Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (12/19/25)
Families fight for the holidays!
Who will bring gold home for Christmas?
It’s the SmackDown Before Christmas, and Solo Sikoa sends his MFT after the Wyatt 6’s WWE Tag Team Championships!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- The Kabuki Warriors VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend; Nia & Lash win.
- Giulia w/ Kiana James VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green; Giulia wins.
- Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes VS #DIY; Ilja & Melo win.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sick6 VS MFT; No Contest, The Wyatts retain the titles.
PLAY BY PLAY
Damian Priest is here!
Hershey, Pennsylvania fires up as The Archer of Infamy makes his way to the ring. Priest grabs a mic, and he tells Hershey, “It’s nice to hear that energy, because I know the last few days weren’t easy. Saturday Night’s Main Event, we were forced to say goodbye to the career of John Cena.” The fans boo, and Priest says, “I can’t tell you how much I agree with that emotion, I really do. But I think I can speak for all of us when I say to someone who inspired so many, when I say to the man without a shadow of a doubt he IS the Greatest Of All Time, we say, ‘Thank you, Cena.'” The fans chant, “Thank You, Cena!” and Priest nods.
Priest continues by saying he feels that, and he thanks the fans for that. Now, let’s talk about some good times! Good times like last Friday Night SmackDown, when Zelina & Aleister got their asses dropped by the Terror Twins! The fans cheer that! Priest says that business has been handled, and now we look to 2026. In 2026- Zelina interrupts with sinister laughter. “Oh, Damian. You are such a hypocrite. You really think that getting your Mami to fight your battles for you makes you a real man? Newsflash, you didn’t even get the pin! And you call that salvation? You just can’t stand the fact that Aleister broke you.”
The fans boo, but Zelina says Priest made his decision. Now he has to live with theirs. Or more importantly, HIS! Because Aleister is here! And attacks from behind! The fans boo as Aleister fires elbows, but Priest fires back! The fans cheer as Priest HAMMERS away in the corner! Priest ROCKS Aleister, throws off his jacket, then kicks low! Priest reels Aleister in, but Aleister wrenches out and ELBOWS Priest! Then KNEES him outta the ring! Aleister then leaps from the apron, but into the guzel! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Priest then looks at the steel steps, and Zelina says don’t do it! Priest instead looks under the ring, and brings out a TABLE!
Hershey fires up as Priest sets this table up nearby, and Zelina panics! But Aleister has a chair! He JAMS Priest, then SMACKS him on the back! Priest guzels Aleister again! But Aleister POSTS Priest first! And ROUNDHOUSES! Priest ends up on the table, but he rises up to guzel again! Aleister BACK ELBOWS free! Aleister goes up, runs, and METEORA down through the table! Aleister clutches his leg, perhaps a double-edged attack, but the damage has been done! Did The Dark Father & La Muneca just ruin this holiday season for Priest?
Backstage interview with Nia Jax & Lash Legend.
Byron Saxton is with the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully as they wear very seasonal attire. Byron starts with Lash by giving her her flowers on that upset victory over Alexa Bliss. Nia stops Byron there, and asks what he means by upset. Lash clearly beat Alexa handedly! Lash says no matter how great “Lil’ Lexi” is, she never stood a chance against her. Because Lash was whooping her little tail up and down that ring like the Bougie Bully does. And now that they’re done with #Charlexa, Nia & Lash are moving on. Nia says once they annihilate the Kabuki Warriors, they’ll slide into that Women’s Tag Team Championship match to become the NEW champions!
Byron wants to point out that it is Rhea and Iyo that have the next opportunity, so- Nia mocks Byron by repeating him, and says it doesn’t matter who suddenly becomes best friends, those titles belong to Nia & Lash! Forget #RheYo, the Kabukis and Charlexa, this is about the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully now. They snap snap and head out, but will they make tonight a wrap? Or will they not be ready for Asuka & Kairi?
Damian Priest is helped backstage.
Priest clutches the back of his head and neck while producers help him to the medical trainer’s room. But then ALEISTER ATTACKS AGAIN! He THROWS Priest into road cases, then into spare railing! And then he swings a snow shovel around! Aleister SMACKS Priest in the back! Priest falls, coughs and sputters, and Zelina says it is time to end this! Aleister stands Priest back up, and BLACK MASS!! Priest slumps against the garage door in a daze, and producers call for the medic! Now has The Dark Father ended things with Priest?
The Kabuki Warriors VS Nia Jax & Lash Legend!
SmackDown returns and Lash makes her entrance, followed by Nia’s. The teams sort out, Lash starts against Kairi, and the fans rally up. The Bougie Bully chuckles seeing the tiny Pirate Princess, and they tie up. Lash THROWS Kairi aside, but Kairi is right up. They reset, circle again, and Kairi slips around to waistlock. Lash spins around but she can’t shake Kairi off! Kairi jumps on for a SLEEPER! Lash RAMS Kairi into buckles, is free of the hold, then runs up. But Kairi dodges the boot, CHOPS Lash, then bumps her off buckles! Kairi goes up, SMACKS Lash, then takes aim! The fans fire up for the CROSSBODY, but Lash catches Kairi!
Lash wags her finger pops Kairi around, but Kairi sunset flips! Lash waves her arms, stays up, and she YANKS Kairi right up! Lash whips, Kairi goes up and RANAS! The fans fire up while Lash tumbles! Kairi runs the ropes, but Lash UPPERCUTS her down! Lash scowls at Asuka, drags Kairi away, and she tags Nia. Asuka is worried but Lash whips Kairi into the corner for Nia to SPLASH! Lash adds a SPLASH, then she snapmares for Nia’s cover. TWO, but Nia drags Kairi around to then run and ELBOW FLOP! Hot tag to Asuka! The fans fire up as Asuka & Kairi get Nia up to double whip, only for her to block! Nia double whips, but they both dodge lariats!
The Kabuki Warriors mule kick, AX KICK, then DOUBLE KICK! Nia is down, Asuka covers, TWO! Nia snarls as she rises up, but Asuka KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS again! Nia blocks a kick to get under Asuka! Asuka fights free of the bomb, ROUNDHOUSES, then runs, but into a POP-UP HEADBUTT! Nia shakes out the stars, then runs up in the corner. Asuka BOOTS Nia, then hits a CODE BREAKER! Tag to Kairi, and the Kabuki Warriors DOUBLE SHOTGUN Nia outta the ring! Lash runs up, but they DUMP her out! Lash is on the apron, Asuka ROCKS her, then HIP ATTACKS! Lash falls, Nia is there, and Kairi goes up! SUPER DUPER ELBOW DROP!
The fans are all fired up for the Kabuki Warriors, and the Kabuki Warriors are also fired up, as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Nia steps on Kairi in the corner! The ref counts, Nia stops at 4, and the fans boo. Nia drags Kairi up, tags Lash, and Lash brings Kairi up for forearms! The fans rally for Kairi, Kairi fires body shots, but Lash CLUBS her down! Lash drags Kairi around into a chinlock and she squeezes tight! Kairi endures, the fans rally, and Kairi fires more body shots. Lash THROWS Kairi down! Lash tags Nia in, then holds Kairi in place while Nia sucker punches Asuka! The fans boo Nia but she goes to Kairi. Nia & Lash DOUBLE SUPLEX and hold Kairi up! But Kairi flails to DOUBLE DDT! The fans fire up while all three are down!
Kairi crawls, reaches out, and hot tag to Asuka! Asuka goes up, up, and DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Lash tumbles, Nia stumbles, and Asuka runs up to ELBOW Nia! Then she sends Lash into Nia! Lash staggers into a ROUNDHOUSE! ROUNDHOUSE for Nia! Asuka runs, Nia fireman’s carries, but Asuka fights free! URAKEN! SOBAT! FROTN KICK! HAYMAKER! And SUPERKICK! The fans fire up as Asuka hits the FLYING ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Nia endures, stacks Asuka up, and deadlifts her for a POWER- NO, Asuka sunset flips! Nia stays up, slaps free, but Asuka avoids the hip drop! SLIDING KICK! Cover, Lash breaks it!
Kairi URAKENS Lash! Kick, ENZIGIRI, and then Kairi runs to wheelbarrow and… NO, Lash throws her away to then DECK Kairi! But Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Lash down! Nia runs up, but Asuka dodges to POST Nia! Asuka fires up and so do the fans! Asuka goes up the corner, but Lash SLAPS her! Kairi YANKS Lash down, but Nia ROCKS Asuka now! Nia goes up, fireman’s carries, but Asuka sunset flips through! Kairi tags in, and she KICKS Nia into the POWERBOMB! But Lash YANKS Asuka out! And THROWS her into the steps! Kairi FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS Nia down! Kairi hurries up the corner while the fans cheer!
Kairi aims at Nia, but Nia is up! KABUKI- NO, Nia blocks the elbow to guzel and CHOKE SLAM! Then she drags Kairi into the drop zone to go up the corner! A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia & Lash win!
Winners: Nia Jax & Lash Legend, by pinfall
They said they would and they just did, they A-NIA-LATED the champs! But here comes #Charlexa! The fans fire up as The Queen & Lil’ Miss Bliss rush the ring! BOOT for Nia! KICK and forearms for Lash! Charlotte POSTS Nia, then helps Alexa, BOOT to Lash! SLAP! ROCK! KNEE! DROPKICK! The Bliss combo hits, and Charlotte gives Alexa a boost to DROPKICK Nia! Lash staggers around, but into a BOOT from Charlotte! Lash is in the drop zone, but Nia drags her to safety! The bullies run away, but will they have to settle things 2v2 with Charlexa? And what of the tag title situation? Will there be more than just one team of contenders now?
Backstage interview with Giulia & Kiana James.
But before Jackie Redmond can get started, Miss Management stops her, introduces herself, and says, “I don’t know who you think you are, but over here on SmackDown, if you want to address my client, you have to go through me first.” Jackie apologizes, she is normally on Raw. Can she please speak with Giulia? She may, just don’t make this mistake again. Okay, welcome her guest, the former Women’s US Champion! Jackie knows Giulia has made it aggressively clear she wants that title back from Chelsea Green, but Chelsea is making that difficult, making her go through Alba Fyre first.
Giulia says Chelsea likes to run and hide with that Women’s US Title, but that’s okay. Giulia will gladly take out Alba Fyre. But Chelsea, time is running out. Arrivederci, mata na. Kiana accompanies Giulia out, will Fyre be extinguished and unable to protect the Hot Mess from the Beautiful Madness?
WWE shares footage from the altercation earlier this week.
Nick Aldis, accompanied by local authorities, visited Drew McIntyre at his home in Florida. Aldis regrets needing to document this meeting, but it has unfortunately come to this. There is no way of knowing what Drew will misrepresent if they don’t. Drew sits with Aldis, Aldis thanks Drew for inviting him into his home, even though this could’ve been done at WWE HQ. But out of respect and in the interest of good faith, Aldis is here. Aldis says given what Drew pulled in DC, he’s questioning why he even bothered. But Cody wants him reinstated, as they all do, as Drew is a top talent, and an integral part of SmackDown.
So here is Aldis’ proposal, and he’s sure Drew will like the terms: Drew gets a 1v1 match with Cody Rhodes, for the Undisputed WWE Championship; and secondly, to show both the WWE officials and the fans that Drew is repentant, we need a public apology to referee Dan Angler for that heinous attack. The man is fortunate to not be in intensive care. There is also a hefty fine, but Aldis is sure Drew’s Survivor Series payday should just about cover it. So those are the terms, take it or leave it. Drew says he gets the title match. Yes. The thing he wants more than anything… Then Drew has no choice… NO. Absolutely not!
Because this is what Cody wants! This is what Aldis wants! They’ve created an unsafe working environment! If Drew accepts the terms, he’ll just get screwed again, so no, he does not accept them. Okay, instead of another monologue about all the ways Drew’s been screwed, he should just say what he wants. Drew says what he wants is for this to be fair. If Drew comes back, he gets the little match, as deserved. He knows WWE wants to protect their golden boy, but Drew wants to pick the stipulation. Aldis can do that.
