tags in, he fireman’s carries Fenix to WASTELAND SLAM! Then ROLLING MOONSAULT! Cover, Andrade breaks it! Andrade hurries out but Berto drags Fenix up. Berto whips, Fenix reverses and runs up to JUMP SOBAT! Fenix snapmares Berto, but Santos distracts! Fenix hits the somersault rana, but Berto rolls through to sunset flip! But now Santos is costing Berto! The ref finally sees it and counts, TWO!! Santos is furious but Fenix wheelbarrows and victory rolls to FACEBUSTER! Cover, but Angel DOUBLE STOMPS it apart!

Angel CLUBS Fenix, hits a BIG back suplex, but Fenix lands out! Fenix staggers back, hot tag to Andrade! Andrade ROCKS Angel, then runs to boot feint and ELBOW! Berto flounders, Fenix goes up, ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Andrade brings Berto around, Fenix builds speed and FLIES onto Angel! Then THE MESSAGE!! Cover, Andrade y Fenix win!

Winners: Rey Fenix & Andrade, by pinfall

Santos is beside himself, but it was still his fault for this loss. Andrade and Fenix stand tall, will they be the ones leading the way as Worlds Collide? Santos then shouts at Los Garza to get on their feet! “What was that?!” Santos is taking his anger out on the wrong ones, and Berto SLAPS him! The fans fire up for Berto while Santos glares at him, but Berto leaves without Santos and Angel. Is Legado falling apart all around Santos, all because of his ego?

JOHN CENA is here!

Dayton fires up but also shout, “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as the Undisputed WWE Champion walks out in his Ohio State Buckeyes styled The Last Time is Now merchandise. Cena has the song stop, and he again points to Mark Nash. The fans duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” while Mark reluctantly goes to the ring, same as the last few times. Cena tells Mark he already knows so Mark does the “proper” introductions. “Please welcome the Greatest Of All Time! The Never Seen Seventeen! Gracing Dayton with his presence one last time…! He is the Last-” Wait, Cena stops Mark there? Cena sees someone threw their bottle into the ring!

Cena picks up the bottle, looks it over, and it is a Michelob Ultra. Cena shakes his head, tosses the bottle aside, and lets Mark finish. “He is the Last Real Champion…! JOOOOOOHN CEEENAAA~!” The fans are torn while Cena holds up the title. Cena then takes Mark’s mic and excuses him. The fans boo but Cena says, “Tomorrow, your childhood dies. The reason you’re reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer is because every single one of you knows exactly how important Backlash is. You’ll do everything you can, just like Randy Orton. Which is why Randy Orton is not here tonight.

“Don’t boo! Don’t boo! He’s smart! He took my advice. He is home with his family in St. Louis. And he is preparing for the biggest moment of his career. The first time I wrestled Randy Orton was almost 25 years ago. Since then, we have shared in this ring on WWE television of almost 100 appearances. There are 31 world championships between us. We are the two names that defined what it means to have Ruthless Aggression. And if you are a fan between the ages of 12 to 55 and beyond, you either choose Randy Orton or you choose John Cena! THAT is what’s at stake tomorrow!” The fans here certainly cheer for “RANDY! RANDY!”

Cena says tomorrow, that is their final match. “Tomorrow, you only get to choose one more time. Tomorrow, your childhood dies! Don’t worry, don’t worry. If you’re a fan between the ages of 3 to 11 tomorrow, your childhood will die, as well. I will make sure you grow up fast, because tomorrow I prove three things: Life isn’t fair; winners write the history books; and Randy Orton is a liar! The person Randy’s been lying tot he most all these years is himself! I will explain it in terms that you can understand. Hustle, loyalty, respect.

“Hustle! Randy Orton only has this job because of his family! He has never once been held accountable for any of his failures! And he uses his stardom and his connections to protect him from responsibility or actually doing any hard work. Randy Orton is the Greatest Of All Time at wasting his potential! I am the Greatest of All Time because I AM hustle!” The fans boo but Cena continues. “Loyalty! Randy Orton thinks that working a job a lot of days in a row is loyalty. That’s not loyalty, that’s cashing a check. Randy Orton says he’s a WWE Lifer, he’s stuck here! He says he’s a piece of furniture, that’s right! He’s a La-Z-Boy!

