Eight-man tag team action is set for tonight’s TLC pre-show.
WWE has announced that Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura will be the pre-show match for tonight’s TLC pay-per-view. The one-hour pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time and will air on the WWE Network and WWE’s social platforms.
Big E and Bryan have both lost to Zayn by countout in non-title matches on SmackDown in recent weeks. On this past Friday’s SmackDown, there was a segment where Big E got back at Zayn by ruining his “first annual Sami Awards.”
After Gable & Otis lost to Cesaro & Nakamura the previous week, Otis defeated Nakamura in a singles match on this past Friday’s SmackDown.
Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler returned to WWE television earlier this month as Corbin’s Knights of The Lone Wolf.
There are now seven matches in total announced for tonight’s TLC event. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends his title against Kevin Owens in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends his title against AJ Styles in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Randy Orton vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Inferno match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends her title against Carmella
Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defend their titles against Asuka and a partner of her choosing
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend their titles against The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander)
Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
This will be Mysterio’s first match since suffering a partially torn triceps this August.
Mysterio’s feud against Rollins moved from Raw to SmackDown as Mysterio, his son Dominik, Rollins, and Murphy were all drafted by SmackDown in the WWE Draft last month. Last week, there was a segment where Aalyah Mysterio confessed that she loves Murphy and kissed him. Rollins also tried to convince Aalyah that her father is controlling her and will never accept her relationship with Murphy.
Otis lost his Money in the Bank contract to The Miz at Hell in a Cell. Tucker, who moved to Raw in the WWE Draft, turned against Otis and cost him the match.
Survivor Series is taking place on Sunday, November 22. Kevin Owens and Jey Uso have already qualified for SmackDown’s men’s Survivor Series team. Team SmackDown will be facing Team Raw in a five-on-five traditional Survivor Series elimination match. AJ Styles, Keith Lee, Sheamus, and Braun Strowman have qualified for Team Raw thus far.
Bianca Belair has qualified for SmackDown’s women’s team for Survivor Series. Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, and Lana are on Team Raw.
Sasha Banks defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bayley has also been announced for tonight’s SmackDown.
The build to Clash of Champions continues tonight on SmackDown.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Jey Uso take on Sheamus & King Corbin in a Samoan street fight. Reigns & Uso defeated Sheamus & Corbin in a tag team match in last week’s main event, but Reigns didn’t show up until the end to steal the pinfall. Reigns is set to defend his title against Uso at Clash of Champions.
Sasha Banks will appear tonight and address Bayley’s attack from two weeks ago. Bayley viciously attacked Banks after they failed to regain the Women’s Tag Team titles from Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax. Bayley appeared on last week’s show and bragged about the attack.
AJ Styles and Sami Zayn will face off tonight. Styles challenged Jeff Hardy for the Intercontinental title last week, but Zayn interrupted the match and attacked both.
Alexa Bliss hosts A Moment of Bliss with guest Nikki Cross. Cross won a four-way match last week to earn a title shot against SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley at Clash of Champions. During the match, Bliss went into a trance and hit The Fiend’s finishing move, Sister Abigail, on Cross. Bliss explains her actions to Cross tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The Dirt Sheet
John Morrison and The Miz were already in the ring to start SmackDown. Morrison informed everyone that they’re here to give the inside story. The discussed several of the feuds going on including, Bayley & Sasha Banks, Roman Reigns & Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn’s claim that he’s the real Intercontinental Champion.
They turned their attention to Otis and Mandy Rose. They showed a clip from Talking Smack of The Miz and Morrison announcing that Rose is now on Raw. The Miz claimed that now Otis can focus on the Money In The Bank.
Miz promised that Otis would get over it because, according to his friends from Raw, Rose already is over it. He pointed out that Dolph Ziggler is on Raw. Morrison noted they dated, but Miz said they Netflix and chilled.
Otis’s music hit, and he ran down to the ring. He ran wild on the heels. Miz tried to escape, but Tucker stopped him. Otis hit the caterpillar on Miz and followed up with the Vader Bomb.
Otis ran back in the ring and tore off Miz’s suit and left him in his tighty whities. This was a fine segment. Miz and Morrison were good in their roles, and at least they explained Mandy Rose’s move to Raw.
Back from the break, Morrison and Miz were in the back. Morrison thinks Miz’s plan is backfiring. He said Otis is like the Incredible Hulk. He doesn’t like him when he’s mad. That was a funny line. Kayla Braxton approached and asked if Miz regrets aggravating Otis.
Miz got a phone call and asked if that was enough. He gave Morrison and thumbs up. They smiled and walked off.
Earlier today, The Lucha House Party was in the back. Kalisto and Lince Dorado argued over helping Gran Metalik get ready for his match later.
Cesaro (w/Shinsuke Nakamura) defeated Gran Metalik (Kalisto & Lince Dorado)
They announced SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura defend against The Lucha House Party at Clash Of Champions.
This was a good match while it lasted. Metalik had a brief advantage, but Kalisto and Dorado gave him different advice, and Cesaro took over. Metalik fought back and hit a hurricanrana off the second turnbuckle. Cesaro slowed the pace down and worked over Metalik’s arm.
