Results
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/17/26)
The night before WrestleMania!
The American Nightmare sends one last message!
Before fighting for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes wants to say one last thing to Randy Orton & Pat McAfee!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- 8 Man Tag Street Fight: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6; MFT wins.
- WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller; Priest & Truth win and retain the titles.
- WWE Women’s United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Jordynne Grace; Tiffany wins and will challenge for the title.
- Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Bayley & Lyra Valkyria; No Contest.
- 2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal: Royce Keys wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
A truck pulls into the garage.
And out step Randy Orton & Pat McAfee. The fans can be heard booing, and Orton says this is one hell of a truck. Pat says yeah, built tough like Orton. But then Nick Aldis finds them first, and has a contract. As discussed, here is their agreement. Aldis and Pat are gonna have a chat. Pat tells “Foreign Adam Pearce” that he is a guy who reads his own contracts, because he is a self-made billionaire, unlike all the bums in the crowd. Pat wants to read the whole thing before he signs, and it looks like there are a lot of pages here. Orton says sorry to interrupt, but he has something to say. Pat can handle this while Orton goes to the ring.
Pat is fired up as Orton heads to gorilla, and Pat says time to “ruin” the show by telling some truths! And on that note, please park the truck. Pat skims through, signs a part, and continues on while cameras cut to ringside. Orton makes his entrance, and the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is already singing along with Voices as The Viper goes to the ring. Orton signals he’s going to be champion again before even stepping into the ring. The fans cheer as Orton hits his signature pose, then Orton grabs a mic. The fans cheer Orton on while he takes a moment. “I’ll be the first one to admit it. I don’t need Pat McAfee. The truth is, I want him.”
The fans boo, but Orton says McAfee is the only straight shooter in this company. Pat doesn’t tell Orton what he wants to hear, but what he needs to hear. And what Orton needed to hear is that all along, all Orton ever needed to do was just be himself. Who would’ve thought! So they were all set, Orton was listening, he knows what he needs to do, Orton wins Elimination Chamber, and it was to be Orton VS McIntyre for the title. Now, there’s no love lost for McIntyre, Orton knew he could be who he needed to be, easy, cake, take the title home to St. Louis, all done. But then… Cody Rhodes won the title back.
The fans are torn, but Orton again says Cody Rhodes won the title back. So now, he and Cody are friends. Orton wasn’t gonna listen to Pat, he wasn’t gonna do what he needed to do, be who he needed to be, he wasn’t going to hurt his friend. But then, Cody gave Orton permission to be himself! Who the HELL is Cody to give Orton permission on anything?! Orton wrote the book on being himself! He is The Viper, he listens to the voices, and that cocky SOB tried to give Orton permission. This is how a friendship works: there is give and take, in case you didn’t know. But with Cody, well, all it ever is was give, give, give while Cody takes, takes, takes.
Tomorrow night, they main event night one of WrestleMania 42. But Orton wants to take us back to WM40, Cody VS Roman Reigns & The Rock, Cody needed a friend to team with! Someone to have his back! And he calls Seth Rollins?! All Cody does is take, take, take! And now, Solo’s Bloodline was all over Cody. What’d Orton do as a FRIEND? Orton is there to have Cody’s back! What’d he get for it? Orton got put through the table, with a near-career-ending back injury! All Cody does is take, take, take! And the best one yet is Cody gifting a WWE Championship to Orton’s friend, Kevin Owens! And wouldn’t you know it? Kevin turns on Cody!
So what’d Orton do? He had Cody’s back. Orton tried talking sense into Kevin, and what happens? Orton gets dropped on his head with a piledriver! Career threatening move, that could’ve been it! All Cody did is TAKE, TAKE, TAKE! Pat McAfee has done more for Orton than Cody has in HALF A LIFETIME! Pat hurts Orton’s legacy? No, helping Cody has hurt Orton’s legacy more than anything else! WrestleMania 42, night one, Orton rights the wrongs, fixes his legacy, and takes number 15 home where it belongs! And he’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in all of sports entertainment: R K O!
Orton drops the mic, having said his piece. Orton then returns backstage, Pat waiting in the truck. Pat says great work, Randy! Orton hops in, Pat says that is what a WWE Superstar looks like! And tomorrow night, everything changes for the better. Pat will put in a good word for Aldis with upper management. Later, marks! Pat drives off, neither he or Orton caring to wait on Cody’s response. If Cody just takes, takes, takes, will he take an L along with the RKO? Or will he keep the title on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
8 Man Tag Street Fight: MFT VS The Wyatt Sick6!
While Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga have disagreed on the Wyatt lantern, they both agree that this has to end between them and the Wyatts. But will it be a victorious moment to reunite and reinvigorate MFT? Or will Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis finally cut this “family tree” down?
SmackDown returns as the lights go down and the fireflies come out, because the Wyatts are making their entrance. The lantern is blown out, and then the Wyatts rush the ring! The bell rings as the brawl is on! Tonga Loa is considered the odd man out, but it doesn’t really matter in a Street Fight! Howdy keeps after Solo on the outside while Rowan and the others clear out Tama and Mateo. They mug Talla, BOOT him, but Talla stays up! Lumis RAMS Talla, fires hands, then Gacy joins in! They BOOT Talla again, then Rowan BOOTS Talla out! The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis build speed, and they FLY out to take down the rest!
Rowan gets moving, but Loa trips Rowan up! Rowan BOOTS Loa away, then goes out to THROW him into barriers! The fans cheer as the Silverback is down, but then Talla LARIATS Rowan! Talla then pulls the steel steps apart! He RAMS Gacy down, then RAMS Lumis! And then it’s a STAIR DOWN for Rowan! The fans are torn as Talla truly stands tall, and SmackDown goes picture in picture. Talla steps on Rowan while the others beat up on Lumis and Gacy. Mateo CHOPS Lumis, then SMACKS him off the steps! Solo stomps Rowan, talks some trash to Vegas, then regroups with the others to mug Lumis.
Loa drags Gacy up, he and Mateo mug him, then stomp him down. Tama storms around, having handled Howdy, and he rains down fists on Lumis. Rowan is up and he CLOBBERS MFT! Talla whips, Rowan reverses, and Rowan POSTS Talla! Rowan storms into the ring, and he SPLASHES Tama in a corner! Then he LARIATS Mateo in the other! Rowan shoves Mateo so he can LEG LARIAT him down! Tama CLUBS Rowan, but Rowan shoves him back. Tama dodges, but runs into a BODY CHECK! Big Red is all fired up,, but Solo SMACKS him with a kendo stick! It was only a matter of time before someone went for the goodies.
MFT brawls with the Wyatts outside again, but Lumis & Gacy mug Mateo! Talla DECKS Gacy and UPPERCUTS Lumis! Solo has Howdy on the ropes, and Loa pulls Howdy’s arms to keep him trapped! Solo SMACKS Howdy on the back! And SMACKS him again! Loa lets go so Howdy can writhe in agony. SmackDown returns to single picture as Solo offers the kendo stick to Tama. Tama declines to throw hands and stomps on Howdy instead! Tama CHOKES Howdy, then he kicks Gacy. Tama whips, but Gacy enters the UPSIDE-DOWN! Then he dodges Mateo, Lumis helps out with the BACK SUPLEX NECKBRAEKER!
Lumis hits a back suplex on Solo, then kips up to LEG DROP! Gacy SUPERKICKS Talla off the apron! Gacy whips Lumis for a somersault and MONKEFY FLIP into a POWERBOMB! Now the cleanest but Gacy covers, only for Mateo to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! And an ATHLETIC PLEX on Lumis! Mateo hauls Lumis up again, shoves and clinches, OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Mateo talks trash, then he stomps Howdy down. The fans rally for the Wyatts but Mateo talks more trash. Howdy rises up to ROCK Mateo! Howdy CLUBS away, but Talla is back! Talla fireman’s carries for a SAMOAN DROP! Talla soaks up heat, then he fireman’s carries Lumis! SAMOAN DROP!
Mateo feeds Gacy to Talla for another SAMOAN DROP! But then Rowan drags Mateo out! Rowan runs up on Talla, but Talla fireman’s carries?! Rowan fights free, and he SHOTGUNS Talla out! The fans fire up as Rowan DIVES! Down goes Talla and the fans are thunderous, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH!” Rowan grabs a chair, tosses it into the ring, then he fetches more chairs, and even kendo sticks! The Wyatts all bring things out from under the ring, including trash cans! Rowan sets a can up while Gacy kicks and stops MFT where he finds them. Howdy & Rowan DOUBLE CAN SMASH Solo! Then Rowan pushes one onto Solo’s chest! FULL METAL SPLASH!
The fans fire up as the can is crushed! Solo flounders around while the Wyatts regroup, and SmackDown goes back to picture in picture.
Rowan helps Howdy stand, and Gacy throws hands on Tama. Gacy then whips Tama, but Tama reverses to send Gacy into steel steps! Howdy stomps Solo as he slides inside, and Rowan SMACKS Mateo with a kendo stick! Rowan SMACKS Mateo off the desk, but Tama SMACKS Howdy with a kendo stick! Tama helps Solo up while Loa & Mateo mug Rowan. Loa SMACKS Rowan with that beat up trash can! Tama CHOKES Howdy with a chair, and the fans cheer Nikki Cross as she dares Mateo to do something to her! Mateo lets her shout while he CHOKES Gacy. Solo THROWS Lumis into barriers! Tama SMACKS Rowan with the beat up trash can!
Nikki has a trash can and continues to egg Mateo on. Solo rolls into the ring and he sits a chair up. Solo drags Howdy up and over to SMACK him off said chair! Howdy is down in a heap, but Solo takes a seat. Solo taunts Howdy by tapping him with the kendo stick. Then Solo SAMCKS Howdy! Mateo has a kendo stick and he SMACKS Lumis down! Loa gets a kendo stick while Solo JAMS Howdy up with a chair! Solo struts corner to corner, then soaks up the heat before he runs in, HIP ATTACK! Howdy sputters while Solo fires up! Loa & Mateo keep mugging Rowan and Lumis. Solo eggs Howdy on, talks some trash, then rains down fists.
Solo struts around again as SmackDown returns to single picture. Solo runs corner to corner again, but Howdy dodges! Hips hit buckles, then Howdy SMACKS Solo with the chair! Tama is back to Howdy JAMS him up! And he JAMS Mateo up! Then he SMACKS Mateo down! The fans fire up as Howdy clinches, URENAGE on the chair! Solo writhes in agony while Howdy DECKS Loa! Loa bails out, Nikki goes up! SUPER CORSSBODY! Down goes Loa and the fans fire up! Howdy then clinches Solo, but Talla BOOTS him down! The giant then stands at the corner so Solo can climb up from the corner and onto Talla! SUPER FLYING SOLO!! Cover, GACY SMACKS SOLO!
The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis fire off kendo sticks! They’re going yard, but Talla double guzels! DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS!! But Rowan SMACKS Talla with a chair! Talla stays up!? Rowan is pissed, but Talla SWATS the chair! Then Talla LARIATS Rowan and himself up and out of the ring! Howdy clinches Mateo, but Tama grabs Howdy for the TONGAN TWIST! The fans are torn as Tama takes off the arm sleeve. But then SAMOAN SPIKE from Solo on Howdy! Cover, MFT wins!
Winners: MFT, by pinfall
Tama was ready to strike, but Solo snatches the glory from him! But a win is a win, right? Or are the cracks in the foundation only getting worse?
Damian Priest & R-Truth walk ‘n’ talk backstage.
#WepaUp is in Vegas, and Truth says they’re facing one of the most iconic teams in WWE history in The New Day! Priest says hold on, New Day is on Raw. Exactly! Easy lay-up! Asuka cursed them! Here we go again. It’s Danhausen! No, that was last week. It’s Asuka this time. Xavier Woods is sick. So sick, he’s turning Sammy Sosa white! And he speaks with a British accent. Priest tries not to laugh, and also not to lose his mind. Isn’t that Grayson Waller? No, Waller is Aussie, Truth knows his geography. Priest says yes, Waller IS Australian. But we’re talking about Xavier Woods. No, Truth is talking about Waller. No, Truth is talking about Woods! Is Priest okay? Maybe…
Truth says get it together, dawg, they have a title match tonight, here in Vegas! What?! Truth hurries off, is any of what he just said real? And whether it’s Waller, Woods, or Whalberg, will Truth & Priest still be the W, W, E, Tag, Team, Champions~?
The Miz & Maryse renew their vows in Vegas.
Kit Wilson presides as The Hollywood A-Lister tells his lovely wife that a lot of great things have happened in his life thanks to the WWE. But by far the greatest thing is that he met Maryse. He just wants to say- DANHAUSEN!? Maryse turns around to see the Very Nice, Very Evil and very uninvited guest and freaks out. Danhausen says hi, how is everyone? Maryse asks who Danhausen even is, and he says he’s the ring bearer, the best man, AND the maid/man of honor! NO, HE’S NOT! Danhausen is NOTHING! Kit, do something! You may not curse the bride! No, wait, what?! YOU! ARE! CURSED!!
Miz is furious and he goes to CHOKE Danhausen! But in the struggle, they knock into Maryse, and Maryse stumbles into the wedding cake! Danhausen wipes some frosting from Mayrse’s nose, and says ooh, good vanilla. Stay tuned to WWE socials for the rest of this not-so-happy day.
Royce Keys speaks.
“I’m one of the few people I know from East Palo Alto that is living their dream.” He gets a bit emotional and asks for a moment. Royce is back at his childhood home. In 2021, Royce’s mother, Nita Hobson, suffered a fatal overdose. She was only 61 years old, and never saw her son’s dream come true. Royce knew the one person who would watch as his mom. She was proud of him. He had to try, because he misses his mom. Royce’s sister, Evelyn Hobson, says that regardless of what was going on, their mom was definitely proud of her kids. Royce knows his grandparents are with him, his mom is with him, and all the memories are with him. Those things kept him going.
Mark Henry says emotions are not a crutch. When you tap into them, you become stronger. Royce is a good man. He is the perfect example of working hard and making your dreams come true. No one from EPA should be here. Royce knows his mom is proud of him.
A police car drives up to the building…?
Sirens wail as the patrol car pulls into the garage, and then right up to the stage! On stage, even! The officer opens the passenger door, and out steps… JACOB FATU! The Samoan Werewolf steps right up onto the roof of the car, mic in hand, wearing custom airbrushed jeans! The fans cheer Fatu on while says, “Drew McIntyre… What, you wanna tell the whole world that I’m still a criminal? Huh? You still doubling back, huh? We can talk about my life all you want, I’m not ashamed of it, I’m not afraid of it, and for sure check this out, I for sure don’t live that life no more.”
