WWE edited Sol Ruca’s botch on Raw on social media and other promotional material for the show.
Ruca officially signed the contract to become a member of the roster on Raw. Becky Lynch interrupted the segment to confront Adam Pearce for setting up her match with IYO SKY the previous week. Ruca called her out for crashing an important moment in her WWE career, and Lynch’s attempt at a sneak attack resulted in her accidentally hitting Pearce. Ruca rushed to the corner for a Sol Snatcher, she tripped but maneuvered her way to complete the move.
Ruca made her Raw debut on the first edition of the show after WrestleMania. She cut off Liv Morgan’s Women’s World Title celebration with The Judgment Day. This led to a singles match between the two. Zaria interfered mid-match, costing her the bout. The same week, Ruca had her final NXT match against Zaria in a Last Woman Standing match.Following which she needed to get eight staples on her head after crashing through two tables.
Following the Raw segment with Lynch, Ruca seemingly has her sight set on the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
During Raw, Adam Pearce apologized to Breakker, saying he laid his hands on Breakker first. He then revealed to The Vision that Breakker’s suspension would be lifted and he would be placed in Saturday’s Royal Rumble match. He then went further, saying that all members of The Vision would be in Saturday’s match in Saudi Arabia. But after giving The Vision everything they wanted, Pearce did put Austin Theory in a match against Rey Mysterio. Theory won thanks to help from the rest of The Vision.
On last week’s Raw, Pearce initally seemed adamant about continuing Breakker’s suspension. However, after a phone call, Pearce’s line of thinking completely changed, instead telling Heyman that he would have Breakker on this week’s show to discuss his suspension.
After Theory defeated Mysterio, The Vision jumped Penta and Dragon Lee, laying both men out. Commentary suggested that the phone call may be tied to Pearce giving The Vision preferential treatment, as no one came out to stop the beatdown.
A week ago, Bron Breakker was challenging for the WWE World Heavyweight title on the first anniversary of Raw on Netflix. Now, he finds himself suspended (in storyline, anyway).
During Monday’s Raw from Dusseldorf, Germany, Breakker, along with The Vision, attacked Dragon Lee and Penta during their match with Austin Theory and Bronson Reed.
After Breakker speared Lee in the entranceway, Raw GM Adam Pearce confronted him outside the ring about his actions as he was about to deliver another one. That led to Reed delivering a Tsunami inside the ring to Penta which led to Pearce then getting in the ring to prevent further damage, leading to Breakker then spearing Penta due to the distraction.
Pearce confronted Breakker again, only for Breakker to push him into the corner and scream at him until officials separated them. Pearce berated The Vision walking backstage and in a later segment, he ran up to Breakker and told him he was suspended.
After Breakker stared Pearce down, Paul Heyman than interjected and told Pearce he made a big mistake as it was Pearce who touched Breakker first, something played up by Michael Cole and Wade Barrett on commentary afterward.
Adam Pearce dropped a tease for a possible Chris Jericho appearance on Monday’s show.
In his weekly rundown of the Raw lineup, Pearce asked, “Who can break the walls down and claim the gold?” while referring to the three championship matches scheduled for the show, a possible reference to the lyrics of Jericho’s WWE entrance theme.
“Do not forget, three humungous championship matches. Who can break down the walls and claim the gold?” Pearce said in the video.
Last week, multiple reports stated that Jericho’s AEW contract expired on January 1, with some indicating he could appear on WWE programming as soon as Monday’s one-year anniversary show on Netflix.
“There has been a lot of talk about Jericho debuting, perhaps as soon as 1/5. The only thing I can say is that within the business the idea of Jericho going to WWE has been talked about heavily and like it was happening. Nobody on either side has commented to us about it, but I’d think it would be that way.“
Meltzer noted that Jericho has previously delayed a return after word of it leaked.
“Nobody has specifically denied it to us either. What those in WWE have said to me is only not to believe anything said about it,” Meltzer continued.
Monday’s Raw is set for the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and will be a special Stranger Things-branded episode.
