Tag: aleister black

WWE SmackDown notes: Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Street Profits

Posted on by Ethan Renner

News and notes from Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode which aired early internationally.

Aleister Black and Zelina Vega —

Real-life spouses Aleister Black and Zelina Vega aligned in WWE storylines on Friday’s SmackDown from Perth, Australia.

Vega provided a distraction in the SmackDown main event on behalf of Black in the Last Man Standing match between Black and Damian Priest. The distraction from Vega allowed Black to throw a fireball at Priest and come away from the stipulation match with a victory.

The Street Profits —

For the second time, The Street Profits have reverted to their best-known WWE theme music.

The duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins entered to “Bring the Swag” for their Tag Team title match against The Wyatt Sicks on Friday’s SmackDown, the song the pairing originally used in NXT in 2017.

The Wyatts retained the Tag titles.

Returns —

Long-absent WWE stars Shinsuke Nakamura and Tama Tonga made their returns to the promotion as well on Friday’s SmackDown, the go-home show for Saturday’s Crown Jewel PLE.

Next week —

Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu was set up for next week’s SmackDown in an angle on Friday’s show as well.

Our full report from Friday’s show is available here.

WWE SmackDown live results: Crown Jewel go-home show

Posted on by Marc Quill

Editor’s Note: The following are live results from the international broadcast of WWE SmackDown on Netflix with the U.S. version airing at 8 PM Eastern on USA. If you want to avoid spoilers for tonight, you have been warned.

WWE heads to Perth, Australia, for today’s SmackDown — the first of three WWE live shows over the weekend centered around Saturday’s Crown Jewel.

WWE men’s United States Champion Sami Zayn will continue his open challenge series after defeating Aleister Black last Friday with an assist from Damian Priest.

Speaking of Priest and Black, they will attempt to settle their simmering feud in a Last Man Standing match.

The WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line as The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis defend against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins).

WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer & WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will attempt to put their differences aside before their Saturday match as they take on Giulia & Kiana James.

Our live coverage starts at 8 AM Eastern.

**********

– Our show opened with a video package showing the mens and women’s Crown Jewel Championships being moved from the WWE Experience museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to Perth, Australia ahead of tomorrow’s Crown Jewel PLE.

– Following that, we then went live to the RAC Arena, as the men’s Crown Jewel Championship was shown in the ring.

Cody Rhodes addresses Crown Jewel

The Undisputed WWE Champion and reigning men’s Crown Jewel Champion was first to enter for our opening segment as Michael Cole and Wade Barrett recapped the happenings of last Friday’s SmackDown as it related to Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins.

Once Rhodes entered the ring, he basked in the cheers of the Australian crowd before he started off by asking “what do you want to talk about?” Rhodes said that we could talk about Seth Rollins and the supposed “doom and gloom outcome” of the match at Crown Jewel, but after he heard Paul Heyman’s warnings on Raw, it’s clear that Rollins is becoming the man he sacrificed himself to defeat at WrestleMania 41.

Rhodes continued by saying that when you love WWE as much as Rollins does, you’d do everything for it, even perhaps skewing reality as a result. But, there comes a downfall as it becomes a quest for control. Rhodes said that Rollins might not love the “QB” nickname that was given to him, but it’s a collective one that he’s proud to have as making WWE great is a team effort. Rhodes shouted out individuals like Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Jey Uso, and even Seth Rollins as being important aspects of WWE.

The crowd began chanting “Seth’s a wanker” as Rhodes asked for Barrett and Cole on commentary to confirm that chant. As he got back on track, Rhodes said that if the world did revolved around Seth Rollins, what did that mean for him? He said that in this hypothetical world, this still meant that Rhodes would remain the one man that Rollins just simply cannot defeat.

This did its job of selling the men’s Crown Jewel match and the idea of Cody Rhodes being the one white whale that has eluded Seth Rollins. It’s clear that Rollins will certainly win tomorrow’s match, but just how he does it is something to watch.

**********

– Backstage, Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer was being approached by Chelsea Green to join the Secret Hervice until WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton appeared. Green left as Vaquer and Stratton agreed to be on the same page for tonight’s tag match.

– Elsewhere, Cody Rhodes was walking and approached by Jacob Fatu, who said that once Rhodes was done with the Crown Jewel business, he wanted next for the Undisputed WWE Title. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis approached Fatu and wanted to discuss something with him. As Aldis left, Drew McIntyre attacked Fatu before he was backed off by officials.

U.S. Title Open Challenge: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura was revealed as Zayn’s opponent, as he entered to his old theme music and entrance.

The match got going with Zayn and Nakamura engaging in a duel of chain wrestling that neither man got the upper hand on. Nakamura got a bit of an advantage with a boot to the face followed by a leg drop on Zayn. The momentum continued for the challenger as he delivered his sliding German suplex to Zayn, which took us into the break.

Our opening contest returned from commercial with Zayn and Nakamura trading strikes in the middle of the ring until the latter dropped his foe with a nice vertical suplex. Nakamura fired himself up and teed off on Zayn with strikes and an enzuigiri that sent Zayn stunned into the corner. The challenger followed that with a heel kick to the face of Zayn that got a near-fall. Nakamura maintained his strong-style-tinged assault on Zayn until a clothesline turned him upside down.

Zayn headed to the top rope and missed with a dive. He attempted a Blue Thunder Bomb, but fell victim to Nakamura’s patented spinning kick. In the corner, Nakamura had Zayn dead to rights for a Kinshasa, but he got countered into a Michinoku Driver for a near-fall. After pinfalls were traded, Zayn connected with the Exploder Suplex into the corner and looked like he’d have the Helluva Kick in the chamber. Nakamura avoided that and went to the top with a diving kick to the back of Zayn’s head. One, two… not yet! With the match still to be decided, we went to another break.

SmackDown returned from the break with Zayn and Nakamura once more mixing it up with strikes until Zayn’s attempt at a Blue Thunder Bomb was countered into a modified Kinshasa to the back of the U.S. Champion’s head. Zayn instinctively rolled out of the ring as he caught Nakamura by surprise with an Exploder Suplex into the barricade. Zayn then hit a Helluva Kick before he threw Nakamura back into the ring before the count of ten. As Zayn tried to get back into the ring, Nakamura caught him by surprise with a Sudden Impact kick that got a near-fall. He then got Zayn with the Scorpio Rising and looked to have the Kinshasa lock and loaded. That was until a hooded man attacked

The hooded man pulled Nakamura out and threw him over the barricade. The man revealed himsefl to be the returning Tama Tonga, as the other members of the M.F.T.s appeared around the ring to surround Zayn. The group laid a beatdown on both champion and challenger, as Solo Sikoa took in the destruction.

Sami Zayn def. Shinsuke Nakamura via DQ to retain the United States Championship

A great match ruined by another DQ finish. I’m not sure if dressing up this Bloodline retread in facepaint in a “Malibu Stacy with a new hat” situation is going to make them any interesting, but I guess I can’t fault WWE for trying again with this, as daunting a task as it may seem to be. That said, it’s at least great to see Tama Tonga back from injury.

**********

– Backstage, we learned that on next week’s SmackDown, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu would go one on one. As McIntyre discussed this with GM Nick Aldis, he was attacked by an irate Fatu, who wanted to get a little payback on the assault from earlier in the night. A gaggle of referees and officials tried their best to keep the two separated.

Stephanie Vaquer & Tiffany Stratton vs. Giulia & Kiana James

Vaquer and James started things off for their respective teams as the latter delivered a cheapshot to her opponent. Vaquer answered with a back suplex and caught James in prime position for an early-match Devil’s Kiss, much to the crowd’s delight. James retreated and tagged Giulia as we headed into an oddly-placed commercial break.

The action resumed from the break with Giulia throwing Vaquer into her team’s corner as James tagged herself in and kept the Women’s World Champion isolated for a moment. Giulia was the legal woman again as she took off from the top with a dropkick for a near-fall. Vaquer managed to kick Giulia aside which gave her enough time to tag in Stratton.

The WWE Women’s Champion was a house of fire as she unleashed a flurry of offense on James with a somersault clothesline into the corner followed by a slam for the near-fall. Stratton stunned James into the middle rope and looked to have a running attack, but Giulia created a distraction as she then entered the match with an Arrivederci Knee to Stratton. Giulia then connected with a Northern Lights Bomb, but Vaquer broke up the pin.

