Tag: baron corbin

WWE Money in the Bank live results: Two briefcases up for grabs

Posted on by Dave Bath

Two briefcases will be up for grabs as Money in the Bank takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tonight.

In the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn, Riddle, and Madcap Moss will be vying for the title shot contract. Moss won a four-way match on SmackDown last night to become the final confirmed participant.

Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Shotzi, Asuka, and Becky Lynch are the women’s ladder match participants.

Four titles will also be on the line tonight. Ronda Rousey defends the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Natalya, Bianca Belair defends her Raw Women’s Championship against Carmella, The Usos put their Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on the line against The Street Profits, and Bobby Lashley challenges Theory for the United States title.

Tonight’s PPV streams live on Peacock/WWE Network at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.

**********

Pre-show 

The pre-show panel included Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Booker T, JBL, and Peter Rosenberg. They aired a Money in the Bank ladder match video package looking at the past winners and classic cash-in moments. It also explained the rules. 

The panel discussed the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. They then discussed the Raw Women’s Championship match and mentioned Rhea Ripley’s sidelined with an injury. 

Next, they recapped The Usos vs. The Street Profits feud. They discussed Braxton mentioning Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins having problems last night. The Street Profits showed up. Ford got on the table and cut a promo. 

They aired a Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam video package. They showed Cody Rhodes’s interview from Monday’s Raw. Next, they recapped the Bobby Lashley vs. Theory feud.

They showed a Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya video package. They recapped Logan Paul signing with WWE. In an interview, Paul noted he didn’t sign his contract to be Miz’s partner. He then promised to beat Miz at SummerSlam. They recapped Riddle qualifying for the ladder match and aired a Riddle training video. 

*********

Main Show

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Liv Morgan defeated Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Raquel Rodriguez, Lacey Evans, Shotzi, and Becky Lynch (16:33)

This was a great ladder match. Everyone worked hard and did a lot of risky spots with the ladder. The fans popped huge for Morgan’s win. They were also solidly behind Shotzi, Asuka, and Lynch as well. Evans got a few boos. 

Everyone fought over the ladders as Lynch and Asuka went one-on-one in the ring. Asuka tried setting up a ladder, but Lynch cut her off. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant. 

Asuka dropped Lynch and Morgan onto a ladder. Rodriguez cleared the ring and tried picking up the ladder with Morgan and Lynch. Morgan and Lynch worked together and set up for a double suplex. Rodriguez reversed and suplexed them both onto a ladder. 

Rodriguez ended up wedged between the ladder and corner. Shotzi tried running up the ladder but slipped. Bliss took out everyone with a somersault splash. 

Bliss set up a ladder, but Rodriguez cut her off. Bliss fought back and sent her into the ladder. Bliss trapped Rodriguez between the ladder and corner again. Asuka then dropped Shotzi on the ladder. Asuka and Evans climbed the ladder, but Lynch tipped it over. 

Evans took out Asuka and climbed up again. The fans started booing as Evans climbed up. Shotzi pulled her off, and the fans popped. Evans knocked down Shotzi and was alone at the top. The fans erupted in boos again. 

Rodriguez came between Evans and the ladder. Morgan then climbed up to a huge pop. Morgan gave Evans a sunset bomb going over Rodriguez. 

Bliss tried to climb up, but Shotzi got her in the electric chair. Shotzi tried driving Bliss into the ladder while on her shoulders. They both fell over and crashed hard onto the ladder. The fans broke into a “Shotzi” chant. 

Shotzi missed a senton in a scary-looking spot and hit the back of her head on a ladder. Asuka then took out Lynch with a kick. Rodriguez and Asuka fought around ringside. Rodriguez set up a ladder bridge between the apron and announce desk. They fought on the table and teased a powerbomb spot. 

Asuka ended up on the ladder bridge. Lynch jumped off a ladder onto Asuka, but the ladder didn’t break. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant. 

In the ring, they set up three ladders. Evans and Bliss fought on one ladder, with Shotzi and Rodriguez on the other. Lynch pushed over both ladders and started climbing up. 

Morgan jumped back in and cut off Lynch. She climbed up a second ladder, but Lynch pushed it over. Morgan got her foot on the top rope and pushed the ladder back up. She knocked down Lynch and pulled down the briefcase to a massive pop. 

As Morgan celebrated her win, Lynch flipped out at ringside. 

**********

They aired the Cody Rhodes interview from Monday’s Raw.

They showed a Theory vs. Bobby Lashley video package. 

Bobby Lashley defeated Theory to win the United States title (11:01)

Lashley and Theory had a good match. It dragged in the middle but the fans were into it and popped big for Lashley’s win. 

The fans broke into a loud “Bobby” chant at the bell. Theory ran at Lashley, but he slammed him down. He set up for a spear, but Theory rolled out of the ring. Lashley tried to drive Theory into the ring post. Theory blocked it and drove Lashley into the ring post instead. 

The fans broke into a loud “Theory Sucks” chant. Theory jumped off the apron. Lashley tried catching him, but they fell. Lashley recovered and drove Theory into the ring post. Lashley went for the spear again, but Theory dropped down. 

Theory took over after dropping Lashley on the corner. He followed up with a running clothesline. Theory hit a left hand for a one-count. 

Theory slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Lashley escaped and went for the hurt lock. Theory slipped out, but Lashley took over. Lashley ran wild and set up for a suplex. Theory slipped out and rolled out of the ring. 

Theory went for a rolling dropkick, but Lashley got him in a press slam for a near fall. Theory regained control and hit a spear. He went for the A-town down, but Lashley escaped. He locked on the hurt lock for the win to a huge pop.

*******

In the back, Sara Schreiber interviewed Liv Morgan. She noted she has a year to cash in the briefcase. Morgan doesn’t want to mess it up and feels WrestleMania is a good time to cash in. For now, she just wants to celebrate. 

They showed a Miz video package. 

*******

They aired a Bianca Belair vs. Carmella video package. 

Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Carmella to retain the title (7:12)

Belair and Carmella had a fine match. 

Carmella had the brief advantage. Belair avoided Carmella with a backflip off the middle rope. Carmella fought back and went for a tilt-a-whirl head scissors, but Belair blocked it. She reversed into two backbreakers.

Carmella took over and hit the bronco buster for a near fall. Belair went for a slam, but Carmella slipped out. She pulled Belair down by her hair. The fans booed Carmella and broke into an “EST” chant. 

Belair recovered and hit a delayed vertical suplex to a big pop. She followed up with ten punches in the corner. Belair missed a tackle and went shoulder-first into the ring post. Carmella hit a superkick for a near fall. The finish came when Carmella slapped Belair in the face. Belair snapped and hit the KOD for the win. 

After the match, Carmella jumped Belair and beat her down. Belair struggled to get to her feet. The fans erupted in boos as Carmella walked off. 

**********

They aired a SummerSlam commercial. They aired clips of Logan Paul training and recapped his signing. The fans booed Paul. The Miz responds to Paul this Monday on Raw. 

********

Earlier today, Alexa Bliss entered her locker room and found a bunch of clothes. Apparently, Lilly used the WWE credit card to make all these purchases. The fans booed the credit card and the segment. 

********

Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Street Profits to retain the titles (22:59)

The Usos and Street Profits had an awesome match. On the replay, they noticed that Ford’s shoulder wasn’t down for the three-count. 

The Usos cut a promo before the match promising to retain the titles. Pat McAfee joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Cole mentioned the rumors of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins having problems. 

The fans broke into a loud “We want the smoke” chant. Jimmy shot Dawkins into the ropes and went for a monkey flip. Dawkins avoided with a cartwheel. He then hit a spinebuster on Jimmy. Ford went for the frog splash, but Jimmy rolled out of the ring. 