WWE Raw lineup January 5, 2026:
WWE World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defends against Bron Breakker
Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri defends against Becky Lynch
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defend against Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY
WWE Raw General Manager Adam Pearce announced two additions to WWE Raw for Monday.
In his weekly run down of the show’s lineup, Pearce revealed that Dominik Mysterio will be on the show tomorrow night to address his Survivor Series opponent John Cena, saying:
“Less than a week from Survivor Series in San Diego, and one of San Diego’s self-proclaimed finest Dominik Mysterio will have plenty to say about his opponent John Cena.”
Pearce also announced that the now former Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch will appear live on Monday’s show.
“After what she did on Friday, I can’t wait to hear what Becky Lynch will crow about, and she will do so in person,” Pearce said before mentioning that Lynch has been leaving him voicemails frequently.
Lynch attacked AJ Lee and aligned with the heel side of the Women’s War Games match on SmackDown.
Monday’s episode of Raw is set for the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The updated lineup is below.
WWE Raw lineup for Monday, November 24:
Roman Reigns kicks off the show
Men’s WarGames advantage match: Participants TBA
The Last Time is Now quarterfinals: Gunther vs. Carmelo Hayes
The Last Time is Now quarterfinals: Solo Sikoa vs. Penta
Becky Lynch to appear live
Dominik Mysterio to address John Cena
.@ScrapDaddyAP has some OFFICIAL announcements ahead of tomorrow night’s #WWERaw! 👀
Adam Pearce — the general manager of WWE Raw — is celebrating a big milestone today.
Pearce sent out a post today celebrating the fact that he has now been in wrestling for 30 years. He’s worn many hats during that time, competing in the ring, holding the NWA World Championship, booking ROH, working behind the scenes in WWE, and now being prominently featured on WWE television as an on-screen character.
“30 years ago today my professional journey began,” Pearce wrote. “It has allowed me to visit places and experience cultures in our world I never would’ve otherwise, and to meet so many people. Some like-minded, some so different, ALL sharing a same passion. Grateful for every step, misstep, and re-step. Here’s to the next 30.”
Pearce and Nick Aldis are the respective general managers of Raw and SmackDown, which has led to fan speculation that the two could potentially have a match at some point. Aldis’ time in the ring is likely not over, but whether Pearce will ever wrestle again remains to be seen. Pearce has been retired since 2014 (aside from technically appearing in a couple WWE matches in his authority figure role where he did not really wrestle).
Amid the group’s ongoing breakup, WWE is planning to celebrate 10 years of The New Day.
WWE will be celebrating New Day’s 10th anniversary with a special episode of Raw. The announcement was made in a post-Raw video last night, but details on when the episode will be taking place were not provided.
“Ten years as New Day, it’s time to celebrate, man. You guys are one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history. Because of that, if it’s cool with you guys, I actually wanted to dedicate a special episode of Raw to celebrating you,” Raw general manager Adam Pearce told Kofi Kingston.
Kingston agreed that it was a good idea and said he thought this celebration could help fix the “rough patch” that he and Xavier Woods are going through. Pearce said he would start making arrangements for the episode.
Woods was not present for the segment with Pearce and Kingston. Pearce said he had wanted to talk to both of them and didn’t want to assume anything, but Kingston thought Woods would be fine with the celebration.
A split within New Day has been brewing on WWE television with Woods growing insecure about his place in the team and his lack of success as a singles wrestler.
On Raw last night, New Day lost to The War Raiders after Woods tagged himself into the match while Kingston was closing in on a victory.
New Day debuted as a faction in November 2014. Whether Big E will be involved in their anniversary celebration has not been announced. After suffering a broken neck in 2022, Big E is currently a broadcaster for WWE PLE pre-shows and post-shows. He said this September that he would be getting new scans on his neck in the next 3-6 months.
Adam Pearce has made a few announcements about Raw.
The first hour of tonight’s show will air commercial-free, the General Manager revealed in a video posted on Monday afternoon. The street fight between the Wyatt Sicks and American Made will kick off the show.