The fans cheer that, and Fatu asks what, Drew thought putting Fatu in cuffs in front of Fatu’s family was gonna embarrass him? C’mon, man! Drew really thought putting Fatu in cuffs was gonna be embarrassing. That didn’t bother Fatu at all! HELL NAH! Even the popo know Fatu ain’t that guy no more! But this is where Drew gets very twisted. Tomorrow night, UNSANCTIONED MATCH! That means no Nick Aldis, no police, no security, no management, no Army, no Navy, hell! The SWAT Team can’t stop Fatu while he beats Drew’s ass! And the best thing about it: there is no one to save Drew!
Fatu has the cameraman come in close to get a clear view. “Drew, you try to put me back in that jail cell… Drew, you try to put me back in that jail cell where I done changed my life, but the truth is, I already put that in my rearview. And the truth is, Drew, when I get done beating your ass tomorrow, that’s exactly where I’m putting you: in the back of my rearview! So tomorrow night at WrestleMania 42, you’re gonna see Jacob Fatu shake them dreads!” Fatu geeks out, the fans cheer, and Fatu tells Drew to get a calculator, do the math, cuz tomorrow night at WM42, Fatu gonna dog walk that b*tch ass! YADADA MEAN?! Fatu has issued his warning, will Drew heed it?
#Charlexa talks backstage.
Alexa Bliss says ever since teaming with Charlotte, she’s tried all sorts of new flavors of ice cream, ended up with way more Charlotte Flair merch than she ever imagined, along with having signed some, but… She also became a tag team with a new best friend. Charlotte says yeah, 2025 was epic, and 2026 has been even better. But what would be the cherry on top? Winning the tag titles back at WrestleMania. But before that, they gotta beat Bayley & Lyra tomorrow night. They’ll walk into Mania with momentum, then walk out with as champions. But no matter what, they will still be best friends.
Charlotte knows that. The real gold is the friendship they made along the way. Friendship above all else. But how great would it be to have the real gold, too? Bliss rolls her eyes but Charlotte says c’mon, two-time champions would be awesome! Bliss has to get that! But will The Queen & “Blisster” be ready for #BayLyra later tonight?
WWE Tag Team Championships: Damian Priest & R-Truth VS Kofi Kingston & Grayson Waller!
Despite getting names and faces mixed up, Truth was right, they ARE defending the titles tonight! But will it be #WepaUp in Vegas? Or will the “New G’Day” take these belts back to Raw with them?
SmackDown returns as Kofi & Waller make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if it’ll still be #WepaUp!
The teams sort out and Priest starts against Waller. Waller tests the waters with a kick, then a JAB! Priest snarls, but Waller dodges the haymaker to fire off forearms! Waller whips, Priest reverses, but Waller ducks ‘n’ dodges, then slips through a scoop. Waller waistlocks, Priest bucks the O’Conner Roll, then he BOOTS Waller down! The fans cheer as Priest TOSSES Waller to the corner! Priest fires haymakers, then UPPERCUTS! Waller is dazed while Priest tags Truth. Priest clinches, Truth runs, LIE DETECTOR LEG SWEEP COMBO! The fans cheer while Truth ROCKS Waller. Truth goes up the corner and he rains down fists!
The fans count along, and Truth gest five before Waller YANKS him down! Waller CLUBS Truth, pushes him to the corner, then tags Kofi. Waller whips Kofi for Kofi to whip Waller into Priest! Waller talks trash as Priest falls, but Truth dodges Kofi and ROCKS Waller! Truth ROCKS Kofi, UPPERCUTS Waller, then kicks Kofi low! Kofi claims it was a little too low. Truth runs, but Waller DUMPS Truth out! The fans boo as Waller gets away with that one, but Priest is there to guzel Waller! But Kofi WRECKS Priest with a dropkick! Kofi is all fired up while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Kofi swaggers, soaks up heat, and maybe even eggs the fans on, before he puts Truth in the ring. Kofi pushes Truth to a corner, stomps a mudhole in, then talks more trash. Kofi runs corner to corner and he DROPKICKS Truth down! Cover, TWO! Truth toughs it out but Kofi clamps onto him. Kofi fires body shots, then tags Waller. They mug Truth, then Waller CLUBS Truth on the neck. Waller snapmares and basement dropkicks! Waller soaks up heat, then he sucker punches Priest! The ref reprimands but Waller ELBOWS Truth down! Waller stomps Truth, CHOKES him, but the ref is too busy with an angry Priest to stop him!
Waller CHOKES Truth on the ropes, the ref sees that, and Waller backs off. Waller brings Truth up but Truth fires haymakers! But Waller dropkicks the legs out! Waller drags Truth over, tags Kofi, and Waller sets Truth up for Kofi to BOOT down! Kofi swaggers around, soaks up more heat, then drags Truth around. Kofi waistlocks but Truth fights towards his corner! Priest reaches out for Truth, but Kofi keeps them fingertips apart! Kofi kicks and whips, then he trips Truth up! Kofi soaks up more heat while Truth writhes. Waller takes Truth’s shoe to do a “shoey” with, before Kofi AX HANDLES Truth down! Cover, TWO!
Kofi tags Waller, they mug Truth again, and Waller suplexes, only for Truth to cradle counter, TWO! Waller ELBOWS Truth down! Waller talks trash, daring Truth to go tag Priest. Truth then drags Truth up, and ROLLING ELBOWS! SmackDown returns to single picture as Waller tags Kofi! FAMOUSER, then the BALLER ELBOW DROP! Kofi covers, TWO! Kofi runs to PENALTY KICK! The fans boo but Kofi swaggers around even more. Kofi runs to stomp Truth down! Waller tags himself in and Kofi asks what he’s doing. Waller goes up, Kofi fireman’s carries, but Truth slips fere! Truth shoves Kofi into Waller, and Waller HOTSHOTS off ropes!
Kofi hurries to anchor Truth, Truth BOOTS him into Waller! Hot tag to Priest! Priest fires BIG haymakers on Waller and Kofi! Then JUMP KICK after JUMP KICK! ELBOW on Kofi in one corner, ELBOW on Waller in the other! Kofi runs up, but into a clinch and FLATLINER! Priest then has Waller for a wrench and knuckle lock! Priest goes up and the fans cheer for an Old School CROSSBODY! Priest fires up and the fans are with him! Priest powers up the arm, runs the ropes, COMEBSCK- NO, Waller ducks that to wrench and- NO, Priest dodges to COMEBACKER! Cover, Kofi breaks it! Kofi calls to Waller, but Truth is starting up a “New! Day Sucks!” chant!?
Kofi is upset because Truth thinks he needs to tag him!? Kofi slaps Truth’s hand away, but Truth takes that as the tag! Truth runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and starts up the “Ron Cena” Shoulder Tackles! SPIN-OUT BOMB! And yes, Truth puts his hand up! Priest scoop SLAMS Waller down next to Kofi! Truth says Priest should join in, but Priest isn’t so sure. The fans say yes, join in! Priest shrugs and says, “You Can’t See Me!” Priest & Truth run for a DOUBLE FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Priest then pops Waller up so he and Truth can hit a 3D! Cover, Priest & Truth win!
Winners: Damian Priest & R-Truth, by pinfall (still WWE Tag Team Champions)
The dynamic, if not a bit delusional, duo does it again! Will it be #WepaUp then, now, and forever?
Jade Cargill is here!
The Storm has arrived in Las Vegas, and she has her Baddies back. Mia Yim & B-Fab have recovered from Rhea Ripley wrecking them, and the trio goes to the ring. Jade grabs a mic, but before she can say two words, Rhea makes HER way out here! Vegas cheers Mami as she steps out on stage, but without reinforcements this week. Rhea isn’t afraid, though, as she walks to the ring. Rhea grabs a mic before she goes to the apron, and she says, “Jade… I just wanted to come out here before you started talking and wasted everyone’s time. First of all, there’s nothing that I’d like more than to lay you out right now, especially after everything you have done.
“But I don’t wanna give you an excuse not to be able to walk into WrestleMania. And I know I’m not normally the most patient of people… I’m normally not.” The fans cheer Rhea on and she smiles. Rhea says Jade is lucky Rhea isn’t in there already, whooping her ass. The fans cheer but Jade mockingly smiles. Rhea says Jade hasn’t been able to give Rhea a chance to face her fair and square. Rhea thinks Jade is scared. And when it comes to WrestleMania, Rhea can’t wait to embarrass Jade! Fab says, “Embarrass her? Rhea, the only one that should be embarrassed is you! Uh-huh, yeah! Shut up! You’re the one that keeps coming for Jade, and failing!”
The fans boo but Rhea says she hasn’t even had the chance to go after Jade. See, ever since Rhea won Elimination Chamber, Jade’s done nothing but hiding. She hides behind her minions, behind social media, and anything she can to not be 1v1 with Rhea. So if there’s anything Jade wants to say, this is her last chance to say it alone. Jade has Mia & Fab stand down, and asks, “I’m scared? Aww, I’m scared~ of some cosplay goth kid with insecurities? Yeah, okay. I’m everything you wish you could be! A REAL b*tch! And yeah, you got your way around here, but that’s cuz of that weak ass locker room back there.”
The fans boo but Jade says she’s not hiding. She’s just trying to spare Rhea. And since Rhea didn’t learn the lesson, on Sunday, Jade will put belt to ass! And if Rhea keeps talking, Jade will make it quick. Rhea asks Jade if she really thinks Rhea wants to be like Jade. Oh, no no no, Rhea doesn’t wanna be anything like Jade. Rhea’s been fighting women like Jade her entire life, actually. And if you wanna bring up insecurities like they’re a bad thing, like they hold Rhea back, no, they make her the person she is today! They’re the reason Rhea is a multiple time champion in the WWE! The fans cheer that!
So if Jade wants to make it quick, then Rhea can make it quick! But she promises, it won’t be in Jade’s favor, “you narcissistic, selfish, fake ass b*tch!” The fans cheer Rhea on that one! The two stare down, but Jade holds up the belt. Jade storms off, her Baddies following behind. But will Mami still end up on top on the Grandest Stage of Them All?
MFT regroups backstage.
They’re all feeling food from the win, and Solo says that is what he’s been talking about! The Wyatts are finished, and that happened cuz MFT worked together as a team! Tama says yeah, right, a team. Yeah, a team! Anyways, this is just getting started. Solo wants Talla to win the Andre the Giant Battle Royal and bring that trophy home! MFT, time to get ready! Meanwhile, Solo will talk to Aldis and see about getting the tag team titles back! MFT is feeling good, but will they keep winning while they have the hot hand? Or are they about to bust and go broke?
WWE Women’s United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Tiffany Stratton VS Jordynne Grace!
Giulia continues to hold onto the gold with an iron grip, but now is the time to name her next challenger. Will the Wrestling Barbie get back on her winning ways during WrestleMania season? Or will the Juggernaut finally get a golden opportunity?
SmackDown returns, and Giulia & Kiana James have appeared ringside to watch this match with their own eyes. The bell rings and the two shake hands to show there is sportsmanship here. They tie up, Grace headlocks, but Tiff powers up only for Grace to whip her away. Tiff leapfrogs over the backdrop, but then Grace fireman’s carries Tiff, only for Tiff to sunset flip it! TWO, and Grace SLIDING- NO, Tiff catches Grace to a ghost pin! ONE, and Tiff ducks a shot! Grace ducks a kick, and the fans cheer the standoff. Grace and Tiff reset, circle, and they tie up. Tiff waistlocks but Grace ELBOWS free! Grace whips, drops, but Tiff handsprings over!
The fans cheer as Tiff says it’s still her time. Tiff ducks ‘n’ dodges, then counters the hip toss into a JAWBREAKER! Grace falls, Tiff covers, TWO! Grace goes to a corner, Tiff runs up, but Grace slips around to RAM Tiff into buckles again and again! Grace backslides then short arm LRIATS! And short arm LARIATS! But Tiff ducks the next one, only for Grace to ELBOW her again! Grace Electric Chair Lifts to HOTSHOT Tiff, then LARIAT her down! The fans are torn but Grace covers Tiff, TWO! Tiff toughs it out while SmackDown goes picture in picture.
Grace drags Tiff up, slaps her on the back to copy the rallying applause, then she pump handles Tiff. Tiff fights the lift, Grace fires knees into her, then Grace short arm LARIATS! Tiff flounders but Grace hushes the crowd. Grace CHOPS Tiff on the back! And then LARIATS back and forth, front and back! Grace winds up, runs, but Tiff ELBOWS her down! Tiff shakes out the arm and nods as she paces around. Tiff drags Grace up, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tiff stops at 4, and Tiff drags Grace up to reel her in. Tiff snap suplexes, then rolls to a cover, TWO! Grace toughs it out after that hard landing.
Tiff stays on Grace, CHOKES her on the ropes, but stops as the ref counts. Tiff ROCKS Grace, CHOKES her again, then runs the ropes to HIP ATTACK! Grace falls, Tiff covers, TWO! Grace survives again but Tiff stays cool. Grace fires body shots, Tiff stomps Grace down. Grace eggs Tiff on so Tiff fires off shots! Grace shoves Tiff, Tiff kicks low! Tiff fires forearms, then whips to ELBOW Grace down! Cover, TWO! Grace stays in this but Tiff stays on her. Tiff whips Grace to a corner, Grace reverses, and Tiff rebounds into the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM! Grace goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Grace stays focused.
Grace puts Tiff in a corner, fires forearm after forearm, then gets space to run up, into a BOOT! Tiff reels Grace in as SmackDown returns to single picture. The fans duel while Grace hoists Tiff up top! Grace UPPERCUTS Tiff, then climbs up to join her. Grace SUPERPLEXES then rolls through, to deadlift, but Tiff DDT COUNTERS! The fans fire up while both women are down again! Tiff and Grace slowly rise up, and the fans cheer as Tiff fires a forearm! Grace fires back, Tiff fires again, and Grace CHOPS! Tiff CHOPS, and the forearms fly again! Grace gets the edge, but Tiff BOOTS Grace, ducks a shot, then KNEES Grace down!
Tiff runs up, but Grace avoids the double stomps to roll Tiff up! TWO, but Grace reels Tiff in, only for Tiff to power up! Grace fights that lift, ducks a kick, but Tiff ELBOWS Grace again! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO! Grace survives and Tiff grows frustrated, but the fans continue to rally. Grace crawls to ropes, Tiff runs up, but Grace BOOTS her! Grace skins the cat, then she catches Tiff in a trap! Grace body scissors in the ropes to HEADBUTT again and again and again! The fans fire up as Grace HEADBUTTS and Tiff staggers. Grace fireman’s carries, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Then a lift and tuck, PACKAGE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!!
Tiff survives and Grace grows frustrated. The fans rally up again as Grace and Tiff rise. Grace drags Tiff up, and reels her into the Reverse Gory! But Tiff slips free, shoves Grace, then handsprings to STUNNER! Grace wobbles, Tiff fires up, and Tiff fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON! Then Tiff signals to Giulia that she’s getting the belt! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!
Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s United States Championship)
Tiff stares Giulia down again, but Giulia doesn’t sweat it. Will Tiff prove it’s her time again? Or will she succumb to the Beautiful Madness?
Trick Williams is here!
Las Vegas is all fired up for Hollywood Trick and his lemon pepper steppers! They chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” as he goes to the ring. Trick grabs the mic to say, “What?” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Huh?!” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “Uh-huh!” “Whoop Dat Trick!” “I like it!” The fans cheer as Trick shouts out Booker T with that. Trick says, “Now hear me out. Usually, I come out here, it’s all smiles, games, and jokes. Not tonight. Tonight, I got something to get off my chest, so we gon’ talk about it. Sami Zayn, last week, you crossed the line. Roll the footage!” Trick cues it up, and what Trick means is when Lil Yachty tripped Sami up off the apron, and Sami responded with a HELLUVA KICK!
Trick says Sami hit Lil Yachty with that kick. Last week, Sami hit Trick’s friend with a Helluva Kick. Last week, Sami hurt Trick’s friend with that Helluva Kick! We don’t know when Yachty’s coming back. It might be tomorrow, it might be Sunday, but that means Sami did something worse than hurt Trick’s friend. He hurt Trick’s WrestleMania entrance with that Helluva Kick! so this is what we gonna do about it. We ain’t waiting ’til Sunday! Grown folk talking, we gonna take care of business tonight! Sami Zayn, Gingerbread Man, bring yo’ ass out here! The fans cheer, and Sami appears! Wait, no, that’s someone in a Gingy the Gingerbread Man costume…
Trick laughs as he clearly mocks Sami with this. Trick has them cut the music, and he introduces Vegas to Sami the Gingerbread Man. The fans chant “GINGERBREAD! GINGERBREAD!” Trick says he’s supposed to be mad, but here looking at him, Sami looks upset himself. What’s wrong, Gingerbread Man? No diehard Sami Zayn fans in San Jose? Maybe there are some here in Vegas. Doesn’t sound like it… So maybe, all the diehard Sami fans are on Dreary Lane. Nah, c’mon, listen to Trick. When life gives you lemons, you put on your lemon pepper steppers, and mind your business when grown folks talkin’!
This Sunday, it is all about Trick Williams! His first WrestleMania, his moment ot get the US Championship! And he’ll do whatever it takes to get the title! He’ll be whooping something! Vegas, tell ’em what we gon’ do. “Whoop Dat Trick!” Sami says yeah, that’s good, that’s great. The fans boo as the REAL Sami walks out on stage. Sami says this is real funny. He’s “glad” Trick’s having fun and taking his first Mania so seriously. He almost envies it! Sami wishes he was having this much fun, but he hasn’t been having a good time for a very long time. Sami is walking in as THE US Champion, and he’s still not having a good time!
But by the sounds of it, it sounds like the fans here have also not been having fun. The fans taunt Sami but Sami still doesn’t get what he did wrong! He doesn’t! But truth is, Sami doesn’t care. Sami is doing this, and does this every day, for the Ride or Die Sami Fans! The ones that have been with him since day one! Sami steps into the ring, and says make no mistake, there are still plenty of those fans watching at home and even here in Vegas! They will be in Sami’s corner for Mania and beyond. But here’s the thing, Trick… Fans tell Sami to shut up but Sami says no, they’ll get to that.
But ever since Trick got here like four months ago and interrupted Sami, everyone’s been talking about Trick… Okay, can the gingerbread guy not stand like that? No, stop, the hands on hips is worse. Go away, Sami doesn’t wanna see him. The fans boo but Sami says Trick was supposedly the future of the company. Sami was the first to agree. But what has Trick shown Sami since? Not a whole lot. Trick has a great entrance, a good catchphrase, and can even drop a good diss track, congrats. But y’know what Trick hasn’t shown Sami? Anything where it counts, and that’s in this ring when it matters most!
So now when Sami looks a Trick, Sami doesn’t see the future of the WWE anymore. Sami sees Trick now as “a little punk rookie.” The fans boo but Sami says this punk rookie is about to walk into his first Mania with one of the best to ever do it! And he’ll realize at Mania that he bit off more than he can chew, because instead of taking this seriously, he walked into the biggest match of his life without a plan! Trick says, “No plan, Sami? Look at me, I AM the plan! I been here for four months, and took you, the veteran, all off your game. Trying to find yourself. You’re coming your hair now! Your breath still smells like ten pounds of bounce dat ass.
“You done lost yourself! You’re crashing out. There ain’t a safe water bottle backstage cuz you don’t know how to find Sami Zayn no more. That’s right, you’re Sami Zayn, one of the most respected guys in the locker room. The guy with all the accolades, all the titles. Tag team, Intercontinental, you had it, you done it. But you threw that all away because this rookie got in the game. Who doesn’t have a plan, Sami? Look at me when I’m talking to you. Because the truth is… I’m the one that’s gonna get the job done. Let’s talk about it.” The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” but Sami asks if Trick thinks that is in his head! Trick is in Sami’s head?
This is your big plan?! This is the plan that Trick cooked up in that big ol’ head of his? Trick, standing in the ring, two days before their match, with a guy in a gingerbread costume. The fans again chant for “GINGERBREAD!” and Trick says no, he’s standing in the ring with two gingerbread men. Sami throws hands! Trick fires back, the fans fire up, and Trick gets the edge! Trick DECKS Sami! Trick throws off the jacket, but Sami dodges the lariat to then LARIAT Trick up and out! Sami is all fired up and says when Trick is in this ring, he’s in Sami’s world! And then Sami looks at Gingy… Gingerbread Man wants a timeout, and Sami says yeah, it’s fine, you’re good.
HELLUVA KICK!! The foam head turns around as the guy falls over! Sami has a real laugh now, but then TRICK SHOT takes Sami down! Trick holds up the title, will it be his after WrestleMania? Or will Sami find a way to whoop that Trick?
We hear from all the teams in the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way.
Brie Bella says, “WrestleMania: where legacies are defined. My sister and I built this division, and even with Nikki fighting through an injury, we’re showing up. Because when the Bella Twins step on that stage, the standard is set.” Charlotte Flair counters with, “Standard? It’s not about where you’ve been…” Alexa adds, “It’s about who owns the division now.” Lyra Valkyria tells them all that they better be ready to prove it. Bayley adds that no one gets handed something at Mania. Nia Jax says right, they don’t get handed anything. Lash Legend says they’ll get run over! Because that is exactly what the Irresistible Forces have done with every team that’s stepped in the ring with them.
Brie says the Bellas have heard all this before. Nikki’s rehabbing and fighting like hell. They’ve been doing this together their whole lives. Whenever something tries to take them out, they find a way back. Charlexa didn’t even like each other, and they still figured out how to become champions. That is what makes them dangerous. But BayLyra says this isn’t about what you’ve had, it’s about what you can do when it matters. Brie says Mania won’t be about reminding people of who the Bellas were, but who they still are. Charlexa says at Mania, they take back what’s theirs, together as friends.
BayLyra vows to bring their absolute best, and make everything they’ve been through the past year worth it! Nia & Lash say don’t worry, they’ll make sure everyone gets their “moment.” But this will be the last moment they ever have! Everyone is ready, but who will survive when the odds are in no one’s favor?
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS Bayley & Lyra Valkyria!
We’ve heard them all talk, now is the last chance for momentum going into that title fight! Will The Queen & “Blisster” or The Role Model & Morrigan be red hot going into WrestleMania?
There’s tension between the teams already, and Lyra ROCKS Charlotte! The brawl is on! The fans fire up as Charlotte CLOBBERS Lyra while Bayley and Bliss trade hands! Bayley gest around to SAIDO Bliss, but Charlotte CHOPS Lyra! And CHOPS again! Lyra dodges the third to then WHEEL KICK Charlotte down! Bliss sends Bayley into buckles, but HERE COMES NIA! She CLOBBERS Lyra, and then Lash DECKS Bliss! So much for a match! Charlotte RAMS Nia into a corner, BOOTS her, but Lash BOOTS Charlotte! Lash pumped the brakes, but Bayley jumps on Nia for a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Bayley into buckles!
Lash SPLASHES Bayley, but Lyra fires off Lash! Nia CLUBS Lyra, then Lash hauls her up. Lash DECKS Lyra with that legendary right! Lash then hauls Lyra back up, Nia climbs a corner, and Lash has the BEARHUG! Lash THRASHES Lyra, then sets her up for Nia’s SUPER LEG DROP! This may not have been a match, but the momentum is all on the side of the Irresistible Forces! Will it not matter if The Bellas add themselves to the equation when it comes to these two?
2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal!
Once more, WWE honors the Eighth Wonder of the World with this battle royal, with superstars from Raw, SmackDown, and now even NXT and AAA, battling for their place in history! Royce Keys makes his entrance as SmackDown returns, but wait! “Say his name and he appears! I believe in Joe Hendry!” Yes, The Prestigious Joe Hendry is here and has Las Vegas waving their hands from side to side! Hendry tops off the field, and the bell rings! Angel takes off his pants and throws them at Kit Wilson! Kit says that’s TOXIC, and everyone is brawling! The fans fire up as the Grandes are after each other, and Kit PIE FACES Hendry!
Hendry just TURNS! Kit is started, and he trips over the prone body of Johnny Gargano! Kit tumbles up and out and to the floor, Hendry & Gargano ELIMINATE Kit! Los Garza brawl with Hendry, Shiloh Hill and LA Parka work together against Alpha Academy, and Nathan Frazer is already holding on for dear life! Axiom saves Frazer from MCMG, TOSSES Sabin out, but then Sabin fireman’s carries Frazer! Frazer fights free, ROCKS Sabin, and they brawl! Frazer SUPERKICKS Sabin, but Sabin BOOTS Frazer! Frazer dangles but he skins the cat to UP KICK Sabin! But then Gargano comes to life to BLAST Frazer! Frazer hits desk, then floor, Gargano ELIMINATES Frazer!
Sabin realizes Gargano is a friend, and they reach out for a high-five, but then Axiom runs up! Gargano dodges, the DROPKICK knocks Sabin down! Axiom ELIMINATES Sabin! Gargano fires off on Axiom, and El Grande Americano Original THROWS El Grande Americano Nuevo over! EGA Nuevo holds on, but Original goes after that mask! The fans are torn, but Talla DUMPS both Grandes out, DOUBLE ELIMINATION! The fans are torn but at least no one was unmasked. Talla stomps Fenix, Hendry kicks Wilde, and Shiloh fires up as he brawls with Ilja! The fans fire up as those two madmen trade shots! Ilja PELES, but Shiloh ROCKS Ilja! Ilja DUMPS Shiloh out!
Shiloh stays up but Ilja JUMP KICKS him down and ELIMINATES him! Los Garza mug LA Parka, but he fires back and dances. He TOSSES Berto, then dodges Angel! KNEE for Angel, Park runs up, but Angel y Berto stop the monkey flip to DUMP Parka and ELIMINATE him! The fans boo as Berto mocks the dance, but Fenix blows past Angel to DROPKICK Berto! Fenix ELIMINATES Berto while he TORNADO DDTS Angel! The fans cheer Fenix, and now Psycho Clown is up! He scoops Garza for a BACKBREAKER, then a pop-up UPPERCUT! Psycho Clown RIPS his own mask-face! Then he HEADBUTTS Angel!
Angel dodges a lariat, but Royce runs up! Angel dodges that, and Royce’s LARIAT sends Psycho Clown up and out! Royce ELIMINATES Psycho Clown! Angel wants Royce to hold on, but Royce hoists him up! Angel fights free, and Axiom fights off Gargano and Shelley! Shelley SUPERKICKS Axiom, then Gargano hits ONE FINAL BEAT! Axiom falls, Gargano ELIMINATES another one! Shelley helps his old friend up, but Fenix says ADIOS AMIGOS! PENALTY KICK hits Shelley! Shelley falls, Fenix ELIMINATES him! Fenix then sees Gargano holding on. Gargano RAMS low, then slingshots, but into a SUPERKICK!
The fans fire up as Crews and Nakamura brawl, Tozawa brawls with Ilja, and Crews BOOTS Nakamura! Nakamura DUMPS Crews out, then dodges a shot! Crews dodges one, but not the WHEEL KICK! Nakamura ELIMINATES Crews! Hendry FALL AWAY SLAMS Cardona, then kips up to TURN! Gargano CROSSBODIES, but Hendry catches Gargano! FALL AWAY SLAM! Kip up and… TURN! The fans cheer Hendry, but Aleister TOSSES Hendry and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but the Dark Father is not a believer. Talla CLOBBERS Aleister, soaks up heat, then brawls with the LWO! He TOSSES Cruz, but Wilde fires off!
Wilde whips but Talla reverses to TOSS and ELIMINATE Wilde! Cruz GAMANGIRIS, but Talla SHOVES Cruz down to ELIMINATE him, too! Talla snarls, but now everyone turns their attention to him! Fenix, Angel, Gargano, Ilja, and Cardona all go after Talla, but he EXPLODES free! UPPERCUT for Gargano, for Angel, then a LARIAT for Cardona! Fenix fires off kick after kick, but Talla SWATS the roundhouse to TOSS Fenix! Fenix clings to the ropes, but Talla runs up! Fenix fires fast hands, then goes up, up, and leaps, into the guzel! CHOKE SLAM to the apron! Fenix falls to the floor, Talla ELIMINATES him!
The fans boo but Cardona and Angel ROCK and ENZIGIRI Talla! SUPERKICK! CHOP! SPIN CHOP! Nakamura adds a KINSHASA!! Talla is down, but Aleister TOSSES Nakamura to ELIMINATE him! The Dark Father continues to pick his spots, but did he perhaps take out the wrong threat? Ilja BOOTS Aleister, then runs up, only to be put on the apron! Ilja ROCKS Aleister, climbs back up, but Aleister STEP-UP KICKS! Ilja falls to the floor, Aleister ELIMINATES another one! But then Tozawa GERMAN SUPLEXES Aleister! The fans fire up for the Stamina Monster as he rips off that shirt! But then the BLACK MASS hits!
Aleister TOSSES Tozawa to ELIMINATE him! Otis takes note of that, and the Dozer is unleashed! he LARIATS Aleister, he LARIATS Cardona, then scoops Angel to SLAM him! The fans fire up for Otis as he sends Angel into Gargano, and SPLASHES them both! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Angel, and Gargano is prone! Otis rips his shirt off, and he starts up the CATERPILLAR~! SPLASH! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Gargano! Cardona BOOTS Otis, then runs up, ROUGH- POWERBOMB! Otis TOSSES and ELIMINATES Cardona! The fans fire up again as Dozer makes himself part of the final four along with Aleister, Nakamura and Royce!