Ford led the fans in a “suck it” chant. The fans then broke into a loud “McAfee’ chant. The Usos gave Dawkins a suplex into the ring post to take over. 

Jimmy mocked Ford and went for the Rikishi splash. Dawkins jumped to his feet and rocked Jimmy with a right hand. Ford tagged in and caught Jimmy with a kick to the head. He jumped off the top rope, but Jimmy rocked him with a superkick for a two-count. 

The Usos slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Jey then knocked Dawkins off the apron with a superkick. The fans broke into a “Uso” chant. 

Dawkins finally got the hot tag and hit a huge dive to the floor. He followed up with a flying elbow on Jimmy. Dawkins hit a splash and a twisting double under hook DDT for a two-count.

Dawkins tossed Jimmy in the air, and Ford caught him in a back suplex for a near fall. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. The Street Profits hit a blockbuster doomsday for a very close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish. 

Ford jumped over The Usos, but they caught him with double superkicks for a close near fall. The fans thought that was the finish. They broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant. 

Ford dumped the Usos to the floor. He then jumped to his feet, ran across the ring, and leaped over the corner onto the Usos at ringside. The fans went wild for the spot. 

Dawkins hit the spinebuster on Jey, and Ford hit the frog splash, but Jimmy broke up the pin. The fans popped big for the near fall. The fans broke into a “fight forever” chant. 

Both teams faced off in the middle of the ring, and the fans applauded. The Usos got rid of Dawkins and rocked Ford with double superkicks again. They then hit the 1 D for the win. 

After the match, they showed a replay, and Graves noticed Ford’s shoulder was up. They showed the replay again, and Jimmy clearly picked up Ford’s shoulder on the count. 

********

They showed a Kevin Owens video package. 

Next, they showed a series of shots featuring candles and a dark sky. Michael Cole didn’t know what it meant. 

They recapped the Ronda Rousey vs. Natalya feud.

SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defeated Natalya to retain (12:33)

Rousey and Natalya had a good match. It started slow but picked up towards the end. The story of the match was Rousey injured her knee. The big story was after the match when Liv Morgan cashed in the briefcase and won the title.

Rousey got a good reaction during the introductions. They started with chain wrestling and traded submissions. Natalya got the ankle lock, but Rousey reversed. Natalya rolled through and stomped on Rousey’s neck.

Natalya took over and hit a discus clothesline for a near fall. She slowed the pace down with a sleeper. Natalya locked on an abdominal stretch, but Rousey countered. Natalya reversed again but Rousey countered into an arm bar. 

Natalya escaped and went for the arm bar. Rousey broke free and locked on the sharpshooter to a big pop. Natalya made it to the bottom rope to break the hold. 

Rousey went for the arm bar. Natalya recovered and sent Rousey to the floor. Rousey hurt her knee on the landing. Natalya targeted the knee and locked on the sharpshooter on the apron. Rousey countered and sent Natalya into the ring post. 

Rousey went for the arm bar, but Natalya reversed into the Sharpshooter. Rousey broke free and caught Natalya in an arm bar for the win. 

Liv Morgan defeated Ronda Rousey to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (:31)

The fans popped big for Morgan cashing in and winning the title. 

As Rousey tried to get to her feet, Liv Morgan’s music hit to a big pop. Morgan ran out and cashed in her MITB briefcase. The fans went crazy for Morgan running out. 

The bell rang, and Rousey got her in the ankle lock. Morgan kicked the bad leg and rolled up Rousey to win the title. The fans reacted huge to Morgan winning the title. 

After the match, Rousey handed over the title and hugged Morgan. She walked off and waved at the fans. The fans broke into a loud “You deserve it” chant for Morgan.

******* 

They showed a Drew McIntyre video package. 

They showed a Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar SummerSlam video package. Cole pushed that the MITB winner could cash in after the SummerSlam main event. 

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Theory defeated Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Riddle, Sami Zayn, Sheamus, Madcap Moss, Omos, and Riddle (25:30)

This was an awesome ladder match. They all worked hard, told a good story, and did a lot of risky ladder spots. Adding Theory at the last second gave away the finish. 

All seven guys faced off in the ring. Suddenly, Adam Pearce walked out and added Theory to the match. Cole and McAfee pointed out that Theory didn’t have to qualify. The fans booed Theory and didn’t want to see him win.

Omos had the early advantage as he dominated everyone. He knocked down Moss and Riddle with a ladder. In the ring, Riddle tried going for a guillotine, but Omos broke free. McIntyre then rocked Omos with the claymore kick. 

Theory tried sneaking up the ladder, but McIntyre and Sheamus stopped him. Rollins went for a pedigree on a ladder, but Riddle backdropped him instead. Zayn tried climbing up the ladder, but Moss cut him off. 

Omos slowly climbed up the ladder, but Moss and McIntyre cut him off. They sent him to the floor. Sheamus and Riddle attacked Omos with ladders at ringside. Everyone worked together and buried Omos under a pile of ladders. 

Rollins, Zayn, and Sheamus climbed up two ladders in the ring. Theory knocked them down. He was alone at the top, and the fans booed. Moss pulled him down and hit a fallaway slam. 

Zayn ended up on the top rope as Moss set up a ladder on the bottom rope. Zayn jumped over Moss and tried to climb up another ladder. Moss caught Zayn and gave him a painful-looking powerbomb on the ladder. 

Sheamus went for the Brogue Kick, but Riddle moved. He then hit the draping DDT using the ladder. Riddle ran wild and hit the floating bro off the very top of the ladder. That was an awesome spot. 

Omos recovered and beat down everyone. Sheamus caught Omos with the Brogue kick. Zayn followed up with the helluva kick. Riddle locked on the triangle, and Moss threw Omos out. 

McIntyre rocked Omos with the Glasgow kiss, and Rollins hit a stomp. Sheamus, McIntrye, Zayn, Moss, and Rollins worked together and powerbombed Omos through the announce desk. 

McIntyre trapped Sheamus under the ladder and started climbing. Butch ran out and jumped on McIntyre’s back. Sheamus then rocked McIntyre with a knee to the face. Sheamus tried climbing up with McIntyre trapped under the ladder. McIntrye pushed Sheamus off and hit the claymore on Butch. 

Sheamus and McIntyre fought at the top of the ladder. Zayn pushed over the ladder, and they landed on a second ladder on the corner. Zayn climbed up, but Moss pushed him off. 

Rollins pushed over the ladder, and Moss took a nasty fall. Riddle set up a second ladder. Rollins knocked off Riddle and grabbed at the briefcase. Riddle climbed back up and gave Rollins an RKO off the ladder to a massive pop. 

Riddle slowly climbed up and had his hands on the briefcase. Theory climbed up and pushed off Riddle. He then pulled down the briefcase to win the ladder match to loud boos.

Theory celebrated his win to end Money in the Bank. McAfee predicted Theory would cash in at SummerSlam. 

**********

Two matches announced for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Two matches previewing title bouts for WrestleMania have been announced for tonight’s SmackDown.

A fatal four-way match between Sasha Banks, Rhea Ripley, Zelina Vega, and Shayna Baszler will take place on SmackDown tonight. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Jimmy Uso is also set for the episode.

Vega & Carmella defending their Women’s Tag Team titles against Banks & Naomi, Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Baszler & Natalya in a four-way match will be part of the card for WrestleMania 38 night two on Sunday, April 3.

Nakamura & Rick Boogs are challenging The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at WrestleMania 38 night one on Saturday, April 2. That was confirmed when Boogs defeated Jey Uso in a singles match on SmackDown two weeks ago.

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York is hosting tonight’s SmackDown. With WrestleMania 38 now just over a week away, the build to Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar’s winner-take-all title unification match will also continue tonight.