“We will kick off tonight with an eight-person street fight, it will be the Wyatt Sicks against American Made. Did I mention the first hour is commercial-free? And oh by the way, what would we be doing in Calgary, Alberta, Canada without the best there is, the best there was, the best there ever will be? That’s right Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart is live tonight.”
🚨 🚨 🚨 @ScrapDaddyAP has some HUGE news regarding tonight's Season Premiere of #WWERaw including a commercial-free FIRST HOUR!
Tonight’s WWE Raw takes place at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and will feature Bret Hart on the show. The full lineup is below.
The lineup for the Monday, September 9 WWE Raw:
Bret Hart appears
Intercontinental title number one contender’s tournament finals: Jey Uso vs. Pete Dunne vs. Braun Strowman vs. Ilja Dragunov
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defend against Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
Street fight: The Wyatt Sicks (Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis & Nikki Cross) vs. American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed & Ivy Nile)
Lyra Valkyria, Zelina Vega, and ? vs. Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville)
Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee
Drew McIntyre addresses last week’s attack on CM Punk
The new issue of the Observer is up on the site right now featuring two very in-depth stories:
Judge Richard Boulware refuses to accept the $335 million TKO settlement in the Cung Le case, why, lawyers react, lots of inside ramifications of the case, how different settlements would work out for the biggest name fighters and the average fighters and what comes next and why they still can’t risk a trial.
AEW rights fees talks and what they mean, how much talent earns by percentage of revenues compared to other sports, estimating annual income at different rights points, cutbacks why the deal length is so important, noticeable TV cutbacks and ROH potential going forward.
SummerSlam preview, ticket sales, secondary market, expectations for finishes and favorites.
All In, update on new matches being teased, ticket sales, can they reach the next goal, PPV thoughts and promotion of the event.
Update on the G-1 Climax tournament
UFC 304 full coverage, what’s next for the fighters, new storylines, business notes, match-by-match rundown
What matches you need to see from G-1
A look at the retirement and career of Meiko Satomura
A detailed look at ROH Death Before Dishonor and the ROH brand
The life and career of longtime prelim wrestler Pete Sanchez/Gino Caruso
The most detailed look at the ratings from the past two weeks including where the top shows placed, breakdown on who is watching and changes, how badly the Olympics changed viewership and much more.
Death Triangle go to the hottest arena in the world and how the crowd reacted
One of the best high flyers in the world is almost ready to return
A look at two Stardom PPV shows and major title changes
Oldest male wrestler ever to do a match
Marigold tag team title decided and Grand Prix singles tournament
Death of former Crockett wrestler who had a short career but was in with the biggest names in wrestling at the time
Modern legend retirement tour first main event announced
Dijak and MJF to RevPro
Bloodsport with talent from WWE, ROH and TNA
Update on PPV numbers from WWE, AEW, TNA and Diaz-Masvidal and Paul-Perry
Tony Khan and Shane McMahon
Top star returns to AEW
Lots of injury updates
Bill Goldberg talks Tony Khan
Merch sales
Highest ticket prices ever for an MMA event at The Sphere
Updates on Brock Lesnar
This Week’s Wresting Observer Newsletter Back Issue
Sports Illustrated asked The Street Profits about potentially following the Hart Foundation/New Day route of staying connected while also going after singles gold. Montez Ford responded:
The Hart Foundation and New Day, respect to both crews, but the Street Profits would have to put our flavor on it. I’m down with Angelo for the long haul–Angelo is power and speed, he’s a linebacker.
And for sure, I think we can take the WWE tag team titles and add some singles gold, too.
Gunther told Sports Illustrated that Timothy Thatcher is someone who’s had a big influence on his career: “I learned a lot from Tim. He was very influential on me. He made me a better professional wrestler.”
