For the first time in his career, Big E is WWE Champion.
Big E cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase on tonight’s Raw and defeated Bobby Lashley to win the WWE Championship. The cash-in happened after Lashley retained the WWE title against Randy Orton in tonight’s main event.
In storyline, Lashley suffered a knee injury after facing Orton and tried to use that injury to get out of defending his title against Big E, but the match began after Big E slapped Lashley. Lashley hit a spear during the match, but Big E kicked out. Big E got the win by pinning Lashley after hitting the Big Ending.
The show went off the air with Big E celebrating in the ring with his New Day stablemates Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods.
Big E was a member of the SmackDown roster, but the Money in the Bank briefcase allowed him to cash in on the Universal Champion or WWE Champion. This is the first time that Big E has held either title.
Lashley had been WWE Champion since winning the title from The Miz this March.
Lashley vs. Orton was originally scheduled for Extreme Rules, but their title match was moved up to tonight’s Raw. Big E tweeted earlier today that he intended to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase and become WWE Champion.
Date: September 13, 2021 Location: TD Garden in Boston, MA
The Big Takeaway —
Big E is the WWE Champion.
Show Recap —
Smackdown’s Big E came out to start the show. The announcers acknowledged Big E’s tweet saying he planned on cashing in his Money in the Bank contract tonight.
Big E was very excited and ate up the crowd reaction until Randy Orton and Riddle entered. Before they even hit the ring, Bobby Lashley (in a suit) entered with MVP (also in a suit).
Big announced that he fully planned on cashing in tonight. Riddle asked him not to cash in on his bro Randy. MVP told Riddle to shut up and said that won’t be an issue because Randy wasn’t winning the title tonight.
MVP said he was normally happy to see Big E because he can laugh at his stupid antics like everyone else. MVP wasn’t happy, however, because they were supposed to be getting a tag title shot but Orton politicked to get his WWE title match tonight instead of Extreme Rules.
Orton winked at the crowd. He said it’s been 14 years since he’s fought Lashley and didn’t want to wait two more weeks. He said there was no politicking involved. He simply asked for the match and it was accepted — because he’s Randy freakin’ Orton.
Big E was excited to see them fight. MVP called him a clown, but of all the clowns in New Day, he thought Big E would be the first to win the world title. However, he ran from Smackdown to Raw, perhaps because he’s afraid of Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar. (Lashley made sure to mention he wasn’t afraid of them.)
Orton told them to focus on him. He said all it would take is one RKO to become the new champion. Big E was excited to cash in on Orton as soon as he did. Lashley told Orton he would get pummeled tonight and threatened to shove the briefcase up Big E’s ass.
Lashley and Big E argued until Orton laid out Lashley with an RKO.
This was a better than usual opening promo segment and the crowd was hot.
********
Charlotte Flair told Sarah Schreiber that she didn’t get to the top with friends or partners, and Shayna Baszler would never get there while being held down by dead weight. Charlotte called herself the best. The ring was her throne and her reign would last forever. Long live the queen.
There was a video from earlier today of Nia Jax confronting Baszler (who was playing with a deck of cards) about last week. Baszler said she just did what Jax has been doing to her. Jax was confused but wanted them to get back on the same page. Baszler walked off.
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Shayna Baszler in a non-title match (14:15)
Charlotte wiped out Baszler with a dive and they went to break 53 seconds into the match.
Baszler tried the Kirifuda Clutch but Charlotte blocked it and hit a backdrop. Baszler responded with a high-angle German suplex and knee strike for two. Baszler used a few kicks and punches but Charlotte came back with a clothesline, chops, and a back elbow for two. Charlotte followed with a moonsault to the outside which woke up the crowd.
Jax sauntered out and the distraction allowed Baszler to shove Charlotte into the steel steps, which led to another break. Despite that, Charlotte was back in control when they returned. Baszler hit another German suplex but Charlotte chop-blocked her before wrapping her leg in the ropes. Charlotte taunted Jax before heading back in the ring.
Baszler nailed her with a knee strike while Jax hopped on the apron. The distraction allowed Charlotte to hit a big boot for the pinfall win.
********
After the match, Alexa Bliss entered with her doll and a gift for Charlotte. Bliss brought Charlotte the present as a thank you for accepting her title challenge. Charlotte said she doesn’t collect gifts, she collects championships. Bliss basically told her to stop taking herself so seriously and accept the gift. The crowd wanted Charlotte to accept it but she said no.
Bliss said, “yes” and Charlotte said, “no.” This repeated a few times which of course led to “Yes” chants. Charlotte finally accepted the gift and made sure the box wasn’t ticking. The crowd chanted “open it.” The gift was a Lilly doll dressed as Charlotte. Bliss said its name was Charly and the crowd chanted the name.
Bliss said even a narcissistic bitch like Charlotte deserved a friend. Charlotte said she didn’t want the doll and chucked it at Bliss. Bliss attacked her and gave her a Code Red.
The crowd definitely liked Alexa Bliss.
********
The WWE draft was announced for Smackdown on October 1st and Raw on October 4th.
*******
Jinder Mahal and his buddies attacked Drew McIntyre from behind before the upcoming match until the Viking Raiders made the save (really just Erik because he got to the ring much faster than Ivar).
Six-man tag match: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders defeated Jinder Mahal, Veer & Shanky (2:39)
This was over in a hurry. McIntyre basically won this on his own by fighting everyone off and pinning Shanky after a Claymore Kick. (Corey Graves noted that Ivar didn’t even get in the match.)
********
Big E was in the back with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. Woods was pumped up for a cash-in tonight. Big E said it was even happening in Kingston’s hometown. He asked Kingston for advice since he’s won the title before. Kingston said he had everything it took and didn’t need his advice.