As things began to break down, Stratton got the Alabama Slam on James as Vaquer entered the with a tag. Vaquer connected with a modified version of the Angel’s Wings, but Giulia broke up the count. Stratton with a blind tag as Vaquer launched herself onto Giulia outside to take her out of the equation. Back in the ring, Stratton finished James off in short order with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.

Vaquer and Stratton stood in front of the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship and faced off after the match.

Tiffany Stratton & Stephanie Vaquer def. Giulia & Kiana James

Standard women’s tag team fare, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I do think that giving Giulia and James the win here wouldn’t have hurt as it’d at least create a new set of challengers for Stratton to contend with post-Crown Jewel.

**********

– As Zaria and Sol Ruca were chatting amongst themselves, the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss appeared and told the NXT stars that facing them would be not be an easy battle to expect. Utlimately, Flair and Bliss granted Zaria and Ruca a chance at their Women’s Tag Titles.

WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) (w/ Nikki Cross & Erick Rowan) (c) vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) (w/ B-Fab)

The match got going right away as Gacy and Lumis ran into the ring and immediately began to fight with Dawkins and Ford. As things finally setled down, the Profits had the upper hand early as they threw their weight around at Gacy’s expense. Outside the ring, Dawkins barrelled through both Gacy and Lumis, which sent the two Wyatts into the timekeeper’s corner. We headed to the commercial break with the Street Profits having control in the early stages of this match.

We returned from the break as the Wyatts had Ford staggered in the corner and ready for a double superplex. Dawkins emerged and held Gacy and Lumis in place instead, as Ford recovered and delivered a double blockbuster on the WWE Tag Champs. The cover, but Nikki Cross put Gacy’s foot on the bottom rope. Things broke down as B-Fab attacked Cross on the outside. Erick Rowan stood behind B-Fab, which allowed Cross to go on the attack with a leap. Dawkins then launched over the top rope to take down Rowan as Ford was the legal man.

From the top rope, Ford wanted to hit the Frog Splash, but Lumis pulled Gacy out of harm’s way, which caused Ford to hit the mat hard instead. The two Wyatts then finished things off with the Plague on Ford to retain the WWE Tag Titles.

After the match, Solo Sikoa and the M.F.T.s. appeared and had a brief, but tense staredown with the Wyatt Sicks.

The Wyatt Sicks def. The Street Profits via pinfall to retain the WWE Tag Team Championships

Just a standard tag match, with nothing really to write home about. The tease with the M.F.T.s targeting the Wyatts certainly happened, I do at least want to see where this goes initially.

**********

– The Miz was interviewed backstage about his betrayal of Carmelo Hayes on last week’s SmackDown, as he called himself “the spotlight” and that Hayes “blew it” in his eyes and that his former Melo Don’t Miz partner ultimately “missed”.

– We got a recap of the Crown Jewel Kickoff and Seth Rollins’ abrupt exit from the kickoff while The Vision was on stage, with the implication being that Rollins’ confidence is in question ahead of his match with Cody Rhodes tomorrow.

Crown Jewel Final Card

  • Men’s Crown Jewel Championship: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
  • Women’s Crown Jewel Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs. Tiffany Stratton
  • Australian Street Fight: Roman Reigns vs. Bronson Reed
  • Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Asuka & Kairi Sane
  • John Cena vs. AJ Styles

Last Man Standing: Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black

We got going right away with Priest pummeling Black in the corner before he threw him over the top rope. Priest pulled out a kendo stick from under the ring, but got caught by surprise with a kick from Black. Priest recovered and battered his foe with the top half of the steel steps as the fight made its way through the entry way. We took a commercial break after one more steel steps strike from Priest to Black.

SmackDown’s main event resumed as Priest sent Black crashing into the barricade with a fierce throw. The referee began his count, but Black managed to get himself back on his feet as he ran back into the ring. Priest connected with an elevated Flatliner on Black before he set up the bottom half of the steel steps in the middle of the ring. Priest looked for a superplex onto the steps, but Black escaped and instead sent his rival face first into the steps.

Priest wanted to hit the South of Heaven on Black right on the steps, but he couldn’t connect with it. Black headed up top and crashed onto Priest with a Meteora. That, however,was not enough to keep Priest down for the count. With the steps turned on its side, Priest threw Black face-first onto it. As the action spilled to the outside, Priest was thrown against the steel steps as his neck bounced off of it. Somehow, Priest recovered and shoved Black onto the top of the commentary table, as we took another break in the action.

We returned as Priest unleashed the pain on Black with a kendo stick to the back. He tried for some sort of an Old School-style maneuver, but Black kicked Priest upon landing, which sent him out of the ring upon impact. Black took a chair from the crowd and battered Priest in the ribs with it repeatedly. Priest recovered in time and chokeslammed Black against the apron before delivering a Razor’s Edge onto the commentary table. Black was seemingly out cold, but he woke up and got himself back to his feet before the count of nine.

As Black stood up, Priest once again threw Black with a Razor’s Edge onto the table. Once more, Black rolled off the top of the table, which allowed him to beat the count of ten. After this, the battle broke out into the crowd as Priest took Black to a set of production boxes. With Black and Priest on top of a platform, the latter looked to have this won. That was, until Zelina Vega appeared and checked up on Black, as he pleaded for Priest not to do any damage. Priest did not comply, and ended up eating a fireball to the face, followed by a Black Mass kick that sent him crashing through a table. The referee made the count, and Priest was unable to make it to the count of ten, which gave Black the victory.

Aleister Black def. Damian Priest via pinfall

**********

A fun main event with a very interesting finish as Zelina Vega made her return to WWE TV with a new gimmick as she’s now aligned with her real-life spouse Aleister Black. That should be interesting to see going forward.

All in all, this wasn’t really much of a go-home show for Crown Jewel as it was basically an extended PLE where matches that otherwise wouldn’t fit the Levesque-ian way of 5 matches per PLE card are booked. It’s certainly not bad thing to position pre-PLE editions of SmackDown. The matches that we did get were at least decent, and it was nice to see some surprise returns to spice things up.

Aleister Black strikes back against ‘false’ narratives, says he ‘loved being in AEW’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Aleister Black is striking back against fan narratives that claim he didn’t enjoy his time in AEW.

Black spent nearly four years with AEW, joining the company in July 2021 before departing this February. He went by the name Malakai Black in the promotion and led the faction House of Black with Buddy Matthews, Brody King & Julia Hart. He has since returned to WWE, where he is part of the SmackDown roster.

During an appearance on The Ringer’s Masked Man Show, Black said the belief that he never wanted to be in AEW is “completely false.” He also attempted to refute rumors that he was reluctant to lose matches while with the company.

“One of the things, they’re like, ‘Oh, he never wanted to be in AEW.’ That’s completely false. That’s absolutely not true,” Black said. “I had a great time in AEW. I had a lot of fun. Did I do everything that I wanted to do? No, but that’s okay. Because at the end of the day, it’s not my company. I don’t have any say.

“And it’s the same way for all the, ‘He didn’t want to lay down for people.’ If you really think that I have so much pull in the company that I can say who I’m not going to go up against or lay down against, you think I’m going to not, like, vouch for myself and put myself in the main events and stuff? You think I’m going to politic for — oh, I’m not going to lay down for this person.”

Black said his health has been fine despite a previous back injury — which he has rehabbed — and a minor knee injury that only sidelined him for a week. While some fans questioned why he didn’t have more singles matches in AEW, Black says Tony Khan was “very adamant” about House of Black competing in trios bouts. When Black wasn’t on TV much, it’s just because that’s how they were being used.

Black said he made a “calculated business decision” to return to WWE after listening to what each side wanted him to do. But he enjoyed being with AEW — in particular listing his barbed wire steel cage match against Adam Copeland from Double or Nothing 2024 as a career highlight.

“I don’t like that that for a big part has also been like a running narrative, like coming out of it. Because I’ve always loved wrestling. I still love wrestling. I loved being in AEW,” he said. “I think my match with Adam Copeland in the cage is one of the funnest things I’ve done in wrestling, right?