Gunther added that he thinks Thatcher would be on a bigger stage right now if he wasn’t so committed to his core values about pro wrestling:
I think Tim would be on a bigger stage right now if he would divert away from some of his core values and accept professional wrestling for what it is on the big stage,” said Gunther. “As much as I enjoyed that gritty, catch-as-catch can shoot-style wrestling with no smoke and mirrors, the reality is that it isn’t going to draw the attention of a lot and lot of people in 2024. At the end of the day, what we do is a business.
But I respect that he does what makes him happy. You can have all the money in the world, but if you’re not happy, then that’s pretty useless.
Raw General Manager Adam Pearce was the guest on today’s episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet. He was asked about a potential program against SmackDown GM Nick Aldis:
I think neither one of us, neither Nick nor I, are ever going to angle for a position in the spotlight like that. I think we’re both content, very happy and very honored to have the positions we have currently in WWE. There’s only one general manager for the show, so it’s highly important. It has been the pinnacle of my professional performing career, and I hope that continues into the future. But as I’ve said 100 times, privately, publicly, I ain’t afraid to get my hands dirty either. So if the situation calls for it, I’m sure Nick would be down for it and I think there’s a whole litany of NWA fans who have played that ‘What if’ game? Because I think our names are always connected when people talk about that, especially in the ‘modern era.’ I think it’d be fun for a lot of different groups of wrestling fans.
On August 7, WWE filed to trademark “American Made.” That’s the name of Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers’ new faction.
Adam Pearce has issued an appeal to Bron Breakker.
Breakker interfered during Ilja Dragunov vs. Ricochet on Monday’s show, spearing both wrestlers and causing the match to be called off. Pearce came out during the segment to admonish Breakker and the two were seen arguing in the back later as well. A week earlier, Breakker speared Ricochet backstage and sent his opponent that night, Kale Dixon, to the hospital.
In a video WWE posted on Tuesday, Pearce says Breakker, who was suspended in storyline due to his actions on the May 20 Raw, is being sent home again and his fine has been increased.
Pearce says in the video:
Lord knows nothing else has worked, Bron, so I’m going to try and directly appeal to you this way because appearances matter. And I’ve looked back on what the general public has seen when they see us together on Monday Night Raw and frankly, I’m embarrassed. You’re defiant, leaving bodies in the wake and me screaming at you like I’m your dad disappointed at your report card. That’s not what I want the general public to be left with because what I hoped we had achieved, Bron Breakker, when I drafted you to Monday Night Raw was a level of respect and mutual respect where you and I could look each other in the eye, say what needed to be said and accomplish the business at hand but we’re not there.
Pearce continued:
I have taken your spotlight and suspended you and told your ass to sit at home, I have appealed to you financially by taking money out of your wallet and nothing, as of yet, has worked.
Pearce concluded that he wants to see Breakker succeed on WWE Raw.
I want you to be on Monday Night Raw for today and for tomorrow, for the future, because I believe in Bron Breakker. I believe in Bron Breakker. I can’t say it any clearer than that. I tripled your fine and I sent you home again. I’m done trying to talk to you like a man because maybe you’re not, maybe you just are a dog-faced gremlin.
The general managers of Raw and SmackDown are set to make an announcement tonight.
Ahead of tonight’s Raw, WWE posted a video with Adam Pearce revealing that he and Nick Aldis will make an announcement on the show. Pearce didn’t indicate what the announcement will be about.
“SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis is here tonight to make an announcement with me,” Pearce said. “About what? You’ll find out [tonight].”
Including tonight, there are only four episodes of Raw left until WrestleMania 40.
Pearce also revealed that Michael Cole will conduct an interview with Cody Rhodes live on Raw tonight. It was made official on SmackDown last Friday that Rhodes & Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Roman Reigns will headline night one of WrestleMania.
Rhodes is challenging Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40 night two. If Rhodes & Rollins win the tag match on night one, The Bloodline will be barred from ringside for the night two main event. But if The Rock & Reigns win, Reigns vs. Rhodes will be a Bloodline Rules match, meaning that anything goes.
