Tag: bayley

WWE NXT live results: Bayley & Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade

Posted on by Chris Aiken

WWE NXT is on the road this week with tonight’s episode taking place live from Center Stage in Atlanta.

Bayley will continue her feud with Roxanne Perez as the two meet in tag team action. It will be Bayley and NXT Women’s Champion Giulia against Perez and Cora Jade.

A Women’s Tag Team title match is also set with Bianca Belair and Naomi putting their belts on the line against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson. In another title match, Shotzi challenges Fallon Henley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship.

NXT Champion Oba Femi will appear as Grayson Waller and Austin Theory’s guest on The Grayson Waller Effect.

Last week, Trick Williams made it clear that his sights are set on winning the NXT Championship back from Femi. Williams will be in action tonight when he goes one-on-one with Wes Lee.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

NXT is on the air from Center Stage in Atlanta, once the home

Personally, seeing pro wrestling on television from Center Stage again is very nostalgic for me. I have watched wrestling on TV from the venue since 1989. Production has come a long way.

The show starts with Bayley’s first match on NXT since 2020.

NXT Women’s Champion Giulia & Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade

Bayley pinned Jade to win the match. This was such a fun match. Really good opener.

The babyface duo gets to shine early on, but the heels take over before a commercial break. Perez & Jade both do dives just before the show cuts away to a split-screen. Bayley is trying to rally as the show returns from the break.

Bayley tries to climb the turnbuckles, but the heels work together to trip her up and stomp on her. Bayley is separated from her corner, and the heels work her over. Bayley-to-belly and a hot tag to Giulia. Some Matrix moves and Giulia is on fire. Missile dropkick for a two count.

Miss-communication by the heel duo, as Jade inadvertently hits Perez with a forearm smash. Giulia hit a knee for a near falls where Jade dives in to break it up. Bayley rushed into the ring to fight with Perez, and their fight spilled outside the ring.

Perez takes a hard bump into the barricade, and she is down selling the rest of the match. Meanwhile, Giulia drops Jade with a headbutt. Bayley climbs the turnbuckles around Giulia tags her, and Bayley leaps off the top rope with a flying elbow drop. Bayley then hooks a leg and covers Giulia for a three count.

Eddy Thorpe is the focus of a vignette, where is standing by a fire as he cuts a promo. He vows to make his mark, and he will not be broken. Should be noted he still has that strap like in a strap match.

After a fun wrestling match to open the show, now is the sports entertainment portion of the program.

“The Grayson Waller Effect” with NXT Champion Oba Femi

Although it starts as a talking segment with Femi facing off with Garyson Waller and Austin Theory. That leads to Femi issuing a challenge to either Waller or Theory, asking which one will face him at Vengeance Day. Trick Williams is shown watching the proceedings on a monitor backstage.

After Femi challenges Austin and Waller, out comes NXT General Manager Ava. She tells Femi he does not make the matches around here, she does. Ava is then interrupted by the entrance of Trick. He storms past Ava and into the ring. Trick throws both Waller and Theory out of the ring, but Femi cuts off Trick and give him a pop-up powerbomb. The show cuts to a commercial break with Trick down, and has a match up next.

Sarah Schreiber interviews Izzi Dame to ask what is going on with Dame and Tony D’Angelo. Dame says nothing is going on, and they are not even friends. They just have a similar enemy. Up walks Ridge Holland to interject, and he calls Dame a liar.

Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo comes up to take up for Dame, and Holland says he does not want to talk with D’Angelo’s lackey. Holland and Stacks get face-to-face when they are separated by referees.

Referees are at ringside checking on Trick Williams, who is still selling the powerbomb from Femi. Trick vows to wrestle, and the refs let him.

Trick Williams vs. Wes Lee (with Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont)

A day after JD McDonagh took a nasty bump on an announce desk, they do a spot in this match were Lee jumps off the apron with meteora that drives Trick backwards on the announce desk. From there, the show cuts to a commercial break.

Igwe and Dupont get involved at one point, and there is blatant interference. The ref lets it go, as Trick thwarts the heels. However, Trick starts kicking too much butt.

Trick won’t back off when the ref says so, and Trick shoved the ref down. The ref then disqualifies Trick. A miscarriage of justice as Gorilla Monsoon would say. Trick picks up a metal folding chair, and he heels flee.

In a backstage skit, Ava tells Femi that he will defend the NXT title in a triple threat match against Theory and Waller at Vengeance Day. Another triple threat match. How original. But wait, there’s more.

After a commercial break, Ava is talking with Trick, who is upset he is not getting the title shot at the PLE. Ava tells Trick to prove it, and she books him in a tag match with Femi as Trick’s partner against Waller and Theory for next week on NXT.

NXT Women’s North American Champion Fallon Henley (with Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyz) defeated Shotzi (with Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolan) to retain her title

Henley pinned Shotzi with ‘The Hoedown” to win the match. Rough to watch at time because Shotzi took such crazy bumps.

Shotzi does a dive on to everyone at ringside. From there, the respective entourages start fighting at ringside. They fight their way up the ramp and exit stage right. Henley chop blocks Shotzi’s knee, and the show cut to a commercial break wondering whether Shotzi can continue.

Shotzi makes a comeback after the show returns from the break. She takes some crazy bumps. Moments late, she drops all her weight on Henley when Shotzi jumps off the ropes with a senton bomb.

Henley cuts off Shotzi, and Shotzi gets trapped in the tree of woe. Henley then suplexed Shotzi, and Henley does a famouser (Rocker Dropper), that Vic Joseph on commentary called the “The Hoedown”. Silly name, but Henley is so damn good.

After the match, Stepahnie Vaquer enters stage right to confront Henley. Then a title match is officially announced that Henley defends against Vaquer at Vengeance Day.

Kelani Jordan was very rude to Karmen Petrovic, and Petrovic calls her a “bitch” as Jordan walks off.

Sarah Schreiber interviews Ava in a backstage skit. Ava is about to announce the NXT Womens’ title match for Vengeance Day when Roxanne Perez interrupts with Cora Jade in tow. Perez assumes she is not the challenger, and she blames Jade for losing in the tag match.

Ava instead announces Perez is challenging for the title in yet another triple threat match. What such an overdone concept. Anyway, the women’s title match is Giulia defending against Perez and Bayley in a triple threat.

Jade storms off, as she is upset over the news. Perez chases after her. Later in the show, Jade tells Ava they need to “have a word!”

Ethan Page vs. Cedric Alexander

Page pinned Alexander.

The match goes through a commercial break. Page works over Alexander’s hand, targeting it and smashing the hand on the ring steps. After a while, Alexander fights back with a suplex. Alexander then makes a comeback. Michinoku Driver by Alexander for a near fall. Brainbuster for a two count as well.

Alexander has Page in a submission when Page snaps Alexander’s fingers to break the hold. There is a slugfest and they trade strikes. Page blocks Alexander’s handspring finisher, and Page executes a Diamond Cutter. Page then covers Alexander for a pinfall.

Page pulls the bottom turnbuckle pad off, as if Page is going to smash the injured hand. Je’Von runs down the ramp for a save, and Evans leaps into the ring to splash Page. Evans is a house of fire, and Page is set sailing out of the ring.

Fatal Influence cut a promo where they announced Stephanie Vaquer against Jacy Jayne in match for next week.

Josh Briggs gives Yoshiki Inamura a leather vest in a vignette. Now they have matching vests like a real team.