“And yes, of course, at the end of it, I made a calculated business decision. I looked at what I wanted to do, where I wanted to do it, and how I wanted to do it. ‘Well, this is where my wife [Zelina Vega] was.’ Listening to option A with what they wanted me to do, listening to option B with what they wanted to do, and I picked the one that business-wise made sense for me. And also where my heart lay more in terms of, well, I feel I have a lot left that I want to do here. And I know on this side, this is what they want me to do. And that doesn’t completely align with what I want to do at this moment. So I’m going to go the other way.”

Black will be in action on WWE SmackDown tonight in a singles match against Damian Priest.

Tag title match, R-Truth vs. Aleister Black set for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A pair of matches have been announced for the Friday, July 11 WWE SmackDown.

After their last WWE Tag Team Championship match ended in a no-contest, The Street Profits and The Wyatt Sicks will rematch on next week’s SmackDown. The two teams previously matched up on the June 27 SmackDown.

Also announced, R-Truth and Aleister Black will settle their differences in the ring on next week’s episode. Truth interjected in Black’s business on the June 20 SmackDown by taking out Black’s scheduled opponent Kit Wilson before the bell. Black retaliated on the June 27 episode by attacking Truth in the ring.

The Friday, July 11 SmackDown is also the go-home show for both Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12, plus the all-women’s WWE Evolution PLE on Sunday, July 13.

Next week’s SmackDown lineup:

WWE SmackDown, Friday, July 11 —

  • WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defend against The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis)
  • R-Truth vs. Aleister Black

LA Knight to face Aleister Black on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new match announcement has been made for tonight’s Money in the Bank go-home edition of WWE SmackDown.

Before LA Knight competes in Money in the Bank, he’ll be in action on SmackDown in a singles match against Aleister Black. It comes as a result of Black blaming Knight for taking his MITB spot. They were involved in the same qualifying match, where Knight pinned Shinsuke Nakamura to get the victory. Leading into the finish, Black laid out Nakamura with Black Mass but was then thrown out of the ring by Knight.

Knight, Solo Sikoa, Penta, Seth Rollins, Andrade, and El Grande Americano (Chad Gable) will be the participants in the men’s ladder match at Saturday’s Money in the Bank PLE.

Dignity Health Arena in Bakersfield, California is hosting SmackDown tonight. Here’s everything that has been announced for the episode:

WWE SmackDown (Friday, June 6) —

  • Cody Rhodes & World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso confront Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena & Logan Paul
  • Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez, Giulia & Naomi
  • LA Knight vs. Aleister Black
  • Every Money in the Bank participant will appear

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank qualifiers begin

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 16, 2025
Location: First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, NC

**********

Show Recap — 

Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax were shown arriving. 

There was a Backlash recap video focusing on the SmackDown matches. 

Opening segment 

Solo Sikoa, Jeff Cobb, and Jacob Fatu entered to kick off SmackDown. They entered to Sikoa’s music and tron. The crowd chanted for Fatu and booed when Sikoa spoke. 

Sikoa said Roman Reigns losing the title at WrestleMania ruined everything and he was here to take it all back. It would start with Sikoa winning Money in the Bank and bringing the title back where it belonged. 

Fatu grabbed the mic from Sikoa. He already told us he was bringing the U.S. title to the family and would step up to anyone who got in their way. Fatu went to do his catchphrase, but Sikoa interrupted him and mocked him in the process. Sikoa wanted to help Fatu, and the title on his shoulder was proof that Sikoa loved Fatu. 

Sikoa wanted to hear Fatu say, “I love you, Solo.” Fatu said it, but not in his usual inflection. Sikoa wanted to hear him say it the way he used to say it. He yanked Fatu by the shoulder to grab his attention, which Fatu didn’t appreciate. 

LA Knight’s music hit. They turned their attention to the stage, but Knight appeared from the crowd. He briefly attacked Cobb, but bailed through the crowd before they could kill him. 

(They kept referring to Jeff Cobb as “J.C.” during this segment. Sikoa said it repeatedly, and Joe Tessitore called him that, too.) 

********

There was a segment backstage with Michin and B-Fab, along with Chelsea Green and her crew. Basically, Green wasn’t happy to learn that the outside parties wouldn’t be at ringside for their triple threat match. Alexa Bliss appeared to wish them luck, and she entered for the opening match. Green threatened to put tariffs on everyone. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Alexa Bliss vs. Michin vs. Chelsea Green

Early on, Bliss and Michin repeatedly and easily disposed of Green from the ring. They tried double baseball slide dropkicks and Bliss’ connected, but Green was already down by the time Michin tried hers. Bliss and Mchin were way too proud of themselves, and the time spent celebrating allowed Green to wipe them out with a dive. That led to a break two minutes in. 

Green worked over Bliss during a break until Michin dropped her with consecutive German suplexes and a sit-out powerbomb. Michin twerked before hitting both women with a cannonball in the corner. There was a somewhat convoluted triple-down spot that led to a light “This is awesome” chant. 

Michin hit Green with Eat Defeat, but Bliss broke up the cover. Bliss hit Michin with Twisted Bliss, but Green yanked Bliss out of the ring. Green hit Michin with Unprettier, so Bliss returned the favour by yanking Michin out of the ring. 

Bliss hit Green with Sister Abigail for the pinfall win, which, so far, easily got the biggest pop of the night. 

Tessitore called this an outstanding match. It wasn’t. 

Match result: Alexa Bliss defeated Chelsea Green and Michin (9:01)

******** 

Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa

Fraxiom hit a series of dives early on, and one of them sent Ciampa into some fans in the front row. However, Gargano pulled the ropes down on Axiom as he went for a springboard move, and DIY took over from there. That led to a break three minutes into the match. 

Believe it or not, the heels maintained control during a break, but Frazer made a hot tag and a comeback as soon as they returned. He hit Gragno with a standing shooting star for two. Gargano avoided a Phoenix splash and hit Frazer out of mid-air with a superkick. DIY hit Frazer with a double-team finisher, but Axiom broke up the cover. Ciampa hit Frazer with Project Ciampa for a nearfall. 

Frazer hit Gargano with a superplex, and Axiom superkicked Gargano as Frazer hit a brainbuster, but Ciampa broke up the cover with a running knee strike on Axiom. The crowd got really into this sequence and chanted, “This is awesome.” 

Ciampa ripped at Axiom’s mask until Frazer took him out. Axiom then caught Gargano in a cradle for the pinfall win. 

— DIY attacked the babyfaces post-match until the Motor City Machine Guns made the save. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin raised Fraxiom’s hands. 

This was fun, and the finish left enough for a potential rematch. 

Match result: Fraxiom defeated DIY (11:19) 

********

Jax was shown warming up. Naomi could be seen lurking in the background. 

The Street Profits congratulated Fraxiom on their win. Montez Ford let them know they earned a tag title match next week. Fraxiom looked forward to it. Angelo Dawkins warned them that they were 100%, and they hoped Fraxiom were too. (Frazer was pumped for the match, while Axiom tried to keep him focused.) 

********

R-Truth sit-down interview 

Wade Barrett sat down with Truth for a sit-down interview earlier today. Barrett asked about John Cena giving him an AA through a table at the press conference. 

Truth said he was under constant pressure—career, family, friends, and bills. But regardless of all that, you could always depend on John Cena. Truth kept spouting Cena’s catchphrases as real-life advice, including “Never give up.” 

Barrett told him he was crazy. Barrett said Truth saved Cena from losing the title, and Cena repaid him by putting him through a table. Truth said that wasn’t the real John at the press conference. Truth didn’t want to fight John, but he would beat him to his senses if he had to. 

The match was set for Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena vs. R-Truth. (Non-title, presumably.) 

Truth knew it seemed impossible, but his hero told him to never give up, and he lived by three words: hustle, loyalty and respect. Barrett wished him luck. 

(I hate Dumb R-Truth, so I thought this was dumb and a waste of a John Cena match.) 

********

Damian Priest challenged Drew McIntyre to a cage match. Priest said the hospital would have to identify McIntyre by his dental records. 

Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz)

Miz pulled Hayes from safety as Black tried a dive. Black looked around like an idiot, acting like he didn’t know where his opponent went, so Hayes wiped him out with a flip dive to take over as they went to break. 