Raw is taking place from the Toyota Center in Houston tonight. Here’s the updated lineup:
Gauntlet match to decide Gunther’s Intercontinental title challenger for WrestleMania 40: Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable vs. Ricochet vs. Bronson Reed vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. JD McDonagh
Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defend against Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
Michael Cole interviews Cody Rhodes
Raw general manager Adam Pearce & SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis will make an announcement
Less than 24 hours after Raw ended with Adam Pearce “firing” Lashley, Pearce posted an update announcing that Lashley is no longer fired. Pearce said Lashley putting his hands on officials is unacceptable and will be addressed, but Pearce admitted that he allowed emotion to get the better of him when he fired Lashley.
Pearce said he and Lashley will meet later this week to discuss the ramifications of what Lashley did and how they can move forward and work together with respect.
“I formally rescind Bobby Lashley’s termination, and I sincerely apologize for my part in escalating an already volatile situation,” Pearce announced.
The show-closing angle of last night’s Raw saw Bobby Lashley confront a referee after losing a United States title number one contender’s match to Seth Rollins. Lashley hit a spear on Rollins during the match, but the referee was slow to make the count after trying to avoid getting knocked down when Lashley had Rollins in The Hurt Lock. Rollins then defeated Lashley after reversing a spear into the Pedigree.
When the referee tried to walk away from Lashley after the match, Lashley shoved him into the corner. Lashley also knocked down another referee and shoved Pearce.
The angle was a continuation from last week, where Lashley accidentally speared a WWE producer during a brawl with Rollins. Pearce later warned Lashley about putting his hands on officials.
Lashley has been going through an attitude change since being attacked by Brock Lesnar on Raw this October. The two faced off at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia last month, with Lesnar pinning Lashley while Lashley had him in The Hurt Lock. Lashley put Lesnar in The Hurt Lock again following the match.
Going into last night’s SmackDown, the question was whether or not Adam Pearce would end the night still in line for a Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble.
Last night’s show was built around a contract signing for Roman Reigns and Pearce’s title match. But after the contract was signed, Pearce noted that all standard WWE contracts say the card is subject to change. Pearce claimed to have an old knee injury flaring up. He said that — in his role as a WWE official — he has the right to find a suitable replacement for the Universal Championship match. Pearce then announced Kevin Owens as Reigns’ new Royal Rumble challenger.
Reigns vs. Owens at the Royal Rumble will be a Last Man Standing match. Reigns originally wanted the stipulation when he thought Pearce would be his challenger at the pay-per-view.
Reigns had forced Pearce into last week’s number one contender’s gauntlet match after not being happy with Pearce’s recent decision-making. Reigns and Jey Uso attacked Shinsuke Nakamura at the end of the gauntlet, Reigns threw Pearce into the ring, and Uso laid out Pearce with a superkick. Uso then put Pearce on top of Nakamura and the referee counted the pin.
With Uso getting involved throughout the match, Reigns retained the Universal Championship against Owens in a tables, ladders, and chairs match at December’s TLC PPV. Reigns then retained against Owens in a steel cage match after Uso handcuffed Owens to the cage.
The New Year’s Day episode of SmackDown earlier this month ended with Reigns throwing Owens off a ledge at the ThunderDome and through a table below. Last night was Owens’ first appearance since then.
A Universal Championship contract signing is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Ahead of their scheduled title match at the Royal Rumble, Universal Champion Roman Reigns and authority figure Adam Pearce will meet for their official contract signing. Pearce won a number one contender’s gauntlet match last week to earn the title shot. Reigns forced Pearce into the gauntlet because he signed the Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso main event the previous week.
Shinsuke Nakamura dominated the gauntlet match with victories over Rey Mysterio, King Corbin, and Daniel Bryan. However, Reigns and Uso attacked Nakamura and knocked out a reluctant Pearce with a superkick. The heels then dragged Pearce on top of Nakamura for the win.
Earlier this week, Pearce posted a message to social media and attempted to get out of the match — but Reigns denied his request.
Nakamura vs. Uso and Mysterio vs. Corbin are both set for tonight. Corbin attacked Rey and Dominik Mysterio during the gauntlet match last week.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
SmackDown started with a recap of the Roman Reigns and Adam Pearce angle.
