Tag: the bloodline

Paul Heyman says ‘WWE would be remiss’ if they fail to sign Zilla Fatu

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Paul Heyman believes it would be negligent of WWE to pass up the opportunity to sign second generation wrestler Zilla Fatu. 

In a quick Q&A with Muscle Man Malcolm (seen below), Heyman was questioned on his awareness about Fatu’s recent performances and the possibility of him signing with WWE.

“I think WWE would be remiss if WWE doesn’t sign Zilla Fatu at the very first opportunity to do so,” Heyman said.

Despite praising his cousins’ work in WWE on numerous occasions, Fatu has said in the past that he still feels there is room for his own growth as a performer and he isn’t ready to sign with the company just yet. He has WWE roots from his late father, Umaga, as part of his Bloodline heritage.

Fatu was trained by Booker T who took him under his wing after he got in trouble with the law at 15 years old, wrestling his first match in 2023 at a Reality of Wrestling event. Since then, Fatu has become a two-time ROW Heavyweight Champion and has worked a variety of indies like GCW.

He also appeared briefly for TNA Wrestling during a cross-promotional match with 4th Rope Wrestling in 2025.

A few days ago, the young star responded to Karrion Kross’ challenge for a Future Stars of Wrestling show Mecca XI during WrestleMania week at the Luxor in Las Vegas.

Roman Reigns: Sami Zayn is ‘such a special performer’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Roman Reigns believes Sami Zayn’s association with The Bloodline is a “true partnership” that has benefitted everyone.

In an interview with SHAK Wrestling, Reigns confirmed that he was largely responsible for Zayn being added to the Bloodline story. He was impressed by the work Zayn did against Johnny Knoxville in 2022 and thought Zayn could bring a dynamic that The Bloodline did not already have. Reigns praised Zayn as a special performer — but jokingly admitted that Zayn can be a pain in the ass to deal with backstage sometimes because of how invested he is in everything.

“Yeah, I’ll take full responsibility for Sami [being in the Bloodline story]. He was doing whatever he was doing with ‘Jackass’ and all of them. And I just admired the work. Because it’s not easy to do what we do when you’re across from a veteran professional, someone who has been in this ring for a long time. But to have to do it with people who don’t necessarily know what they’re doing, and a bunch of them — you know, a whole ‘Jackass’ crew — and just the way he made that work, I just saw something completely different than what we were doing,” Reigns said. “We [The Bloodline] were extremely successful. We were all champions at the time. And to me, I just was like, ‘Man, that’s a personality that I can really bounce off and then I can just show a few different layers of what I have and my personality, and then I think I can also elevate him.’ Because this is a veteran performer, this guy has been around. He’s a journeyman. He has been around for a long time. So I knew that he had not only the talent but the experience to be able to work in the main event, and I was right.

“He proved to be a great asset for The Bloodline. And he helped us, but we helped him greatly. And that’s how it works. That’s a true partnership right there is where everybody benefits. And that’s why you’ve seen him come back in this reunion. We could have maybe done it a different way, but Sami is such a special performer and such a pain in the ass to deal with sometimes — but that’s because he cares.”

After splitting off from The Bloodline in 2023 to feud with Reigns, Zayn is now back aligned with the faction. He was part of their WarGames team at Survivor Series last November, helping them defeat Solo Sikoa’s new version of The Bloodline.

Reigns was recently unveiled as the cover star of WWE 2K25, which will feature a Bloodline showcase mode. The game is slated to be released on March 14.

Roman Reigns revealed as cover star for WWE 2K25, release date announced

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Roman Reigns is front and center in WWE 2K25.

On Raw Monday, Paul Heyman came to the ring and officially revealed the cover for the latest WWE video game release, WWE 2K25. It features Roman Reigns front and center, with Heyman looking on in the background.

Once the cover was revealed, 2K shared a new trailer focusing on Reigns. The trailer also revealed that the game will be released on March 14 for Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation. Pre-orders begin on January 28.

Additionally, WWE’s social media channels officially revealed the cover for the Bloodline edition of the game, with Reigns as the focus but also featuring members from both incarnations of the group: Heyman, Jimmy & Jey Uso, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu, and Solo Sikoa.

Behind-the-scenes footage featuring Reigns was also shared:

Earlier on Monday, 2K announced that there would also be a special Deadman Edition for WWE 2K25. Those who purchase either the Deadman and Bloodline editions of the game via pre-order will receive all five members of the Wyatt Sicks: Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy, Nikki Cross, Erik Rowan, and Dexter Lumis.

Wrestling Weekly: WWE & AEW year in review, Worlds End predictions

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

As the year draws to a close, Les Thatcher & I look back on 2024 in both WWE and AEW as well as our predictions for AEW’s Worlds End PPV this Saturday.

Thanks for listening and Happy New Year~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

OG Bloodline wins WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: WWE

The OG Bloodline survived their WarGames match with the New Bloodline at Saturday’s WWE Survivor Series in a fight that featured plenty of tension between reluctant teammates Roman Reigns and CM Punk.

The end came when Solo Sikoa was left alone with the entire OG Bloodline team. The Usos delivered three superkicks followed by a Sami Zayn Helluva kick, a Punk GTS, and a Reigns spear for the win. After the pin, all OG Bloodline members celebrated with Punk while Reigns just looked on.

Reigns eventually shook Punk’s hand as the show ended as Paul Heyman gleefully looked on from outside the cage as Punk mouthed, “One time.” Afterward, the camera caught Punk shaking Heyman’s hand and reminding him that when it’s time to cash the previously requested favor, he’s going to ask.

Friction between the two started early when Punk attempted to go out third for the OG Bloodline until Reigns put a hand in front of him to prevent it, wanting Zayn to go instead. Tensions continued to build as their next entrant neared. Reigns was about to head out when Punk pushed by him to go out fourth instead.

Heyman later came out as the two were staring at each other in the cage before the WarGames portion began, pleading with them to come together and fight for the cause.

As Reigns was going for a spear on Sikoa at one point, he accidentally speared Punk who was going for a GTS on Fatu to add to the tension. However, Punk saved Reigns (laid out on a table) from a Reed Tsunami from the top of the cage in the biggest spot of the match. Reigns then offered his hand to help Punk up from the mat until Fatu attacked them both.

Not to be undone, Fatu was eventually laid out by the Usos on a table which saw Jimmy Uso then go to the very top of the cage for a Uso splash that connected.

The layout followed past WarGames and similar matches where the new entrant came in hot and eventually succumbed to the odds once the next entrant got in, all leading toward the traditional five-on-five showdown.

Sikoa flipped the script on Reigns, locking the cage door with a chain and padlock so he couldn’t enter. Reigns then scaled the cage, fending off the New Bloodline members as they tried to attack, hitting a crossbody on all of them to punctuate his entrance.

Punk brought in a toolbox from under the ring to even the three-on-one odds facing him entering the cage. After Punk ran wild for a bit, Fatu came back to life after a toolbox shot and then laid Punk out with a pop-up Samoan drop.

Order of entrants:

  • Jey Uso vs. Tama Tonga to open
  • Bronson Reed (New Bloodline)
  • Jimmy Uso (OG Bloodline)
  • Jacob Fatu (New Bloodline)
  • Sami Zayn (OG Bloodline)
  • Tonga Loa (New Bloodline)
  • CM Punk (OG Bloodline)
  • Solo Sikoa (New Bloodline)
  • Roman Reigns (OG Bloodline)

Roman Reigns says he visualizes what the Bloodline storyline could be in three years

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The Bloodline storyline could continue for a long, long time.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Reigns talked about the ongoing storyline with himself and his family. Reigns mentioned that people laughed at him and Paul Heyman for the ‘baseball innings’ comparison mentioned in some interviews, but said that he visualizes what could happen with the storyline years down the road.

“There was maybe a year ago or so that we were stretching it, but we’re not at this point. It’s a whole new vision,” he said. ”I forget where I was driving today but just kind of visualizing what it could be in the next two years, what could be in the next three years. Blocking these things off just a year chunk at a time.”