[Second hour]
They let us know that a clip of Reginald jumping in the ring has over 80 million views on TikTok.
In the back, Reginald escaped the 24/7 crew (including Cedric Alexander). Drake Maverick showed up and R-Truth told him that his plan didn’t work. Maverick said it wasn’t the fault of the plan, it was the execution. Truth and Akira Tozawa argued over whose fault it was.
********
Damian Priest did a quick backstage promo saying he gets to do something he’s always wanted — face someone he truly admires in Jeff Hardy.
Sheamus joined commentary for the upcoming match.
Damian Priest defeated Jeff Hardy to retain the United States Championship (11:20)
They fought back and forth until Priest wiped out Hardy with a dive. He argued with Sheamus as they went to break. Hardy gained control after the break and hit a dive off the second rope for two. Priest came back with a spinning heel kick for two, followed by a leg lariat (sort of) for two. Hardy followed with a cradle for a nearfall.
Priest suddenly hit Reckoning for the pinfall win. The match started off well but the final moments didn’t look good.
Sheamus attacked both men after the match. After Sheamus got rid of Hardy, Priest knocked him down with a Brogue Kick.
********
There was a plug for “NXT 2.0” tomorrow featuring the NXT title fatal four-way match.
In the back, Nikki ASH told Rhea Ripley that they should work on their very own victory celebration. Ripley wanted to focus on her match against Natalya. Natalya and Tamina showed up and Natalya called them freaks. They argued until a brawl broke out. Sonya Deville and some officials broke them up. Deville made a match between Tamina and Nikki.
They announced the signing of Gable Steveson.
In their locker room, Riddle asked Orton how he planned on holding his two belts. Riddle was being annoying so Orton put on headphones. Riddle kept talking until Big E sauntered in. Orton got to his feet but Big E told him not to worry. Big E said he’d be watching tonight’s title match very closely.
********
Nikki A.S.H. (w/Rhea Ripley) defeated Women’s Tag Team Champion Tamina (w/Natalya) (4:44)
Tamina dominated until Nikki hit a tornado DDT for the sudden pinfall win.
Tamina kicked out right at three. Tamina’s music played and she was announced as the winner.
Natalya and Tamina laid out both Nikki and Ripley after the match.
Rhea Ripley defeated Women’s Tag Team Champion Natalya (w/Tamina)
The announcers said Nikki was being checked by medical staff in the back.
Ripley went after Natalya and Tamina on the outside. She knocked down Tamina with a dropkick but Natalya dodged it and hit a discus clothesline. (Ripley inadvertently landed leg-first on the corner of the steel steps on the dropkick.) Natalya followed with a vertical suplex on the outside which led to break.
Ripley mounted a comeback with clotheslines, a headbutt, and a low dropkick but Natalya dropped her and followed with a low dropkick of her own for two. Ripley ducked a clothesline and used a Northern Lights suplex for two. Ripley applied a standing cloverleaf but Natalya fought out and hit a German suplex.
Ripley countered a sharpshooter into a schoolboy for two. Tamina hopped on the apron to distract Ripley but Nikki ran down at that moment to trip Natalya. Ripley dropped Tamina off the apron while Natalya tried a rollup with her feet on the ropes. Nikki knocked her feet off the ropes and Ripley kicked out.
Ripley applied the standing cloverleaf and Natalya tapped out.
[Third hour]
Schreiber tried interviewing Charlotte but Charlotte blew by her upon seeing the Charly doll sitting on an equipment box. Charlotte told Schreiber that she planned on destroying Bliss and Lilly. Charlotte tossed Charly in the trash.
********
Eight-man tag match: AJ Styles, Omos, Mace & T-Bar defeated Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Mustafa Ali & Mansoor (10:06)
Mansoor danced with New Day before the match which displeased Ali.
T-Bar turned Ali inside out with a great-looking boot and the heels attacked the remaining babyfaces. (The good guys returned to the apron pretty quickly so that was fairly pointless.)
After a break, Mansoor fought off Styles with an enziguri and made the hot tag to Woods. Woods and Kingston did a combo Russian leg sweep/missile dropkick for a two count. Woods took out T-Bar with a tornado DDT before Mansoor and Ali wiped out Mace and T-Bar with dives. Styles gave Kingston a fireman’s carry neckbreaker but Ali broke up the cover.
Everyone traded moves until Ali tagged himself in a gave Styles a tornado DDT. Omos tagged in and the crowd buzzed. Omos knocked down Ali before easily tossing aside Woods, Kingston and Mansoor. Omos dropped Ali with a tree slam for the pinfall win.
********
Kevin Patrick tried interviewing Lashley about Big E as he warmed up in the back. MVP told Patrick that Big E was more of an annoyance than a distraction. MVP said Orton would join Kingston, McIntyre and Goldberg as men who failed miserably to take on Lashley.
Big E approached and reminded them that he planned on cashing in tonight.
*******
Doudrop defeated Eva Marie (2:00)
Marie raked Doudrop’s eyes and tried a schoolboy but Doudrop didn’t budge or even notice what Marie was trying to do. Doudrop followed with a senton and running crossbody for the pinfall win.
********
Karrion Kross did a backstage promo. He introduced himself and used the Sean O’Haire line, “I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.” He spoke about his victims and planned on hurting everyone here until there is no one left and he gets everything he wants. He’s not here to get lost in the shuffle. Everyone will fall and pray.
********
Next week: Shayna Baszler vs. Nia Jax
********
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Randy Orton (w/Riddle) to retain the WWE Championship (13:16)
Orton goaded Lashley into following him around the ring. Lashley confronted Riddle which allowed Orton to attack him from behind and toss him around ringside. Lashley kicked out at one before using shoulder tackles in the corner. Orton dodged a running shoulder tackle and Lashley went into the post. Orton tried a draping DDT but Lashley dumped him over the top.