(There appears to be a group of young fans who know that chanting, “This is awesome,” is a thing at wrestling shows, because they randomly started doing it as Hayes had the heat during the break.) 

Black made a comeback as soon as they returned from break and eventually hit a bridging German suplex for two. A Miz distraction allowed Hayes to get back on offence for a couple of two counts. 

Black shoved Hayes into Miz, knocking him off the apron. They did some stuff until Miz attacked Black for the DQ. Stupid. 

— Black dropped Miz with his kick post-match, but Hayes decked Black and laid him out with a diving leg drop. 

Don’t watch this. 

Match result: Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes via disqualification (10:28) 

********

Backstage, Bliss told Byron Saxton she wanted to be the first woman to win MITB twice. She left Saxton to approach Charlotte Flair. Bliss wanted to be friends with Flair and noted that Flair took her under her wing in NXT, but Flair claimed she did not remember that. 

Giulia left Nick Aldis’ office, and Aldis introduced her as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. (Fans cheered.) Aldis invited Flair into her office to discuss MITB. Before she did, Flair told Bliss to stay out of her way because he didn’t need her.

******** 

There was a video package for Stratton vs. Jax tonight. 

Drew McIntyre promo

McIntyre entered to a mixed reaction. It seemed more positive than negative. 

McIntyre addressed Priest’s promo. He said Priest claimed he was in the McIntyre vortex. McIntyre has been stuck in this vortex for over a year, and being stuck there was the only reason Priest was relevant. McIntyre said he beat Priest “clean” in a street fight. Priest was obsessed and jealous. 

McIntyre was everything Priest ever wanted to be, but McIntyre was better in every single way, and he would’ve been a grand slam champion if not for Priest. Priest was trying to take out the competition. That’s why he chokeslammed him off a platform and onto the concrete. 

McIntyre accepted the cage match (for SNME). McIntyre guaranteed that only one man would walk out of the cage, while the other would leave on a stretcher. (Notably, McIntyre didn’t guarantee who would be leaving on a stretcher.) 

As McIntyre left, he crossed paths with Solo Sikoa and crew as Sikoa entered for his match. 

This was a typically good McIntyre promo for a feud that should be over. 

********

The announcers ran down the card for SNME: 

  • Cage match: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest 
  • John Cena vs. R-Truth (non-title) 
  • CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship 

******** 

Jeff Cobb accompanied Sikoa to ringside and was officially referred to as JC Mateo. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo & US Champion Jacob Fatu) vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Fénix

Sikoa wanted to form an alliance with Jimmy Uso, but, of course, he did not comply. Fénix wiped out Uso and Sikoa with a flying crossbody outside the ring, but Sikoa caught him moments later with a Spinning Solo in the ring. Even though that’s his finisher, he did not go for a cover. Instead, Sikoa gave Jimmy a Spinning Solo on the announce table, likely knowing it was time to head to commercial break. 

After a boring heat segment during a break (Sikoa stalking over both guys), things were meant to pick up when they returned, but there was a big mix-up. Fénix waited forever as Sikoa held him up for a Jimmy dive. Jimmy finally went for the dive, but Fénix ducked. Jimmy caught him in a roll-up, but the referee simply did not count. The crowd chanted for tables. 

Twelve minutes into the match, Fatu decided to get involved, but Jimmy superkicked him off the apron. Sikoa gave Jimmy the spike, but Fénix hit Sikoa with a rope-walk punt. Fénix knocked “JC” off the apron, but the distraction allowed Sikoa to hit Fénix with the spike for the pinfall win. 

This was no good. 

— LA Knight attacked the heels post-match. He held a chair as they surrounded him on the announce table. Aldis entered and made a match between Knight and “JC” right now. 

Match result: Solo Sikoa defeated Rey Fénix and Jimmy Uso (13:05)

******** 

LA Knight vs. JC Mateo (w/Sola Sikoa & US Champion Jacob Fatu)

Making his WWE in-ring debut, Jeff Cobb/JC Mateo wrestled in black jeans, black dress shoes, and a black t-shirt. 

This went through a break as the fans watched silently. Knight did not make his comeback immediately after the break. Instead, JC cut him off with an overhead suplex. 

Knight fought out of a long bear hug spot as the Toronto Maple Leafs went up 2-0 against the Florida Panthers and finally made his comeback, but JC responded with a spinning back suplex and a standing moonsault for two. 

Knight took out Sikoa and Fatu with a dive off the middle rope, but JC caught him with Tour of the Islands for the pinfall win. 

Boy, did this ever feel like time-filler. It’s not his fault, but this wasn’t a particularly interesting debut for Cobb, even if he won. 

Match result: JC Mateo defeated LA Knight (15:21) 

********

Angel Garza met with Santos Escobar backstage. Escobar urged him to find Berto and bring him home. Escobar wanted loyalty from Angel. 

Shinsuke Nakamura cut a pre-taped promo on LA Knight and Aleister Black. 

Next week on SmackDown: 

  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 
  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega 
  • The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom for the Tag Team Championships 

********

Jade Cargill warned Tiffany Straatton that she would win her MITB qualifying match and face the winner of tonight’s title match. Stratton said Cargill would never be good enough to cash in on her. 

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

Early in the match, Jax used a hip attack to drive Stratton’s head into the ring post. It was a good spot, and even Tessitore, who often sounds on the verge of sleep, really sold it big. This led to commercial break two minutes into the match. 

Stratton tried fighting back during the break, but Jax hit a middle rope Samoan drop for two. After the break, Jax tried a hip attack again, but Stratton moved, and Jax collided with the ring post. Jax shoved her over the barricade, but Stratton leaped off the barricade and hit a hurricanrana into the post. Stratton followed with a flying crossbody for two. Jax responded with a pop-up Samoan drop and senton for two. 

Stratton hit a back handspring elbow and a spinebuster for two. The crowd chanted for Stratton as Jax hit her with consecutive powerbombs. Jax did not pin her for some reason, but instead hit a running leg drop for two. Jax went for an avalanche body slam, but Stratton countered into a powerslam. 

Naomi entered with a chair to her music, about ten minutes in. Cargill entered to her music and chased Naomi through the crowd. 

Jax missed a tackle and went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Stratton followed with a PME for a close nearfall. The announcers freaked out and said Jax was the first to kick out of Stratton’s finisher. 

Stratton went back to the top, but Jax shoved her off and hit a Samoan drop onto the announce table (which didn’t break). 

Jax went for the Annihilator, but Stratton slipped underneath for a powerbomb attempt. Stratton couldn’t hit the move, and Jax fell on top of her for the Annihilator, but Stratton just barely got a rope break. (This wasn’t a perfect-looking spot, but it looked brutal, which made for a great nearfall.) 

Jax was pissed because she thought she had it won, so she left the ring and grabbed the title belt. Jax gave the belt back to the referee to distract him and grabbed a chair instead. As the ref put the belt away, Stratton dropkicked the chair right into Jax’s face. It was a stiff chair shot, and Jax’s head bled immediately. 

Stratton followed with PME for the pinfall win, and the crowd popped. 

This was pretty good, with lots of nearfalls and an exciting closing sequence. Hopefully, Jax is ok from the dropkick. 

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Nia Jax to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (13:47)

WOL: WWE releases, House of Torture changes, Real American Freestyle Wrestling

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s Saturday and that means Wrestling Observer Live.

The WWE SmackDown hot streak ends at one as after an exciting show with a classic main event last week, Friday’s show was back to the mundane.

In other Friday news, House of Torture was booted from Bullet Club, more on Friday’s WWE releases, TNA TV taping result, and a preview of tonight’s AEW Collision on TBS including another great Harley Cameron promo.

Plus, AEW’s cool factor or lack-there-of, Real American Freestyle Wrestling’s slim chances for success and more. Check it out.

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

WWE SmackDown live results: Aleister Black’s in-ring return

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Just over a week away from his Undisputed WWE Championship match against John Cena at Backlash, Randy Orton is set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Orton and Cena went face-to-face last week. During that segment, Orton hit the champion with an RKO to lay him out. Their match at Backlash could be the last time the two familiar rivals ever face each other with Cena set to retire in December.