Reigns said the ongoing storyline wouldn’t have beenpossible without the creative freedom and leadership under Triple H and Nick Khan. 

The Original Tribal Chief was also asked about a potential match against The Rock. That match was originally scheduled for WrestleMania 40, but was changed to Cody Rhodes challenging Reigns after fan backlash. Reigns said that ultimately, it was up to the powers that be and if people were behind it.

“I think our fanbase and the company has proven that if our fans are loud enough and passionate enough about something…you know, we’re not being dictated to and of course we have a vision for where we’re trying to go. But we know who the consumers are and who is paying their hard-earned money…if that’s what the people want and The People’s Champ is down, I’m sure we can make something happen.”

Reigns also said he wasn’t upset about plans changing ahead of WrestleMania 40, as either way he was headlining the show.

“I was the main event no matter what. I’m the guy everyone wanted to dance with. I’m the hot chick, everyone wanted to take me out,” he said. “So it was one of those things where we just needed to get there and defend this thing.”

He also confirmed that he’ll be on the premiere episode of Raw on Netflix.

“I’m on the premiere,” he said. “I don’t think I can share too much more at this point. We haven’t scheduled my exact dates going to WrestleMania from Rumble forward ,but that is definitely a topic that has to be addressed.”

Reigns is set to team with The Original Bloodline and CM Punk to take on the new version of The Bloodline and Bronson Reed at Survivor Series this Saturday.

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)

Wrestling Observer Live: Bloodline plot twist, Tyson vs. Paul fallout, AEW Full Gear preview

Posted on by Andrew Zarian

I am back with another episode of Wrestling Observer Live, starting out with my thoughts on Friday’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight on Netflix which was more of a spectacle than a boxing match.

I also talk about Friday’s WWE SmackDown including the Bloodline adding Bronson Reed to their WarGames team and Roman Reigns trying to contact the “wise man.”

Also, I go over the results from Saturday’s AEW Collision which included a great recap video featuring Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain,” and a preview of this Saturday’s Full Gear.

All that and more await you below.

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube starting at 6:05 PM Eastern

Wrestling Observer Live: WWE Smackdown recap, BJ Bethel with the latest on Grant/McMahon case

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s time for a Saturday Wrestling Observer Live, taking about an edition of WWE SmackDown that would make Jerry Lawler proud.

Kevin Owens gave Randy Orton an illegal piledriver that sent “The Viper to the hospital on a stretcher while Sami Zayn longs for the old days…of 2022. Plus, WWE introduced a new championship.

Journalist BJ Bethel joined me to talk about the latest in the Janel Grant/Vince McMahon lawsuit and if the recent election may have an effect.

It’s a packed show. Check it out in audio form or on YouTube.

Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube

WWE SmackDown live results: The fallout from Crown Jewel

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After pinning Roman Reigns to win a six-man tag team match at Crown Jewel, Solo Sikoa will host an “undisputed Tribal Chief acknowledgment ceremony” on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Buffalo, New York.

Sikoa’s team defeated Reigns and The Usos after Sikoa hit multiple Samoan spikes on Reigns.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis said on social media that he will make a “history-making announcement” tonight.

Sami Zayn, who helped make the post-match save for the Reigns team at Crown Jewel, has been invited to appear on tonight’s show to hash things out with his old friends. Zayn accidentally kicked Reigns at Crown Jewel and on Monday, Zayn spoke to The Usos about the potential of reuniting for good.

After becoming the first-ever men’s Crown Jewel Champion last weekend, Cody Rhodes will make an appearance.

WWE Tag Team Champions the Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) will appear on The Grayson Waller Effect in their first appearance since winning the titles last month.

Bayley will go one-on-one with Candice LeRae to round out the announced happenings.

**********

– Footage of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline entering the building aired to open the show. From there, a video package recapping Crown Jewel’s Bloodline developments was shown. After the video, Roman Reigns’s music hit inside the building and Roman made his entrance for the first segment.

The Roman Reigns Bloodline segment

I like the unexpected response from Roman, which essentially checked Sami, disappointed the crowd and allowed him to show all the frustration he has with Solo stepping up the way he has. Angry Roman is the best Roman. Meanwhile, Sami showed good disappointment and Jey was even believable with his conflicted face. I’m near the end of my rope with dragging the reunion out for the sake of dragging the reunion out, but this was a fun-enough twist to keep things going.

Reigns walked out flanked by only Jimmy Uso. The crowd chanted “OTC!” Reigns stood in the ring and soaked the chants in before proclaiming … nothing, because as Roman raised the microphone to his mouth, Jey Uso’s music hit and Jey walked out through the regular entrance – not the crowd. Jey did not get in the turnbuckles to turn up the crowd and instead had a serious demeanor. Jey said he thinks there’s a lot of misunderstanding and he asked Roman to hear Sami Zayn out. On cue, Sami’s music hit and out, Sami walked. “Sami Uso” chants broke out.

Zayn said first of all, he wanted Roman to know that his kick to Roman’s face wasn’t on purpose. Zayn said the only reason he was at Crown Jewel was for Jey. Zayn said he was at SmackDown for more than just Jey and it had been a long time since Zayn and Roman had been in the ring together. Zayn said at Crown Jewel, when it was the four of them together again, it was special and it took Zayn back to a very special time in his life and career and family. Zayn said he still has a soft spot for his time in the Bloodline. Zayn said he knew Jey, Jimmy and Roman felt it, too, when they were together last weekend.

Zayn said the only reason any of it was happening was because on some level, Roman wanted the original four-member Bloodline back. Zayn said the opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference, and he doesn’t believe Roman is indifferent to Zayn. Instead, Zayn said he thinks Roman loves Zayn. Zayn said Roman remembers the old days just like everybody else and it could be like that again. Zayn said he was going to put the ball in Roman’s court and if Roman wanted Zayn to leave, Zayn said he’d leave. Zayn said he didn’t believe that was what Roman wanted and what he thought Roman wanted was that they reunite to fight side by side.

If that’s what Roman wants, Zayn said he’d join him and do it – on one condition: Roman apologize to Zayn. The crowd chanted “hug it out!” Roman asked Zayn to clarify that Zayn wanted Roman to apologize to Zayn, to which Zayn said no – Zayn wanted Roman to apologize to Jey. Roman walked over to Jey and Roman said, “I’m sorry.” Roman paused and then said, “I’m sorry that I ever let you waste my time with this.” Roman said Zayn is not family and Roman berated Zayn. As such, Zayn left the ring and walked to the back. Roman called for Solo Sikoa to come out.

Jacob Fatu appeared on the screen from backstage. Fatu said Roman is just like everyone else because Solo is his Tribal Chief. Fatu said Solo moves on his own time and he’ll come out whenever he pleases. Fatu said at the end of the day, Roman will acknowledge that. Jey looked conflicted in the ring and Zayn paused on his way to the back. Roman, Jey and Jimmy looked angry and walked out of the ring to end the segment.

**********

– Roman was shown walking backstage and Jey approached him. Roman tried to walk away, but Jey grabbed Roman. Jey asked Roman again if he would hear Zayn out. Roman said Zayn “ain’t nothing to us.” Jey said he told Roman that if he talked to Jey like that again, Jey would be out again, and Jey walked away. Jimmy questioned Roman and Roman snapped at Jimmy, too. Jimmy walked away and Roman was alone staring around into the distance.

Bayley defeated Candice LeRae [8:02]

This was really pretty good. It’s still odd that LeRae has been side-by-side with Indi Hartwell almost entirely during her main roster run and now Indi all of a sudden isn’t there, but she held her own here and Bayley was very giving, which helped both wrestlers. The cheap win makes me wonder if we run this back – despite a fluke-ish pin from LeRae setting this up to begin with – and if they do run it back, I won’t complain. LeRae has been criminally under-utilized and Bayley has become a great upper-card wrestler who gives attention to wrestlers who might need it because they’ve been neglected by the booking for so long. Kudos to both women here.