Then last but by no mean’s least, go back to Stamford, Connecticut, get the lawyers, and draw up documents that say: Cody Rhodes cannot lay one finger on Drew before that championship match, or he is stripped of the title. Aldis really hates this, but… Fine. Drew has a deal. They shake hands on it, Drew says pleasure doing business with you. Now, let’s get the documents. How long will that all take? Aldis says he has to run this by Cody, then by legal, but maybe by end of day. Fantastic! Drew then gets a notification on his phone, and he can’t believe what he is seeing. His security camera is showing CODY RHODES is here, at Drew’s house!
Drew is furious, he thinks Aldis set him up! Aldis says that is not what happened here! Aldis wants Drew to calm down while he handles it, but Drew says he’ll handle it! Cody is shouting about Aldis can’t negotiate with Drew, he’s an arrogant psychopath! Drew shouts at Cody that he needs to get off his property! Cody gets loose and fires hands with Drew! The police get in there, but then Cody gets loose and TACKLES Drew on the lawn! The brawl keeps going, Cody THROWS a cop into the pond! Drew HEADBUTTS Cody, then TACKLES him onto a nutcracker! Cody and Drew are pulled apart, both men furious! Cody shouts, “MERRY CHRISTMAS, A-HOLE!”
Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.
Byron is with the SmackDown GM and brings up the “uncomfortable” footage, what does he make of how personal things have gotten? Aldis says it has gotten out of hand. There are legal letters, he’s had to hire extra security, even Ava Raine is mad because her champion, Oba Femi, had his moment ruined. And on top of that, SmackDown is still without one of its biggest stars. And yes, Drew, Aldis said it. There’s no love lost here, but he tells it like it is, and the same goes for Cody. What Cody did was completely out of line. But this is all out of Aldis’ hands, that was not at a live WWE event, it is up to local authorities to handle it.
But Aldis does plan on meeting with Cody to talk this out, and Drew has had more comments- The Miz steps in. He asks why everyone was shocked at Saturday Night’s Main Event. It is because “He Who Shall Not Be Named” RUINED it! And Miz wants a match with him! Him? Carmelo Hayes? No! Not- Well, maybe. But no, we know who he means. Yes, we know Miz means Joe He- DON’T! Do NOT say his name! You crazy? But yes, that guy, next week, on SmackDown. Aldis says that is a great idea. He’ll call Ava, and maybe she’ll see to it. But Miz could always just say his name. Miz scoffs, but then turns around to see R-Truth.
And R-Truth does the turn and, “I believe in Joe Pesci!” Miz can’t even, and he heads out. Truth says Miz is just jelly that Truth saw Aldis’ British balls. Aldis sighs and shakes his head. But will Miz get a match with the Prestigious One? Will Miz be made into a believer?
Giulia w/ Kiana James VS Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green!
The former Women’s US Champion wants to get her hands on the Hot Mess, but she must make it through security first. Will Alba deny Giulia the “clearance” to face the champ? Or will even she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
SmackDown returns and Chelsea makes her entrance to accompany Alba. The bell rings and Giulia TACKLES Alba! Giulia HAMMERS Alba, Alba gets free, but Giulia DROPKICKS her down! The fans fire up with Giulia while she glares at Chelsea. Giulia storms up on Alba, kicks low, then CLUBS her down. Giulia puts Alba in a corner, stomps her, then HEADBUTTS! Chelsea protests, Giulia glares at her, but Alba CHOPS! Giulia SMACKS Alba off buckles! Giulia fires hands, CHOKES Alba, and she SPITS at Chelsea! Giulia runs corner to corner and KNEES Alba in the ropes! The fans rally as Giulia snap suplexes! Cover, TWO!
Alba toughs it out, but Giulia looms over Alba. Giulia ties up Alba’s legs, gets the arms, but Chelsea protests. Giulia storms up on Chelsea, but Alba spins her! Alba ROCKS Giulia, ROCKS her and CLUBS her, then fires up! The fans rally as Alba TORNADO DDTS! Cover, TWO! Giulia survives, Kiana coaches her up, and Giulia pulls Alba’s hair! Alba pulls hair, but Giulia THROWS Alba by her hair! Giulia then puts Alba in a corner, and THROWS her the other way! Alba flounders, Giulia runs up, but Alba dodges! Alba swings, Giulia ducks it, and she has the COBRA TWIST! Giulia stretches Alba, HAMMERS elbows into her side, then rolls her up, ONE!!
Alba and Giulia roll and roll and roll, GROUND COBRA! TWO and Alba is dizzy! The fans rally as Giulia stomps Alba down. Giulia drags Alba up, wrenches, then half nelsons for the scoop. Alba slips free, shoves Giulia, and SUPERKICKS! Giulia falls, Alba covers, TWO! Alba is frustrated but she hooks Giulia up. Giulia flips that to backslide, TWO! ARRIVEDERCI!! Then the NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!! Cover, Giulia wins!
Winner: Giulia, by pinfall
Chelsea has a meltdown, saying it doesn’t matter, Giulia isn’t getting the Women’s US title from her! But then Giulia scares Chelsea into falling right on her butt! Is there nowhere to run and nowhere to hide with Giulia hunting Chelsea down?
The Wyatts have a message.
Uncle Howdy says, “Listen closely, Solo. Your greed for status and power have led you down a dark path. The truth lies beneath the surface. And this image you portray is going to catapult your family into a whole new world! A world filled with adversity and abandonment. There will be nowhere for you to run! Solo, tonight, you begin your journey. A journey that will force you and your family to surrender.” Howdy laughs maniacally, will his family tear down the MFT here tonight?
Cody Rhodes is here!
Hershey fires up for The American Nightmare, and they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, Cody feels fired up, and we get the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro before he steps into the ring. Fans cheer Cody while he gets a mic to say, “Hershey, PA…! Whaddya wanna talk about?” The fans cheer, and Cody says, “Did I go to Drew McIntyre’s home? Did a member of law enforcement get thrown into the water? Did things get physical? Yes. But, Drew McIntyre has stated that WWE currently is an unsafe working environment.” The fans boo, but Cody says that’s right, the WWE Universe collectively is an “unsafe working environment.”
The fans boo more, but Cody says Drew was surrounded by MMA stars, second generation wrestlers, NIL college and pro-athletes. What is a safe environment for him? A Staples? That little yard brawl was one TENTH of what should happen right here, right now, inside this very ring! But then Aldis walks out and says Cody does not appreciate the situation he has gotten himself into, that he’s gotten ALdis into, and the company. Drew is caliming unsafe work einvornemnt. And we know that is crap, but the problem is, Cody showed up at Drew’s house and stared a brawl, making Drew’s point for him.
And to make it worse, Aldis had to make a bad deal because Cody made Aldis look like a liar. Aldis is telling Cody this as a friend: yes, Cody is the champ, #QB1, but he is not above the law. Aldis can’t help with that one. Cody should’ve trutsed Aldis to get this over the finish line, but he didn’t. So now, when Drew comes back, if he pays the fine and makes the apology to Dan Angler, then… Cody can’t lay a finger on Drew until the title match. Or what? Or Aldis has to strip Cody of the WWE Championship! Cody has to give into those demands? Okay, Cody guarantees he will NOT touch Drew McIntyre.
But in the spirit of all these demands, Cody would like to ask Aldis something. Cody feels Aldis has forgotten who he’s talking to. Ask their mutual freind, Wade Barrett. Ask the cameramen. Say his name, because you know, Cody is the one who sent the tweet that changed the game! Cody is the one who cdame back to win th eRoyal Rumble not once but twice. Cody is the reigning King of the Ring! He unseated the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and he defeated the Greatest Of All Time to be the champion! He IS Q B 1!! And here you are, saying Cody’s not above the law? As long as Cody has this title, he IS the law!
The fans cheer as Cody tells his friend, whether it is Aldis’ demands or Drew’s, remember that while Cody holds this title, he doesn’t work for Aldis, he works for the PEOPLE! The fans cheer that! Cody then tells Aldis, “You work for me.” Cody storms out of the ring, will the American Nightmare be the one to finally end things with the Scottish Terminator?
Ilja Dragunov talks with Carmelo Hayes backstage.
The Mad Russian Dragon admits, he’s not the type to settle things for others. He’s the US Champion, it is others who go after him. But after last week, Ilja wants to say thanks. Melo says don’t even mention it. Ciampa screwed Melo, Melo had to get even for that. The issues with Gargano is just collateral. And all this jumping from behind stuff, Melo don’t play that. Ilja says anymore. But tonight, they will fight DIY in that ring. And tonight, they will put DIY down! Melo nods, but then in steps Fraxiom. They wish Melo & Ilja good luck tonight. But do them a favor and save something for them.
Yeah, they’d go after DIY themselves, but apparently Ilja & Melo jumped the queue. Axiom calms Frazer down and says the bottom line is, DIY stole Axiom’s mask, time to pay for it! Melo says they’re talking to the wrong two. They have their own score to settle, and they don’t miss. Well, then in case you do… Fraxiom will be there. Ilja wants everyone to understand, DIY asked for this battle. And in they ask for a battle, they will get a battle. Especially after last week, Ciampa made Ilja bleed, so he isn’t just a jackass anymore. Now Ciampa is Ilja’s prey! Melo likes that. Melo & Ilja head out, and was Tama Tonga lurking in the background?
Tensions are running high, something’s gotta give, but who will break under this intense pressure?
Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes VS #DIY!
SmackDown returns as Ilja makes his entrance, followed by Melo’s. The teams sort out and DIY just attack! But Ilja & Melo both dodge to both JUMP KICK! They fire off on DIY with CHOPS and stomps and repeat! Melo TOSSES Gargano, Ilja SMACKS Ciampa off buckles, then Ilja sends H1M in for a FOREARM SMASH on Ciampa! Ilja runs up to KNEE Ciampa, then he goes side to side to BOOT WASH! The fans fire up as Ciampa dangles out of the ring, and Ilja drags him back in. Ilja bumps Ciampa off buckles, then CHOPS! Ilja brings Ciampa around, CHOPS him down, then paces. Ciampa goes for a leg but Ilja smothers him with a facelock.
Ilja drags Ciampa over, tags Melo, and they mug Ciampa. Melo fires hands, then whips Ciampa to ropes. Melo CLOBBERS Ciampa, then runs to drop the leg, brother! Cover, ONE, but Melo keeps Ciampa from Gargano. Tag to Ilja, they mug Ciampa more, and Ilja brings Ciampa up to pump handle and EXPLODER! Ilja roars, the fans cheer, and Ilja goes to the corner. Ilja climbs up, but Candice LeRae distracts! Gargano YANKS Ilja down to the apron! Ciampa KNEES Ilja off the apron and Ilja hits the desk! The fans boo and Melo protests, but the ref keeps him back. DIY taunt Ilja while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Ciampa tags Gargano, Gargano ROCKS Ilja, then SMACKS him off the apron. Gargano pushes Ilja into the ring, storms up on him, and snapmares him for the basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gargano stomps Ilja, but he hears the fans taunting him and Ciampa. Gargano tells them to shut up, and he SMACKS Ilja off buckles. Tag to Ciampa, DIY mugs Ilja with stomps, but the ref counts. DIY stomps at 4, but Ciampa digs his boots in. The ref reprimands and counts, Ciampa stops at 4 and argues with the ref. Gargano CLAWS Ilja’s face in the distraction! Melo protests, but Ciampa scoops Ilja to BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!
Ciampa argues with the ref, drags Ilja around, then stomps him! Ciampa puts Ilja in the corner, but Ilja takes swings! Ilja kicks low, CHOPS Ciampa, CHOPS again, but Ciampa kicks Ilja’s leg! Ilja falls, Ciampa rains down fists, and Ciampa stops to take a sarcastic bow. Ciampa tags Gargano, SMACKS Ilja off Gargano’s boots, then Gargano RAMS Ilja into the corner! Ilja CLUBS Gargano, Gargano RAMS Ilja, repeat! Gargano then backs off to taunt Melo. Gargano takes a free throw, but this distraction lets Ciampa mug Ilja! The ref misses it, Gargano tags Ciampa, and they mug Ilja again. The ref does see that but Ciampa snapmares Ilja into a chinlock.