Otis and Aleister brawl, Aleister fires off kicks, but Otis dodges with a roll! WERCKING HAYMAKER! Otis HEADBUTTS an ELBOW! BLACK MASS!! Otis flops over, Aleister huffs ‘n’ puffs, but Royce steps up! Royce shoves Aleister, but Aleister KNEES back! Royce LARIATS Aleister up and out to ELIMINATE him!! The fans are thunderous as now, it comes down to the three biggest men in the match! Royce stares down with Talla, but Otis bulldozes throogh them both! Otis RUNS Royce over, then SPALSHES Talla! And he SPLASHES Royce! Otis scoops for the WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!
The fans fire up but then Talla BOOTS Otis! The fans boo but Talla TOSSES Otis up and out to ELIMINATE him! Talla then prepares for Royce. Guzel! CHOKE- NO, Royce slips free, dodges a boot, and he SPINEBUSTERS! The fans fire up as Royce handles Town Bidness! The straps come down, Royce LARIATS Talla up and out, and WINS!!
Winner: Royce Keys (2026 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Champion)
His debut was in the Royal Rumble, but his biggest moment is the SmackDown before WrestleMania! Immortalized on the trophy forever, will 2026 become The Year of the Powerhouse?
Cody Rhodes is here!
The American Nightmare has finally arrived, and the fans sing along with Kingdom as the Undisputed WWE Champion makes his entrance, “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro, then he fires the fans up as he goes to the ring. The fans cheer and sing as Cody gets the mic, and Cody says, “So, Las Vegas, Nevada! WrestleMania 42, the SmackDown the night before, what do we wanna talk about?!” The fans cheer, and Cody says here is what we won’t talk about. We won’t talk about the last three WrestleManias and the apparent conspiracy theory that a certain somebody is needling Cody, is messing with him.
Whether it’s the inclusion of The Final Boss a few years ago, or Travis Scott last year, or even someone who Cody won’t name but should just go home. The fans chant, “Go Home Pat! Go Home Pat!” Cody smiles, and says tomorrow is simple: It is about two men in a single contest, fighting for the oldest and the richest prize in the game. It is Cody Rhodes VS his mentor in this business, the Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, Randy Orton! The fans cheer, and Cody says he doesn’t subscribe to that conspiracy theory. He feels this all just comes with the territory. It is Randy, he was out here talking about Cody just taking, like that’s all he does.
Cody says that’s an interesting choice of words for Randy, since Randy has never taken responsibility in his life. And Randy, the best he’s ever been, which he is, 2009 as we keep referencing. Cody was there, he saw what Orton did, burning everything in his path, went to Mania, wrestled for this title, and he lost. Unfortunately, as good as Randy has become, as good as Randy is, he is now associated with a world most wrestlers- WAIT! CM PUNK is here?! The fans fire up and Cody is surprised to see the World Heavyweight Champion here, and in a suit! Well, the Hall of Fame induction ceremony is after this so it makes sense.
Punk joins Cody in the ring and grabs a mic. The fans finish singing Cult of Personality, then they cheer as the two champions stand together. Cody says he just wants to ask, champ to champ and friend to friend, if they were to hug it out, will Punk go and kick Cody in the balls, too? Fans chant “YES! YES! YES!” Cody and Punk both chuckle, and Punk says there are a lot of people who deserve to get kicked in the balls, but Cody ain’t one of them. Punk is here to give Cody some advice, but to also stop Cody from mentioning someone’s name who doesn’t deserve to be named, who is a tourist in this business and does not deserve anyone’s time, energy, or anything else.
Is Cody wearing a bowtie? Well yes, they dress up for the Hall of Fame. Punk’s looking rather dapper, too, ol’ Chick Magnet. Yes, Punk knew Cody would draw attention to that. This is the first time Punk’s worn a suit on WWE TV since… Teddy Long’s wedding! Remember that? Yes, Jagged Edge was there. Anyway, they go back a long way, they’ve stood in this ring in front of these people multiple times before as friends, competitors, and talked about who is chasing who. Cody once said he was chasing Punk, and then after their respective hiatuses from WWE, Punk was chasing Cody.
Now, Punk wants to take this moment to relish the fact that they are live on a Friday night in Las Vegas, ten toes down, looking at each other as friends and champions, both headlining WrestleMania. They’re past Punk giving Cody advice, because Cody has done and said things Punk has yet to even accomplish. If Punk was ever a teacher to Cody, he isn’t now, but Punk still wants Cody to focus on Randy. They know how dangerous Randy is. Cody’s learned from some of the best: John Cena, Dusty Rhodes, and if Randy was ever Cody’s teacher, he sure ain’t one now. So in a way, maybe, we don’t know what happens tomorrow so Punk won’t make promises he can’t keep.
But Punk does know this: On Monday, win, lose or draw, Cody will be back, Punk will be back, and Cody helped build this up. Punk can only ask all the fans to please come along with them on this adventure! So champ to champ, friend to friend, brother to brother, Punk is proud of Cody. The fans cheer that! Punk and Cody shake hands, and Punk wishes Cody luck and tells him to have fun. Cody says hold on, Punk. It might subvert expectations with Punk always teaching Cody things, but Cody knows there’s something he wants to share with Punk. Cody knows who Punk is up against this Sunday. It is a guy they’ve literally created terms for, he is that good.
Punk is up against the most dominant WrestleMania main-eventer in the history of this, The OTC, Roman Reigns. But Punk, you’re not borne into this like Roman was or Cody was. Punk came into wrestling cuz he loved it. He trained with Harley Race, with Terry Funk, found his tribe. WWE came to Punk when they weren’t even looking at guys who looked like Punk. They wanted Punk so bad, they let him keep his name! And then Punk went away for ten YEARS, but he captured the fans’ attention so much, they chanted his name for ten years straight, and loudly! The fans chant “C M PUNK!” even now.
Cody tells Punk that he could’ve come back, waved his hat, done the greatest hits, but he didn’t. Punk came back better than ever! Maybe it’s like George Foreman or Tom Brady, but in the language of wrestling, this was an HBK! HBK came back after five years and a debilitating back injury, and here’s Punk, better than Punk has ever been! If there’s a conversation going on about a “Mr. WrestleMania,” from #MachoKing to HBK, then Punk’s about to make that conversation. The NEW Mr. WrestleMania is C M PUNK! The fans like the sound of that! Cody then tells Punk to hear something from him as one of the handful of people who have the right to say it.
Cody thanks Punk for everything he taught Cody, for sharing this moment with him and the fans tonight. And if it means anything, someone that Punk took a great deal of counsel with, that he made a promise to, Dusty would be extremely proud of Punk. Cody loves you, brother. They hug it out, and the fans cheer. Punk says hold on, cut the music, don’t credit us out! He isn’t crying tonight, he’ll cry on Sunday after he beats Roman’s ass! Cody says he loves Punk, Punk loves all the fans, and they’re here for them! These titles are as much the fans’ as they are Punk’s and Cody’s, so they’re gonna celebrate with the people!
The fans cheer as the champions of WWE stand with their people! But will they both still be the champions of the WWE? Or will this WrestleMania Weekend change everything?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown, but pretty much Go Home Syndrome. The recap and hype packages were good, maybe even great, but they didn’t really add much heat. Good promo from Pat and Orton to open, not that it added much. Cody and Punk had a very good promo to close the show, and I wonder if this is foreshadowing them both standing tall, or them both falling to Roman and Orton. Cody even addressed the “conspiracy” so I wonder if that turns out to be true (in kayfabe). It would be pretty wild if the next chapter is some new faction that parallels The Authority and Vince McMahon, aka the powers at be holding down our heroes.
Hilarious promo from Truth & Priest to set up their tag title match, and of course Priest & Truth win. Their defenses haven’t been against the strongest of teams, so it makes me think once a solid team is put up against them, this all falls apart. Not sure if it’ll be MFT, but it’d make sense after Solo was talking about getting things back on track. Very good 8 Man Tag Street Fight, but of course they leaned into the 5v4 nature since it was No DQ and Loa was of course going to get involved. Good win for MFT, very good showing for Talla in the battle royal, and I appreciated seeing Hendry here tonight. But c’mon, Royce Keys was hands down winning, and what a great honor for him. Now, we just have to wait and see who is US Champion (or maybe even Intercontinental?).
Good promo from Trick and Sami with the Shrek Gingerbread Man mascot. I almost thought that was going to be Sami in the costume, but Sami got to give a good promo as himself. It bordered on Heel, so maybe we’re getting a double turn through this. Trick standing tall doesn’t bode well for his chances in the match, though. Maybe Heel Sami cheats hard to get the win, and we can run it back at Backlash. Hilarious stuff with Danhausen, The Miz, Maryse, and Kit. I wonder if we get more during Mania, or we wait until SmackDown to build towards Backlash. I feel like Danhausen still needs a tag partner, I just don’t know who it’d be.
A little disappointing that the women’s tag match was another case of Irresistible Forces attacking, but with the Bellas on hold because of Nikki’s rehab, this is about all they could do for a build. Well, that or a Triple Threat of one member each, like Charlotte VS Bayley VS Nia. Very good match from Tiff VS Grace, and Tiff winning her shot at Giulia is good. They’ll have a very good US Championship match of their own, and I would think it’s set for Backlash. And a decent promo from Rhea and Jade, but this build has just been lacking something the whole time. They tried using Iyo to help this, but maybe if they were building Rhea VS Jade AND Iyo VS Asuka, it would’ve worked out better. No idea who wins at Mania, but the fans clearly want Rhea at this point.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Live from West Palm Beach, Florida, Darby Allin defends the AEW World Championship against PAC on a Fairway to Hell!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW National Championship: “Jungle” Jack Perry VS Mark Davis w/ Don Callis; Davis wins and becomes the new AEW National Champion.
- AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship Eliminator: The Divine Dominion VS Ruthie Slay & Rachel Ley; The Divine Dominion wins and denies Slay & Ley a title match.
- “Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS Kiran Grey; Bailey wins.
- AEW World Championship No Count Outs Match: Darby Allin VS PAC; Darby wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW National Championship: “Jungle” Jack Perry VS Mark Davis w/ Don Callis!
The Jurassic Express National Tour arrives in SoFi Center Arena, the same place the TGL takes place! But will Tarzan Life win this rematch from Dynasty? Or can Dunkzilla make good on this mulligan?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if the Don Callis Family adds more gold to the collection!
The bell rings, the fans cheer, and Callis joins commentary to humble brag that he already played 42 holds with Ricochet, Tony Khan and Richard Goodell. Jack gets the fans to cheer for him, and to boo Davis. The two circle, Davis runs up but Jack dodges! Jack fires off forearms, Davis TOSSES Jack to a corner, and the fans already tell Callis off. Jack dodges Davis to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP, but Davis turns things back around! Davis THROWS Jack away, but Jack comes back to SHOTGUN Davis! Jack then climbs up and rains down fists! Davis stops Jack at 5 as he lifts him off the corner! But Jack fights with more fists, and he RANAS Davis away!
Jack runs up, Davis pops him up to the apron, but Jack ENZIGIRIS! Jack goes up, up, but Davis slips under the jump! Davis runs up, but Jack dodges! Davis tumbles up and out of the ring, Jack goes up top, ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Direct hit and the fans fire up! Jack waves hi tot he camera, then he puts Davis back in the ring. Davis shoves Jack away, Jack dodges, and he SHOTGUNS Davis down! Davis flounders but Jack runs up again, and he uses the corner to swing, only for Davis to block! Davis LAWN DARTS Jack into the rope! Then LARIATS him down! The fans boo but Davis refreshes the ring count.
Davis storms over to Jack while the fans rally up. Davis drags Jack up, brings him around, and CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” as that one echoes out. Davis snarls as he stares into the camera, then he drags Jack up. Davis puts Jack in the ring, rolls in after him, and stalks Jack to ropes. The fans rally for Jack but Davis bends Jack back against the ropes! The ref counts, Davis stops at 4, but Jack CHOPS! And CHOPS! Davis eggs Jack on, so Jack CHOPS! Davis CHOPS Jack down! Davis soaks up the heat, then he goes back to Jack. Davis bumps Jack off buckles, then brings him around to TOSS across the way! Davis takes his time following Jack and kicks him around.
The fans rally for Jack but Davis is on him again. Davis whips Jack to ropes, but Jack slides under! JAWBREAKER! Davis wobbles, Jack goes to ropes, but Davis runs up. Jack BOOTS Davis, slips outside and ROCKS Davis again, then slingshots, but into a FOREARM! Davis then runs to BLAST Jack off the apron! The fans boo Davis but he soaks it up while Collision goes to break.
The ref checks Jack but Davis goes out to fetch him. Davis grabs a towel to CHOKE Jack with it! The ref reprimands, Davis stops, but then he sits Jack up on the railing. Davis CHOPS Jack into the crowd! Davis leaves Jack behind while the ring count climbs. Jack drags himself up while the fans cheer him on, and Jack gets help getting up and over the barriers. Jack stumbles back to the ring, safe at 8! Davis storms up and tells the fans this is on them. But Jack dodges the chop, to SMACK Davis! And ROCK him again, and again, and again! Davis just scoops Jack to SLAM him down! And SENTON! Davis roars while Jack sputters on the mat!
Davis paces around Jack, pushes him down for a cocky cover, ONE!! But Davis bends Jack back with the chinlock stretch! Jack endures, reaches out, then BITES Davis’ hand! The ref reprimands but Jack lets go, and Davis snarls again. Jack CHOSP Davis, CHOPS again, and CHOPS again! Jack winds up, but Davis blocks! Davis then CLAWS Jack’s face as he pushes him into the corner. The ref reprimands, but Davis storms back up on Jack to suplex, BROKEN ARROW! Jack tumbles while Davis soaks up heat. Davis stands on Jack for a cocky cover, TWO! Davis kicks at Jack, almost toying with him now.
Jack sits up to fire body shots! Fairway to Hell returns to single picture as Davis CLUBS Jack. Jack UPPERCUTS Davis! Davis KNEES Jack low! Davis whips, but Jack hits the COMEBACKER! It just bounces off Davis’ barrel chest! Davis hauls Jack up, but Jack slips free to fire forearms! Davis shoves Jack, Jack ducks ‘n’ dodges, FLYING FOREARM! Davis wobbles, then drops to a knee! The fans fire up with Jack as he roars! Jack runs corner to corner, but into an ELBOW! Davis hoists Jack up top, then climbs up to join Jack. Jack fires body shots, then he BITES Davis’ hand! Jack fires haymakers on Davis’ head, then SMACKS him off buckles!
Jack positions himself just right, and leaps to SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Davis survives and Jack is beside himself! Davis and Jack go to the apron, and Davis LARIATS Jack against the ropes! Then he suplexes, but Jack fights with knees! Jack lands safe, then BOOTS Davis! Davis roars, but Jack SUPERKICKS! Jack goes up, leaps again, FLYING RANA to the floor! The fans fire up for Jack and “A E DUB! A E DUB!” Jack hurries to swing, TIGER FEINT KICK from the post! Jack goes up the corner while Davis stumbles into the ring, BLINDSIDE MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Davis survives and Jack is rather surprised.