“Loyalty is being a person that you can always count on. And you are counting on Randy Orton to be the one to take this away from me?! After 25 YEARS of injuries, bad attitudes and coasting his way to be over-celebrated and overpaid, you can’t count on Randy Orton for anything! Randy Orton is the Greatest of All Time at doing the bare minimum. I am the Greatest of All Time because I AM loyalty! Respect, of which you show me none! Randy Orton wants to beg for your respect! He has to remind you he’s a third-generation superstar. C’mon!

“Nobody knows Bob Orton Senior. The only thing Bob Orton Jr. ever accomplish in life was knocking up Randy’s mom. And the only thing Randy Orton’s ever done is life is ride off MY coattails! Yet he calls himself the Legend Killer? All he does is use his mean streak and his strength to remove these names from wrestling that were barely relevant in the first place. And tomorrow, he gets to do it again. Tomorrow, Randy Orton kills the legend of Randy Orton. Because he’ll be just like his 2006 drug test: A failure! Randy Orton is the Greatest of All Time at making a mockery of what a WWE superstar should be! I am the Greatest of All Time, because I AM respect!

“I’m not gonna stoop to your level, Dayton. Take a good look. Tomorrow is a historic moment for WWE. Because I make history again. And this is what a Last Real Champion looks like.” The fans boo as Cena holds up the belt. But who is this in a hoodie!? They spin Cena around, but Cena lifts them up for an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! This clearly isn’t Orton, he’s not tall enough. But Cena still nods and holds the belt up. ONLY FOR THE REAL ORTON TO APPEAR! You can’t see the R K O OUTTA NOWHERE!! Dayton is all fired up for Orton as he stands tall, holding the title up over Cena! Will this be how Backlash ends? Or will Cena make sure Orton’s legend ends instead?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, especially as the go-home to Backlash. Great closing promo from Cena tonight, but Orton standing tall with that great surprise appearance hammers it home that Cena is winning at Backlash. Or he’s at least retaining. Everyone is wondering if they’ll flip the classic match from years ago where Randy retained by slapping the ref, and I wouldn’t mind them teasing that here to really add to the continuity of the rivalry. Charlotte Flair’s promo was also really good, with her doubling down on being a Heel even after her loss to Tiffany, and then being “so upset” over Dayton’s booing that she storms off.

Alexa Bliss returning in Ohio was a good move, and she had a very good match alongside Zelina against Chelsea & Piper. And a truly interesting move for her to confront Charlotte. Charlotte claims she’ll go right back for the top title but I would think Alexa doesn’t like that. Though, at the same time, Alexa could easily hop into the Women’s US Championship scene despite just teaming with Zelina. Meanwhile, great match between Jade VS Nia, with a great tease of Charlotte VS Jade during that entrance. Naomi of course does two birds with one stone, she beats up Tiffy while costing Jade, and now Nia VS Tiff will be some great stuff for the title. I wonder how Naomi will factor into that…

Great stuff opening with the US Championship story like they did last week. I figured Solo would take the loss so the Face team could have momentum, and then Drew gets the drop on him so that Fatu can also have go-home math in his favor. Fatu and Solo also had a very good promo together to show tensions mounting because it’s just them, and they’re at odds on how to handle the Fatal 4 Way. At this point, Solo Sikoa should bring in Hikuleo to freshen up their rogue bloodline. But also, Fatu could end up kicked out as Solo leads Leo, Loa & Tama against everyone else. Granted, fans would continue to see it as Temu Bloodline but whatever, SmackDown needs that one solid faction that does a lot of stuff in the same way Raw still has Judgment Day but now is also getting Rollin’s faction.

Good promo from Aleister to parallel Rusev’s return promo. It states that whatever WWE gimmick we remember from before no longer exists, and this is going to be more like Aleister bringing “Malakai” to WWE. Good promo from Miz to kinda talk down to Melo just a bit, but we still got a great match from Aleister VS Melo. Aleister of course wins with Miz getting too involved, and I’m still curious as to where this goes from here. We also got good progress in the Legado story, with Berto just done with Santos wrongfully heaping the blame on him. It was a great tag match, and I wonder if someone new joins Legado to freshen the group up, but mostly to give us a Six Man Tag of Fenix, Andrade y Berto VS Legado.