Also tonight, Aleister Black will have his first match back in WWE after not being in the company for five years. He’s facing off against The Miz, which was set up last week when Miz offered up an impromptu promo inside the ring and the lights went out, setting the scene for Black’s return. Black then hit The Miz with a Black Mass.

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest has also been confirmed for tonight. Plus, Nia Jax will make an appearance.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes were shown walking backstage. Priest ran into Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu and confronted them. A yelling match ensued as LA Knight walked past them all and made his way to the ring.

The LA Knight/Damian Priest segment

Knight cut a promo in the ring and noted how he said last week that he wanted a rematch for his U.S. title. Knight voiced his displeasure for having to have a No. 1 contender’s match. Knight said the match didn’t go his way because Solo Sikoa interfered and Jacob Fatu jumped around everywhere. Knight then moved his attention to Damian Priest. On cue, Priest’s music hit and Priest made his entrance with a certain level of purpose.

Priest told Knight they didn’t have a problem and last week, everything he did was about Drew McIntyre. Priest noted how McIntyre mentioned Priest’s family and he couldn’t let McIntyre get away with that. Knight said Priest picked the wrong time to get back at McIntyre because the only reason the bell rang on his match was Priest. Priest said he saved Knight from taking a pin. Knight told Priest to not put Priest’s loss at WreslteMania on Knight. Priest responded by saying the only reason things happened the way they did is because Knight lost his title at Mania.

Knight admitted to losing and said he wants to fight his way back into the title picture and the reason he’s not champion this week is because of Priest. Priest said all of Knight’s frustrations are because of Knight. Knight reminded Priest that they don’t have a problem and if that’s the case, Priest needed to stop talking. Priest said even though their match is set for later tonight, they should just fight right now and asked Knight if that’s what he wanted. Knight, of course, said, “Yeah!” A referee ran to the ring and before the match began, the show went to a commercial break.

This was fine, if not a little rushed. Knight usually takes more time milking his catchphrases and Priest usually takes more time milking the spaces in between. On top of that, the promo ended before it was 10 minutes past the hour and I can’t recall a SmackDown going to commercial this early in the show in recent memory. Anyway, it was everything one would expect from both guys. God bless Knight. These crowds are still into him, even if the booking minds behind the scenes aren’t.

**********

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest

The match was joined in progress with Knight on top, working Priest with a series of strikes, before Priest fought back and slammed Knight. Priest then kicked Knight in the chin and got a two-count out of it. Priest set up for Old School, but Knight pulled Priest off the top and landed a back suplex. Knight followed up with a bunch of punches and a flying clothesline. Knight added a jumping neck-breaker and a Russian Leg Sweep to all of that for a two-count.

Priest punched Knight, but Knight then slammed Priest. Knight went for an elbow drop, but Priest caught him and tried to set up a South Of Heaven. Knight worked out of it and Priest clotheslined the hell out of Knight for a near fall. Priest lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge, but Knight got out of it and DDT’d Priest. Knight went to the second rope and hit his jump-up elbow from the top for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and “This is awesome!” chants rang through the arena. Knight set up Priest for a super-plex, but Knight stopped him and the two battled on the second rope. Eventually, Priest stepped off the rope and onto the apron and kicked Knight. Priest then lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge inside the ring, executed it, and Knight barely kicked out before three. “LA Knight!” chants began in the crowd. Priest went for South Of Heaven, but Knight countered … only for Priest to hit a Broken Arrow.

Priest went to the top rope, but Knight leapt up and hit a mega-plex for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants kicked up again. Knight clotheslined Priest over the top and to the outside. Knight went for his dropkick through the ropes, but Priest caught Knight and hit a Flatliner off the apron. Solo Sikoa then showed up and attacked Priest and the referee called for the bell.

Match result: LA Knight fought Damian Priest to a no contest (11:03 of TV time)

Sikoa turned his attention to Knight and set up for a Samoan Spike on Knight, but Priest punched Sikoa and Knight BFT’d Sikoa. Priest and Knight stared at each other and Priest cleared off the announce desk. Knight rolled Sikoa to the outside and Priest was going to hit South Of Heaven on Sikoa, but Fatu showed up and landed a Samoan Drop on Knight onto the announce desk after taking our Priest with a dive through the ropes. Fatu then hit a hip attack on Priest into the crowd barrier. Fatu posed on the ring steps with his U.S. title and the crowd cheered.

Priest and Knight felt like they had something to prove here. It was a welcome surprise. Both guys have settled into matches that have little more than them playing their biggest hits – a Razor’s Edge here, a step-up flying elbow there – and while this match featured all those things, there was a weird sense of urgency to all of it. So much so, that you have to wonder if they were determined to prove their in-ring worth here. It was dynamic. They completely had the live crowd. And they brought a dose of intensity that we don’t often see on SmackDown anymore. A tip of the cap goes to both guys for that. The finish felt predictable – let me guess … this leads to a tag match for later in the show – but as for this, it was one of the better TV matches from both guys in a long time. Good for them.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Fraxiom backstage. Frazer said they were excited and they plan on flipping the SmackDown tag division upside down. Pretty Deadly walked into the scene and Saxton left. Wilson told them the SmackDown tag division is the hungriest tag division. Prince said he enjoyed having new European blood on SmackDown and followed that up by saying opportunities on SmackDown are earned and not given. The duo said they wanted to see how good Faxiom actually was and talked to Nick Aldis as a means to book a match. Pretty Deadly’s music hit back in the arena and they made their entrance.

– Michael Bisping was shown in the crowd and he stood up to throw some punches in the air.

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)

Wilson and Axiom began the match, but it wasn’t long before Frazer tagged in and ran the ropes awfully quickly and kicked Wilson. Frazer worked Wilson’s arm briefly and threw him into a corner, but Wilson walked out and kicked Frazer in the head. Prince tagged in and beat Frazer down. Frazer came back with an enziguri. Axiom tagged in and things broke down, complete with a repeated pair of dives onto the heels between the ropes.

Back inside the ring, Axiom went to work on Prince’s back. Axiom went to the top, but Prince caught Axiom during a cross-body attempt. Prince threw Axiom down into Wilson’s legs and Pretty Deadly posed as the show went to a commercial break about three-and-a-half minutes into the match.

The show returned and Axiom was chopping Wilson. Ultimately, Frazer received the hot tag and hit a dropkick on both Wilson and Prince. Frazer landed a springboard until a DDT and a running Shooting Star Press. The referee essentially counted to three but Prince didn’t kick out and it was an awkward moment. Prince’s mouth was quite bloody after all of this. Pretty Deadly took control back and Wilson tagged in. As such, Wilson powerbombed Frazer for a two-count. Wilson and Frazer traded elbows until Frazer placed Wilson on the top rope. Axiom hit a Spanish Fly and Frazer followed up with a Phoenix Splash for the win.

Match result: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) (9:29)

My heart goes out to Elton Prince’s teeth. That fella’s face came up awfully bloody after he missed the kickout spot. Jacob Fatu talks about all gas, no breaks, but damn if Nathan Frazer doesn’t live that lifestyle in the ring, too. Stuff like that is going to happen every now and then when the guy only knows one speed and it’s 150 MPH. The match itself was the standard Fraxiom fare. Lots of speed. Lots of flash. A lot of fun. I’m not complaining. And Pretty Deadly had a good outing, too, proving they can work with any style of team WWE might throw at them. Prince’s face might not approve, but this turned out well.

**********

– B-Fab and Michin were shown talking to Nick Aldis in Aldis’s office, but Chelsea Green showed up with Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. The trio was dressed in black and Green said last week’s loss was because of collusion. Niven called Green an American hero, which was funny. Aldis tried to walk away, but Green bargained with Aldis for a rematch. Instead, Aldis said Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven tonight. Aldis said if Niven wins, she’ll be the No. 1 contender for Vega’s U.S. title. Green almost fainted.

– A video package chronicling the history between John Cena and Randy Orton aired.

The Nia Jax/Tiffany Stratton/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

Jax stood in the middle of the ring and soaked in boos. She said it sounded like everyone missed her and the crowd booed louder. Jax said she was happy she was back, but while she was gone, she was at home getting refocused and she regrouped so she could come back and take what’s her’s – the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and Stratton walked out with a microphone in hand. Stratton said she wasn’t the same Stratton that Jax used to bully around. Stratton said went toe to toe with one of the greatest of all time, Charlotte Flair. Stratton said if her and Jax ever locked up again, Stratton would be Jax, too.