WWE Women’s Tag Tea Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson to retain the titles

Belair pinned Jackson to win the match, and the champions retain their titles. My feed of the CW was in-and-out several times during the match, so it seems disjointed to me.

The live crowd booed heavily at the false finish, thinking Jackson has pinned Belair. The crowd turned on the match when Belair kicked out.

Belair and Naomi execute a tandem sit-out finisher on Jackosn, and Belair scores the deciding pinfall.

There was a teaser of some sort at the end of the show for Vengeance Day.

Bayley and Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade set for next WWE NXT

Posted on by Ethan Renner

A women’s division tag team match featuring the newest member of the WWE Raw roster is set for next week’s WWE NXT.

After a promo segment and brawl involving new Raw roster member Bayley, NXT Women’s Champion Giulia, Roxanne Perez, and Cora Jade on this week’s show, a tag team match has been added to next week’s WWE NXT in Atlanta at Center Stage, with Bayley & Giulia vs. Perez & Jade.

Former NXT Champion Trick Williams will also return to the ring on WWE NXT for the first time since losing his title on January 7 on next week’s show, taking on Wes Lee. Williams and Lee had a backstage interaction this week, then Lee called out Williams in the ring. Williams laid out Lee.

A Grayson Waller Effect talk show segment has also been added to next week’s lineup in Atlanta, plus Ethan Page will go one-on-one with Cedric Alexander.

Already announced for next week, The Meta Girls Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson will challenge Bianca Belair and Naomi for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles, plus Fallon Henley puts the Women’s North American title on the line against Shotzi.

The updated card for the Tuesday, January 28 WWE NXT from Center Stage in Atlanta:

  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi defend against Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson
  • NXT Women’s North American Champion Fallon Henley defends against Shotzi
  • Bayley & NXT Women’s Champion Giulia vs. Roxanne Perez & Cora Jade
  • Trick Williams vs. Wes Lee
  • Ethan Page vs. Cedric Alexander
  • The Grayson Waller Effect talk show

Sami Zayn & Bayley declare for WWE Royal Rumble

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two more people have declared for the Royal Rumble.

In a backstage promo on Raw, Bayley reiterated she was the newest member of the Raw brand and declared for the Royal Rumble on February 1. Nia Jax confronted her backstage and said she planned on winning the Rumble. The two had a match, ending with Bayley being pinned following the banzai drop.

Also during Raw, Sami Zayn announced that he was entering the men’s Royal Rumble. That brought out longtime friend and sometimes rival Kevin Owens. Zayn asked Owens how they wanted to do this, knowing Owens has been seeking revenge on those who have teamed with Roman Reigns. Owens said Zayn’s situation wasn’t the same as Cody Rhodes’ situation because Regins did terrible things to Zayn and chose to forgive him, much like how Zayn has forgiven Owens in the past. 

The segment ended with Owens saying he knew Zayn would win the Rumble as he’ll have Zayn’s back, and hinted he wanted Zayn to play a part in his ladder match against Cody Rhodes at the Royal Rumble because he knew Zayn had his back.

WWE Royal Rumble, Saturday, February 1 —

  • Men’s Royal Rumble match: John Cena, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Rey Mysterio, LA Knight, Sami Zayn
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match: Nia Jax, Bayley
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Kevin Owens in a ladder match

Bayley joins WWE Raw roster, Penta set for action

Posted on by Joseph Currier

The WWE Raw women’s division has gotten a significant new addition.

Ahead of tonight’s show, WWE posted a video with general manager Adam Pearce announcing that Bayley is now part of the Raw roster. She will be in action tonight against Nia Jax, who is still a SmackDown wrestler. The two got into it last week when both appeared on Raw. Jax declared for the women’s Royal Rumble match during that appearance.

In storyline, a transfer window is currently open in WWE that allows talent to change brands. The window opened in advance of Raw’s Netflix premiere.

Tonight’s Raw is the third episode on Netflix. WWE has also announced that, following his debut victory against Chad Gable last week, Penta will be in action tonight. His opponent has not been announced.

Here is everything that has been confirmed for the episode:

WWE Raw (Monday, January 20) —

  • Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Jey Uso appears
  • New Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria appears
  • JBL appears
  • The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) in action
  • Pure Fusion Collective vs. IYO SKY & Dakota Kai
  • Sami Zayn to address the WWE Universe
  • Bayley vs. Nia Jax
  • Penta in action

WWE SmackDown live results: Women’s title match, Solo Sikoa returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After winning a fatal four-way last Friday against Naomi, Nia Jax & Bianca Belair, Bayley gets her WWE Women’s Championship shot versus Tiffany Stratton on tonight’s SmackDown.

Stratton won the title two weeks ago after betraying Nia Jax and cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase. This will be Stratton’s first title defense since winning the belt.

Bloodline member Solo Sikoa will return to television after he lost a Tribal Combat match to Roman Reigns on Raw two weeks ago. Not only did Sikoa lose the match, but he lost the Ula Fala to Reigns as a stipulation of the bout.

Los Garza (Humberto & Angel) will be in action against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin). The former defeated Pretty Deadly while the latter beat A-Town Down Under last week to set up tonight’s match.

Also on tap, Jax will team with Candice LeRae to take on WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Belair & Naomi. Plus, Carmelo Hayes goes one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Tessitore was shown walking through the crowd with Wade Barrett as he spoke about the history of the building. Barrett then yelled that it is Tiffy Time because she will make her first title defense tonight. Stratton was then shown walking in the parking lot earlier in the day. Bayley was shown walking backstage. Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes were featured in similar spots. Tessitore then said there was only one person deserving of opening the show. Barrett called him the Hometown Hall Of Famer himself. Rey Mysterio’s music hit.

The Rey Mysterio/Kevin Owens segment

The Big Royal Rumble Declaration Announcement was cute the first few times WWE did it on SmackDown and Raw, but can we please agree it has run its course by now? Rey Mysterio is a legend by every metric fathomable, but this didn’t do much for me – not even the delusional Kevin Owens could make it compelling. Nobody actually thinks Mysterio can win the Rumble (and, for that matter, nobody actually thinks Owens is WWE’s current Undisputed Champion, either). The hometown pop was nice, and it’s always welcome to see Mysterio not have to spin his wheels in the midcard, like he’s been doing for months on WWE TV, but this fell a bit flat.

Rey stood in the middle of the ring while the crowd cheer. He soaked in “619!” chants. Rey formally welcomed everyone to Friday Night SmackDown and said it was the home of the 6-1-9. Rey said it was good to be home in front of his people. Rey said he requested to be out there because he wanted to declare his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble. Rey noted how in 2006, he entered at No. 2 and became the winner of the Rumble match that year. He followed that up by reminding everyone how he became a world champion at WrestleMania 22.

Rey said the competition is heavy for this year’s Rumble match. He cited Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and John Cena. Rey reflected on the fact that when he won in 2006, he did it for a friend and the crowd went bonkers with “Eddie!” chants. Out of nowhere, Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out with the Winged Eagle belt. Owens stood in the entryway with a microphone.

Owens said he was sorry for interrupting Rey, but he had to go out there because he heard Rey talk about how he was going to win the Rumble. Owens said he doesn’t respect many people more than he respects Mysterio. Owens touted how he main evented ‘Mania with Stone Cold Steve Austin and won the tag titles with his then-best friend at a WrestleMania. Owens said he stood there as the true, rightful WWE champion.