Lashley went after Orton but Orton gave him a backdrop on the edge of the barricade before clotheslining him over the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. The crowd chanted for Orton as they went to break.
Orton hit a superplex following the break for two. Lashley responded by driving Orton into the post. (MVP pretended to fan Orton with his hand, so Riddle used his hat to fan Orton in response.) Lashley drove Orton into the barricade before hitting a shoulder tackle and neckbreaker in the ring for two.
Orton slipped out of a spinebuster attempt and hit clotheslines, punches in the corner and a powerslam for two. Orton hit a draping DDT and went for an RKO but Lashley shoved him off and hit a spear for a nearfall.
Orton fought out of a Hurt Lock and hit an RKO but MVP helped Lashley get to the apron which prevented Orton from making a cover. The referee and Riddle yelled at MVP until Orton went outside to give MVP an RKO. (Riddle was very happy about that.)
Orton went back in the ring but Lashley speared him for the pinfall win. Very good match.
********
After the match, Lashley attacked Riddle and drove him into the post before slamming Orton through the announce table.
(I’m not sure if this was by design, but as the table collapsed, a piece hit Lashley in the shin and he came up limping.)
*********
Big E ran out and he handed over the briefcase. They announced he was cashing in and the crowd popped big. Lashley sat down in the corner selling his leg as they went to break.
********
After a break, the crowd was still buzzing. The announcers said Lashley was refusing to defend the title because of his leg injury. Big E slapped Lashley in the face so Lashley tackled him and they rang the bell.
Big E defeated Bobby Lashley to win the WWE Championship (1:14)
Lashley was on offence until Big E chop-blocked his injured leg. Big E went for the Big Ending but Lashley slipped out and hit a spear for a nearfall.
Big E fought back and hit the Big Ending for the pinfall win. Big E is the WWE Champion.
(You could see the excitement on his face before the referee finished counting.)
The crowd went nuts as Kingston and Woods ran down to celebrate. They all hugged before Big E posed with the WWE title belt.
Two months after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase and contract for a WWE title or Universal title match, Big E tweeted Monday that he intends to cash in on tonight’s Raw.
Monday’s show will see WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defend against Randy Orton in a title match that was moved up from the Extreme Rules pay-per-view.
Big E won the contract with his victory at July’s Money in the Bank show in Fort Worth, Texas. As the contract holder, he can appear on any show he wants at any time to cash in.
The 35-year-old has held WWE singles gold before as he’s a former Intercontinental Champion and NXT Champion. As part of The New Day, he is a six-time combined Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champion.
Here’s the current lineup for Monday on USA:
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton title match
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Shayna Baszler non-title match
U.S. Champion Damian Priest open challenge
Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Mustafa Ali and Mansoor vs. AJ Styles, Omos, Mace and T-Bar
Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya
Let’s let that cat out of the bag…I intend on cashing in my Money in the Bank contract tonight and cashing in to become WWE Champion.
At tonight’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Big E defeated Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Seth Rollins to win the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. At the end of the match, Big E gave Rollins the Big Ending off a ladder and then climbed back up to retrieve the briefcase.
This was the first Money in the Bank ladder match that Big E has ever competed in. If Big E successfully cashes in for either the Universal Championship or WWE Championship, it will be the first World title reign of his career.
There were streaming issues on Peacock throughout the entrances for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The issues were resolved as the match started. WWE posted a statement on the issues: “Peacock has resolved the issue. Users may need to exit and re-enter the stream.”
We have a lot of different news stories headlining the new issue of the Observer. Our lead story looks at the condition of Terry Funk, his legacy and his generation of wrestlers.
Also in this issue:
Ticket sales for WWE and AEW shows including the four shows that will top 10,000 tickets sold, hottest wrestling tickets on the secondary market as well as this week’s UFC show, ticket sales for all AEW events on sale, every major WWE show including Madison Square Garden and every event this month, details on all shows and capacity of the buildings.
Schedule and some early details on the 2021 G1 Climax tournament.
The arrest of Jonathan Fatu (Jimmy Uso), his track record of arrests from the past and more reaction.
Grappl’s list of the best matches of 2021 so far as well as sleeper matches from small promotions worth checking out.
The biggest lawsuit settlement in WWE history, update on John Cena, Linda McMahon with Donald Trump, Daniel Bryan mentions on Smackdown, Thea Trinidad return to WWE, how often each company does rematches, Smackdown doing a split site show, changes to a WWE streaming product, huge match coming, wrestlers recently cut were to be put in a new group, notes on Breakout tournament competitors, International TV ratings for WWE and AEW, WWE exec honored as one of the best in the world except they fired him, new WWE marketing deal, the most viewed segments on YouTube of WWE programming this past week as well as the current WWE market value.
Update Dwayne Johnson’s planned launch of the XFL and explain the latest delays.
A story on the death of Cyanide Sid Cooper, a top U.K. heel who was both a major inspiration of the Lord Steven Regal character in WCW and Regal’s favorite wrestler as a young child, his matches, what he was known for, life after wrestling and more.
Coverage of AAA’s Verano de Escandalo.
A story on Chris Romero aka Chris Youngblood, from the famous Romero wrestling family, his family, including relatives few know about, his breaking into the business, how he became a big star in Puerto Rico, the heyday of The Youngbloods there, the death of Bruiser Brody, and the glory days of All Japan Pro Wrestling.
More detail on the ratings than any other source, we have how every segment on NXT and AEW did with different age groups, genders and more, plus a look at all other wrestling shows of the past week, how many different viewers the shows had, DVR numbers and how long the average fan watches.
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.
In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.
For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.
If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.
TUESDAY NEWS UPDATE
WWE
WWE has uploaded Paul Orndorff’s Hall of Fame speech from 2005 on their YouTube page.