LeRae had control early until Bayley shoulder-blocked LeRae to the mat. Bayley followed that up with a clothesline and a two-count. Bayley threw LeRae to the apron, but LeRae fought back and hit a neck-breaker on Bayley. The show then went to a commercial break as LeRae gained back the upper hand. The show returned and LeRae was working a type of chin-lock I am positive Excalibur could name. LeRae found herself on the apron and pulled Bayley down by her hair. LeRae went to the top and Bayley cut off LeRae, but LeRae bounced Bayley off the ring post.

LeRae went to the top and hit a missile dropkick from the top, but Bayley no-sold it and struck back with a clothesline. Bayley rammed LeRae into a corner and eventually landed a neck-breaker. Bayley lifted LeRae and hit a sort of tilt-a-whirl Sidewalk Slam. Bayley went to the top and LeRae rolled to the outside. Bayley chased LeRae and when they got back into the ring, LeRae sold random knee pain. The referee pulled Bayley aside. LeRae tried to take advantage with a rollup, but Bayley was ready for it and pinned LeRae for the win.

**********

– Motor City Machine Guns were hanging out backstage and Johnny Gargano walked into the frame. Gargano told them they should have fun punching Grayson Waller in the face. Ciampa approached Gargano and was very angry that Gargano was friendly with MCMG. Ciampa yelled that they would take their tag titles back. Out of nowhere, Randy Orton walked past Gargano and made his way to the ring as a sort of surprise. Orton walked to the ring with purpose and the show went to a commercial break.

– A lot of Buffalo Bills were shown in the front row.

The Randy Orton/Kevin Owens segment

What a great old school pro wrestling segment. Orton was perfect – literally, perfect – in selling the piledriver, a move that famously has not been allowed in WWE for a long time now. That said, it was one of the safest piledrivers I’ve ever seen, so good on Kevin Owens for that. But the aftermath? Wow, this was some of the best WWE SmackDown TV I’ve seen in months. Everyone was pitch perfect. Great stuff all around. Plus, with Cody riding alongside Orton, this sets up Cody vs. Owens now … right?

Randy Orton was pacing inside the ring and he yelled, demanding Kevin Owens show up because Orton was going to “end this sh$! right now” (yes, he actually did use his cuss words). Owens appeared and marched to the ring. Owens rolled into the ring and the two brawled. Orton was getting the best of Owens until officials broke them up. Owens then kicked Orton and hit a piledriver on Orton, which is not something I thought I’d see on WWE TV ever again. Michael Cole played it up by saying the move has been banned. Orton sold neck pain as Corey Graves called for medics, who promptly appeared.

The medics cut Orton’s shirt in half. Owens backed his way up away from the ring. Cody came out to check on Orton and Orton did a stretcher job. Orton sold the hell out of it. Even Corey Graves got up out of commentary and tried to lend a helping hand. Cody walked with Orton, who was being rolled on the stretcher, to the back. The camera followed Orton all the way back to a waiting ambulance. Cody said he was going to go with Orton in the ambulance. The ambulance pulled out of the building and that ended the segment.

**********

#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) [1:36]

Sign Ciampa up to be the next Death Rider over on the other channel alongside Moxley. Guy had some fire here. This was a good showcase for how angry and frustrated Ciampa is and I liked the idea that Gargano didn’t appear flustered and instead, this came off more like Ciampa was saying, “Come with me; I’ll lead this,” rather than Gargano playing the sanctimonious do-nothing. I liked it.

Neither team got a televised entrance, despite Pretty Deadly’s disco ball being in full effect. Ciampa started the match by attacking both Pretty Deadly guys. Ciampa repeatedly slammed Elton Prince’s head onto the top of the commentary table. Ciampa then threw Kit Wilson into the timekeeper’s area before throwing Prince into the ring steps multiple times. Gargano looked concerned and eventually asked for a tag, but instead Ciampa hit a Fairytale Ending on Prince for the win.

**********

– Candice LeRae was shown walking backstage and Tiffany Stratton mocked LeRae for losing. Nia Jax came through and was annoyed with Stratton for making the tag-team match between Stratton & Jax and Cargill & Belair. Stratton said she went to Nick Aldis about it because they could potentially earn a shot at the women’s tag titles. Jax said Tiffy’s plan better work. LeRae looked on and the show went back to the ring.

– Next week, Naomi will face Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defeated Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton [9:27]

This was fine for what it was, but the thing that stuck out most to me is that it didn’t follow the typical Cargill/Belair match where Belair works the bulk of it and Cargill gets the shine and goes home. Instead, Cargill took the bulk of the punishment and worked well, I thought, with Jax (for what we saw; the match was still lost to about two minutes of commercials). Then, Belair tagged in and eventually got the victory. It’s good to switch things up. Outside of that, I like the pairing of LeRae and Jax, with Tiffy somehow turning babyface sooner than later. This was better than a normal WWE throwaway women’s tag match, and that counts for something.

Stratton and Cargill started the match and Cargill quickly got the advantage, until Stratton slapped Cargill and Cargill got very mad, hitting a Fallaway Slam on Stratton. Jax tagged in and Stratton pulled Belair off the apron. Jax then landed a Samoan Drop on Cargill inside the ring. Jax posed and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Jax was working over Cargill. A PIP then aired with a Golden Corral ad. After that, Cargill tried for a hot tag, but Jax cut Cargill off and hit a headbutt. Jax went for a suplex, but Cargill countered into a suplex of her own. Cargill then got the hot tag to Belair and Belair took out Stratton, who also tagged in. Belair pounded on Stratton until Stratton tugged on Belair’s braid. Belair worked out of it and hit a spinebuster. Belair went for a moonsault, but Tiffy got her knees up and tagged in Jax.

Jax lifted Belair and tagged in Stratton. Stratton hit a Blockbuster on Belair as Jax hit a Samoan Drop on Belair. Stratton went for the pin, but Cargill broke it up. Jax and Cargill engaged in a stare down before trading blows. Ultimately, Jax took Cargill down and rolled to the outside. Stratton went for a double-knees, but Belair countered and eventually hit a spear.

Belair went to the top, but Jax distracted the referee and LeRae showed up to shove Belair off the top. Stratton then kicked Belair and yelled at Stratton to “get out of here.” Naomi appeared and fought LeRae until Jax plowed through Naomi. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Belair lifted Stratton and hit a KOD for the win.

**********

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship [10:36]

This has been a pretty unremarkable live crowd to begin with, but boy, did they sit on their hands for this. I understand MCMG’s gimmick in WWE is “hey, smart fans love them, so you should, too,” but this is real time evidence that perhaps not the entire pro wrestling audience lives online and maybe – just maybe – there are people – families, even! – that go watch the wrestling matches and tune in sometimes on TV and that’s about it. I feel bad for Shelley and Sabin, too, because I’d love to start seeing these live crowds give them some nice pops, but this match felt like the 11th hole of a golf tournament on Friday afternoon. Still, the guys worked hard and both teams did their part as best they could. I’m just hoping MCMG can get some more character development sooner than later.

Theory & Waller didn’t get a televised entrance. It wasn’t until this point that the commentary team recognized the Grayson Waller Effect being canceled for the night and instead, the teams were booked to have a match. Theory started the match with Shelley and had control, until Sabin tagged in and MCMG hit a mini suite of their double-team moves on Theory. Waller tagged in after Theory cut Sabin off, but Sabin worked Waller’s arm instantly. Waller ran the ropes and took Sabin down. Shelley got in a blind tag and hit Waller with a forearm and some chops.

Shelley hit a splash on Theory on the outside and sold knee pain. As a result, Theory held onto Shelley’s leg and Waller landed an elbow from the top. Waller maintained control and the show went to a commercial break. The show returned and Waller and Theory were working over Shelley, complete with a Theory knee and stereo spinning forearms for a two-count. Waller threw Shelley to the outside and went for a sliding clothesline, but Shelley moved. Before long, Shelley kicked Theory away and moved from a Waller splash attempt to get the hot tag to Sabin.