And great stuff with the tag titles, but perhaps with some curious moves. I liked Mia & Fab encouraging the Profits and then the Profits returning that as Mia & Fab hope to go for the women’s tag titles. But when it came to Aldis putting Profits in a match they weren’t prepared for, is that Aldis being Heelish? I don’t see the Profits being Heels at this point now, but hey, even “beat up” they had an awesome match with Fraxiom. Now DIY were really Heel with going after the tired Fraxiom backstage. We already got a Triple Threat with the TLC but I wonder if Fraxiom will have to still earn their title shot by getting past DIY and MCMG on separate occasions.

My Score: 8.8/10

ROH? On a Friday? AND on YouTube?!

That’s right! ROH is on a Friday evening, and free on YouTube! Bandido VS Gringo Loco, and Red Velvet VS Laynie Luck, all on the Proving Grounds! Will contenders earn golden tickets to title opportunities? Or will the champions stand tall in Atlantic City?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jay Lethal VS Atlantis Jr; Atlantis wins.
• Leila Grey VS Marina Shafir; Marina wins.
• Spanish Announce Project VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson; win.
• Satnam Singh VS ???
• Pure Rules Match: Deonna Purrazzo VS Ashley Vox; wins.
• ROH Women’s World Television Championship Proving Ground: Red Velvet VS Laynie Luck; wins and
• ROH World Championship Proving Ground: Bandido VS Gringo Loco; wins and

PLAY BY PLAY

Jay Lethal VS Atlantis Jr!

Two former ROH World Television Champions battle, as New Jersey’s own takes on the second generation star of CMLL! But will Lethal remind us all why he was, and perhaps still is, the greatest ROH World TV Champion ever? Or will Atlantis hit the jackpot in Atlantic City?

The Code of Honor is upheld and the bell rings. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Lethal headlocks. Atlantis powers up and out, the two RAM shoulders, and the fans cheer. Atlantis eggs Lethal on, Lethal struts a bit, and then the two circle. They tie up, Lethal headlocks, but Atlantis powers up and out. Lethal goes up and over, then he arm-drags Atlantis! Atlantis wheelbarrows to arm-drag back! Lethal bails out, Atlantis builds speed but he has to DROPKICK Lethal off the apron first! Atlantis then runs and DIVES! Direct hit and Lethal hits the railing! The fans fire up, Atlantis slides in, but Lethal drags him out!

Lethal CHOPS Atlantis, slides into the ring, and builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and now Atlantis hits railing! The fans fire up, Lethal lets out a “WOO~” and the fans “WOO~” along. Lethal slides in, he builds speed, but Atlantis slides in! Lethal slides out, but Atlantis comes out to DIVE! Direct hit and Lethal hits railing again! The fans fire up and Atlantis rises back up. Atlantis drags Lethal up, puts him in the ring, then covers, TWO! Lethal stays in this but Atlantis stays on him. Atlantis whips Lethal and SPINEBUSTERS, to then basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Atlantis grows a bit frustrated.

Atlantis whips, Lethal reverses, HIP TOSS and cartwheel, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Lethal storms up on Atlantis. Lethal drags Atlantis up, CLUBS him down, then brings him up for a BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Lethal calls his shot! Lethal climbs up, only for Atlantis to roll to another drop zone. Lethal changes corners, but then Atlantis rolls away again. The fans boo but Lethal just goes to the third corner. Atlantis keeps moving, Lethal goes to the fourth corner, but Atlantis GAMANGIRIS! Atlantis climbs up, he fires haymakers, but Lethal fires body shots! Lethal tries to lift but Atlantis fires body shots in return!

Atlantis brings Lethal up to SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up! A standing count starts, both men writhe, and they both go to ropes. Lethal runs up, Atlantis meets him, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Atlantis swings, but into the LETHAL COMBINATION! Lethal has the leg, the fans “WOO~!” and Lethal steps through, FIGURE- NO, Atlantis cradles! TWO!! Lethal escapes, blocks a kick, and DRAGON SCREWS! And now the FIGURE FOUR!! Atlantis endures, flails, and reaches out! The fans rally as Atlantis fights towards ropes! Lethal puts on pressure but Atlantis lunges into the ROPEBREAK!