Owens said there was one thing left for him to accomplish and that was step into the ring with Rey Mysterio. Owens said he will root for Rey to win the Rumble match, but he wants Rey to promise to pick Owens as his champion to face at ‘Mania after Owens beats Cody and Rey wins the Rumble match. Rey told Owens he wasn’t the champion – with all due respect. Rey said if he goes on to win the Royal Rumble and Owens beats Cody, Rey would be more than happy to face Owens. Owens yelled at Rey, saying he is the champion and he earned it and he deserved it.

Mysterio tried to calm Owens down. Mysterio told Owens he was acting delusional – like Owens was his son Dominik. Owens tried to attack Rey with the Winged Eagle, but Rey thwarted the attempt and ran Owens out of the ring. Rey’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Naomi and Bianca were talking backstage and they talked about how they still didn’t have any leads on who attacked Jade Cargill forever-and-a-day ago. Naomi said they need to focus on tonight and getting their get-back against Jax and LeRae. Naomi told Belair to wrap her braid so they don’t repeat what happened last week when there was some miscommunication in the fatal four-way.

– Nick Aldis was shown talking to Mysterio backstage and Aldis told Rey that he will face Owens later on in the episode. Cody Rhodes walked into the shot and Rhodes told Aldis he had been cleared with a clean bill of health. Aldis said he had an addendum for the ladder match at the Rumble contract and he’d need Cody to sign it. Cody said he’d sign it once Owens signed it.

Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Nia Jax & Candice LeRae [10:35]

A fine television match. Nothing special, but not necessarily because of the women’s work, but because these four have been stuck in a SmackDown vortex for what feels like years. Either singles or tags. Throw in Cargill, whenever she was around. Add Bayley and Tiffy every now and then. Nothing about this felt fresh. It was even kind of surprising that Jax and LeRae took the clean loss because Jax went from being Women’s Champion to losing in non-title tag matches in a matter of weeks. SmackDown’s women’s division needs a shot of life. Here’s hoping slotting Tiffy as its champion will provide that, but only time can tell.

Jax attacked Naomi to start the match. LeRae took out Belair. Jax and Belair ended up being the legal women and the heels had control. LeRae tagged in and Belair gained the advantage over LeRae. Jax interfered, but it didn’t sway Belair, who pressed LeRae out of the ring and onto Jax. Belair posed for the crowd and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the heels had control. LeRae went to the second rope and went for a cross-body, but Belair rolled through and lifted LeRae for a slam, but LeRae grabbed Belair’s braid to take Belair down. It looked like Belair would tag Naomi, but Jax pulled Naomi off the apron and Belair was stuck with LeRae in the ring. LeRae kicked Belair and tagged in Jax, who Samoan Dropped Belair.

Jax ran at Belair, but Belair moved. LeRae intervened and it was enough for Jax to get to the second rope and lift Belair. Belair fought off Jax and landed a cross-body on Jax from the top rope. Naomi then received the hot tag and kicked Jax in the head before she planted Jax for a two-count. Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Jax, but LeRae broke up the pin. Belair tagged in, but Jax fired up against the two and dropped them both.

LeRae tagged herself in as Belair landed a spear on Jax. Belair went for a springboard move, but LeRae cut her off with a basement dropkick. Jax hit a Senton on Belair and LeRae covered Belair for a good near fall. LeRae ran at Belair, but Belair threw LeRae into a corner. Belair covered LeRae, but Jax tried to break it up with a leg drop. Belair moved and the leg came down on LeRae. Naomi then tagged in and hit her finisher on LeRae to get the win for her team.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Bayley earlier in the day. Saxton asked Bayley what the match against Tiffy means to her. Bayley said the night will be huge for her and reflected on last year around this time when she won the Royal Rumble and beat IYO SKY at ‘Mania. Bayley said she felt like she could have done better as WWE Women’s Champion and her reign was cut short because of Tiffany Stratton. Bayley noted how Tiffy turned on her best friend and that makes her want to beat Tiffy that much more.

– Michin was shown talking with B-Fab in the locker room. B-Fab told Michin to keep her head up because Michin will eventually take Chelsea Green down. Piper Niven and Green entered the shot and Green correctly pointed out that she is the only women to successfully defend the Women’s U.S. title in history. B-Fab stood up and Niven got in her way. B-Fab said she was going to talk to Aldis about getting a match with Niven later tonight.

– Jimmy Uso was walking backstage and towards the ring. Jimmy said his brother is getting a title match, so it’s time for Big Jim to step up and try to get his. Jimmy’s music hit and the camera followed Jimmy through the entranceway and into the ring.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone. Hayes walked out and said Roman is going to the Rumble while Jey has a world title shot, but Jimmy has nothing going. Melo asked Jimmy how he could take shots at him while he’s sitting on the bench. Melo told Jimmy he’d show him why Melo don’t miss.

Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes via DQ [11:53]

This was better than I thought it would be and it’s a shame the finish was nonsense. Then again, you had to think it would be, what with Sikoa’s return advertised and Jimmy not having enough of a story with Melo to warrant a match just yet. Some of those near-falls towards the end of the match had me and they did a great job of grabbing the live crowd, too. Or, at least, the “This is awesome!” chants suggested as much. Fatu looked almost stand-offish as Sikoa made his entrance, so this next segment should be interesting to digest.

Jimmy jumpstarted the match when Melo stood on the apron and Jimmy threw Melo into the ring. Jimmy unloaded on Melo briefly, but Melo came back and stomped on Jimmy. Melo chopped Jimmy before running into an arm-drag neck-breaker combo that Jimmy hit. Jimmy went for a hip attack, but Melo moved. It didn’t matter much because Jimmy punched Melo and then suplexed Melo on the apron. Jimmy followed that up with a dive on Melo on the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and it was just about 9 p.m. EST. Hayes had control, as is typically what happens when babyfaces have the upper hand and the show goes to break – the heels turn it around by the time the program comes back. Anyway, Jimmy attempted to fired up and went a splash, but Melo moved and hit Jimmy with a springboard reverse DDT for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and both guys hit clotheslines on each other at the same time. Both wrestlers were down to reset the match.

Jey took control when the two re-engaged, but Melo came back and planted Jimmy for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and that brought into a tall pop-up Samoan Drop from Jimmy, which led to a good near-fall. Jimmy fired up the crowd and went to the top rope, but he jumped into a First 48 from Melo and that resulted in a great near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants from the crowd broke out. Melo went to the top rope, but Jimmy moved out of a Nothing But Net attempt. Jimmy followed it up with a super-kick and that led to an even better near-fall.

Jimmy landed a hip attack and lifted Melo, but Melo rolled Jimmy up for a two-count. Jimmy then speared Melo and went to the top, but Jacob Fatu appeared and stood on the ring apron. Tama Tonga then pushed Jimmy off the top rope to earn Jimmy the DQ win. After the match, Fatu hit a hip attack on Jimmy while Tonga DDT’d Jimmy. Fatu and Tonga stomped on Jimmy and Melo got to his feet to congratulate Fatu, but Fatu clotheslined Melo. Fatu then hip attacked Jimmy. Solo Sikoa’s music then hit and Sikoa walked to the ring.

**********

The Solo Sikoa/Jacob Fatu segment

Oh, boy, I loved the Fatu portion of this. He showed excellent fire and even though the crowd tried to hit him with the dumb “What?” treatment, he pushed through to prove his point. This was a much more grounded Fatu, too, and not just a blind follower who yells about his love for his Tribal Chief. The more serious he is, the better, and this was the most serious we’ve seen him on the mic in WWE. Anyone who has seen his work in MLW knows he has a lot more to offer than “I love you Solo!” and this was the first time WWE fans got to see that – even if it was a tiny example. As for Sikoa dropping the mic and saying nothing … I love that, too. The more open-ended things are with that side of the Bloodline 2.0, the better.

Sikoa stood in the ring and Fatu handed Sikoa a microphone. The crowd booed the hell out of everything. Before Sikoa said anything, he dropped the mic, took off his red jacket and left through the crowd. Fatu stared at Sikoa as he walked away. Fatu didn’t look happy (but when does he?). Fatu picked up the microphone Sikoa dropped. Fatu screamed, “So, this is what it comes to, huh?” Fatu said he was tired of the disrespect and the hate and the envy. Fatu said even on a bad day, nobody could touch him. Fatu said he could give a damn if anyone cheers or boos him, but one thing he won’t do is let people think he never got his.

Fatu asked if people thought he was losing it and was crazy. Fatu said the craziest thing about the situation is that he’s just getting started. LA Knight’s music then hit and Fatu squared up, but Knight ran in from the crowd and took out Fatu and Tonga. Or, well, he tried to, at least, until Fatu got the upper hand. Braun Strowman’s music then hit and Braun walked out. Tonga tried to hit Strowman with a splash, but Braun caught Tonga and disposed of him. Fatu and Braun engaged in a stare down, but Tonga pulled Fatu out of the ring to end the segment.

**********

– Los Garza were shown backstage and Santos Escobar walked up to them. Escobar was happy they exposed Pretty Deadly as liars last week. Escobar said Los Garza will take a tag title opportunity away from Motor City Machine Guns tonight. Escobar said if they want respect, they must take it. The LDF members came together as the scene ended.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Los Garza (Angel & Berto) [11:57]

This was another better-than-expected special. It’s easy to forget that Angel and Berto can work, and you had to know that MCMG would bring out the best of them, anyway, and that’s what happened here. All told, it was probably one of the better MCMG matches in WWE (save for the Pretty Deadly silliness at the end here). This presumably sets up a rematch between MCMG and #DIY, but we’ll see (Saturday Night’s Main Event, perhaps?). It’s happening slowly, but it’s also happening surely: The crowds are responding more and more to MCMG each week. It’s encouraging, even if it feels like baby steps.

Shelley and Angel started the match. They traded a series of quick moves until Angel choped Shelley and tagged Berto in and he landed a rolling moonsault on Shelley. The move was good enough for a two-count. Shelley came back with a series of chops and things broke down between the four wrestlers for a brief minute. Ultimately, Sabin and Berto were the legal men and Sabin worked a head-lock. Berto caught Sabin eventually and spin him around until Angel kicked Sabin and pulled off his rip-away pants. Berto and Angel landed kicks to the front and back of Sabin and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Berto landed a wild double-team roll-over face-buster on Sabin. Angel tried to keep Sabin from gettin the hot tag to Shelley, but it didn’t work and Shelley took the heels out after becoming the legal man. Sabin tagged in and and the two hit dragon-screw leg whips on Berto multiple times for a two-count. Shelley tagged back in and worked a figure-four on Berto. Angel tried to run in, but Sabin caught him and put him in a figure-four, too. Berto got to the ropes for a break and things calmed down.

Shelley was pushed into the second rope turnbuckle via Berto and Berto followed it up with a fallaway slam for a two-count. With all four wrestlers in the ring, Los Garza hit some type of odd double-team move on Shelley (and Sabin, I guess?) to get a near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Los Garza lifted Shelley, but Sabin saved the day and cleared the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive on Angel and Berto on the outside. Back insdie the ring, MCMG set up their finisher, but Pretty Deadly intervened. The interference didn’t work and MCMG hit Skull and Bones on Berto for the win.

**********

– Aldis was walking backstage and ran into Kevin Owens. Aldis needed Owens to sign the addendum to the world title match at the Royal Rumble, but Owens said he wouldn’t sign it until Cody signed it. Owens told Aldis to stop trying to distract him as he prepares for his match against Rey Mysterio.

Piper Niven defeated B-Fab [2:18]

A glorified squash to keep the story between Michin and Green going, so it’s hard to be too mad at it. As a bonus, B-Fab got some TV time out of it, too, which is always good because as I said earlier, the SmackDown women’s division needs a freshening up and putting faces on TV that we don’t see each week is a way to do that. Let me guess: A tag involving these four wrestlers that leads to a rematch between Michin and Green for the U.S. title? You heard it here first.

Niven ran at B-Fab, but B-Fab moved and Niven ran into a corner. B-Fab planted Niven for a one-count. B-Fab ran at Niven, but Niven caught her and slammed her. With the two back on their feet, B-Fab DDT’d Niven for a two-count. B-Fab kicked Niven to the outside. B-Fab rolled Niven back into the ring and clotheslined Chelsea Green on the outside. B-Fab rolled back into the ring and Niven hit a Senton and Piper Driver for the win. After the match, Green and Niven attacked B-Fab until Michin’s music hit and Michin ran out with a kendo stick. Michin worked over Niven. Green and Niven retreated to end the segment.

**********

– Tessitore led a tribute to Bob Uecker, who died this week.

– Saxton interviewed Tiffany Stratton backstage. Saxton said Bayley was extremely driven to win the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy said Bayley has had a career of big moments, but Tiffy has had big moments, too. In fact, Tiffy said, she is a Big Moment and now it’s Tiffy Time. Tiffy said toodles and left Saxton standing in the hallway.

Kevin Owens defeated Rey Mysterio [15:33]

So … what’s this addendum Nick Aldis is adding to the contract for Cody v. Owens at the Royal Rumble? I thought this match was going to set up that reveal, but all we got was yet another brawl between Cody and Kevin. In the meantime, the match was pretty good, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel like Rey going 15 minutes doesn’t seem like the best idea these days. He held his own for the most part – and Owens made sure to take care of him – but this lost some steam as it wore down and I’m a little surprised we got a kick-out of the Stunner. So much for that move being protected to the millionth degree on WWE TV anymore. Still, it was nice to see Rey out there and even better to see a (semi) clean finish. The post-match stuff was fairly boilerplate.

Both wrestlers tuned into the crowd after the bell rang and let things simmer. Rey got the best of Owens once the two engaged. Owens threw a fit. Owens eventually knocked Mysterio to the outside. Mysterio returned to the ring and took down Owens before he tried again and Owens caught Mysterio for a slam. Owens followed it up with a Senton. Owens ran Mysterio chest-first into a corner. Owens hit a knee on Mysterio and the action spilled outside. Mysterio did the 619 spot on Owens and sent Owens into the barrier on the outside. From there, Mysterio landed a sliding splash under the bottom rope. Both guys sold pain outside the ring as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Owens had the upper hand inside the ring, throwing Mysterio into a corner chest-first. Owens ran at Mysterio, but Rey moved and Owens ran into the ring post. Mysterio went to the top and hit a splash on Owens before landing a bulldog for a two-count. Rey set up for a 619, but Owens got back to his feet and super-kicked Mysterio. Owens went for a pop-up powerbomb, but Mysterio turned it into a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a two-count.

Owens was perched on the top rope, but Owens headbutted his way out of it. Owens then hit a frog splash for a near-fall. The crowd launched into “Eddie!” chants. Owens set up for a super-plex, but Rey turned it into a sunset flip from the top and he followed that up with a modified Destroyer for a near-fall. Mysterio went for a springboard splash, but Mysterio missed. Owens followed up with a Stunner and Mysterio actually kicked out of it at two.

Owens went to the top rope and went for Swanton, but Rey got his knees up and hit the 619. Mysterio went to the top, but Owens stumbled into the referee, which knocked Mysterio off the top rope. From there, Owens landed the pop-up powerbomb to get the win. After the match, Owens threw his belt aside and pulled Mysterio up to shake his hand. Owens bowed at Mysterio and set up for a package piledriver, but Cody’s music hit and Cody ran out to attack Owens. Tons of officials ran out to break the brawl up to varying degrees of success. Owens stood in the crowd and posed with his belt. Cody looked angry in the ring and the show went to a commercial break.

**********

– Aldis was shown talking to Cody backstage. Aldis said Cody and Owens are out of control. Aldis said next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Owens and Cody will relinquish their belts and sign the contract with the addendum (whatever that is), with the special enforcer for the signing being Shawn Michales. Also at SNME, Braun Strowman will take on Jacob Fatu.

– Next week on SmackDown, LA Knight will take on Tama Tonga. Also worth noting, Pretty Deadly will go head-to-head with MCMG.

– Pretty Deadly were walking and ran into #DIY. Ciampa was angry that Pretty Deadly “handed” the victory to MCMG earlier in the night. Ciampa said Pretty Deadly were a joke and everyone was laughing at them. Ciampa left and Gargano told Pretty Deadly it was tough love and they truly believe in Pretty Deadly. Gargano said they want to make life better for Pretty Deadly and walked away. Apollo Crews then walked in and told Pretty Deadly working with #DIY has gotten them nowhere. Gargano ran in and attacked Crews by throwing him into a road case.

– Bayley made her entrance for the main event and the camera showed Roxanne Perez sitting in the crowd. So. Well. Angle alert.

– A Charlotte Flair vignette aired. It almost looked like a set-up package for a “Love Is Blind” story. To be fair, it was a mildly different vibe for the former champ.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Bayley to retain the WWE Women’s Championship [20:03]

Eh. Underwhelming. The women worked hard, but this crowd decided early it wasn’t going to do its part and that hurt the match. There were a few clunky spots and the Bayley/Perez story didn’t really advance outside of a quick exchange of glares towards the end of the thing. It’s kind of tough throwing Stratton – who is still very young and very much a rookie(ish) – into a 20 minute match, even if Bayley is the sort of gatekeeper these days in the women’s division, what with Charlotte out, and Sasha and Becky gone. I was hoping for more, but it just never kicked into another gear. Even so, it’s a credibility-building win for Stratton and that can’t hurt.

The match started with about 20 minutes until the top of the hour. The two locked up repeatedly, but no one got the better of it. They traded pin attempts to no avail and locked up again. Tiffy posed a few times and Bayley set up for a Bayley-To-Belly, but Stratton blocked it. Bayley clotheslined Stratton over the top and with Stratton on the outside of the ring, the show went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Bayley hit a draping neck-breaker and the action spilled outside. Bayley went for some dropkicks, but Stratton telegraphed it and ran Bayley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Stratton went to work on Bayley’s arm. With Bayley on the apron, Stratton took out Bayley’s legs two times to plant Bayley on said apron. Stratton ran around the ring – but it only led to Stratton running into a forearm from Bayley.

Bayley rolled Stratton back into the ring and the two traded forearms. Stratton clotheslined Bayley and went for a running hip in the ropes, but Bayley moved. As a result, Bayley went for a suicide dive, but Stratton caught Bayley and trapped her between the ring and the ring curtain. Stratton then hit a hip attack of her own. Bayley tried to get back into the ring, but Stratton hit a knee to keep Bayley on the outside. Stratton went for a splash on the outside, but Bayley caught her and landed a Bayley-To-Belly. Both wrestlers were down on the outside of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

Back to the action, Bayley hit a suplex from the second rope (sorry, but a super-plex comes only from the top rope, damn it) for a two-count. Bayley went back to the top, but Stratton cut her off and went to the top herself. Stratton landed a Senton and a powerbomb for a good near-fall. Stratton worked a version of an arm-bar, but Bayley rolled out of it and threw Stratton to the outside. Bayley slammed Stratton onto the announce desk and then suplexed her before she jawed at Roxanne Perez in the crowd.

Bayley went to the top rope and connected with the flying elbow for a nice near-fall. Bayley worked a cross-face until Stratton got out of it and hit a spine-buster for a two-count. Bayley hit a Bayley-To-Belly on Stratton after a few seconds of nothing for a near-fall. The crowd was nearly silent for all of this. Stratton set up for Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Bayley cut her off and sunset-flipped her into a corner for a two-count. Bayley slammed Stratton for a near-fall, but Stratton came back and got a two-count from a backslide. Stratton finally hit her Alabama Slam and followed it up with the PME for the win. Stratton quickly walked up the aisle as the credits rolled to end the show.

Bayley, Masha Slamovich, DIY appear on WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Stars from the main roster and elsewhere appeared during Tuesday’s NXT.

Masha Slamovich was shown in the crowd prior to Cora Jade taking on Kelani Jordan on Tuesday’s show. As Jade made her entrance, she could be seen making eye contract with Slamovich as she entered the ring. Jade ended up scoring the win over Jordan.

WWE on X noted that Slamovich was keeping an eye on the NXT women’s division:

Slamovich commented on social media shortly after her appearance, writing: ”I’m everywhere. And I’m always watching.”

DIY also appeared, saying they were going to watch Fraxiom defend their titles against OTM and promised no shenanigans in a promo. Appearing on the NXT perch, they watched as Fraxiom successfully retained their titles.

In the main event segment of the show, Roxanne Perez was talking about how the NXT women’s division would be lost without her. Bayley interrupted and attempted to give Perez some advice. Perez cut off Bayley and said she used to be her role model, but she has broken everyone’s records in NXT, including Bayley’s. The two ended the show getting into a brawl.

Women’s title match, Solo Sikoa return announced for next WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Tiffany Stratton will make her first Women’s Championship defense, plus Solo Sikoa returns on next week’s WWE SmackDown.

Bayley won a number one contender’s match on this week’s SmackDown to earn the right to challenge Stratton. In a backstage segment later in the program, Byron Saxton announced that the match will take place on the January 17 SmackDown. The bout will be Stratton’s first defense since defeating Nia Jax for the title on last week’s SmackDown.

Friday’s number one contender’s four-way also featured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Naomi and Bianca Belair, a bit of creative quite similar to that proposed to Naomi and Sasha Banks/Mercedes Mone when they walked out of the company in 2022.

Solo Sikoa’s return to SmackDown is also set for next Friday’s episode. Sikoa lost to Roman Reigns in Tribal Combat on this week’s Raw, and was absent from SmackDown.

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. Los Garza (Angel & Berto) will also take place next week, as the SmackDown tag team division jockeys to position themselves for a title shot at current WWE Tag Team Champions DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa).

The announced card for the Friday, January 17 WWE SmackDown:

  • WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton defends against Bayley
  • Solo Sikoa returns
  • Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) vs. Los Garza (Angel & Berto)

WWE SmackDown live results: Saturday Night’s Main Event go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before their showdown for the undisputed WWE Championship on Saturday Night’s Main Event, titleholder Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens will speak on tonight’s SmackDown in Hartford, Connecticut.

The last time the two met in a match was at August’s Bash In Berlin when Rhodes defeated Owens to retain his championship. A lot has changed since then.

The semifinals of the inaugural Women’s United States Championship tournament will take place tonight as on one side of the bracket, Chelsea Green will face Bayley. On the other side, Tiffany Stratton takes on Michin. The finals will take place Saturday to crown the new champion.

Bayley advanced by defeating Candice LeRae and B-Fab while Stratton beat Bianca Belair and Blair Davenport.

Carmelo Hayes, who lobbied with SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis for a match last week, will step into the ring against a mystery opponent.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

– Footage of Tiffany Stratton and Michin entering the building opened the show. Bayley was shown signing something and Chelsea Green was shown throwing her bag at someone. The Bloodline and LA were also shown walking backstage. Cody Rhodes exited his bus as well. Jimmy Uso’s music hit and Jimmy walked out with the aid of a crutch.

The Jimmy Uso segment

Weird. This sure did feel like a retirement speech … but then Jimmy pulled the nose up at the end and said next year is going to be great for him … only to have Drew McIntyre hit him with a kick. I understand furthering the McIntyre story and his issues with the original Bloodline, but this felt so much like everyone – Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, etc. – called in sick at the last minute and they had to fill eight minutes somehow. Even weirder was that it opened the show. Anyway, whatever it was meant to be, here’s hoping Big Jim has a speedy recovery from his Big Broken Toe.

Jimmy started by saying War Games was lit. He added that it didn’t “get Big Jim, but it got my big toe.” Jimmy said War Games meant everything because it was all about family. He noted how the OG Bloodline came out on top and War Games is behind them. Jimmy said for years, he’s watched his family dominate the WWE universe and the fact that they get to do that is a dream. Jimmy said he was proud to watch Roman Reigns be the most dominant champion. The crowd launched into an “OTC!” chant.

Jimmy said he watched his twin brother become one of the hottest superstars today and he’s proud of that. Jimmy said he was even proud of Solo Sikoa – he added that he might not like him, but he’s proud of him. Jimmy said he finds himself reading what everyone is saying when they wonder about what’s next for Big Jim. He said 2025 will be a big year for Big Jim. He might win the Royal Rumble, he might go after the U.S. title and he might even go after the Universal title. Jimmy said nothing will stop him from what he wants to do and while none of his friends were there, he showed up with a bum toe. Jimmy said next year will be huge for him.

Out of nowhere, Drew McIntyre showed up and hit Jimmy with a Claymore Kick. Drew kept attacking Big Jim until officials came out. McIntyre grinned and walked to the back while Nick Aldis followed and berated Jimmy.

**********

– Stratton was shown warming up backstage and Nia Jax and Candice LeRae walked in. Jax said when Stratton wins the U.S. title, she won’t need her MITB briefcase. She followed that up by saying she and LeRae will be watching her match tonight.

– Aldis was shown following McIntyre and chewing him out backstage. Bianca Belair and Naomi walked into the frame and Aldis told Drew to go into his office. Drew obliged. Aldis told Belair and Naomi that the investigation into what happened to Jade Cargill was ongoing. Aldis said because of that, Belair had to relinquish the women’s tag titles. Naomi said Belair has never relinquished anything in her life and if Belair needs a partner, it could be Naomi. Belair asked Aldis if that could be an option. Aldis said he’d run it up the flagpole, but if they really want to do it, they’d have to defend the titles next week.

Michin defeated Tiffany Stratton to advance to the finals of the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [8:25]

A surprising finish, but I’m not mad at it. The crowds continue to get louder in support of Stratton, so that babyface turn is going to hit like hot chocolate on a snowy morning. The finish clearly didn’t go as planned, and the match lost a couple minutes to picture-in-picture, but I like the twist of Michin getting to the finals in what I’m now convinced will be a hell of a TNA Knockouts title bout when Chelsea Green finds a way to beat Bayley later (but we’ll see). Quick question: Are we to believe if Jade Cargill wasn’t out for whatever reason (legit injury, work, etc.) would this be her in the finals?

The two locked up to start things out and Stratton backed Michin into a corner. Stratton threw Michin to the ground and Michin popped back up and attacked Stratton. Michin landed a dropkick and followed that up with some chops. Michin hit a shoulder block on Stratton and Michin threw Stratton to the outside, where Michin hit a dropkick through the ropes. Michin went for a kick, but Stratton caught Michin and hit a double stomp on Michin on the apron as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Stratton went for another double stomp, but this time Michin moved and hit followed that up with a kick to Stratton. Back in the ring, Michin landed a Tornado DDT. Michin did it again and got a two-count out of it. Michin went for Eat Defeat, but that turned into an Alabama Slam attempt from Stratton – but that turned into a Tarantula via Michin. Michin then tried for a shotgun dropkick, but Stratton moved and hit her Alabama Slam for a two-count. “Let’s go Tiffy” chants broke out.

Michin tried a sleeper, but Stratton broke it up and the two battled on the second rope. Michin went to the top, but Stratton cut her off and hit a rolling Senton. Stratton then went to the top and tried a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Michin moved, but Stratton still hit Michin. Even so, Michin didn’t sell it and hit Eat Defeat for the win.

**********

– #DIY offered up a vignette and Johnny Gargano reflected on how they were screwed out of the tag titles in Cleveland earlier this year. Gargano said he bottled that deep inside and soldiered on. Gargano noted how he told everyone he’d do whatever it takes to get those tag titles back. Ciampa weighed in and complained about Motor City Machine Guns getting a title shot right away. Ciampa said they are on to better days because they are now two time WWE Tag Team Champions. Ciampa closed it out by telling everyone they are #DIY.

The Roman Reigns Video

Paul Heyman stood behind Roman. Roman began by saying it’s been a rough year and not that long ago, they ran everything until through the spring and summer, it fell apart. He lost his title, he lost his Wise Man, he lost The Bloodline – the entire Bloodline. He said most importantly, he lost his Ula Fala. Roman said four years ago, Solo Sikoa wasn’t there and he didn’t take the Ula Fala; he earned it. Roman said his uncles crowned him with the responsibility. Roman said January 6 on Netflix, it will be Tribal Combat with him vs. Solo Sikoa and he will take back his Bloodline and his Ula Fala and his respect. Roman said once he has that respect, the whole world will have no choice but to acknowledge him.

**********

– Legado Del Fantasma was shown talking to Nick Aldis backstage. Santos Escobar asked Aldis what kind of show he was running. Escobar said maybe they’d be better off with Adam Pearce. Carmelo Hayes walked into the frame and said he’d make light work of his mystery opponent and started his walk to the ring. The show then went to a break.

Braun Strowman defeated Carmelo Hayes [1:30]

A simple squash. Poor Carmelo Hayes. He went from being involved in one of SmackDown’s gems each week with the story between him and Andrade and their seven game series. But then that thing ended with a dumb conclusion and … I guess we’re never going to get a proper finale? Did neither guy really want to do the job that bad? Or did the bookers not want either guy to do the job that bad? Either way, now the fella is losing in 90 seconds to mystery opponents. Not great.