WWE.com wrote:

Last week, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar laid waste to the blue brand on his quest for payback for the attack he suffered at the hands of Universal Champion Roman Reigns and The Usos at a live event at Madison Square Garden. After crashing a forklift into the retreating Bloodline’s ride, The Beast ripped a door from their SUV as they sped away.

What will happen after the chaotic assault en route to The Biggest WrestleMania Match of All Time? Find out this Friday at 8/7 C on FOX.

Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin official for WWE WrestleMania 38 night one

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A new match has been made official for WrestleMania 38.

WWE has confirmed that Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin will be part of the card for WrestleMania 38 night one. In storyline, the two are finally facing off after Corbin has avoided McIntyre leading into WrestleMania.

McIntyre defeated Corbin’s tag team partner Madcap Moss in matches at WWE Day 1, Elimination Chamber, and on last week’s episode of SmackDown. Corbin had Moss take his place in the match on SmackDown last Friday.

After McIntyre defeated Moss at Day 1 this January, there was an angle where McIntyre was attacked by Corbin and Moss backstage. The angle was a cover for legitimate neck issues that McIntyre was dealing with. He made his return to the ring later that month as a surprise entrant in the men’s Royal Rumble match.

WrestleMania 38 is a two-night event that’s taking place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:

Night one (Saturday, April 2) —

  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
  • Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
  • Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
  • Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin

Night two (Sunday, April 3) —

  • Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns

Night to be determined —

  • AJ Styles vs. Edge
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Carmella & Zelina Vega defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi

‘Happy Talk’ talk show to debut on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

This week’s SmackDown will feature the debut of a new talk show segment.

WWE has announced that Baron Corbin will host the world premiere of “Happy Talk” on SmackDown this Friday night. Corbin has been going by the name “Happy Corbin” since the storyline of him being down on his luck turned around following his gambling winnings in Las Vegas after SummerSlam.

WWE.com wrote about the premiere of Happy Talk:

Whether he is sporting a brand-new Bentley, expounding on the virtues of Wagyu beef or just launching sneak attacks on Kevin Owens, everything has been coming up aces for Happy Corbin since he reclaimed his fortune in Las Vegas several weeks ago.

Now, prepare yourself as Corbin shares his special brand of chaotic joy with the world premiere of WWE’s newest talk show, ‘Happy Talk,’ this Friday at 8/7 C on SmackDown on FOX. 

A match between Kevin Owens and Corbin was set for last week’s SmackDown, but it ended up never getting started. Corbin attacked Owens as he was making his way to the ring. He laid out Owens with a chokeslam on the apron.

Friday’s SmackDown is the go-home show for Extreme Rules. The episode is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Here’s the updated lineup for Friday’s show:

  • Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against Apollo Crews
  • Liv Morgan vs. Zelina Vega
  • The world premiere of “Happy Talk” with Baron Corbin

Corbin debuts new ‘Happy Corbin’ persona on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Baron Corbin has unveiled his new ‘Happy Corbin’ persona.

On tonight’s SmackDown, Corbin arrived in a Bentley and announced that he had won it big in Las Vegas and wanted to be referred to as Happy Corbin going forward. He cut a promo in the ring saying that he deserved his change in luck and asked Big E to come out. He offered Big E $100,000 dollars to sell the Money in the Bank briefcase to him. Big E refused and told Corbin to leave, which he did.

Throughout the week, WWE had posted videos of Corbin on social media winning big money in Vegas. However, there were also videos where he had lost money, at one time staying at a motel after losing most of his winnings. In his most recent video, he had been on a losing streak again.

Character-wise, Corbin had been experiencing a downturn in luck ever since he lost his crown to Shinsuke Nakamura. As a result of that and poor investments, Corbin was close to filing for bankruptcy, appearing disheveled and asking for money. At one point. he stole Big E’s Money in the Bank briefcase. The two faced off against one another during the SummerSlam pre-show, where Big E won the match and regained possession of the briefcase.

WWE SmackDown live results: Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin

Posted on by Dave Bath

The build to SummerSlam continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

Last week, John Cena signed the SummerSlam contract to face Universal Champion Roman Reigns in Las Vegas. Initially, the contract signing was between Reigns and Finn Balor after Reigns turned down Cena’s challenge. But Baron Corbin attacked Balor before he could sign the contract. Corbin tried to sign the contract himself, but Cena ran out and signed the contract instead. 

Moments later, Paul Heyman pointed out that Cena couldn’t legally sign the deal since Balor’s name was on it. Adam Pearce noted Cena and Reigns signed, and that was good enough for him. 

Tonight, Balor goes one-on-one with Corbin.

Sasha Banks made her return to WWE television last week and attacked SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. At first, Banks saved Belair from a beatdown at the hands of Carmella and Zelina Vega. Banks hugged a confused Belair and teamed with her in the main event.

After defeating Carmella and Vega, Banks jumped Belair and put her in the Bank Statement. Belair will respond to the attack tonight.

WWE has announced that The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Rey & Dominik Mysterio at SummerSlam. Dominik will face Jey Uso in singles action tonight.

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

**********

Sasha Banks Segment 

Sasha Banks made her way to the ring to start SmackDown. The fans gave her a positive reaction and cheered at first. Banks noted she returned to take her spotlight back, and the fans booed. They recapped Banks attacking Belair last week. The video included fans reacting in slow motion, which was kind of funny. 

Banks bragged about attacking Belair. She saved Belair to prove that she needs her. Banks talked about Belair crying before their WrestleMania match. She returned last week to make Belair pay for beating her for the title. 

Belair interrupted and walked down to the ring. She pointed out that Banks demanded to face her at WrestleMania. Belair noted she doesn’t need Banks and knows Banks doesn’t want her to shine. 

Belair rolled into the ring, so Banks jumped out. She stood on top of the announce table. Belair asked Banks if she needs to take four months off again. Belair and Banks agreed to a title match.

Zelina Vega interrupted and made her way to the ring. Vega pointed out that Belair accepted her challenge last week and demanded a title shot. Belair agreed to face Banks at SummerSlam and accepted Vega’s challenge for tonight. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee confirmed Belair vs. Vega for later tonight. 

They recapped Rey Mysterio against Jimmy Uso from last week. In the back, Rey wasn’t happy that Dominik challenged Jey to a match for tonight. He talked about Dominik being a rookie and doesn’t want to jeopardize their title shot at SummerSlam. Rey thanked Dominik for helping him win last week but noted he didn’t his help.

Dominik promised to listen to his father but doesn’t need his help either. Rey was impressed and wants to see what Dominik can do. 

Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso) defeated Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio)  (8:34)

Dominik and Jey worked hard and had a good match. Dominik looked good but probably needs a win at some point. 

Dominik hit a standing dropkick and arm drag off the top rope to gain control. Jey bounced back with a shoulder tackle to take over. Dominik tried fighting back, but Jey rocked him with a right hand. 

They fought on the floor briefly. Dominik avoided Jey and hit a dropkick through the ropes. He followed up with a sliding sunset powerbomb into the barricade. 

During the break, Jey took over after Jimmy interfered. Back from the break, Jey hit a jumping neck breaker for a close near fall. Dominik avoided a Samoan Drop and hit a neck breaker for a two-count. 

Dominik hit a springboard moonsault for another near fall. He avoided an enziguri and sent Jey into the corner. Dominik then hit the 619 and climbed to the top rope. Jimmy ran at Dominik, but Rey hit a senton off the steps. 

Dominik took too long, and Jey got back to his feet. Jey avoided Dominik and hit a superkick. He followed up with the splash for the win. 

They recapped Seth Rollins attacking Edge last week during the commercial break. In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Edge. He challenged Seth Rollins to meet him in the ring later. 

Rick Boogs introduced King Nakamura to a good reaction. 

