Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/6/25)
California Dreamin’!
SmackDown is going big in Bakersfield!
John Cena, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, and ALL TWELVE Money in the Bank contenders, all here on the same night! Is SmackDown about to blow the roof off this place?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu VS Jimmy Uso; Jimmy wins.
- Bakersfield Brawl: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins.
- LA Knight VS Aleister Black; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer VS Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia; Rhea, Alexa & Vaquer win.
- Andrade & PENTA VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable; Andrade & Penta win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins heads to the ring!
The Visionary is just one of the six men in this year’s Money in the Bank Ladder match, and he of course has Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & “Big” Bronson Reed with him. The fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins revels in it as he stands in the ring in his all indigo suit with gold necklace. The fans also bark for Bron, and others get an “O T C!” chant and a “C M PUNK!” chant going. Rollins is handed the mic by The Wise Man to say, “Bakersfield… I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary. I am… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!” The fans do cheer, and Rollins vows that tomorrow night, HE TAKES EVERYTHING!
Rollins points to the briefcases up above and the fans are torn. Rollins says when he wins the MITB contract, he will have ABSOLUTE POWER, and he will have TOTAL CONTROL over this entire industry! Rollins paces while the fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says yeah, no, he can’t hear you. That guy is off on the Island of Irrelevancy where Rollins put him after WrestleMania! But that total control Rollins will have doesn’t just mean Raw. It will include SmackDown, as well! So they are here to deliver a message! Anyone who stands in their way will suffer the same fate as anyone who has already stood in their way.
“Sami Zayn stood in our way. He’s in the dirt. CM Punk stood in our way. POOF! Gone! Roman Reigns stood in our way, and he is Missing In Action. Roman Reigns is not coming to save you. Roman Reigns doesn’t care about you! Roman Reigns has never cared about you! But y’know who has?! You know who has?! SETH FREAKIN’ ROLLINS!” The fans are again torn, but Rollins says he will drag all of you, kicking and screaming if he has to, into the future because that is what Rollins does. Not just for himself, not just for his group, but for the entire industry! And there is NOBODY who can stop him!
Wait! Here comes Solo Sikoa and his “family.” The fans actually cheer as Solo, JC Mateo & Jacob Fatu head to the ring. Rollins and his faction stand their ground as Solo grabs a mic and leads the way for his rogues into the ring. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says, “You said that, uh, if anybody gets in your way, that you’re gonna lay ’em out?” Rollins says, “That’s right.” And that there is nobody here to stop him? That’s also right. Well, uh, Solo’s team is standing here right now. Oh, is that so? Solo says by the looks of it, Rollins has his own little “Bloodline” going on. Which one is Bron supposed to be? The Right Hand Man, Jey Uso? “YEET!”
Then does that make Bronson the “Honorary Uce?” After everything they’ve been through… Bronson was on Solo’s side for WarGames! And now, he no calls, then shows up and teams up with this guy? But Rollins even has The Wise Man. Speaking of, long time no see, Heyman. Rollins tells Solo to choose his next words very carefully. Solo laughs that off, and says let’s cut to the chase. All we know is, tomorrow night, Solo climbs the ladder, grabs the contract, and then all that power and control Rollins talked about will all be Solo’s. Rollins laughs that off and says he sees. This is Solo’s turf, he is pushing back.
Is Solo threatened because Bron Breakker is the future of this industry and Solo is not? Is he threatened that Bronson Reed could squash Solo like a bug at the snap of Rollins’ fingers? Well, Solo should be worried. But he should really be worried about the fact that Solo’s own family would rather stab him in the back than have his back. Rollins looks at The Samoan Werewolf, and says, “What’s up, Jacob? You look like you wanna say something. C’mon, take the mic from Solo. You gonna let Solo talk for you?” Solo tells Rollins to shut up. Rollins says Fatu is the werewolf, but there could be a new nickname for him, like “Solo’s B*tch.”
The fans fire up and Rollins says hey, in all seriousness, it took a lot of guts for Solo to come out here and talk to him. Solo is threatened by Rollins, while Rollins is threatened by one Fatu in here, and it ain’t Solo. Rollins smiles, the fans cheer Fatu on, but Solo takes off his jacket. Rollins takes off his jacket, but Bron steps up. So Fatu steps up! The sunglasses come off, but Rollins has Bron stand down. Rollins has his faction leave first, but will all these heavy hitters throw down soon enough?
Wait! Jimmy Uso CLOBBERS JC Mateo into Fatu! #BigJim snuck in from the crowd side! Solo bails but JC takes the SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Rollins chuckles. Solo has Fatu calm down, Jimmy is the issue, not JC! Will JC take Jimmy on a Tour of the Islands? Or will that be a #NoYeet?
JC Mateo w/ Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu VS Jimmy Uso!
SmackDown returns and this match is underway as JC TOSSES Jimmy to a corner! JC mocks the No Yeet before he runs in, but Jimmy dodges! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Jimmy climbs up, the fans fire up, and Jimmy rains down fists! The fans count along, but JC stops Jimmy at 7! JC DUMPS Jimmy to the apron, but Jimmy RAMS and GAMANGIRIS JC! Jimmy goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, ONE!! JC is tougher than that but Jimmy clamps on with a chinlock. JC endures, fights up, and the fans rally. JC slips around, shoves Jimmy, and clinches for an EXPLODER!
The fans rally while both Jimmy and JC catch their breath. JC stands on Jimmy’s hand, then drags him up with a fishhook! JC makes Jimmy look at Solo, Solo says it is not too late. Jimmy can just come back home, unless he wants to get his ass kicked. Jimmy refuses, so JC hits a BIG back suplex! Solo eggs Jimmy on, JC stomps Jimmy, then JC clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally up and Jimmy fights to his feet. Jimmy fires body shots, JC shoves him away, and then JC ELBOWS Jimmy down! JC stalks Jimmy, CHOPS him against the ropes, then CHOPS him again! JC whips, Jimmy grabs ropes, and then Jimmy dodges to TOSS JC!
JC gets up but Jimmy UPPERCUTS him down! The fans fire up, Jimmy builds speed, and Jimmy DIVES! Direct hit into JC and the fans fire up again! Jimmy hurries to get JC up and into the ring. Solo asks Jimmy what’s going on here. They can still be family! Jimmy GAMANGIRIS JC instead! Jimmy goes up but Solo barks at him. The ref reprimands Solo, but JC DROPKICKS Jimmy to the floor! Solo says this is what he’s trying to tell Jimmy, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Jimmy sputters, the ring count climbs, but JC rolls out to fetch Jimmy. JC THROWS Jimmy into barriers! Solo talks trash, JC drags Jimmy up and SMACKS him off the apron. JC pushes Jimmy into the ring, stomps him around, then talks trash on the fans cheering Jimmy on. JC puts Jimmy on the ropes to CHOKE him! Fatu frowns, Solo talks trash, and JC stomps Jimmy again. JC HEADBUTTS Jimmy in the corner, then gets space. JC runs and HIP ATTACKS! Jimmy sputters and flops over, Solo tells him that this can stop, but Jimmy refuses to give up. JC clamps on a chinlock and grinds Jimmy down!
Jimmy endures, fights up, but JC wrangles him back down! JC grinds Jimmy down more, but Jimmy still endures. Jimmy fights up, only for JC to squeeze tighter. Solo talks trash the whole time as Jimmy endures, and SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans rally harder and harder as Jimmy stands! Jimmy JAWBREAKERS free! But JC ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON LARIATS! Then GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Jimmy sputters and scrambles away, but JC smirks as he stalks Jimmy to the ropes. JC CHOKES Jimmy, lets off as the ref counts, and Solo asks again. Jimmy says no, so Solo says Jimmy isn’t done, so JC needs to kick his ass more.
JC puts Jimmy in a corner, UPPERCUTS, and then brings him around to whip corner to corner. Jimmy goes up, over, and then SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up as Solo is upset and confused as to how Jimmy has more to give. The fans rally again, and both men stand. Jimmy counter punches! Then HEADBUTTS! Then mule kicks, pops ‘n’ locks and UPPERCUTS! Jimmy dodges a lariat, fireman’s carries again, but JC slips free! JC JABS while Jimmy kicks low! Jimmy rebounds, JC blocks the kick and spins him, but Jimmy DRAGON WHIPS! JC staggers to a corner and Jimmy CHOPS! Jimmy whips corner to corner, JC reverses, but Jimmy ELBOWS JC1
Jimmy goes up, up, and USO IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO!! JC stays in this and Jimmy is stunned! The fans rally more as Jimmy and JC go to corners. Jimmy says, “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs in, but JC catches him to a waistlock! Jimmy fires elbows, whips, but JC reverses and reels Jimmy in, ATHLETIC PLEX! Cover, TWO! Jimmy survives and Solo says it’s alright. JC whips Jimmy to the corner, runs in, but Jimmy BOOTS JC! And then SUPERKICKS! And then SUPERKICKS again! JC still comes back, but Jimmy dodges to SPEAR! The fans fire up as Jimmy hurries up a corner! Solo distracts from the apron! The fans boo, and now Fatu is up!
Jimmy hops down before Jacob can do anything. They glare at each other, but Jimmy dodges JC! JC CLOBBERS Fatu! Roll-up, JIMMY WINS!!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
#BigJim uses the numbers game against Solo’s side, and now he’s got a win over a former Olympian and multi-time champion from NJPW! JC blames Fatu for this, Fatu doesn’t wanna hear it, and Solo does his best to smooth things over. But will Solo’s team lose all control before he ever becomes a champion?
Zelina Vega crosses paths with Giulia.
The Women’s United States Champion tells the Beautiful Madness that she made her intentions very clear last week. Now allow Zelina to make her intentions very clear: Zelina has worked her ass off to have the title. If Giulia wants her shot, then pry it from her lifeless body. Zelina is not giving this up for anything. Giulia says no, she likes Zelina. Zelina has confidence. Yes, well… La Muneca heads out to handle business with the Green Administration. Will Zelina survive now that Chelsea has gotten rid of the rules? Or will Piper Niven help Madam President Green make SmackDown a hot mess again?
Jacob Fatu returns backstage.
He is in no mood, but Damian Priest walks over anyway. The Archer of Infamy says it’s tough working with family. What Fatu is going through, he’s been there, and he doesn’t envy it. But regardless of the situation, man to man, face to face, Priest wants Fatu to know that at some point, Priest is coming for the US Championship. Fatu says Priest can line it up. Because if Priest doesn’t handle business with Fatu, he’s send to the back of the line with it. YADADA mean? Fatu heads out, when and where will these monstrous men battle it out?
Bakersfield Brawl: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!
SmackDown returns as the WWE Women’s US Champion makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two tie up, Piper SHOVES Zelina down, and then grins as she flexes. Zelina brushes that off, resets with Piper, and they tie up again. Piper SHOVES Zelina away and Zelina goes to the outside. Piper salutes but Zelina brings something out from under the ring! Piper storms her way over, and SMACK! Kendo stick! Zelina uses Chelsea’s tricks against her, SMACK and SMACK for Piper! Piper grabs the stick to HEADBUTT Zelina! Piper snarls and storms up to bring Zelina around. Piper scoops, but Zelina slips free!
Zelina has the stick again! SMACK! Zelina then adds a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Piper is tougher than that but she bails out of the ring. The fans rally for Zelina and call for tables. Chelsea says no they don’t! Zelina WRECKS Piper with a dropkick, then DOUBLE STOMPS her down! Zelina hurries to go up the steps, then she FLYING- NO! Piper stops the rana to swing Zelina up and around. ELECTRIC CHAIR SLAMÂ on the apron! Zelina sputters, Piper goes up the ramp, and then Piper runs downhill! SPLASHÂ against the LED! The Green Administration is standing tall while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and both women are down. Chelsea shouts for Piper to get up so Piper rises. Piper goes to a corner, and she brings a chain over! The fans rally but Piper uses the chain to CHOKE- NO, Zelina blocks the chain, but Piper makes it a GAG! Piper still chokes Zelina, brings her to a corner, and BOOTS her into the buckles! Zelina is in a daze, and Piper teases fans by taking off her suit jacket. Piper throws the jacket aside, grabs a chair, and she sits it up at center. Piper drags Zelina up and over, coops her, and salutes for the FULL METAL- DDT COUNTER!! Zelina turns things around, hurries to cover, but Piper flops right out of the ring!
Chelsea stresses out but Zelina now goes to the apron. Then she climbs up the corner, and she ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down goes The Green Administration! Zelina hurries back up, but Piper SLAPS her first! Piper has Zelina stuck up top and climbs up to get her. The fans rally, Piper brings Zelina to the top rope, but Zelina fires body shots! Zelina HEADBUTTS again and again, then SMACKS Piper off buckles! Zelina climbs up, and she hops on for the SUPER CODE RED!!! Cover, ALBA BREAKS IT! Then Chelsea drags Zelina out! There’s nothing to stop them from mugging Zelina! The fans boo but this is why Chelsea had this match made to start with!
Piper shouts to Alba, “GET THE TABLES!” Alba fetches exactly that and the fans fire up! The table is put in the ring, Piper scoops Zelina, PIPER DRIVER on the floor! Zelina sputters but The Green Administration isn’t done with her! The table is set up near a corner, Piper pushes Zelina in, and Chelsea says the people get what they want! Piper puts Zelina on the table, waves goodbye, then goes up the corner. But wait! GIULIA is here?! She DOUBLE LARIATS Alba & Chelsea! And Zelina gets under Piper! Piper holds on, but Giulia uses a kendo stick to SMACK Piper’s hands! Piper loses her grip, Zelina POWERBOMBS Piper down through the table!! Cover, ZELINA WINS!!
Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall
Giulia grins as she helps Zelina survive. But was this less about helping Zelina so much as helping herself? YEP! She HEADBUTTS Zelina and reels her in! NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Giulia is no fool, it is easier to beat a champion who is all alone than one with minions hanging around. Will Giulia soon take all the gold for herself once she becomes Miss Money in the Bank?
Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes meet backstage.
The American Nightmare asks how Main Event Jey is doing. A bit banged up from Monday but he’ll be fine. How about Cody? He looks good. And then Jimmy joins in. They shake hands and Jimmy asks if Jey is okay. Jey says of course! What does everyone keep asking? Jimmy says he has a match tomorrow and a big title match on Monday! They just want to make sure The YEET Man is ready to YEET. Jey says yeah, that’s what champs do. But the only thing they need to worry about tonight is what John Cena & Logan Paul are gonna say. After that, they handle tomorrow. YEET? YEET! Jey heads out, but will he and Cody handle business? Or will they get handled instead?
Aleister Black speaks.
“No. I can’t let it go. Initially, I had convinced myself that someone of your standing, someone that’s so loved by the WWE Universe, using the Black Mass was almost respectful. And in a weird way I almost respect it, but the longer I think about it, the more I think that you stole something from me. And that does not sit well with me. It’s funny what the human mind can do. But now, I wanna take away all this security that you had in that match. No Shinsuke Nakamura, no relaxed rules. Just you, and me. And all the shadows that are there. And I will drag you into the light, and see what’s left of you.
“But if you beat me, LA Knight, I will look you in the eyes, I will shake your hand, and I will accept defeat.” The Dark Father wants the Mega Star to earn his respect, can he do it?
LA Knight VS Aleister Black!
SmackDown returns as Knight makes his entrance, and he grabs a mic. “LEMME TALK TO YA! It’s that time of the year again. Yeah.” “YEAH!” “It’s MITB season!” “YEAH!” “And I think about it, and you do a little bit o’ math here, yeah.” “YEAH!” “This is my third year in a row being in MITB.” “YEAH!” “What’s that, sir? You said third time’s the charm?” “YEAH!” “Whatcha think, third time’s the charm?” “YEAH!” Knight ain’t satisfied with that. He looks at five guys running out here, like Penta. We like Penta, right? He’ll do everything under the sun to try and reach up and grab that case. “YEAH!”
There’s Andrade. They like him a bit, right? Another guy who’s gonna do every possible thing he can to get up there. Well, everyone’s gonna do everything they can, but those guys take it to another level. But those guys, we respect them a little bit, but then we get to the “Goons.” Then we get to… El Grande Americano Chad Gable. The fans are torn and Knight asks him which is it? Do we like him or not? The fans are still conflicted, but Knight says dummy number two is Solo Sikoa. Everyone hates him! Knight feels the same! And Solo, they’ve done this a million times, and Knight can drop him on his head one more time to climb up the ladder and take the briefcase.
But then there’s dummy number three. Knight thinks about a men he hasn’t really had interactions with, a man who has gotten crewed up and that is Seth Rollins. The fans are torn again, but Knight says Rollins has been here, done that, had the case and cashed in. He wants to #BurnItDown! But Rollins has to understand that there is nothing hotter than a night in LA with LA Knight, YEAH! And what that means Rollins won’t be burning anything done, ROLLINS gets burned down by this man, YEAH! Before that, we have tonight, Aleister Black. Aleister had a shot, and Knight understands. This is a big deal! MITB is a big deal!
MITB can make or break careers, so Knight gets why Aleister’s feelings got hurt when Knight “stole” the win. But it was a Triple Threat, Knight had to do what he had to do and got the job done. If that hurt Aleister’s feeling, sorry. But now he’s set himself up to get those feelings hurt one more time, YEAH! And you know that coming into California, Bakersfield, Aleister will be home on Saturday watching whose game this is, with everybody saying L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!! But then Aleister makes his entrance. Will the Mega Star still shine? Or is he about to #FadeToBlack? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns and the bell rings. The two circle, the fans rally, and the two tie up. Knight headlocks, Aleister powers up and out, then Aleister drops down and hurdles over. Knight stops and waistlocks, Aleister switches, and they go to ropes. Knight bucks the O’Conner, but runs up into a victory roll! TWO, the two stand, and Knight avoids a boot to flip and sunset! TWO, and Knight blocks a shot, only for Aleister to stop the BFT! Knight comes back, but narrowly avoids the Black Mass! The fans cheer the standoff as the two reset. The two circle again, tie up, and they go around. They end up on the ropes, in a corner, then the ropes again.
The fans cheer as they go around and around and make a full lap! And then they keep going! They finally stay in a corner, the ref counts, and Knight slowly lets off. Aleister shoves, Knight shoves, and Aleister hits a headlock takeover. Aleister grinds Knight down but Knight fights up. The fans rally, Knight stands up and fires body shots. Knight powers up and out, then he CLOBBERS Aleister! The fans rally, Knight stomps Aleister, and then stalks him. Knight brings Aleister up, snap suplexes, then covers, ONE!! Aleister is tougher than that but the fans rally. Knight brings Aleister up, bumps him off buckles, and RAMS into Aleister!
The ref counts as Knight RAMS Aleister again and again. Knight whips corner to corner, Aleister KICKS him in return! Aleister waistlocks, Knight elbows free, kicks, but Aleister denies the DDET! Knight UP KICKS, but then Aleister ROUND KICKS! Aleister runs, but into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while both men catch their breath. Knight storms up on Aleister, drags him up, but Aleister JAWBREAKERS! Knight scoops, Aleister lands out, they throw hands, and Aleister shoves Knight to a corner. Knight kicks but Aleister blocks to JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but he might be seeing stars.
Aleister stalks Knight, brings him around, and KICKS him against ropes! Knight goes to a corner, Aleister BOOTS him, and Aleister fires forearms. Aleister brings Knight in for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this but Aleister stays on him. Knight fires hands, Aleister fires a strike fest! LEG SWEEP! Aleister runs to SLIDING KNEE! Aleister handsprings, goes up, but Knight LRAIATS Aleister and himself up and out! The fans fire up while both men are down, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Aleister FLYING SUNSET FLIPS, but Knight rolls through! Aleister avoids the boot, kips up and BOOTS back! Then QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Knight stays in this and Aleister is stunned! Aleister waits on Knight while the fans declare, “This is Awesome!” Aleister aims, Knght ducks the Black Mass, but Aleister denies the BFT! Knight dodges Aleister to hit the JUMPING NECKBREAKER! POP-UP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up and Knight climbs, then spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP, but Knight blocks the boot! Knight rolls Aleister to his feet, spins him around, and tortuer racks!
The fans fire up for Knights’ BURNING- NO, Aleister lands out! Knight narrowly deflects the boot to roll Aleister up! TWO, and both men hurry to their feet! Knight shoves, Aleister fires a haymaker, Knight fires back, and they go back and forth with fists! Aleister BOOTS Knight’s lariat, fires more strikes, but Knight shoves him away again. The BOOT hits on the return, then Aleister goes up again! But Knight turns it into a torture rack! BURNING HAMMER!! But Aleister flops out of the ring! The fans fire up, but wait! SETH ROLLINS CURB STOMPS KNIGHT!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The Visionary must’ve heard Knight mention him, and so “dummy number three” just gave Knight his first interaction! The fans chant for Punk, but Aleister steps in Rollins’ way instead! The fans fire up for that stare down, but then here comes Bron Breakker!! SPEAR on Aleister!! Rollins TOSSES Aleister out, and then a SENTON from Bronson Reed onto Knight! The fans boo but Bron builds up speed to SPEAR Knight!! Rollins tells Knight this is what he was talking about! You stand in Rollins’ way, you don’t stay standing! Will Rollins bring his behemoths with him to absolutely bulldoze the ladder match?
Nick Aldis & Adam Pearce speak.
The SmackDown General Manager says, “In the WWE, things tend to move fast. This week, we’re climbing the ladder at Money in the Bank, and next week, we’re kicking off the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments.” The Raw General Manager says, “This year, it’s bigger than ever. The tournament begins with four Fatal 4 Way matches in the men’s and women’s divisions, and the winners advance.” Aldis says from there, it is a co-branded single elimination tournament with the semifinals and finals. Those finals take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for Night of Champions. And the stakes could not be higher!
The King and Queen of the Rings get title matches on their respective brands for the biggest show of the summer, SummerSlam! Aldis & Pearce wish everyone luck, and may the best man and woman win. With so many spots open, who gets in, and who makes it to the Night of Champions?
Backstage interview with Jade Cargill.
Byron Saxton is with The Storm, and knows that while she would’ve loved to been in MITB, how good does it feel to know she is in the Queen of Ring? Jade says it feels great. She understands she won’t have the chance to climb the ladder and grab the briefcase, but she’ll keep climbing the ranks. She is The Storm, she is in that tournament, and when the dust settles, she will be Queen of the Ring. Then at SummerSlam, she won’t ask for a belt, she’ll take it. On a different note, we saw Bianca Belair refuse to forgive Naomi, but where do things stand between Biansa and Jade? Well, Charlotte Flair walks in and tells Jade as a reminder: Salt and sugar look the same.
That is to say, choose your friends wisely, or don’t have any at all. And as for QOTR, Jade will need a prayer to win. There is only ONE Queen in the WWE. But then Tiffany Stratton walks by and tells them both good luck with that. The WWE Women’s Champion heads to gorilla, what will she have to say the night before a new Miss MITB is crowned?
Legado Del Fantasma meets.
Santos Escobar is in a good mood, but Berto asks him why he brought them here. Santos says, “Family.” After the meeting they had, they agreed they were going to compete at Worlds Collide. And now, Santos has a plan. It is very simple: Worlds Collide, they will prove once and for all, they will establish, before their people, before their country, and before the world, just who owns lucha libre. Want a scoop? It’s Legado taking on Psycho Clown, Pagano and “the one who will always live in the shadow of his father,” El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr, aka Dr. Wagner the Third. They will remove the heart and soul of AAA!
So pay close attention to Santos, because he knows they have the tools to win. That is how it is. They will establish themselves as the ones who own lucha libre. And it only takes two words: Legado y Familia! But will Santos, Angel y Berto truly make themselves the three kings of lucha libre? Or will they be the ones to fall when Worlds Collide?
Backstage interview with American Made.
Byron is now with the Creed Brothers & Chad Gable, and Byron says it is a big day tomorrow for Chad as he challenges El Hijo Del Vikingo for THE AAA Mega Championship. How confident is he going into that match? Oh, confidence is high. He is a bit disappointed he didn’t qualify for MITB, but the WWE found a “suitable replacement” for him in the greatest luchador of all time, El Grande Americano! As for Gable, he will put himself in the history books when he beats Vikingo and win the most prestigious title in all of lucha libre! But then in walks Andrade. El Idolo says in Espanol that Gable wants to beat Vikingo. Gable says, “Si.”
Andrade points out something about Vikingo and Gable keeps saying, “Si,” but Andrade asks, “Si to what?” But then in steps Penta! Penta and Andrade both talk in Espanol that Gable is crazy. Gable says enough! It’s not funny to use Espanol on him! And it won’t be funny when El Grande Americano puts them both through ladders tomorrow! The Creeds agree, but then Aldis steps in. Aldis has everyone stand down. There’s enough going on tonight, so settle this in the ring, tonight. Andrade y Penta are up for that. Will the luchadores put Julius & Brutus in their place? Or will the SmackDown before MITB be American Made?
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring.
The fans cheer as the WWE Women’s Champion struts out here, then grabs a mic before stepping in the ring. The fans cheer more, Tiff soaks it up, and she says, “Let’s call it for what it is, shall we? Last year, I didn’t just become the youngest Miss MITB. I became the It Girl of WWE, which is why I can see it now. Every single lady in that match is gonna try and pull a Tiffy and pull someone off a ladder, and then reach for the stars. I mean, we can all agree that every single lady in that match is championship material, right?” The fans do cheer that. Tiff says it doesn’t matter, because whoever wins MITB, their world will revolve around Tiff.
“So, ladies, you can win the match, you can trend for one night, but I fear no one can outdo the doer. Because, Bakersfield, what time is it?” “TIFFY TIME!” But then RHEA RIPLEY makes her way out here and the fans fire up for Mami! Rhea joins Tiff in the ring, grabs herself a mic, and the fans cheer on “MAMI! MAMI!” Rhea smiles and says, “Y’know, Tiffy, I’ve never actually been a part of the MITB ladder match before, because the fact is, I never had to.” The fans cheer that. Rhea says she doesn’t know what it feels like to win the contract like Tiff does, but Rhea knows what it feels like to be a champion. And Rhea misses that feeling.
But wait! Here comes La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer! The fans fire up as another of the Miss MITB contenders makes her entrance, followed by Alexa Bliss! And with that signals tonight’s Six Woman Tag! Will the dark, twisted, brutal trio of Vaquer, Bliss & Ripley stand tall just 24 hours before they make the climb? Or will Naomi, Roxie & Giulia make them #ProceedWithCaution?
Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer VS Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia!
SmackDown returns and Naomi makes her entrance, followed by Roxie’s entrance, then Giulia’s. The teams sort out and Vaquer starts against Giulia. The fans fire up for this NXT rivalry revisited. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Vaquer stands on Giulia’s hand to then turn her around. Giulia endures the standing motorcycle stretch, then turns it around so she can KNEE Giulia low. Giulia swings, Vaquer ducks and whips, then blows past to slip around and arm-drag! Giulia is up, Vaquer wheelbarrows and sunsets, but Giulia rebounds off ropes to sunset back! ONE, Vaquer has it! ONE and Giulia has it back! They go back and forth, then break!
Vaquer slips around, drags Giulia down, turns her over, JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! ONE, and Giulia runs up, but into a SOBAT! Vaquer snapmares Giulia, then smiles. The fans fire up as Vaquer wraps on the headscissors, but Giulia pops out the back! Giulia ties up the legs, pulls on the arms, ANGELITO STOMP! Cover, TWO! Giulia tags Naomi and she SLIDING LARIATS! Naomi says she’s gonna do it now, and she wraps Vaquer up in headscissors! The fans are torn but Vaquer turns it around to push back for a cover, TWO! Vaquer goes up and over, and now she has the headscissors! But then Roxie & Giulia run in!
Alexa & Rhea intercept, STO for Roxie and an atomic FACEBUSTER for Giulia! The fans fire up as Alexa has Roxie at the ropes and Rhea rear mounts Giulia! Vaquer turns Naomi over, and together, “AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH! AH!” Vaquer gives Naomi DEVIL’S KISSES, Alexa’s SKATEBOARD STOMPS Roxie, and Rhea just ground ‘n’ pounds Giulia! The fans cheer as Vaquer, Rhea & Alexa stand tall while the others regroup. Vaquer chases after Naomi, puts her in the ring, but then Naomi YANKS her into ropes! The fans boo but Naomi bumps Vaquer off buckles. Naomi stomps a mudhole in but the ref counts.
Naomi steps off, but this lets Roxie & Giulia CHOKE Vaquer! The fans boo, Naomi storms over and tags in Roxie. They mug Vaquer, then Roxie digs her boots in. The ref counts, Roxie steps off and DOUBLE STOMPS! Roxie shoves Vaquer to a cover, TWO! Roxie whips Vaquer to the corner, UPPERCUTS, then tags Giulia. They mug Vaquer, then Giulia snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! Tag back to Naomi and she keeps Vaquer from her corner. The fans chant, “We Want Mami!” but Naomi CLUBS and KNEES Vaquer down! Naomi swings on Rhea, misses, then goes back to Vaquer. Naomi back suplexes, Vaquer lands out! Hot tag to Alexa!
The fans fire up for Alexa as she rallies on Naomi, BLASTS Giulia & Roxie, then CLOBBERS Naomi! BASEMENT DDT! Alexa drags Naomi up, but Naomi headlocks. Alexa slips out so the corner bulldog just sends Naomi into buckles! Alexa storms up, Naomi ELBOWS her away, tag to Roxie! Alexa DECKS Roxie, SLAMS Naomi, then Alexa runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up and Alexa goes out to the apron, CANNONBALL onto Giulia & Naomi! But Roxie RAMS Alexa into the steel steps! Roxie says that is why SHE is the Prodigy! The fans boo, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Roxie drags Alexa up and into the ring, then storms up on her. Roxie SMACKS Alexa off the mat, then taunts Rhea by holding out Alexa’s hand. Roxie wrenches Alexa to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Roxie is annoyed but she keeps Alexa down. Roxie drags Alexa over, tags Giulia, and they mug Alexa with a CHOP! Giulia drags Alexa around, bumps her off buckles, then whips corner to corner. Alexa hobbles, Giulia runs up and SHOTGUNS her down! Cover, TWO! Giulia goes up the corner, aims, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Giulia tags Naomi and she runs to METEORA! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Naomi stays on Alexa with a facelock.
Alexa fights back with body shots, but Naomi suplexes. Alexa fights that to a cradle, TWO! Naomi PENALTY KICKS Alexa down! Naomi soaks up the heat, stalks Alexa to the ropes, then CHOKES her! The ref counts, Giulia adds on, but they both stop at 4. Naomi puts Alexa in the corner, fires body shots, then tags Roxie. The mugging continues as they stomp a mudhole into Alexa! The ref reprimands and counts, the stomping stops, and Roxie brings Alexa up. Snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Roxie drags Alexa away from her corner, tags Naomi, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Naomi bumps Alexa off buckles, then stomps and KICKS her!
Naomi digs her boot in, the ref counts, but Naomi steps off at 4. The fans rally, “We Want Mami!” but Naomi runs up. Alexa drop toeholds Naomi into buckles! Alexa crawls, but Naomi hurries to ROUNDHOUSE Vaquer! Naomi picks Alexa up, but Alexa fights and DDTS! The fans fire up while both women are down! Hot tags to Roxie and Rhea! The fans are thunderous as Rhea rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Giulia runs up, Rhea dodges to BOOT! Roxie runs up, but Rhea scoops her! FALL AWAY SLAM! Roxie tumbles away, Rhea DROPKICKS Naomi off the apron for good measure! Rhea then drags Roxie up but Roxie JAWBREAKERS!
Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirls, and RUSSIAN- NO, Rhea blocks that, and grins as she ripcords and HOOK KICKS! Then a gut wrench for the Canadian Rack! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Roxie flounders, Rhea basement DROPKICKS! Cover, Naomi breaks it! Vaquer DROPKICKS Naomi! Giulia KNEES Vaquer! Alexa clinches Giulia, TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! Roxie ENZIGIRIS Alexa! Rhea HEADBUTTS Roxie! Rhea pump handles, RIP- DDT from Roxie!! All six women are down and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Rhea and Roxie stir while their teams regroup. Roxie reaches out to Naomi, but then Naomi leaves her hanging!
The fans boo but Naomi knows MITB is what matters, and that is every woman for herself. Giulia has also disappeared, so Roxie is all alone! Alexa ROCKS Roxie with a right! Vaquer wrenches Roxie for SOLE FOOD! Rhea pump handles for the RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea’s team wins!
Winners: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall
The spookier team sticks together, and now they’re all rolling into MITB with momentum! But will it be one of these three that takes the briefcase home? Or did Naomi make the smart play?
Solo talks with JC Mateo backstage.
Solo is confident that he’ll win MITB, so long as he has JC and Fatu. JC asks if Solo really trusts Fatu after tonight. Solo says yeah, it’s okay! So long as Fatu follows Solo’s lead, it will all be okay. But will Fatu really follow Solo? Solo tells JC, “My man, you worry too much.” Solo brought Fatu in, Fatu loves Solo, and the thing about Fatu is… He’s not all that smart, y’know? All that man does is think about himself. He is all gas, no brains. Solo laughs at his own joke, and says they just gotta handle business. They leave, but Fatu was around the corner! The Samoan Werewolf heard all of that. Is Solo the one with no brains? Will he also be the one with no contract?
The Wyatt Sick6 speak.
Bo Dallas’ video interrupts Sign of the Night time so he can say, “Grief is not linear. It is not healed by time. It is a festering wound that is continually being ripped open by an echo of a presence that is no more. You don’t forget. You can only accept that which cannot be changed.” The video fuses images of Bo and Bray, and Bo says that he has watched the SmackDown Tag Division. “The loyalty. The trust. The brotherhood. But is that bond unbreakable? From our loss, we have become a family. A ship unshaken by the storm. And yet again, they wanted to forget about us. Like we were never even here. Ignoring the sacrifices.
“Dying to the flesh to become one, we return. Not for nostalgia. Not for closure. But to rip open the wound of apathy and take what we are owed. Your brotherhood will be tested. The time for repentance has passed. Accept your condemnation. We will not be forgotten.”
The SmackDown Tag Division finishes watching this.
And from DIY to MCMG to Fraxiom to the Street Profits, and even GM Aldis, everyone is worried. Gargano says that’s not good. Ciampa says as “the two guys who built this division,” which makes everyone groan, Ciampa says there is no reason for DIY to take the fall! So come clean! Who provoked the Wyatts? Gargano immediately accuses Angelo Dawkins! Montez Ford says hey, look, they’re obviously all afraid. Fraxiom, you’re not fine! Motor City, bring the guns! And DIY, you can’t do this yourselves! But let’s forget about the tag titles for just one second. They have a bigger problem on their hands and that is Wyatt Sick6.
Dawkins says they didn’t get where they are by being scared. If the Wyatts want the smoke, they can get it. Unless y’all forgot that the Profits are the real Bogeymen around here. Ooga booga! The Profits head out, Frazer says there’s no forgetting about the tag titles. But admittedly, the Wyatts do mean business. But they cost Fraxiom, so if Frazer sees Uncle Howdy…! Axiom has Frazer calm down. But yes, Frazer is right. Fraxiom is undefeated, so they will teach the Wyatts what’s what! DIY loves that idea! Go get ’em! MCMG says of course DIY second someone else handling this. MCMG says DIY will get what’s coming to them.
But for now, MCMG will put that on the backburner to get after the Wyatts. Let’s not forget who the veterans are around here, and that’s MCMG. They set the standard, so they’ll bring the fight to the Wyatts. Gargano says another brilliant idea! DIY says they can do that. Aldis, make it so those three teams fight the Wyatts. Aldis says yes, thank you for the input. DIY heads out, and Aldis certainly has a mess to sort out. Who will survive the Wyatts coming for it all? And will the tag titles go along with that?
Andrade & PENTA VS The Creed Brothers w/ Chad Gable!
El Idolo and the Man with No Fear know that whether or not El Grande Americano is really Chad Gable under that mask, Chad Gable definitely doesn’t stand a chance against El Hijo Del Vikingo. But can Andrade y Penta build momentum going into the ladder match together? Or will Julius & Brutus do Chad’s- Er, El Grande’s dirty work for him?
SmackDown returns as Andrade makes his entrance. Then American Made makes their entrance, and the fans chant “You Suck! You Suck!” Andrade y Penta DOUBLE FLY out onto the Creeds! The fans fire up, Andrade fires off on Brutus with forearms while Penta POSTS Julius! Penta THROWS Julius into barriers, Andrade puts Brutus in the ring, and the fans cheer for “Cero Miedo!” Penta revels in that, and Andrade starts against Brutus. The bell rings, Brutus runs up, and Andrade drop toeholds Brutus into buckles! Juius rushes in but Andrade dodges to CLOBBER him with forearms! Andrade kips up, the fans fire up, and Andrade rallies them with “SI! SI! SI!”
Andrade CHOPS Brutus, then runs at Julius, CIEN KNEES! Then CIEN KNEES for Brutus! The fans join in for a “CERO! MIEDO!” Andrade tags Penta, he runs up to headstand and DROPKICK on Julius! Then a headstand and DROPKICK for Brutus! Penta swaggers, but Julius waistlocks! Penta fires off hands, then a CHOP! And another CHOP! And another CHOP! Penta CLUBS Julius, Brutus CLUBS Penta! Brutus snarls, ROCKS Penta, then he tags Julius. The Creeds drag Penta up, but Penta CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS again! Penta CHOPS away on Brutus, then has him on the ropes for a CHOP!
The ref reprimands, Penta whips, but Brutus reverses. Penta KICKS Brutus, then he catches Julius as he runs in! Penta waistlocks Julius and tags Andrade, Andrade GAMANGIRIS! Julius falls, Andrade climbs, but Brutus rushes up! Andrade ROCKS Brutus, Brutus drops down, but he’s a step for Julius to FLYING KNEE! Andrade flops on the top rope, and Julius GUT WRENCH PLEXES him away! The straps come down, the fans boo, but Julius clinches for an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Julius kips up, tags Brutus, and Brutus STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, ONE, but Gable is still pleased as SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Brutus stalks Andrade to the apron, drags him up and bends him against the ropes! The ref counts, Brutus lets go at 4, and Andrade flops over. Brutus stomps Andrade, digs his boot into Andrade’s neck, then steps off at 4. Tag to Julius and he drags Andrade around. The Creeds KNEE Andrade back and forth, then Julius sucker punches Penta! The ref reprimands but Julius goes back to Andrade. Andrade JAWBREAKERS free! Andrade CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Julius trips Andrade onto the ropes! Julius CHOKES Andrade, steps off at 4, then paces around. Julius drags Andrade up to RAM him into the corner!
Tag to Brutus and he runs up to BRUTUS BALL in the corner! Snapmare and a tag to Julius for the SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Julius drags Andrade into a chinlock, tags Brutus, and the Creeds mug Andrade. Brutus drags Andrade up to ROCK him with a forearm! And another! And then Brutus TACKLES Andrade so he can SMASH! Brutus stalks Andrade to a corner, eggs him on, and then drags him away from the corner to HAMMER him down! Brutus soaks up the heat, then eggs Andrade on. Andrade sits up, and Brutus clamps on a chinlock. Brutus grinds Andrade back down, thrashes him around, but Andrade fights up.
Brutus smothers Andrade as SmackDown returns to single picture. Andrade fights up again as the fans rally, but Brutus back suplexes, only for Andrade to CROSSBODY! Both men are down, Julius tags in and jumps on a leg! Andrade ENZIGIRIS free! Hot tag to Penta! Penta goes up and CROSSBODIES Julius! Penta keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! Julius tumbles around, Penta KICKS him in the leg! Penta whips, Julius reverses, but Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! Cover, Brutus breaks it! Brutus whips, Penta reverses and out goes Brutus! SUPERKICK for Julius! The fans fire up, but Gable drags Julius to safety!
Andrade protests but the ref keeps Andrade back. Penta storms upon Gable, but Gable grabs at the mask! The fans boo, but EL HIJO DE VIKINGO jumps the railing! Vikingo YANKS Gable down and throws hands! The fans fire up, but Gable knees Vikingo low! Gable whips, Vikingo reverses and he TOSSES Gable over barriers! Vikingo pursues, they brawl more, but Julius rolls Penta up! TWO, and Penta SUPERKICKS! Brutus is in, Andrade SHADOW ELBOWS him! Penta goes up, the ref is busy with Brutus, so Andrade SHADOW ELBOWS Julius! Penta adds a FLYING DESTROYER!! Cover, Penta y Andrade win!
Winners: Andrade & Penta, by pinfall
El Idolo and Penta celebrate together, but wait! Here comes Seth Rollins! He attacked LA Knight just for being in MITB, now he looks to do the same to these two. Penta & Andrade don’t back down, even as Bron & Bronson flank the ring. The fans boo this 3v2 scenario, but the fight is on! Rollins & Bron mug Andrade while Bronson CLOBBERS Penta! The fans chant for Punk, but Rollins sets Andrade up for Bron’s SPEAR!! Bronson scoops Penta to SLAM him, then SENTON him! CURB STOMP for Andrade!! CURB STOMP for Penta!! The fans boo as Rollins has his behemoths drag Penta to a drop zone!
Rollins TOSSES Andrade, Bronson goes up, TSUNAMI!! The producers and refs can’t get in the ring with Bron barking at them, and whatever fines Rollins faces don’t matter with how close he is to having all the power in WWE! Can no one stop the Visionary from taking over the future of the industry?
SmackDown returns and…
Rollins’ crew is still in the ring. Heyman now has the mic to say, “Yea, though we walk through the sold-out hellhole of Bakers b*tches, we fear not the future! Because ladies and gentlemen, like it or not, we ARE the future!” The fans boo but Heyman says he doesn’t understand why they would! Seth Rollins told you even before WrestleMania what this industry was becoming. He told you all what would happen at Mania, and it happened! Rollins told you all they would get Roman Reigns out of the way, and they did! Rollins told you all they would put CM Punk out of Heyman’s misery, and they did!
Don’t they get that whatever Rollins tells them becomes true? Don’t they understand that Rollins is the vanguard of the future of this industry? That this group is the vanguard of the destiny of the WWE!? The fans still boo, and Heyman says they can sit there and boo all they want. “Tomorrow night, Seth Freakin’ Rollins becomes, once again, Mr. Money in the Bank!” The fans boo even more, but Heyman says then, once Rollins does that, at his leisure, at his discretion, when he damn well feels like it, it will be who, what, where, and when! We all know the why! The why is to solidify the POWER that comes with the title!
“And Seth Freakin’ Rollins will then propel this entire industry into a future that is a vision all of his own!” As for Heyman, the greatest honor of his professional and personal life is when he gets to stand here, in this ring, and says, “Ladies and gentlemen, the REIGNING! DEFENDING! UNDI-” Wait! Cody Rhodes makes his way out here! The fans fire up and sing along with the American Nightmare’s song, and he still gets the “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro. Cody high-fives fans as he goes down the ramp and to the ring. Rollins has Bron & Bronson calm down, even as Cody steps inside. Cody looks at the four, then stares Rollins down.
But now we’re joined by Jey Uso! The fans fire up as Jey makes his way out from the concourse and down through the stands! Jey even gets a little girl to join in on the YEET! Rollins has his faction follow him away again, letting Cody and the World Heavyweight Champion have the ring. Cody & Jey will have one last face-to-face with John Cena & Logan Paul, but can they keep it civil? Or will it pop off 24 hours before MITB? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns once more…
Cody & Jey revel in the cheers, and Cody has the mic to say, “So, Bakersfield… Whaddya wanna talk about? Talk about MITB?” “YEET!” “Talk about the Intuit Dome?” “YEET!” “Talk about Main Event Jey Uso!” “YEET!” “Talk about our opponents, John Cena…” The fans boo that name. “And his tag team partner, Logan Paul…!” The fans definitely boo that name. Cody says okay, well, what’d they say last week? Cena was rather aggressive, saying Cody tries too hard. The fans already duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cody says Cena called Cody desperate, which was bold coming from Cena. Cena danced his way onto a livestream all, “How do you do, fellow kids?”
We saw Cena kick some man in a nuts, then begging for forgiveness online. Seeing Cena in the ring with Logan in 2025, that was like if Michael PS Hayes was in the ring with the Hardy Boys. Let’s talk about desperate! Desperate is WrestleMania 41, throwing away 20 YEARS of good will so that he could have a record-setting title reign. Tomorrow isn’t about the World Heavyweight Championship, it isn’t about the Undisputed WWE Championship, it is a showdown. What would Jey call that? Jey calls that a YEET DOWN! One time for the one time: Four letters, one word! UH UH, YEET!! But wait! Here comes John Cena!
The fans erupt with “JOHN CENA SUCKS~! JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” as Cena makes his entrance in his Lakers inspired merch for Los Angeles. Cena steps into the ring, has them cut his music, and he looks at the crowd as they duel, “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Cena of course makes the announcer give him the proper introduction: The Greatest of All Time, the Never-Seen Seventeen, gracing Bakersfield with his presence one last time, he is the Last Real Champion, JOOOOOHN~! CENAAA~! And then LOGAN PAUL slides in! ONE LUCKY PUNCH on Jey!! Then he tries it on Cody, but Cody grabs him for a dragon sleeper!
But Cena BELT SHOTS Cody before he can hit Cross Rhodes! The fans boo but Cena drags Jey up for an ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT!! Cena lets Logan get Cody with the PAULVERIZER! Cena then sets Cody up in the drop zone for Logan as he climbs. Logan hits the FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH! Cena now sets Jey up and Logan goes back up, FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH!! The fans boo as Cena kicks Cody & Jey out of the ring, and then gets himself a mic. Logan picks up the World Heavyweight Championship while Cena says, “Take a good look. NO ONE is coming to save you. I’ve been telling you this for a half of a year! YOUR DREAM of what the WWE is… will be RUINED!
“THIS is your future! I take this home! He takes that to the top!” They raise their belts up, and Cena says he is the Last Real Champion while Logan is the Moment Maker, the One of One, the Inevitable Future Face of the WWE! “Bakersfield, humble yourselves for the humblest! The future World Heavyweight Champion, Logan Paul!” The fans boo as they both hold up the belts again, then set them down. The fans chant “Logan Sucks! Logan Sucks!” Cena and Logan go outside to grab Cody and Jey and put them back in the ring! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT for Cody! Logan lines up a shot, ONE LUCKY PUNCH for Jey!!
The fans boo, chant “We Want Truth!” but Cena says, “You Can’t Handle the Truth!!” Cena says if you want their truth, their truth is right here, staring them in the face! And there is not a damn thing the fans or anyone that fights for the fans can do about it! “You hypocrites chant for Truth. You are all pathetic LIARS!” The fans still chant “We Want Truth!” but Cena says, “This is why you’re losers. Take a good look, because it’s my last time here in Bakersfield. And remember these words: Winners write the history books! Ladies and gentlemen, your future champion, and the Last Real Champion!”
The two raise the belts up again as the fans boo, but is this really going to be the future of the WWE? Or can someone, anyone, stop it all from happening?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown as the go-home to both MITB and Worlds Collide. Though, the most Legado could do for their Six Man Tag was have a promo that didn’t really add much, and Santos kinda repeated himself a bit. There’s also the Six Man Tag of Aerostar, Octagon Jr. & Mr. Iguana VS Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro and apparently now Lince Dorado to sub in for Joaquin Wilde. One Six Man Tag surely goes to WWE and the other to AAA, I’m just not sure which one. We did get a bit more Gable VS Vikingo with Vikingo help Penta & Andrade in the main event, but I don’t know how that math works. As wild as it would be, I really don’t think Gable should win the AAA Mega Champion.
Especially if El Grande Americano has the potential to win MITB. While we all know Gable and Grande are one in the same, Grande didn’t show up tonight, so he was safe from the go-home math that happened tonight. Seth Rollins and his faction of course ran roughshod over SmackDown tonight, but I liked the opening promo of Rollins’ faction being confronted by Solo’s. Great bit bringing Jimmy Uso out, but it’s kinda funny Fatu and JC each fell for the “He bumped into me!” misunderstanding. Great win for Jimmy from this, and Solo’s promo later definitely puts the final nail in the coffin for him, Fatu is going to screw Solo over at MITB.
Aleister and LA Knight each had good promos before their match, which was a little rough in the middle but still really good. Rollins of course ruins that match to weaken Knight, but what a great stare down of Aleister and Rollins. As it stands, that won’t be a feud, unless the WWE Draft still happens and moves Aleister (and Zelina) over to Raw. And back to that main event match, of course Rollins and his crew blew that great match up, too. All this math is adding up to Rollins losing, because chances are, CM Punk does show up to screw him over. And so, if it isn’t Grande, I feel like Knight benefits from that since he was the first to take a stomp from Rollins.
Great stuff in the Women’s MITB build, with Tiffany’s promo calling out all six contenders cuing up the six contenders making their entrances for the Six Woman Tag. Awesome match, and great win for the Faces with Naomi (and Giulia more quietly) leaving Roxie alone. Good promo from Zelina with Giulia, and great Bakersfield Brawl. I like that Giulia suckered Zelina in with the assist, because it really is as I said: Better to challenge a champion with no obvious allies than the one with sidekicks. Plus, Chelsea Green can finally move up to the top title with someone else challenging Zelina for the Women’s US Championship. Chelsea and Tiffany interacting while Tiff worries about Miss MITB will be some really fun stuff.
Giulia going right for Zelina takes her out of the running, the Faces did that tonight with their win, and even without the math, Naomi is perhaps the perfect choice for Miss MITB. She has her beef with Tiffany, but also with Jade and Bianca, meaning one or both won’t let Naomi get a clean cash-in. Good promo from Jade and Charlotte to help add to the hype of the King & Queen of the Ring news. Four Fatal 4 Ways makes things happen much faster, but it adds up to the same: eight people from each brand fighting to be in the semifinals and so on, can’t wait to see who else gets in.
Great promo from Bo Dallas, and great response from the teams of SmackDown. DIY play the perfect Heels in this letting the Faces handle the spooky, scary tweeners the Wyatts are, and we will definitely get great stuff out of the different tag matches. And of course, great final faceoff from Cody, Jey, Cena & Logan. In fact, it was very clever for Cena to take all that attention so Logan could get the drop on Jey & Cody. Cena had a very good promo, and he very cleverly touched upon the #WeWantTruth campaign with it. But this obviously has to mean Cena & Logan lose, helping set up Cena VS Cody the rematch for SummerSlam, even with the big Atlanta weekend coming up.
My Score: 8.9/10
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Can the Last Real Champion handle The Truth?
While the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments reach their semifinals, John Cena has his first match on SmackDown in years, against Ron Killings!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss; Asuka wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson; No Contest.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn; Orton wins and advances to Night of Champions.
- Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice; Charlotte wins.
- Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight; Knight wins, by disqualification.
- John Cena VS Ron Killings; Killings wins, by disqualification.
PLAY BY PLAY
LA Knight is here!
Grand Rapids fires up as the Mega Star marches right to the ring. Knight grabs a mic while the fans chant his name, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says, “Let’s just go ahead and rewind our mind a little bit. We go to back to Money in the Bank, Seth and his boys, they just happen to come down and screw this guy.” The fans boo that. Knight says usually, he lets things slide. But he just figured he couldn’t let it slide, so he made sure to screw on of Rollins’ boys in their title opportunity, King of the Ring. But then they came back, paid it back and screwed Knight outta KOTR, so he had to go and screw the other one over!
And it just has Knight thinking. Fans “YEAH!” and Knight says there is only one way this can go. He has gone back and forth between Raw and SmackDown, where it ends, nobody knows! Except Knight! He knows! He knows where this ends! The fans cheer that! And Knight says it ends with him and Rollins! And what better place than here? And what better time than now! Knight tells Rollins to come on out and talk to him! But “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo as Paul Heyman walks out and gives his introductions. He serves as the Wise Man to Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!
Heyman says you do not boo that name. And you screwed up your cue, so they’ll do this again. He serves as the Wise Man for Seth Freakin’ Rollins! The fans keep booing, Heyman wants to try again, but Knight says shut up and get to the point! Why is Heyman here?! Heyman walks to the ring and asks permission to step inside. The fans chant “O T C! O T C!” but Knight steps back. Heyman steps into the ring, and he says yes, there has been a lot of bad blood between Knight and Mr. MITB, Seth Freakin’ Rollins. However, Heyman happens to be, with all due respect to everyone here in Grand Rapids, Michigan…
The fans chant “C M PUNK!” at Heyman now and he frowns. Knight says Heyman has a lot of enemies. Heyman says he is the biggest LA Knight fan in all of WWE! Heyman’s been waiting a long time to say this: YEAH! Now, because of that, Seth Freakin’ Rollins (the fans boo again) has allowed Heyman to say to Knight, as a favor to Heyman… It is time for Knight to get the hell outta Grand Rapids, Michigan. Because if he does not, something really bad is going to happen to him before the end of the night. Have a nice evening. Heyman turns to go but the fans cheer Knight on. Knight says he couldn’t help but notice, but did you~ (poking fun at Heyman’s voice cracking) threaten Knight?
Because Knight wants to wrap his head around this. He’s heard Heyman say stuff like this before, because Heyman is a liar, a swindler, a grifter, a scammer and a schemer! Heyman leeches on to any talent that has a bit of hype, sucks ’em dry, then moves on to the next! Rollins just happens to be the latest in this. But where next? Who cares! But the bottom line is, Knight asked for Rollins but he got Heyman. And while he got Heyman, he got a Heyman out here talking all tough. So it has Knight thinking, he has a great idea.
Talking about wise man, wisdom, there was a point in time if Heyman had said something like that, a man like Knight would look at a “thing” like Heyman and punched his wisdom teeth down his throat! Knight won’t do that, yet. But here’s the deal: Heyman’s talking all tough, but if he can’t bring Rollins out here, then the only thing to do out here in Grand Rapids is Knight fighting Heyman here and now! The fans fire up for that! Knight asks if the fans want that, and they cheer! “HUH?” “YEAH!” “HUH?” “YEAH!” “YEAH!!” Knight promises he’ll turn around, take his vest off, and Heyman gets the first shot. He better make it good, or Knight will molly whop his ass right outta Grand Rapids!
The fans fire up as Knight does as promised. He turns around, his vest is off, but Heyman bails? The fans boo as the Wise Man doesn’t play along. Heyman says, “Remember when I told you to get the hell out of Grand Rapids or else something really bad is gonna happen to you before the end of the night? That wasn’t a prediction. That… was a spoiler!” Heyman throws down his mic, and here comes Bronson Reed & Bron Breakker! Rollins’ behemoths head to the ring, but Knight fires off on them first! The fans rally as Knight throws hands and feet, but then Bron TACKLES Knight! Bronson joins in and they mug Knight right out of the ring!
Bronson drags Knight up to TOSS him over barriers! Bron clears the desk, he wants Bronson to put Knight through it! But Knight has a chair! He JAMS Bron, JAMS Bronson, then SMACKS Bron and SMACKS Bronson! Knight gets in the ring, ready to hit whoever gets in! The fans cheer Knight but Heyman has Bron & Bronson stand down. Will Heyman have the henchmen try again before the end of tonight?
SmackDown returns and…
Heyman has Bron & Bronson calm down, they have this under control. It is all in their favor, and it always will be in their favor. That is the whole point behind this. Byron Saxton steps in and wants to talk to them, but Heyman has to hold Bron back like the dog he is! Heyman says no need to bite Byron. Byron apologizes, he has word from SmackDown GM, Nick Aldis, that Bronson Reed VS LA Knight is set for tonight. Heyman says okay, thank you, and goodbye. Byron leaves and Heyman smiles. He told them! Patience is not a virtue, it is strategy. Bronson smiles and nods. Will Auzsilla destroy LA here in Grand Rapids?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Asuka VS Alexa Bliss!
Two great returns to action through this tournament, and now they cross paths with each other. The Empress of Tomorrow overcame Ivy Nile, Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer while Lil’ Miss Bliss outsmarted Alba Fyre, Candice LeRae and Charlotte Flair. But whose comeback story overtakes the other’s here just one match away from Night of Champions?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Alexa headlocks, but Asuka powers up and out. Alexa RAMS Asuka, Asuka roars, and the fans fire up as Asuka fires hands! Alexa blocks a kick to THROW Asuka down, then basement DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Asuka and Alexa reset. Alexa kicks, Asuka blocks and slips through to waistlock. Alexa elbows free, runs, but Asuka runs past her to then RUN her over! The fans fire up and Asuka runs in again, HIP ATTACK! Alexa falls to the floor and the fans fire up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Asuka lets Alexa stay down while she soaks up the cheers. The ring count starts, Alexa rises, but Asuka goes out after her. Alexa slips inside and DROPKICKS Asuka’s leg! Asuka falls from the apron but she has to nod respect for that savvy move. Asuka steps back in at 6 of 10, and she resets with Alexa. They circle, feel things out, and tie up. Asuka wrenches and wristlocks, but Alexa rolls and wrenches to hammerlock. Alexa waistlocks, rolls Asuka, TWO! The two stand off again and they both nod respect. They reset, the fans rally up, and the two feel things out. Asuka trips Alexa, clamps on with a headlock, and she grinds Alexa down.
Alexa endures, Asuka turns her over to go after the arm, then she stands on Alexa’s arm. Alexa endures, Asuka shifts arms, but Alexa wrenches out to wrangle Asuka. Alexa shifts to a cording hold, but Asuka fights up and fires body shots. Alexa whips Asuka to a corner, but Asuka elbows her away! And BOOTS! Asuka goes up, leaps, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa stays in this but Asuka stays focused. Asuka drags Alexa around and gives her Kawada Kicks! SmackDown returns to single picture, and Asuka wrenches for a chicken wing! Alexa fights the Asuka Lock and JAWBREAKERS free! Alexa runs up to RUN Asuka over!
The fans rally as Alexa rallies, then hits a BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up as Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, and KNEES Asuka down! Then SOMERSAULT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and Alexa grows frustrated. The fans rally while Alexa brings Asuka up. Asuka breaks free to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Alexa tumbles away, Asuka runs up, SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Asuka stands and takes aim. But Alexa ducks the buzzsaw! Cover, TWO! Alexa clinches, TWISTED- NO, Asuka rolls Alexa up! TWO! Alexa sits up, BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO!! Alexa survives but Asuka just fires up!
The fans rally as Asuka goes to the corner. Asuka climbs from the outside, and MISSILE- NO, Alexa dodges this time! Alexa kicks and DDTS! Cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Alexa drags Asuka into the drop zone. Alexa goes up, up, and the fans fire up! TWISTED- NO, Asuka moves, so Alexa stops. Alexa won’t let Asuka sneak away, but then she gets caught in an ARMBAR!! Alexa flails, rolls, but ends up in an omoplata! RINGS OF SATURN!! Alexa fights around, pops her arm free for a cover, TWO!! Asuka reels Alexa in, NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Alexa stays in this! Asuka fires up, the fans are with her, and she runs up, only for Alexa to ROCK her with a right! Alexa puts Asuka in the Tree of Woe, and she DROPKICKS Asuka out of it! Alexa climbs back up, and TWISTED BLISSÂ onto knees!! Asuka still counters the moonsault, and hits the EMPRESS IMPACT!! Cover, Asuka wins!
Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
The Empress says no one is ready for Asuka, and that has certainly been the case! But on Raw, we find out, will it be Jade Cargill or Roxanne Perez that meets Asuka in Saudi Arabia?
Jade Cargill, Mia Yim & B-Fab watch backstage.
And Fab says damn, Asuka just came back and she’s already making statements. Almost like she never left. Michin says maybe they need to make their own statements. They need to talk to Aldis about the tag titles. Fab agrees. Fab & Mia wish Jade luck before heading out. Byron walks in and asks if he can have a word. Jade says shoot. Byron says Asuka just advanced, but Jade has her match on Monday with Roxanne Perez. How does Jade feel about facing a talented competitor like Roxie? And how does she feel about the possibility of facing Asuka in the finals? Jade says “Rox” has potential. Roxie is quick and scrappy.
But she’s still trying to prove herself. And this isn’t a proving ground, this is a throne room, and Jade was built for royalty. As for Asuka, there’s a storm on the horizon. But news flash, Jade is that storm. This entire tournament wasn’t built for the future, but for a woman who can walk through fire, shatter glass ceilings, and take her crown on the way to the top. This Queen of the Ring, Jade isn’t just walking in to win. She’s here to reign. Will the Prodigy be washed away by the storm this Monday?
Alexa Bliss returns backstage.
And Chelsea Green finds her. Flanked by her Secret Her-vice, The Hot Mess asks, “Hey, little fu-fu, how’s your boo-boo?” Alexa asks back, “How’s yours?” Piper tells Chelsea not to get upset, Alexa is just jealous. Chelsea says this serves Alexa right. Chelsea should be Queen of the Ring, and she’d be building her parliament if not for Alexa! Oh, if she has that big of an issue, then try facing her in the ring. Chelsea says she will! But then Charlotte Flair walks in and says if anyone should’ve still been in this tournament, it’s her. But had Chelsea’s “replacement” tapped out sooner, maybe she would.
So here’s the deal: Charlotte will have a match made and tap Chelsea out instead. N-Not if Chelsea makes it a bank holiday! ROYAL DUTIES! NICHOLAS! Chelsea hurries away with the Secret Her-vice following, and Alexa tells Charlotte that she doesn’t need Charlotte’s help. Oh, that’s cute. Because Charlotte wasn’t helping Alexa. Charlotte leaves now, leaving Alexa to chew on that. Will The Queen chew up the Hot Mess and spit her out now that she has nothing better to do?
Aleister Black VS Kit Wilson!
The Dark Father is also directionless now that he is out of the King of the Ring tournament, but he never lets that bother him. Will he make himself the direction all roads lead when things #FadeToBlack? Or will Kit prove he can be Pretty Deadly all on his own?
Wait, who is attacking Kit? It’s R-TRUTH! But why’s Ron Killings going after Kit?! He POSTS Kit, drags him back out, and puts him in an STF!! The fans fire up and Kit taps, but it won’t matter when this isn’t a match! Killings lets Kit out of the hold and demands a mic. A mic is given, and Killings says, “Get John Cena out here now. I’m driving! On my terms! Cena, get out here!” The fans fire up and then Killings puts Kit back in the STF! Aleister is rather confused, but producers hurry out here to stop Truth. Truth lets Kit go, Jamie Noble asks Truth wait for the main event. Truth seethes, but he accepts the terms.
Killings leaves, walking right past Aleister. Will there be no denying The Truth when he finally gets his hands on the Last Real Champion?
Jamie Noble talks with Truth backstage.
Jamie says Truth has to calm down. Truth says he wants John Cena NOW! He’s driving! Yes, okay, but just wait. Truth promises that when he sees Cena, he is killing him tonight! Aleister steps in and asks Truth why he is getting involved in Aleister’s match. Truth says it wasn’t personal, it had nothing to do with Aleister. These two stare down, and then Damian Priest steps in. The Archer of Infamy has Aleister stand down. Truth is going through a lot, let Priest talk to him. Oh, of course. Aleister says, “Ron.” “Black.” Aleister leaves, Priest tells Truth that there’s no need for any of that. Priest gets Truth is frustrated, but he can’t just go beat up people for no reason.
Priest used to do that, and Truth was the guy there to make him smile. Truth made the world smile! All that anger and negativity, focus that on the match tonight. Focus that on John Cena. Go out there and handle business with Cena, then Priest and Truth can go downtown to celebrate. How’s that sound? Truth says sounds good, DP. They shake hands, and Priest heads out. Truth is still seething, but will he make sure it all explodes on Cena?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Grand Rapids sings along as The American Nightmare makes his way out, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, he high-fives fans in the front row, then looks closely at the King of the Ring’s crown. Cody goes to the ring and grabs the mic. He hears the fans cheer him on, but then Jey Uso is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way down through the crowd! A young fan joins in bouncing along, but so does all of Grand Rapids! Jey continues down the stands, finds another young fan, and they bounce along again. Jey then reaches ringside, high-fives the front row, and he joins Cody in the ring as we get the next wave of YEET!
Grand Rapids might want to YEET all night, but Jey hugs it out with Cody before he gets his own mic. The music dies down, the fans chant, “One More Time! One More Time!” and Cody says sure, one more is fine. Jey says okay, and yes, the fans get to YEET again! Jey says hey, Cody doesn’t even have to say nothing. They been in the trenches! “YEET!” Still in the trenches! “YEET!” From fighting The Bloodline… “YEET!” To winning tag titles… “YEET!” To finishing their stories at WrestleMania! “YEET!” They’ve both been to the mountaintop. “YEET!” But Cody, on Monday, there is only room for one of them.
The fans are intrigued, and Cody nods. Jey says there’s only one that can go. Cody VS Jey, Jey VS Cody, and Jey knows Cody will bring it. Jey has to get his, Uce. He has to, just like Cody has to get his. But that said, Uce, it ain’t personal. This all business. But that all said, too, Uce, on Monday, after they go to war, please believe that it will be four letters, one word, uh uh… YEET! Cody smiles and the fans cheer. They shake hands again, and wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans cheer as the Great Liberator makes his way to the ring. Sami grabs a mic to say, “This is nice, isn’t it? I get to share the ring with two great friends.”
The fans applaud, and Sami says he is in the ring with two of the very best that this business has to offer! The fans cheer that, too! Sami says he’d be lying if he denied there was a part of him that sees the three of them in this ring, and notices how only one of them has never been world champion. Jey, Sami wants him to know, man to man, this year, Sami missed Mania. Sami had no reason to be in Las Vegas, but he got his ass on a plane to Vegas for one reason: To congratulate Jey the moment he won the World Heavyweight Championship! Sami loves Jey, and he is proud of him. And Cody, for years, everyone watched as Cody finished his story.
And when Cody did, he did the unthinkable and pinned Roman Reigns in the middle of this ring, Sami was the first one out here to congratulate Cody. Sami is so proud that Cody finished his story. So he hopes both men understand that now, it is time for Sami to finish HIS story! The fans cheer, but then here comes Randy Orton! The Viper looks at the crown, then goes to the ring. The fans sing along with Voices and Orton grabs himself a mic. “So Cody, same deal as last week but I’m gonna say it again. There is no line I will not cross, even if it means going through you, so that I can get to John Cena at SummerSlam, beat him, and get my FIFTEENTH world championship!”
The fans cheer, and Orton tells Jey, “Man, I respect the… Hell outta you, dude. Our families go way, way, way back. Nothing but love, dude. But if you’re standing across the ring from me at SummerSlam, it’s not gonna be four letters, one word. It’s gonna be three letters, one move.” The fans say it, “R K O!” And Orton says he not only speaks for himself but for everyone here in this arena when he says, and from the bottom of his heart, one day and one day soon, Sami Zayn will be world champion. But not at SummerSlam. Because tonight, Sami is on the receiving end of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O.
Orton drops the mic, and it is time to put those words into action. Will it be the Legend Killer or the Underdog from the Underground that heads for Saudi Arabia?
King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton VS Sami Zayn!
SmackDown returns, the bell rings, and these two circle. They tie up, Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, then wristlocks. Orton endures, fights up, and the fans duel. Orton wrenches Sami in return to then headlock. Sami endures, powers up to wrench again, and he grinds the arm. Sami wrenches and CHOPS, and Orton goes to the corner. Sami CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” but the ref counts. Orton pushes past Sami, bails out of the ring, and he is pretty red already. Sami builds speed but he fakes Orton out with the Arabian Press! The fans fire up and Orton has to admit that was good.
Orton goes up the steps and steps back into the ring. The fans rally, Orton and Sami tie up, and Orton puts Sami in the corner. Orton lets off slowly, but he pokes Sami in the eyes! The fans boo but Orton UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS! But Sami pokes Orton in the eyes! The ref caught that one and reprimands Sami. Sami TOSSES Orton out, goes to the apron, but Orton YANKS Sami down! Sami hits off the apron, and Orton reels him in, DESK BACK SUPLEX! Sami writhes and Orton rolls into the ring, just to refresh the count. Fans want that “One More Time!” and Orton agrees! DESK BACK SUPLEXÂ again!
Sami writhes more and whatever monitor wasn’t busted, they’re busted now! Orton leaves Sami behind for a moment while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Orton goes out to fetch Sami, but Sami fights off a third back suplex! Orton kicks low, brings Sami over, but Sami blocks the smack off the steel steps! Orton sputters, Sami stalks him, and Sami decides to give him some payback! But Orton ROCKS Sami first! Orton SMACKS Sami off the desk, puts him in the ring, and covers, TWO! Sami stays in this but Orton looms over him. Sami rises, Orton puts him in a corner, and Orton fires body shots. Orton climbs up and rains down fists! Orton gets to eight before Sami fires back! Sami has Orton in another corner, climbs up, and Sami rains down a fast TEN!
Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and CHOPS! Orton is stinging but Sami CHOPS him again! Sami wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS, and whips! Orton reverses, Sami hits buckles hard, and Sami falls in a heap. Orton dusts himself off and looms over Sami again. Orton stomps Sami’s hand! Sami writhes and clutches his finger. Orton stomps Sami’s foot, ten the other foot! And then the other hand! Sami sits up, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Orton CLUBS away on Sami’s chest! Orton DECKS Sami, the fans cheer, and Orton brings Sami up. Orton whips, Sami goes up and over, and Sami LARIATS Orton down! The fans fire up again as Sami rises!
Sami goes to the corner, Orton runs up, but Sami ELBOWS him! Sami goes up, AX HANDLES, and the fans fire up more! Orton takes a swing, but Sami slips around! Orton fights the Blue Thunder, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Orton dodges Sami to SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while Sami goes to the apron. Orton drags Sami in through the ropes, and DRAPING DDTS! The fans fire up as Orton hears those voices! Orton watches Sami rise, but then Sami bails out! The fans are torn but Sami is smart to avoid what was coming. Orton goes out to fetch Sami, SMACKS him off the desk, and then back suplexes, only for Sami to lands out!
Sami CLUBS Orton, and hits a DESK BACK SUPLEX on Orton! Sami puts Orton in the ring, goes to a corner, and the fans fire up as Orton rises. Orton runs in, Sami dodges, and Orton POSTS himself! Sami runs corner to corner, HELLUVA- SNAP POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Sami survives and Orton seethes. “This is Awesome!” as Sami goes back to a corner. Orton runs back in and he LARIATS! Orton runs but Sami follows! But Orton dodges the Helluva Kick! Sami gets stuck on the to rope, frees himself, and hobbles into an RK- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans fire up again!
“This is Awesome!” as Sami drags Orton to the drop zone. Sami goes up the corner, Orton stands and he gets under the leap! R K- NO, Sami SLAMS Orton down! And then HELLUVA- RKO!!! Orton crawls to the cover, Orton wins!!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Sami fought his heart out, but the Viper still strikes! Orton is going back to back in KOTR finals, but will he win the crown this time?
Nia Jax is here!
Grand Rapids boos as The Irresistible Force goes to the ring. She grabs the mic dot say, “You know what’s crazy? Tiffany Stratton approached me to be under my wing, because she knew exactly what I could do for her. And look, she’s thriving! And what kind of thanks did I get for it? She betrayed me. She has MY title!” But wait, here comes Tiffy! Grand Rapids cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion has the mic to tell Nia, “You’re like that toxic ex I just can’t get away from. News flash: get over it! You make excuse after excuse, but when are you just gonna admit that maybe I’m just better than you?”
The fans cheer and Tiff heads to the ring. Nia says yeah, okay, if Tiff is so much better, then give Nia a rematch without kicking a chair into her face. Tiff says if Nia’s so desperate for a match, it is her lucky day! She made it official for next week: Tiff VS Nia! And Tiff will have more fun adding more scars to that “five head” of Nia’s. Because it won’t just be a regular match. It will be Last Woman Standing! Nia takes a swing but Tiff dodge! Tiff fires off, kicks low, and runs up, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! And then Nia drops a leg, brother! Nia holds up the belt and soaks up the heat. Nia thinks about leaving, but decides to add on! ANOTHER leg drop, brother!
The fans boo but Nia says that’s not enough! Nia tells Wade & Joe that she’s taking the title! But wait! NAOMI is here, with a ref! Is she doing it!? Is she doing it?! But Nia YANKS Naomi out! Naomi tells her back off! Nia doesn’t, Naomi shoves her, but Nia still grabs at her! Tiff DROPKICKS Naomi onto Nia! Tiff avoids a cash-in because Nia was in the way, but is she setting herself up for failure with that extreme title match?
Charlotte Flair VS Chelsea Green w/ The Secret Her-vice!
The Queen was denied her crown, but she’s not even angry at Alexa Bliss, the one who took that opportunity from her. She instead looks to humble the Hot Mess that claims she would be queen if her demands were met. Who vents their frustrations and comes away with the win?
SmackDown returns and Charlotte makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans actually cheer on Chelsea. Alba distracts Charlotte and Chelsea sucker punches her! The ref reprimands but Chelsea SMACKS Charlotte off the mat again and again! Chelsea salutes, but Charlotte CHOPS! Chelsea KNEES low, whips, but Charlotte goes up and out at the corner. Charlotte BOOTS Chelsea away, avoids Alba and KICKS her! Chelsea runs up, Charlotte RAMS her, and then Charlotte climbs up. CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away and Charlotte runs up, but into an ELBOW! Charlotte GAMANGIRIS!
Charlotte snapmares, Chelsea distracts the ref, and Alba grabs Charlotte by the hair! Alba HOTSHOTS Charlotte and Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Chelsea is furious but Charlotte stays in this, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Chelsea hops onto Charlotte for a SLEEPER! The fans rally, but Charlotte hits a BACKPACK SENTON! Charlotte is free, Chelsea runs back up, but Charlotte gives her a BACKBREAKER and BUCKLE SHOT! Chelsea falls back, Charlotte huffs ‘n’ puffs and runs up to fire hands! The fans fire up as Charlotte CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Charlotte CHOPS again, then clinches for an EXPLODER! And a kip up! The fans fire up and Charlotte salutes to poke fun at Chelsea. Charlotte runs, dodges, and handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea survives but Charlotte stays on her by going for a leg.
Alba gets on the apron, so Charlotte BOOTS her down! The fans cheer, but Charlotte turns around into a ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte survives and Chelsea is furious! Chelsea takes off her face protector and drags Charlotte up. Chelsea has the arms, turns Charlotte, but Charlotte shoves her away! Charlotte dodges and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea survives but Charlotte has the leg! FIGURE- CRADLE!! TWO!! Charlotte has the leg again, FIGURE FOUR! And the bridge for the FIGURE EIGHT!! Chelsea TAPS, Charlotte wins!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by submission
But then Piper Niven SENTONS onto Charlotte!! Alba storms in, she and Piper mug Charlotte, but here comes Alexa! She RAMS into Piper, she ROCKS Alba, then she catches Chelsea! Charlotte LARIATS Alba out while Alexa hits a TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL! And then Charlotte BOOTS Piper down! Charlotte and Alexa look at each other, and despite what either one thinks, maybe they both need the other after all. Alexa offers the handshake, but Charlotte walks right past Alexa. Alexa lets that slide, but will Charlotte come around soon enough?
Solo Sikoa talks with JC Mateo.
Why is JC taping up? Uh, duh, he’ll take out Jacob. No, Solo is going out there alone to talk with Jacob. Solo was the only one that Jacob would listen to. Jacob needs Solo. Solo will smooth things over. JC accepts that, but Solo does say that JC should stay ready. Solo is covering his bases, but will he need the Imperial Unit to put down the Samoan Werewolf? Or will it all be alright between them all?
Solo Sikoa heads to the ring.
SmackDown returns as the former Tribal Chief makes his way out, and Grand Rapids boos. Solo grabs the mic, takes a moment, and says, “Alright, Jacob. I’m out here in the middle of the ring, all alone, with open arms, willing to talk to you face to face. I feel terrible about what happened. So if you’re back there, come on out so we can clear the air.” Jacob Fatu makes his entrance and Grand Rapids cheers! Fatu holds up the United States Championship before he steps into the ring, and he has a mic of his own. The fans cheer on “FATU! FATU!” and Solo says he didn’t come out here to fight him, okay? He’s not here for that.
Solo wants to make it clear to Fatu that he loves him, always has loved him, no matter what. One thing Solo learned from being Tribal Chief is how to love family and how to take care of them. That’s all he’s trying to do. Families fight all the time. They fight, they argue, they forgive, and then they move forward. So they should move forward together, Jacob. Move forward as one. The fans boo that, but Solo says nobody saw the potential in Jacob except Solo. Nobody wanted Jacob here in the WWE, except Solo. That is why Solo brought Fatu here and gave him the chance to change his life and put food on his family’s table.
And why did Solo do that? Because Solo loves Jacob. He does. And to be honest, Solo doesn’t have anybody else. Fatu isn’t sure about that, but Solo says all he has is Fatu. And he’s all Solo needs. So come back to the family, and even if Jacob doesn’t say those four words, Solo will. Solo will say it for him, to him, loud enough so everybody can hear it! Solo tells Jacob, “I love you, Jacob.” The fans boo, they don’t trust this. Fatu paces as he thinks on that. “So you love me, huh?” Solo nods yes. So this is what it comes down to, huh? Solo loves Fatu? The way Fatu sees things, Solo has been using Fatu! Solo has been using Fatu to gain power, to fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief.
Hell, Solo brought Fatu in so Fatu could bring Solo fame! Solo brought Fatu in because he thought Fatu would bring him gold! Is that all this is about? Fame? Gold? Power? SOLO, LOOK AT HIM! Solo looks up from the floor while the fans cheer Fatu on. Fatu tells Solo that ever since he won the US Championship, Solo is the one that’s been acting different. And maybe Fatu isn’t the problem. Fatu just figured it out! The problem… is this. The problem is the US Championship. Fatu sets it down between him and Solo, and he says if this is what he thinks it is, then just fight him for it! Fight Fatu for the title! The fans fire up for that!
And Solo, Fatu will only warn you one time: If you ever think about coming this way, you know what Fatu is about! You know what’s poppin’ with Fatu, blood! And you know Jacob Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA- SOLO TAKES A SWING! Fatu blocks the spike and he HEADBUTTS! JC Mateo rushes out here! Fatu HEADBUTTS him, too! But Solo CHOP BLOCKS the legs! The fans boo but JC & Solo mug Fatu! But then here comes JIMMY USO! The fans fire up as #BigJim slides in, dodges Solo, and SUPERKICKS JC! And then he SUPERKICKS Solo! But JC LARIATS Jimmy down! JC HAMMERS Jimmy and Solo has him put Jimmy in the corner.
The fans boo but Solo tells Jimmy that he should’ve chosen Solo’s side, not Jacob’s! But speaking of, Fatu is up! The fans fire up as Fatu BODY CHECKS JC! Then he SUPERKICKS Solo! Solo is in a corner, Fatu fires off on him, HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! SUPERKICK for JC! HIP ATTACK for Solo! The fans are fired up for the Samoan Werewolf, and he locks eyes with Jimmy. Jimmy came to Fatu’s rescue, Fatu just saved him, so Fatu goes up, up, only for Solo to bail out! No Best Moonsaults here in Grand Rapids, but will Fatu cut Solo down soon enough?
Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker VS LA Knight!
The Wise Man warned, or rather threatened, the Mega Star that he should just cut and run, but that’s not how he does things. Knight is ready to fight, but will he survive a battle with Auszilla? Or is a Tsunami about wipe out LA?
Wait, Knight doesn’t enter from the stage! He enters from the crowd! And he POSTS Bron! The fans fire up as Knight evens things out! He TOSSES Bronson out, throws his vest at him, and Bronson snarls. Bronson has Bron stand down, and says, “Tonight, I kill him.” Bronson steps into the ring, the bell sounds, and Knight fires off! The fans fire up as Knight fires hands, but Bronson puts him in the corner. Knight ELBOWS back, Knight fires more hands, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips but Bronson blocks! Bronson whips Knight to a corner, runs up, but Knight dodges! Bronson POSTS himself, and Knight stomps a mudhole in!
The fans rally, the ref counts, and Knight goes corner to corner, but into a fireman’s carry! Knight slips down to sunset flip, but Bronson stays up! Bronson jumps but Knight avoids the hip drop! Then Knight basement BOOTS! The fans fire up and Knight storms up on Bronson. Bronson TOSSES Knight to the apron, but Knight slingshots back in! Bronson catches Knight to a fireman’s carry! Knight flails free and he RAMS Bronson into a corner! But Bronson holds ropes to deny the Jump Neckbreaker! Bronson runs but Knight avoids the senton! The fans fire up as Knight goes up, up, and FLYING BULLDOGS! That’s a Steiner move!
The fans fire up and spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT!” but Bronson bails out! Knight runs to WRECK Bronson with a dropkick! Knight goes back up, springboards, CROSSBODY to the ramp! The fans fire up with Knight and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Bronson has Knight up top. The fans rally as Knight fights back with body shots! Knight ROCKS Bronson, ROCKS him again, and ROCKS him again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Bronson finally falls and Knight adjusts position. “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Bronson survives and Knight is rather stunned while Heyman is relieved. Knight aims, kicks, but Bronson denies the BFT! HEADBUTT, then a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives the “Jagged Edge” DVD but Bronson brings him right up. Bronson reels Knight in and says thumbs down.
Bronson lifts Knight up, but Knight flips the bomb into a DDT! The fans fire up but Bron barks at the apron! Knight DECKS the dog, tells Heyman to get the same, but Bronson runs up! Knight DUMPS Bronson out, builds speed, but BRON SPEARS!!
Winner: LA Knight, by disqualification
The fans boo but Bron handed Knight the win with that one. Bronson stands Knight up so Bron can build speed and SUPER SPEAR!! Grand Rapids is torn but plenty of fans bark. And now Bronson goes up!? TSUNAMI!! Bronson goes up again, the refs hurry out here, but TSUNAMI AGAIN!! The fans want another, so Bron scares the refs off to let Bronson go back up! THIRD TSUNAMI!!! Have Rollins’ rooks just broken Knight into pieces? Is this a message to everyone that no one can stop the vision?
Jacob Fatu speaks.
“Yeah, c’mon on widdit! I just spoke to the man, and you know the man makes everything possible here on SmackDown! So next week, next week on Saturday, me ‘n’ you, Solo! Night of Champions, mano a mano, I’m about to dog walk yo’ ass for the US Championship! Solo, you better get in where you fit in. Cuz if you don’t, then baby, it’s ’bout to be all gas, no breaks with it. Yadadadada mean?” The Samoan Werewolf will get to sink his teeth into Solo, but will he stay golden through it all?
John Cena VS Ron Killings!
The Undisputed WWE Champion was the exact opposite of grateful for R-Truth saving him from Randy Orton at Backlash, and he doubled down when Ron tried to show him the truth at Saturday Night’s Main Event. So, if Cena doesn’t want the Truth, he’ll get someone who knows about ruthless aggression! Will Ron Killings bring an early end to the retirement tour? Or will Cena continue to ruin wrestling for everyone else?
SmackDown returns as Cena makes his entrance. The fans sing “JOHN CENA SUCKS~!” despite him wearing the Detroit Pistons colors. Cena makes Mark Nash give the “proper” introduction: “He is the Greatest of All Time, the Never Seen Seventeen, gracing Grand Rapids with his presence one final time… He is the Last Real Champion, JOHN CENA~!” The fans boo, the bell rings, and Truth stares at Cena while Cena smirks hearing the “Let’s Go, Cena!” “CENA SUCKS!” Truth TACKLES Cena! He fires off hands but Cena bails out! So Truth goes out to DECK Cena! “What’s up!?” “WHAT’S UP!” Truth has Cena at the desk and SMACKS him off it!
Truth ROCKS Cena again, and shakes his hand out from hitting so hard. Truth SMACKS Cena off the apron, storms in after him, and whips him to a corner. Cena hits buckles hard and falls to the mat! The fans continue to duel while Truth keeps his eyes on Cena. Truth storms up on Cena while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Truth stands Cena up, whips corner to corner again, and Cena hits buckles hard! Cena sputters, Truth looms over him, and Truth ROCKS Cena! Cena ROCKS Truth! They go back and forth with haymakers, and then Truth dodges to SHOULDER TACKLE! Truth still uses Cena’s own moves against him, and that includes the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Truth raises his hand and Grand Rapids joins in! “You Can’t See Me!” But then Cena bails out so Truth can’t hit him! Truth is annoyed, the fans give thumbs down, but here comes Truth. Cena ELBOWS him down! Cena drags Truth up, POSTS him, and he brings Truth back into the ring.
Cena HEADBUTTS Truth, CHOKES him on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Cena stomps away on Truth, then runs to KICK Truth in the back! Cena talks trash, then he runs to SHOULDER TACKLE! Cena takes his time, knowing it is what the fans want. Truth rises up, Cena runs to SHOULDER TACKLE again! Cena watches Truth rise again, gets around him, SPIN-OUT BOMB! And Cena raises his hand, reveling in the cheers and jeers. “You Can’t See Me!” SmackDown returns to single picture for the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Then Cena fireman’s carries, but Truth slips free! THESZ PRESS! And fast hands!
The fans fire up and Truth has Cena in a corner. Truth runs to STINGER SPLASH! Truth hitting all sorts of other iconic moves! Cena tumbles out and grabs the belt! Cena doesn’t care about this match anymore, he doesn’t need to take this! Truth says hold up! Truth runs Cena down and fires hands on the ramp! The fans fire up but Cena CLOBBERS Truth with the belt!!
Winner: Ron Killings, by disqualification
Cena wants to get another shot, but wait! PUNK IS HERE! Cena runs away into the ring, and he catches Punk as Punk slides in! The fans boo Cena but he huffs ‘n’ puffs. Cena drags Punk up, but Punk fires hands in return! Punk DECKS Cena, grabs the belt, and he holds it up! The fans cheer, and Punk aims, but Cena LOW BLOWS! Cena has a sinister smile as he grabs the belt. BELT SHOT for Punk!! The fans boo even more, but Cena decides to up the ante! Cena brings out a table! The fans cheer, everyone loves tables! Cena puts the table in the ring, then watches Punk sputter around. Cena sets the table up while the fans rally behind Punk.
Punk stands but Cena has the belt again! BELT SHOT!! Cena drags Punk up, fireman’s carries, ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENTÂ through the table!! Cena made Punk snap into a Slim Jim, and then he grabs a mic. Cena laughs at Punk, and then sits up on the corner. “Punk… As you lay there in your most uncomfortable…” Cena pretends the mic cut out, taps it, and then says, “Somebody’s afraid of what I’m gonna say.” Cena grins and the fans boo as Cena flips the iconic “Pipebomb” moment on it’s head. “As you lay there in your most uncomfortable, I hope you can listen. I hope you can digest.
“Because before I leave here in six months with that WWE Championship, I gotta get a whole lotta stuff off my chest. First thing’s first, I don’t hate you. I don’t even dislike you. I like you. I like you more than anyone you ever shared a locker room with, that’s for sure. I hate this idea of you. This idea that you’re the Best int he World. You’re not. I’M the Greatest of All Time.” Grand Rapids is a bit torn on that statement, but Cena says Punk is better than Cena at one thing: You’re the best BS artist in the world. Oh no, kiddos~! John Cena just dropped a curse word! That means the show is off the rails! Hey, Stu, shoot this. Hi~! “I’m breaking the forth wall! HAHA!”
Cena then says the truth is, Punk… Cena is jealous of you. Cena is jealous that Punk has conned the fans into believing the myth that Punk is the Best in the World. Oh how they chant for Punk! Which they literally do right now. Hell, the fans even sing for Punk now. But they don’t believe a damn word you say. Because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts! Punk is just a loud mouthed opportunist who steps on the necks of those who actually work hard if it gets him ahead. Oh, hey, look, another cameraman! “Hi, Claudio Castagnoli! Hey, Nic Nemeth! Hey, Matt Cardona! How’re you guys doing?”
The fans can’t believe Cena is going this far but Cena is loving it! “He’s heating up! He’s on fire! And there’s nobody back there that’s gonna cut my mic to save your ass, cuz I’m your only friend! Remember who gave you the stage for your pipebomb, pal! And what’ve you done with it since then, huh? You just regurgitated the same five microphone moves of doom. You’re promo potato salad, pal. Hey, you’re no longer the Voice of the Voiceless, you’re a friggin’ millionaire despite yourself. You’re not a punk, you’re a capitalist! And you’re not against TKO, dude, you are Mr. TKO. Cuz they knocked your balls technically off your body.
“Your tweets are strong, but your actions are weak. And in Saudi Arabia, you’re gonna face some loud, loud music when I finally prove to the world that each and every day, day in, day out, no days off for 25 YEARS, I have been the Greatest of All Time!” The fans cheer that a bit more now, to Cena’s surprise. “See, they know. And they know that you were the Best in the World… for seven minutes, 14 years ago. And if after Night of Champions, you’re still delusional enough to believe that you’re the Best in the World, well… I guess it’s a small world after all. You’re welcome, Grand Rapids.” The fans cheer, and Cena lets the world hear it.
Cena tells Punk to bring his A Game to Night of Champions. If Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Refs finally appear to check on Punk, Cena says no, that’s fine. Punk needs to rest up for his big title match. Get a good shot of this: Best in the World VS Greatest of All Time, for THE most coveted prize in sports entertainment, THE WWE Undisputed Championship! And Cena knows the fans will sing and chant, but he also knows even the idiots are smart enough to see the truth: The Champ is Here. And USA Network, keep the extra two and half minutes. He doesn’t need a bomb to blow the “mother fudging” building.
Oh, and thanks, Punk, for letting Cena rip off your best promo just to make you look even more foolish. Cena finally drops the mic and he raises the belt up again. If the proverbial tables have turned this drastically, is there no saving WWE from losing its north star championship?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown with an awesome ending. All those years ago, when CM Punk dropped THE OG “Pipebomb” promo, no one could’ve ever in a million years guessed that here tonight, we would’ve gotten the John Cena remix. Not only was that promo of the year, but Cena blew up go-home math. I can’t see Cena losing the title to Punk now. He can lose the match since Cena loves getting disqualified, and there’s the possibility of Rollins trying a cash-in, but Cena is leaving Saudi Arabia as champion to then go to SummerSlam. It also works because Cody Rhodes still feels like the favorite for King of the Ring.
A lot of that has to do with how Sami lost to Orton tonight. Great promo from the four semifinalists, especially since it was Jey, Sami and Orton kinda keeping Cody from talking since there isn’t more Cody needs to say. Win or lose, no explanations needed at this point. Sami VS Orton was an awesome match, but I could just feel an RKO countering the Helluva Kick as the way to go and that’s what they did. Now, as awesome as it would be for Jey to beat Cody, and then for Jey to beat Orton to go for the World Heavyweight Championship again, there are a lot of moving parts right now that it would just be the easiest for Cody to win the crown and have his rematch with Cena.
And while talking the WHC, Gunther VS Goldberg IS confirmed for the title, but has also been confirmed as Goldberg’s last match. This is a huge indicator that despite Rollins teasing a cash-in on the Undisputed title, he will likely be thwarted and then falls back to the title he feels is rightfully his. That is to say, Rollins cashes in on the winner of Gunther VS Goldberg, which I half expected even before all this talk of Goldberg’s last match. Rollins can take this title from Gunther and Goldberg, and then we can throw Jey and even LA Knight into the mix as things are getting heated between Knight and the henchmen.
Great promo from Knight with Heyman, great match with Knight VS Bronson, and a really powerful beating Knight takes from Bron & Bronson. If nothing else, Knight costs Rollins his cash-in. Truth going after Kit Wilson was an interesting move. Also a shame Elton Prince is hurt, Pretty Deadly gets going and then something happens to slow them down. But Kit was going to lose to Aleister so this really messes Aleister up more than anything. Priest keeping the peace between Aleister and Truth was good stuff. Priest and Truth being allies on SmackDown can be some real fun stuff, and I feel like they’re already set up for a feud with Aleister.
Very good stuff with Fatu, Solo and this US Championship story. Fatu VS Solo was the natural move, and I like that Jimmy Uso ends up an ally for Fatu. The title match is set, I wonder if we get a tag match first. In fact, next week is title night in Riyadh with Tiffany Stratton giving Nia the Last Woman Standing match, and basically setting the stage for Naomi to cash in. She almost did tonight but Nia was again able to stop her, so I would think Naomi waits until the very end of the Last Woman Standing match to take full advantage. Then, if Jade wins Queen of the Ring, we get Jade VS Naomi at SummerSlam.