Baron Corbin has set up a Cameo. He posted an in-character promo asking people to help him out after losing his investments and his crown.
Big E, in an interview with TalkSport, said he and the rest of the New Day rejected the idea of splitting up after Kofimania: “I can’t really divulge the conversation, but even from the top of the business, the very head of what we do – you know exactly who I’m talking about – he directly told us ‘hey, this is the idea’ and we said, we’re not feeling it. This was post-KofiMania. There were people who wanted it earlier [than that] as well. If we’d done it, we would have missed out on so many great moments. I still think that doing it now or soon, there are great moments to come and we have a lot more to offer. I think you’ve seen happy, clappy New Day for a very long time.”
Blair Davenport, the former Bea Priestley, spoke to TalkSport on what led her to signing with WWE. “I wanted to do everything that I wanted to do, then come to this part in my life,” she said. “During the pandemic, there was a small window. Obviously, I got cut from AEW because my visa expired and there was no hope for a new visa happening at that time. There was a tiny window in August where people who had Japan visas could go back, so I went back to Japan. I loved STARDOM so much, but this time I think I was the only foreigner there, whereas before, I had a group of friends with me. I love the roster, but I did feel very isolated and I started to feel stagnant with my role and feeling like there was only so much more I could do with this company before I stayed in my same position. I hate being stagnant and I wanted to be like, ‘I need to do something for me now. This is when we got in touch with WWE and we were chatting. I almost wanted a bit of time at home as well to have a bit of a rest, but I love NXT UK so much and it’s definitely where I want to be right now.”
Speaking with TVInsider, Johnny Gargano spoke on taking up a mentor/ambassador role within NXT. “That’s always been my goal,” he said. “I wanted to give what I could. I’m always a bigtime team player, just doing what is best for the show and the brand and company. I’ve been a big proponent of preparing for the future of NXT. Being able to mentor Austin and Indi and give my thoughts and insights wherever they are needed. Also help out other young people on the show. I’m very proud of what I’ve done in NXT. The secret is just constantly changing and evolving and bringing something new to the table.”
Gargano also spoke to Sportskeeda ahead of his NXT title match tonight against Karrion Kross.
Sami Zayn on Twitter: “Wow we made it! In 24hrs we raised $10,003 for http://SamiForSyria.com mobile clinic! Thank you all for making this 37 year old boy’s birthday wish come true & for donating to help provide medical care to the displaced Syrian population. So grateful for all of you. Thank you.”
Beth Phoenix is the guest on this week’s Oral Sessions with Renee Paquette.
El Texano Jr. appeared at a press conference for Alberto El Patron’s Robles Patron Promotions and announced he has left AAA for Patron’s promotion.
AEW has released a Road to Fyter Fest video promoting the IWGP US title match, Matt Hardy vs. Christian Cage, and the coffin match between Darby Allin and Ethan Page.
The NWA held a press conference today for their upcoming 73rd Anniversary Show which included Mickie James, NWA World Champion Nick Aldis, NWA President Billy Corgan, Trevor Murdoch, and NWA Women’s Champion Kamille, among others. At the confrence, Mickie James announced that the NWA will hold a Women’s Invitational Cup, and the winner of that tournament will challenge for the Women’s title at the anniversary show.
Trent of the Best Friends talked to Stephanie Chase about his recovery from neck fusion surgery. “It’s been like two weeks now and I feel great, but I know that in between my vertebrae I don’t have bones or anything yet. It’s kind of just dust, and I’m waiting for it to grow into bone. It doesn’t feel like anything but, it’s still gonna be a while before I come back so, but it was actually, surgery-wise, like way easier than I expected it to be.”
Impact is offering two months of their streaming service, Impact+, for free. When signing up, use the code SLAMMIVERSARY to receive the offer.
On That Hashtag Show (h/t Post Wrestling), Eddie Edwards said that he was recovering well following a bout of appendicitis. “I’m good man,” he said. “I feel back to 100 percent or as I like to say, normal or whatever normal is. For each and every person, I feel relatively normal right now. It was a rough couple of weeks but now I’m back on and I feel good, back in the routine, getting ready for [Slammiversary] man. There [were] a couple moments like heading to the hospital at the time and it’s like what if there’s a couple minutes of traffic and it’s like, ‘Maybe that’s the two minutes where my appendix blows up and kills me. What if that’s taking me out.’ You try to stay positive, and it was mostly focused just on the pain and wanting to get it done and over it.”
Arturo Ruas spoke to Wrestling Inc. about the Raw Underground concept. “RAW Underground was totally different than what we see in pro wrestling matches,” he said. “I had so much fun doing it, and I had the opportunity to talk with a lot of people and that was very good to be there. I had so much fun on the show. It was supposed to be non-stop, running all the time, but the pandemic sucks, and the pandemic changed the lives of millions of people. So RAW Underground died because of the pandemic.”
Kelsey Heather is one of the few people that have appeared on AEW and WWE television that aired on the same night. On AEW Dark: Elevation yesterday, she lost to Leyla Hirsch. On Raw, she was one of the women associated with Bobby Lashley and MVP, appearing in backstage segments and on the VIP Lounge.
WatchMojo posted a video of their top 10 AEW Dynamite matches.
Sammy Guevara’s latest vlog, which features the Dark Order after they were booted from Being the Elite.
A video featuring Session Moth Martina ahead of OTT’s return to shows starting on July 18 in Belfast, Ireland.
WWE has revealed the first two SmackDown participants for Money in the Bank.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Big E defeated Apollo Crews to qualify for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. It was also announced that Carmella will be taking part in this year’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
This will be the first Money in the Bank ladder match that Big E has participated in during his career.
Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, and Big E are the first four wrestlers to qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
A triple threat last chance qualifying match between AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre on Monday’s Raw will determine Raw’s final participant for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. SmackDown has three more spots left to be filled. One of them will be determined when Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn face off in a Last Man Standing qualifying match on SmackDown next Friday.
Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, and Carmella are the first five wrestlers to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Carmella didn’t have a qualifying match to get her Money in the Bank spot. WWE authority figure Sonya Deville instead announced her as SmackDown’s first participant for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Deville cited the previous success that Carmella has had in Money in the Bank.
Liv Morgan interrupted Carmella tonight and pointed out that she defeated Carmella two weeks ago. Deville made a match between Carmella and Morgan for tonight’s SmackDown and gave Morgan the chance to prove herself. Morgan defeated Carmella, but it wasn’t announced if Morgan will be getting a Money in the Bank spot.
Money in the Bank is taking place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18. It will be the first pay-per-view in WWE’s return to touring.
SmackDown’s build to Money in the Bank will kick off tonight.
WWE has announced that Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews vs. Big E in a Money in the Bank qualifying match will take place on tonight’s SmackDown. Crews’ Intercontinental title won’t be on the line in the match.
Ricochet, John Morrison, and Riddle have already qualified for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The winner of Crews vs. Big E will take the first of SmackDown’s four spots in the match. The final Raw participant will be determined when AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre face off in a triple threat last chance qualifying match this coming Monday.
Money in the Bank is taking place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18 and will be the first pay-per-view in WWE’s return to touring. Raw’s Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross are the first four wrestlers to qualify for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
Here’s the updated lineup for tonight’s SmackDown:
After retaining his title against Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match last Friday, Universal Champion Roman Reigns will hold a victory celebration
Money in the Bank qualifying match: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews vs. Big E
Mixed tag team match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair & Cesaro vs. Bayley & Seth Rollins
A tag match featuring four wrestlers involved in the Intercontinental title picture is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews & Sami Zayn will face Kevin Owens & Big E in a tag team match on SmackDown tonight. On SmackDown last week, Crews defeated Owens to retain the Intercontinental title.
Last week’s Crews vs. Owens match had a stipulation where Crews’ bodyguard Commander Azeez was banned from ringside. But Azeez instead attacked Owens backstage before the match. Following the match, Zayn ran down to the ring and gave Owens a Helluva Kick.
Crews retained against Big E, Owens, and Zayn in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown three weeks ago. The finish to that match involved Aleister Black, who has since been released by WWE, attacking Big E to start what was a planned feud with him.
WWE has also announced that there will be a “Ding Dong, Hello!” segment on SmackDown tonight with Seth Rollins appearing as Bayley’s guest. There was an angle on SmackDown three weeks ago where Cesaro was stretchered out after being attacked by Rollins. Bayley is challenging for Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell on Sunday, June 20.
The Street Profits vs. Chad Gable & Otis is also set for tonight’s SmackDown. Plus, WWE is teasing that Rey Mysterio will be out for payback after Roman Reigns beat down Rey and Dominik Mysterio last week.
The Mysterios’ first title defense will be a rematch against the former champions.
WWE has announced that Rey & Dominik Mysterio will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. The Mysterios defeated Ziggler & Roode to win the titles at WrestleMania Backlash earlier this month.
During the pre-show for WrestleMania Backlash, there was an angle where Ziggler and Roode attacked Dominik backstage. The Tag Team title match began as Rey facing Ziggler & Roode on his own until Dominik came out and joined the match as it was going on. The finish saw Dominik hit a frog splash and pin Roode after Rey had given Roode a 619.
Rey & Dominik are the first father-son tag team champions in WWE history.
Dominik defeated Roode in a singles match on SmackDown last week. Dominik pinned Roode after hitting a 619 and a frog splash.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature The Usos facing The Street Profits in a tag team match. In storyline, Jimmy Uso had the match made without telling Jey Uso about it beforehand. Jimmy has been trying to get Jey to focus on teaming together again instead of backing up Roman Reigns.
Aleister Black made his return to SmackDown tonight, attacking Big E to close out the show.
Black made an appearance towards the end of the fatal four way match for the Intercontinental title between Big E, Apollo Crews, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens. Big E posted Commander Azeez and went to finish Crews off when smoke filled the arena, and Black appeared. Crews grabbed E’s legs, allowing Black to hit the Black Mass. Crews then pinned Big E to retain the title.
The show closed with Black standing on the entryway, smiling as the show went off the air.
In recent weeks, vignettes featuring Black have aired on SmackDown, where he talked about his father and what he has taught him, reading from a book called Tales of the Dark Father.
Prior to the new character, Black had not been seen on television in six months, last appearing on the October 12 edition of Raw where he lost to Kevin Owens in a No Disqualification match. Black was then drafted to SmackDown as part of the 2020 WWE Draft, but had not been seen on television until recently.
The Intercontinental title will be on the line in a fatal four-way match on tonight’s WrestleMania Backlash fallout edition of SmackDown.
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends his title against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens tonight. Tensions have been building between all four wrestlers for weeks and resulted in a wild brawl last Friday.
At WrestleMania Backlash, Roman Reigns defeated Cesaro to retain the Universal Championship. After the match, Jey Uso attacked Cesaro and beat him down. Reigns and Uso left, but Seth Rollins came out and continued to beat down Cesaro.
Earlier in the night, Jimmy Uso had a tense conversation with his brother and cousin. He wished Reigns good luck but insulted Jey later in the night.
WrestleMania Backlash also saw SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair make her first title defense as she retained against Bayley. Plus, Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles and become the first father-son tag team champions in WWE history.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Sonya Deville was standing in the ring to start SmackDown. She announced that WWE is going back on the road in July. Deville then talked about the current champions.
All the champions except Roman Reigns were standing on the stage. She introduced each one as part of the parade of champions.
Deville got to Apollo Crews, but Commander Azeez demanded they cut the music. He handed the mic to Crews.
Crews noted he could lose the title without getting pinned in the fatal four-way in the main event. Regardless, he promised to defeat all of them. Deville thanked Crews and then introduced the WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair.
Deville then introduced the tribal chief and Universal Champion Roman Reigns. Reigns’ old Sheild music hit, but Paul Heyman walked out instead. He mocked the parade of champions and said they’re all just title holders.
Reigns isn’t a titleholder. He’s the preeminent champion of the WWE Universe. Heyman promised that the fans would gladly purchase tickets to see Reigns.
Heyman noted Reigns would have his own parade of champions at his leisure and walked off.
Bayley jumped in the ring and noted that Belair used her ponytail to beat her. She demanded that Deville strip Belair of the title.
Belair heard enough and marched down to the ring. She got in Bayley’s face, but Bayley backed off. Bayley said it’s not time.
Suddenly, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax jumped Belair from behind. All three beat her down until Natalya and Tamina jumped in for the save. The heels overpowered the faces and beat all three down. They focused their beat down on Tamina.
Michael Cole noted that Raw’s Jax and Baszler are appearing because of the quarterly draft-to-draft invitation.
The heels were firmly in control and cut off Natalya from her corner. Jax slammed down Natalya for a near fall.
Belair got the hot tag and ran wild. She avoided Baszler with a moonsault and hit a spinebuster.
Belar climbed to the top rope, but the heels dragged Baszler out of the ring. Belair changed direction and hit a crossbody to the floor, but she seemed to injure her knee on the landing.
Back from the break, Bayley worked over Belair’s knee. Belair fought back and tagged in Tamina.
Tamina ran wild and tagged in Natalya. Tamina rocked Bayley with a superkick, and Natalya locked on the sharpshooter. Baszler made the tag and broke up the hold.
Belair attempted a handspring moonsault, but Bayley dragged her out of the ring. Bayley then hit the Bayley-to-Belly on the floor.
Natalya knocked Bayley off the apron, but Baszler took advantage. She locked on the Kirifuda clutch on Natalya for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Big E about his upcoming match. Braxton noted Big E’s in a good mood. He noted he’s going to be in the ring with dogs. Big E promised to win the Intercontinental championship later.
Aleister Black read from the Tales of the Dark Father again. Black read from the next chapter, The Beautiful Pain.
It focused on the story behind his tattoos and the lessons his father taught him. He said the people are sick and dying animals. It’s time to separate the weak from the strong.
Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) defeated King Corbin
Nakamura and Corbin had a fine match. It dragged at times and had the typical distraction finish.
King Corbin made his way to the ring. They recapped Shinsuke Nakamura taking King Coribn’s crown and wearing it throughout the week. Corbin was furious and talked about being a real king. He mocked Nakamura for taking a picture with a cat. Corbin promised to punish Nakamura and take back his crown.
Ric Boogs interrupted playing his guitar. He then introduced Shinsuke Nakamura.
The match started during the commercial break. Corbin had the early advantage and hit a powerbomb on Nakamura.
Nakamura recovered and hit a sliding knee for a near fall. Corbin avoided Nakamura and hit a German suplex for a two-count.
Nakamura briefly fought back, but Corbin hit the Deep six for a very close near fall. Boogs started playing Nakamura’s music on his guitar. Corbin became distracted, and Nakamura used small package for the win.
In the back, Jimmy Uso approached Sonya Deville. He noted The Usos are ready to get back into the tag team division. Jimmy wants the smoke. Deville asked if Jimmy’s sure that Jey is ready to reform the team.
Jimmy’s certain Jey’s got his back. Deville agreed and announced The Usos vs. The Street Profits for next week.
In the back, Kevin Owens talked about the fatal four-way title match tonight. He promised to win the title and become a three-time Intercontinental Champion.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Paul Heyman Segment
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jey Uso made their way to the ring.
They recapped Reigns beating Cesaro to retain the title at WrestleMania Backlash. It also included the post-match beat down. They piped in loud “Roman sucks” chants.
Reigns called himself a humble man and said he doesn’t like to brag on live television. Instead, he’s going to let his advisor Heyman celebrate him.
Heyman was excited and thanked Reigns for the surprise. Heyman pointed out that Reigns sent The Fiend to Raw, pinned Kevin Owens, and made history when he pinned Daniel Bryan and Edge at the same time.
Heyman noted that Edge hasn’t been back since WrestleMania and Reigns ended Bryan’s career. He praised Reigns for beating Cesaro on his own. Heyman said it’s a career highlight to acknowledge Reigns.
Heyman noted he’d do anything for Reigns. He asked Reigns what he wants him to do for him next.
Reigns demanded to see his cousin. Heyman yelled for Jimmy Uso to come to the ring.
Cesaro’s music and he came out with his arm in a sling. Reigns demanded they cut off his music.
Cesaro noted he’s looking for Seth Rollins in the back. He heard Reigns talking, so he decided to come out.
Cesaro demanded another title shot and challenged Reigns to a match at Hell In A Cell. Reigns laughed and asked if he should break Cesaro’s other arm.
Suddenly, Seth Rollins jumped Cesaro and attacked the arm. He viciously beat him around ringside. Referees and officials ran out and separated them.
Rollins ran back to the ring and continued the attack. He hit the curb stomp on Cesaro at ringside.
Referees and officials pulled Rollins off again. Rollins walked away but ran back and hit one more curb stomp on the ramp. Medical personal ran out with a stretcher.
Reigns and Heyman were great in this segment.
Back from the break, they recapped Rollins attacking Cesaro and hitting two curb stomps on the ramp.
In the back, EMTs were taking Cesaro away on a stretcher when Rollins ran over to him. He yelled at Cesaro. Rollins blamed him for making Rollins act like this.
Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) defeated Robert Roode (w/Dolph Ziggler)
This was a fun short match.
They recapped Rey & Dominik Mysterio beating Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles. They showed Aalyah Mysterio and her mother celebrating the win at home.
Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler walked out. Roode pointed out that Rey did all the work on Sunday. He said, bring your son to work day is over and that Dominik doesn’t belong in the WWE.
Roode wasted no time and attacked Dominik. He backed Dominik into the corner and hit two suplexes. He attempted a third, but Dominik countered into a small package for a near fall.
Roode and Dominik fought on the top rope. Dominik pushed Roode to the mat and followed up with a cross body for a near fall.
Dominik attempted a tornado DDT, but Roode pushed him off. Roode went for a powerbomb, but Dominik set up for the 619.
Ziggler distracted Dominik, but Rey attacked him at ringside. Roode rolled up Dominik for a near fall.
The finish came when Dominik hit the 619 on Roode and followed up with the frog splash for the win.
In the back, Jimmy Uso approached Jey Uso. Jimmy celebrated and noted they got a match with The Street Profits.
Jey didn’t like that Jimmy made the match without asking him. Jimmy noted Jey won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal without Reigns.
Jey thought about it and decided he needs to tell Reigns about the match next week.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee discussed fans returning in a few weeks. McAfee was so excited that he jumped to his feet.
In the back, Jey Uso approached Roman Reigns in his dressing room. Jey pointed out that Jimmy made the match without asking him.
Reigns talked about everything they’ve done together. Reigns whispered in his Jey’s ear and walked off.
The Street Profits talked about The Usos in the back. They mocked The Usos and promised to defeat them next week.
Behind the curtain, Kayla Braxton approached Sami Zayn. He called her a corporate hack, and he knows what she’s trying to do.
Zayn promised to regain his title tonight.
They announced Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler against WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina on Raw this Monday.
Fatal Four-Way: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews (w/Commandar Azeez) defeated Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E
This was a good match with everyone working hard. They worked at a fast pace.
Owens went after Zayn at the bell. They rolled to the floor and brawled around ringside.
In the ring, Big E rocked Crews with a back elbow. Owens took advantage and caught Big E with a step-up enziguri.
Zayn jumped Owens and choked him on the top rope. Big E recovered and pulled Zayn to ringside.
Big E placed Zayn and Crews on the apron and hit the big splash.
Owens took advantage and hit a flip dive onto Big E wiping him out.
Back from the break, Crews rocked Big E with a standing dropkick. Crews sent Owens into the ring steps. He then hit a moonsault off the apron onto Big E.
Zayn attacked Crews and hit a moonsault off the barricade. Owens rocked Zayn with a clothesline and hit a Swanton in the ring. Big E broke up the pin attempt and traded shots with Owens.
Crews took over after dropping Big E on the top rope. He followed up with three rolling German suplexes.
Owens broke up the pin attempt with a senton.
Zayn gave Owens the exploder suplex in the corner. Owens avoided the Helluva kick. He went for the stunner, but Zayn reversed into a pin for a near fall. Zayn followed up with a Michinoku Driver for another close near fall.
Zayn attempted to give Owens a superplex, but Owens reversed into the fisherman’s buster. Crews broke up the pin attempt.
Crews avoided the spear through the ropes. Owens and Crews fought on the apron. Crews knocked Owens down, but Big E caught Crews with the spear off the apron.
Back from the break, Crews hit a suplex on Big E for a near fall. Crews hit everyone in the ring but focused his attack on Big E.
Big E fought back and hit a belly-to-belly on Crews, Zayn and Crews again. He went for a splash, but Zayn caught him with a boot to the face.
Zayn avoided the pop-up powerbomb, but Owens hit a fisherman’s neck breaker for a near fall.
Owens climbed to the top rope, but Crews cut him off. Big E gave Crews and Zayn a German suplex. Owens then hit a frog splash on Crews for a close near fall.
Owens took over and hit a cannonball in the corner on Big E and Crews. Zayn recovered and hit the blue thunder bomb for another close near fall.
Zayn climbed to the top rope, but Crews and Zayn cut him off. Zayn avoided Owens and jumped off.
Big E went for the Big Ending on Zayn, but Owens hit a superkick on both. He then hit a pop-up powerbomb on Crews for close two-count.
Zayn took out Owens on the floor. In the ring, Big E caught Zayn with a uranage and hit the Big Ending on Crews.
Azeez pulled Big E out of the ring to break up the pin attempt. Big E fought back and sent Azeez into the ring post.
Big E jumped back in the ring, but the lights dimmed, and smoke filled the arena.
Suddenly, Aleister Black walked out of the smoke. Big E was shocked and confused. Crews then grabbed Big E’s legs, and Black hit the Black Mass on Big E. Crews then pinned Big E to win the match.
Apollo Crews’ next Intercontinental title defense is set — but it won’t be taking place at WrestleMania Backlash.
WWE has announced that Crews will defend his Intercontinental title against Big E, Sami Zayn, and Kevin Owens in a fatal four-way match on SmackDown next Friday. It will be the first SmackDown episode following this Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.
There was a segment on tonight’s SmackDown where Crews presented the “Nigerian Medal of Honor” to Commander Azeez. Crews said a swarm of gnats have been coming after him since he became Intercontinental Champion, but Azeez has thwarted them time after time. Crews said he’s restored glory to the Intercontinental title with the help of Azeez and has brought honor to his home of Nigeria. Crews said there’s no end in sight to his reign of prosperity.
After Crews gave the Medal of Honor to Azeez, Big E appeared on the video screen and interrupted them. Zayn and then Owens came out to the ring. Crews and Azeez brawled with Owens while Zayn bailed. Big E came out to even the odds, but Owens accidentally gave him a superkick during the brawl. Zayn attacked Owens but was laid out with a stunner. Big E recovered and gave Owens the Big Ending. He then tried to give Crews the Big Ending too, but Azeez helped Crews get away.