Sabin took out Theory and Waller, complete with a missile dropkick on Theory. With Waller and Theory on the outside of the ring, Sabin landed a suicide dive through Shelley’s legs. Back inside the ring, Shelley tagged in and MCMG hit a double-team move for a two-count on Theory. Shelley went back to working an arm bar on Theory. Sabin tagged in and Theory went for A-Town Down, but Waller hit a rolling Flatliner on Sabin while Sabin tried to roll Theory up. It resulted in a near-fall.

Waller officially tagged in and went for an elbow from the second rope, but missed. Shelley tagged in and MCMG hit super-kicks before landing Skull & Bones on Waller for the win.

**********

– Michael Cole revealed that Randy Orton is dealing with “undisclosed cervical injuries” at a local hospital.

– MCMG ran into Ciampa & Gargano backstage, but the Street Profits walked in to say that next week, the Profits will face MCMG next week for the tag titles. Shelley and Sabin said they wanted the match with the Profits and Dawkins, in his dark voice, said, “Let’s see how you handle real pressure,” before everyone walked away.

– Nick Aldis was shown in a vignette and talked about the women’s division. Quickly, Aldis revealed the Women’s United States Championship. Aldis said it will be for any woman who wants to seize the moment. Michael Cole touted it as a brilliant announcement. Graves said it would be a championship that could take a woman’s career and legacy to a whole new level.

– Fatu, Tonga and Loa were shown backstage. Solo Sikoa stepped into the frame, received the Ula Fala, and the four Tongans started their walk to the ring.

The Bloodline segment

And there it is. Me being old, I would prefer a five-on-five War Games match, but it’s probably not wise to shoehorn in one person on each side just for the sake of shoehorning in one person on each side. There’s just too much history here to try and force that. Still, this was good. I said at the beginning of the night that I was running out of patience for how they were drawing this reunion out, so the celebratory spot at the end of the show made this viewer very happy. It’s predictable, but it’s fun, and I mean that in the most endearing and honest way possible. Now, after all this, there’s only one real question left: How does Paul Heyman eventually fit in?

Sikoa said there was only one way to start things off: “Buffalo, acknowledge me.” A whole bunch of boos erupted from the crowd. Instantly, Roman’s music hit and Roman walked out alone. Roman walked up the steps and into the ring by himself. The crowd chanted “OTC!” Sikoa said it was good to see Roman and he needed Roman to acknowledge Sikoa as his undisputed tribal chief. “F— you, Solo!” chants began. Roman responded by saying, “Buffalo, do you acknowledge him?” referring to Solo. The crowd booed loudly. Roman said, simply, “neither do I.”

Roman said he will never acknowledge Solo and instead, he was there to challenge solo, one-on-one. The winner of the match, Roman said, will be the only tribal chief. Solo laughed and said he’s the only tribal chief. Solo said Roman can’t become a tribal chief because he has no tribe anymore. Solo then challenged Roman to find four people in the locker room that would team up with him and they “could go to war.”

Roman asked Solo if he was talking about War Games. Roman said he only saw four of them. Solo, funnily, counted all of his guys, including him, and then said the fifth guy will be “his dog, Sami Zayn.” Sami then appeared in the entranceway and the Bloodline attacked Roman. Solo jawed at Roman while the attack when down and the Usos ran out for the save until Fatu kept things in control. Solo set up for another Samoan Spike on Roman and invited Zayn into the ring.

Zayn walked into the ring and Solo demanded Zayn kick Roman in the face. Zayn instead kicked Solo in the face and stared at Roman. Fatu went at Sami and missed; Roman then Superman Punched Fatu and Sami hit a Helluva Kick on Fatu. Roman hit a spear on Solo and only Roman and Sami were left in the ring. Jey and Jimmy joined them. Jey and Jimmy put up their fingers. Zayn looked at Roman and put his finger up, too, acknowledging Roman. Roman nodded and threw his finger up, too. The four of them stood, index fingers in the air, standing side by side. The show ended with Roman’s Bloodline standing tall while Solo looked frustrated.

Wrestling Weekly: Can Roman, Sami & The Usos get their family together?

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

It’s a brand-new Wrestling Weekly.

Can Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn and The Usos get it together before The Bloodline 2.0 takes them out

In AEW, who will get their hands on MJF first: Adam Cole or Roderick Strong or both? Can Orange Cassidy defeat Jon Moxley for the AEW World title? Can anyone stop the Death Riders?

We look at those questions and more on today’s show.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

WWE Crown Jewel live results: Cody Rhodes vs. Gunther

Posted on by Steve Khan

Two matches for new ceremonial championships highlight today’s WWE Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes faces WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther, and WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan takes on WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax for the men’s and women’s Crown Jewel championships.

Now reunited, Roman Reigns will team up with The Usos to take on three members of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga or Tonga Loa).

Seth Rollins will take on Bronson Reed in a grudge match while Randy Orton battles Kevin Owens in a high-profile bout.

WWE United States Champion LA Knight will defend against Carmelo Hayes and Andrade in a three-way while WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defend against Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, and IYO SKY & Kairi Sane in a four-way.

The main card kicks off at 1 PM Eastern on Peacock/WWE Network.

**********

Show Recap — 

COUNTDOWN SHOW —

Michael Cole, Big E and Corey Graves hosted the 2-hour countdown show outside the arena surrounded by fans. 

Gunther sit-down interview 

Joe Tessitore did a sit-down interview with Gunther. Gunther saw Randy Orton as a big obstacle heading into their first match. He knew beating Orton would change his career. However, going into his match against Cody Rhodes, he already sees himself ahead of Rhodes. Rhodes came into this match with much support but would get choked out. 

Tessitore asked what it would be like to have the large belt in his hands if he won. Gunther called it materialistic but it would be nice and would allow him to call himself the number one champion in WWE and that’s what it was all about.

********

Seth Rollins told Cathy Kelley that he was not 100% but that never stopped him before. Today’s match against Bronson Reed was a big test, one of the biggest of his career. It wasn’t just about slaying this monster but finding out what he had left in the tank. He had his eyes on big things and needed to find out if this was the version of Seth Rollins that was ready to take another run at the world title. 

(This was a good promo and certainly better than the one on Raw trying to tell us there’s a monster inside of him.) 

********

There was an extraordinarily long Braun Strowman video package (who is injured and not on today’s show). 

Kevin Owens promo 

Kelley interviewed Kevin Owens (wearing a Cowboy Bob Orton shirt). Owens was hilarious here. He told a story about how the company sent them on some activities in the middle of the desert. They were told to go enjoy themselves so they took a ride in a dune buggy. That dune buggy flipped three or four times. (Kelley confirmed this happened.) 

They were in a car accident and he had no doubt the driver was paid off by Orton or Rhodes. This was all because he attacked their golden boy Cody. Now they were making him do something he didn’t want to do and that was fight his friend Orton. He loved Orton. He apologized to Kelley who was in the dune buggy with him and was collateral damage. He said whatever happened to Orton today was his own fault. 

********

Triple H spoke to Nathalie Mamo about how great their arrangement has been with Saudi Arabia. She asked if WWE was here to stay and he said, “Yes.” 

******** 

Jackie Redmond and Sheamus replaced Cole and Graves for the second hour of the pre-show. 

There was a video of Big E trying local cuisine.

******** 

Cody Rhodes interview 

Kelley interviewed Rhodes on his bus. She asked how he was feeling. He said if he had any complaints they would be so surface-level that they couldn’t compete with the fact that this was the happiest he’s been professionally. It was a dream come true. 

There was an element of leadership involved. That excited him because when he had a leadership role in the past he didn’t do well with it. He failed with his past leadership but at least he knew why. So this was an opportunity to plug back in and perhaps there was a leadership future beyond wrestling with WWE. It’s been something he’s thought about lately. 

Kelley asked about the impact this has had on his family. She noted Cody wanted to spend more time with his daughter but his schedule was very demanding. Rhodes was willing to do more work because of his family. He was lucky to have Brandi and she was his rock. 