Lethal lets go of Atlantis and stands up. The fans rally behind Lethal while Atlantis leans against ropes. Lethal KICKS Atlantis’ leg out! Atlantis hobbles up to his feet but Lethal KICKS the leg again! Lethal kicks and kicks and KICKS the bad leg! The fans cheer as Lethal calls his shot! But Atlantis reels him in! Lethal ELBOWS free, handsprings, but Atlantis catches him for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Atlantis hobbles, goes to a corner, and he climbs up! But Lethal hurries to get under the leap! Atlantis comes back, but into a CUTTER! Lethal handsprings, and now LETHAL- DROPKICK! Atlantis intercepts, and he runs up again!

Lethal dodges and comes back, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Atlantis runs up, Lethal blocks a boot, then he spins Atlantis, only for Atlantis to DISCUS LARIAT! Atlantis hurries up top, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Atlantis wins!!

Winner: Atlantis Jr, by pinfall

New Jersey can’t believe it, but Lethal just lost! Is this proof Atlantis Jr. is ready to be the top champion of ROH? He does show Lethal respect by helping him stand up and offering the handshake. Lethal accepts the Code of Honor and the fans cheer that. What will it take for Lethal to once again be the Franchise Player here in ROH?

Leila Grey VS Marina Shafir!

The Last Baddie Standing is preparing for the Women’s Pure Championship Tournament, but there’s a problem: she’s now facing THE Problem! Will Marina prove she’s worthy of that Pure Rules gold? Or will Leila be able to solve this Problem and build momentum?

The Code of Honor is skipped and the bell rings. The two circle, feel things out, and they tie up. Marina waistlocks, Leila fights, but Marina SLAMS her down! Marina holds on to then flip Leila over, but Leila kips up and arm-drags free! Leila runs up, Marina dodges, but Leila ELBOWS Marina! Leila goes up, poses, then FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Leila runs up again but Marina trips her! Cover, ONE! Marina jumps the sweep to KICK Leila down! Marina sits Leila up to KICK her down again! Leila flounders to a corner but Marina storms up. Marina digs her foot into Leila, steps off as the ref counts, and then Marina whips corner to corner.

Leila bounces off buckles, staggers forward, and into a BIG back suplex! Marina flips Leila back over, kicks at her, then drags her into a chinlock. Marina fishhooks Leila’s mouth, then reels her into a facelock. Marina whips Leila to another corner, then KICKS away at the legs! Marina whips, Leila blocks, so Marina KICKS the legs again! Marina runs side to side and BOOTS Leila down! Marina drags Leila to a high stack cover, ONE!! Leila stays in this and Marina is actually impressed. Marina hits a SAYANAGI, then grinds the headlock. Cover, TWO! Marina tries another angle, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Yet another, TWO!

Marina has the top mount, and she smothers Leila! The ref reprimands, Marina lets off to grab a leg, for a standing leglock! ROLLING THROW! Marina then drags Leila around to flip her over, and Marina uses a leg to half nelson Leila on the mat! Leila is stuck, and Marina has the HALF CRAB! Leila manages to kick with her free leg but Marina eggs her on! Leila BOOTS Marina but Marina just cartwheels through! Marina BOOTS Leila, then fires body shots! Marina KICKS away on the legs, then tells the ref to back off. Marina winds up, but Leila dodges the boot! Leila comes back and KNEES Marina!

Leila fires CHOP after CHOP, then forearm after forearm! Marina just steps to Leila! Leila CHOPS and SLAPS and ROCKS Marina! Marina swings, Leila wrenches and snap suplexes! The fans rally up as Leila runs to ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Leila and Marina both stand, Leila runs to SHOTGUN Marina! Marina fires herself back up to ROUNDHOUSE Leila down! Marina hauls Leila up, POWERSLAM and MOTHER’S MILK!! Leila TAPS, Marina wins!

Winner: Marina Shafir, by submission

This wasn’t a Pure Rules match but it was pure dominance from Marina! Will Marina look to be The Problem no one can solve between both AEW and ROH?

Spanish Announce Project VS Blake Christian & Lee Johnson!

Angelico y Serpentico have had a rough week. They got cheated by The Frat House last week, then Ricochet roughs them up last night on AEW Collision. But can they turn things around for the weekend? Or will the Vanilla Babyface & Big Shotty be the only ones vibing?