Jack goes to a corner, and says time to make a sacrifice! Jack runs in, but Davis LARIATS Jack first! Davis THROWS Jack to a corner, runs side to side, SLIDING FOREARM! Davis pushes Jack to a cover, TWO!! Jack survives and the fans fire up again! Davis rains down fists, then rises up. The fans boo Davis but he drags Jack up. Davis puts Jack on the ropes, runs, and- JACK RANAS! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK! And then SUPERK- NO, Davis blocks the third to shove and DISCUS LARIAT! Then SNAP PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO?!? Jack survives again and the fans fire back up! Callis coaches Davis as he drags Jack up.
Davis brings Jack up in the corner with a gut wrench! The fans freak out for the SUPER- STEINER!! Jack turns things around on Davis just in time! The fans are thunderous but Callis rushes to ringside! The fans all boo Callis, but wait! RICOCHET slides into the ring! Still dressed in his golf course attire, he CRACKS Jack with his nine iron!! Ricochet hides, Davis deadlifts Jack, COUNT TO PAIN!! Cover, DAVIS WINS!
Winner: Mark Davis, by pinfall (NEW AEW National Champion)
Talk about a handicap! Callis AND Ricochet gave Davis quite a considerable one, and now Davis has his first singles title in AEW! The Jurassic Express National Tour has just been run off the road, but will Jack be able to get his revenge?
Collision returns, and Jack Perry is on the phone.
He tells someone, “Let’s do it. Thank you, guys.” Jack ends his call, then shows his frustration. Winning the National Championship in his hometown, in front of his friends and family, was one of the proudest moments of his entire life. And yet Ricochet and Callis had to end that for him. But he happens to know that Chris Jericho & The Hurt Syndicate are looking for two more partners for Stadium Stampede. And Jack go to thinking, the show is called Double or Nothing. So how about instead of two, Jack brings FOUR! The ELITE! Jack, The Bucks, and KENNY OMEGA! See you there. Ricochet may have just messed himself over, will he regret ever getting involved tonight?
Backstage interview with Don Callis, Mark Davis and Ricochet.
Renee Paquette is with the Jackal, Dunkzilla and the Bald Eagle as she says she was going to congratulate Davis on the title win, but after Jack putting out that news, what is their reaction? Callis says he’s thrilled! Jack just gifted him his ultimate fantasy! A chance to beat up Jericho, The Bucks AND Kenny, all on one night? Callis would’ve paid good money for that, and Jack, you dumbass, just gave it away from free! Ricochet says The Don Callis Family must be joining The Demand for Stadium Stampede. Well, given the way Ricochet just used that golf club, the National Champion will gladly stand beside him!
Ricochet says playing golf with Tony Khan has really improved his swing, so see you all there. Callis says yes, let’s go have a drink at the 19th Hole and talk about which of the many members of the Don Callis Family are going to join Ricochet in the slaughterhouse! Ricochet says oh yes, so many great choices to choose from! Callis & Ricochet head out, just how massive will this Stadium Stampede match get?
AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator: The Divine Dominion VS Ruthie Slay & Rachel Ley!
Megan Bayne & Lena Kross are so dominant, they don’t even think this match is going to last five minutes! But while there’s a time limit, will there be no limit to how devastating the Megasus & Aussie Amazon can be? Or will Slay & Ley manage to survive the day?
The teams sort out, Lena starts against Slay, and the clock is ticking! Slay DROPKICKS, but Lena doesn’t budge! Ley ENZIGIRIS, but Lena still doesn’t flinch! Ley & Slay double kick, but Lena blocks the double whip! Lena whips them, ELBOWS Slay and SPIN-OUT SIDEWALK SLAMS Ley! Then she scoops Slay to SLAM her onto Ley! Lena drags Ley up, whips her to the corner, then runs up to LARIAT! And ELBOW! Tag to Megan and the Divine Dominion run side to side! BOOT from Lena, BOOT from Megan! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Ley tumbles, the fans cheer, and Megan tags Lena back in. Lena storms up on Ley to GERMAN SUPLEX again!
The fans cheer as Lena tags Megan back in. We’ve hit 90 seconds, but it feels like forever for Ley as Megan GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Megan kips up, then she stalks Ley. Megan eggs Ley on, slaps her around, then drags her up. Megan fireman’s carries, but Slay manages to tag in! Slay runs up, but Megan scoops her! FALL AWAY SLAM SAMOAN DROP COMBO! They’ve made it two minutes but that might be all! Tag to Lena, she and Megan get Slay up, DIVINE INTERVENTION! Cover, Divine Dominion wins!
Winners: The Divine Dominion, by pinfall (denies Slay & Ley a title opportunity)
Two minutes and 15 seconds is all Slay & Ley got, will any team last even that long? Or will the Divine Dominion continue to dominate AEW until the end of time?
BREAKING NEWS for Double or Nothing!
The Triangle of Madness may have misted Persephone and injured Alex Windsor, but that only heaps on more trouble for the champion! Thekla must now defend her AEW Women’s World Championship in a FATAL 4 WAY! Thekla VS Jamie Hayter VS Kris Statlander VS Hikaru Shida, is The Toxic Spider about to get squashed? Or will she need her Sisters of Sin now more than ever?
BREAKING NEWS for Dynamite!
The annual tradition is back! The 2026 Owen Hart Memorial Tournament begins, with the brackets for both men’s and women’s divisions to be announced on Wednesday! Who makes the cut? And who will become the King & Queen of Harts?
Don Callis speaks, again.
“Just moments away from the AEW World title match between Darby Allin and Pac, and gentlemen, just wanted to let you know that the Don Callis Family, no matter who wins tonight, the Don Callis Family will be waiting for the winner. This Wednesday on Dynamite, the Don Callis Family will take the AEW World title from one of you. And y’know, it’s already been a great night, a big night, for the Don Callis Family! We won gold, but can’t wait to get some more. And on the subject of that, Okada has had to go to Japan to take care of some very important family business. But don’t worry, lads, because I have someone in mind to take his spot this Wednesday in the world title match.
“And it is none other than the firstborn of the Don Callis Family, Konosuke Takeshita, The Alpha!” Takeshita steps in, and Callis tells him, “You’re gonna be the world champion! If you listen to me like you always have, you will be successful, and you will finally fulfill the destiny that I had for you when I plucked you out of obscurity and made you the replacement for Kenny Omega. You’re the best wrestler in the world when you’ve got my game plan in your head. Go win the title.” Konosuke tells Don that he was going to take the International Championship, but now he is the person who will bring the world title back to the Don Callis Family! Unlike Okada.
Takeshita heads out, will he still make himself a double champion when he adds #PrettyPlatinum to the NJPW World Television Championship?
“Speedball” Mike Bailey w/ Kevin Knight VS Kiran Grey!
This match was on standby in case the Divine Dominion didn’t need all five minutes of their time, and now it’s a chance for Speedball to shine! But will he keep his momentum going from last Wednesday’s super show? Or will he get lost in the Grey Area?
Grey is already starting trouble as he pushes Bailey. The ref backs him off, then the bell rings. Grey runs up, but into a BOOT! Bailey then PENALTY KICKS, STANDING KNEE-SAULT, then Bailey waits on Grey. Grey ducks the buzzsaw and bails out! The fans boo but Bailey TRIANGLE JUMP MOONSAULTS! Down goes Grey and the fans fire up! Bailey daps it up with The Jet, then he climbs up the corner. But Grey goes after him! They brawl up top, Grey fires a flurry, but Bailey fires back! Bailey SHOVES Grey down, takes aim, but Grey hits the ropes! Bailey is tripped up onto his speedballs, but Grey dribbles him off the buckles!
Grey CLUBS Bailey into a Tree of Woe, then soaks up the heat before he stomps Bailey! Grey tells Bailey to stay down but Bailey grabs that leg! Bailey uses that to drag himself back up, and he ROCKS Grey again! Bailey dribbles Grey off buckles, then HEADBUTTS him! Grey falls, Bailey takes aim, ULTIMATE WEAPON! Cover, Bailey wins!
Winner: “Speedball” Mike Bailey, by pinfall
A fast win for Speedball, and Knight gets the mic. he says he likes that! Speedball is red hot right now. And though The Jet didn’t get two belts on Wednesday, he’s still the Face of TNT. Now, the future of AEW is wide open, so why not they make it to the top together? They shake hands on it, will JetSpeed shift gears to become a Two Man Power Trip? What belt(s) will they aim for next?
AEW World Championship No Count Outs Match: Darby Allin VS PAC!
Anticipating how wild this one can get given the nature of their grudge, AEW decided to remove some of the obstacles standing in their way. They can’t do anything they want, but they can definitely go anywhere they want here in the SoFi Center! But will Darby even up the career series between them? Or will it be 3-1 in favor of The Bastard?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who takes this belt to Dynamite!
The bell rings and the fans rally behind Darby. Darby hops outside already, and he goes around the crowd to be on the golfing green! This is No Count Outs, so he wants to take full advantage of it already! He dares Pac to join him, so Pac heads over to the green! They fire hands on the rough and the fans fire up! Darby ducks, fires hands then HEADBUTTS Pac down! Darby brings Pac up but Pac BACKDROPS Darby! Pac then brings Darby closer to the bunker! Pac suplexes, Darby fights free, and he fires hands! Darby runs up, CODE RED into the sand trap! The fans go nuts seeing what is surely the first one of those ever!
Pac gets himself out of the sand and ends up on the fairway. Darby pursues, runs up, and ROCKS Pac1 they’re near another sand trap, and Darby SHOTGUNS Pac into the sand! The fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this madness a reality! Darby goes after Pac, but Pac throws sand in Darby’s eyes! Pac then hauls Darby up to BELLY2BELLY SUPLEX Darby into the sand trap! Darby sputters, but Pac clamps on the BRUTALIZER! The ref reprimands, this isn’t Falls Count Anywhere! But fans know “This is Awesome!” as Pac makes Darby suffer! Darby sputters again as Pac lets him go, then shakes out the sand in his boots.
Pac drags Darby up with a headlock, but then decides to fireman’s carry! And gorilla press to THROW Darby back into the bunker! The fans boo but Pac soaks up that heat. Darby sputters and coughs while Collision goes picture in picture.
Darby sputters as he sits up, but Pac brings him back around. Pac brings Darby around, dumps him down, and soaks up more heat. Pac then brings Darby along the fairway, CLUBS him on the neck, and stalks him as they return to the crowd. They then return to ringside, then the ring itself, and Pac covers, TWO! Darby toughs it out, but Pac stalks him to the corner. Pac uncovers a crossbar before he stands Darby up. Fairway to Hell returns to single picture as Pac tiles the tag rope to Darby’s chain necklace! Darby can’t get free before Pac BOOTS him! The ref reprimands, but Darby SPITS at Pac! Pac takes that defiance and BOOTS Darby again!
Pac then has Darby’s legs, and YANKS him from the corner! The tag rope breaks and Darby flounders around. Pac whips to then BACKDROP Darby 450 degrees! Pac then builds up speed, but Darby avoids the lariat! The fans fire up as Darby slingshots back in and dragon sleepers for the SCORPION DEATH DROP! Cover, TWO! Pac and Darby are both down while the fans rally up again. Darby crawls to a corner, climbs up top, and he watches Pac rise. Pac turns around, but he manages to trip Darby up first! Pac then climbs up after Darby, hauls him up, and SUPER DUPER FALCON ARROWS! Cover, TWO!! Darby survives and the fans fire up again!
Pac frowns while Darby flounders out of the ring. The fans rally for Darby while Pac takes his time going to the outside. Pac looks under the ring, and he brings out a table! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands, this isn’t No Disqualifications! Pac still sets the table up nearby, making sure it lines up with the corner. Pac puts Darby on the table, then climbs up said corner. The fans freak out, anticipating what Pac is planning, and he steadies himself as he takes aim. Pac SUPER SHOOTING STARS but only gets table!! Darby avoids disaster, and Pac is somehow still in this after his crash landing! Darby puts Pac in, trips him, and steps through!
The fans fire up as Darby steps over, SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! Pac endures, reaches out, but Darby sits deep! Pac fights, claws, reaches out, and powers his way forward! ROPEBREAK! Darby lets Pac go, and Pac waves to the back. Well, of course The Death Riders are here! Darby spots Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir storming down the aisle, but then Pac CLOBBERS him! A distraction tactic is good enough as Pac now turns the proverbial tables. Then he signals for them to get something, and they bring out another table! The fans chant, “On The Green!” but Pac doesn’t care about that. He scoops Darby to go up the steel steps!
The fans boo as Pac tucks Darby in, TOMBSTONE on the steel steps! The fans go nuts as Darby flops to the floor! Wait, wait, wait, now The Death Riders have STACKED tables?! Pac smirks as he brings Darby back up, and he fireman’s carries Darby to bring him over. Darby goes to the backstage area while Collision goes picture in picture.
Pac carries Darby all the way around to the backstage area, because this is the only place to get upstairs! Pac SMACKS Darby off a wall on the way to the stairs, and the ref reprimands while Pac scares off curious fans. Pac drags Darby up the stairs with a headlock, and they go to the upper deck! Pac brings Darby past the nice bar and lounge area, the ref and Death Riders making sure fans don’t get too close. Pac SMACKS Darby off another wall, then drags Darby through this VIP seating area to go to the balcony. Pac stomps Darby to keep him down, then drags him to the balcony railing! And lo and behold, those stacked tables are right there!
The ref reprimands and the fans are freaking out already, but Pac is looking to toss Darby! Darby clings to the railing but Pac CLUBS him. Pac then drags Darby up, but Darby fires body shots! Fairway to Hell returns to single picture as Darby fights desperately! Darby CLAWS Pac’s back, but Marina shouts at Darby! The ref keeps her back, but that lets Pac LOW BLOW Darby! The Problem continues to be just that, but also the insurance policy for the Death Riders! Pac stands Darby up, and THROWS him off!! Darby crashes down through the tables!!! The fans lose their minds all over again while Pac hurries to go back downstairs!
AEW medical staff is already checking Darby as he’s down in the wreckage, but Pac says screw that! He fireman’s carries Darby and puts him back in the ring! Pac covers, TWO!!! Darby survives and the fans are thunderous! Pac and The Death Riders are in shock! Pac falls back to a corner as he shakes his head. Pac argues with the ref, but 2.99 still isn’t 3! The fans rally for Darby, but Pac storms over to him. Pac looms over Darby, Yuta slides a chair into the ring, but the ref snatches it away! Only for Marina to slide the title belt in! Pac takes aim while Darby rises, but then Darby springs to life! Pac has seen a ghost, or maybe a zombie!