Ciampa flexes while he squeezes Ilja with one arm. Ilja rises up, but Ciampa THROWS him down! Ciampa taunts the fans, taunts Melo, then CLUBS Ilja! Melo avoids the cheap shot, but Ciampa CHOPS Ilja again! And ROCKS him! Ilja fires back as SmackDown returns to single picture. The shots go back and forth, the fans cheering Ilja and booing Ciampa. The CHOPS go back and forth, then Ilja gets the edge with forearms! Ciampa BOOTS Ilja, Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up, Ciampa tags Gargano! Gargano hurries to waistlock Ilja, but Ilja fires elbows! Gargano shoves Ilija, but Ilja hits the CONSTANTINE SPECIAL!
The fans fire up while both men are down, Ilja crawls, hot tag to H1M! Melo rallies on DIY, fires off on Gargano, then CHOPS! Melo whips, Gargano reverses, but Melo hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER! Then he runs to LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Gargano survives but Melo tags Ilja! Melo FLIES onto Ciampa! Ilja is up top now, and he SUPER SENTONS! Cover, TWO!! Gargano survives again but Ilja clamps on with a waistlock. Ilja drags Gargano up, Gargano fights the lift and fires elbows! Ilja staggers back, Melo tags in! NOTHING- Well, in fact, Melo gets nothing as Gargano moves! Melo rolls through to SUPERKICK, but Ciampa blocks!
Gargano runs up, SUPERKICK on Melo! Tag to Ciampa, Ciampa brings Melo around to lift and PROJECT CIAMPA!! Cover, ILJA BREAKS IT!! The fans fire up, Gargano is after Ilja, and Gargano TOSSES Ilja out! But Ilja drags Gargano out! Ilja whips, Gargano reverses and Gargano POSTS Ilja! Ciampa brings his kneepad down, but Melo SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up and Melo aims again. Melo goes to the ropes, Ciampa distracts the ref, and Candice trips H1M up! The fans boo, but the PSYCHO KNEE hits the mark! Cover, TWO?!?! Melo survives and shocks Ciampa! Tag to Gargano, CHASING THE FAIRYTALE ENDING!! Cover, TWO!?!?
The fans fire up as Melo survives again! Gargano tags Ciampa, DIY aims from the corners! MEET IN THE- TORPEDO MOSCOW for Gargano! FIRST 48 for Ciampa! Tag to Ilja, and H-BOMB FOREARM for Ciampa!! Tag back to Melo, he goes up, NOTHING BUT NET!! Cover, Ilja & Melo win!
Winners: Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall
DIY tried to cheat another one away, but they couldn’t pull it off! Ilja & Melo give each other props on the win, but will they run it back for that US title? Or will someone else jump the line and get their shot?
Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.
Jackie Redmond finds #Charlexa and asks why they attacked Nia & Lash. What message are they sending? Alexa says the message is, if you look too far into the future, you miss what is stnaidng right in front of you. Rhea & Iyo get their title shot on January 5th, and clearly Nia & Lash think they’re next in line. But they’re not, they’re just in Charlexa’s way. So whoever wins the titles, they’ll be waiting. But then in steps Jade Cargill. The WWE Women’s Champion smirks, Charlexa leaves, and Jackie says while she’s here, is there something Jade would like to say about brawling with Mia Yim last week on SmackDown?
Jade says it is the season for giving, so she’ll say something nice: She was shocked to see Michin get back up after Jade knocked her down. Now, Mia and the rest of the division will take these L’s. Jade’s about charity, so she’ll share the spotlight. And then she’ll knock Mia’s lights out. Now, we done? Yeah. Jackie leaves, but MICHIN runs in! And she SMACKS Jade with the kendo stick! Mia says Jade forgot, time to remind her! Officials stop Mia, B-Fab is also here, and Jade is hurting but also pissed. Will The Storm be even colder now that the Head Baddie In Charge has called her out?
Solo Sikoa walks ‘n’ talks.
“Howdy, you talk a whole lotta nonsense about absolutely nothing. But when you threaten my family, that’s where we got a problem. You think this is a game, huh? When it comes to my family, I don’t play no damn games. You understand me? We are going to humiliate you, embarrass you, in front of the whole wide world. Wait, you hear that/ Can you hear that? The fireflies are here.” Solo has arrived at gorilla where MFT stands ready with the war paint. “And they are going to watch us take those tag team titles. Because whether they like it or not, I’ve got the whole world in my hands.”
The fans boo as Solo mocks the legacy of Bray Wyatt, but will there be no stopping MFT from running WWE? Or will the Wyatts make sure they follow the buzzards?
WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sick6 VS MFT!
SmackDown returns and the lights go down as The Wyatts now make their entrance. The fireflies come out, the Wyatts walk through the eerie light, and both lantern and rocking chair await. Uncle Howdy leads the way to the ring, and he laughs as the lights come up. Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis step in, the belts are raised, and we see who steps out, golden for the holidays!
The teams sort out and Lumis starts against Tonga Loa. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. Lumis waistlocks, headlocks, and grinds the hold. Loa powers up and out, Lumis ducks ‘n’ dodges, then he slides under the boot. Lumis kicks low, UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCDUTS! Loa wobbles, Lumis creeps around, and Loa backs off. Loa runs up, but Lumis dodges to then hit a BIG back suplex! Kip up and LEG DROP! The fans cheer, Lumis covers, ONE!! Loa is tougher than that but Lumis brings him up. Tag to Gacy and they mug Loa while Solo watches from ringside. Gacy wrenches but Loa UPPERCUTS!
Loa powers Gacy to the corner, he SMACKS Gacy off buckles then stomps a mudhole! The ref counts, Loa stops at 4, and the ref tells Loa to listen to him. Loa tags JC Mateo, they stomp away together now, and the ref counts again. JC stops to stalk Gacy, then ROCKS him with a right hand. JC whips, Gacy reverses, and Gacy DROPKICKS! JC staggers, Gacy brings him over and tags Lumis. Whip and atomic drop, then Gacy runs to LARIAT JC down! Lumis SENTONS, covers, TWO! JC bails out, the fans rally, and Lumis tags Gacy. Gacy runs to BLAST Loa! And then he SUPERKICKS JC! Gacy builds speed but JC gets away!
Gacy stops to then slide out of the ring, but Loa LARIATS him down! JC catches Lumis, suplexes, and POSTS him before an OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE on the floor! Solo says look at the Wyatts! Lookin’ stupid! Solo applauds MFT while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Loa & JC soak up the heat from Hershey while they pace around. Solo taunts the fans, Loa drags Lumis up, and Loa puts Lumis in the ring. JC covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! JC clamps on and he smothers Lumis into the mat! JC CLUBS Lumis down, then drags him up. JC bumps Lumis off buckles, tags Loa, and they mug Lumis again. Loa throws hands, then CHOPS! Lumis sputters, Loa UPPERCUTS, and Loa CHOPS again! Loa UPPERCUTS again, then bumps Lumis off buckles. Loa stomps Lumis down, tags JC, and they DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Lumis falls, JC stomps away, then he drags Lumis up. Lumis fires body shots but JC shoves and ELOBWS! JABS! YUKON LARIAT!
GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Lumis survives but JC clamps on with a chinlock. Lumis endures the squeeze, but JC drags Lumis up to bump off buckles. Tag to Loa, they double whip Lumis to a corner, then LARAIT and BACK ELBOW! Feed to the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Lumis survives again and Loa is furious! Loa stomps Lumis, SmackDown returns to single picture, and Loa HEADBUTTS Lumis down! Loa then LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Lumis continues to tough it out, and both sides are very tense. Loa bumps Lumis off buckles, stomps and UPPERCUTS, then he CHOPS again!
Loa UPPERCUTS Lumis, then BODY BLOWS again and again! The fans rally for Lumis, they taunt Solo, but Loa CHOKES Lumis on the rope! The ref counts, Loa backs off, but he comes back to stomp Lumis again. Tag to JC and they mug Lumis. The fans taunt Solo with “O T C! O T C!” Loa & JC double whip Lumis, Lumis ducks Loa but not the POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! JC is frustrated but he drags Lumis up. The fans rally, Loa tags in, and the mugging continues. Loa CLUBS Lumis down, but Nikki Cross hammers the apron to keep the fans going. Loa scoops Lumis, runs, and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!
Lumis survives again and Loa is just getting angrier! Loa stands Lumis up, but Lumis SUPERKICKS free! Loa falls, Lumis crawls, JC tags in! JC back suplexes, but Lumis lands out! And SUPERKICKS! Lumis crawls again and the fans fire up, hot tag to Gacy! The fans fire up as Gacy LARIATS JC, RAMS him, then dodges to fire haymakers! The fans fire up, and Gacy hits a BIG suplex! Gacy BLASTS Loa, ROCKS JC, then SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! JC survives and the fans fire up again! Gacy LIONSAULTS but FLOPS as JC moves! ATHLETIC PLEX! Then the cover, TWO!! Gacy survives but JC hurries to whip!
Gacy handsprings! Into the UPSIDE-DOWN!! JC tumbles out, Loa whips Gacy, but he also gets the UPSIDE-DOWN!! The fans fire up as MFT regroups on the outside! Gacy builds speed and he FLIES! Not the cleanest takeoff but he took down JC & Loa! Tag to Lumis and Gacy gets JC up! Lumis reels JC in, time for the PURGE! Lumis goes up, up, and DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, Loa breaks it! Loa then TOSSES Gacy, he argues with the ref, and Talla Tonga BOOTS Gacy down! The fans boo, but here comes Erick Rowan! Big Red CLOBBERS Talla! Solo & Tama go after Erick! Loa joins in, they TOSS Rowan over the desk!
But now Howdy is after Solo! Tama CLOBBERS Loa, Lumis ROCKS Tama, Loa goes after Lumis, the ref just calls it!!
No Contest; The Wyatts retain the titles
These two factions are wreaking havoc in Hershey, and the fans are upset by this ending! But at the same time, what did anyone expect from this? Tama CLOBBERS Howdy, fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Howdy hits Tama back, but Solo DECKS Howdy! Lumis fires hands on Loa, JC CLUBS Lumis, and Tama helps Loa get Lumis and Gacy up. The fans boo but then TALLA climbs!? TALLA CROSSBODY onto EVERYONE!! The fans boo, but now Rowan is up! And he DROPKICKS Talla! Then he LARIATS Talla up and out! The fans fire up, and then Nikki says use her! Erick pops her up, and THROWS her out onto Talla!
But then Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Rowan!! And SAMOAN SPIKES again!! But Howdy clinches Solo!! SISTER- TAMA CLOBBERS HOWDY! The fans boo as Howdy is denied his shot, but this is still a chaotic brawl as SmackDown is going off the air! Will these two teams fight all the way to Christmas?!
My Thoughts:
A very good SmackDown to lead into the holiday season, and this was clearly prerecorded from how it was in Hershey, just like Raw, and how it had the Raw commentary and backstage team. Good stuff with Cody, Drew and Aldis this week. That was perhaps the most cinematic and well-produced “attack at home” segment WWE has ever done. Also those were in fact Evolve talent being used as fake cops, pretty sure I saw Braxton Cole and It’s Gal in there. But then good follow-up promos from Aldis and Cody, and Cody sounded the most Homelander he has since even his AEW days. And oddly, fans cheered that. Do fans want Homelander Cody that badly?
That aside, Cody VS Drew for the fifth or sixth time, I feel like Drew needs to win this time or this has all been for naught. Especially since Drew said he gets to choose the stipulation, and he can surely come up with the most one-sided thing to screw Cody over. Miz and Truth had a great part in this, too, and Miz VS Hendry will be great stuff. We still need better for the Women’s US Championship, as the fans barely cared about Giulia VS Alba. Of course Giulia won, and I’m sure she’ll face Chelsea soon enough. It might even be part of the first three-hour SmackDown in the New Year, where hopefully more time translates to better material.