He spoke about teaming up with Roman Reigns. The Rock appearing after that match was a reminder that he could stick his big, bald, shiny head in the mix anytime. He called Gunther the best on paper but he was also overconfident. Gunther couldn’t get under his skin and Rhodes’ Universal title was the north star of their business. 

******** 

Kelley interviewed Nia Jax backstage. She planned on squashing Liv Morgan and would squash Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio if she had to. She wasn’t worried about Tiffany Stratton because she knew it wasn’t her time to cash in.

Kelley interviewed LA Knight whose birthday was yesterday. He didn’t celebrate his birthday because he was in the gym. He soiled the Cheerios of Nick Aldis who was pretty upset for spoiling his game seven between Andrade El Idiot and Carmelo Hayes. Hayes said he doesn’t miss but he did miss and will miss again. The odds have been stacked against Knight his entire career but nothing was going to change. He was going to walk out as champion. 

******** 

One of the final things on the pre-show was a video package for AJ Styles (who is injured and not on today’s show). 

Cole and Graves made their entrance for commentary. 

******** 

CROWN JEWEL 2024 MAIN SHOW ––

Various wrestlers were shown arriving at the arena. The large belt arrived too. 

6-man tag team match: Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga (w/Tonga Loa) defeated Roman Reigns & The Usos (16:37) 

Sikoa pinned Reigns. 

The new Bloodline entered first. Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso entered together to Reigns’ music (as the crowd chanted “OTC”). Jey Uso entered last to his own music through the crowd. The fans Yeeted and sang along to his song. 

Everyone wore some combination of black and red except for Jey who wore his new blue, pink and white gear. The show was 20 minutes old by the time the bell rang. 

Jey and Tama started. Jimmy tagged in and the Usos worked well together. Jacob Fatu tagged in but the Usos had no trouble with him. They cleared the ring and Reigns seemed pleased. 

The crowd loudly chanted, “We want Roman.” Reigns called for a tag but Jey tagged in Jimmy instead. (Graves said Jey wanted Reigns to know he wasn’t in charge and that they were all on the same level.) Jey and Roman argued while Jimmy tried keeping them on the same page but the distraction allowed the Bloodline to get the heat on him. 

Tama missed a Stinger splash and Jey tagged in. He hit strikes and a running hip attack for two. Fatu tagged in and gave Jey a pop-up Samoan drop to take over. The Bloodline worked over Jey for a while and Tama knocked Jimmy off the apron. Jey fought him off and made the hot tag to Reigns. 

Reigns and Sikoa exchanged blows. Reigns got the better of it and hit a leaping clothesline, uranage and Superman punch. Sikoa blocked a spear and hit a Samoan spike. It actually looked like Sikoa got a three-count but the ref stopped his count at two even though Reigns didn’t kick out. The camera didn’t catch Jimmy breaking up the cover and he was late too. 

Jey handed out superkicks but Fatu headbutted him while outside the ring. Reigns gave Sikoa another Superman punch. He yanked Tama into the ring but Tama knocked over the referee in the process. Reigns handed out more Superman punches. Fatu blocked the attempt on him and headbutted Reigns. Fatu tackled Reigns and hit a step-up moonsault. Fatu also wiped out Jey with a suicide dive. 

Sikoa took advantage and hit Reigns with consecutive Samoan spikes for the pinfall win. The crowd was stunned. 

— The four Bloodline members attacked Roman and Jimmy after the match. They cleared the announce table and Jey tried making the save but they beat him up too. The crowd chanted for Sami Zayn. 

They placed a chair around Jey’s neck and were about to kill him but Sami Zayn entered and they stopped what they were doing. Zayn stood tall as he faced off with the Bloodline. The crowd chanted, “Sami Uso.” 

Sikoa wanted Zayn to join them and offered an embrace. Zayn went to hug him but gave him an exploder suplex instead. The Bloodline swarmed Zayn but he was saved by Reigns and the Usos. 

They cleared the ring leaving Sikoa on his own and it seemed like he was done for. However, Reigns went for a Superman punch while Zayn simultaneously went for a running boot. Sikoa ducked and Zayn knocked out Reigns with the boot. That looked great. Sikoa bailed. 

Jimmy got in Zayn’s face until Jey separated them. Zayn left on his own while Jey remained with Jimmy and Roman.

(It was typical Bloodline stuff where the match itself was fine but everything surrounding it was well put together.) 

******** 

— The Sportsnet feed in Canada completely died after the opening match and didn’t come back on until the women’s tag match was well underway. They were at the point where everyone was trading high spots by the time the feed returned. 

Fatal 4-way tag team match: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defeated Chelsea Green & Piper Niven, Kairi Sane & IYO SKY and Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson to retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships

Cargill and Belair retained the titles with a Doomsday Device on Piper Niven. The champs didn’t seem all that happy after the match. 

The match seemed to go about 11-12 minutes. 

********

Seth Rollins defeated Bronson Reed (12:21) 

Rollins entered first and went after Reed on the entrance ramp as Reed entered. They brawled toward the ring and Rollins hit a suicide dive. However, Reed grabbed Rollins and slammed him over the barricade into some leather chairs. 

They got in the ring and the match officially started. Reed immediately hit a Tsunami. He went for another instead of attempting a cover but Rollins moved and hit a curb stomp, barely getting a two count. Rollins went for a sunset flip but Reed sat down on him. Reed worked him over until Rollins countered a powerbomb into a DDT. 

Rollins followed with a flying clothesline but Reed remained on his feet. Reed met Rollins on the middle rope but Rollins headbutted him off and followed with a frog splash for just a one count. Rollins hit a rolling forearm but Reed just knocked him over and hit a spinning sit-out powerbomb for two. Reed followed with a DVD for two and a superplex for two. 

Rollins smacked Reed in the face so Reed just leveled him with a clothesline. Reed set up for Tsunami but Rollins rolled to the other side of the ring. Reed hit a senton and went back to the top but Rollins rolled out of the ring this time. 

Reed grabbed the steel steps and tried to hit Rollins with it but Rollins swept his leg out. Rollins followed with a curb stomp onto the steps. Reed slipped into the ring to avoid a count-out but Rollins immediately hit a curb stomp. Rollins went to the top and hit a super stomp for the pinfall win. 

This was really good. 

— Rollins gingerly made his way to the ramp as Reed emerged to his feet to Rollins’ surprise. Reed had a stream of blood down his face. Reed wanted more and Rollins told him the result would be the same next time.

******** 

If you’re reading this you know this already but it bears mentioning that all of the women featured today have been covered neck-to-toe in their outfits. 

They showed the angle from NXT where Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez laid out Rhea Ripley in the parking lot.

Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defeated WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax to win the WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship (8:14) 

This was overbooked to death. 

Jax headbutted Morgan early in the match. (Ripley headbutting Morgan a few weeks ago is seemingly how she got injured. I didn’t see the full women’s tag match earlier because the stream went down, but in all three of the other matches there have been headbutts.) 

Morgan hit a tornado DDT for two. Cole said it would be a huge upset if Morgan won and Graves rightly told him that it shouldn’t be considered an upset if one champion beats the other. Jax hit a Samoan drop for two. Jax hit a super Samoan drop off the middle rope for two. Jax went to the middle rope but Morgan brought her down with a powerbomb. 

That brought out Tiffany Stratton (to her music). She was about to cash in but Jax told her off. Stratton tried to claim she was going to cash in on Morgan. Jax told her to leave. Morgan hit a crucifix bomb into a cover for two. (Or at least she tried to. Jax initially landed right on top of her and Morgan had to adjust to make the cover.) 

Stratton made her way back down to the ring as Morgan went for Oblivion but Jax countered into a slam for two. Stratton hopped on the apron hoping to cash in (on Liv) but she was yanked down by Rodriguez. Jax went after Rodriguez but that allowed Morgan to hit a Codebreaker off the ropes for two. 