Melo made his entrance and stood in the ring … only for Braun Strowman’s music to hit. Strowman walked out and looked bigger than he did before. Melo tried to push Strowman, but Strowman grabbed Melo by the throat. Eventually, Melo jumped at Strowman, but just bounced off the big man. Strowman ran at Melo, but Melo moved and Strowman ran into the ring post. Melo followed up with a dropkick to Strowman’s leg and a DDT for a one-count. Melo jumped off the top rope and Strowman caught Melo, hit the powerslam, and that was it.

**********

– LA Knight was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Knight did all his catchphrases and said the one thing he’s always done throughout his career is handle his business. He referenced how he initially didn’t want to be involved with Bloodline business. Knight said he doesn’t have love for anyone in the family – except he likes Jey Uso, and Knight then offered a “Yeet!” Knight said Solo Sikoa will, in fact, remember Knight when it’s all said and done.

– Solo Sikoa made his entrance and stood in the ring with a microphone. The crowd chanted “OTC!” Sikoa did the “acknowledge me” bit. Everyone booed. Sikoa then said, “Roman Reigns …” but before he could finish his thought, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked to the ring for their match.

LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [11:20]

This was a better-than-expected match. Sikoa and Knight aren’t burning down houses with their in-ring work, no matter how popular they are, but this turned out all right. Knight getting the win, even if it was via DQ, was a tiny bit surprising, but it’s not like Sikoa lost anything coming away as the official loser of the match. Fatu is so great. The way he popped up to attack Knight and end the match was like a live action horror film, but pro wrestling. Kind of. Anyway, good work from everyone involved. Oh, and speaking of that Andrade/Melo feud and what has happened to both guys since and the post-match scene here …

The two jawed at each other after the bell rang before they traded blows. Sikoa got the best of it and repeatedly headbutted Knight. Knight fought back and clotheslined Sikoa over the top to the outside. Sikoa pulled Knight outside and rammed Knight’s back into the ring apron. Sikoa slammed Knight on the commentary table and posed. Sikoa then threw Knight into the crowd barrier. Knight rolled back into the ring, but the action went right back outside. Knight threw Sikoa into the ring steps and slammed Sikoa onto the commentary table.

Knight pounded on Sikoa and rolled Sikoa back into the ring. Before long, Sikoa hit a Samoan Drop on Knight. Sikoa ran at Knight, but Knight got the boot up and hit a bulldog on Sikoa. For the third time, the action spilled outside at about the four-minute mark and Knight dropkicked Tama Tonga. From there, Sikoa landed a Spinning Solo on Knight on the commentary table. The show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Sikoa had the upper hand. Sikoa set up and tried a Superman Punch to mock Roman Reigns, but Knight countered it into a back suplex. The two got to their feet and exchanged punches, but Knight took Sikoa down with a flying clothesline. Knight stomped on Sikoa. Knight hit a running knee on Sikoa and set up for a BFT, but Sikoa rolled to the outside. Knight clotheslined both Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga outside the ring. Knight then back body-dropped Fatu over the commentary table.

Back in the ring, Sikoa hit a super-kick and went for a Samoan Spike, but Knight countered with a Side Effect. Knight went to the second turnbuckle and jumped to the top to hit an elbow for a good near-fall that had the crowd heated. Fatu woke up, went nuts and grabbed Knight, ending the match in a DQ. Fatu then hit a hip attack on Knight, who was against the crowd barrier. Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Knight and the Bloodline beat him down until Andrade and Apollo Crews ran out for the save. It didn’t quite work because the Bloodline quickly took them out, too. Sikoa, Fatu and Tonga stood tall to end the segment.

**********

– Strowman was shown walking backstage and he ran into Pretty Deadly. They offered Strowman a spot in “Pretty Deadly The Musical.” Strowman shook his head and walked to Byron Saxton. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller showed up. Waller offered Strowman a chance to be a guest on the Grayson Waller Effect next week. Strowman said he’d do it.

Chelsea Green defeated Bayley to advance to the finals of the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [12:11]

Clunky at times, and the crowd didn’t do them any favors, but they got where they needed to go. Green vs. Michin the finals of this thing really is surprising, but in a good way. Making things more surprising is that there really wasn’t a lot of shenanigans here designed to protect Bayley. Green’s win wasn’t entirely clean, but it wasn’t like Niven had a huge role in the match. If Green wins that title Saturday night, you have to think it’s going to be one of the loudest pops of the night, right? Like Stratton, crowds just refuse to boo her and that momentum builds larger each week.

Green ran right into a Bayley-To-Belly suplex that felt flat and Bayley only got a two-count out of it. The two then traded pin attempts until Green slapped Bayley to slow things down. Green punched Bayley and threw Bayley into a corner, but Bayley moved and took back control with a running clothesline and a two-count. Bayley landed a pair of arm-drags and a clothesline. Green rolled to the outside and Bayley chased Green. When they returned to the ring, Niven tripped Bayley and Green took advantage of that. Green had the upper hand as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Green still had the advantage. Green rolled Bayley up for a two-count. The show cut to a PIP with the trailer for “Mufasa The Lion King” taking the bigger box. Back to it, Green was working over Bayley on the apron and Bayley ran Green into the ring post. Bayley followed that up with a neck-breaker and a sliding clothesline. Bayley then suplexed Green on the outside. Bayley rolled Green back into the ring and executed a back suplex for a two-count.

Bayley went to the top, but Green cut her off and landed a running knee. Green went to the second rope, but missed a Vader Bomb. Bayley sunset flipped Green into the turnbuckles, but Green kicked out at two. Bayley went for a Bayley-To-Belly, but Greej countered with a rollup. Green hit a Rough Rider for a good near-fall. Bayley then planted Green and went to the top, but Niven dragged Green to the outside. It was outside where Bayley hit Niven with an elbow. Green then threw Bayley into the timekeeper’s area. Green returned to the ring and the referee counted, but Bayley beat the count. Green kicked Bayley in the head and hit an Un-Pretty-Her for the win.

**********

– A Motor City Machine Guns vignette aired. Turns out, Alex Shelley will face Johnny Gargano next week.

– A Nakamura vignette aired. It had subtitles and he said one by one everyone will fall to him. He said LA Knight was just the beginning and Knight is pining for something that he no longer has. Nakamura closed by saying he is inevitable.

– Stratton was walking backstage and ran into Jax, who said it was a tough night, but not everyone is meant to be a champion. LeRae walked in and said next week, LeRae and Jax will team to face Naomi and Belair for the women’s tag titles. Jax was excited and said they need to go brainstorm. LeRae stuck back and told Stratton that maybe Stratton isn’t cut out for singles wrestling.

– Cole and Graves ran down the card for Saturday Night’s Main event.

The Cody Rhodes/Kevin Owens segment

A very underwhelming go-home segment. It was also not what they advertised, in terms of the two talking to each other, but that’s pretty much how these things typically go anyways. The brawl itself even kind of/sort of came up tame and lacked a spark, which was surprising considering how good both guys are at brawling. Just not a lot here. I hope they deliver on Saturday night. If I hadn’t seen any of the build to the match prior to this go-home segment, I’m not sure I would think they will.

Michael Cole stood in the ring and introduced Cody Rhodes. Cody walked to the ring in a suit, sans tie. Cole then introduced Kevin Owens, and nothing happened. Cody said Kevin Owens wasn’t there, but the crowd was there, so he would do the interview with Cole alone. Cole referenced the video from this week with Paul Levesque and Cody and the possibility of the return of the winged eagle belt.

Owens appeared on a video screen, cutting a promo from his car again. Owens said Cody used all his friends to help him finish his story and Owens asked Cole to ask Cody about that. Owens said Cody is as bad a friend as he is a son and a brother. Owens said there was something he meant to tell him: It didn’t matter how long Cody is champion, the truth will always be that Cody was way more interesting as Stardust.

Cody said he was sure Owens had a lot more zingers up his sleeve. Cody threw his belt to the canvas and said he would go find Kevin Owens now. The camera followed Cody through Gorilla and Cody shouted “Kevin!” backstage. Owens appeared out of nowhere and the two brawled in Gorilla and back out into the arena. Owens was getting the best of Cody while wearing a Stardust t-shirt. Officials came out to try and break it up, but Owens fought them off. Cody then got the upper hand and he started beating up the officials, too.

The wrestlers got into the ring and brawled and more security and officials appeared. Cody broke away from them and hit a splash on Owens. Cody kicked Owens and Owens went down. While officials held Cody back, Owens hit Cody in the head with his title. Owens threw the title on top of Cody and the crowd booed. Owens left the ring and the show ended with the visual of Cody being down on the mat.

Wrestling Weekly: The return of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

This Saturday marks the return of WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event — a show which will see the very first United States Women’s Champion crowned.

On today’s Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I make our match predictions and also take a look at AEW’s Continental Classic tournament.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Bayley replacing Jade Cargill in WWE Survivor Series WarGames

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Jade Cargill is out, Bayley is in.

As officially announced on Friday’s WWE SmackDown, Bayley will replace Jade Cargill in the women’s WarGames match set for Saturday’s Survivor Series PLE.

Cargill, who may or may not actually be injured, was taken out of the match with an injury angle on last week’s SmackDown. Bayley then helped Bianca Belair defeat Nia Jax on Monday’s Raw to earn Belair’s team the order of entry advantage in Saturday’s match.

Bayley fought alongside her team on Friday’s SmackDown as a confrontation between the two teams led to a brawl around the arena.

The finalized lineup for the Saturday, November 30 WWE Survivor Series which streams on Peacock beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern time:

  • Men’s WarGames: Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso & Sami Zayn vs. Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa & Bronson Reed
  • Women’s WarGames: Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Bayley, IYO SKY & Naomi vs. Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, Raquel Rodriguez & Candice LeRae
  • World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defends against Damian Priest
  • Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker defends against Sheamus & Ludwig Kaiser in a triple threat
  • United States Champion LA Knight defends against Shinsuke Nakamura

Wrestling Weekly: AEW Full Gear predictions, who is Roman Reigns’ final WarGames partner?

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: AEW

On a new Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I have our predictions for this Saturday’s AEW Full Gear.

We also discuss how Bronson Reed being The Bloodline’s fifth man impacts Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns…and where is Paul Heyman?

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Bayley feels she ‘lost a genuine connection with fans’ after WWE heel turn

Posted on by Ian Carey

During a recent interview with The Pro Wrestling Experience, Bayley reflected on her WWE heel turn.

In 2019, Bayely cut off her side ponytail, destroyed the inflatable tube men that had been a stable of her ring entrance for years, and debuted a more serious persona. The “hugger” character she’d been portraying since 2013 was gone.

Bayley feels as though she lost a genuine connection with fans when she turned heel, but believes it was necessary for her career.

Bayley said:

“When I became a bad guy, I felt like I lost a genuine connection with fans. It was like they don’t know how they feel about me or whether they still want to like me or what it was. It was a genuine disconnection. Sometimes I still think about like, man, I wonder if I never would have done that, where I would be now, or if I would be better or if I would be worse off.”

“But then I think about times like during the pandemic. I don’t know if that character would have been able to last through the pandemic and have the type of success that I did then. I always credit them allowing me to have that moment and them allowing me to explore my growth because I didn’t feel that what I was doing at the time was going to extend my career any longer. I knew I needed to turn that page and just make something different happen.”

“As a fan, I wanted to do everything—I wanted to be a bad guy, I want to be a good guy, I want to get married on WWE, I want to have all the crazy storylines. That was the first taste of doing something different for myself. I catered to a lot of fans coming in, but that was something I felt I needed for my career. I don’t regret that at all.”

Bayley turned babyface again during her program with Damage CTRL leading up to WWE WrestleMania 41. Currently, she is looking to become the first-ever WWE Women’s United States Championship. Bayley advanced to the semifinals of a torunament to crown the first title holder when she pinned Candice Lerae in a three way match that also involved B-Fab on Friday’s SmackDown.

WWE reveals bracket for Women’s United States title tournament

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The brackets for the WWE Women’s United States Championship tournament have been revealed.

Triple H on social media shared a photo of the brackets shortly before SmackDown on Friday. The first-ever champion will be crowned at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14. The first tournament bout took place on SmackDown, with Bayley defeating B-Fab and Candice LeRae in a three-way match.

Bayley will now advance to the semifinals, where she will face the winner of a match between Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, and Blair Davenport. The other side of the bracket has Jade Cargill taking on Michin and Piper Niven, while the fourth and final match of the opening round has Naomi taking on Tiffany Stratton and Elektra Lopez.

WWE unveiled the new championship on last week’s SmackDown. It is unknown if WWE plans to follow through with a Women’s Intercontinental title for Raw. A Women’s North American title was recently established in NXT, with Kelani Jordan becoming the first champion earlier this year.

Women’s United States title tournament to begin on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE’s road to crowning the inaugural Women’s United States Champion begins on SmackDown tonight.

A tournament is being held to determine the first champion, and it starts on tonight’s show with a triple threat match between Candice LeRae, Bayley, and B-Fab. WWE posted a video this afternoon with SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealing the news.

Aldis unveiled the new Women’s United States title belt one week ago. It will serve as a midcard championship for the SmackDown women’s division. LeRae, Bayley, and B-Fab are the first participants to be confirmed for the tournament.

The new title has been in the works for months. WWE has yet to announce if it will be following through on adding a Women’s Intercontinental title belt for the Raw women’s division.

Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee is the venue for SmackDown tonight. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be kicking off the episode.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, November 15) —

  • WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax defends against Naomi
  • WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defend against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
  • Women’s United States title tournament first-round match: Candice LeRae vs. Bayley vs. B-Fab
  • Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes opens the show

Nia Jax vs. Bayley Women’s title match set for WWE Bad Blood

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Bayley is heading to Bad Blood.

The former Women’s Champion has a chance to reclaim the title from Nia Jax at Bad Blood on October 5 in Atlanta. She defeated Naomi to become the new number one contender, connecting with the elbow off the top rope for the win. After the match, Bayley attempted to shake Naomi’s hand but Naomi instead left the ring, appearing upset with the loss.

Two weeks ago Nia Jax and Tiffany Stratton challenged Naomi and Bayley to a match where if they pinned her or Stratton, they would get a title match at Bad Blood. But if Jax or Stratton pinned either of them, whoever lost would have to leave SmackDown. Naomi and Bayley ended up both getting the pin on last week’s SmackDown, leading to a disputed finish. The number one contender’s match was then set for this week’s show.

Towards the end of SmackDown, it was also announced that the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill would be hosting next month’s premium live event.

Here is the updated lineup for Bad Blood:

WWE Bad Blood 2024 (Saturday, October 5) —

  • Hell in a Cell match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu
  • Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax defends against Bayley
  • Damian Priest vs. Finn Balor
  • Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill to host