Good stuff with Priest, Aleister and Zelina, and it is clearly pushing the feud further towards one more No Disqualification style match. Very good promo from Lash & Nia ahead of their match against The Kabuki Warriors. Very good win for Lash & Nia, too, and that certainly establishes their right to a tag title match. Charlexa of course went after them for last week, though, and it sounds like we’ll get Nia & Lash VS Charlotte & Alexa for #1 contenders to the winner of Kabuki Warriors VS Rhea & Iyo, which is disappointing given how I was hoping for that big title match of all the teams.
Good promo from Charlexa after all that, and another good encounter between Charlotte and Jade to tease an eventual title match. Michin getting the drop on Jade is good stuff, too, that’ll be a very good match but I would think Jade retains again. Good promo from Ilja, Melo and Fraxiom, and a great tag match from Ilja & Melo VS DIY. Great win for Ilja & Melo, and I’m sure we’ll get another great DIY VS Fraxiom. And very good main event, but I should’ve known things would end up like that. There definitely needs to be something No DQ here, or maybe just a ringside ban so we can have an actual 2v2. Fans might be more into the former than the latter, so WWE might go with that.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Who heads for Montreal?
To determine a challenger to the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, SmackDown holds qualifying matches for a #1 contender’s match! Who wins tonight to advance to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Randy Orton VS The Miz; Orton wins and advances.
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Giulia & Kiana James; Charlotte & Alexa win.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Matt Cardona; Trick wins and advances.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa; Priest wins and advances.
- WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS Leon Slater; Melo wins and retains the title.
- Jordynne Grace VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre; Grace wins.
- WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov; Sami wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Bagpipes play for Drew McIntyre!
A troupe of six play the music of the Scottish Terminator’s people before the NEW Undisputed WWE Champion officially makes his entrance. London cheers as Drew steps on stage, belt around his waist, and they sing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” as he takes his time walking down the ramp. Drew gets his pyro, the fans cheer more, and Drew continues to the ring. Drew looks at the championship while he hears the fans cheering, and he goes up the corner to raise the belt up high! The fans cheer as Drew gets more pyro! And a lot of it! The fans cheer again, and Drew puts the belt on his shoulder, but then he goes back out to join the front row in cheering!
Drew goes back to the ring, grabs the mic, and the singing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” continues. Drew says, “I prayed for this and it happened.” The fans cheer that, then chant, “You Deserve It!” Drew says, “I know it’s been a rough few years in the UK here, but if there’s somebody that can bring us together, it’s our Undisputed WWE Champion. It’s the first-and-only-ever BRITISH WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre!” The fans cheer that! Drew says the love he’s been shown the past week is incredible. Texts, social media posts, the cheers all across Europe, including tonight, “you bunch of mentalists.”
And Drew just wants to say to each and every one out there… “Screw you.” The fans laugh at that, but Drew says no, this isn’t even being a bad guy wrestler. Seriously, screw you! When he got FIRED from WWE, where were they? They wanna jump on the bandwagon now? 99% of them weren’t there for him! When he was being screwed over by Roman Reigns and the Bloodline, there was no uprising for him, huh? How’d they help him out? When CM Punk screwed Drew, the fans cheered Roman and Punk and doing the YEET with Jey Uso! The fans do chant those things now, and then Drew brings up Cody and the corrupt refs!
Was there a hashtag for Drew? NO! There is only one person Drew needs to thank, that ever believed in Drew, and that person… is Drew! So thank you, Drew! If you wanna chant, chant “Thank You, Drew!” The fans do chant, “Thank You, Drew!” Well, there’s one more person Drew must address: The former… Oh, that feels good to say. Drew knows Cody Rhodes is here, and it must cut like a knife to say FORMER WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes! The fans now sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Yes, Drew knows Cody’s crack team is trying to figure out a title rematch. Drew admits to having Nick Aldis add a little extra clause.
Since 99% of Americans can’t read, Drew will tell us what it is: There is NO rematch clause! Cody must start at the bottom, work his way back up. The Vanilla QB1 Era is over! The Dangerous Drew Era begins tonight! The fans cheer that! But then here comes Randy Orton! The fans also cheer for The Viper, they sing along with Voices, and Orton goes right to the ring. Orton grabs himself a mic while the fans finish singing, and then the fans cheer as Orton and Drew are face to face. Drew says this must be Orton out here to congratulate him. The fans chant “R K O!” while Orton chuckles. Orton says Drew and the fans in London all know that they don’t like each other one bit.
So no, this is not Orton here to congratulate Drew. Orton is here to remind Drew that a few months ago, Drew had the chance to kick Orton through the table and declined. The fans again chant “R K O! R K O!” Orton says he wanted to tell Drew that when Orton has the opportunity to return the favor, he won’t hesitate. he beat Drew for that title before, he’ll do it again, and it’ll be courtesy of the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O! The fans cheer that, but Drew smirks. Only for JACOB FATU to show up! The fans cheer the Samoan Werewolf as he storms his way down the ramp and to the ring.
Drew wants Fatu to hold on, but Orton steps aside so Fatu can DECK Drew! Fatu goes out after Drew, DRIBBLES him off the desk, then whips again! Drew reverses to POST Fatu, but Fatu isn’t even bothered! Drew hurries away, Fatu chases him into the crowd! Orton is more amused than anything, will Drew get out of London in one piece? But then The Miz slithers in! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE on Orton!! The Hollywood A-Lister strikes outta nowhere, but will he soon regret that? We find out, after the break!
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Randy Orton VS The Miz!
SmackDown returns and the match is already going as Orton fires body shots and a HEADBUTT! But Miz kicks the leg out and BASEMENT DDTS! Cover, TWO! Orton survives then bails out, then throws his shirt off. The fans rally, but Miz pursues. Orton ROCKS Miz, then brings him up for the DESK BACK- NO, Miz lands out to then CLUB Orton! Miz hits the DESK BACK SUPLEX! The fans boo as Miz mocks Orton’s signature pose, then Miz puts Orton in the ring. Miz stomps Orton, but the fans taunt Miz with, “OH~ Miz is a Wanker~!” Miz throws hands, Orton fires back, and they go back and forth.
Orton fires off haymakers, whips Miz to a corner, but Miz reverses. Miz soaks up heat, runs in at Orton, but Orton LARIATS first! And LARIATS again! Then a dodge and SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up for Orton while Miz scrambles to the apron. Orton goes after Miz, brings him through the ropes, but Miz fights free! Miz hurries away while the fans boo, but Orton pursues. Orton finds Miz at the desk! Kick and DESK BACK SUPLEX! Miz sputters and writhes while the fans fire up. They want that “One More Time!” Orton obliges, another DESK BACK SUPLEX for Miz! The fans rally, they still want that “One More Time!”
Orton gets Miz up again, a third DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton refreshes the count while Miz slumps off the desk. The fans cheer Orton, he puts Miz in the ring, and he has Miz in the ropes! The fans fire up again and Orton smiles as he drags Miz in, DRAPING DDT! The fans cheer again, and Orton hears those voices! Miz slowly rises, R K- FINALE!?! Cover, TWO!! Orton survives and the fans cheer! Miz is beside himself as Orton survives his finisher again! The fans rally behind Orton but Miz storms up to full nelson again. But Orton arm-drags free, RK- NO, Miz rolls him up, TWO! Miz scrambles, RKO!! Cover, Orton wins!
Winner: Randy Orton, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
The fans cheer as The Viper strikes, and now punches his ticket to Montreal! But will Orton truly be the Apex Predator when he battles three others for that #1 contender’s spot?
Drew returns backstage.
He grumbles about crazy Fatu, but Ilja Dragunov finds him. The Mad Russian is glad they are finally talking face to face. Obviously, Drew has some problems, so Ilja will get to the point: Tonight, Ilja will beat Sami Zayn and be one step closer to the championship. Ilja won a championship his first night back, simply because he doesn’t fight like a sane man! Drew says yeah, he doesn’t care, there’s a crazy person after him! Go ahead, win your match, win the Fatal 4 Way, and we’ll see him at the Royal Rumble. Drew swears he did NOT knock Fatu’s teeth out, but he sure will do that to Ilja! Drew runs off, but is that true? If Drew didn’t sideline Fatu, who did?
The Wyatts speak.
Bo Dallas says, “Solo… You think you stole our light. But you’ve just inherited the weight of what it really means. The lantern has never been a weapon. We carry it in the dark, so the dark doesn’t carry us. It does not belong int he hands of someone who believes taking it is more powerful than its true purpose. It will come back to us. Like a moth to a flame, we will not rest until it’s home.” The warning has been issued, will MFT heed it?
Charlotte Flair finds Alexa Bliss backstage.
The Queen hip bumps Lil’ Miss Bliss to cheer her up, but it doesn’t really work. Alexa says last week sucked: She lost to Giulia, Nia & Lash messed with her before the match and then beat her up after. It was a complete numbers game, Alexa was alone, so was Charlotte actually sick? Or was she just “cough cough” sick? No, it was not a “cough cough,” it was a “barf barf.” And Alexa’s the one that got a title opportunity without Charlotte, but Alexa has no idea how many title opportunities Charlotte turned down because she put the team first. Really? Yes, really. Name them. Not the point. Well, does Charlotte have Alexa’s back? Does Alexa have Charlotte’s back?
Bottomline is, Alexa is Charlotte’s person. Charlotte was sick. Heart hands, and Charlotte says she’ll finish warming up. But then Nia & Lash walk in saying that was so cute. Charlotte has no reason to trust Nia, but this is typical Alexa. She makes you feel guilty then plays victim. She’s really good at it. Yeah, Charlotte has no reason to trust Nia. And they won’t like her response. As for this charade, Charlotte gets why Alexa isn’t friends with Nia. And Lash has changed. Charlotte heads out, will #Charlexa be able to focus on the match before them? Or will the Irresistible Force & Bougie Bully make sure all eyes are on them again?
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Giulia & Kiana James!
SmackDown returns and the Beautiful Madness and Miss Management are already waiting in the ring. Charlotte makes her entrance, followed by Alexa. The teams sort out and Alexa starts with Kiana. The fans “WOO~” for Charlotte while Kiana talks some trash on Alexa. Kiana shoves Alexa, but Alexa SLAPS back! The fans cheer that! Alexa then ducks a shot to SLAP, ROCK, KNEE, and DROPKICK Kiana! Alexa runs, but Kiana gets up to KNEE low! Kiana brings Alexa around, suplexes, but Alexa tags out to Charlotte. The fans “WOO~” again and Kiana talks more trash. Charlotte slips around her, Kiana ELBOWS free, then whips, but Charlotte reverses!
Kiana hits buckles, but she ELBOWS back again! Kiana goes up and over Charlotte, then SUPERKICKS! Charlotte wobbles, Kiana runs, but into Charlotte’s BOOT! Tag to Alexa, and she gets a hand in the spin and DROPKICK! Giulia tags in, Alexa dodges but Giulia ROCKS Charlotte! Alexa ROCKS Giulia! Alexa ROCKS Kiana! But then Giulia SHOTGUNS Alexa! Giulia taunts Alexa, the ref keeps Charlotte back, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
The ref reprimands but Kiana backs off. Giulia wrenches Alexa’s hair to THROW her to the corner. Giulia stomps away on Alexa in the corner, the ref counts, but Giulia stops at 4. Giulia tags Kiana, Kiana stomps Alexa, then Kiana CLUBS Alexa. Alexa goes to another corner, Kiana whips corner to corner, and Alexa hits buckles hard! Kiana grins as she storms back up, and she bumps Alexa off buckles. Tag to Giulia and Giulia brings Alexa onto the ropes. Giulia hooks Alexa up in the ropes, and fishhooks the face! The ref counts, Giulia stops and sucker punches Charlotte! The ref stops Charlotte, Giulia DROPKICKS Alexa and Kiana BOOTS Alexa down!
Giulia ELBOW DROPS Alexa, covers, TWO! Giulia is already annoyed with the count, but she stomps away on Alexa. Giulia CLUBS Alexa, HEADBUTTS her, and HEADBUTTS again! Giulia bumps Alexa off buckles, tags Kiana, and Kiana brings Alexa around to kick a leg. Kiana taunts Alexa, but she sucker punches Charlotte! The fans give thumbs down, but Kiana snap suplexes! Charlotte protests, that distracts the ref! The ref is late to the cover, TWO! Kiana fireman’s carries Alexa, but Alexa fights to a sunset flip! TWO! Kiana stops Alexa, but she still reaches out! Kiana RAMS Alexa into the corner! And RAMS her again and again!
Kiana handsprings, runs back in, and she RAMS Alexa again! The ref counts, Giulia tags in, and Kiana snapmares Alexa to BOOT her! Giulia is up top, she MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Alexa survives, but Giulia HEADBUTTS her to the cover! Charlotte again distracts, another late count, TWO! Giulia is annoyed but she tags Kiana as SmackDown returns to single picture. Kiana sends Giulia in, but Alexa dodges! Giulia hits buckles, Alexa DUMPS Kiana out, and the fans fire up! Kiana hurries back in, she anchors Alexa’s foot, then she drags her back! Alexa ENZIGIRIS free, hot tag to Charlotte!
The fans fire up as The Queen RUNS Kiana over! And RUNS her over again! CHOP and CHOP for Kiana, CHOP and CHOP for Giulia! CHOP after CHOP, “WOO~” after “WOO~,” and then Charlotte CHOPS Giulia down! Charlotte runs up, Kiana dodges, but Charlotte keeps moving! WALK OVER LARIAT! The fans fire up again and Charlotte stalks Kiana to a corner. Charlotte whips, Kiana reverses, but Charlotte goes up and out. BOOT for Giulia, BOOT for Kiana, and then Charlotte goes up! CROSSBODY on Kiana! Cover, TWO! Kiana is tougher than that, but Charlotte stays focused. The fans rally up as Charlotte runs in, but into a BOOT!
Kiana runs up, but into a BOOT! Charlotte steps on Kiana to a corner, she and Giulia scrap, and Kiana YANKS her down! The fans boo but Charlotte still wrenches Kiana to a NECKBREAKER! Charlotte runs, but into a SIPNEBUSTER! Kiana shows her power, and she tags Giulia! Giulia KNEES Charlotte down! Cover, Alexa breaks it! The fans fire up but Giulia is furious! Kiana whips, Alexa reverses and TOSSES Kiana out! But Kiana trips Alexa! Giulia has Charlotte, Charlotte shoves free, but Giulia BOOTS her! And KICKS her! And KICKS her again! Charlotte snarls, she ducks the buzzsaw!
Charlotte shoves and ROCKS Giulia! Charlotte runs, but Giulia follows to HEADBUTT! Giulia runs, but into a BOOT! Charlotte has Giulia but Kiana tags in! Charlotte runs, Kiana KNEES her first! But Alexa tags in! Kiana runs, but into the clinch! TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, Charlexa wins!
Winners: Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, by pinfall
Bliss proved she does have Charlotte’s back! But then Nia & Lash attack after all! They BLAST Giulia, DECK Alexa, and HEADBUTT Charlotte! And HEADBUTT her again! Nia POSTS Charlotte while the fans boo! Nia & Lash soak up the heat, but Giulia is back up! Kiana says hold on, hold on, they’re good. Giuila says she is NOT good, she wants after Nia! Miss Management has her client back off, if just for now. Will the Beautiful Madness make sure no one disrespects her and gets away with it?
Solo Sikoa speaks.
“Bo. You’re absolutely right. This is just more than a lantern. I can see the millions of fireflies across the world. They are now in my possession. Your legacy is in my hands. And if you want this lantern back, I suggest you put those tag team titles on the line. But that’s just the beginning. You see, my family is going to take back all the gold. But until then… I’m going to take real, real good care of this. And he is going to be with me when I take out Damian Priest and bring back the WWE Undisputed title to the family.” Solo then blows out the lantern, but will it be lights out for the Archer of Infamy? Or will Priest be the one headed to Saturday Night’s Main Event?
Cody Rhodes is here!
London sings along with Kingdom as The American Nightmare makes his entrance. There’s a bit more smoke than usual, but we still get “WHOA~ OH~!” and the pyro! Cody takes a moment to take in the crowd before he goes down the ramp and to the ring. Cody then stands on the corner for the second “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro, but even that seems different without the Undisputed Championship on his arm or around his waist. Cody grabs the mic, the fans cheer, and Cody takes a moment to hear them singing, “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Cody then says, “Well, that sounds a bit different. That’s okay. That’s okay.
“Because if anything, I guess it was becoming a bit… episodic. I would come out here, I would tap my fist three times, we’d all say ‘Whoa,’ I’d walk to the ring, and I’d ask you, ‘Whaddya wanna talk about?'” The fans are a bit torn there, and Cody takes a moment. The fans now sing for “OH~ Drew McIntyre~!” Cody says don’t worry, they will discuss the NEW WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre. Cody never broke down why the name of his podcast is Whaddya Wanna Talk About. It was quite simple: He wasn’t just the company’s champion, he was the people’s champion. The fans are again torn, but Cody says he didn’t want the fans to be spectators, he wanted them to be teammates.
But perhaps Cody got comfortable with the episodic, with the predictable. He didn’t see all the eventualities, all the ways in which he could lose. Or, is Drew just that good? The fans agree there! Cody says he could ask himself that, or he could ask what HBK, Hogan, and Stone Cold have in common with Cody. Simple: they’re the only ones to go back-to-back in Royal Rumble wins. And only one of those names won it three times, that’s how a near impossible feat that is. And they all know Cody loves a gamble, he loves a long shot. Here in WWE, where we have the best men’s and women’s divisions, sometimes the best power you can have is self-belief.
So here and now, in a city that means a great deal to Cody, a city he wrestled in every weekend for WhatCulture Pro-Wrestling to sharpen his skills and became the American Nightmare, a city that DOES deserve a WrestleMania (the fans erupt for that!), let Cody make it official! Drew says there’s no rematch clause, good! They’ll do this the old fashioned way! Cody is officially declaring for the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble match!! The fans love that, too! “So, London, what DO you wanna talk about?! Let’s talk about Jacob Fatu!” The fans are torn on that name, and Cody says he met Fatu backstage at APW, you know he’s a thoroughbred!
Cody saw Fatu VS Solo Sikoa, and you could tell Fatu was on the come up. Fatu is a young veteran in their industry. But as such, Cody is aware and positive that Fatu knows what a receipt means! And Fatu has the largest receipt coming from Cody! Fatu is all gas, no brakes, come down here and collect. Or Cody can find Fatu first and beat the brakes off his ass! The fans are fired up with Cody, but is this gambler going to bust even before we reach the Royal Rumble? Or will a fight with Fatu be just the momentum Cody needs to have his threepeat?
Backstage interview with Matt Cardona.
Cathy Kelley is with The Complete, saying he is moments away from his match with Trick Williams to qualify for the #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way. What would it mean to not only come back to the WWE but to win that title? Cardona says the way Cody lost was a shame, and Cardona was really looking forward to facing his friend for that belt. But now that it’ll be Drew McIntyre. They go way back, too. Drew’s first WWE match was with Zack Ryder. And just like Cody and Drew, Cardona left WWE to find himself, and he’s back, But while Cody and Drew are each former world champions, Cardona is not. Yet.
Cardona isn’t back just to be back, he wants his time at the top. The journey, the ups and downs, the grind, it all led back here for Cardona to be Undisputed Champion! Cardona is #AlwayZReady, but will he be able to #WhoopDatTrick? Or will the former NXT & TNA World Champion soon be headed for another top title in his young career?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Trick Williams VS Matt Cardona!
SmackDown returns as Trick continues to vibe with London. Then the fans cheer as Cardona makes his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally and duel already. The two circle, tie up, then break. Cardona smirks, Trick flexes, and the two go again. Trick waistlocks, spins Cardona, then pie faces Cardona! Trick talks trash, but Cardona RAMS him into a corner! Trick bobs ‘n’ weaves, then he pie faces again! Trick says he runs this house, dawg! But Cardona ROCKS Trick, ROCKS him again, then fires hands in the corner! The ref counts, Cardona backs off, but Trick KNEES low! Trick scoops and SLAMS, then snarls as he checks his chin.
Trick tells Cardona not to mess with him! Trick RUNS Cardona over! The fans are torn but Trick talks trash. Cardona rises up, he dodges the tackle, but Trick CLUBS the backdrop away. Trick pie faces, then runs, but Cardona DROPKICKS him! Then clinch and FLATLINER! Trick staggers up, Cardona LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up with Cardona, and he builds speed to WRECK Trick with a dropkick! Cardona then aims from the apron, MISSILE DROPKICK to the floor! The fans rally up again and Cardona grits his teeth while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Cardona drags Trick up, puts him in the ring, but Trick bails back out. Cardona goes to the ropes, and he drags Trick up by his hair! But Trick trips Cardona up! Trick drags Cardona out to THROW him into barriers! Trick talks trash, then FLAPJACKS Cardona off the apron! Trick fires up, then he brings Cardona up to put him in the ring. Cardona goes to a corner, Trick storms up on him, and he ROCKS Cardona. The ref reprimands, but Trick CHOPS Cardona. Then ROCKS him again! Trick hears the fans cheer and jeer, and he talks some smack on them now. Trick UPPERCUTS Cardona and Cardona slumps against ropes.
Trick whips Cardona, FLAPJACKS again, then kips up! Trick says he runs this house, then he storms up on Cardona at the ropes. Trick CHOKES Cardona, the ref counts, but Trick stops at 4. Cardona coughs and goes to a corner, Trick digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Trick stops at 4, snarls, then he whips Cardona corner to corner! Then a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Trick keeps Cardona down with a chinlock, but the fans rally while Cardona endures. Cardona fights up, fires body shots and CHOPS, but Trick LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Trick rains down forearms and Cardona can barely guard!
Trick drags Cardona back into the chinlock and he squeezes tight. The fans rally as Cardona endures again, and Cardona fights up. JAWBREAKAER! Trick rebounds, but Cardona dodges to then ROLLING ELBOW! Trick pushes Cardona back, Cardona avoids the sweep but not the EDDY GORDO KICK! Cardona wobbles, but he comes back to BOOT Trick! Trick comes back, but Cardona catches the leg lariat to SAIDO! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Trick crawls, Cardona rises, and the fans duel. Trick is in a corner, Cardona runs up, forearm SMASH! Cardona fires shots, soaks up cheers and jeers, then goes side to side for the BROSKI BOOT!
Cardona then ZIGZAGS! Shoutout to his pal, Nic Nemeth, then covers, TWO! Trick survives but Cardona underhooks him! Trick fights the lift, BACKDROPS, but Cardona sunset flips it to high stack! TWO!! Trick escapes, runs up, but the splash misses! Trick slumps down, Cardona goes for another, but Trick avoids the boot! Trick wags his finger, but then Cardona just WRECKS him with another dropkick! Cardona hurries to fetch Trick into the ring while the fans still duel. Trick runs back up, SLINGSHOTS Cardona into the ring, then TRICK KICK! Cover, TWO!! Cardona survives but Trick gets the arm.
The fans rally up, Trick cartwheels to RIPCORD, and BOOK- DDT!! Cardona turns things around, goes to the corner, and he runs up, ROUGH- NO, Trick pops free! Trick runs up, but into KNEES! Cardona goes up, lines up the shot, but Trick avoids another one! Both men run, and Trick POUNCES Cardona?! The fans fire up and Trick takes aim again! Cardona staggers up, TRICK SHOT!! Cover, Trick wins!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
A hard fought match for the first-time-ever, and Mr. Whoop Dat punches his ticket to Montreal! Will Trick soon win his first Saturday Night’s Main Event to- “Hey, Kit. Are you there?” The fans fire up for Mr. Masculinity Detox! Kit steps past Trick and Cardona, to then BLINDSIDE Cardona! The fans boo as Kit sends Cardona into the steel steps! Kit says, “TOXIC! TOXIC! TOXIC!” London goes back to cheering as the song continues, but will Kit make himself the topic no matter where he goes?
Backstage interview with Damian Priest.
Cathy Kelley is now with the Archer of Infamy, and brings up his chance at Drew McIntyre and the Undisputed Championship. But that means going through Solo Sikoa first. How do you prepare for such an opportunity? Priest says he could go on and on about Drew, there’s a lot of history there. He won’t get ahead of himself, tonight is about Solo. Facing Solo 1v1 isn’t an issue. But is it going to be 1v1? Priest doesn’t think so. But Priest will remind us that in London, he became Senor Money in the Bank. So tonight, Solo, MFT, if Priest has to do 1vALL again, he’ll do it. Priest has to get past this and get at Drew. So tonight, it’s whatever it takes.
Priest heads out, will he make sure no one stops him on his path back to the top? Or will Solo use The Outlaw as an example to all of the WWE Universe?
SmackDown returns and…
Kit is still in the ring with a mic,. “You all know that I’m right! You know there’s a problem! And I’m the solution. So I will say it again. I will let the whole world know. you all need reassurance, you all need leadership. you all need ME!” The fans cheer that, but then FATU slips in behind Kit! Kit says he is the tonic to the toxic masculinity, he is KIT! WIL-SON! But he turns around into a SUPERKICK! The Samoan Werewolf is raging, the fans are torn, but Fatu dares Cody and/or Drew to show up! SENTON on Kit, then a MIGHTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Kit flounders away, the fans are still torn, but now Fatu grabs a mic.
“YADADA MEAN!?” The fans cheer that! Fatu tells Cody, “You got something to say about me?! You have something to say TO me? Well check this out! Bring your punk ass out here right now!” Fatu throws off his vest, and Cody makes his entrance again! Cody is in his tracksuit but that comes off pretty quick, too! The American Nightmare and Samoan Werewolf start throwing hands and the fans fire up! Cody hammers away in the corner, but Fatu RAMS him into another corner! Security rushes out here but fans boo! “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Aldis hurries out here, and he wants them both to stop!
The fans cheer as Cody breaks free! Cody CLOBBERS Fatu, everyone falls over, and SmackDown goes back to break! What must Aldis do to restore order?
BREAKING NEWS!
Now set for Saturday Night’s Main Event, it will be Cody Rhodes VS Jacob Fatu! Will Montreal survive the American Nightmare and Samoan Werewolf tearing it up?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Damian Priest VS Solo Sikoa w/ MFT!
The Archer of Infamy and the would-be Tribal Chief have said their piece, and now they must back those words up with actions. Will Priest defy the odds as Solo isn’t solo out here? Or will Solo, waving the Wyatt lantern as he walks out here, lead by example for his family?
The bell rings and Solo circles with Priest. They tie up, Solo headlocks, and Solo talks trash. Priest powers up and out, they RAM shoulders, and Priest rebounds to RAM Solo! Solo staggers, but he and Priest reset. They tie up, but Solo kicks low! And HEADBUTTS! Solo ROCKS Priest, whips him to ropes, but Priest reverses to BACK ELBOW! Priest mule kicks Solo, reels him in, but Solo fights the lift. Solo UPPERCUTS, but Priest SUPERKICKS! Solo tumbles out, MFT is there to check on him, but Priest pursues. The fans fire up as Priest runs up, but MFT stands in the way! The fans boo, the ref tells MFT tos tay back, and Priest goes back tot he apron.
Solo runs up,b ut Priest dodges! Solo still avoids the roundhouse and he BOOTS Priest down! The ref wants Solo to back off, but now MFT mugs Priest! The fans boo, JC Mateo pretends to be shocked, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Solo goes out to fetch Priest, SMACK him off the desk, and put him in the ring. Solo soaks up heat, HEADBUTTS Priest down, then HEADBUTTS him again and again! Solo stalks Priest to ropes, kicks him out, then pursues. MFT backs up so Solo can SMACK Priest off the desk again! Solo soaks up more heat, winds up, but Priest clinches! FLATLINER on the desk! The ring count is climbing but Priest puts Solo in at 5 of 10. Priest then winds up to UPPERCUT! Solo wobbles, Priest powers up the arm, and he runs to COME- NO, Solo ducks, shoves, and SAMOAN DROPS! Cover, TWO! Priest survives and Solo frowns.
Solo motions that he’s gonna be champion, and he rains down fists in the corner. The ref counts, Solo stops at 4, and he soaks up more heat. Solo runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK! Priest sputters in the corner, Solo soaks up more heat, and SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo aims again, he runs back in, and HIP ATTACKS! Priest sputters again and the fans duel. Solo smirks as he goes corner to corner again, and mocks Jey Uso with the “Run it back” motion. Solo runs back in, but Priest is up! WHEEL KICK! Priest hits that just in time, and JC shields the imaginary eyes of the lantern from that collision.
Solo and Priest go back to corners while the fans rally up. Priest huffs ‘n’ puffs and fires up! Priest and Solo stare down, run up, and they RAM shoulders! Then they fire haymakers back and forth! The fans duel, Priest KICKS, Solo ROCKS, and the hands keep firing off! Solo gets the edge, but Priest avoids the last shot to BELL CLAP! Then he KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW! Priest then winds up again, but Solo HEADBUTTS! Priest ROUNDHOUSES! Solo rebounds to SUPERKICK! Priest staggers, but he SPIN KICKS! Solo stays up, Priest SPIN KICKS again! Solo rebounds, Priest ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LEAPING LARIATS!
The fans fire up with Priest while Solo goes to a corner. Priest runs up, BACK ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, but Solo fireman’s carries! Priest slips free, ELEVATED FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up, MFT coaches Solo, but Priest goes to the corner. Priest climbs up, but Solo distracts the ref. Talla reaches out to trip Priest up! The fans boo but the ref wonders what happened. The ref puts two and two together, and he EJECTS Talla! The fans cheer, Talla is mad, but Solo hurries up after Priest! Fireman’s carry, but Priest slips free! Priest has the crucifix! RAZOR’S EDGE on Solo! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives and MFT is relieved.
Priest sighs but he just brings down the straps. The fans fire up as Priest aims, but Tama Tonga distracts! The fans boo, but Loa gets on the apron! Priest runs Loa off, but Solo prepares his own right hand! Priest avoids the spike, COMEBACK- SPINNING SOLO!! Solo goes up the corner, FLYING SOLO!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Priest survives, but Solo- OH NO! The Wyatts are here!! The lights go out, the fans go nuts, and when the lights are back, the Wyatts are BEHIND MFT! JC, Loa and Tama turn around, and then Howdy, Gacy & Lumis JUMP on them! The fans fire up as the factions fight all around ringside, Nikki Cross cheering her brothers on!
Things spill out into the crowd, Howdy RAMS JC into the post, then TOSSES JC into security staff! Howdy sees the lantern, but Solo CLOBBERS Howdy first! The fans boo, but Solo brings the lantern to the ring. The ref reprimands, Solo sets the lantern down, but Priest guzels! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, Priest wins!!
Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
Solo’s obsession with tearing down the Wyatt legacy just cost him his own chance at glory! Saturday Night’s Main Event is now wepa, but will The Archer of Infamy hit the mark in Montreal? Meanwhile, Howdy laughs as he takes the lantern back. But TALLA is back! And he BOOTS Howdy down! The fans boo but Talla takes the lantern back for MFT. Will the Wyatts have no choice but to put those titles on the line in exchange?
Sami Zayn heads for gorilla.
And on the way, he crosses paths with Drew McIntyre. Drew tells Sami that he heard what Sami said last week. Sami hoped that Drew would win, but thought Cody would? Well, lucky Sami isn’t a betting man, or he’d lose big, as usual. Sami says he meant what he said, a part of him did want Drew to win, and that part of him is happy Drew did win. Because now, Sami is going to go to war with Ilja Dragunov, and win. Then next week, in Sami’s hometown of Montreal, Sami will become #1 contender. And then at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, they’ll see each other again.
Oh, really inspiring, Sami, but here’s the truth: Drew has beaten Sami ELEVEN times, Sami has beaten Drew ZERO times. And if Sami does happen to make it to the Rumble, absolutely nothing changes. Sami says, “We’ll see.” Sami continues on, will he be able to defeat the Mad Russian and head home to Montreal? Or will he fall short of his world championship dreams yet again?
WWE United States Championship Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes VS ???
Speaking of championship dreams, it is another opportunity for someone, anyone, to step up to H1M! Who will go for gold in London? We find out, after the break.
SmackDown returns, London cheers on “MEL~O! MEL~O!” But who is answering the call? It’s TNA X-Division Champion and the star of Bradford, England, LEON SLATER! The fans fire up for their guy, but will the Youngest In Charge soon be a double champion? The introductions are made, the US title is raised, and we see who hits the game winner!
The bell rings and the two run up! They tie up, go around, and Melo headlocks. Melo hits the headlock takeover, Leon headscissors, Melo kips free. Roles reverse as Leon hits the headlock takeover for Melo to headscissor. Leon kips free, Melo turns things back around with another headlock, but Leon powers up and puts Melo in the corner. The ref counts, Leon backs off, and the fans applaud as Leon whips. Melo reverses, Leon goes up and over, but Melo turns hip toss into hip toss and lateral press! TWO and Leon has the ghost pin! TWO, Leon stands, dodges Melo, but Melo blocks! Melo dodges, then hits the FADE AWAY JUMPER!
The fans fire up as Melo then brings Leon up. Melo CHOPS, ROCKS, and CHOPS again. Leon ROCKS Melo back! The fans rally up as Leon runs to CHOP Melo in the corner! Leon shakes out his hand, that’s how hard he hit Melo! But Melo kicks Leon, CHOPS again, and the fans fire up. Melo whips, Leon reverses, but Melo rolls off the back. But Melo’s leg jams! Leon hesitates, but Melo says bring it. Leon runs up, Melo dodges to waistlock, but Leon bucks the O’Conner! Melo blocks one kick, ducks the enzigiri, but that REWIND HEEL hits! The fans fire up, Leon whips but Melo reverses, only for Leon to handspring back elbow!
Melo bails out, Leon aims, PLANCHA! Down goes Melo and the fans fire up! Leon puts Melo in, he goes up the corner, and Melo hobbles up into the CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Melo is still in this, but the fans sing, “Leon Slater, DOO DOO DOODOO!” Leon is feeling it, Melo applauds, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Leon and Melo circle, though that bad leg is still a problem. Melo shakes it out, he and Leon go again, and Melo waistlocks. Leon switches, they go to the mat, and Leon body scissors for a GEDO CLUTCH! TWO, and Melo is up! Leon hurries after him, but Melo ELBOWS Leon away. Melo reels Leon in, suplexes, then floats to a cover, TWO! Melo takes his kneepad down to check his knee, and Leon crawls to ropes while the fans rally up. Melo stalks Leon, has him in a corner, and he climbs up. Melo rains down fists, gives a little forearm grind instead of the six-seven, then he snapmares Leon. But Leon’s right up to CHOP!
Melo flops to the apron, Leon brings him up, but Melo RAMS Leon! Melo hobbles but runs, only for Leon to blow past him! Melo hurdles, ducks, and then DROPKICKS! But even that wasn’t the best, and he shakes the leg out. Leon slowly rises, the fans rally more, and both men stand. Melo hobbles over to Leon, brings him up, and reels him in again. Leon fights the suplex, Melo still tries, but Leon pops free! Leon shoves and DROPKICKS Melo down! Cover, TWO! Melo is toughing it out but Leon still has the fans behind him. Leon stands Melo up, whips him to ropes, but Melo reveres. Leon handsprings, but Melo dodges!
Leon avoids the Jumper again, then he follows Melo! INVERTED SPANISH FLY! The fans fire up while both men are down! “This is Awesome!” as SmackDown returns to single picture and both men slowly rise. Melo is up first, he gets Leon to his feet, and he CHOPS! Leon snarls and he CHOPS again! Leon then brings Melo up, but Melo ROCKS Leon! Leon staggers, comes back, and he ROCKS Melo! Melo CHOPS, whips, but Leon reverses to BOOT! Melo is at the ropes, but he avoids the sweep! LA MYSTICA! And then the suplex, LAYUP CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Leon survives and the fans rally up while Melo grits his teeth.
Melo waits on Leon to rise up, then he storms up in the corner. Melo whips, Leon stops himself, and he stops the First 48! Melo fights the crab, reels Leon in, TWO! But then Leon LEG LARIATS Melo down! Cover, TWO! Melo survives the sudden turnaround but Leon stays cool. Leon drags Melo to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Melo goes to the apron. Leon just adjusts, then leaps, but Melo dodges! Melo CHOPS Leon, but Leon fireman’s carries! Melo slips free, the leg jams, and Leon avoids the shoulder! GUILLOTINE LEG DROP in the ropes! Leon then goes back to the corner, springboards, but Melo slips around! Sunset flip, TWO!
Leon sits on the cover, TWO! Melo has it, TWO! Leon has it, TWO! ONE! ONE! And repeat! both men stand, the fans fi reup, and Leon SPIKE-RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives and the fans fire up again! Then Melo SUPERKICKS! Leon goes to the corner, Melo runs up, but Leon puts him on the apron. Melo’s leg jams again! Leon just builds speed corner to corner! Leon FLIES over the post!! Down goes Melo and the fans are thunderous! Leon puts Melo in fast, goes up the corner, and the fans are on his side! SWANTON- NO, Melo moves and Leon FLOPS! Melo hits the FIRST 48! Cover, TWO!! Leon survives and the fans fire up again!
Melo is frustrated, his leg is hurting, but he elbows Leon off him. “This is Awesome!” as Melo goes back up the corner. Leon hurries to anchor a foot, but Melo CLUBS away on Leon. Leon UPPERCUTS Melo, then climbs back up. Leon and Melo fight for control up there, and they’re on the very top! Melo hits a SUPER LAYUP CUTTER!! Cover, MELO WINS!
Winner: Carmelo Hayes, by pinfall (still WWE United States Championship)
A standing ovation as two young icons just put on an instant classic, and Melo gives respect to Leon. This was the first time they’ve fought, will there be many more in the years to come?
Shinsuke Nakamura watches this backsatge.
But then Tama Tonga calls him out. Tama says Nakamura is looking at the US title, but the next chance doesn’t belong to him. Nakamura took his shot, and he blew it. Once MFT takes the tag titles, that US Championship is Tama’s. Nakamura and Tama do go way back, so this is Nakamura’s one and only warning: Stay out of Tama’s way. Nakamura tells Tama in Japanese that he knows their history, but he warns Tama in return that he better be ready to fight for what he wants. Will the Good Bad Guy bring the US title to MFT? Or will the King of Strong Style get another chance?
Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae walk ‘n’ talk backstage.
Johnny Wrestling looks at the Axiom mask he stole and he still can’t believe “those dorks” fell for it last week. Who even wears turtlenecks? But Axiom steps in and says he’ll be the better man. He wants to save Gargano from a beating, so just hand the mask over. Oh, Gargano doesn’t have the mask. He hands it to Candice, she hurries off, and Axiom tells Gargano to grow up. Gargano says if Axiom will excuse them, they’re gonna do married people things. Laters. Wait, another Axiom? This one DECKS Gargano, and surprise! It was Frazer! Oh, another surprise is that Frazer talked with Aldis. Next week, it is Gargano VS Frazer, 1v1.
And after Frazer beats Gargano, his amigo will do the same and take that mask back. So enjoy it while you still can. Fraxiom high-fives and heads out, will they get their revenge on Gargano one way or another?
Jordynne Grace VS Chelsea Green w/ Alba Fyre!
The Juggernaut chose SmackDown because of all the names she’d love to beat down. She already handled “Slaygent A,” will she bring down The Hot Mess next? Or will even she have to pledge her allegiance to Chelsea Green?
SmackDown returns and Jade Cargill is ringside to watch this. The Storm has put Chelsea and Jordynne on notice, will her presence do that tonight? Jordynne makes her entrance now, and the bell rings. Chelsea runs up to tie up with Grace, but she SHOVES Cheslea away! Chelsea gets up to SLAP Grace, and SLAP and SLAP again! Grace just brushes those off, then SLAPS back! Chelsea wobbles, Grace whips her, and then SPINEBUSTER! Grace hauls Chelsea up, reels her in, and the fans rally as Grace claps using chelsea’s back. Grace hits a stalling suplex, then she SLAMS Chelsea down! The fans cheer, Grace covers, TWO!
Grace clamps onto Chelsea, fireman’s carries, but Chelsea slips free to RAM her into buckles! Chelsea salutes, BOOTS Grace into the corner, then Alba SUPERKICKS Grace behind the ref’s back! Chelsea runs, slides, and THROWS Grace down! Cover, ONE!! Chelsea is furious already, and she drags Grace up. Chelsea whips Grace to the corner, salutes again, and the fans are torn as she runs in. Grace slips around to RAM Chelsea into buckles! ANd again, and again! Backslide, roll through, and short arm LARIAT! Short arm LARIAT! And- NO, Chelsea slips aroudn to waistlock. Grace ELBOWS free, then she ROCKS Cheslea!
Grace ELBOWS, LARIATS, then roars! the fans fire up and Grace runs in, but she blocks a boto firsT! Then a wrench and MUFFLER PLEX! Grace shouts fo rChelsea to ger up. Chelase stands, Grace fireman’s carries, DIRECT EFFECT! Jackknife bridge, Grace wins!
Winner: Jordynne Grace, by pinfall
A new move for her new win streak, but Jade just golf claps Grace’s win. Grace grabs a mic, and she says, “Hey, champ. I’m glad that you came out here tonight to watch me. It’s extremely important that you know exactlly waht’s coming fo ryou.” The fans are torn, but Grace says if watching was just enough, that’s fine. But if Jade’s tired of babysitting that title, then step into the ring right here, right now! The fans fire up as Jade stands up! Jade goes to the ring and says Grace msut be stupid. But then Chelsea runs up! Grace dodges, Cheslea BLASTS Jade!! Chelsea is shocked, but also dazed, and Grace picks up the belt.
Grace smiles as she holds up THE WWE Women’s Championship, before she throws it back to Jade. Jade says, “Bet!” When and where will these forces of nature battle it out?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams.
Cathy congratulates him on his win tonight, and says he didn’t just ease his way onto SmackDown, he jumped into the deep end. What does this mean to him that he is headed to Saturday Night’s Main Event for a #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way? Trick says let this be a warning: he is putting all of SmackDown on notice! All you bums, bobbleheads and bootlickers, know that Trick is that dawg! Trick looks like money, he feels like money, because Trick IS money. And he wants a special shoutout to Randy Orton and Damian Priest! Congrats, you have a match with the future of this business, let’s talk about it! And hold on. He might be Whoop Dat Trick, but on Saturday, he whoops dat ass.
Cathy says yes, she was going to add- Oh, Priest steps in. Trick is the guy who does a lot of talking. Priest doesn’t. You already know what’s up on SNME. But Trick’s free on Friday, right? So is Priest. And Priest is ready to whoop dat Trick. Priest heads out, will he have quite the appetizer with Trick when SmackDown arrives in Montreal?
WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier: Sami Zayn VS Ilja Dragunov!
We saw these two battle over the United States Championship, and #BigMatchSami lost the title to the returning Mad Russian Dragon. But now, they fight for a much bigger prize on this Road to WrestleMania! Will Sami make up for that loss and join that Fatal 4 Way? Or will Ilja continue to rise up the ranks and be one match away from taking over the world?
SmackDown returns as Sami makes his entrance. The fans sing along with the song and Sami high-fives the front row along the ramp. The bell rings and the fans fire up as Sami and Ilja stare down. They step up, and they start firing forearms! The fans rally up as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Sami fires a flurry, but then Ilja CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Then SPIN CHOP! CHOP to the leg! BOOT! Ilja runs, but into a LARIAT! The fans fire up while Ilja goes to ropes and Sami catches his breath. Sami storms up on Ilja to CHOP! Ilja just eggs him on! Sami CHOPS, fire more forearms, then stops as the ref counts.
Ilja KNEES low, fires more forearms, then whips. Sami reverses, Ilja reverses back, but Sami goes up and over! Sami runs up, Ilja BOOTS him, then JUMP KICKS! The fans fire up with Ilja, and he stands Sami up to bump him off buckles. Ilja CHOPS, then runs corner to corner. Ilja KNEES low, keeps moving, and he BOOT WASHES! Ilja snapmares Sami down, then hops up, KING KONG KNEE DROP! The fans fire up and Ilja goes up again! KING KONIG- NO, Sami dodges! Sami then kicks Iljia and suplexes, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO! Ilja is still fighting and the fans rally back up.
Sami stands Ilja up to CHOP! Ilja goes to a corner, Sami ROCKS him, and the fans cheer. Sami ROCKS Ilja again, has him in a corner, and CHOPS! Sami reels Ilja in, whips him to ropes, but Ilja KNEES Sami! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja holds on and he talks some smack while the fans rally. Sami stands, switches, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES! Ilja headlocks in return as Sami stands him back up. Ilja then pries the waistlock open, switches, but Sami switches. They switch and switch and switch, then Ilja SNAP GERMANS! The fans cheer, Ilja goes back to the corner, and Ilja rises up, only for Sami to CHOP!
The fans cheer and sing for “Sami, Sami Zayn~!” but Ilja fires body shots. Sami CLUBS Ilja again and again, then goes up to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans cheer again while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Sami and Ilja both stir, and Sami crawls over to Ilja. Sami brings Ilja up with a facelock, but Ilja wrenches out to waistlock. Sami fights the lift, but Ilja CLUBS him and HAMMERS him, then pump handles for an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives, but Ilja SLIDING FOREARMS in the back! Ilja ELBOWS and CLUBS Sami again and again, then stalks him to ropes. The fans rally up, and Ilja stomps Sami at the ropes. The ref counts, Ilja BOOTS Sami, then SLAPS him! Sami sputters, but he comes back to SLAP Ilja! Ilja and Sami make it a SLAP fight, then Sami fires haymakers! DDT! Cover, TWO! Ilja stays in this, but Sami stays cool.
Sami checks his teeth, they’re all there. Sami stands, Ilja crawls to ropes, but it’s Ilja who eggs Sami on! Sami stomps a mudhole into Ilja at the ropes! The ref counts, Sami stops at 4, but the fans rally up again. Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs and brings Ilja around. Sami goes for the corner but Ilja wants the leg! Ilja eggs Sami on, Sami HAMMERS Ilja down! Sami busts Ilja’s eyebrow open! Ilja sputters, Sami goes to the apron, and the fans rally up again. SmackDown returns to single picture as Sami rises, but Ilja SLAPS him! Ilja SLAPS again, climbs up, and he fires up again! The fans are with Ilja on that, but Sami gets some shots to the chin!
Sami CLUBS Ilja, then adjusts position, SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives and the fans fire up again! Sami is beside himself, but he hurries to get after Ilja at the ropes. Sami drags Ilja up, around, but Ilja stops the Blue Thunder with elbows! Ilja runs, but Sami reels him back in! Ilja slips free, ducks ‘n’ dodges, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! The fans fire up while both men flounder! Ilja goes to a corner, goes up top, and he aims to go COAST2COAST! Sami falls, Ilja covers, TWO!! Sami survives and now Ilja is stunned! The fans rally again while Sami is down. Ilja winds up, H-BOMB- BOOT!!
The fans fire up as Sami counters the falling forearm! Both men stagger to their feet, then Sami clinches! But Ilja fights off the exploder! Sami ROCKS Ilja, Ilja springs up to ENZIGIRI! Ilja has Sami in the corner, he runs corner to corner and LARIATS! Ilja runs corne rto ocrner again, another LARIAT! Ilja goes for a third, but he ducks Sami’s Helluva Kick! Ilja knew that trick and Sami crashes into buckle! They both go to the apron, and Ilja fireman’s carries. Sami fights free, HEADBUTTS Ilja, and Ilja staggers back. But then TORPEDO MOSCOW!! Both men fall to the floor! The fans rally while the ring count climbs!
Ilja rises at 5 of 10, rolls in at 7, and Sami sputters at 8. Sami rises at 9, and leaps in at 9.99! But Ilja is on him! POWERBOMB! Ilja goes up, up, and SUPER SENTONS but onto KNEES! Not the cleanest counter, but Sami clinches Ilja! BUCKLE EXPLODER! The fans fire up with Sami, he runs corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!!
Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)
And with that, our #1 contender’s Fatal 4 is set! Orton, Trick, Priest, and Sami! But then Trick CLOBBERS Sami from behind! The fans boo but Trick lets his hair down and goes wild! Trick aims again, TRICK SHOT!! Sami is down, Trick stands over him, and he soaks up all that heat. But will Trick be able to whoop three decorated superstars at once? Or will Sami’s journey to the top finally be fulfilled in Montreal?
My Thoughts:
A great episode for SmackDown, a lot of action that also helped in the various story builds. Drew McIntyre had a great opening promo, but they also segued really well into Orton VS Miz as the opener. We also got a very good promo from Cody, and of course he wants to threepeat at the Royal Rumble. It was wild for Kit Wilson to go after Matt Cardona to give Fatu an opening to attack and then call out Cody in return. Very good brawl from Fatu and Cody, and Cody VS Fatu for Saturday Night’s Main Event is going to be great. If Drew didn’t do the attack, will Cody win against Fatu and reveal it was him all along?
Good promo from Charlexa with Nia & Lash, and then a very good tag match. Good win for Charlexa, but at least Giulia and Kiana got a bit better of a showing. But of course Lash & Nia attacked after, and now all three teams have beef. With Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez as contenders from Raw, we’ll definitely get separate contenders for SmackDown now to parallel. Then it’ll be about Rhea & Iyo trying to survive both challenges, perhaps to build up the go-home week to Royal Rumble. If Liv & Roxie actually win, then the SmackDown team stands no chance, no matter who it is, because Liv & Roxie wouldn’t be transitional champions.
Very good stuff from Grace, Chelsea, and Jade, and I wonder if they’d give us a Triple Threat of Jade VS Grace VS Chelsea. Chelsea would definitely be the one to take the loss to keep both Jade and Grace strong, regardless of who wins. But at the same time, we’d still need a proper 1v1 of Jade VS Grace for the title to settle the feud. Good promo with Fraxiom getting payback on Gargano and setting up Frazer VS Gargano and Axiom VS Gargano. Absolutely awesome US Championship from Melo VS Leon, I did not think they’d go that hard, but it was greatly appreciated. Melo selling bad leg is definitely foreshadowing how he eventually loses that title, though it might not be for some time.
And of course, great stuff in all four SNME qualifier matches, even with all the results being how I expected. As I said last week, a shame that Cardona had to lose here, but Trick is getting on a roll already. Orton VS Miz was a great opening, and Sami VS Ilja was an awesome main event. Trick going after Sami kinda foreshadows Sami winning out in the end, as Sami VS Drew is definitely a great choice for the Royal Rumble, too. It really is a story of “Something’s gotta give.” Drew pointed out the 11-0 record between him and Sami, but Drew has/wants to make it through his first title defense, it could come down to Drew using shenanigans like he did to dethrone Cody.
My Score: 8.9/10
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)
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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
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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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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
Coverage
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 1.15.26
TNA had some time to cook up their big debut. Did they burn it, or make a succulent feast?
AMC era has begun! Granted it’s not without a big loss, being The Rascalz seem to be headed to AEW. Which honestly I’m conflicted. If it was their decision because the money was astronomical, then I can’t fault TNA for not being able to compete with the TK Bank Account. But if TNA didn’t even try and let them walk for money that could’ve been negotiated…then TNA fumbled harder than CJ Stroud. Jake Something is a non-factor, but The Rascalz could be a big mistake.
WOAH! @AJStylesOrg and @FrankieKazarian come face to face on #TNAiMPACT on @AMC_TV! pic.twitter.com/CSh7IpV5ex
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026
Ratings:
- Elijah & The Hardyz vs Order 4: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – *
- TNA Knockouts Tag Titles: The IInspiration (c) vs The Elegance Brand: Maggie wins via pinfall – (-) *** – TITLE CHANGE!!!
- TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs Mike Santana: Santana wins via Spin the Block – *** 3/4 – TITLE CHANGE!!!
Results:
AJ Styles comes out to kick off TNA episodes on a new network. He walks out to the WWE theme, makes a quick hype promo, doesn’t interact with anyone aside from the crowd. Definitely feels like more could’ve been done with AJ, but it was nice to see him.
Elijah & The Hardyz vs Order 4
The Hardyz come out with some guitar guy, Justin Lyonz or something…BDE and another streamer buddy? Definitely already feels overbooked just on the intro.
Order 4 tries to start fast but things back fire quickly and…this is starting off like an old episode of like WCW Thunder. Just messy overbooked intros, hot start into a commercial. 13 minutes in and it’s not a good start. Coming back from the commercial, Ali had the advantage but then Jeff Hardy is turning it around, all the apron dwellers are down. Ali tries the Rolling Neckbreaker, Jeff catches him with a Twist of Fate. Tasha tries to get in the way, Ali gets shoved into her, Matt hits the Twist of Tasha draped over Ali…shmoz spot. The Great Hands actually turn things around after the pinfall break, but Elijah stops them with some Mule Kick action, into a Twist from Matt and Swanton from Jeff. I think we saw maybe 3 minutes of this and it was all just cliche chaos crap.
Loser Agent Zero attacks after the fact…even though Elijah laid him out last week and the luster is off of Zero. He’s a joke. The Righteous come out to make a…Save? Dutch hits Death Walks on Matt and Vincent pulls out…a pad lock or something and then chains Jeff to the post via his eat gauge. This is…an embarrassing mess of crap just happening. If this is anyone’s first episode, I apologize for the Crash TV whiplash effect of this so far.
20 minutes of worthless D List Star spotting that leads to a comedy spot with Ryan Nemeth (which is fine, I love Ryan) but then it goes into Santino finding a new General Manager type because he’s been compromised. And it’s…Sonya Deville with Daria Rae as her new gimmick name. She comes out as the heel “management” type who wants to get rid of Santino. And…she apparently signed Elayna Black. Yikes, back to back no one cares reveals. Sonya Deville and Cora Jade. Cora’s hot, but wrestling competence…ya that’s non-existent.
I can almost tolerate Sonya since she’s supposed to come out and be a heel immediately, so the lack of current love, buzz and pop, is fine. But bringing Cora Jade along like she’s anything more than eye candy is…pathetic. It has been 30 minutes since the last actual wrestling match happened.
WHY DO WE GO INTO ANOTHER GOOFBALL TALK SEGMENT?!?!? The Elegance Brand, with Perez Hilton…has he even been relevant since like 2008? What is this? I get that it’s a dumb shtick before the match but STOP TALKING. This…Mr Elegance thing is complete garbage.
TNA Knockouts Tag Titles: The IInspiration (c) vs The Elegance Brand
The IInspiration comes down to stop the awful segment and as soon as things start we cut to commercial again. WHY. M has control cause of course the heels are in control until Cassie gets the knees up and M crashes and burns on the Moonsault. Jessie hot tag, lays out both Elegance members. She dispatches of M, Armbar Suplex on Heather but the Concierge pulls out Jessie. Jessie blocks the numbers game but eats combination kicks from Heather. They go for their Bow and Arrow, Stomp combo but Cassie shoves off Heather, IInspiration double teams M, Mr Elegance hops on the apron and gets slapped.
This is a sloppy mess of over booked gimmicked garbage. Idolizer on Maggie but interference for days and Maggie gets the pin and the…I don’t care. Get rid of these titles. I love Maggie, but this is pathetic and the fact we need NXT tag teams to flesh out a contender bracket is sad. What the actual FUCK is this episode? This feels like a fever dream.
TNA International Champion @Stacks_WWE and @AriannaGraceWWE take plenty of shots at @milanmiracle ahead of #TNAGenesis! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/9V2wMk3zlk
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 16, 2026
Jesus, okay the Visa issue is legit because I know there’s problems in e-sports and other professional mediums. But now Lei Ying Lee comes out because her title match becomes an Open Challenge because Dani can’t compete at Genesis. ZaRuca comes out, and I don’t care who challenge Lei, but I swear if TNA makes Lei drop the title to an NXT wrestler again. Sol actually says Zaria deserves the shot, which surprises Zaria…kind of a nice moment. But still…I swear, no more NXT wrestlers taking TNA gold.
Christ on a crutch, another talking segment. The System has to say stuff because Dango is retiring on Saturday, but come the hell on. So far there have been 2 matches, we saw 3 minutes of the first one, some people missed the entire second match because AMC ran back to back commercial breaks. But even seeing it, there’s was about 4 minutes of interference in that match. 90 minutes so far, and there’s been 7 minutes of visible wrestling. They’ve done garbage shows like this before, but I was hoping they would know better than to give us some gum flapping imbecile show. But NOOO.
TNA World Championship: Frankie Kazarian (c) vs Mike Santana
Collar and Elbow tie up, Kaz tries the early Chicken Wing, but Santana fights it off and tries to catch him with a Spin the Block, but easily dodged and we reset. Santana hits the Shoulder Tackle and the crowd pops probably because it’s actually wrestling for what feels like the first time all night. Frankensteiner sends Frankie to the floor, Escalera Plancha from Santana keeps Kaz on the receiving end. Santana launches off the steps but misses and Kaz connects with a Belly to Belly.
Back from yet another terribly timed commercial, we see Kaz get shoved off the ropes, Santana tries the Rolling Buck Fifty, but Kaz connects with a Backstabber. He then decides to talk smack to Santana and big brother him. Santana absorbs Kaz’s shots, fires and then throws his own haymakers. Santana going a little Sting with a big Woo, catches Kaz’s foot and then Gamengiri. Kaz cuts him off, Santana cuts off Kaz, Rolling Buck Fifty out of the up and over, but only a 2 count.
Kaz claws the eyes, shoves Santana away, but Santana climbs the buckles again, Spanish Fly, no sell, into a struggle for signature moves when Santana snaps off a Code Red for another near fall. Santana takes too long to go for the Cannonball, knees up, Kaz hits the Angel’s Wings for two. Chicken Wing attempt two, but Santana rolls over into the pinfall, Kaz kicks out. A little cat and mouse on the Guillotine, but Slingshot Cutter into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop for two again!
Frankie tries to bring in the belt, it gets taken away, finisher counters, Fighting Spirit, Spin the Block misses, Kaz goes for a Shotgun Kick but ref bump. Santana hits the Spin the Block but the ref is dead. Kaz looks for the discarded belt, clocks Santana with it while the referee is still dead. Kaz aims for Fade to Black on the apron and connects! Throws Santana back into the ring, cover, Santana kicks out at two and fires! Kaz with the Canadian Destroyer but Santana no sells, Spin the Block! 1-2-2.999. Kaz kicked out of it. Kaz dodges the next STB, tries one of his own, but then Santana connects with another!
Overall Score: 2.5/10
This was an awful trainwreck of a fever dream. The Main Event was the only thing worth watching, and if you’re not a TNA fan, I wouldn’t expect people to have stuck around that long. The Main Event is 2 of the 2.5 points, the only other slightly decent part was utilizing Sonya Deville’s relative lack of interest and expected lack of pop, to just make her a heel out of the gates.
Everything else about this show was complete unadulterated dogshit. Mr Elegance talks like young Chris Jericho, Ryan Nemeth and Peter Brady did a failed fusion dance. The concept was cringe the execution is worse. The constant commercials at the start of matches and coming back for 2-3 minutes of trash is a 90s formula that doesn’t work nowadays. 80% of this show was useless talking, highlight segments of the history of TNA and running around to fix Genesis matches because all the UK wrestlers can’t make the show.
This was pathetic. If this was people’s first time watching TNA, it probably will be their last. This show made WCW Thunder look competent. I yearn for the days of Disco Inferno vs Lodi. Van Hammer vs Mike Awesome during his fat chick thriller era, would be better writing and television than whatever this was.
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)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
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
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!
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