In the back, Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman spoke in Reigns’ locker room. Reigns sat in a big chair as Heyman stood behind him. Reigns looked over the contract for his Royal Rumble match.
Heyman pointed out that they just got the contract two minutes ago. He tried to claim it was a basic contract, but he could tell Reigns wasn’t happy. Heyman agreed the deal needs improvements and stipulations. He promised to get specific stipulations added.
Jey Uso made his way down to the ring. He welcomed everyone to the bloodline’s show. He noted they’re running SmackDown and making all the decisions. They’re not just running SmackDown.
Uso claimed that Reigns provides for everyone. He pointed out they have hot towels and good food in catering. The roster should be thanking Reigns for everything.
Uso announced that he’s entering the Royal Rumble this year. He promised to win the Rumble, go to Raw and beat WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
Uso turned his attention to Shinsuke Nakamura. He noted everyone was talking about Nakamura’s performance last week. Uso pointed out that they put a stop to his winning. Uso mocked Nakamura until his music hit.
Shinsuke Nakamura made his way to the ring. He said that his Uso is his cousins’ puppet and nailed him with a knee. Nakamura posed as they cut to commercial.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jey Uso
Nakamura and Uso had a good match.
Nakamura had the early advantage with a side headlock. Uso took over and hit a big slam for a near fall. Nakamura regained control with a series of knee shots. On commentary, Michael Cole pushed that Reigns doesn’t want to face Nakamura.
Nakamura slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Suddenly, Cesaro’s music hit, and he walked to ringside. Nakamura was firmly in control and sent Uso into the ring post.
Back from the break, Cesaro joined Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cesaro claimed he’s at ringside to support Nakamura. Cole pointed out that he wasn’t here last week to help Nakamura. He said that it took him a long time to get to the ring because Tropicana Field is huge. He then announced that he’s entering the Royal Rumble this year.
Uso was firmly in control until Nakamura rocked him with a knee. He followed up with a sliding knee and a sliding German suplex for a near fall. Uso fought back and hit a Samoan Drop for another near fall.
Uso hit a back suplex into a neck breaker for a close near fall. Nakamura recovered and hit a knee off the second rope for a two count. He attempted the Kinsasha, but Uso countered with a superkick.
Uso hit the splash off the top rope, but Nakamura got his knee up. Uso fought back and scored a near fall with his feet on the ropes. The referee caught Uso, trying to use the ropes. Uso argued with the referee.
Nakamura then rolled up Uso and hit the Kinshasa for the win. After the match, Nakamura posed with Cesaro.
Bayley hosts her new talk show Ding Dong Hello with guest Bianca Belair later tonight.
In the back, Paul Heyman approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. He handed Pearce the Royal Rumble contract and noted it’s a no disqualification match. Pearce heard enough and cut Heyman off. He signed the contract.
Back from the break, Jey Uso yelled at Charles Robinson and blamed him for losing. He threatened Robinson that he could lose his job.
They recapped Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode defeating The Street Profits for the SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Kayla Braxton interviewed The Street Profits. Braxton wondered if defending the titles a week after the heels beat them down was a mistake. They noted they could never turn down a challenge. They promised to win the titles back.
Roman Reigns spoke with Apollo Crews in his locker room. Reigns was giving Crews advice when Paul Heyman walked back in. Crews went to leave, but Reigns told him to stay. Heyman informed Reigns that the match is no disqualification.
Reigns didn’t like the match stipulation and demanded a last man standing match. Heyman noted Adam Pearce wouldn’t agree to that. Reigns didn’t care and considered the matter handled. He said if it’s a problem, Pearce can sign the contract in the ring.
Reigns and Crews went back to talking.
Natayla (w/Tamina) defeated Liv Morgan (w/ Ruby Riott & Billie Kay)
Natalya and Morgan had a fine match with a lame finish.
Kay joined Cole and Graves on commentary.
Morgan had the early advantage until Natayla dropped her on the top rope. Natalya attempted a suplex, but Morgan countered with an inside cradle for a near fall.
Natalya took back over with a hard clothesline. She followed up with a backbreaker submission. Morgan broke free, but Natalya hit the discus lariat for a near fall.
Kay jumped off commentary and went back to ringside. Natalya went for the sharpshooter, but Morgan used an inside cradle for another near fall.
Tamina scared Kay at ringside. Kay then jumped into the ring to getaway. Morgan was distracted, and Natalya rolled her up for the win.
King Corbin defeated Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio)
This was a fine match. The focus was more on Dominik at ringside.
Dominik joined Cole and Graves on commentary. Dominik said he hopes to win the tag team titles with his father this year. There was no mention of the Knights of the Lone Wolf.
Corbin took over after rocking Rey with a hard clothesline at ringside. Corbin got in Dominik’s face, but Dominik backed down. He doesn’t want his dad to get disqualified. Graves told Dominik that he needs to stand up for himself since he’s a WWE Superstar.
Rey fought back and took out Corbin with a seated senton. Rey jumped off the ropes, but Corbin caught him.
Rey fought back and set up for the 619, but Corbin hit Deep Six for a near fall. Corbin got in Dominik’s face again at ringside. Dominik stood up for himself, but Corbin knocked him down.
Dominik tried getting in the ring, but Rey stopped him. Corbin then knocked Rey into Dominik and hit the End of Days for the win.
In the back, Paul Heyman approached Adam Pearce in the hallway. Pearce asked if Reigns signed the contract. Heyman informed Pearce that the match is now last man standing. He told Pearce to take his time because he’s going to sign it in the ring later. Heyman considers the matter handled.
Rey tried to give Dominik guidance in the back. He praised Corbin’s accomplishments, including being a former Golden Gloves boxer. Rey then came up with an idea and knows someone that could help.
Ding Dong Hello
This was a fun segment. Bayley was good in her role as a talk show host.
The set includes a fake door, a stool for the guest, and a comfortable chair for Bayley.
She introduced her first guest Bianca Belair. Bayley made Belair ring the doorbell and enter through the fake door.
Belair took Bayley’s seat, but Bayley needs to stand anyway to get ready for the Rumble. Bayley showed footage of her defeating Belair a few weeks back.
Bayley mocked Belair for calling herself the EST. She doesn’t care about Belair’s past accomplishments. Bayley then challenged Belair to compete in an obstacle course next week. Belair laughed and accepted the challenge.
Earlier today, Daniel Bryan trained with Otis and Chad Gable. They were working on their hips for the Royal Rumble match. Kayla Braxton approached, and Bryan promised to win the Rumble. Braxton asked about losing to Nakamura last week. Bryan noted he respects Nakamura.
Cesaro interrupted and mocked Bryan. Bryan then challenged Cesaro to a match.
Cesaro defeated Daniel Bryan
Bryan and Cesaro had a great match that told a good story.
Cesaro had a brief advantage with a side headlock. Bryan fought back and targeted Cesaro’s arm. Cesaro backed Bryan in the corner and rocked him with uppercuts. Bryan regained control with a running dropkick in the corner.
Bryan continued to attack Cesaro’s arm. Cesaro slammed down Bryan to break the hold. Bryan fought back and gave Cesaro a monkey flip into the ropes. He followed up with a crossbody to ringside.
At ringside, Bryan rocked Cesaro with a series of kicks. Cesaro ducked, and Bryan kicked the ring post hard.
Back from the break, Cesaro was firmly in control as he attacked Bryan’s leg. Bryan recovered and applied the Yes Lock, but Ceaaro attacked the leg to break free.
Cesaro gave Bryan the big swing into the Sharpshooter. Cesaro transitioned into the cross face, but Bryan rolled into the Yes Lock. Cesaro made it to the ropes to break the hold.
In a cool spot, Bryan attempted a hurricanrana off the top rope, but Cesaro blocked the move. He then adjusted into a vertical suplex off the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Cesaro attempted an uppercut, but Bryan countered with a backslide.
Bryan went for the running knee, but Cesaro lifted him up and hit the uppercut. Cesaro then hit the neutralizer for the surprise win. Michael Cole put over the win as a career-defining moment.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Carmella with Reginald. Carmella mocked Sasha Banks. Suddenly, Banks jumped Carmella. She promised Carmella a match but wants a match with Reginald first.
Apollo Crews defeated Sami Zayn
Crews and Zayn had a fine match.
Michael Cole mentioned that Crews was hanging out with Roman Reigns earlier tonight. He noted that he found it odd to see them as friends. They recapped Paul Heyman giving Crews a pep talk on Talking Smack.
Zayn came to the ring with his documentary crew to uncover all the conspiracy theories.
Big E joined Cole and Graves on commentary. He was lying on a couch at ringside.
Crews jumped Zayn at the ring of the bell. Zayn fought back and sent Crews to the floor. Crews slammed Zayn’s head on the announce table and hit a standing moonsault off the announce table to regain control.
Zayn took back over after knocking Crews off the top rope. Crews caught Zayn with a German suplex. He followed up with an enziguri and a standing moonsault. Zayn got his knees up and rolled up Crews.
Zayn attempted to win using the tights, but the referee caught him. Crews recovered and rolled up Zayn holding the tights for the win.
After the match, Zayn was furious that he didn’t win.
Crews approached Big E and picked up the belt. Big E got in his face, and Crews tossed the belt back. They continued to argue back and forth.
Royal Rumble Contract Signing
This was a good segment. Reigns was great in his role all night. They told a show long story that ended with the return of Kevin Owens.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jey Uso came to the ring first. Pearce walked to the ring with the contract. Pearce took a seat at the table in the ring. Reigns demanded to sit in Pearce’s chair and sat at the head of the table. Uso pulled Pearce out of the chair.
Pearce signed the contract as Heyman yelled at him. Reigns then signed the contract with a smirk on his face.
Pearce took the mic. He smiled and said he waited all night for Reigns to sign the contract. Reigns was confused as Pearce grabbed the contract and started walking to the back.
Suddenly, Pearce started to sell his knee when he made it to the ramp. Pearce noted he has an old knee injury flaring up, and he reserves the right to find a suitable replacement. The mic started cutting out, which made it tough to understand him.
Pearce noted he already found a replacement and introduced the returning Kevin Owens. Owens signed the contract. Reigns was furious as he sat in the ring.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews. Plus, Bianca Belair takes on Bayley in an obstacle course challenge.
A contract signing is now set for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Adam Pearce will take part in a contract signing on Friday night’s show. The contract signing is for Reigns and Pearce’s Universal Championship match that is currently set for the Royal Rumble.
A confrontation between Reigns and Pearce had originally been announced for this week’s SmackDown.
Pearce posted a video on Thursday asking Reigns to reconsider having their title match, but Reigns responded by tweeting: “My Show. My Locker room. My Legacy. My Decisions. Shut your mouth. Show up to work. Catch this ass beating. #Smackdown”
Pearce, an authority figure on WWE television, became Reigns’ Royal Rumble challenger by winning a number one contender’s gauntlet match on SmackDown last week. The storyline was that Reigns forced Pearce into the match after being unhappy with Pearce for making the gauntlet match and the previous week’s Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso main event.
Pearce was the last person to enter the gauntlet. Reigns and Uso attacked Shinsuke Nakamura, then Reigns threw Pearce into the ring. Uso superkicked Pearce and put him on top of Nakamura. The referee then counted the pin.
Nakamura defeated Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Rey Mysterio during the gauntlet match.
Nakamura vs. Jey Uso will take place on this Friday’s SmackDown.
WWE has also announced that Rey Mysterio vs. Corbin has been added to the lineup for Friday’s SmackDown. Corbin attacked Rey and Dominik Mysterio and Nakamura when he came to the ring for last week’s gauntlet match.