They discussed The Rock’s success with Jungle Crusie and John Cena’s success with Suicide Squad. Michael Cole announced that Cena returns to SmackDown next week. 

Championship Contender Match: Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Rick Boogs) defeated Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews (w/Commander Azeez) via DQ (2:10)

Nakamura and Crews only got two minutes and had a weak finish. 

They recapped Nakamura pinning Crews in the six-man tag match last week. Pat McAfee confirmed that Nakamura would be in contention for a title shot if he wins. 

Crews had the early advantage until Nakamura fought back. Nakamura hit a knee of the second turnbuckle for a near fall. Crews attempted the Olympic slam, but Nakamura slipped out the back. 

Nakamura hit a series of knees and attempted a pin. Azeez then pulled Nakamura out of the ring for a disqualification. Crews tried to attack Nakamura, but he fought back and sent Crews into Azeez. 

In the back, Kayla Braxton spoke with Paul Heyman. Heyman noted Cena stole the contract since Finn Balor’s name was on it. He called the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Tampa Bay “schmuck-aneers,” and the fans erupted in boos. 

Heyman told Braxton that Reigns has nothing to say about Cena or to her. Heyman walked off but ran into Big E. He was holding the Money in the Bank briefcase and laughed at Heyman. 

Tegan Nox (w/Shotzi) defeated Tamina (1:44)

Tegan Nox now has a first name. The crowd didn’t react much to this match or the previous one. Nox and Tamina went just under two minutes with a weak distraction finish. 

Tamina was firmly in control, but Nox fought back. She hit two cannonballs in the corner for a close near fall. Tamina avoided the shining wizard and rocked Nox with a superkick. 

Tamina put Nox in a Samoan Drop, but Shotzi shot her missile at Tamina. It missed Tamina but distracted her, and Nox rolled her up for the win. 

In the back, Zelina Vega approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. She demanded to have her match with Bianca Belair next. Pearce noted they couldn’t have the match without proper promotion. Deville then clarified that Vega takes on Belair in a non-title match. Deville told Vega to prove herself, and she might get a future title shot. 

Edge Segment 

Edge was good in the segment, and the fans loved him.

Edge made his way to the ring before the commercial break. He got a massive pop as he made his entrance. Back from the break, Edge noted Seth Rollins isn’t there tonight. The fans erupted in boos. Edge feels they’re similar but admitted he would end the feud if Rollins was there. 

Rollins appeared on the big screen via satellite. He mocked Edge and noted he always has a plan B. Edge said he has a plan B and challenged Rollins to a match at SummerSlam. Rollins needs time to think about it but told Edge to think about it too. 

Rollins talked about ending Edge’s career and his neck surgeries. Rollins mentioned Edge’s wife and family.

Edge heard enough and mocked Rollins. He called Rollins Edge-lite and said he couldn’t fill his shoes. Rollins became furious and finally accepted Edge’s challenge for SummerSlam. 

In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Finn Balor. He was furious that Baron Corbin attacked him last week, and John Cena stole his title shot. Balor promised to teach Corbin honor and integrity tonight the hard way. After he beats Corbin, he’s going to address Cena.

The Street Profits defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode (3:37)

They had a good match while it lasted. The fans gave The Street Profits a big reaction. 

They recapped Ziggler & Roode defeating The Street Profits for the titles last January. 

Montez Ford attempted a backflip but slipped, and Roode took over. Ford briefly recovered and hit a standing dropkick. Roode hit a huge suplex to regain control. The heels isolated Ford in their corner. 

Angelo Dawkins got the hot tag and ran wild with a twisting splash in the corner. He followed up with a twisting neck breaker for a near fall.

Ziggler fought back and hit the famouser for a two-count. Ziggler attempted a DDT, but Dawkins pushed him back and hit a huge spinebuster. Ford then hit the frog splash for the win. 

Non-Title Match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Zelina Vega (9:30)

Belair and Vega had a solid match that picked up towards the end. 

The commentators explained that if Vega proves herself, she might get a future title shot. 

Belair was briefly in control until Vega locked on a submission in the ropes. Belair fought back and sent Vega to the floor. Belair gave Vega a press slam, but Sasha Banks walked out.

Banks distracted Belair, which allowed Vega to escape. She followed up with a hurricanrana off the apron. 

Back from the break, Vega was firmly in control with a chin lock. Belair escaped and hit a shoulder tackle. Vega went for an armbar, but Belair picked her up. Belair slammed Vega and hit a headspring splash for a near fall. 

Vega attempted a sleeper, but Belair countered into a suplex. Belair rolled through and attempted a delayed suplex, but Vega reversed into her own suplex. Vega attempted a hurricanrana off the apron, but Belair held on and slammed her against the barricade. Belair then hit the KOD for the win. 

In the back, Paul Heyman informed Roman Reigns that Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin is next. Reigns said he’s interested. 

Finn Balor defeated Baron Corbin (2:47)

Balor dominated Corbin and easily beat him in a short match. The fans gave Balor a good reaction. 

Apparently, Corbin doesn’t have entrance music anymore because he can’t afford it.

The bell rang, and Corbin yelled for the mic. He apologized for what he did last week, but Balor didn’t accept. 

Balor rocked Corbin with a forearm and hard chops. Corbin sent Balor into the ring post and hit a suplex to take over. The fans broke into a brief “Let’s Go Balor” chant. Balor hit a double foot stomp and the sling blade. He followed up with the shotgun dropkick and the coup de grace for the win. 

After the match, Balor grabbed the mic and noted he still wants his title shot. Three years ago, he would have let it go, but that Finn’s dead. Balor doesn’t care if he has to go through John Cena to get that match.

Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman interrupted. 

Roman Reigns-Finn Balor Segment 

This angle didn’t do Balor any favors. He looked strong easily beating Corbin but then got beat down in this segment. He got in a brief flurry of offense, but the heels overwhelmed him. Not only did Reigns make Balor tap out, but the fans were chanting for Cena the entire time. The fans were into the segment, and it had the most heat of the night. 

Back from the break, the fans erupted in boos for Reigns and broke into a loud “Cena” chant. Balor looked at Reigns and shook his head. Reigns heard Balor ranting about Cena and mentioned his name. Reigns told Balor not to mention his name again. The fans chanted “What?” but Reigns didn’t let it bother him. Reigns threw the mic at Balor and turned around. Balor then pushed Reigns to the floor.

The fans erupted in another “Cena’ chant. Reigns had a brief staredown with Balor. The Usos jumped Balor from behind and beat him down. The fans chanted for Cena again. The Usos tried to give Balor a splash, but he moved out of the way.

Balor fought back and sent The Usos to the floor. He followed up with a huge dive. Balor jumped back in the ring and challenged Reigns. Reigns and Balor brawled, with Balor getting the advantage. 

The Usos jumped Balor again, and Reigns hit the superman punch. Reigns locked on the guillotine submission, and Balor tapped. The fans broke into another loud “Cena” chant to end SmackDown. 

Next Week: John Cena returns to SmackDown. 

Finn Balor to face Baron Corbin on next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After having his SummerSlam contract signing derailed tonight, Finn Balor is set to go one-on-one with Baron Corbin.

WWE has announced that Balor will face Corbin on next Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The show is taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

There was a contract signing on tonight’s SmackDown where WWE promoted that Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Balor would be made official for SummerSlam. But before Balor could sign the contract, Corbin took him out. Corbin then tried to sign the contract instead. But John Cena attacked Corbin and signed the contract.

WWE has confirmed that Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Cena at SummerSlam.

Balor re-joined the main roster when he returned to SmackDown two weeks ago. He had been part of NXT since returning to the brand in October 2019.

Balor defeated Sami Zayn on SmackDown last week.

Corbin is currently involved in a storyline where he’s down on his luck after losing his King of the Ring crown and his money. Corbin lost his crown to Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown last month.

Cena is advertised to appear at next week’s SmackDown.

Two MITB qualifying matches set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

Two grudge matches will determine the final participants for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

WWE has announced that the final two men’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches will take place on SmackDown next Friday. The qualifying matches are Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin.

The winners will join Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, and Kevin Owens in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

In storyline, Rollins wanted to challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at Money in the Bank. But Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville instead gave the title shot to Edge. Rollins was told by Pearce and Deville on SmackDown tonight that he’ll be facing Cesaro in a Money in the Bank qualifying match next Friday.

Money in the Bank is being held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18. Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Zelina Vega are the first six wrestlers announced for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.

WWE SmackDown live results: Hell in a Cell fallout

Posted on by Dave Bath

Tonight’s SmackDown features the fallout from Hell in a Cell and a Roman Reigns victory celebration. 

On SmackDown last week, Reigns defeated Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match to retain the Universal Championship. Tonight, Reigns holds a victory celebration to commemorate his win over Mysterio. 

Earlier in the night last Friday, Jimmy Uso aligned with Reigns and promised to have his back in the Hell in a Cell match. Reigns didn’t want his help but admitted that he needs Jey Uso. Jimmy said that he hadn’t heard from Jey all week after he stormed off on the previous SmackDown. 

SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair & Cesaro take on Bayley & Seth Rollins in a mixed tag team match tonight. Belair defeated Bayley in their Hell in a Cell match at Hell in a Cell, while Rollins got a win over Cesaro.

SmackDown’s build to Money in the Bank will also kick off with Apollo Crews facing Big E in a qualifying match tonight. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. 

**********

They recapped the Roman Reigns vs. Rey Mysterio Hell in a Cell match from last week. 

Reigns and Paul Heyman were in his dressing room. Heyman noted that Reigns injured Dominik and Rey Mysterio, but they’re acknowledging him from their hospital beds. 

Jimmy Uso approached Reigns. He told Reigns that he talked to Jey Uso. Jey told him that he’s not coming back. Reigns was furious that Jey’s not coming to work after everything he did for him. 

Jimmy told him that he would have Reigns back. Reigns laughed at the idea of Jimmy being his right-hand man. Jimmy promised that he could do what Jey did for him. Reigns told him to prove it. 

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee recapped the SmackDown Women’s Championship match from Hell in a Cell. 

Bianca Belair Segment

Bianca Beliar made her way to the ring. She noted that they go back on the road in three weeks. Belair admitted that she couldn’t stop celebrating her win at Hell in a Cell. She enjoys looking at her reflection in the belt but not because she’s vain.

Belair’s proud of the girl she sees in the reflection of the belt. Belair said she overcame Bayley the bully and ended by saying Ding Dong the witch is dead.

Seth Rollins’s music interrupted, and he made his way to the ring. He was happy to join Belair and celebrate their wins from Sunday. Rollins claimed he overcame the odds, but she didn’t.

Rollins claimed Belair had a fluke victory. He noted he dominated Cesaro but Belair just barely beat Bayley. He pretended to celebrate and asked for a high five and said to throw it up like the Kliq. Rollins noted they have to high five now because Bayley is going to beat her up. 

Bayley’s music hit, and she walked to the ring. She mocked Belair and told Rollins not to waste his breath. Bayley said it doesn’t matter what she does; she’ll always be Bianca Bel-loser. 

Belair heard enough and knocked her down. Rollins tried to get in between them, but it gave Bayley the chance to attack Belair. She beat her down until Cesaro run down. After that, all four started brawling in the ring until it was only Cesaro and Bayley.

Bayley yelled at Cesaro. Suddenly, Belair ran in, and Cesaro assisted her in giving Bayley a dropkick.

Bayley & Seth Rollins defeated Bianca Belair & Cesaro (12:06)

This was a good, fun match 

The faces had the early advantage until Rollins took over on Cesaro. He slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Cesaro fought back with uppercuts, but Rollins countered with a kick to the back. 

Rollins attempted a suplex, but Cesaro countered. Then, Rolins slipped out the back and tried to give Cesaro a back suplex. Instead, Cesaro landed on his feet and tagged Belair.

Belair ran wild on Bayley and hit a standing moonsault for a close near fall. Bayley rolled to the floor, but Belair chased after her. Bayley dropped Belair on the barricade and then pushed her into the ring post. 

Back from the break, Bayley was firmly in control as she worked over Belair’s injured shoulder. Belair fought back and tagged Cesaro. Cesaro ran wild and rocked Rollins with an uppercut at ringside. He slammed Rollins’ head in the apron and followed up with a flying crossbody for near fall. 

Cesaro gave Rollins the giant swing and went for the sharpshooter, but Bayley distracted him. Rollins used a small package for a near fall. Bayley jumped at Cesaro, but he caught her. 

Rollins then hit Cesaro in the face. Rollins followed up with a forearm to the back of the head, but Belair broke up the pin attempt. Belair then knocked Rollins to the floor, and Cesaro hit an uppercut.

Bayley rolled up Belair for a near fall. Belair fought back and went for the KOD. Rollins ran in and bumped into Belair, and knocked her over. Bayley then hit a running knee and the rose plant for the win. 

Jimmy Uso approached Paul Heyman as he walked out of Roman Reigns’ dressing room in the back. Jimmy asked Heyman how does he prove to Reigns that he should be the right-hand man. 

Heyman told him to win a match tonight and prove that he can be main event Jimmy. Heyman said he could get a match for Jimmy, but he has to win.

The Coronation of King Shinsuke Nakamura 

They recapped Nakamura defeating King Corbin to win the crown. 

They set the ring up with a black carpet, a throne, and a crown. Rick Boogs introduced Nakamura and placed the crown on his head.

Pat McAfee couldn’t hide his excitement. He’s good on commentary and a highlight the last few weeks. 

Boogs introduced Nakamura as the new King of SmackDown. Nakamura and Boogs then rocked out and danced. 

In the back, Kayla Braxton tried to interview Corbin, who was watching on the monitor. She called him King but then corrected herself and called him Baron Corbin. Corbin started to cry and couldn’t speak. He walked off and said, what’s the point.

This ended up being hilarious but for all the wrong reasons. Corbin did a terrible job pretending to cry. 

In the back, Seth Rollins entered Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville’s office. Rollins was happy and joking around but then became serious. He demanded a shot at the Universal Championship. Pearce and Deville admitted that he deserved a title shot, but they were not ready to decide. 

They recapped Otis destroying The Street Profits. 

Money in the Bank Qualifier: Big E defeated Apollo Crews (w/Commandar Azeez) (12:38)

This was a good match.

Big E had the early advantage and scored a near fall. Crews kicked Big E in the face, but he responded with a clothesline for a two-count. They fought on the apron until Crews hit a death valley driver. 

Back from the break, Crews hit a standing dropkick for a near fall. Big E then missed a charge in the corner, and Crews hit a suplex for a two-count. Crews mocked Big E and kicked him.

Big E went for the uranage. Crews countered and hit three rolling German suplexes for a near fall. Big recovered and locked on the stretch muffler submission. Azeez helped Crews get to the ropes to break the hold.

Crews fired back and climbed to the top rope. Big E cut him off, and they traded shots. Crews knocked him down and hit a frog splash for a near fall. He followed up with a German suplex for another two-count.

Crews ran out Big E at ringside but got caught with a uranage. Azeez pushed Big E into the barricade and went for the Nigerian Nail, but the referee caught him. The referee then kicked Azeez out of the arena. 

In the ring, Crews rolled up Big E for a near fall. Big E recovered and hit the Big Ending for the win. As a result, Big E qualifies for the MITB match. 

They recapped Azeez injuring Kevin Owens last week.

In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Sami Zayn. He celebrated beating Owens at Hell in a Cell. Braxton then informed him that he faces Owens in a Money in the Bank qualifier next week. Zayn was furious and walked off.

They announced Jimmy Uso vs. Dolph Ziggler for later tonight. 

Sami Zayn approached Adam Pearce and yelled at him. He feels Pearce should just give him the contract. Zayn doesn’t think it’s fair since he beat Owens at Hell in a Cell. Pearce announced their match next week is also a last man standing match. 

Sonya Deville Reveals The First Competitor In The Women’s Money In The Bank Match

Deville wasted no time and introduced the first entrant in the Money in the Bank match Carmella. They piped in fake boos, and Carmella mocked the boos. She noted that she’s also the most beautiful woman in the WWE. She demanded Deville do the introduction again, but Liv Morgan interrupted.

She mocked Carmella and noted that she beat her in a match. Morgan believes she deserves to be in the match more than Carmella. They ended up getting into a brawl.

Deville made a match between Morgan and Carmella for right now. She told Morgan to prove that she deserves to be in the Money in the Bank ladder match. She noted Carmella’s still in the match even if she loses. 

Liv Morgan defeated Carmella (3:14)

They had a fine match. They kept it short, but it still dragged at times. 

The match started during the commercial break. Deville sat at ringside to watch the match.

They showed Natalya and Tamina watching in the back. Carmella demanded Cole tell everyone how beautiful she is and McAfree noted he thought Cole’s isn’t supposed to be biased.

Carmella had the early advantage and hit a superkick in the corner. Carmella yelled at Morgan and slapped her in the face. Morgan fired up and hit the oblivion for a close near fall. 

Morgan ended up on the top rope, and Carmella caught her with a superkick. Then, Carmella went for the head scissors, but Morgan rolled through for the win. 

In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Jimmy Uso. He promised to win and dedicated the match to his brother Jey at home.

Jimmy Uso defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode) (9:36)

Uso and Ziggler had a good match.

Uso used a shoulder tackle and enziguri for an early near fall. Ziggler took over and hit a standing dropkick for a two-count. Ziggler slowed the pace down with a chin lock.

Uso fought back and sent Ziggler to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive but hit Roode instead.

Ziggler took advantage and gave Uso a brutal-looking zig-zag on the stairs. 

Back from the break, Jimmy fought back and hit a Samoan drop for a near fall. Uso missed a superkick, and Ziggler hit a zig zag for a two-count. Uso went for a powerbomb, but Ziggler rolled through for a near fall. Uso recovered and suddenly hit a superkick for the win. 

Uso went backstage to celebrate with Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. However, Reigns didn’t react to Uso and walked to the ring. Uso tried to follow, but Heyman stopped him. 

Roman Reigns Segment 

This was a great segment featuring an awesome promo from Paul Heyman and Edge’s surprise return. 

Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring. 

They recapped Reigns destroying Dominik and Rey Mysterio. They piped in loud “Roman sucks” chants.

Heyman noted that Reigns destroyed everyone on the roster. He said the Fiend got frightened, Strowman got slaughtered, Owens got K.O.’d, and Edge and Bryan got stacked and shipped off.

Heyman pointed out that Bryan was man enough to return but got shipped back out. Heyman said that Cesaro got clobbered, and The Mysterio’s got launched literally, figuratively, and metaphorically to hell. 

Heyman said that in less than a year, Reigns wiped out the entire division. He has to change course and do something that’s never happened on network TV before. Heyman noted they have no choice because there’s no one left. 

Reigns took the mic and was about to speak.

Suddenly, Edge’s music hit, and he made his surprise return. Reigns and Heyman were shocked. Edge ran to the ring and brawled with Reigns around ringside. Edge then slammed Reigns head into the announce table. 

Reigns fought back and hit the superman punch. Reigns grabbed a chair, but Edge hit a spear. Edge got a second chair, but Jimmy Uso ran down for the save.

Edge fought back and threw Uso into the stairs. He then speared Uso through the barricade.

Reigns and Heyman took the opportunity to run off.

Edge looked into the camera and yelled for Reigns. Edge posed in the ring to end SmackDown.

Next Week: In a Money in the Bank qualifier, Kevin Owens takes on Sami Zayn in last man standing match. 

Drew McIntyre vs. Baron Corbin announced for WWE Raw

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

WWE has announced a new match for Raw’s WrestleMania 37 go-home show.

During SmackDown tonight, it was announced that Drew McIntyre vs. Baron Corbin will take place on Monday’s Raw.. The match comes in advance of McIntyre challenging for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania 37 night one on Saturday, April 10.

The main event angle of the most recent episode of Raw featured Corbin attacking McIntyre. Going into the episode, Lashley had put a bounty on McIntyre’s head. Lashley said that if anyone could take out McIntyre and prevent him from making it to WrestleMania 37, Lashley would give them a WWE Championship shot at WrestleMania instead.

McIntyre dared anyone to try and cash in on the bounty. He defeated Ricochet and Mustafa Ali in matches on the show, then called out Lashley. McIntyre looked to get the better of a brawl between them, but Corbin then attacked McIntyre. After Corbin gave McIntyre a Deep Six, Lashley put McIntyre in the Hurt Lock three times.

Corbin, who is a member of the SmackDown roster, cut a promo on SmackDown tonight vowing that he’s going to take out McIntyre and then go on to defeat Lashley at WrestleMania.

Lashley vs. Cedric Alexander in a non-title match is also set for Monday’s Raw. On this week’s show, Lashley kicked Alexander and Shelton Benjamin out of The Hurt Business. Lashley was mad at Alexander & Benjamin for losing a handicap match to McIntyre the previous week. Lashley defeated Benjamin on this week’s Raw.

Monday’s Raw will also feature WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler facing Raw Women’s Champion Asuka & Rhea Ripley in a non-title match. Asuka is defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Ripley at WrestleMania 37 night two on Sunday, April 11.

WWE Raw video highlights: Hurt Business implode, Corbin appears

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

The Hurt Business imploded with two members being kicked out of the group on last night’s episode of Raw.

After Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander failed to take out Drew McIntyre in a two-on-one handicap match the previous week, Lashley berated them last night for not being able to get the job done. Lashley said he refuses to associate himself with incompetence. MVP gave Benjamin and Alexander the chance to speak, and Benjamin said Lashley wouldn’t even be WWE Champion without them. Things then broke down into a brawl that ended with Lashley laying Benjamin out. Lashley said The Hurt Business is over when it comes to Benjamin and Alexander.

Later in the show, Lashley defeated Benjamin in a singles match. Lashley vs. Alexander will take place on Raw’s WrestleMania 37 go-home show next week.

Lashley put a bounty out on McIntyre after Benjamin & Alexander were unable to defeat him last Monday. Lashley said that if anyone could take out McIntyre before WrestleMania 37, they’d get a WWE Championship shot against Lashley at WrestleMania instead. McIntyre dared anyone to try and cash in on the bounty. He confronted wrestlers in the locker room and wrestled twice on last night’s show, defeating Ricochet and Mustafa Ali.

McIntyre called out Lashley after defeating Ali in the main event. They went back and forth on the microphone and then started brawling. McIntyre sent Lashley out of the ring, but McIntyre was then attacked by SmackDown’s Baron Corbin. McIntyre tried to fight back against Corbin but was dropped with the Deep Six. Lashley then put McIntyre in the Hurt Lock three times and posed with the WWE Championship as the show went off the air. 

More coverage from last night —

WWE Raw video highlights —

Bobby Lashley kicks Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander out of The Hurt Business

Sheamus blindsides Riddle before their match

Riddle vs. Sheamus

Shane McMahon reveals Braun Strowman’s fifth grade report card

Braun Strowman vs. Jaxson Ryker

The premiere of The Miz and John Morrison’s “Hey Hey, Hop Hop” music video

Bad Bunny sends a message to The Miz ahead of WrestleMania

The Fiend is unlike anyone Randy Orton has ever faced

Bobby Lashley vs. Shelton Benjamin

The New Day’s Game Night

Xavier Woods vs. AJ Styles

Alexa’s Playground

Drew McIntyre dares anyone to step up and collect Bobby Lashley’s bounty

Naomi vs. Shayna Baszler

Asuka-Rhea Ripley WrestleMania contract signing

Drew McIntyre vs. Ricochet

Drew McIntyre vs. Mustafa Ali

Baron Corbin attacks Drew McIntyre

Raw fallout: Benjamin and Alexander are glad to be done with The Hurt Business

Raw fallout: Asuka is so excited for WrestleMania

Raw fallout: Sheamus says Riddle has made a mockery of the United States title

Raw Talk: The Miz and John Morrison appear

Updated list of entrants for WWE Royal Rumble matches

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

A few more entrants were confirmed for the 2021 Royal Rumble on last night’s go-home episode of SmackDown.

It was announced that Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio, and Baron Corbin will be taking part in this Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match. Braun Strowman made his return to WWE television at the end of last night’s show and also looks to be set for the men’s Royal Rumble match.

Natalya appears to be the latest entrant announced for Sunday’s women’s Royal Rumble. On WWE Backstage’s Royal Rumble preview special, there will be a match between Natalya and Tamina to determine who will enter the women’s Royal Rumble match last at number 30. The WWE Backstage preview special premieres on FS1 at 8 p.m. Eastern time tonight (Saturday, January 30). The preview special will also reveal which wrestlers will be entering the men’s Royal Rumble match at numbers one and two.

The Royal Rumble main card will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. The pre-show is starting at 6 p.m. Eastern.

Here’s the updated list of Royal Rumble entrants (assuming Strowman and Natalya are officially set for their respective matches):

Men’s Royal Rumble entrants —

  • Daniel Bryan
  • United States Champion Bobby Lashley
  • AJ Styles
  • Randy Orton
  • Otis
  • The Miz
  • Jey Uso
  • Cesaro
  • Jeff Hardy
  • Intercontinental Champion Big E
  • Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Sami Zayn
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champion Dolph Ziggler
  • John Morrison
  • Sheamus
  • Mustafa Ali
  • Edge
  • Rey Mysterio
  • Dominik Mysterio
  • Baron Corbin
  • Braun Strowman

Women’s Royal Rumble entrants —

  • Nia Jax
  • Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair
  • Bianca Belair
  • Bayley
  • Mandy Rose
  • Dana Brooke
  • Peyton Royce
  • Alexa Bliss
  • Shayna Baszler
  • Ruby Riott
  • Liv Morgan
  • Tamina
  • Natalya

Contract signing added to WWE SmackDown, Mysterio vs. Corbin set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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.

WWE SmackDown live results: Number one contender’s gauntlet

Posted on by Dave Bath

As the build to the Royal Rumble continues, two title matches will take place on tonight’s SmackDown from the WWE ThunderDome.

Intercontinental Champion Big E makes his first title defense tonight as he faces Apollo Crews. Big E took on Baron Corbin in a non-title match last week that turned into a tag team match with Big E & Crews defeating Corbin & Sami Zayn.

After the match, Crews pointed out that he saved Big E and helped him win the title from Zayn in the previous week’s lumberjack match. Big E said he was going to issue an open challenge for tonight’s show, but Crews told him that he could consider the challenge already answered.

SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits also defend against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode tonight. The Street Profits retained the titles against Ziggler & Roode two weeks ago. Ziggler & Roode then attacked the champions during their “New Year’s Smoke-Tacular” last week

Plus, tonight’s show will feature a number one contender’s gauntlet match to decide Universal Champion Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble challenger. Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan, Zayn, Corbin, and Rey Mysterio will face off in the gauntlet match.

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

**********

Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring to start SmackDown. As they slowly walked to the ring, Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the gauntlet match later tonight. 

Reigns praised Kevin Owens and claimed he never wanted to hurt him. He blamed Owens for making him attack him last week. Reigns said he loves the entire roster and their families. He was furious that people are blaming him for injuring Owens. Reigns said people should blame Adam Pearce for making the match.

Reigns then demanded Pearce come to the ring. Heyman went ballistic trying to get Pearce to come out. Pearce slowly entered the ring, and Reigns got in his face. They recapped Owens begging Pearce to give him a match with Uso. The recap included Reigns viciously attacking Owens and throwing him out of the stands. 

After the recap, Reigns wanted Pearce to take responsibility and be a man. He pointed out that he was done with Owens and wanted to move forward. Instead, Owens went to his friend, Pearce, to get the match. 

Uso stood behind Pearce and glared at him. Reigns noted Pearce gave Owens the match, and now Owens isn’t here. He was furious that Pearce made the gauntlet match for a shot at his title. Reigns brought up everything he does for the company. He felt betrayed that Pearce would make the match.

Pearce said he’s just trying to make the best match possible.

Reigns wondered if Pearce is going to put himself in the match. Pearce said that would be a conflict of interest. 

Reigns became upset and wondered if Pearce thinks he’s stupid. He handed the title to Heyman and grabbed Pearce. Reigns backed him into the corner. He noted Pearce doesn’t respect him, which means he doesn’t respect his family. Pearce was terrified and begged Reigns to stop. 

Heyman advised Reigns not to hurt Pearce.

Reigns quickly calmed down. He said that maybe nobody called each other stupid. Reigns tapped Pearce on the shoulder and walked off with Heyman and Uso. 

This was a good opening segment. 

Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews 

Crews and Big E had a good match with lots of hard-hitting, fast-paced action. The angle in the middle did slow the momentum a bit at one point. 

Crews hit a dropkick and big boot for a near fall at the ring of the bell.

Big E fought back and hit a big splash on the apron. Crews regained control and hit a splash in the corner. He followed up with three rolling German suplexes for a near fall. 

Big E rolled to the floor, but Crews caught him with a moonsault off the apron. Crews backed Big E into the corner and set him up for a superplex.

They briefly fought on the top turnbuckle, but Crews hit the superplex. They did the Randy Savage-Dynamite Kid finish. Both guys got their feet up, and the referee counted three. 

There was confusion in the ring. Crews celebrated as if he won, but Big E protested to the referee. They quickly cut to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, they showed different angles of the pin and pointed out that both guys had their shoulders down. 

The referee was standing in the ring with the belt. He declared the match a draw because of the double pin. The belt went to the champion because of the draw. Big E tried to shake Crews’ hand, but Crews wanted the match to continue. Crews got in Big E’s face and slapped him hard across the face. Big E agreed to restart the match.

Big E ran wild and hit a series of belly-to-belly suplexes. Crews fought back and hit a huge frog splash for a close near fall. He followed up with a standing moonsault for another near fall. Big E went for the Big Ending, but Crews slipped out the back and hit an enziguri. 

Crews charged at Big E, but he caught him with an uranage. He followed up with the Big Ending for the win. 

In the back, Adam Pearce was on the phone when Sonya Deville entered the room. He’s happy to have her back. Deville noted she’s not bitter even though her former best friend beat her in a loser leaves town match, went to Raw, and formed a new tag team. 

Deville pointed out that Pearce is very busy running SmackDown and even has a match later. Pearce quickly noted that he’s not in the match later.

Deville wondered why he’s not in the match. He said that he hasn’t competed in years. They’ve mentioned Pearce wrestling twice tonight so far. 

Alyse Ashton tried to interview Bianca Belair about entering the Royal Rumble match. Bayley interrupted and wondered if Belair eliminated Bayley from the match last year. Belair pointed out Bayley wasn’t in the match.

Bayley bragged about being champion last year. Belair promised to eliminate her this year. 

They recapped Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode jumping The Street Profits last week. 

They showed that Sports Illustrated ranked Sasha Banks top wrestler of 2020. 

In the back, Carmella was enjoying champagne with Reginald in the background. She sarcastically praised Banks. She then claimed that Banks doesn’t have her talent. 

Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defeated The Street Profits to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles 

This was a good match. They worked hard and told a good story. 

Cole and Graves wondered if Ford is injured because Dawkins started the match. Dawkins had the early advantage and hit a dropkick on Ziggler for a two count. 

Dawkins dropped Ford on Ziggler for a near fall, but Ziggler went after the injured leg. The heels isolated Ford and cut him off from Dawkins.

Ford fought back and sent the heels to the floor. He followed up with a huge dive to the floor but sold his knee as they went to commercial. 

Back from the break, Dawkins ran wild on Roode and hit a twisting splash. Ford was walking around ringside, selling his knee. Dawkins considered tagging Ford but decided not to. The heels quickly took advantage and gained control of the match. 

The heels isolated Dawkins on their side of the ring. Ziggler slowed the pace down with a front face lock.

Roode got the tag and hit a neck breaker for a two count. 

Roode threw Ziggler into Dawkins, but he moved out of the way. Ziggler crashed hard into the corner. Dawkins sent Roode to the floor and attempted to tag Ford. 

Roode pulled Ford off the apron, but he fought back. Ford finally got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a discus lariat on Ziggler for a close near fall. Ford climbed to the top rope for the frog splash, but Roode tried to stop him. 

Ford knocked down Roode. Ziggler ran up and dropped Ford on his face. Ziggler went for the superkick, but Ford hit a superkick first for a near fall. Roode and Dawkins fought on the apron. Roode took Dawkins out of the match. 

Ford used a sunset flip on Ziggler for a near fall.

Ziggler attacked the injured leg to regain control. Roode used the Perfect Plex for a near fall. Roode attempted the Glorious DDT, but Ford fought out. The heels took back over. The finish came when Roode and Ziggler hit a spine buster into the Zig Zag to win the titles. 

In the back, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville discussed the title match. Paul Heyman entered the office and praised Pearce. He brought up Pearce’s past as Scrap Iron Adam Peace. Heyman noted Pearce is excellent at his job, but his dream was to be a wrestler. 

Heyman pulled some strings, and Pearce is now competing in the gauntlet match. Pearce wasn’t happy to be added to the match.

In the back, Billie Kay approached Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott. She asked to join them, but they turned her down. She started to cry, so Morgan tried to comfort her. Kay assumed that meant she’s a member of the Riott Squad now. 

Kay’s been preparing to join the Riott squad already. She started listening to Blink 1-8-2 and added Mosh Pitting to her resume. Kay was funny in the segment. 

Gauntlet Match: Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Sami Zayn

Before the match, Zayn came out with a documentary crew. He said that once he heard there was a gauntlet match, he demanded WWE management put him in the match. 

Zayn was furious that WWE management put him first in the gauntlet. He said there is obviously a conspiracy against him. He has the crew to uncover the plot against him, which cost him the I.C. title. Zayn promised to defeat Mysterio and win the gauntlet match. 

Mysterio hit Zayn with a dropkick right at the bell. He followed up with the 619 and a splash for the very quick win to advance. 

Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) 

Nakamura and Mysterio had a good match. Corbin’s attack after the match didn’t make much sense since Mysterio didn’t win. 

Mysterio had the early advantage and sent Nakamura to the floor with a hurricanrana.

Nakamura blocked a sliding dropkick and hit a knee to the face. He then missed a knee off the apron to the floor.

Mysterio fought back and attempted a running sunset bomb from inside the ring to the floor. Nakamura rolled through and hit a sliding knee. 

Nakamura placed Mysterio on the top turnbuckle. Mysterio fought back and hit a seated senton. The finish came when Mysterio hit the 619 and went for a splash, but Nakamura got his knees up.  Nakamura then locked on the armbar, and Mysterio tapped. Nakamura advances to the next match in the gauntlet. 

King Corbin ran out and attacked Dominik at ringside. He tossed Nakamura into the ring post and attacked Mysterio. Corbin beat down Mysterio as they went to commercial. 

Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated King Corbin 

This was a fine match. 

The match started during the commercial break. Corbin was firmly in control and hit a clothesline for a near fall. He missed a charge in the corner and went shoulder-first into the ring post. 

Corbin drove Nakamura back-first into the ring post on the floor. Corbin continued to beat down Nakamura. Nakamura fought back and hit a knee off the second turnbuckle. He set up for the Kinshasa, but Corbin countered with Deep Six for a near fall. 

Nakamura caught Corbin with a triangle, but Corbin countered into a powerbomb for a near fall. The finish came when Nakamura hit the Kinshasa on Corbin for the win to advance in the gauntlet. 

Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Daniel Bryan

Bryan and Nakamura had a really good match. 

Bryan jumped Nakamura to start the match and sent him to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive. Nakamura fought back and set up for the Kinshasa. Bryan countered with the half-crab and transitioned into an ankle lock. 

Nakamura tried getting to his feet, but Bryan hit a German suplex for a close near fall. Bryan rocked Nakamura with Yes kicks, but Nakamura avoided the last kick. Nakamura locked on an armbar, but Bryan counted with an armbar as well. 

Bryan transitioned into the Yes Lock, but Nakamura made it to the ropes to break the hold. Bryan went for a hurricanrana off the top rope, but Nakamura held on, and Bryan fell to the mat.

Nakamura went back to the armbar, but Bryan countered with a roll-up for a near fall. Bryan rocked Nakamura with a series of kicks in the corner. He followed up with two running dropkicks in the corner. Bryan went for a third dropkick, but Nakamura hit the Kinshasa for the win to advance. 

After the match, Bryan and Nakamura shook hands. 

Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jey Uso walked out to the ring to watch the gauntlet’s last match. 

Gauntlet Match: Adam Pearce defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to earn a title shot at the Royal Rumble

This wasn’t a match and was more of an angle. 

Pearce reluctantly walked to the ring with the heels behind him. Graves praised Pearce’s past career, but Cole said Pearce wasn’t good enough to make it in the WWE.

Uso and Reigns jumped in the ring and viciously beat down Nakamura. Reigns hit the superman punch, and Uso followed up with a splash off the top rope. There was no mention of Nakamura’s tag team partner Cesaro and no explanation for his absence. 

Reigns threw Peace into the ring. Uso knocked out Pearce with a superkick. Reigns then ordered the referee to ring the bell. They dragged Pearce on top of Nakamura, and the referee counted three. Adam Pearce is the number one contender and gets a title shot against Reigns at the Royal Rumble.

Reigns music played as he posed in the ring. 

Big E vs. Baron Corbin set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Image: WWE

New Intercontinental Champion Big E will be in action on next Friday’s New Year’s Day episode of SmackDown.

WWE has announced that Big E vs. Baron Corbin will take place on next Friday’s SmackDown. The announcement didn’t state that Big E’s Intercontinental title will be on the line.

In the main event of this week’s SmackDown, Big E defeated Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match to win the Intercontinental title. Corbin and his Knights of The Lone Wolf (Wesley Blake & Steve Cutler) were three of the lumberjacks for the match. The heel lumberjacks would attack Big E while he was outside of the ring.

Big E and Corbin were on opposite sides of an eight-man tag match on this past Sunday’s TLC pre-show. Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis defeated Zayn, Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura.

Next week’s SmackDown will also feature Seth Rollins’ return to WWE television. It will be the first time Rollins has appeared since Becky Lynch gave birth to the couple’s first child.

After SmackDown was taped in advance this week due to Christmas, next Friday’s New Year’s Day episode of the show will air live.