Crews approached authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville backstage later in the show and demanded consequences for Big E, Zayn, and Owens. Pearce said he was trying to figure out who would challenge for Crews’ Intercontinental title next week. Crews said it was outrageous that Pearce would reward them for their misbehavior.
Deville told Crews that he better be careful or Pearce might make him face all of his challengers at once like he did with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Pearce liked that idea and made Crews vs. Big E vs. Zayn vs. Owens for the Intercontinental title official for next Friday’s SmackDown.
Crews has been Intercontinental Champion since winning the title from Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight at WrestleMania 37 last month. Azeez debuted as Crews’ bodyguard during that match and interfered to help Crews win the title.
Daniel Bryan is putting his SmackDown career on the line in a Universal Championship match next Friday.
WWE has announced that Roman Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Bryan on SmackDown next week. If Bryan loses, he’ll be banished from SmackDown.
A show-long storyline on tonight’s SmackDown revolved around Reigns responding to Cesaro’s challenge for a Universal Championship match. Bryan advocated for Cesaro to get the title shot and teamed with Cesaro to defeat Seth Rollins & Jey Uso.
Paul Heyman promised that Reigns would give an answer to Cesaro’s challenge by the end of the night. In the main event segment, Reigns told Cesaro that his answer is no and will always be no. Reigns said Cesaro doesn’t deserve it and isn’t on his level. Reigns said the Universal Champion issues the challenges around here. Reigns then turned his attention to Bryan.
Reigns said he doesn’t like Bryan and has never liked him. Reigns then said he was going to give Bryan one more title shot. Cesaro told Bryan that he has to take the opportunity. Bryan went to respond, but Reigns said he doesn’t want to see Bryan on his show again after Bryan loses. Bryan accepted the challenge.
Reigns retained the Universal Championship by defeating Bryan and Edge in a triple threat match in the main event of WrestleMania 37 night two earlier this month. After getting help from Uso, Reigns stacked Bryan and Edge on top of each other and pinned them both to win the match.
WWE has also announced that Apollo Crews will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Big E on SmackDown next Friday. With assistance from Commander Azeez, Crews defeated Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight at WrestleMania 37 night two to win the Intercontinental title.
Crews made his first Intercontinental title defense on SmackDown tonight, retaining against Kevin Owens after a distraction by Commander Azeez. Big E attacked Crews during a backstage interview later in the show.
Night two of WrestleMania 37 will include a performance by pro wrestling fan and Grammy-nominated rapper Wale.
WWE has announced that Wale will perform Big E’s entrance music “Feel the Power” live at WrestleMania 37 night two this Sunday. Big E is defending his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight at night two of WrestleMania.
“Feel the Power” debuted as Big E’s entrance music this past December. Big E won the Intercontinental title that month by defeating Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match.
“He’s one of my favorite rappers there is, but also to have my friend and someone who’s a huge wrestling fan, I was geeked just to be able to get him to perform,” Big E told Bleacher Report. “To have him perform for me at home — Tampa’s my home — is incredible. I’m so stoked about it. We’ve been trying to get Wale for years. We tried to get him at a ‘Mania a couple of years ago, but things didn’t work out. I’m so excited about it and I know he is, too, because as a big fan, it’s a dream come true.”
Wale has appeared on WWE programming multiple times in the past, including officiating The New Day and The Usos’ rap battle in July 2017.
“One of the things that I realized years ago is that so many of the rappers as a hip-hop head that I really enjoyed were big, massive wrestling fans,” Big E told Bleacher Report. “I thought, ‘Man, we should be doing so much more to connect those two bridges.’ I love that and that’s what he’s been doing: bringing the culture to WWE and I think it’s so dope.”
Wale has also partnered with Foot Locker to launch a capsule collection of WaleMania clothing that pays tribute to some of the greatest Black WWE champions in history. The collection includes T-shirts honoring Sasha Banks, Kofi Kingston, Booker T, Mark Henry, and Ron Simmons. WaleMania began as a WrestleMania week event in 2015.
When Crews challenged Big E to make their match at WrestleMania 37 a Nigerian Drum Fight, Crews said there will be no rules or limitations for the match — just a beating so loud it sounds like a drum.
WrestleMania 37 night two will also feature rock musician Ash Costello performing Rhea Ripley’s entrance music “Brutality.” Ripley is challenging for Asuka’s Raw Women’s Championship at the show.
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida is hosting WrestleMania 37 this Saturday and Sunday. Both nights will stream live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else.
A stipulation looks to be set for Big E and Apollo Crews’ Intercontinental title match at WrestleMania 37.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Crews cut a backstage promo challenging Big E to make their Intercontinental title match at WrestleMania 37 a Nigerian Drum Fight. Big E putting his Intercontinental title on the line against Crews will be part of the WrestleMania 37 night two card on Sunday, April 11.
Crews said the Nigerian Drum Fight is an ancient duel created by his ancestors for those who are wronged to get a chance to make things right. Crews said there are no rules or limitations — just a beating so loud it sounds like a drum. Big E has yet to respond to Crews’ challenge.
Crews debuted a character change this February, embracing his Nigerian heritage and claiming to be a descendent of Nigerian royalty. Big E had said Crews wouldn’t be getting another shot at the Intercontinental title. But after an angle where Crews attacked Big E with the steel steps, they again faced off for the title at Fastlane last month.
Big E retained against Crews at Fastlane, but Crews then attacked him after the match. Crews pinned Big E to get the win in a six-man tag match on SmackDown last week.
WrestleMania 37 is taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. Both nights will air live on Peacock in the United States and live on the WWE Network everywhere else.