Jax asked if Stratton was offering a rematch. Stratton said she wouldn’t ever shy away from a fight and she would defend her title against Jax anytime, anywhere. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi walked out with a microphone. Naomi spoke in the entranceway and said it was funny to see Stratton and Jaxx fighting because she remembered when she tried to take the title from Jax, Stratton always found a way to help out Jax. Naomi questioned whether Stratton actually changed and said she didn’t; in fact, Naomi said Naomi was the only one to really change. Naomi said Jade Cargill ruined everything she has worked for, but even so, she’s not done going after gold.

Jade Cargill’s music hit and Cargill walked with purpose towards Naomi, who rolled into the ring. All four women brawled in the ring. Cargill clotheslined Naomi over the top and to the outside and Stratton disposed of Jax to the outside as well. Cargill and Stratton circled each other and Aldis walked out to make a tag team match, which, it appears, will happen later in the show.

Man, Naomi is so great in this role. That needs to be said. Now, with that said, I can’t say I’m particularly excited for another Jax/Stratton program, but it kind of/sort of feels like WWE is going with this to reset Stratton back on a reliable path after the chaotic business with Charlotte. I’m still a little baffled that Naomi and Cargill is still a thing, but perhaps it will one day lead to a hell of a blow-off match. Wade Barrett mentioned how the tag match might be the main event now, and I hope it is. Give them 20 minutes and let’s see what happens. It could be very good.

**********

– Tessitore set up highlights of last week’s Miz/Black situation. Melo was hyping up Miz backstage and told Miz he’d show everyone tonight. Miz rambled about how he deserves more respect than he receives. Miz said Black didn’t knock him out last week; he woke Miz up. Miz said Black might want to make a statement, but instead, Black will be part of Miz’s statement. At one point, it looked like Miz forgot his line, but he recovered nicely.

Aleister Black vs. The Miz

Miz ran at Black to start the match and nearly ran into a Black Mass, but Miz retreated. The two went back and forth until Black caught Miz as Miz went for a kick. Black placed Miz’s foot back on the canvas and Miz hit Black. Before long, Black did the springboard moonsault into his sitting position spot. Miz was on the outside and Black reached for Miz, but was distracted by Melo. Miz capitalized and slammed Black’s head into the bottom-ring LED board. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and The Miz was posing as people booed. Miz went for a springboard move, but Black moved. Eventually, Miz pushed Black to the outside. Miz leapt at Black from the ring steps and landed on a knee from Black. Back in the ring, Black went to work on Miz, complete with body strikes and a springboard moonsault for a very close near-fall. Miz came back and kicked Black’s knee before hitting a DDT for a two-count.

Miz hit some Miz Kicks and Black laughed. Black followed up with a spinning elbow and a knee to the jaw of Miz. Miz came right back and went for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Black cartwheeled out of it, much to the delight of the live crowd. Black followed up with a tough knee to Miz’s face. Melo threatened to get involved and Miz rolled up Black to no avail. From there, it was Black Mass and the end.

Match result: Aleister Black defeated The Miz (9:28)

After the match, Melo and Black went face to face in the middle of the ring. Melo slowly exited the ring and walked away as Black sat in the center of the ring.

This was probably more competitive than it should have been, even if about three minutes were lost to commercials. Still, Black got in a lot of really good-looking offense while … weirdly … Miz didn’t concern himself with selling for all that long each time he took some of it. It’s almost as if Black brought some of AEW back to WWE with him. I kid. This was obviously always more about setting Black up with Melo, and that should be a very good match. In the meantime, Miz did his best to hang and he didn’t fail. Don’t get me wrong. This is a no-hate-Miz zone, but his best days are behind him. As such, kudos to him for helping reintroduce Black to the WWE fan base.

**********

– Santos Escobar was talking with Rey Fenix in the locker room. Escobar said Fenix disappointed him at WrestleMania because he lost to a clown. Escobar said Fenix blew his chance and now that Rey Mysterio is out with an injury, Escobar wants to take his place. Fenix cut Escobar off and told him to stay out of his business. Fenix said there is only one lunchador that he trusts and it’s not Escobar. Fenix said if Escobar had a problem, he’d see him in the ring later tonight.

– Dion Dawkins from the Buffalo Bills was shown in the crowd. He appeared to be very happy.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven

Vega had control early and stretched Niven, who eventually went for a splash and missed. From there, Vega repeatedly kicked Niven. Vega hit a knee on Niven and got a one-count out of it. Vega ran at Niven, but Niven shoulder-blocked Vega to the canvas. Vegan rolled to the outside and then rolled back inside, where Niven lifted Vega to no avail. The two struggled before Niven planted Vega face-first. Niven rammed Vega’s head into the bottom turnbuckle. With Niven in control, the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Niven still had control, spinning Vega around in circles. Niven lifted Vegan, but Vega countered with somewhat of a Codebreaker. Niven came right back with a slam and a running Senton for a two-count. Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and went to the top, where Niven slapped Vega. Niven went for a super-plex, but Vega worked out of it and hit a Meteora on Niven for a two-count. Vega tried a Code Red, but Niven stopped it and landed a side-slam.

Niven ran at Vega and Vega moved. Niven lifted Vega, but it all resulted on a DDT from Vega. From there, Vega went to the top and hit a moonsault from the top rope for a nice near-fall. Vega went for a Code Red again, but Niven wouldn’t allow it. Niven tried a powerbomb, but that turned into Vega setting up a 618 situation. Chelsea Green hopped on the apron to stop Vega and Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and Niven ran into Green. From there, Vega rolled up Niven for the pin.

Match result: Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven (11:07)

This was a better match than any of Vega’s outings with Green in previous weeks. Niven worked her powerhouse offense style and Vega broke out some things we haven’t seen from her recently. This exceeded expectations and both wrestlers came out of this looking better than they did going in. Good for Vega, too, because the live crowd seemed to be behind her for the first time in a while. Here’s hoping that momentum continues because it doesn’t look like she’s going to stop working with Green and her crew any time soon.

**********

– Aldis was speaking to Sikoa and Fatu in Aldis’s office. Sikoa said that Fatu was telling everyone they better stay out of his way. Aldis said at Backlash, Fatu will defend his U.S. title against Priest and Knight. Sikoa said McIntyre is technically the No. 1 contender after last week. Aldis said Sikoa was right and because of as much, McIntyre will be added to the match and it will be a fatal four-way. Fatu said he’s all gas and no breaks and he was fine with it (in so many words). Sikoa said Aldis was trying to screw Fatu over, but Aldis told Sikoa it was actually Sikoa who was screwing over Fatu.

The Randy Orton segment

Orton said he knew they were already two hours into the show (by God), but “Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The crowd cheered. Orton simply said “John Cena” and the crowd booed. Orton said while the world couldn’t see Cena, Orton could. Orton said it took about 20 years for everyone to realize what kind of man Cena is, but Orton knew from day one. “Cena sucks!” chants began. Orton called Cena entitled and said Cena he is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master. Orton said Cena took advantage of the PG Era. Orton said Cena was willing to be a real life, walking, talking cartoon character. Meanwhile, Orton said, Orton was true to who he was.

Orton said Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back or the fans; all Cena cared about is his bottom line. Orton said Cena only cares about the new merch Cena puts out all the time because all the kids always go and grab it up. The crowd booed in response to this. Orton brought up the kids thing again and said the only thing Cena has raised is the price of his merchandise, which parents have had to work “a double to afford.” Orton said Cena has been selling his soul for 20 years.

Orton asked what happened to loyalty and respect when it comes to Cena. Orton recalled how Cena said he’d erase the Orton name from the pro wrestling business. Orton fired up and said Cena will not do that, over his “dead freakin’ body.” Orton said Cena is the latest legend that he will have to put down and he will do so at Backlash in his hometown in front of his wife, friends and family. Orton said he will punt Cena so hard in “that lego-shaped head,” that it will fly through the Gateway Arch. Orton said he will also drop Cena with an RKO and dropped the microphone and Orton’s music hit to end the segment.

The crowd couldn’t seem to figure out what it wanted to do here. So much so that it almost made me wonder if Cena was actually there, perhaps they would have landed more on Cena’s side than they would have Orton’s. Either way, this was the best it could be, considering how they only had one side of the PLE main event in the live house. Orton’s comments on Cena’s merch sparked a few thoughts in me, though. He wasn’t wrong, really, per se. But if those writers and all those executives know that they have overpriced merchandise that really does require some parents to work overtime to afford for their kids … I’m not so sure that’s a great look. Maybe it caught me at a sensitive time and I’m overreacting, but there were a lot of things off of which Orton could have played. Reminding everyone that WWE preys off its fanbase by raising merchandise prices (and, not to mention, those insane PLE ticket prices) probably wasn’t the most tactful way to go. So it goes. We march on to next Saturday.

**********

– Naomi was in her locker room and Nia Jax walked in. Jax said they need to be on the same page, so as long as whatever Naomi stays out of Jax’s way, they’ll be good. Naomi simply said, “Sure,” and walked away.

– Orton was shown walking backstage and ran into R-Truth. Truth said Orton has no chance at Backlash. Jimmy Uso stepped in and told Orton not to be too mad about Truth’s prediction. Jimmy told Truth if he keeps talking like this, Orton will kick Truth’s head off. Jimmy told Truth he needed to stop believing in Cena as Truth walked away.

Santos Escobar vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix got the crowd behind him before the two began the match in earnest by locking up. Escobar took Fenix down briefly, but Fenix worked his way back. The two reset the match and Fenix chopped Escobar. Escobar returned the favor and they traded chest chops back and forth until Fenix went to the ground. Escobar yelled at Fenix that they could rule the place together and Fenix responded with a tough chop to Escobar’s chest. Fenix pushed Escobar to the canvas.

Fenix set up for his double springboard arm-drag, but Escobar cut him off. Escobar ran at Fenix, but Fenix moved and Escobar spilled to the outside. Fenix followed Escobar and Escobar eventually ran Fenix into the side of the ring. Escobar returned to the ring and hit a dive through the top two ropes onto Fenix on the outside. Escobar celebrated a bit and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Escobar had the upper hand, complete with a splash onto Fenix from the apron into the ring. Escobar stretched Fenix. Escobar leapt at Fenix in a corner and Fenix moved. From there, Fenix hit a wild springboard top-rope moonsault for a two-count. Fenix followed up with a spinning kick for another two-count. Fenix took a knee from Escobar, but popped right back up and kicked Escobar. Both guys were down to reset the match at about the 10-and-a-half minute mark.

Fenix jumped at Escobar, but Escobar caught Fenix and the two fought in a corner until Fenix came off the top and landed on Escobar’s knee. Escobar followed up with a double-knees in the corner. Escobar lifted Fenix, but Fenix worked his way out it and ran the top rope to kick Escobar’s head. From there, Fenix hit the top rope Meteora on Escobar and got the pinfall victory.

Match result: Rey Fenix defeated Santos Escobar (12:25)

This was pretty good. WWE has done a good job introducing Rey Fenix and Penta into the fold and Penta and Fenix have done a good job melding themselves into the WWE landscape/style. Considering how I can’t even remember the last time we saw a Santos Escobar singles match on WWE TV, it seems like others are benefiting from the Lucha Bros’ arrival as well. It’d be nice to see Fenix elevated into some type of title picture, rather than feud with a faction leader who doesn’t even really seem to have a faction these days, but patience is key. Also of note: I’m kind of finding myself falling in love with these tiny stylistic touches Fenix’s matches continue to display, a la the no-sell quick pop-up super-kick here. You see it 5,000 times on any given AEW television show; when it happens on WWE TV, you almost want to smile because it comes across as a delightful surprise.

**********

– Stratton and Cargill were talking backstage and Saxton walked in. Stratton said Jax will have to learn that Jax will have to learn that her title belongs around Stratton. Cargill said she is focusing on Naomi, but next week on SmackDown, Cargill will take on Jax in a No. 1 Contender’s match for Tiffy’s title.

– A video package recapping last week’s fantastic TLC match aired.

– Escobar was shown backstage yelling at Berto and Angel. Andrade walked into the picture and said he knows Escobar doesn’t care about Los Garza. Andrade said he doesn’t like Escobar and siad Escobar doesn’t have respect from Los Garza. Angel was taken away via Escobar, but Berto stayed behind and shared a moment with Andrade before he was whisked away by Escobar.

– Next week, John Cena will be on the show. Knight and Priest will team up to face Fatu and Sikoa. Plus, don’t forget, Cargill and Jax will wrestle to determine the No. 1 Contender for Tiffy’s title.

Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill vs. Naomi & Nia Jax

The heels jumpstarted the match and all four women brawled, Tiffy splitting off with Jax and Cargill splitting off with Naomi. Tiffy ran Jax into the ring steps. Jax ran Tiffy into the crowd barrier. Inside the ring, Cargill threw Naomi to the outside. Cargill ran Naomi into a ring post and rolled Naomi back into the ring. Naomi kicked Cargill in the midsection. Naomi worked Cargill’s arm and used the vaunted back-rake. Naomi kicked Cargill in the back and jawed at Cargill. Jax tagged herself in and bulldozed Cargill before knocking Tiffy off the apron. Jax mocked Cargill’s pose in the middle of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Jax knocked Stratton off the apron again. Cargill lifted Jax for a bodyslam, but collapsed. Jax got up and tagged in Naomi, who beat Cargill down. Naomi tried to tag in Jax, but Cargill stopped her and planted her. Jax eventually tagged in, but Cargill kicked Jax away and tagged Tiffy into the match. Tiffy put a knee to Jax’s forehead and landed her gymnastics corner spot. Stratton countered a Samoan Drop into a pin attempt for a two-count.

Stratton went to the top, but Jax cut her off and hit a Samoan Drop. Naomi tagged herself in after Jax hit a leg drop on Stratton. Naomi and Jax argued and Naomi set up for the split-legged moonsault, but Tiffy got her knees up. Tiffy tagged in Cargill, who worked over Naomi. Cargill grabbed Naomi by the throat and chokeslammed her, but Jax broke up the pin attempt. Jax dragged Naomi to the corner and tagged in. Jax worked over Cargill, but Tiffy broke things up with a Swanton on Jax.

Naomi reinserted herself and Tiffy and Naomi brawled in a corner. Jax squashed Tiffy and Naomi and pushed them both out of the ring. Jax then hit a splash on Cargill in a corner. Jax set up for her finisher, but Cargill hopped up and hit a powerbomb on Jax, ultimately getting the pinfall victory for her team.

Match result: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax & Naomi (11:30)

After the match, the ref tried to give Tiffy her title, but Cargill intercepted it and held it for a quick second. The two then pulled at the title and Naomi attacked Cargill from behind. Naomi then held up Tiffy’s title as the babyfaces sold pain. Naomi posing ended the show.

This was a fun tag that had a lot of fire and chaos in a good way. While I could use a freshening up of programs for all four women involved, they did a good job here of making me interested in what they had going on, which can only lead to good things going forward for this viewer, at least. Cargill getting the win off a powerbomb that now seems to be a pretty routine spot for most Jax matches was mildly surprising, but then again, it is Jade Cargill, so perhaps that powerbomb is supposed to pack more punch. It also has me thinking Jax wins the No. 1 Contender’s match next week, which is a little disappointing, but we’ll see. At the end of the day, this was good work from everyone involved and a solid way to end a show that was probably a lot better than anyone thought it might be. The bar might be low these days, but the bar, don’t forget, is the bar.


Aleister Black makes WWE return on SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Aleister Black has returned to WWE.

Black’s return came during a Miz promo that took place on SmackDown. Upset about being left off of WrestleMania, Miz ranted and raved about other people getting WrestleMania opportunities instead of him. Suddenly the lights went out and Black soon emerged, rising from the floor. Arriving with his old NXT theme, he made his way to the ring to confront Miz, quickly laying him out with the black mass spin kick. 

It was announced later on SmackDown that next week’s show will have Black face Miz in his first match back with the promotion.

After being released from WWE in 2021, Black made his way to AEW. Going under the name Malakai Black, he soon began forming a new stable in the company called House of Black with Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart, with the three men holding the Trios title at one point.

In February, it was reported that Black and Miro were released from AEW after both had been gone from television for some time. This past Monday on Raw, Miro made his return to WWE under his Rusev name, attacking Otis and Akira Tozawa of Alpha Academy.

Malakai Black, Rey Fenix WWE updates

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Malakai Black should be returning to WWE soon — and WWE is also making plans for the arrival of another former AEW wrestler.

In the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that Black (formerly known as Aleister Black in WWE) should be making his WWE return soon. WWE is planning for the arrival of Rey Fenix as well, though there has been no confirmation that Fenix is able to sign with the company yet. Fenix has not wrestled for AEW in more than seven months but had injury time added to his contract last year when he was expected to be headed to WWE.

“Aleister Black should be returning [to WWE] imminently,” Meltzer wrote. “They are making plans for Rey Fenix although there has been no confirmation Fenix has been released from his AEW contract.”

Black, Ricky Starks, and Miro were all let out of their AEW contracts on February 10. Starks has already debuted for WWE as a new NXT signing, while Miro worked his first post-AEW match for Qatar Pro Wrestling last weekend.

Fenix’s brother Penta debuted for WWE this January and has been featured as a singles star on the Raw roster.

Malakai Black removed from AEW roster page

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Malakai Black’s time with AEW looks to officially be over.

Black has been removed from the roster page on AEW’s website as of Monday morning, which usually signifies that a wrestler is no longer with the company. PWInsider reports that Black is now a free agent with his AEW contract having expired yesterday.

It’s been expected for several weeks that Black would be departing AEW. He has not wrestled for the promotion since November 2024, and his former House of Black faction members Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Julia Hart recently split off into their own group with Black gone from AEW programming.

Now that he’s no longer under contract with AEW, a return to WWE looks likely for Black. Dave Meltzer reported last month that there had been discussions regarding Black within WWE creative.

“There was also talk from WWE that he was expected there when his [AEW] contract expires,” Meltzer wrote. “That’s been the case for a while, but evidently there has been talk in WWE creative about him of late.”

The 39-year-old Black — whose real name is Tom Budgen — is a former NXT Champion. He wrestled under the name Aleister Black in WWE prior to being released in 2021. His wife Zelina Vega (Thea Trinidad Budgen) is currently a member of the WWE SmackDown roster.

Black worked a match for indie promotion Coastal Championship Wrestling in Florida last month, defeating Orion.

Update on Malakai Black, potential WWE return

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With his AEW run rumored to be over, Malakai Black could be on his way back to WWE.

Dave Meltzer reports in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there has “evidently” been talk about Black within WWE creative recently. It has not been officially confirmed that Black is gone from AEW, but no one expects him back.

Meltzer wrote:

There has been a lot of talk in the past two days about Malakai Black. The word backstage was that he was gone [from AEW], although in trying to confirm it, nobody would say anything. It’s been reported elsewhere, and one person close to the situation said they were confirming it to us but when we asked officially there was neither a confirmation nor a denial. Nobody expects him back. There was also talk from WWE that he was expected there when his contract expires. That’s been the case for a while, but evidently there has been talk in WWE creative about him of late.

Black has been signed to AEW for nearly four years, leading his House of Black faction that has consisted of Buddy Matthews, Brody King & Julia Hart.

Will Ospreay defeated Matthews on Dynamite this week and then gave a speech saying that Matthews and King don’t need a leader — they’re capable of doing things on their own. Matthews cut a post-show promo saying Ospreay’s words did not fall on deaf ears.

This Saturday, Black is set to compete at a show for Florida indie promotion Coastal Championship Wrestling. He’s facing Orion at the event.

A return to WWE would mark Black’s first time back with the company since being released in 2021. He went by the name Aleister Black during his WWE run and is a former NXT Champion. His wife Zelina Vega is a member of the WWE Raw roster.

Malakai Black gives details on his AEW debut and character

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Malakai Black took to his wife Thea Trinidad’s Twitch channel on Thursday to discuss his AEW debut, offering details on his ideas for his character, ring music and future plans. 

h/t to Fightful for transcription.

Black said that only a handful of people knew that he was set to debut at the Road Rager episode of Dynamite, a fact only made possible due to a WWE clerical error that left him free to sign with another company. 

“Once I found out that my contract was a tad different than the usual, I just came up with this idea,” said Black. “We made it a thing to make it available to as limited people as possible because that’s how you keep it under wraps. Security, Cody Rhodes, and a few others. It may have been five or six total people.”

“It was all very last second. I feel like, in modern day wrestling, there are few moments to make a genuine surprise and get people to look your way. For me to sneak in, not be seen, dip and dive so they wouldn’t see me, that took some skill.”

Black said that his creative vision for his character involves playing a heel, an idea he had wanted to use since debuting in NXT. He said that Triple H envisioned him as a babyface in NXT, so the character was shelved. Black said that he has new entrance music and ring gear set to debut as well. 

Regarding the blackouts that teased his eventual debut during Road Rager, Black said that they were his idea. 

“I pitched that idea and said, ‘What if we do multiple blackouts throughout the show and insinuated the technical difficulties?’ Commentary did a great job getting that over and it came off great,” said Black.

“It feels good where I’m in a place where my creative mind can be utilized instead of stopped and controlled and knowing that things weren’t going to work.”

Black stated that his decision to go to AEW was made for a combination of reasons, and that his debut was one of the highlights of his career. 

“It was the right move for me to make for me, my family, my career, the state of mind I’m in. It’s just a really good company. I can’t say enough good things about it. They have a bright future.”

“Last night was top three one of my favorite moments of my career… It was the cumulation of months and months and months and having this big payoff was worth the pain, chaos, and perseverance,” said Black.

Black also spoke of AEW owner Tony Khan in glowing terms in response to a fan question on the Twitch stream. 

“My first impression of Tony is great. What a f—ing wonderful dude. Really nice guy. Loves his company, loves wrestling.”

An archived video of the entire stream can be found here.

Malakai Black/Aleister Black debuts on AEW Dynamite Road Rager

Posted on by Josh Nason

This story was updated at 10:50 PM Eastern.

The former Aleister Black in WWE is now part of AEW, debuting as Malachi Black on Wednesday’s Road Rager edition of Dynamite.

Arn Anderson was in the ring with Tony Schiavone and was about to say something when the lights went out for a minute. After they came back on, Black was standing in the ring and threw a Black Mass kick, dropping Anderson. 

Cody Rhodes then got in the ring to confront Black. After some shared words, Black motioned like he had no issue and then Rhodes also ate a Black Mass kick before Black eventually left the ring.

The announce team revealed his new name during the segment with Excalibur referencing their past matches 15 years ago when he was Tommy End.

Black was released on June 2nd along with several other WWE talents, but Dave Meltzer reported that he only had a 30-day non-compete. PWInsider reported the reason it was only 30 days was due to a clerical error as when Black got called up to the main roster, WWE didn’t adjust this contract to the standard 90-day clause.

Zelina Vega, Black’s wife, made her WWE return last Friday on SmackDown after being released last November.

Last month, Dave Meltzer reported that the belief was that Black was AEW-bound, but there was a chance WWE would make an offer to have him return after believing they may have made a mistake in releasing him.

Aleister Black believed to be AEW-bound, WWE may offer new deal

Posted on by Josh Nason

While Aleister Black was expected to draw interest as a free agent, it wasn’t necessarily expected that the company that just released him would quickly want him back.

In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that there is a “strong belief” that Black (Tom Budgen) will be headed to AEW when his non-compete runs out on August 31st.

However, Meltzer said, “there has been talk in WWE that the company made a mistake in cutting him and may make him an offer to return, so that could change the equation.”

Along with five other wrestlers, Black was surprisingly released due to budget cuts on June 2nd after five years in the WWE system. He had just made his return to TV and was starting an angle with Big E on SmackDown when the release came which surprised even him. His wife, Thea, had been released in November 2020 and has yet to sign with any major wrestling promotion.

On his Twitch stream after the release, Black was complimentary of WWE and his experience there but said the last few years were a slow death for the character.