Metalik ended up on the apron. Kalisto and Dorado jumped up on the apron as well to argue.
The referee yelled at them and ordered them to the back.
Cesaro attacked Metallik from behind. Metalik recovered and hit a huge dive to the floor.
Back from the break, Cesaro was firmly in control. He locked on a chin lock to slow the pace down. Michael Cole explained that Nakamura interfered during the break to help Cesaro regain control of the match.
They fought on the top rope. Metalik then hit an awesome looking hurricanrana off the top. He attempted a moonsault, but Cesaro got his feet up.
Cesaro hit a running uppercut in the corner and followed up with the neutralizer for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Jey Uso. They recapped the angle from last week when Reigns stole the pin the in main event.
Uso noted that Paul Heyman told him that last week was a miscommunication. He said that tonight Reigns promised to have his back. Uso vowed to win the Universal title at Clash of Champions, but the Samoan Street Fight is his main focus tonight.
Matt Riddle hosted a segment called Know Your Bro. He explained the reason he loves the word, bro. Riddle pointed out that bro can convey different emotions, including happy, angry, sad, and afraid.
A Moment Of Bliss
They recapped Alexa Bliss using The Fiend’s Sister Abigal on Nikki Cross last week and walking away from the four-way.
Alexa Bliss didn’t waste time and introduced her guest Nikki Cross. Bliss pointed out that Cross is usually in her co-host chair. Bliss noted that Bayley beat Cross all summer. Cross explained that Bayley no longer as Sasha Banks looking over her. Cross then promised to win the SmackDown Woman’s Championship.
Cross then changed the subject. She pointed out that Bliss hit her with Sister Abigal. Bliss began to talk and said she couldn’t explain it. Lacey Evans’ music hit. She mocked Bliss and Cross.
Evans claimed that because Bliss walked away from the four-way last week, it threw her off her game. She said that’s the only reason Cross won the four-way. That seems like an odd explanation for losing.
Evans told Cross she could never beat Bayley. Cross then blew her nose on Evans’ handkerchief. This was a fine segment.
Nikki Cross defeated Lacey Evans
Alexa Bliss joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary.
Michael Cole asked Alexa Bliss about last week and her attack on Cross. Bliss claimed she was having an off day.
This was an okay match. Cross and Evans worked a slow pace, and it dragged.
Before the match, Evans put on hand sanitizer.
Evans had the early advantage. Cross briefly fought back, but Evans regained control and worked over the arm. She slowed the pace down with a chin lock but went back to the arm.
Evans hit a standing moonsaul for a close near fall. She then grabbed the hand sanitizer and sprayed it on Cross’s face. Cole couldn’t understand how that wasn’t a disqualification.
Cross fired up and made a comeback. She hit a tornado DDT and the neck breaker for the win.
After the match, Evans yelled at Bliss and screamed The Fiend’s name. Bliss went into a trance again and hit Sister Abigal on Evans. She then walked off in a daze.
They showed Sasha Banks getting ready for her live interview.
Paul Heyman narrated a video on Roman Reigns and Jey Uso. He talked about the various wrestling families, including The Hennings, Harts, Ortons, and more.
Heyman’s always been very close to the Anoa’i family. Heyman discussed the members of the family, including the Wild Samoans, Yokozuna, The Rock, Umaga, and Rikishi.
The video then focused on the relationship between Reigns and Jey Uso. Of course, nobody is as dominant as the tribal chief Roman Regions. This was an excellent video package.
Sasha Banks Interview
Sasha Banks was backstage in the Performance Center. She wore a neck brace due to her injuries.
They recapped Bayley attacking Sasha Banks two weeks ago. Banks became emotional as she discussed her friendship with Bayley. She noted Bayley claimed she just used her, and she’s useless. Banks talked about how they started together in the Performance Center and promised to take over the company.
Banks called Bayley an idiot and said she’s nothing without her. She knows Bayley is watching this interview. Banks promised to take away Bayley’s SmackDown Woman’s Championship because that’s the only thing she cares about.
Suddenly, Bayley hit Banks from behind with a chair. She beat Banks down and placed her head in the chair, but officials broke it up before she could do any more damage. This was a good promo from Banks.
AJ Styles defeated Sami Zayn
Styles and Zayn had a good TV match.
Zayn came out with his Intercontinental Championship. He was furious that the announcer didn’t introduce him as the I.C. champion. Styles jumped Zayn from behind to start the match.
Michael Cole claimed that Zayn gave up the title because he decided to take a hiatus. Later, he noted that Zayn hasn’t explained why he took off for six months.
Styles had the early advantage, but Zayn took over with a chin lock. Styles fought back and broke the hold.
Back from the break, Zayn was firmly in control. He attempted a superplex, but Styles slipped out and dropped him on the ring post. Styles went for the phenomenal forearm, but Zayn rolled out of the way. He then hit a stun gun on Styles.
Styles fought back and hit a neck breaker for a near fall. They traded hard shots in the middle of the ring. Zayn rocked Styles with a boot to the face, but Styles responded with the Pele kick.
Zayn then hit the blue thunder bomb for a very close near fall. Zayn hit the turnbuckle exploder and set up for the helluva kick, but Styles avoided. Zayn attempted to roll up Styles, but the referee caught him holding the tights.
Styles then rolled up Zayn for the win. Zayn claimed that Styles held onto the tights, but the referee denied the claim.
Jeff Hardy then ran down to ringside. He attacked both Styles and Zayn. He pulled out a ladder from underneath the ring and attacked Styles and Zayn with it. Hardy hit the twist of fate and started climbing the ladder, but Zayn rolled out of the ring.
Hardy was furious that Zayn called him a fraud. He wants to face both Zayn and Styles at Clash of Champions in a triple threat ladder match.
In the locker room, Otis and Tucker were hanging out when Otis got served with a lawsuit. After the break, Tucker explained that Miz and Morrison filed the lawsuit because he attacked them, Money in the Bank negligence, and that Dirt Sheet is a news program and therefore they have freedom of speech.
They’re trying to get Otis to forfeit the MITB briefcase. Tucker told Otis he needs to find a lawyer. Otis noted they’re in trouble, but Tucker pointed out that Otis is the only one in trouble.
In the back, Sheamus and King Corbin discussed their upcoming match. A security guard approached, and Sheamus was happy to see him. Sheamus said it was genius how he tricked Big E to go to the parking lot a few weeks ago.
The security guard was flattered. He told Sheamus that his car is getting towed. Sheamus ran to his vehicle, but Big E was waiting for him. Sheamus ran off, so Big E beat down the security guard. He gave him a belly-to-belly suplex on the car windshield.
Adam Pearce ran out and forced Big E to leave.
They showed the mysterious blonde woman getting ready.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring. Heyman went to speak but Reigns reached out his hand for the microphone. He came out first because he doesn’t want there to be any misunderstanding. This is his yard and his island.
Samoan Street Fight: Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) & Jey Uso defeated Sheamus & King Corbin
This was a good match with lots of fast-paced, hard-hitting action.
The faces had the early advantage and cleared the ring. All four competitors fought around ringside. Uso leaped off the barricade onto Corbin, and Reigns tossed Sheamus over the barricade. Corbin then hit the deep six on Uso on the floor.
Reigns beat down Corbin with a chair in the ring. He then went to pull out a table, but Sheamus cut him off. The heels worked together and tossed Reigns over the announce table.
The heels brought the table in the ring and worked over Uso. Uso tried fighting back, but the heels regained control. They then gave Uso a double powerbomb through the table for a near fall.
Reigns tossed a chair at Corbin. Sheamus tried to give Reigns white noise on the table, but Reigns used a low blow. He then hit a Samoan drop on the announce table. Reigns then speared Sheamus through the barricade.
Corbin recovered and tossed Uso over the barricade. He then threw Reigns into the ring. Uso hit Corbin with the belt, and Reigns speared Corbin. However, Uso hit the splash on Corbin for the win.
After the match, Uso was happy and celebrated in the ring. Reigns eventually smiled and hugged Uso. Reigns had a massive smile on his face as Uso walked away, celebrating the win. Uso turned his back and walked off. Reigns smile faded from his face, and he became furious. Reigns was great in his role here.
Roman Reigns and his cousin Jey Uso are set to team up again on the road to their Universal Championship match at Clash of Champions.
WWE has announced that Reigns & Uso will face Baron Corbin & Sheamus in a “Samoan street fight” on SmackDown this Friday. Reigns & Uso defeated Corbin & Sheamus in a tag match in the main event of SmackDown last week, but Reigns didn’t come out for the match until it was almost over.
As Sheamus was going for a Brogue Kick in last week’s match, Reigns began to make his way out to the ring with Paul Heyman. Uso gained control after Reigns’ music caused a distraction. He hit a splash off the top rope on Sheamus, but Reigns tagged himself in when Uso was going for the move. Reigns then came into the ring and hit a spear on Sheamus to get the win.
Uso raised Reigns’ arm in the air as they were on the stage after the match, but Reigns wasn’t happy with Uso touching the arm that his Universal Championship was in.
In an interview to promote the match, Paul Heyman told Sports Illustrated that Reigns will be the first one in the ring for the Samoan street fight: “Don’t be fooled thinking that this is a prediction, it’s a spoiler. There was a bit of a misunderstanding the way everything went down last week on SmackDown, but there won’t be that misunderstanding this week. Roman Reigns will enter first and declare his turf in the center of that ring.”
Uso became the number one contender to Reigns’ Universal title by defeating Matt Riddle, Corbin, and Sheamus in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown two weeks ago. Uso wasn’t originally announced as one of the participants for the match, but he was added after an angle where Sheamus attacked Big E earlier in the show. Uso thanked Heyman for getting him into the match, but Heyman said Reigns is his boss and it was all Reigns’ idea. Clash of Champions is taking place on Sunday, September 27.
Roman Reigns & Jey Uso defeated Baron Corbin & Sheamus in the main event of last night’s SmackDown, but Reigns wasn’t there for his cousin for most of the match.
Corbin and Sheamus interrupting Reigns and Uso in last night’s opening segment set up a tag team match for later in the show. But like he did at Payback, Reigns didn’t come out for the match until it was almost over. As Sheamus was going for a Brogue Kick, Reigns’ music hit and he made his entrance with Paul Heyman. Uso gained control after that distraction. He hit a splash off the top rope on Sheamus, but Reigns tagged himself in when Uso was going for the move.
Reigns came into the ring, hit a spear on Sheamus, and pinned him to get the win.
As they were on the stage after the match, Uso raised Reigns’ arm in the air. Reigns wasn’t happy with Uso touching the arm that his Universal Championship was in.
Reigns also didn’t help Uso when Uso fought off Corbin and Sheamus in the opening segment.
Reigns will defend the Universal title against Uso at Clash of Champions on Sunday, September 27.
A segment with new Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set for this Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Reigns “will address the WWE Universe this Friday on SmackDown with Paul Heyman in tow.” WWE hyped that Reigns will talk about his Universal title win and his alliance with Heyman.
The alliance between Reigns and Heyman was revealed at the end of last week’s episode of SmackDown. There was a show-long storyline where Adam Pearce had to get Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, and Reigns to sign the contracts for their no holds barred triple threat match at Payback. Reigns told Pearce to fix the changes they need and he’d be at Payback on Sunday. Reigns said him winning the Universal Championship wasn’t a prediction — it’s a spoiler. It was then revealed that Heyman was sitting with Reigns. Heyman told Pearce to “Believe that.”
At Payback, the story was that Reigns didn’t sign the contract for the match until after it started. After The Fiend giving Strowman a superplex collapsed the ring, Reigns’ music hit and he came to the ring with Heyman. Reigns ended up pinning Strowman to win the Universal Championship.
The Fiend was Universal Champion going into Payback. He defeated Strowman to win the title at SummerSlam, but Reigns returned after the match and attacked both of them.
This week’s SmackDown will also feature a four-way match to decide Reigns’ challenger for Clash of Champions. Big E, Matt Riddle, Baron Corbin, and Sheamus will face off to determine Reigns’ challenger for the pay-per-view. Big E defeated Sheamus and Riddle defeated Corbin in singles matches at Payback.
Clash of Champions is taking place on Sunday, September 27.
The card for Sunday’s Payback pay-per-view is now up to six confirmed matches.
It was announced on SmackDown tonight that Matt Riddle vs. Baron Corbin will take place at Payback this Sunday. It will be Riddle’s first PPV match since joining the SmackDown roster.
Riddle and Corbin’s feud has included Corbin offering a “King’s Ransom” to anyone who can prove that Riddle doesn’t belong on SmackDown. Riddle called out Corbin on SmackDown tonight, but Shorty G attacked Riddle from behind as Corbin was coming out to the ring. Corbin said he accepts Riddle’s challenge for a match — on behalf of Shorty G.
Riddle defeated Shorty G in their match tonight. When Corbin tried to attack him after, Riddle ducked out of the way. They fought and Riddle went for a kick, but Corbin avoided it and bailed.
Corbin later cut a promo vowing that he’ll prove at Payback that Riddle doesn’t belong in his kingdom.
Here’s the updated card for Payback:
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending against Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns in a no holds barred triple threat match
Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax
United States Champion Apollo Crews defending against Bobby Lashley
WWE has revealed much of the lineup for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
Two matches and two other segments have been announced for this Friday’s show. Matt Riddle will take on Sheamus, Jeff Hardy will face Baron Corbin, Bray Wyatt will host a new edition of the Firefly Fun House, and Sonya Deville will be The Miz and John Morrison’s guest on The Dirt Sheet.
Corbin has offered a King’s Ransom bounty to anyone who can take out Riddle. After losing to Hardy in their bar fight the previous week, Sheamus cut a promo last Friday where he sent a warning to the SmackDown roster. Sheamus said Hardy will self-destruct on his own and declared that he’s moving on from his feud with Hardy.
Corbin interrupted Hardy on SmackDown last week and then defeated Drew Gulak.
Last week’s SmackDown ended with an angle where The Fiend put Alexa Bliss (who is friends with Braun Strowman) in the Mandible Claw. WWE is teasing that Wyatt may reveal the motivations for that attack during tomorrow’s Firefly Fun House segment.
Deville attacked Mandy Rose backstage last week, cut some of Rose’s hair, and then attempted to shave her head until being stopped.
Date: May 18, 2020 Location: WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL
The Big Takeaway —
Raw was a dud.
Kevin Owens returned with no announcement for a KO Show segment. He and Apollo Crews also beat Andrade and Angel Garza in a short tag match. Andrade and Garza attacked Austin Theory, who was welcomed in later by Seth Rollins. Crews faces Andrade in a US Title match next week.
There were eight matches on Raw. All but one were under five minutes. The one that wasn’t was the main event with Drew McIntyre beating Baron Corbin in a non-title match. Bobby Lashley appears to be next in line for a WWE Championship match.
Also, Edge accepted Randy Orton’s challenge at Backlash.
Show Recap —
They aired a video package of Becky Lynch’s announcement last week, which included clips of her early wrestling days all the way to WrestleMania 2019.
The announcers called tonight’s brand-to-brand invitational match “a first in WWE.”
Edge / Randy Orton segment
Charly Caruso introduced Randy Orton. Before doing so, she repeated her comment last week that a wrestling match between Orton and Edge could be the greatest ever.
Caruso asked Orton about his challenge. Orton asked if it was so hard to understand the concept of a straight wrestling match. He said this was World Wrestling Entertainment and wrestling was the basis of what they do. Edge was the better man at WrestleMania but he wasn’t the superior wrestler.
Orton wouldn’t need tables and chairs to beat him. Orton said no other athlete and no other wrestler can do what he does in the ring. Orton saw doubt in Edge’s eyes last week because his grit and passion have faded away. Now all Edge had was doubt and fear.
Edge stormed out. Edge said Orton spoke a lot of truths last week and it gave him a lot to think about. Edge knew this was a game of chess to Orton which is why he didn’t rush into his next move. Edge said Orton thought this was all a game. Edge saw Orton smirking and said this was just a paycheck for him.
Edge said this life was handed to Orton and it was only his backup plan. Orton didn’t dream about winning the championship or save all his money to go to a show. Orton didn’t cry the night he won the Intercontinental title like he did.
Edge knew that winning the IC championship would set him on a path to be considered one of the best workhorses in the business, and he was. Edge noted that it was Orton who he beat for that title. Orton was getting tired of his speech but Edge stopped him from interrupting. Edge noted that Orton has also never come back from a career-threatening injury like he did.
Orton cut him off again and asked if he accepted the challenge. Edge yelled, “yes, I accept your damn challenge.” Orton smirked and left the ring.
Samoa Joe also said this had the chance to be the greatest wrestling match ever.
Backstage, Seth Rollins told Murphy that he had a revelation. He invited Murphy to join him in the ring.
Seth Rollins promo
As Rollins and Murphy entered, the announcers updated us on Rey Mysterio. The damage to his eye might be critical but doctors won’t be able to reassess until the swelling goes down.
Rollins said sometimes you have to lose yourself to find who you truly are. When he lost to Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank, he fell to a place so dark he thought he may never escape. However, with no darkness, there is no light, and now he sees the light better than ever before. He thanked one man for helping him see this — Rey Mysterio.
He knew that people thought what he did to Mysterio was unforgivable. He called Mysterio a necessary sacrifice which would allow him to be the leader he needed to be. He had a message for Mysterio: what happened to you was a blessing in disguise. He also wanted to say something to Mysterio now so he wouldn’t have to when they meet again: “You’re welcome.”
Humberto Carrillo interrupted. Carrillo said nobody believed Rollins. Mysterio was a hero to millions and was Carrillo’s idol. Carrillo called Rollins a coward. He jumped in the ring but Murphy stepped between him and Rollins.
Rollins said he wasn’t dressed to compete, but Murphy — who has a match against Aleister Black later tonight — was dressed to compete and would be willing to oblige. Murphy seemed fine with this.
The first match of the night was underway 29 minutes into the show. It began during a break. It was over three minutes later. Carrillo had hit a dive but became distracted by Rollins (who did nothing). Murphy followed with a knee strike and Murphy’s Law for the pinfall win.
Murphy attacked Carrillo after the match until Aleister Black ran out to make the save. Rollins walked away up the ramp as they brawled in the ring. Murphy ducked a Black Mass and bailed. Black checked on Carrillo.
Corbin yelled at a stagehand backstage and demanded he find him his own locker room. Corbin then yelled at a referee because nobody bowed to him when he entered. He was also annoyed that he had to go to a different building to get food because a king shouldn’t have to get his own food. He began explaining how tonight’s match would go and they cut to break.
There was a Liv Morgan sit-down promo. Morgan said her mom was her hero. Her mom didn’t have a job or much of a savings account but she was determined and never quit. A few weeks ago, Morgan had a match against Charlotte Flair — the pride and joy of WWE. Morgan didn’t win, but she learned. She learned that she was just like her mother. She learned that one day, she will become Raw Women’s Champion.
Charlotte Flair promo
Charlotte said she was the hardest working person on all three brands. She was the face of Raw, a mentor in NXT and made a special appearance on Smackdown, where Bayley challenged her to a champion vs. champion match. She was happy to teach Bayley there were levels to being a champion.
She knew Ruby Riott had something to say to her and invited her out. Riott entered. She actually didn’t say anything. She went face-to-face with Charlotte as the announcers let us know they have a match coming up.
Charlotte Flair defeated Ruby Riott
This was another quick match that started during a break.
Charlotte missed a chop on the outside and chopped the ring post. Riott attacked but Charlotte grabbed her by the hair and drove her into the post. Riott fought back in the ring and hit a falling backward senton for two. Riott followed later with a schoolgirl for two. Charlotte blocked a Riott Kick, stomped her and applied the Figure Eight for the submission win.
Caruso attempted to interview Bobby Lashley backstage but they were interrupted by MVP. MVP said they weren’t doing business together because Lashley was too busy dealing with clowns like R-Truth and his wife, the lovely Lana.
Before Lashley could maybe go after him, MVP said he didn’t want Lashley to put him in the full nelson, but also asked him how effective he thought that move would be against a WWE champion.
MVP also wondered how much Lashley was even worried about that considering it’s been 13 years since his last opportunity at the belt. MVP figured Lashley thought he didn’t need trophies because he already had a trophy wife. Lashley was annoyed but MVP calmed him down and asked him to think about things. MVP was good here.
[Second hour]
The Street Profits approached the axe-throwing competition which was being held in a field. They were welcomed by the Viking Raiders and a bunch of their Viking friends. They had a fire going and offered the fire’s smoke as a gift. Angelo Dawkins was about to tell them that when they say they want the smoke, they didn’t mean actual smoke, but Montez Ford stopped him.
Ford noted how dumb it would be not to accept a gift from a bunch of Vikings with axes, which was funny. Ford accepted their gift. Ivar tossed a practise throw and Ford questioned if they should go through with this. Dawkins was more confident and assured him that they got this.
Asuka championship celebration
Kairi Sane was in the ring and introduced Asuka, her friend and champion. Asuka came out and thanked Sane for the flowers. Asuka was very happy. She spoke in Japanese about becoming Raw Women’s Champion.
Sane showed pictures of Asuka as NXT Women’s Champion, Smackdown Women’s Champion, Tag Team Champion, and now, Raw Women’s Champion. Sane noted that she was a grand slam champion. Asuka celebrated this with a dance. Sane played a song on a recorder (perhaps Asuka’s theme?) until Nia Jax interrupted.
Jax said there was nothing to celebrate because she was literally handed the belt. Jax called Asuka a temporary champion who would be replaced one day by her. Jax said they would have a real party when she becomes champion. Asuka attacked her for interrupting her party and sent her out of the ring with a running hip attack.
Caruso interviewed Corbin backstage. She asked if he had any doubts about facing McIntyre. Corbin said he’s the one who chose this match tonight. Corbin is also the one who carried him for over a year. Corbin knew how dangerous he was and beating Brock Lesnar was all the evidence you needed.
Corbin also knew how to expose McIntyre’s mistakes and would beat him tonight. Corbin said the next time they fought it would be in the main event of WrestleMania where Corbin would beat him to win the championship. They showed McIntyre watching the promo elsewhere on a screen and he appeared amused.
Kevin Owens returns tonight with the KO Show featuring Zelina Vega and her crew. This seems like something they should have advertised ahead of time.
Bobby Lashley defeated R-Truth (2:24)
Truth did some dumb comedy before the match, including calling the full nelson the “Nelson from The Simpsons.” He also threatened to go after Tom Brady again.
Lashley used a full nelson slam, then applied a full nelson submission and Truth tapped. MVP appeared on the stage to applaud the win.
They cut to Lana backstage who was watching the match on TV. She freaked out for some reason and tossed some stuff around. How many women writers do they have left?
Elsewhere, Asuka and Sane continued to celebrate. They went separate ways, then Jax appeared just to watch them leave.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeated The IIconics via DQ to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (2:44)
The IIconics wore gold and white gear. Billie Kay thought Bliss and Cross should just hand over the belts. Kay and Peyton Royce called themselves the future.
The announcers missed it, but there was a spot where Kay tried the jab to the neck that helped lead to their victory last week but Bliss ducked and clocked her with a right hand. Bliss followed with a Twisted Bliss but Royce broke up the cover. Royce repeatedly drove Bliss shoulder-first into the post. The referee demanded she stop, but she didn’t, so he called for the DQ.
Yet another annoying DQ in a Raw match. Royce and Kay were upset. Bliss and Cross were content.
Sane continued to play on her recorder in the back when she was attacked from behind by Jax.
The IIconics argued backstage. Kay said this was their one chance and Royce blew it. Kay slapped Royce. Royce cried. Kay cried. Kay apologized. They hugged.
Asuka and a trainer checked on Sane. Asuka became enraged and stormed off.
After a break, Jax walked through the back when she was confronted by Asuka. Jax blew her off and began walking away but Asuka grabbed her by the hair and kicked her in the head. Asuka yelled at her before leaving.
Shayna Baszler defeated Natalya in a submission match (3:49)
Baszler went for a sharpshooter but Natalya countered into a sharpshooter of her own. Baszler got to the ropes but there are no rope breaks in a submission match. Natalya lost leverage though and let go.
Natalya continued the attack and applied a kneebar but Baszler countered into a Kirifuda Clutch for the submission win. This was good while it lasted, but it was yet another very short match.
Baszler limped away up the ramp. Natalya was upset and remained in the ring as the crew began setting up for the KO Show, which was a funny visual. Natalya chucked the furniture and KO signs out of the ring. Samoa Joe thought this behaviour was ridiculous.
Andrade and Angel Garza argued with Austin Theory backstage. Vega stopped them and demanded they get along tonight. She asked each of them if they understood her. They all agreed. (Andrade’s response was, “I am the champion,” which Vega took as a yes.)
[Third hour]
They showed some media and social media reactions to Lynch’s announcement.
KO Show
Owens thanked Natalya for getting some of the junk out of the ring. Owens said he hasn’t been on Raw in a while but that was thanks to him getting banged up while getting his WrestleMania moment in beating Seth Rollins. Owens said he was fine and he was back. He introduced his guests — Vega, Andrade, Garza and Theory.
Owens sarcastically applauded them and thanked them for joining. Vega knew why he wanted them on the show — he wanted a dysfunctional Jerry Springer segment. Vega talked about how good they all were. She called Andrade a champion among insects. Garza broke faces and broke hearts. Theory is a prodigy who was that damn good. Vega herself was that damn good.
They all came from the streets and they all survived. She said they built sidewalks in those streets for people like Owens. She noted that Owens stood on the apron and wouldn’t even stand in the ring with them. Owens said maybe he was on the apron to give them respect. Owens also said that, lately, whenever he’s surrounded by too many people, things don’t end well.
Owens said he was actually on the apron because he didn’t want the ring to get too crowded. He had another guest — Apollo Crews. Crews tackled Andrade and hammered away. Garza and Theory tried getting involved, then Owens got in their way as they went to break.
Kevin Owens & Apollo Crews defeated US Champion Andrade & Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega & Austin Theory) (2:50)
Another very short match. Owens made the hot tag to Crews. Theory tried interfering but he clocked Garza with a forearm by mistake. Crews followed with a sit-out powerbomb for the pinfall win.
After the match, Andrade attacked Theory. Andrade and Garza beat him up and Vega pitched in with a slap. They threw a chair on him and left him laying.
They cut to Caruso, unphased by these events, smiling backstage with an interview with McIntyre. McIntyre said Mondays were always a great night for a Claymore party. The brand-to-brand invitations were perfect for a dream match.
He got his dream match tonight against Corbin. McIntyre knew Corbin would do whatever it took to win, but said he was out of his damn mind to come to his backyard for a match. (Their backyard the last while has been the same.) McIntyre had a Claymore ready for Corbin.
Back at the axe-throwing contest. Ford tried tossing an axe but it went high into the air into the trees apparently. After a break, Dawkins got ready but was distracted by a horse. Dawkins attempted a throw but completely missed. They teased that he hit the horse but he hit a barrel of water instead. The Viking friends were mad. Perhaps that barrel was their only source of water. Dawkins said this was nothing like Thor.
Aleister Black defeated Murphy (w/Seth Rollins) via DQ (2:33)
Theory was still at ringside as this match took place. Rollins turned his attention to Theory. As Black and Murphy wrestled, Rollins helped Theory to his feet. Rollins directed Theory into the ring. Theory attacked Black for the DQ. They attacked Black and Theory gave Black the ATL. Rollins hugged Theory.
So, even though Black saved Carrillo earlier, Carrillo didn’t come out here.
Axe-throwing time. Erik explained the rules. They each get ten throws. The only throws that count are an axe hitting the bullseye. The Raiders led 10-0. The Raiders encouraged the Profits on their last shot. Ford nailed the bullseye and they all celebrated together.
A cop car showed up with an axe in the windshield. The cops wanted to know who did that. Dawkins said it couldn’t have been them because of how good they air. He turned his back to the target and tossed one over the shoulder and it hit the bullseye. The Raiders were stunned.
Basically, they did last week’s segment in reverse. I’m more curious how much it cost to have a cop car show up with an axe in the windshield.
Caruso interviewed Crews. He said these have been the longest three weeks of his life but realized he had to reach deep within himself. All he needed was an opportunity and next week he faced Andrade for the US title.
Vega showed up. She said he could cut his losses and walk away with his one good knee, or he can risk never walking again. Crews said Andrade better be ready. He wondered where Andrade was and figured he was scared he’d get slapped again. He told Caruso that he’d become the new US champion next week.
After a break, a cop lectured the teams about how dangerous the axe throwing was. She decided to let them go with a warning because she thought Ivar was cute. She didn’t think much of Erik.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defeated Baron Corbin in a non-title match (9:09)
Before the match, MVP and Lashley entered to watch from the stage. MVP was impressed by Corbin. He also noted that McIntyre held the prestigious WWE Championship. Lashley said McIntyre was on notice. He would pry the WWE title out of his cold dead hands if he had to.
Corbin did his spot where he slips out and back into the ring and hits a clothesline but it only got a one count. Later, Corbin hit a superplex but McIntyre kicked out at one again. McIntyre caught him off the ropes and hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, followed by a big boot, axe handle and spinebuster. Corbin came back with a sidewalk slam for another one count.
McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT. He went for a Claymore Kick but Corbin countered into a Deep Six for a two count. McIntyre avoided End of Days and hit a headbutt. He followed soon after with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win.
After the match, McIntyre taunted Lashley from the ring, daring him to become the killer he is. MVP held back Lashley. They went off the air as McIntyre posed with the belt.
After the title was declared vacant, WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion kicked off on last night’s SmackDown.
Two first round matches took place on last night’s show. One featured two partners facing off, while the other continued a feud. Daniel Bryan submitted Drew Gulak to move on to the semifinals. On the other side of the bracket, Elias moved on to the semifinals by defeating Baron Corbin.
Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the remaining first round matches. Both will air on next week’s SmackDown. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will face Elias.
In last night’s main event, men’s Money in the Bank winner Otis teamed with Universal Champion Braun Strowman to face The Miz & John Morrison. Otis needing to find a partner for the match was set up during his appearance on Miz TV earlier in the night.
After Otis & Strowman won, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman caught him.
NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair was on last night’s SmackDown as part of the brand-to-brand invitation. She accepted a challenge from Bayley for a non-title champion vs. champion match next week. Charlotte also tried to create dissension between Bayley and Sasha Banks by asking if Banks was her own woman or happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
The bracket for WWE’s tournament to crown a new Intercontinental Champion has now been revealed.
It’s an eight-man, single-elimination tournament. The left side of the bracket has Daniel Bryan vs. Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus as its first round matches, while Elias vs. Baron Corbin and AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura are the first round matches on the right side of the bracket.
Styles is taking part in the tournament despite being a Raw wrestler. When the bracket was announced on SmackDown tonight, it was said that Styles was going after one of the only titles that he hasn’t won in WWE.
The brand-to-brand invitation was announced on Raw this week, allowing for a limited amount of crossover between the Raw and SmackDown brands.
It was first announced on WWE Backstage this week that the Intercontinental title has been declared vacant. Sami Zayn was the Intercontinental Champion prior to that announcement. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since he retained the Intercontinental title against Bryan at WrestleMania 36.
A match between a Raw and SmackDown star is set for next week’s Raw following the announcement of the brand-to-brand invitation.
After defeating Andrade on tonight’s episode of Raw, McIntyre explained that there was a “brand-to-brand invitation” between Raw and SmackDown. He went on to say that Raw extended an invitation to a SmackDown wrestler, which ended up being Corbin, and he accepted the invitation, choosing McIntyre as his opponent.
No details were made as to what exactly the brand-to-brand invitation was, or if there were any limitations. After the segment aired it was announced that Charlotte, who is on the Raw brand, would appear on SmackDown this Friday.
For several months last year, a Wild Card rule was introduced in WWE where four stars could appear on an opposite brand for one night only appearances. However, the rules were quickly dropped, with stars competing on both brands until a WWE Draft was held in October.
Two matches, along with a pair of segments, have been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
It was announced on tonight’s SmackDown that Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak will find a mystery partner to take on the team of Baron Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro next week in a six-man tag team match. This was set after Cesaro and Nakamura aided Corbin in attacking Daniel Bryan tonight.
Tamina and Lacey Evans will also team up next week to take on best friends Sasha Banks and Bayley. This follows an altercation tonight that involved Bayley and Banks attacking Tamina backstage. Evans got involved to even the odds, leading to officials breaking up the fight.
A face-to-face meeting between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt has also been set. Wyatt confronted Strowman tonight by reading a “story” that alluded to Strowman’s previous association with the Wyatt family.
Additionally, Jeff Hardy will make his return on SmackDown. Recent weeks on SmackDown has focused on Jeff Hardy’s road to redemption, something that Sheamus has taken offense to in recent weeks. After the conclusion of tonight’s video package, Sheamus made it clear to the announcers that he would be around next week as well.
There’s now only one remaining spot left in each of this year’s Money in the Bank ladder matches.
Lacey Evans defeated Sasha Banks on SmackDown tonight to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Nia Jax, and Dana Brooke are the other four wrestlers who have qualified thus far.
Evans hit Banks with the Woman’s Right during their match, but Bayley helped put Banks’ foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Evans then went after Bayley. Banks rolled Evans up, but the referee was distracted by Bayley and couldn’t make the count. Banks told Bayley to stay out of it, then turned around and Evans hit another Woman’s Right to get the win.
Baron Corbin defeated Drew Gulak tonight to qualify for the men’s ladder match. He joins Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, Rey Mysterio, and Daniel Bryan as the wrestlers who have qualified for it.
Corbin won after Gulak was distracted by Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro attacking Bryan on the outside. Following the match, Nakamura and Cesaro held Gulak so that Corbin could hit him with a scepter.
The last two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are taking place on SmackDown next Friday. They are Mandy Rose vs. Carmella and Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler.
Money in the Bank is set for Sunday, May 10. Both ladder matches are taking place at WWE’s headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut. They’ll begin on the ground floor of Titan Towers, with the briefcases hanging on the roof of the building.
SmackDown’s next two participants for Money in the Bank will be confirmed next Friday.
WWE has announced two Money in the Bank qualifying matches for next week’s episode of SmackDown. Sasha Banks and Lacey Evans will face off to determine who will be in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, and Drew Gulak and Baron Corbin will face off to determine one of the spots for the men’s ladder match.
Evans got involved in Banks’ match against Tamina on SmackDown tonight. Bayley distracted Tamina during the match and went to attack her with a shoe, but Evans ran out and laid Bayley out. Tamina defeated Banks and will get a shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Gulak stopped Shinsuke Nakamura from interfering in Daniel Bryan’s qualifying match against Cesaro tonight. Baron Corbin also made an appearance on tonight’s show, attacking Elias backstage.
The Money in the Bank ladder matches will feature three wrestlers from Raw and three from SmackDown. Raw’s Shayna Baszler, Asuka, and Nia Jax and SmackDown’s Dana Brooke have qualified for the women’s ladder match. Daniel Bryan is the first wrestler to qualify for the men’s ladder match.
Three men’s Money in the Bank qualifying matches have been announced for Monday’s Raw: Rey Mysterio vs. Murphy, Aleister Black vs. Austin Theory, and Apollo Crews vs. MVP.