Morgan and Rodriguez cornered Stratton against the barricade and Jax knocked them all over with a tackle. Jax hit Morgan with a leg drop in the ring. Jax set up for Annihilator while Dominik Mysterio distracted the referee. Rodriguez knocked Jax off the ropes and Morgan hit Oblivion for the pinfall win. 

— After the match, Triple H handed the Crown Jewel title belt to Morgan. She held up both belts and the Crown Jewel belt was basically twice the size of the regular belt.

******** 

Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton 

The match didn’t happen. 

Owens (wearing a Cowboy Bob Orton shirt) attacked Orton with a chair from behind during his entrance. Owens cleared the announce table but Orton fought him off and gave him a back suplex onto the table. Orton sold his knee, which Owens targeted earlier with the chair. 

Owens attacked Orton with the chair again until referee Eddie Orengo yanked it out of his hands. Owens gave Orengo a stunner and he took a great bump. Officials ran down as Orton attacked Owens with the chair. Orton drove Owens onto the other announce table as officials scrambled around. 

Cole said the match has been waived off. Shawn Daivari tried to stop Orton so Orton kicked him and chucked him out of the ring. 

Adam Pearce tried to stop Orton so Orton gave him an RKO. The brawl continued through the crowd. Owens hit Orton with an equipment box and Orton was laid out over some tables. Owens ran up the stairs and did a crazy flying elbow drop off the railing. Officials checked on both men. 

********

Triple threat match: LA Knight defeated Carmelo Hayes and Andrade to retain the United States Championship (9:09) 

They had a fun, fast-paced match with lots of creative spots. There was a great spot early where Andrade went to the top, seemingly targeting Hayes in the ring, but instead hit a moonsault to the outside on Knight. (Knight checked to make sure Andrade was okay and he was.) 

Andrade hit Hayes with an avalanche fallaway slam for two. With both men down, Knight hit them with a diving elbow drop for two. Later on, Knight leaped onto the top rope to hit Andrade with an avalanche German suplex. (Knight slipped initially and actually crotched himself before readjusting to hit the move.) Hayes followed with Nothing But Net on Knight for two. 

Hayes went for a facebuster on Andrade but Knight caught him with BFT for the pinfall win. 

********

On Monday’s Raw, being taped Sunday in Riyadh, there will be a world title number one contender’s match between Seth Rollins, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and Sheamus.  

******** 

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defeated World Heavyweight Champion Gunther to win the WWE Men’s Crown Jewel Championship (23:00) 

The crowd loudly sang along with Rhodes’ song. They started the match with “Olé” chants and sang for Cody Rhodes. Rhodes wore navy blue, gold and white. Gunther wore black and white. 

They went back and forth for the first five minutes. Rhodes had the advantage first, followed by Gunther. Gunther went for the sleeper but Rhodes quickly slipped out of it. The crowd was red-hot (it seemed like they were going to be hot no matter what was happening in the ring). 

Rhodes hit jabs but Gunther cut him off before he could do the bionic elbow. Gunther taunted the fans before hitting Rhodes with an uppercut. Rhodes hit the Dustin Rhodes uppercut and clotheslines to knock Gunther out of the ring. Rhodes knocked Gunther off the apron with a springboard kick. Gunther tried a sleeper again but Rhodes knocked him out of the ring. 

Gunther blocked a suicide dive, drove Rhodes into the side of the ring and body-slammed him outside the ring. Gunther worked over Rhodes and the crowd continued with Olé chants. The announcers figured the fans were trying to get in Gunther’s head knowing he lost to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania. The fans followed by doing the wave. 

Rhodes came back with a body slam and delayed reverse vertical suplex but Gunther responded with a body slam of his own. Rhodes followed with a superplex, powerslam, jabs and a bionic elbow. The crowd chanted for Dusty before Cody hit a Cody Cutter for two. 

Rhodes tried a Disaster Kick but Gunther blocked it and applied a Boston crab. Rhodes almost escaped so Gunther hit a German suplex and applied the sleeper. Rhodes fought out with jawbreakers. Gunther went for the sleeper again but Rhodes countered into a Cross Rhodes. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.” 

Gunther hit a dropkick and powerbomb for two. Gunther chopped Rhodes and dismissively smacked him in the face. Rhodes shoved Gunther and fired back with forearms. Gunther tried a sleeper but Rhodes countered with a back suplex. Gunther came right back with a clothesline but Rhodes countered another clothesline attempt with Cross Rhodes for a nearfall. 

Rhodes went for a super Cody Cutter but Gunther caught him in a sleeper. However, Rhodes immediately rolled through into a cradle for the pinfall win. (As Graves noted, this was shades of Bret Hart.) Gunther slammed the mat in frustration. 

This was really good. 

— Gunther and Rhodes shook hands post-match. Gunther had some words for Rhodes before he left. 

Rhodes was handed the Crown Jewel belt. Cole explained what Triple H informed us of earlier, that both the women’s and men’s belts would remain in Saudi Arabia and the winners, Morgan and Rhodes, would be given rings instead. 

Morgan entered and she posed alongside Rhodes and Triple H. Triple H eventually left the ring and the two champions posed together as the show ended. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton vs. Imperium

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Before facing off to become the first-ever men’s Crown Jewel Champion on Saturday, Cody Rhodes and Gunther will stand on opposites sides of the ring on tonight’s Crown Jewel go-home edition of WWE SmackDown.

Rhodes will team with Randy Orton to face Imperium (Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser) while Orton is preparing to wrestle Kevin Owens on Saturday.

Jey & Jimmy Uso, along with Roman Reigns, are also set to appear on tonight’s show which was taped last Friday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax and WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan will go face-to-face before they compete for the first-ever women’s Crown Jewel Championship Saturday.

Bianca Belair, Piper Niven, IYO SKY and Lash Legend will compete in a fatal four-way as each woman will also be part of a fatal four-way for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles on Saturday.

Our live coverage begins at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

The show opened with a shot of the Crown Jewel title in the ring as Michael Cole hyped up the women’s champions match for Crown Jewel. Nia Jax then made her entrance.

The Nia Jax/Liv Morgan segment

I like the hook of Stratton saying she’s going to cash in either way at Crown Jewel. Yes, it takes away from the surprise of the always-fun surprise cash-in, but it does add a wrinkle to the Jax/Morgan match and it was a wrinkle the program needed. Does Stratton cash in on Morgan and head over to Raw to work the same nights as her real life boyfriend, Ludwig Kaiser? Or does Stratton cash in on Jax and we head towards the inevitable Jax/Stratton program we’ve been expecting for months? Pro wrestling is a lot more fun when it’s not as predictable. These women did a good job setting the table for Saturday.

Jax began by saying the only thing on her mind is the women’s Crown Jewel Championship. Jax said she wants it and she gets everything she wants. Jax listed off becoming Queen Of The Ring and becoming WWE Women’s Champion. Jax called Morgan insufferable and smirked. Jax said she will walk out the first-ever Crown Jewel champion … and Morgan’s music hit. Morgan walked out with Dirty Dom and Raquel.

Morgan noted how she retired Becky Lynch and became the “greatest women’s world champion of all time.” Morgan then called Dirty Dom the most gorgeous man in the world. Morgan reminded Jax that the last time they wrestled, Morgan beat Jax. Morgan said if anyone is going to become the first-ever Women’s Crown Jewel Champion, it will be her. Tiffany Stratton’s music then hit and Stratton walked out with a microphone.

Stratton said at Crown Jewel, it will be Tiffy Tiime because she’s going to take her MITB briefcase and cash in to become new WWE Women’s Champion. Stratton cut off Jax, who started to talk, and told Jax not to get too comfortable. Morgan laughed at them and said she has people around her that she can trust. Stratton said she hasn’t made her decision yet and both Jax and Morgan were starting “to piss her off.” Stratton reiterated that she will cash in at Crown Jewel. Stratton then asked Morgan that if she beats Morgan, does that mean Dom goes with Stratton. The crowd popped for that.