Pac winds up, but Darby LOW BLOWS! And BELT SHOTS!! Darby gets Pac in place, goes up top, COFFIN DROP!! Cover, DARBY WINS!
Winner: Darby Allin, by pinfall (still AEW World Champion)
Pac said it himself, Darby is the indestructible boy! But can Darby keep this up? Or will The Alpha come through on his promise and bring this title back to the Don Callis Family this Wednesday?
My Thoughts:
A great hour of AEW here as this special edition of Collision, though “Fairway to Hell” is such a random thing to begin with. They must’ve made a business deal with SoFi and TGL, which to me might be more AEW helping TGL get noticed on a national scale. And changing the status quo with the National Championship was quite the surprise, but that’s still great for Davis. Ricochet being the reason why, and then that compelling The Elite jumping into Stadium Stampede is a bit convoluted. I get they’re using continuity of how Kenny hates Callis and vice-versa, but it undercuts what I was hoping for in Hurt Syndicate getting to introduce new members. But hey, 7v7 is pretty wild, too.
I appreciate Divine Dominion adding something to their squash matches with that five minute goal. Slay & Ley already set a good time with over two minutes, and I’m sure two minutes will be the average as they just dominate all summer. And it seems Alex Windsor is gonna be out a little longer than expected, given that adjustment for Double or Nothing. A Fatal 4 Way is still good for how Thekla can use her challengers against each other, or be protected in a loss if they choose. It also helps bring in the Shidalander story, but it also feels like we’re skipping chapters. That Fatal 4 Way can probably get us to the team breaking up and Shida turning on Statlander for their own feud.
Bailey VS Grey probably was a legit standby match, that went quick. And Knight had a decent promo saying he and Bailey are still gonna be JetSpeed going for all the gold. Not sure if that comes true or just sets things up for the team to fall apart. And then a really wild main event with the “No Count Out” match. They probably could’ve just called that No Holds Barred but they wanted to add heat on how The Death Riders were cheating the second half of that match. Both table spots were risky, but obviously Darby did the crazier one. AEW really needs to be careful not to push it much further than that, though.
Then the news of Okada being out for Dynamite, hopefully it’s nothing too tragic with his family. But Takeshita as the substitute is a good choice, this helps build the Okada VS Takeshita match at the same time as building Darby up. Pretty sure MJF accepts the terms of Title VS Hair, and it’d be very MJF if he were to announce that while attacking Darby to close the show on Wednesday.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Backlash is all gas, no brakes with it!
Jacob Fatu doesn’t just want the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, he NEEDS it! But will he get it? Or must he ACKNOWLEDGE Roman Reigns?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Sami Zayn; Trick wins and retains the title.
- The Miz & Kit Wilson VS Danhausen & Minihausen; Danhausen & Minihausen win.
- Asuka VS Iyo Sky; Iyo wins.
- WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns VS Jacob Fatu; Roman wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
It’s the Backlash Countdown Show!
Join Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Big E, and Peter Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing, and predicting all the action that’s about to go down in Tampa!
Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant Sonya Bryson-Kirksey sings the Star-Spangled Banner.
Tonight, at Backlash…
Just as the song says, Tampa, Florida heats up as WWE starts to cook. An Empress looks to teach The Genius a lesson. An Architect looks to tear down the Badass he shared his Vision with. A ginger snaps back at the lemon pepper steppers that stepped on his moment and took his title. A Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord is bringing someone, or something, to help him outshine the Hollywood A-Lister and his new protege. And a Samoan Werewolf doesn’t just want what the Tribal Chief has, he NEEDS it! But when you cook, you have to be careful not to get burned. Who serves and who eats their fill tonight at Backlash?
Seth Rollins VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!
Tampa is ready to #BurnItDown, just as The Visionary, the Revolutionary, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, is ready to burn down the faction he created. But even with his Mortal Kombat inspired ring gear, will Rollins win this match? Or will it be the Unpredictable Badass that scores the fatality?
The bell rings and the fans bark as Bron runs up already! Rollins LEAPS the spear, Bron hits buckles, and then Rollins BOOTS him outside! Rollins hurries to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and Rollins fires off shots! Rollins throws Bron into barriers on one side, then the other, before putting him in the ring. Rollins LARIATS Bron up and out, then DIVES again! Bron hits desk then the floor, and the fans fire up as Rollins rains down more fists! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins stalks Bron. Rollins stands Bron up but Bron KNEES low! Bron ROCKS Rollins, brings him around, and THRWOS him over barriers!
The fans are torn but Rollins is right back up! Rollins LEAPS over barriers to tackle Bron! Rollins fires more hands, then chases Bron into the ring. Rollins goes up the corner, leaps at Bron, but Bron catches Rollins! Rollins fights but Bron BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Rollins up and out! The fans bark again while the ring count climbs. Bron goes out to ROCK Rollins, and fans duel as Bron stalks Rollins around the way. Bron KNEES Rollins again and again, then SMACKS him off the apron. Rollins CHOPS in return! And CHOPS again! But Bron TACKLES Rollins and rains down fists! Bron puts Rollins in the ring, then storms up in the corner.
Bron RAMS into Rollins, RAMS again, and again! The ref counts, Bron backs off, and he looms over Rollins. Bron brings Rollins up, Rollins fights the suplex, but Bron fires body shots. Bron suplexes high and hard, then covers, ONE! Rollins is tougher than that, and he pushes Bron as he goes to ropes. Bron storms up but Rollins throws hands! Bron gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans bark again while Rollins tumbles to a corner. Bron storms over to Rollins again, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Perhaps Bron is looking to inherit Suplex City, but then he clamps on a SLEEPER! Rollins fights around but Bron has the body scissors even!
The fans rally a Rollins fights up, then JAWBREAKERS free! The fans cheer while Heyman is worried. Rollins CHOPS Bron, then CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~” as Rollins CHOPS again. Rollins whips, Bron reverses, tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rollins is still tougher than that, but Bron clamps onto him again. Bron digs a knee into Rollins’ back while he bends Rollins back! The fans rally and duel, and Bron tells Rollins he should’ve just given The Vision a chance. Rollins just chose himself over everything else! Selfish piece of trash! Bron clamps on with a chinlock now and he squeezes tight.
Rollins endures, fights up, and fights around, to then hit a BIG back suplex! The fans cheer while both men are down. Rollins rises, he eggs Bron on, and he counter punches! And counter punches again! And again! Rollins fires hands, then whips, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds up speed to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives that 23 mile per hour collision, but Bron GERMAN SUPLEXES him again! And again! Rollins flounders, rises up, and staggers into another waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Then Rollins SLAPS Bron from below! Bron eggs Rollins on, Rollins SLAPS him again, so Bron grinds his forearm into Rollins’ face!
Bron drags Rollins up, shoves him to a corner, and RAMS into him! And RAMS him again! Bron hoists Rollins up top, climbs up to join him, but Rollins CLUBS away at Bron’s leg. Then Rollins BITES Bron’s forehead! Bron staggers back, but he’s right back up! BREAKKER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives and Bron is beside himself! The fans duel harder now while Heyman coaches Bron up. Rollins rises up at the ropes, Bron brings him around, and Bron fires knee after knee. Bron TOSSES Rollins out, then takes his time going out the side. The fans bark and boo as Bron locks on target! Bron runs in, but Rollins SUPERKICKS first!!
The fans are fired up as both men are down on the outside! A standing count begins, both men are still down at 5 of 10, “This is Awesome!” We pass 7, both men rise at 8, and they lunge in at 9.5!! Rollins then LARIATS in a corner! The fans fire up as Rollins brings Bron up for short arm LARIAT after short arm LARIAT, but Bron stays on his feet! Rollins fires forearm after forearm and Bron finally kneels! The fans rally as Rollins runs, but Bron swings! Rollins ducks ‘n’ dodges to LARIAT again! Cover, TWO! Rollins hurries to take aim, Bron sits up, Rollins KNEES him down! Cover, TWO! Heyman is stunned as Bron manages to survive!
“This is Awesome!” as Rollins grabs Bron’s hands for wristlocks. Rollins unleashes Dragon Stomps on Bron’s face! Rollins then lines up the shot, blows a kiss to Heyman, CURB- NO, Bron blocks the stomp!! Bron then stands up, snarls, and he guzels Rollins for the gorilla press, GUT BUSTER DROP!! Then Bron goes to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Rollins runs, slips through the lariat, but Bron dumps him down! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Rollins’ counter didn’t quite work out and it almost cost him! Bron grins, he knows he has this “old dog” where he wants him. Bron puts Rollins in a corner, then climbs up.
Bron says it didn’t have to be like this. Bron rains down fists on Rollins while the fans count. He takes his time getting to five, only for Rollins to lift him from the corner! Rollins runs to BUCKLE BOMB! And then- LARIAT!! Bron turns things back around on Rollins again and the fans are thunderous! Rollins rolls out of the ring, hobbles around the way, but Bron goes out after him. Bron SMACKS Rollins off the desk, then grins as he goes to the apron. Bron lines it up, FLYING LARIAT onto and OVER the desk!! The fans bark while Heyman smiles as Bron just about wipes himself out with Rollins! The ring count is back, Bron drags Rollins up at 4 of 10.
Bron brings Rollins around the way, puts him in the ring at 8, then grins as he goes up the corner. But Rollins springs up to get him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Then the roll through and- NO, Bron hits the FALCON ARROW first! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Bron is in disbelief! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as they rally behind Rollins. Bron stands over Rollins, pie faces him, then eggs him on. Bron kicks Rollins to a corner, then RAMS into him! Bron puts Rollins up top, but Rollins fires body shots! Rollins then CLAWS Bron’s back! Bron drops down, but he snarls as he goes right back up! BREAKKER STEINER!
The fans rally as Bron and Rollins rise up. Bron runs up to fire hands, then he puts Rollins up again. Bron again goes up, up, and BREAKKER- NO!! Rollins manages to land out! The fans fire up for Rollins as Bron is shocked! Bron runs up, Rollins slips through to SUPERKICK! And SUPERKICK! And- NO, Bron blocks the kick, then guzels, but Rollins kicks again! Underhooks and PEDIGREE!! Rollins lines it up, CURB STOMP!! Heyman distracts from the apron! The fans boo as the Wise Man is saving his new golden boy. Rollins grins, goes outside, and brings out a chair! Rollins doesn’t even care about winning now, he just wants to do damage!
But wait, here comes The Vision! Rollins knows it, though! He JAMS Austin Theory, he JAMS Logan Paul, then SMACKS away on both! Rollins CURB STOMPS Theory! And he chases Logan off with that chair! Rollins hurries back to the ring, but Bron is locked on! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rollins survives and no one can believe it! Even Heyman can’t explain it! Bron tries to do the math but the fans just sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Bron brings the straps down, builds up speed again, but Rollins catches the spear into a PEDIGREE!!! Rollins hurries to reload, and he even goes up the corner! FLYING CURB- SPEAR!!!
Bron turns things around on Rollins again, and Heyman says finish it! Bron builds speed to SUPER SPEAR!!! Cover, Bron wins!!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Give the assist to the pawns, but Bron still scores the biggest win of his young career! Is this the end of it all for Seth Rollins? Will The Vision soon own the entire WWE Universe?
WWE United States Championship: Trick Williams w/ Lil Yachty VS Sami Zayn!
It is rather paradoxical that Hollywood Trick mocks #BigMatchSami while Sami tries to do the right thing, and yet the fans love one and not the other. For that matter, the entirety of the Gingerbread Man’s existence nearly drove Sami insane. But is this where the ginger truly snaps? Or will he #WhoopDatTrick and get this title back?
Cathy Kelley catches Trick Yachty Gang backstage, and brings up that Sami is feeling great tonight. Their response? Trick says Sami better quit lying! He’s been lying for weeks, saying he’s the veteran. But since Sami’s met Trick, Trick’s the one running hits. Trick’s the vet, this is Trick Willy’s World. All the games are over, and you’re gonna see that now. Let’s talk about it. With that, Trick makes his entrance, with all the fans singing along, “WHOOP DAT TRICK! WHOOP DAT TRICK!” The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who doesn’t just feels great, but IS great!
Tensions are already rising as Sami tries to get at Trick but Trick shoves him back! The ref has them back off, and the bell rings. Trick and Sami tie up, Trick powers Sami to a corner, and the ref counts. Sami turns things around, pie faces Trick, but backs off to then CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The ref backs Sami off but Trick brushes that off to reset with Sami. They tie up again, Sami headlocks, but Trick powers up and out. Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges but Trick LEAPING LARIATS! Trick has Sami in the corner to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! The fans “WOO~” while Trick shakes out his hand. Trick then BACKHANDS Sami down!
The fans cheer Trick, then Trick stomps away on Sami, all to the rhythm of “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Trick stops as the ref counts 4, then Trick whips. Sami grabs ropes, bails out, and the fans boo. Yachty taunts Sami, Sami glares at Yachty, but Trick goes out the side, and he CLOBBERS Sami! Trick high-fives with Yachty, then whips, but Sami reverses! Trick is sent into the steel steps! The fans boo but Sami pulls the steps apart. Yachty stands in Sami’s way, but Sami storms up to Yachty. Yachty backs off while Trick gets in the ring. Sami goes after Trick to rain down fists. The fans boo but Sami just shakes his head.
Trick drags himself to ropes but Sami drags Trick up. Sami CLUBS Trick with a crossface forearm, then brings him up again for a CHOP! Trick wobbles, Sami whips, and Sami LARIATS Trick down! Cover, TWO! Another cover, TWO! A high stack now, TWO! Tampa actually duels, “Let’s Go, Sami!” “Sami Sucks!” The “Sami Sucks!” side is winning by a large margin, though. Sami shakes his head again, then he SLAPS Trick around. The ref reprimands about pulling hair, and Sami lets go. Sami warns Yachty to watch himself, but Trick EDDY GORDO KICKS, then NECKBREAKERS! The fans fire up while both men are down!
Sami and Trick rise up, and Trick fires haymakers! Trick UPPERCUTS Sami, then whips for a LEG LARIAT! Then a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up for Trick as he stands over Sami, and Trick grabs Sami’s hand. Trick hears the fans before he cartwheels and ripcords, but Sami arm-drags free! Trick comes back to BOOT Sami down! Trick then aims from the corner as Sami stands, TRICK- NO, Sami dodges to BLUE- NO! Trick slips free of the bomb to BOOKEND! Cover, TWO! Sami survives but Trick puts him in a corner. Trick puts Sami up top, the fans rally, and Trick climbs up. Trick clinches Sami, but Sami fires elbows!
The fans boo as Sami CLUBS Trick again and again and again! Sami then adjusts position, and he SUPER SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! Cover, TWO! Trick survives and Sami is beside himself! Trick goes to a corner but Sami goes to the other. Sami wants to rally the fans, they just boo instead. Sami runs in, but Trick BOOTS Sami first! Then SPIN- NO, Sami ducks the kick to BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Trick lives and Sami grows frustrated. Sami brings Trick up to throw hands, but fans now sing, “Sami, Sami Sucks~!” Sami frowns, whips Trick to ropes, but Trick reverses. Sami goes up and over, but his knee jams!
The fans boo and Trick isn’t sure about this, but the ref has him back off. Trick checks with Yachty, Trick goes after Sami, but Sami cradles Trick! TWO!! Sami almost tricked Trick but now he CLOBBERS him! Yachty protests, but Sami grabs the kendo stick! Sami SMACKS Trick!! Cover, TWO!?!? Trick survives and Sami is stunned! The fans cheer as Sami’s trickery didn’t work! Yachty makes sure to hold onto the kendo stick now, but Sami stalks Trick to a corner. Sami stomps away on Trick, but the ref backs him off. The fans boo Sami but Sami just goes back for more! The ref reprimands again, Sami stops at 4 again, then goes back for another round!
The fans boo as Sami just stomps and stomps and stomps! The ref backs Sami off to check Trick. Sami aims from a corner, and the fans cheer Yachty on! HE SMACKS SAMI! The fans cheer, and Sami staggers into the CYCLONE KICK! Cover, TWO?!? Sami survives and Yachty can’t believe it! Sami crawls to ropes, Trick storms over, but Sami DUMPS Trick out! Then Sami CLOBBERS Yachty! The fans boo as Sami fires off kendo stick SMACKS on Yachty! But then Trick DECKS Sami! Sami falls against the steps, so Trick gets an idea. Trick clinches, but Sami fights the Bookend! DDT on the steps!! The fans boo as Sami pushes Trick into the ring.
Sami then runs up on Yachty! HELLUVA KICK!!! The fans boo as Sami takes Yachty out again! And now he aims at Trick! HELLUVA- NO, Trick dodges! TRICK SHOT!! Cover, TRICK WINS!
Winner: Trick Williams, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
Tampa erupts with even more “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” Sami might’ve had him if he’d just focused, but Trick still reigns while Yachty makes it rain! What will be next for Trick now that he’s dealt with Sami Zayn? And speaking of Sami, what will be next for him now that he has nothing?
The Miz & Kit Wilson VS Danhausen & ???
The Hollywood A-Lister wanted to mentor someone, and that someone ended up the “Real Man of WWE,” not the strange yet strangely entertaining newcomer. However, to settle things once and for all, they are willing to take on Danhausen and whoever it is he has found (or rather, created in a lab?) to be his tag team partner. Will Teamhausen get the winhausen at Backlashausen? Or will the curse be nothing but TOXIC?
Well, speaking of Danhausen’s partner, the lights go down, and some kind of engine is pumping. Danhausen rides in on the Jeephausen, then goes to his “cloning machine” which is still just a big crate. It’s smoking… Is that a good thing? Danhausen pries it open, and from within steps out… MINIHAUSEN! Wait, are we sure that’s the right result? Well, whatever. They hop in the Jeephausen and drive down the ramp. #MizKit mocks Minihausen, and the teams sort out. Minihausen steps up against Kit, and Kit can’t believe this is happening. Minihausen says you, are- BOOT! Kit laughs as he sends Minihausen tumbling away.
Kit drags Minihausen to center, yanks him up, but Minihausen flips through! Then he dodges a kick to KICK, CHOP, CHOP, and whip! Kit reverses but Minihausen springboards to FLYING HEADBUTT! The fans cheer as Minihausen gets going, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Miz tags in, runs up, but Minihausen dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! The fans cheer but Kit grabs Minihausen by his hair! Minihausen KICKS the legs, CHOPS, then knuckle locks! Minihausen CHOPS, goes up, up, and BOOTS Miz before he FLYING-NO, Kit stops the rana! Minihausen fires hands, then he RANAS through after all! The fans cheer as Kit tumbles out to join Miz!
Minihausen goes up, and he climbs onto Danhausen’s shoulders! The fans cheer for the SUPER MINI CROSSBODY! Down goes #MizKit! The fans fire up again while Danhausen fetches Kit. Danhausen puts Kit in for Minihausen, and Minihausen hurries after Kit. But Miz POSTS Danhausen! And Kit CLOBBERS Minihausen! The ref backs Kit off but Miz gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo but Kit looms over Minihausen. Kit drags Minihausen up, whips him into the corner, then tags Miz. Kit scoops Minihausen, TOSSES him to Miz, and Miz gorilla presses Minihausen for the GORILLA PRESS POWERESLAM! Miz rips off his shirt to show off his muscles!
The fans boo but Miz soaks up the heat. Miz tags Kit, they drag Minihausen up, feed and DOUBLE SUPLEX! Then Miz lets Kit hold Minihausen up by his own! Kit swivels his hips before he SLAMS Minihausen down! Cocky cover, TWO! Minihausen survives but Kit covers again, TWO! The fans rally for Minihausen but Kit clamps on a chinlock. Kit thrashes Minihausen around, but the fans rally up! Minihausen rises up, reaches out, but Kit THRASHES Minihausen more! They go to a corner, Kit puts Minihausen up top, then in a Tree of Woe! Kit KNEES Minihausen again and again, then backs off to go to the far corner.
Kit fires up, blows a kiss, then runs up, but Minihausen sits up! Kit crashes into buckles! Minihausen goes up to QUEBRADA! Down goes Kit and the fans fire up! Minihausen crawls, as does Kit, hot tags to Miz and Danhausen! The fans fire up as Danhausen atoimnc drops Miz, then LARIATS! And a wrench and NORTHERN LIGHTS for Kit! Danhausen fires up and the fans are with him! Danhausen LARIATS Miz in a corner, LARIATS Kit in a corner, then repeat! Danuausen runs out of steam already, but then he gets that second wind! The fans cheer as Danhausen LARIATS again! Then he dodges Kit to send him into Miz! GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans fire up as Danhausen runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS Miz! Danhausen roars as he rises up, and the fans join in with, “YOU! ARE! CURSED!” Kit takes the BOOT for Miz! Miz rolls Danhausen up, TWO! Miz BOOTS Danhausen down! Minihausen tags in, Danhausen dodges, and Miz gets stuck in ropes! Minihausen CLUBS Miz down, then FLYING RANANS Kit! They’re back outside again, and Minihausen DIVES! The Mini Tope takes both men out! The fans fire up as Minihausen chases Kit up the ramp! Kit is freaking out, but he suckers Minihausen into a BOOT! Kit sees the crate, and he decides to THROW Minihausen in!
The fans boo as Kit traps Minihausen in the device that made him! But wait, it powers back up!? And this time, there’s an ARMY OF MINIHAUSEN! They’re back from WrestleMania for revenge! They dog pile Kit, chase him back into the ring, and Minihausen Uno fireman’s carries! AIRPLANE SPIN!! Then a WASTELAND SLAM!! Wade Barrett is upset that his move was used. But Kit, YOU! ARE! CURSED! Wait, the mirror! It sends it back on Minihausen! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!!! Cover, Danhausen breaks it!! The fans cheer as Teamhausen is still in this! Danhausen fires up, he brings Minihausen to the corner, and Danhausen tags in!
Danhausen has Miz, but Miz SLAPS him! Danhausen scowls, and he hits a THESZ PRESS for fast hands! Miz fights free, but Danhausen LARIATS Miz up and out! Then he LARIATS Kit up and out! Danhausen goes out, high-fives his other Minihausens, but Miz BOOTS Danhausen into the desk! And he brings out a fire extinguisher! Miz says Danhausen’s cursed! Uh, no, Miz is, cuz the extinguisher doesn’t work! Miz looks at it, and it blasts Miz!! Danhausen puts Miz in the ring, then again, “YOU! ARE! CURSED!” Minihausen SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES Kit! And Danhausen handles Miz with a PUMP KICK!! Cover, Teamhausen wins!
Winners: Danhausen & Minihausen, by pinfall
Whether or not the curse is real, that was a Very Nice, Very Evil victory for Teamhausen! They still don’t have the magical disappearing act down, though. But will Danhausen continue to take over WWE with his loony ways?
Asuka VS Iyo Sky!
The more things change, the more they stay the same. From Triple Tails to DMD CTRL to now, the Empress of Tomorrow and the Genius of the Sky always end up at odds. Asuka-senpai wants to punish Iyo for her apparent disrespect and selfishness, but perhaps does not see that in herself. But will Iyo still suffer for doing what was right? Or will she still not be ready for Asuka?
The bell rings, the fans chant for Iyo, but also “We Want Kairi!” Iyo and Asuka circle, tie up, and go around, even on the mat and back to their feet. Asuka powers Iyo to a corner, Iyo goes up and hits an arm-drag. They’re still locked up as they go to the ropes, and the ref counts. Iyo lets go but Asuka shoves her. They tie up again and now Asuka puts Iyo on the ropes. The ref counts, Asuka stops, but then they throw hands! Asuka manages a headlock and wrangles Iyo down. Iyo fights up, fires body shots, and the fans continue to chant, “We Want Kairi!” Asuka hits a takeover, Iyo headscissors, and Asuka kips free, only for Iyo to headlock back.
Asuka fights up, fires body shots, and she powers out. Iyo RAMS shoulders with Asuka, they egg each other on, then they start shoving. Then Asuka fires forearms, a SOBAT, and runs, but Iyo blows past her! Asuka avoids the handspring but Iyo trips Asuka up! Iyo runs to SHOTGUN Asuka down! The fans fire up with Iyo, she stomps Asuka in the corner, then stops as the ref counts. Asuka ROCKS Iyo, Iyo CLUBS Asuka, but Asuka fires a flurry! Asuka THROWS Iyo, but Iyo handsprings through! Iyo wags her finger, then drop toeholds Asuka into buckles! Iyo digs her boots in, then SWINGING DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO!
Asuka bails out to the apron but Iyo brings her up. Asuka ROCKS Iyo, then goes for a corner. Iyo BACKHANDS Asuka away, then goes to the apron. The fans cheer as Iyo climbs, but Asuka KICKS the legs out! Asuka has Iyo’s hair, and SMACKS her into the post! The fans boo but Asuka shows no remorse as she drags Iyo down. Asuka SMACKS Iyo off the barriers, then puts her on the apron. The fans rally for Iyo while Asuka refreshes the count. Asuka swaggers, then fires Kawada Kicks on Iyo’s face! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Asuka stops at 4. Asuka steps into the ring, drags Iyo around, and has the ANCHOR HOLD!
The ref counts and the fans boo, but Asuka lets go of the leglock Kairi created before she CHOKES Iyo on the ropes. The ref counts again, but Asuka stops, only to put Iyo in a corner. Asuka digs her knee in, stops at 4, then storms back around to scuff Iyo. Asuka kicks Iyo, slaps her around, but Iyo hits back! The fans rally for Iyo, Iyo runs, but Asuka KICKS Iyo down! Cover, TWO! Asuka is annoyed but she clamps onto Iyo’s arm. Iyo endures the armlock, fights up, and the fans rally as she fires body shots! Asuka THROWS Iyo down by her hair! Asuka slaps Iyo around while the fans boo. Asuka paces, then she brings Iyo up for a KICK!
Iyo sputters but she shakes her head. Asuka taunts Iyo, then KICKS her! And KICKS her! Iyo still shakes her head defiantly, so Asuka KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Iyo blocks one to ROCK Asuka back! Then a victory roll, STMOP 182! The fans fire up while both women are down! The fans rally as Iyo and Asuka slowly rise up. They both run in, but Iyo dodges to URAKEN! And SHOTEI! And SHOTEI! Iyo reels Asuka in, whips her to a corner, but Asuka reverses. Iyo slips out, duck sunder, then HOTSHOTS the arm! Asuka staggers away, and Iyo goes up for the MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans cheer while Iyo handsprings and does her crazy taunt!
Iyo rallies the fans, then she runs corner to corner, SHINKANSEN! Iyo drags Asuka to a cover, TWO! Asuka survives but Iyo hauls her up. Iyo underhooks for a TIGER- NO, Asuka fights free, and URAKENS! SOBATS! FRONT KICKS! HAYMAKERS! MULE KICKS! Then SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives the strike fest but Asuka keeps her focus. BUZZ- NO, Iyo rolls Asuka up! TWO! Asuka ducks the buzzsaw but not the HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka toughs it out but Iyo drags her up. Iyo waistlocks but Asuka flails! Asuka goes to ropes, Iyo pries her free, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! KIMURA!!
The fans rally for Iyo as she endures, but Asuka has her caught! FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Iyo endures, rolls, and KICKS free! Asuka stumbles towards ropes, Iyo runs up, but Asuka BOOTS back! Iyo comes back, but into a POP-UP KNEE! Asuka runs up, but Iyo dodges to HEEL KICK! Asuka falls, but so does Iyo, and the fans fire up again! Asuka and Iyo crawl to opposite ends, they roar, and they run back up! Asuka hits a FLYING ARMBAR, and rolls it into the ASUKA LOCK!! Iyo fights around before the body scissors can lock in! Iyo stands, Asuka wraistlocks, but Iyo ELBOWS free! And STUNNER! Iyo runs up, but into a snap takedown!
Iyo rolls fast, but ends up in a CROSS ARM BREAKER! Iyo endures, fights around, manages to stack Asuka and roll her, into an ASUKA LOCK?!?! The fans fire up as Iyo makes Asuka suffer her own hold! Asuka flails, reaches out, but the body scissors are in! Asuka kicks, kicks, and reaches out, ROPEBREAK!! The fans rally for Iyo while Asuka coughs and sputters on the apron. Iyo goes up the corner, but Asuka SMACKS her off the post again! Asuka shakes her head, she’s still savvier than Iyo. Asuka climbs up the corner, but Iyo SHOTEIS! The fans cheer as Iyo goes up after Asuka to fire forearms! Iyo goes to the very top, for a SUPER STEINER!
But Asuka sunset flips it?! TWO!!! Asuka almost had Iyo and she is freaking out! The fans rally harder as Asuka roars and runs in on Iyo! Iyo dodges the hip attack to DROPKICK Asuka outta the ring! Iyo shakes out her bad arm, yanks on it to get it feeling right, and she builds speed for a DIVE into a forearm! Asuka drags Iyo out, SMACKS her off the desk, then pushes her onto it. Asuka clears the desk before she climbs up. The fans rally as Asuka brings Iyo up, but Iyo fights the suplex! Asuka SOBATS Iyo for it, then winds up, but Iyo BLOCKS THE MIST WITH A NOTEBOOK! The fans cheer as Iyo outsmarts her senpai! Then she blocks a kick, DRAGON SCREW on the desk!
The fans fire up as Iyo pushes Asuka around, then goes up to CROSSBODY! The fans fire up again as Iyo refreshes the count, climbs back up, and ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Asuka and the fans fire up again! Iyo drags Asuka up, puts her in the ring, and she sees Asuka going to a drop zone. Iyo drags Asuka into place, goes up and up and OVER THE MOONSAULT! But Asuka moves! And she reels Iyo in for an ARMBAR!!! Iyo flails, fights around, but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Iyo stacks it, TWO, and into the ASUKA LOCK!! Asuka has the body scissors! Iyo flails, reaches out, but Asuka has her caught! IYO fades, but springs to life! She rolls to a cover, TWO!!!
Asuka grabs at Iyo, frustrated with Iyo, but “This is Awesome!” Asuka looks Iyo in the eyes before she SLAPS her! Iyo SLAPS back, and they SLAP back and forth! Iyo fires more fast hands and the fans fire up again! Then ROUND- NO, Asuka slips under, around, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Iyo ducks the buzzsaw! GERMAN SUPLEX in return! Asuka goes to a corner, Iyo runs back in, SHINKANSEN! Iyo sets Asuka back in place, steps on her, and goes up the corner! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Cover, IYO WINS!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall
After the months of Asuka being overbearing and selfish, she is the one that suffers defeat! Iyo still shows her senpai respect with a deep bow, and Asuka starts to tear up. And they HUG! Perhaps this defeat has shown Asuka the light! The fans cheer as these two stand together, and perhaps there’s hope for a new beginning. Will Iyo herself find a new path back to a championship?
JOHN CENA is here!
Tampa cheers as The GOAT is back again, dressed in another sharp suit as he goes to the ring for some business. Cena takes the mic and says, “This is just so cool, honestly. One of the great things about being on this side now is I can really lean into moments you just allowed me to be a part of, because I know there’s no one coming down to kick my teeth in. So truly, thank you so much.” The fans cheer, and Cena continues by saying a sold-out house of gratitude and energy, he loves to hear it. But it’s moments like this that had him ever thinking, what would be the next phase of his WWE career? The fans chant “One More Match!”
Cena says he expected that. And you don’t know how good that makes him feel. He does think about his last match. The fans boo, probably booing Gunther specifically. Cena gets that, there are people who were upset. But he was truly happy. Honestly, he looks back and he couldn’t be happier. What was most important to him was that they all made it something bigger. In its entirety, that night was an evening of opportunity. Cena made sure the person had to win their way into that spot. He asked the WE Superstars if they’d be gracious enough to give opportunity, which they did when they faced NXT superstars so that NXT could be in front of a crowd like this, showing what they’ve got.
And think about this: on that night, for the first time, the main roster got to see Sol Ruca, Je’Von Evans, and Oba Femi! The fans certainly cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” Cena hopes Oba is watching and listening, this is what the energy sounds like? Oba debuted in December, and four months later, he is strutting, and kicking Brock Lesnar’s ass at WrestleMania! The fans cheer that! That’s when it hit Cena: They gotta do this again! So we are. Oh? Cena is honored here tonight to announce to the world, the John Cena Classic! And entire evening of the best of today competing against the best of tomorrow!
And entire night where WWE Superstars and NXT Superstars get to give you all they have, in hopes of being crowned a champion. Yes, we’re making history with a brand new event, and a brand new championship! And not just any championship. This is an event and a title that Cena is personally putting his name on. So Cena is going to strive for a certain level of excellence, and he’ll do everything he can to make it special. Cena has said time and time again, the biggest star in the WWE is the WWE Universe! So on top of the new event, on top of the new title, for the first time in history, the voice of the fans will be heard louder than ever before.
Because you, the audience, will vote to crown the champion of the John Cena Classic! And every participant qualifies! That also means that for the first time in history, a superstar might not win their match, but their hustle, could win your respect, and win your vote to still be crowned champion! This event embodies everything Cena stands for and values, and he cannot stress enough how important this is for him. He promises to give us his all to make this event just once. No, he wants to do it two years, five years, ten years, thirty, the sky is the limit! Cena wants to thank the stars like Oba Femi who busted their ass on that Saturday Night’s Main Event to make this a relaity.
Cena lets the fans go on with “O~BA! O~BA!” Cena continues by saying he also wants to thank the WWE for being gracious enough to accept this idea. And he wants to thank everyone watching at home, and here in the City of Tampa, that there are a lot of people here that know Tampa means a lot to Cena for a lot of reasons. And they can add this to the list: Thank you so much for your attention, for your time, for your enthusiasm, for your energy, and for the NOISE~! The fans cheer that! Cena says it sounds like they’re ready, so he will see you at the John Cena Classic. And now, it’s time for your maaaaaaaain~ event!
The fans are all fired up for this massive move by not just the Greatest of All Time but by the WWE itself. Who will show they have that hustle, loyalty and respect to become the inaugural John Cena Classic Champion?
WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Roman Reigns VS Jacob Fatu!
When the OTC took this title from CM Punk at WrestleMania, everyone worried the OG Bloodline would relapse into their old ways. But before they could even address such concerns, the Samoan Werewolf stepped up and made his challenge known. Will Jacob take everything he wants so he can everything he needs? Or will he have no choice but to ACKNOWLEDGE the Tribal Chief?
Jacob wears a white lei made by his cousin, the daughter of Haku, the man who innovated the Tongan Death Grip. Surely that is a sign of Haku’s blessing on this challenge for the top spot in their family tree. Roman raises the World Heavyweight Championship for the pyro, then goes to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the head of the table!
The bell rings and the fans sing “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” Fatu and Roman stare down, but then Fatu looks to the belt. The fans are dueling now as Roman and Fatu slowly circle. They tie up, go around, then Roman headlocks. Fatu powers up and out, but Roman RUNS him over! Roman puts up his finger, but Fatu stands right up! Roman is rather surprised, then brushes it off as the two reset. The dueling from the fans continues as the two circle again. They tie up, Fatu headlocks, but Roman endures the grind. Roman powers up, powers out, but Fatu RUNS Roman over! Roman is again surprised, but things speed up now.
Roman drops down, hurdles, and LARIATS! But Fatu stays up! Fatu LARIATS and Roman falls! The fans fire up with Fatu and he runs up again, to LARIAT Roman up and out! Fatu is feeling it, and he builds speed to DIVE! TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Fatu uses the tope to take Roman off guard for this vice grip! Fatu POSTS Roman, puts him in the ring, then grins as he stalks Roman. Roman bails out the side but Fatu storms up to drag him up. Roman HOTSHOTS Fatu down! Roman pulls Fatu’s arm against the ropes, but he lets go as the ref counts. Roman then bends Fatu’s fingers, and SLAMS the hand against the POST!
The fans duel as the two go around the way. Roman ELBOW BREAKERS, then puts Fatu in the ring. The dueling gets hotter but Roman brushes it off. Roman wrenches Fatu to YANK the arm, and YANK the arm, and bumps Fatu off buckles. Roman pulls the bad arm against ropes, but Fatu HEADBUTS Roman away! Fatu ROCKS Roman, even with the bad hand. Fatu HEADBUTTS Roman, HEADBUTTS again, but Roman UPPERCUTS! Roman ROCKS Fatu, then puts him in a corner. Roman climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count but Fatu stops Roman at three. Roman LARIATS again and again, but Fatu stops him at five!
Fatu has the cording hold to then short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up while Roman is down! Fatu dares Roman to get up, then drags him around. Fatu HEADBUTTS Roman, HEADBUTTS again, then drags Roman up to POST him! Roman sputters in the corner but Fatu dumps him out to the apron. The fans continue to duel, and Jacob revels in it all. Fatu says he’s taking it all! Fatu sees Roman back in the corner, runs up, but Roman dodges! The splash hits the post, and Roman LARIATS! And LARIATS! Roman whips, Fatu reverses, but Roman LEAPING LARIATS! The fans fire up with Roman now, and he runs up in the corner to LARIAT!
Roman keeps moving, and he BOOTS Fatu down! Fatu flounders while Roman raises the finger to the sky. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, ONE?!? Fatu even stands up and geeks out! The fans are fired up and Roman’s seen a ghost! The fans rally behind Fatu as he stares Roman down. Roman runs up, but Fatu counter punches! And counter punches! And counter punches again! Fatu whips but Roman KICKS him! Fatu just fires up again! LARIAT! SENTON! Fatu goes to a corner while Roman crawls to the other. Fatu runs up, LARIAT! Fatu climbs up, and he HEADBUTTS again and again! The fans count all the way to TEN!
Fatu then runs corner to corner, and he HIP ATTACKS! Roman sputters, Fatu geeks out, and the fans are thunderous! Fatu gets moving again, but SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO! Fatu survives that sudden turnaround, and the fans are dueling as hard as they have all night. Roman sees Fatu on the outside, so he rolls out and takes aim. Roman runs to DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Roman busts out a classic for this one, then he looks to the desk. Roman clears the desk, then he fetches Fatu. But TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Fatu holds on tight, and he reels Roman in for a POWERBOMB down through the desk! Tampa loses their minds from this destruction!
Fatu clears out the armchairs, then he drags Roman up from the wreckage. Fatu puts Roman in at 7 of 10, then hurries to line up another shot! HIP- SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!! Roman almost ends it there, but Fatu is still tougher than all that! “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stir. Roman sits up, crawls over to a corner, but so does Fatu. The fans rally harder and harder, and Roman stands! The fans cheer as Roman lets out the “OOOAH~!” Fatu rises, Roman runs up, but Fatu POP-UP SAMOAN DROPS!! Fatu drags Roman into the drop zone! MIGHTY MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Roman survives and shocks everyone!
Fatu is beside himself, but he just unleashes FALLING HEADBUTT again and again! Then he rains down forearms and fists! Fatu vows to end this, and he drags Roman back to the drop zone. Fatu goes back up, says “SUCK IT!” and SWANTON BOMB but onto knees!! A double-edged way to save himself given Roman clutches his knee, but better than letting Fatu hit that directly. The fans rally up as both men crawl to each other. They stare down, and they fire haymakers! The fans rally and duel as the shots go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster! Fatu rebounds to ROCK Roman, but Roman rebounds to ROCK Fatu!
Fatu UPPERCUTS Roman, but Roman UPPERCUTS back! Fatu UPPERCUTS Roman to a corner, and HIP ATTACKS! Then ANOTHER HIP ATTACK! The fans are thunderous again as Fatu prepares his hand! Roman rises up, TONGAN DEATH GRIP!!! Roman grabs at Fatu’s hand but he can’t pry free! Roman is fading, dropping to his knees already! The fans duel as hard as they can as Fatu keeps his grip on Roman’s throat! The ref checks, and Roman comes back to life! Roman rises up, he CLAWS Fatu’s face, and RAMS him into the ref! The fans are torn, this looks like Tribal Chief of old! SUERPMAN PUNCH!
Fatu staggers around, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES again! Roman keeps moving, but Fatu SUPERKICKS! Roman rebounds, into a POP-UP, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES!! And SPEARS!!! Cover, TWO?!?!? No one knows what to make of this, least of all Roman! Roman argues with the ref, but then the TONGAN DEATH GRIP!!! Roman grabs at the ref, the ref shakes free, and they end up in a corner. The buckle pad comes off, the ref takes that, but Roman THROWS Fatu into the steel! SPEAR!!! Cover, ROMAN WINS!!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)
Fatu wakes up and is furious! Roman did all of that out of desperation, and Fatu takes it up with the ref. The ref says he couldn’t do anything abut the buckle, but Fatu CHOKES Roman!! The ref tries to stop Fatu, Fatu SHOVES him down, and then he has the TONGAN DEATH GRIP back on Roman!! The ref tries again, Fatu backs off, but then POP-UP SMAON DROPS him!! TONGAN DEATH GRIP on Roman!! Producers rush out here, but Fatu SUPERKICKS Shane Helms down! And he TOSSES Adam Pearce!! The fans can’t believe it, but Fatu just puts the TONGAN DEATH GRIP back on Roman!!
The producers try but fail to pry Fatu away from Roman, and Roman is foaming at the mouth! Roman is OUT, and Fatu says he told Roman and he told us all, he’s gonna take EVERYTHING! And then he’s not done!! He shoves his way through the producers to CHOKE Roman again!!! Pearce is back up and he tells Fatu to stop! Fatu’s going cross-eyed, he’s that unhinged!! Fatu holds up the title as he stands over Roman, even though he did not win. What consequences will there be for Fatu after going this far?
My Thoughts:
A great Backlash, maybe one of the better ones in a long time. Great opening from Rollins VS Bron, though Rollins was maybe trying too hard to pull off the “land out of Super Steiner” a la Will Ospreay. Of course The Vision got involved, and that helped protect Rollins in his loss, which makes me think we’ll get a rematch over the summer. I also still think there’s going to be a Six Man Tag of Rollins & Profits VS Vision at some point, too. Great US Championship match from Trick VS Sami, and to my surprise, Trick wins rather than Sami cheating to win and make them 1-1. There’s no reason for a tiebreaker now, so both of them are likely moving on.
Danhausen’s partner being “Minihausen,” aka El Torito/Mascarita Dorada, was an interesting surprise. Not quite what anyone was expecting or hoping for, but Minihausen won the fans in Tampa over. I was expecting a “Megahausen” to step out of the crate after Kit threw Minihausen back in, but I suppose that’d be a matter of who else they’d get to cosplay Danhausen. Too bad they let go of Jeff Cobb before this… Anyway, great win for Teamhausen, but I can’t be sure if this feud with Miz & Kit ends here or not. The feud of Asuka VS Iyo is certainly over now after their great grudge match, but also because they let Kairi Sane go, denying the rightful story blowoff of Kairi standing up to Asuka. Maybe Asuka turns Face, maybe not, Raw on Monday will give us more.
John Cena’s announcement was not what I was expecting. It definitely wasn’t going to be #OneMoreMatch, I knew that. And with buzz of a revived Lucha Underground going around the internet, that was likely to be announced more by Rey Mysterio or another of the LU alumni like Penta or Rey Fenix. A John Cena Classic, where the entries are likely chosen by WWE but then the fans elect the champion(s)… This can either go very well or very poorly. My mind goes to times when like American Idol ended up with troll votes to keep the actual last place person still going. Or even WWE’s Cyber Sunday and Taboo Tuesday, where no one could be sure if the vote was shoot or kayfabe. Hopefully the title looks awesome, though, maybe with a spinner on it.
And great main event from Roman VS Fatu with the fans split pretty much 50-50. Roman did this on his own but he technically still cheated. And with Fatu going after Roman in his rage, there’s a good chance this is far from over. I don’t think they’ll do something for Clash of Italy when Cody VS Gunther for the Undisputed Championship is going to be the main event there, but something during the European tour could be good build material towards Night of Champions or even SummerSlam.
My Score: 8.9/10
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