Good promo from Jade, B-Fab & Michin watching Asuka VS Alexa. Asuka winning made the most sense, Alexa clearly has story with Charlotte and Asuka is just that good. Jade VS Roxie will be a good match but Roxie’s story in Judgment Day might keep her from winning. But then the fallback there is Roxie might actually sub in for the tag titles like I was thinking. Charlotte VS Chelsea was very good, and of course the Secret Her-vice does what they can to help. The beatdown they put on Charlotte and then Alexa making the save, that’s going to be one of those “can they coexist?” tag matches for sure.
Honestly, a little surprised we didn’t get any tag team promos tonight, unless I completely missed something. I believe title night is going to have Profits VS Gacy & Lumis for the tag titles, too, so that’s going to be something wild. And while DIY is scared of the Wyatts, I feel like they’re going to interfere because they don’t want the Wyatts to take the titles. But at the same time, the Wyatts need something substantial this time around, so maybe they win the titles at SummerSlam.
My Score: 9/10
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Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Last week’s episode was lacking in ring work but had decent story moments and segments. Starting the build to Slammiversary we can either launch nicely or things can always get worse. Jason Hotch and KC Navarro are the real shining stars of the last few months, so lets hope once they get over this Leon Slater idiot ship, they can push X Division wrestlers with actual talent for pro wrestling and not just flippy charisma vacuums.
Oh and let’s not forget, it is the episode they celebrate the 23rd anniversary of TNA! TWENTY – THREE!! Somewhere PCO hates this.
.@Kelly_WP is back in TNA Wrestling and has a message for TNA Knockouts World Champion @mashaslamovich!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZKKuL pic.twitter.com/tnm4TIuPUz
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Ratings:
- Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers: EY wins via Piledriver – ** 3/4
- Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge: Elegantos win via Rarefied Air – ***
- Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man: HTM wins via Cradle – *
- Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams: Elijah wins via Highwayman’s Farewell – ***
Results:
Sami Callihan vs Eric Young w/Losers
Sami knocks them all off the apron before the bell rings, he levels the loser children, finds a chair, attacks EY but EY counters and this is the excuse to use weapons since the bell didn’t ring yet. EY tries to break Sami’s hand on the steps with the chair, but Sami moves, throws EY back in the ring, bell rings and EY hits a Belly to Belly suplex for two. They slug it out, Sami goes for Headbutts, then Sami wants to run the ropes but a loser trips him, distracts long enough for EY to knock him out of the ring and loser children swarm as loser children do. EY does the classic, throw back out for losers to attack while EY grabs and distracts the ref. Sami is selling a few lame attacks from the losers like he got shot. It’s an excessive sell, so it’s honestly a dumb transitional moment.
EY levels Sami, Lariat into Scoop Slam, looks for the Macho Elbow but Sami hits the ropes to crotch EY. Sami Superplex time, but EY bites the face to make Sami drop, EY jumps at him but eats a straight right hand. Cactus Driver, but no, EY tries his Piledriver…they both gouge eyes at the same time, Sami catches an EY charge into a Flatliner as they’re both down…for…reasons? The selling in this match seems…poorly timed and kinda stupid. Hard Irish Whip, EY Flair Flips the corner, levels Sami, Macho Elbow for 2.9! EY threatens to hit the ref, but then goes to mad dog commentary. EY then wants to attack fans…he’s more unhinged than World Elite EY. Sami gives him the old Dick Twist into a Stunner but only for two! Losers try to distract, first one gets taken out, second one uses a chair, EY hits the Piledriver on Sami, EY wins.
I feel like this is gonna continue for a few weeks since it wasn’t a clean win.Â
Mustafa Ali’s group comes out, and I refuse to say the name because it’s dumb and they’re already fraying at the seams. Ali wants an apology session, Tasha and Hotch apologize to him but Skyler bites back and refuses, even shoved Ali. So Ali challenges him to a “Call to Arms” match. What in the hell is a Call to Arms match?Â
Lei Ying Lee & Masha Slamovich vs The Elegance Clique w/M & Personal Concierge
ASH does her borderline racist fake karate before Lei stares her down and tags in Heather. Heather avoids Lei, Lei throws a few Tornado Kicks to make a point and Heather tags out. Heather being 4’8″ helps her here. Concierge says “There’s no Karate in wrestling”. ASH, Lei and Masha are in the ring, ASH is trying to decide who she wants to face, but the Concierge google translated it and hands it to ASH, before the face team rocks ASH. Masha lifts up Lei and Lei does the Liu Kang Bicycle Kick, steering more into her Mortal Kombat aesthetic. Senton off the apron from Lei and Masha dives into the pile, the comedy heels are getting leveled. We go to commercial and come back with Lei getting Double Teamed but she spins it into a weird Neckbreaker..but can’t tag out just yet. Lei blocks Heather, Enzuigiri, simultaneous tag, Masha is Yakuza kicks for all and the 2 for 1 Lariat/DDT special. Near fall, but Masha goes for murder, but Heather breaks it, Rocket Launcher/Code Breaker from Elegance but Lei breaks up the pin. ASH tries to intimidate Lei with her fake Karate before throwing her out of the ring. Heather hits Lei with a handful of Glitter and then bounces her face off the post. Masha tries to stop ASH, Kelly’s music distracts Masha, Rarefied Air gives ASH the win.
Santino comes out and GOD DAMMIT no one wants to see Tommy Dreamer fight Mance Warner…that’s a useless thing. Pivot away…no one wants this. Oh no, now we have to listen to Steph talk too. Okay it seems to be a pivot, thankfully. Steph and Mance talk shit, Dreamer says something about Something is gonna happen…and Jake Something comes out. So…I guess we’re gonna build him up for 2 months and then job him out for 6 before he fucks off to his home galaxy or whatever?Â
.@indi_hartwell has a run in with Tessa Blanchard!
WATCH #TNAiMPACT on TNA+: https://t.co/cF0F1ZLikj pic.twitter.com/I6UCCk2fAG
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) June 20, 2025
Really wish Indi just opened with the Billy Butcher classic of, “Oi Cunt!” – but this wasn’t bad.Â
Eddie Edwards & JDC w/Alisha & Brian Myers vs Matt Cardona & Home Town Man
I hate… Cardona so much more now. Heel reasons for Cardona…go away heat for Deaner.
JDC wants the Home Town Man to start…and Deaner does his stupid Flip Flop and Fly, Cardona tags in, JDC is eating some offense, Cardona wants the Reboot, JDC powders, Cardona Dives but then Lish and the general numbers catch up to Cardona. Eddie is legal, and now they isolate Cardona with some decent tandem work and isolation. This turns into kind of a schmoz, lots of silly spots, near falls and then Home Town doofus gets the cradle pinfall on Eddie.
Whenever Deaner is involved I can’t be asked to care. The System beats Cardona and Deaner down, but Eddie did eat a pin. Which is embarrassing not even for work reasons, like it’s just sad.
Champion’s Challenge: The Rascalz, Joe Hendry, Leon Slater & Elijah vs The Kaiba Boys, Moose, Steve Maclin & Trick Williams
Elijah and Nic start things off, slow push off, arm wring, top wristlock, simple chain wrestling start. Nic breaks the chain and hits a Dropkick, Elijah runs the ropes and hits a Diving Lariat and starts the Rope Walk. Nic seems far to awake and alert for that move then, I hate how people pull that off too early. Wentz gets tagged in, Nic tags in Maclin who wasn’t looking for a tag, but him and Wentz have a nice clash, Trey tags in, they try to double him, but they pause and look at each other. Maclin asks for a tag, no one tags him so he Chops Ryan to tag him in and throws him in.
The little nod to Maclin and Rascalz history and the fact the faces realize Maclin isn’t a piece of shit. A little MCMG homage tandem attacks on Ryan, Wentz punctuates with the Handspring Knee Lift, Ryan tags out to Trick. Trick and Wentz go back and forth, Rascalz have Trick eating offense, Moose tries to slow things down, both Trick and Moose powder, Rascalz Double Golden Triangle Moonsaults. Trey gets tripped by Nic, Moose hits Lights Out, but there’s no referee so it’s a little chaotic.
Out of the commercial things are controlled kinda and we see a simultaneous tag to Moose and Leon. Leon comes out hot, level Moose with a Leg Lariat, attacks Nic Nemeth, attacks Ryan, and then Moose hits Leon with the Stun Gun. Moose looks to tag in Maclin but Maclin jumps off the apron. Trick takes the tag, keeps control, Trick forcibly tags in Maclin but Ryan tags himself in and pulls Leon to the Champions’ corner, Nic tags in and isolates Leon, with the Kaibas quick tagging and keeping Leon down.
Moose tags in, tries to Suplex Leon about four times but Leon stops it then counters the Suplex. Moose tries to cut him off, but the Champions distract the ref so the ref can’t see Leon tag out. Nic and Moose doubling up and Leon is the bump guy of this last portion of the match. Big Uranage from Moose…Moose looks for Lights Out but Small Package almost ruined things, Body Scissors Cradle, GAME CHANGER! Moose looks to hit a Jacknife Powerbomb but Leon turns it into a DDT. Maclin and Ryan start fighting, Nic Superkicks Maclin, Hendry and Nic tag in, Hendry is a house of fire. Sack of Shits for everyone! Nic, Ryan, there’s a pause when Hendry is face to face with Trick and Trick gets Uppercuts first then Sack of Shit! Standing Ovation on Nic, but Ryan blocks, Kaibas try a tandem attack but Hendry Lariats them both. Elijah tags in and is the maestro of the crowd and chopping Ryan to some fun. Ryan goes for a Polish Hammer but eats the Knee Lift. Signature spam time…
Ryan tries to use the International title but Maclin grabs the title away from Ryan, clocks Nic, Standing Ovation into the Highwayman’s Farewell. Champions lose!
Overall Score: 4/10
Well this was a rough one boys and girls. Sami and EY was just an overbooked shitshow, Lei Ying Lee is unfortunately in a spot where it’s obvious TNA has no clue how to use her, the Elegantos are the New Beautiful People, and I’m not mad at that. But you need to space out your goofball crap. You can’t have Elegance Clique, Home Town Moron and Santino in 3 consecutive segments. And if anyone goes “it was 3 out of 4” that’s doesn’t lessen my point, the beauty of Pro Wrestling being a variety show is…FOR VARIETY! When the lead match feels stupid because of bad pacing, poor selling and overbooking with two losers, it feels like a useless match with idiots, then comedy, followed by more comedy…you see how that’s literally NOT VARIETY.
Figure it out seriously. This was a disappointing episode. If you’re a casual viewer than it’s just chalk for TNA doing cringe and borderline goof crap since they’ve always steered a little more into the carny than other companies. But this show was…where’s Jisoo and Jenny? I feel like I need that gif:
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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4 Corners Podcast: The Fabulous Finals
The NBA and Stanely Cup Finals near their respective conclusions. Dave and Pat break down the action and whether anything...
4 Corners Podcast: Serving Up A Classic
Patrick returns as he and Dave discuss the Stanley Cup Finals, the NBA Finals, Coco Gauff's epic triumph, and a...
4 Corners Podcast: The Rematch & The Rebuild
Dave and PC Tunney preview the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals as the NBA and NHL reach the conclusion...
4 Corners Podcast: Blown Off Course
Dave and Tunney break down the Conference Finals in the NHL and NBA, discuss the NFL going to the Olympics,...
4 Corners Podcast: Bettor Late Than Never?
Dave, Patrick, and Tunney break down the NHL and NBA Playoffs and a pretty stunning decision from the MLB Commissioner's...
Mitchell’s Hyrule Puro-Resu Results & Report! (6/20/25)
It's Electric!
Bandwagon Nerds #293: Father Figures
The Nerds review the latest trailers for Iron Heart and Superman. A Spaceballs sequel is now official and why are...
Bandwagon Nerds #292: Where’s Michael’s Guitar?
The first ever Movie Year Draft highlight's this week's Episode. Plus, the Trailer Park rolls on, as does the search...
Attitude Of Aggression #310- Unidentified History: The Battle of Los Angeles
Unidentified History returns as Dave recaps his visit to Contact in the Desert and the guys do a deep dive...
Bandwagon Nerds #291: Its Pronounced Tuh-Doom
The Nerds cover all the best trailers from Tudum, discuss DC- Marvel crossovers, and get concerned for the future of...
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (6/20/25)
One step closer to the end!
DWI Podcast #479: Ron The Truth Simmons
Don't drink and drive, drink and podcast! Join AJ, DP and PC weekly for their thoughts on RAW, SmackDown and...
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 6.19.25
Are we going to start trending upwards with Slammiversary to build toward?
Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (6/19/25)
Rumble, Bad Man, Rumble!
Mitchell’s WWE Evolve Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Can the BOAT Evolve?
Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (6/18/25)
Viva La AEW!
Babyface Heel Podcast: LOL Charlotte Wins… AGAIN!
Even when she's not wrestling, Charlotte Flair keeps winning! Greg and Patrick breakdown her latest winning comments!
Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (6/17/25)
Trick'N Ain't Easy
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/16/25)
The last spots are on the line!
Mitchell’s NJPW Dominion Results & Report! (6/15/25)
Who leads the revolution?