Stratton said she could use some dirty in her life and Morgan said it looks like Stratton already has some dirty in her life. Stratton responded by elbowing Morgan out of the ring. Morgan then yelled for a referee as the show went to its first commercial break.

**********

Liv Morgan defeated Tiffany Stratton [2:29 of TV time]

Wow. We only got two-and-a-half minutes of that? The perils of running a taped show, I suppose. Two of the company’s biggest women stars and this felt like a throwaway, complete with a dumb finish. That post-match strike from Jax to Morgan with the briefcase looked stiff as hell, though, which was fun.

The match was joined in progress and Morgan was beating Stratton down. Action spilled to the outside and Morgan ran Stratton into the Prime cart. Morgan hopped into Dom’s arms and they rubbed noses. Back in the ring, Stratton cut Morgan off with a boot to the stomach. Stratton went for her gymnastics splash, but Live moved and took back control until Stratton caught Morgan and hit a powerbomb for a two-count. Stratton yelled at Morgan that she’s nothing without Dom.

Stratton lifted Morgan, but it resulted in a Codebreaker from Morgan for a two-count. Morgan went for Oblivion, but Stratton countered with a boot. Jax hopped up to distract the referee and threw Stratton her briefcase. Stratton tried to hit Morgan, but Morgan moved and rolled Stratton up for the win. After the match, Morgan hit Stratton with the briefcase, but Jax grabbed it and hit everyone in sight with the briefcase. Jax then hit her finisher on Morgan to close the segment.

**********

– A Kevin Owens promo from his car aired. Owens said he tried to call Orton all week, but Orton never answered. Owens said he didn’t want to fight Orton because he’s looked up to Orton and he can’t understand why Orton is making Owens do it. Owens said he never wanted to hurt Orton, but now he’s going to. Owens said he’s going to hurt Orton like Orton hurt Owens because Orton “did this to us.” Owens said he’d see Orton Saturday.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Montez Ford) [4:01]

Yeah, I don’t blame Montez Ford one bit for coming out today and publicly talking about how frustrated he is in WWE. The Profits are so underutilized, it’s shameful. Even this was a vehicle for two things not related to the Profits – one, to get Miranda on screen with Pretty Deadly and two, to provide B-Fab with a moment to shine as she bodyslammed Prince. Other than those two things, what was the point of this? Pretty Deadly is rarely around and the Profits have been so damaged, any win or loss hardly effects their presentation. Something needs to change.

Pretty Deadly came to the ring with Playbills of “Pretty Deadly: The Musical” in hand. They gave a copy to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was in the front row. They also gave Miranda a CD, which was funny. Pretty Deadly jumpstarted the match and Wilson started the match with Ford. Prince tagged in and put the boots to Ford. Wilson tagged in and landed a DDT for a two-count. Wilson pounded on Ford and Wilson leapt at Ford, but Ford moved and ultimately got the hot tag to Dawkins to cleaned house.

Dawkins took out Prince with a corkscrew elbow and hit a series of spinning splashes on both members of Pretty Deadly. Prince caught Dawkins and tagged in Wilson. The heels briefly had control and Wilson distracted the ref as B-Fab bodyslammed Prince on the outside. Ford tagged in and the Profits hit their super Blockbuster for the win.

**********

– Jax and Stratton were talking backstage. Stratton said she didn’t mean it when she said she might cash in on Jax. Naomi and Bayley walked into the frame and Naomi told Jax to keep her title warm for Naomi. Stratton had a nasty bump on her head from the briefcase shot earlier.

Bayley & Naomi defeated Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell [8:53]

And I guess that’s it for Indi on WWE TV. In case you missed it, reports earlier Friday indicated that she, along with Baron Corbin and Tegan Nox are no longer with the company. It’s a shame because she’s improved so much since her debut in WWE, but, as it goes, corporations are corporations. As for this match, Indi especially looked the best she’s looked on main roster television. Then in terms of the winner, I like the story they are telling with Naomi racking up victories. My only hope is that it eventually leads to something meaningful for her. The screwy finish here didn’t do much for me, but it did give LeRae a bit of an out. Here’s hoping they still find time for LeRae on TV now that her running mate will be elsewhere.

Hartwell and LeRae jumpstarted the match and attacked the babyfaces. Hartwell worked over Bayley until Bayley fought back, which led to Hartwell planting Bayley. LeRae tagged in and hit a springboard twisting splash on Bayley on the outside of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break. It was about 35 minutes past the hour at this point, and it’s worth noting two whole matches and an entire talking segment had already taken place. Keep that in mind whenever The Rock returns to Friday nights.

Anyway, the show returned and the heels had the upper hand, Hartwell working a chin-lock on Bayley. LeRae tagged in and Hartwell slammed LeRae on Bayley for a two-count. LeRae focused on Bayley’s arm. Hartwell tagged in and went for a boot, but Bayley moved and Ran LeRae into the ring post before hitting a double-knees in Hartwell. LeRae tagged in, but Bayley still managed to get the hot tag to Naomi.

Naomi planted LeRae on the apron and the crowd was as silent as a “Quiet Place” sequel. Naomi followed that up with a split splash. Things broke down and Bayley was the legal woman. Bayley hit a neck-breaker on LeRae and Naomi got a blind tag, but LeRae and Hartwell worked over Bayley, LeRae tried to pin Bayley after a moonsault, but because Bayley wasn’t legal, the ref didn’t count. LeRae then ran into a hip attack from Naomi and Naomi got the pinfall win.

**********

The Bloodline segment

A very strong segment. Jey showed great fire in his delivery and boy, when you think about it, the best thing that could have ever happened to Jey and Jimmy was them hopping in the Bloodline, only for things to go sour, because both have made the best of their singles opportunities. Roman saying only “Yeet!” was a great decision and let’s be honest: It’s a ton of fun seeing those three back together again after all the stuff they’ve been through in this story. I don’t think they win on Saturday – how does the story continue if they do? – but this was an earned feel-good moment.

Roman Reigns made his entrance flanked by Jimmy Uso. The crowd chanted “OTC!” Jimmy started by calling Roman his Tribal Chief and reminding him that “stronger together” is what Roman would always say. Jimmy said he loved Roman and Roman needed to listen to Jimmy: He needed Roman to drop his beef with Jey. Jimmy said he made up with his brother as the crowd chanted “squash the beef.” Jimmy said it was time for Roman to make up with his cousin and “our brother.” Jimmy said if they don’t get right, they’ll lose to Solo and his Bloodline. JImmy kept talking, but Roman put out his hand and Jimmy stopped to put the microphone in Roman’s hand.

As Jimmy went to give Roman the microphone, Jey’s music hit. Jey made his entrance through the crowd and the crowd was awfully excited. After his music ended, the crowd completed the verse a capella, which was wild. A bunch of “Yeets” followed that. “Squash the beef” chants began again. Jey threw off his sunglasses and said, “Let’s get one thing clear: This match, this fight – he only took it to get back at Solo” because Solo cost Jey his title and he’s messing with the family. Jey said things aren’t all the way fixed in the family.

Jey said it took all he had to stand beside Roman in the ring and he won’t forget what Roman did to him. Physical damage. Emotional damage. Mental damage. Jey said he showed up because that’s what family does. Through all of this, the crowd gave “Yeets” in the middle of breaks in dialogue. Jey said they got show everyone it’s family above all. Jey said this go-around, Roman won’t tell Jey what to do and how to do it. Jey said he wasn’t a lackey anymore and he was Roman’s equal now. Jey said all three of them were equals, and they should run things like they used to back in the day.

Jey if Roman speaks to or treats Jey with the slightest disrespect, he’s out. Jey said Roman could act like his cousin and not his Tribal Chief and he’d see him at Crown Jewel for them to do it together. Jey asked Roman if they would do the damn thing and Roman asked for Jimmy’s microphone. “OTC!” chants began. Roman looked around and simply said “Yeet!” into the microphone. The crowd erupted and Jey threw his microphone down. “Hug it out” chants began. Jimmy put up his finger to acknowledge Roman. Jey stepped up and did the same. Roman followed suit and raised his finger, too. The crowd ate it up and Roman’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed the Motor City Machine Guns backstage and asked them what their goals were. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller entered the shot. Waller said they respect MCMG and they should be on the biggest talk show in WWE. Alex Shelley said “Miz TV?” and it was funny. Turns out MCMG will be on The Grayson Waller Effect next week.

– Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill did a walk-and-talk, cutting a promo as they walked to the ring for the next match.

IYO SKY defeated Bianca Belair, Lash Legend and Piper Niven in a fatal four-way [12:04]

The match of the night (on a match-heavy night, relatively speaking) to this point (who knows how this main event will turn out). The crowd loved SKY going over and I can’t figure out why WWE doesn’t want to get behind SKY and Sane more. But there are a lot of things I can’t figure out, so onward, we go. Legend and Niven got the most shine here, which was refreshing to see. The showdown between Legend and Cargill got a nice response, so you have to think a program between the two is in their future. That said, Cargill and Belair had a similar moment at the Royal Rumble and now they’re tag champs. So, we’ll see where everything goes. This was very good, though, and the women worked hard. In some ways, it made the tag title four-way at Crown Jewel even feel a little more appealing.

Things were a little clunky to start out as SKY tried to roll up Legend. Legend then elbowed the hell out of SKY. Those two went to the outside and Belair moved as Niven went for a corner splash. Niven hit a shoulder block on Belair and Legend dumped SKY on the apron. Inside the ring, Legend and Niven traded blows. Legend tried to lift Niven, but couldn’t. Ditto the other way around. The two women hit dual clotheslines and took each other down. Belair got back into the ring and hit a moonsault. SKY returned and threw Legend to the outside.

SKY went for a moonsault, but Niven cut SKY off. Belair then dumped Niven to the outside. Belair followed that up with an attempted splash, but Niven and Legend caught Belair and threw her into the guardrail. The show then went to a commercial break. When it returned, the heels were working over SKY in the ring, complete with a chokeslam from Legend and a Senton from Niven. They both went for the pin, but that just led to Niven and Legend trading blows.

Belair reappeared and hit a splash from the top rope on Niven and Legend. Belair hit a spinebuster on Niven and followed it up with a shoulder-block to Niven and Legend. Belair worked the 10-punches in a corner spot on both heels until the heels lifted Belair. The match reset when SKY came off the top and dropkicked the women. SKY hit a series of double-knees on the heels and went to the top, but Niven cut her off. Niven lifted SKY and Belair interfered by powerbombing Niven. Legend got back into the fold and hit her finish on Belair. Legend went for a pin, but Chelsea Green broke up the pin. The respective teammates of the match participants brawled on the outside. Cargill stood tall after kicking Jakara Jackson – but Legend took Cargill out.

Back inside the ring, Niven landed a series of power moves and Sentons on everyone in sight. Niven hit a Michinoku Driver on Belair. Legend then kicked Niven and Cargill and Legend engaged in a stare down inside the ring. Cargill was pulled outside and as Legend was looking at Cargill, Belair hit KOD on Legend. Instantly, SKY came off the top for a moonsault on Belair and pinned Legend to get the win.

**********

– Cody and Randy Orton were talking backstage. Cody asked Orton to save a piece of KO for Cody, but Orton said there won’t be anything left of KO. Orton stared at Cody’s title as Cody looked away. They said they’d see each other out there.

– An Andrade vignette aired. He said he will become the new champion of the United States. A Carmelo Hayes vignette followed that and said he can’t think of a better place to win the U.S. title than in Saudi Arabia, and that was a very dumb thing to say because … I don’t know … maybe win it in the place the belt is named after? Anyway, LA Knight was the final vignette and said he didn’t regret doing what he did to Andrade and Hayes during Game 7. Knight also said he would retain at Crown Jewel.

– A Solo Sikoa Bloodline vignette aired. Sikoa said his new family would never hurt him or let him down. Solo brought up how Jimmy, Jey and Roman couldn’t get along. Solo kept questioning why he’s the bad guy and said he’s not the bad guy, he’s the Tribal Chief. At Crown Jewel, he said, Roman’s Bloodline will respect Solo’s Bloodline and acknowledge Solo.

Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton defeated Ludwig Kaiser & Gunther [10:15]

A paint-by-numbers SmackDown main event, but entertaining nonetheless. God bless Randy Orton, who was asked to work about 75 seconds in this match and still get the win. The post-match stuff was a nice touch. I kept away from spoilers and was not expecting Owens to run in and hit Orton – and only Orton – with a chair. The heels losing here makes me even more convinced that Gunther goes over at Crown Jewel, but time will tell. Hey, it sounds boring, but this was a hot angle to end a go-home show and you can’t ask for much more than that.

Cody and Gunther started the match, but Gunther immediately went to the outside. Kaiser then attacked Cody and worked Cody over inside the ring until Cody came back with a long-standing vertical suplex on Kaiser. Cody clotheslined Kaiser over the top and followed that up with a suicide dive on Kaiser. Cody rolled Kaiser back into the ring and the show went to its final commercial break.

The show returned and Kaiser had the advantage inside the ring. Cody went for a Cody Cutter, but Kaiser cut Cody off. Gunther then kicked Cody in the head. Kaiser punched Cody repeatedly. Kaiser tagged in Gunther and the two Imperium members his stereo kicks on Cody. Cody and Gunther exchanged blows until Gunther chopped the hell out of Cody and tagged in Kaiser. Kaiser landed a knee for a two-count and worked a chin-lock. Eventually, Kaiser and Cody clotheslined each other to set up the hot tag. Said hot tag then took place and Orton hit Kaiser with his signature snap powerslam.

Gunther tagged in, but Orton went for the Draping DDT on Kaiser. Gunther broke it up with a chop, so Gunther was the recipient of the Draping DDT. Orton set up for an RKO, but Gunther blocked it. Cody tagged in, Kaiser did the same and Cody hit a bionic elbow on Kaiser before landing a Cody Cutter from the top rope. Cody set up for CrossRhodes, but Gunther broke it up. Orton then hit an RKO on Gunther and that enable Cody to get in the CrossRhodes on Kaiser for the win.

The babyfaces posed after their win, but Owens ran in and hit Orton with a chair. Owens stared at Orton’s lifeless body. Gunther then choked out Cody as the show ended.

Wrestling Weekly: WWE Crown Jewel predictions

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

On a new Wrestling Weekly, Les Thatcher and I preview Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel from Saudi Arabia.

Who will become the inaugural Crown Jewel champions? Can Roman Reigns and Jey Uso get on the same page? Will Kevin Owens make Randy Orton pay for demanding a match with him?

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Roman Reigns & The Usos vs. The Bloodline official for WWE Crown Jewel

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Roman Reigns will return to action for just the second time since WrestleMania at Saturday’s WWE Crown Jewel PLE.

In a bout that was hinted at during last Friday’s SmackDown taping, Reigns will team with Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso to face three members of Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline at Crown Jewel in a six-man tag.

All four members of The Bloodline (Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa) Are featured in the WWE-produced match graphic indicating that The Bloodline will operate under Freebird rules for the bout.

Jimmy and Jey reunited on last Friday’s SmackDown after more than a year of storyline strife as they interfered on behalf of Motor City Machine Guns in their Tag Team title bout against The Bloodline.

Seven matches are now set for Saturday’s PLE in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The pre-show will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern time with the main card beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, November 2.

The updated PPV lineup:

  • WWE Crown Jewel, Saturday, November 2, 1 p.m. Eastern time on Peacock —
  • Crown Jewel Championship: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. World Heavyweight Champion Gunther
  • Crown Jewel Championship: WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax vs. Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan
  • WWE United States Champion LA Knight defends against Andrade & Carmelo Hayes in a triple threat
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill defend against Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane, and Chelsea Green & Piper Niven in a four-way
  • Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens
  • Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed
  • Roman Reigns, Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso vs. The Bloodline (three of Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa)