The Rock says ‘a bunch of bulls-t’ has been going on for the last six months in Instagram promo

The Rock spoke out following his WWE return at Bad Blood.

The Final Boss went on Instagram during his entrance at Bad Blood, and after exiting the stage, made various comments about his surroundings while ultimately saying he’ll talk about The Bloodline situation when he’s ready.

“The Final Boss is feeling a lot of things. And you know why? There’s been a lot of bull**** that’s been going on in the last six months,” The Rock said in the video. Regarding his feelings on what went out there, The Rock said “The Final Boss will tell you when The Final Boss is ready for you to know.”

Making his exit from the arena, The Rock could be seen in the video meeting security backstage while seeing production trucks displaying the likeness of Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, and Dusty Rhodes. He finished the video with his catchphrase as he entered his truck and drove off.

In the main event of Saturday’s premium live event, Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes managed to defeat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in the main event after Jimmy Uso made his return, evening the odds by laying out both Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. Reigns and Uso eventually made the save for Rhodes after he was jumped by Tonga & Loa. The Rock returned after the dust had settled, making it clear he’s been seeing what has gone on with The Bloodline in recent months.

WWE SmackDown live results: Tag title ladder match, AJ Styles returns, more

On the eve of Bad Blood, WWE SmackDown takes place from Nashville tonight.

The WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line in a triple threat ladder match. Champions The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) are defending their belts against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) and DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommasso Ciampa).

The Bloodline have held the titles since August 2, when they defeated DIY for the championship.

Another stipulation is set for tonight with Michin and Chelsea Green facing off in the first-ever women’s dumpster match.

Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton has also been announced, and AJ Styles will make his return to WWE programming.

Plus, in advance of Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns teaming together against Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu in the main event of Bad Blood, SmackDown will feature a “special look” at how the match came to be.

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

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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the show as shots of Nashville aired. Scenes of The Bloodline, #DIY and The Street Profits entering the building from earlier in the day also aired.

– Country singer Hardy was then introduced and he was already in the ring. Hardy then introduced “The Phenomenal Forearm” (his words, not mine) AJ Styles.

The AJ Styles/Carmelo Hayes/LA Knight segment

I get a kick out of turns like this. “Hey, everybody. The last time you saw me, I was feuded with the beloved World Champion and I even lied about retiring just to get a match with him. But, shoot. I went away for a couple months and I’m sorry, so bring out the bad guys!” I tend to like AJ Styles, so I didn’t mind this all that much, but that doesn’t mean it’s not all so silly. Anyway, it’s good to have Styles back and I’m curious if he’ll be worked into the U.S. title picture after this. You have to think he doesn’t have a lot more towns left in him.

Styles received somewhat of a babyface response from the live crowd. Styles was also wearing his ring gear. Styles soaked in cheers after his music cut off. The crowd thanked him with “AJ!” chants. “Welcome back” and “AJ Styles!” chants followed that initial chant. Styles said he had “missed you guys so much” and talked about how it was fitting that they were in Nashville because that’s where it all started for him. Styles said he’s done a lot of things he regrets over the last few months, but he was there to rebuild the legacy of AJ Styles. Styles said it is still “The House That AJ Styles Built.” On cue, Carmelo Hayes’s music hit and Hayes walked out.

Hayes said he wasn’t surprised that there weren’t a lot of guys in line to welcome him back. Hayes stepped into the ring and introduced himself to Styles and said he’s been holding it down on SmackDown while Styles has been gone. Hayes called Styles an old-timer and said Styles was probably out there to announce a legends contract. Melo said a guy like Melo, who deserves to be the U.S. Champion … and then Styles interrupted Melo to say that LA Knight is relentless, “yeah!” Styles recalled how Knight went to Styles’s house and how Styles and Knight had a match at WrestleMania.

Melo chimed back in and said he didn’t need advice from Styles because Hayes doesn’t take advice from quitters. Styles said if Melo was actually “him,” he would be the U.S. Champion. Melo said if Styles actually phenomenal, Styles would be world champion. Styles challenged Hayes to a match on the spot. Hayes said, “Nah, I’m good,” and tried to walk away, but LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out to a good pop. The crowd broke into “LA Knight!” chants. Knight said, “Let me talk to ya!” Knight mocked Hayes and noted how Styles had misled the entire world when he said he was going to retire a few months ago. Knight said Hayes will get stomped out and there are two options – one is that Knight could punch Hayes and walk down to Broadway to have a good night. The second choice is that if Melo can beat Styles, Melo could have a shot at the U.S. title. Without Melo saying anything, the match was made and the segment ended.

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Carmelo Hayes defeated AJ Styles via ref stoppage [8:34]

Welp. I was wondering how they’d get out of Styles losing in his return, considering the pop-up stipulation that Knight added, and I guess this was the best way? Maybe? Probably? I don’t know. The match was fine while it lasted, but the truth is that I’d like to see these two get five more minutes and no commercials. We got what we got. I’ll reiterate perhaps the biggest question coming out of the first half-hour of this show: Where does Styles go from here? I’m genuinely curious.

Knight sat at ringside for the match. Hayes took Styles down early and then Styles returned the favor. Hayes kept control early, led by some chops. Styles fought back with chops of his own and a nice-looking standing dropkick. Hayes rolled to the outside and hopped back on the apron before hopping back off the apron. Hayes stalled, which incited boos from the crowd. Hayes finally stepped back into the ring and had the edge, complete with a springboard clothesline and two-count. Hayes threw Styles to the outside and joined Styles outside the ring, where Melo threw Styles into the commentary table. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Melo was working a half-crab inside the ring. Styles made it to the ropes for a break. Styles then fired up and landed a fury of strikes, taking Hayes down. Styles then hit a pop-up neck-breaker, but after Melo came down on Styles’s leg, the ref called the match off due to an injury that Styles suffered to his leg earlier in the match. As Melo was announced the winner of the match, Knight stepped into the ring and hit a BFT on Hayes.

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– A dumpster was rolled to ringside for the next match.

Michin defeated Chelsea Green in a Dumpster Match [10:25]

This was a blast. Plus, it’s a great example of a very good mid-card program that built over a series of weeks in a low-key way and then ultimately had a payoff that worked in all of the ways. A good WWE-style brawl that incorporated comedy – and in this instance, actually warranted comedy – while offering up a way to get both wrestlers involved to the next level. It worked. Kudos to Michin, who continues to build her bad-ass-ery, and kudos to Green, who has no shame (in the best way) and has no problem being a ham in the name of entertainment. This was as perfect as it could be.

Both women had kendo sticks to start the match and that led to Michin hitting a suicide dive on Green on the outside. Michin then grabbed a chair and a trashcan from under the ring. Michin also found a table. Green ran at Michin, which meant Green ran into a baking sheet shot from Michin. Michin went to the top and landed a dropkick from the top rope. The two went outside and Green slammed Michin into the dumpster. The show then went to a break.

The show returned and Green and Michin were battling on the apron. Michin got inside the ring and landed a Tornado DDT and a German Suplex. Michin went for Eat Defeat, but Green countered and hit a Canadian Destroyer. Green then threw Michin into the dumpster, but Michin stopped Green from closing the lid. Michin then beat Green with a bunch of garbage bags. Back in the ring, Michin finally hit Eat Defeat and put Green into a trashcan and hit a splash onto Green with Green in the can. Michin then grabbed another table and draped it across the dumpster.

Out of nowhere, Piper Niven showed up and attacked Michin. Niven then ran at Michin, but Michin moved and Niven hit the dumpster. With the two on the apron, Green tried to suplex Michin, but Michin blocked it and power-bombed Green through the table into the dumpster. Michin then closed the lid on the dumpster and won the match. Green popped out of the dumpster out of the match and had garbage all over her.

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– AJ Styles was shown in the trainer’s room in the back. Corey Graves said Styles was transported to a hospital.

– Naomi was shown in the back and Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill walked up to her. Naomi menitoned how Belair and Cargill won their tag titles. As it goes, Naomi will now also be a host, along with Belair and Cargill, at Bad Blood. Bayley walked into the scene and reassured Naomi that they are friends, which means Naomi will be the No. 1 contender should Bayley win the women’s title at Bad Blood.

The Bayley/Nia Jax segment

Bayley showed good fire here. Or, well, at least more than she has in recent weeks. The Stratton/Jax stuff continues to be fun in a weird novel WWE way. And I only say that because I was dreading the will she/won’t she dynamic that the Jax/Stratton story was obviously going to have from the jump. Instead, the creative minds have done a great job keeping things fresh between those two. As a result, this should be a fun segment when it comes to the PLE. Everyone involved has stepped up enormously in the walk up to all this.

Bayley said she wasn’t going to waste anyone’s time and she called out Nia Jax right away. Jax’s music hit and Jax walked out with Tiffany Stratton. Jax said if Bayley had something to say, she should say it to Jax’s face. Bayley said Jax never understood the importance of the women’s championship. Bayley referenced a lot of WWE women’s legends and said they made the title seem larger than life. Bayley said Jax doesn’t do that for the title. Bayley said even so, none of them have had the dominant championship run that Jax is on right now.

Bayley noted that she plans to take the title off Jax’s shoulders. The only other person who wants to take Jax’s title is Tiffany Stratton. Bayley said Stratton will cash her briefcase in on Jax … and then Stratton chimed in because Bayley said Stratton isn’t good enough. Stratton said she didn’t need the briefcase to beat Jax. Jax said, “Excuse me.” Stratton was flustered and called Bayley “Pam,” which was kind of fun, and told Bayley to bow down to Jax. Bayley said at least she could respect Jax’s dominance, but meanwhile, Stratton is a “stupid bi%!” From there, Stratton tried to hit Bayley with the briefcase, but Bayley moved and Bayley took out both Jax and Stratton. The segment ended with Bayley holding the title and draping it over Jax.

But it didn’t. Because Stratton creeped her way over to Jax sith the briefcase in hand and a referee appeared. The crowd chanted “Cash it in!” But Jax left the ring and Naomi’s music hit for the next match.

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– Niven and Green were walking backstage and they ran into Pretty Deadly, who sold how bad Green smelled. Ditto for Grayson Waller and Austin Theory. Again for Berto and Angel. And finally, Nick Aldis, who apologized and used a bunch of puns. Melo walked up to Aldis and said he wanted his U.S. title match. Aldis said they’d talk next week about it because Aldis has to see how Styles is doing.

Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton [10:01]

This result only makes me believe more and more that Stratton gets a successful cash-in this weekend. Look at all the opponents they have set up for her at this point. Naomi, for her part, pretty much has a promised title match against Stratton or Bayley, no matter how this weekend shakes out. As for this match, it was pretty good. Two professionals working a professional wrestling match. Nice stuff.

Naomi had control early, complete with a running clothesline and a running head-lock. Stratton fought back and went for a clothesline, but Naomi ducked it and kicked Stratton before hitting a knee to the face. Naomi face-planted Stratton for a two-count and then set up for a draping DDT, but Stratton got out of it. Still, Naomi hit a suplex for a two-count. Stratton found herself on the apron and that resulted in a springboard double-knees onto Naomi for a two-count. The action spilled to the outside, where Naomi hit a split leg-drop onto Stratton on the apron. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Naomi was on the defensive until she took back control and the two then traded blows. Naomi ended that exchange with a series of kicks and a spinning bulldog. Naomi landed a sliding slap and got a two-count out of it. Stratton came back with a counter face-plant into a shotgun dropkick. Naomi was on the top rope and hit a cross-body, but Stratton rolled through and picked Naomi up, but Naomi worked out of it and went for a split-legged moonsault, but Stratton moved and tried the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but missed that. The two traded roll-up attempts, but Naomi was the one to get the best of it for the win.

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– The Bloodline were walking backstage and Jacob Fatu yelled into the camera, calling out everyone, including Roman Reigns. Fatu went on and on about worshipping his Tribal Chief. It concluded with Fatu saying Solo Sikoa is the true Tribal Chief. The faction then made their entrance.

– Stratton was walking backstage and Jax showed up. Jax brought up Stratton teasing cashing in her briefcase and suggested Stratton cashes in on Liv Morgan at Bad Blood. The other option for Stratton, Jax said, was that Stratton promises she will never cash in on Jax. Stratton said she would never do that to Jax.

– The commentary team ran down the Bad Blood card for Saturday.

The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommasso Ciampa) and The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. [19:56]

The best part of this was the idea that Tonga and Loa could have actually lost because it was an easy way to get the belts off them without actually taking a loss … and then they didn’t lose. I like it. In the meantime, everyone looked great, especially the two babyface teams, who both feel like they are on the verge of breaking through to the next level in their own ways – mostly as a result of this match. The point here is that everyone won, really. Coming away from it, it was a net positive for all the wrestlers involved. Really good stuff and most definitely main event worthy for a WWE TV show (and no, I don’t say those last five words patronizingly).

The match started with everyone brawling, the four babyfaces attacking the two heels. The two babyface teams were alone in the ring, but all that meant was the four kept working over the two. The show went to a commercial break. The show returned and the teams were battling on ladders. Things were broken up and Tonga and Loa hit everyone with a ladder. Dawkins was suplexed onto a lader and the Bloodline duo stood tall for a moment as the crowd booed. Loa and Tonga worked over Ciampa on the outside of the ring until Dawkins took out Loa and Tonga … until Gargano took everyone out with a suicide dive … until Ford took out everyone with a dive. “This is awesome!” chants began.

B-Fab told Ford to get a table from under the ring. Ford obliged to the delight of the live crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Tonga was a victim of a Shatter Machine from #DIY. Loa found himself with his head in the middle of a ladder and a #DIY hit him with a Meet In The Middle. Gargano set up a ladder and climbed a bit, but Dawkins cut him off. Gargano came back with a spear and Ciampa hit a knee on Dawkins. Ciampa tried to climb the ladder, but Dawkins cut Ciampa off. Ford then hit a Blockbuster over a ladder on Ciampa, who was held by Dawkins, and things reset.

“This is awesome!” chants broke out. Dawkins climbed a ladder, but Tonga pushed the ladder over. The Bloodline pushed a ladder into Dawkins’s head. B-Fab grabbed a chair from Tonga’s hands and as a result, Gargano and Ciampa hit The Bloodline with chairs. Gargano and Ciampa worked over The Bloodline with the chairs and put Loa on a table. Ford went to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash on Loa through said table. Gargano and Ciampa cleared the commentary table and with Dawkins hit a triple power-bomb on Tonga.

#DIY took out Dawkins after that and pushed another ladder into the ring. Ciampa climbed the ladder, but Ford jumped onto it. The four babyfaces fought on the ladder. Loa appeared and pushed the babyfaces onto other ladders. The crowd booed loudly. Tonga held the ladder and Loa climbed to the top to get the belts and win the match.

WWE SmackDown live results: Solo Sikoa returns

One week after Cody Rhodes & Roman Reigns pledged to have each other’s backs when they take on The Bloodline at Bad Blood, Solo Sikoa will return to SmackDown tonight.

Last week, Sikoa was absent while the rest of The Bloodline went to a no contest with The Street Profits & Kevin Owens in a six-man tag match. It will be Sikoa & Jacob Fatu vs. Rhodes & Reigns at Bad Blood on Saturday, October 5.

Also on tap for SmackDown, Bayley and Naomi will go one-on-one to determine who will challenge Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship at Bad Blood. Jax & Tiffany Stratton took on Naomi & Bayley last week and lost as Naomi & Bayley pinned Jax at the same time, setting up tonight’s bout.

Carmelo Hayes and Andrade will extend their series to six matches tonight. Andrade currently leads the series at 3-2. He lost to LA Knight in a U.S. title match on last week’s show. Afterwards, Hayes confronted Andrade backstage and the two brawled.

Michin and Piper Niven will wrestle as well ahead of Michin and Chelsea Green’s dumpster match on SmackDown next Friday.

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

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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the show and instantly, Randy Orton’s music hit. Orton then walked out.

The Randy Orton/Cody Rhodes/Bloodline segment

The slow burn between Owens, Orton and Cody is sort of fun, but I do worry that it has a short shelf life. Does this also mean that Orton and Owens ultimately turn heel? It was nice to see Orton back on SmackDown – the show has missed his star power and he instantly makes any TV show he’s on more intriguing, if only because it’s hard ever 100-percent trust him in any situation. Also of note: Sikoa has gotten a lot better on the mic since settling into this role as the leader of The Bloodline 2.0. He feels a lot more comfortable getting heat on the mic and he feels more and more like an actual player as each week passes. It might not come in large doses, but incrementally, he deserves a lot of credit for growing into this role.

Orton started by saying it’s been a minute and he’s missed being in a SmackDown ring on Friday nights. Orton then formally welcomed everyone into Friday Night SmackDown. The crowd chanted “Randy!” Orton said he could count the amount of people he trusts in this business on one hand, but Cody Rhodes is one of those people he can trust. Orton said it’s interesting that Cody is teaming that Roman at Bad Blood and it doesn’t sit right with him. As a result, Orton asked Cody to come out and give Orton an explanation. Cody’s music hit and Cody made his entrance.

The crowd chanted “Cody!” after Cody joined Orton in the ring. Cody then asked Oklahoma City and Randy Orton what they wanted to talk about – but not until after the crowd broke into a “Randy!” chant. Cody said he might look like a fool by teaming with Roman Reigns, but Cody then asked Orton if he’d rather be a fool or a coward. Cody talked about how Roman gave Cody his word multiple times and he hasn’t lied yet. As such, Cody said he’s going to take Roman at his word. Cody said the fans will also take Roman at his word. “OTC!” chants broke out.

Cody noted how he’s standing there with The Apex Predator and The Legend Killer and because of that, Orton should understand because it’s time for the legend of the Bloodline to be killed. Cody said he hopes it’s not a problem for Orton and extend his hand. Orton shook Cody’s hand. Orton said it’s not a problem – unless Cody makes it a problem. On cue, Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens made his entrance wearing an RKO shirt. Before Owens could speak, Solo Sikoa’s music hit and the Bloodline made their entrance.

Sikoa had a microphone and spoke while standing in the entrance way. Sikoa started by telling Oklahoma City to acknowledge him. In response, everyone booed. “OTC!” chants followed those boos. Sikoa said he knows Roman gave Cody his word and Cody should trust Roman because Cody will need Roman. Sikoa said Owens and Orton won’t be any good for Cody at the end of the day. Sikoa rightfully pointed out that each time Cody tried to take out The Bloodline alongside Orton and Owens, they couldn’t take The Bloodline out. Sikoa said the reason Cody will team with Reigns is because Owens and Orton always let Cody down.

Owens chimed in and told Sikoa to “shut his stupid face.” Owens challenged The Bloodline to a team match. Cody tried to make it a six-man tag, but Owens said no to that, stopping Cody from talking and issuing the challenge. Owens’s music hit without Sikoa responding and the segment ended.

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– Nia Jax and Tiffany Strattong were backstage and Jax was annoyed. Jax said she doesn’t understand how they didn’t get rid of either Bayley or Naomi last week. Jax grabbed Stratton by the neck and Stratton apologized for last week. Jax said if it ends bad for Jax, it will end really, really bad for Stratton. Jax then smiled and said they could be friends again after the intensity lessened. The camera stayed on Stratton’s face long after Jax left and Stratton looked angry.

Bayley defeated Naomi to become the No. 1 contender for the WWE Women’s Championship. [10:01]

This was a good match and I’m glad they got 10 minutes. The post-match stuff with Naomi has me thinking we’re on our way to a turn, and it’ll be welcome because Naomi has been spinning her wheels since coming back as a babyface. Maybe a heel turn could give her act a spark that kicks things into gear. The Jax/Bayley rematch combined with the elongated Stratton angry face from her segment with Jax makes me believe we might be getting that Stratton cash-in sooner than later, which is another good thing, too, because I have officially lost all patience for all things MITB, even though we’re only a few months removed from it. Anyway, lots of good stuff all around.

Naomi went for an early pin, but Bayley thwarted it. Naomi kept trying until Bayley almost went to punch Naomi but stopped herself because the two are friends. Naomi pushed Bayley repeatedly until Bayley pushed back. Bayley eventually landed a clothesline for a two count. Bayley went for a running knee, but Naomi countered with a bulldog. Naomi super-kicked Bayley and Bayley rolled to the outside, where Naomi hit a corkscrew plancha before the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Bayley hit an Elbow on Naomi to reset things. Bayley followed up with a back suplex and a suicide dive onto Naomi, who was on the outside of the ring. Back in the ring, Naomi hit a Rearview for a nice near-fall. The two got to their feel and traded blows until Naomi kicked Bayley in the head twice. Naomi planted Bayley for a two count. “This is awesome” chants began. Naomi kicked Bayley and went to the top for a Blockbuster. Naomi tried to follow it up with a suplex, but Bayley countered into a suplex of her own. Bayley then sunset-flipped Naomi into the bottom turnbuckle, but it didn’t quite go as planned. Still, Bayley got a two count out of it.

Bayley went for a Bayley to Belly, but Naomi countered and Bulldogged Bayley into a turnbuckle. Naomi went to the top and missed what she was going for. Bayley then hit the Bayley to Belly. Bayley rushed to the top and landed her signature elbow, which was good enough for the win. After the match, Naomi looked upset as she walked to the back.

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– Footage of the weird post-match stuff between LA Knight and Andrade aired. Andrade was walking backstage and ran into Knight. Andrade said real men shake hands to show respect and as such, Knight lost Andrade’s respect. Out of nowhere, Carmelo Hayes took Knight out and Andrade looked confused. Hayes told Andrade, essentially, to meet him in the ring.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Andrade [16:48]

Boy, this was great. I feel like each week, I say it’s my favorite in their series, but … well … I think this was my favorite in their series. Plus, they got nearly 17 minutes. Great stuff. A clever finish, too, because it felt like Melo had to get the win to even the series, but these guys had already pulled out all the stops. So, how does he do it? LA Knight with an accidental distraction. I’ll say this right now: Game 7 will need at least a half hour, so put that on a PLE and get out of the way, Hunter. Please? I half wonder if that weird post-match moment from last week between Knigth and Andrade was never scripted, but took on a life of its own, so they thought they’d lean into it this week. Perhaps we’ll never know. Either way, this was a great match and I have to think it’ll end up being the match of the night. Maybe even the match of the week in WWE. These guys are just so good together.

Andrade had control to begin things and went for a double-knees, but Hayes moved and draped Andrade over the second rope. Amazingly, Hayes ran at the draped Andrade and Andrade pulled off a powerslam while being draped on the second rope onto the apron. Hayes sold back pain and the show went to a picture-in-picture. The show returned and Hayes had the upper hand with a springboard clothesline. Hayes worked a chin lock. Andrade worked his way out of it and chopped Hayes, but Hayes responded with punches of his own. The two eventually hit simultaneous clotheslines to reset the match. “This is awesome!” chants began.

Back on their feet, the two traded blows. Andrade ultimately landed a dragon-screw leg whip, but Andrade quickly ran into a First 48 from Hayes for a two count. Hayes was bleeding from the mouth. Hayes went for a double-knees, but Andrade moved and hit a leaping forearm to take back control. Andrade then landed a double-knees for a good near fall. Andrade went for The Message, but Hayes countered into somewhat of a springboard DDT for another good near fall. The show then went to a second commercial break during the match.

The show returned and Andrade climbed to the tope rope, but Hayes cut Andrade off. Hayes tried to set up for a super-plex, but Andrade headbutted Hayes to the canvas. Andrade then commenced the double-try moonsault spot and he connected enough for a two count. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Andrade set up for a suplex, but Hayes countered with a Facebuster and some sort of cutter and Hayes nearly got the victory. Hayes went to the top, but Andrade cut Hayes off. Andrade set up for a super-plex, but instead, Hayes turned things into a neck-breaker/cutter from the top for a very good near-fall. “Holy s%$@!” chants started.

Hayes went for a Nothing But Net, but Andrade moved and hit a spinning back elbow that caused Hayes to roll to the outside. With Hayes on the outside, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight ran out, but Andrade stopped Knight from attacking Hayes. Hayes took advantage of that and rolled Andrade up for the win. Hayes ran to the back after the win and Andrade and Knight exchanged words inside the ring. Knight extended his hand for a handshake, but Andrade walked away and the crowd booed.

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– Owens and Orton were talking in the locker room. Cody Rhodes walked in and asked Owens to talk, but Owens said he couldn’t at the moment because they were getting ready for their match. Owens stood up and told Cody to not interfere in their match later on. Orton said if they need the help, Orton would love Cody to help and he’d talk to Owens to let him know Orton gave Cody the OK to help.

– An AJ Styles vignette aired. Turns out, he’ll return next week.

Michin defeated Piper Niven [8:58]

Hey, it was a lot better than that three minute match these two had a couple weeks ago. The right person went over, considering how Michin is the one competing next week in the Bad Blood go-home edition of SmackDown. It being a Dumpster Match, I do wonder how much of a role Niven might play, but maybe Michin will bring some help of her own. The creative minds have done a good job building this program between Michin and Green. It isn’t often WWE takes time to develop things with their mid-card women, but things appear to have turned a corner in that respect, and that’s great. Next week’s showdown between Green and Michin should be a lot of fun.

Michin ran at Niven to start the match, but Niven fought back and ultimately shoulder-blocked Michin to the ground. Niven ran into a boot from Michin. Niven came back with an attempted splash, but Michin rolled to the outside where Chelsea Green distracted Michin and Niven hit a Cannonball on Michin. The show went to a commercial break. The show returned and Niven shoulder-blocked Michin through the air. Niven followed it up with a Cannonball in the corner and got a two-count.

Niven went for a splash, but Michin moved and hit a ton of kicks and chops. Michin hit a Crucifix Bomb and that was enough for a two count. Michin ran the ropes and Niven caught her for a Sidewalk Slam. Niven dragged Michin to a corner and went for a Niven Bomb, but Michin moved. It didn’t matter because Niven came back with a Michinoku Driver and earned a near-fall. Michin went to the rop, but Niven cut her off with a slap to the head. Green distracted the referee and Michin kicked Green off the apron. Niven, in the meantime, missed a Cannonball attempt on the outside. Niven returned to the ring and Michin hit Eat Defeat for the win.

**********

– Next week, AJ Styles returns. Also on tap, #DIY, The Street Profits and The Bloodline will compete in a triple threat ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Plus, the Dumpster Match between Green and Michin will go down.

– Naomi was walking backstage and Bayley apologized for beating her earlier. Naomi said Bayley wasn’t sorry, but it was OK, because if Naomi would have won, she wouldn’t be sorry either. Naomi said they’ll run it back someday eventually. Naomi kept walking and Stratton walked into the picture. Stratton said Naomi will have a good view of Jax beating down Bayley. Naomi then said she’d go to GM Nick Aldis to make a match between Naomi and Stratton for next week.

– A recap of the cinematic angle between Cody and Roman aired before the main event.

The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu) defeated Kevin Owens & Randy Orton [15:05]

Lots of nonsense to finish this thing up, but the Bloodline had to win to give them credibility going into their showdown with Roman and Cody next weekend. I love the way Fatu is booked in WWE. At some point, I thought they’d cool him off as they built the new Bloodline, but they really haven’t. Instead, he’s the only guy who won’t sell the suplex onto the commentary table from Orton. Instead, he’s the one who bounces right back from big moves from big-name wrestlers. It works and I wonder where he’ll be in six months. I also kind of wonder why this didn’t main event the go-home edition of SmackDown next week. Maybe they have something better planned, but it felt like this would have been a good way to set up the PLE if they weren’t going to have Roman on the show. That said, I probably just answered my own question because my guess is Roman pops up next week to finish the build. Anyway, a good main event. Chaotic for a WWE main event, but that’s not a bad thing, especially considering how monotonous this show has become in recent months.

Owens and Fatu started the match and Fatu took Owens down quickly, but Owens came back with an elbow and a Senton. Sikoa tagged in and ran into a bunch of Owens’s strikes. Sikoa quickly rebounded and took Owens down. As a result, Owens tagged in Orton, much to the delight of the live crowd. Fatu wanted the tag because of that and Fatu tagged in. “Solo sucks!” chants began. Orton kicked Fatu, but Fatu fought back and clotheslined Orton over the top rope to the floor. Fatu followed Orton to the outside, but Orton caught Fatu and dropped Fatu onto the commentary table, but Fatu no-sold it. Orton, ever the professional, proceeded to drop Fatu on the table three more times to make his point. Orton then did the same to Sikoa and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Sikoa was working over Owens inside the ring. The two fought on the top rope and Sikoa fell off the top, so Owens went for a Swanton, but Sikoa got his knees up. Fatu tagged in and Fatu whipped Sikoa into Owens in a corner before Fatu followed it up with a hip attack of his own on Owens in a corner. Fatu whipped Owens into a corner and before long, Fatu ran Owens into the heel corner and tagged Sikoa into the match.

Sikoa jawed at Owens and stomped on him. Fatu hit Owens while the referee had his back turned and Orton got mad and ran into the ring, but the ref sent him back to his corner. Sikoa ran the ropes, but Owens caught him. Eventually, Owens punched his way out of a lock up with Sikoa and Orton received the hot tag. Orton came in and cleaned house, complete with a snap powerslam on Sikoa and Fatu. Orton hit his draping DDT on Sikoa. Orton set up for an RKO, but Fatu tried to intervene. It was enough for Sikoa to follow up with a Samoan Drop on Orton.

Sikoa went to the outside and Owens got up on the apron, asking for a tag. Owens became the legal man and Owens ran around the outside of the ring, clotheslining and Swanton-ing everybody. Owens landed a frog splash on Fatu on the outside. Owens went to the top and hit a Swanton on Sikoa inside the ring, but it was good enough for only a near-fall. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa ran to ringside and as a result, Sikoa landed a Spinning Solo on Owens for a near-fall. Cody’s music hit and Cody came out and took care of Loa and Tonga. Tonga found himself in the ring and Orton gave Tonga an RKO.

Things broke down and the heels threw Cody into the referee, which kept the referee from counting after Owens hit a Stunner on Sikoa. Owens was angry about that and then turned into a bunch of super-kicks from Fatu. Sikoa pinned Owens for the win. After the match, Cody tried to say he was sorry, but Owens was very mad and Orton tried to reason with everyone. Ultimately, Owens hugged Cody as the “Executive Producers – Paul Levesque/Lee Fitting” graphic came up to end the show.

Tag Team title ladder match set for October 4 WWE SmackDown

On the eve of Bad Blood, the WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line in a triple threat ladder match.

The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) are set to defend their titles against DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) on the Friday, October 4 episode of SmackDown. The news was announced via a video that WWE posted from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis this afternoon.

With Tonga & Jacob Fatu originally holding the titles, The Bloodline became WWE Tag Team Champions by defeating DIY this August. In storyline, Solo Sikoa took Fatu’s title belt away from him and gave it to Tonga Loa so Fatu could be Sikoa’s personal enforcer.

Sikoa & Fatu are facing Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes at WWE Bad Blood on Saturday, October 5.

This is the second stipulation match that’s been booked for next Friday’s SmackDown episode. Michin vs. Chelsea Green in a dumpster match is also set for the show. It’s taking place from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wrestling Weekly: AEW All Out thoughts & the road to Grand Slam

Image: AEW

On this week’s Wrestling Weekly, it’s all about last Saturday’s AEW All Out and the subsequent road to this month’s Grand Slam with a match we can’t wait to see, regardless of how we got there.

Also, we talk about enhancement talents and whether doing that work for the big groups can hinder their ability to be seen as stars in the future.

We do talk some WWE at the onset, looking ahead at tonight’s WWE SmackDown, Bret Hart’s appearance on Raw, and the rest of what’s happening these days.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

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The Bloodline attack Street Profits, Nathan Frazer & Axiom on WWE NXT

The Bloodline made their presence felt on Tuesday.

During the opening match between Nathan Frazer & Axiom and The Street Profits, The Street Profits had hit their finish on the NXT Tag Team Champions when Tama Tonga came in and broke the count, causing the match to be thrown out. Tanga Loa and Jacob Fatu then entered and proceeded to lay out both teams, standing tall as the segment ended.

On Friday’s SmackDown The Bloodline including, Solo Sikoa, defeated The Street Profits and DIY in an eight-man tag team match. Sikoa got the win for his team after two Samoan spikes to Montez Ford. Sikoa will now wrestle Cody Rhodes in a steel cage match for the WWE title on this coming Friday’s SmackDown as it returns to the USA Network.

The Rascalz were originally announced to take on Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the titles. However, Ava announced on social media Monday that they were unable to compete due to “somewhat conspicuous circumstances.”

WWE SmackDown live results: Two championship matches

A pair of title matches are set to take place on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

On the heels of defeating DIY for a shot at the WWE Tag Team titles, The Street Profits will face off with champions The Bloodline tonight. It will feature Jacob Fatu wrestling for the first time since SummerSlam. He returned last week and helped lay out Roman Reigns.

The United States Championship will also be defended as LA Knight squares off against Santos Escobar. This is Knight’s first defense of the belt since winning it from Logan Paul at SummerSlam.

Also, after a quick social media exchange, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be a guest on the Grayson Waller Effect. Rhodes is set to defend his title against Kevin Owens at Bash In Berlin next weekend.

After recently aligning herself with WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Unholy Union, Blair Davenport will team with them to take on Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi. The Unholy Union successfully defended their tag titles on Raw this Monday, defeating Damage CTRL.

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

**********

– The show began with a video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments. Video of the Bloodline entering the building then aired. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller were introduced and The Grayson Waller began.

The Grayson Waller Effect with Cody Rhodes

This was fairly formulaic, but it did the job. This long, slow walk towards Waller and Theory breaking up has more than overstayed its welcome – so much so, that to me, it’s almost already come back around and is beginning to be mildly interesting again. I could do without teasing tension between Cody and KO in the main event, just because it feels so predictable. Hey, here’s an idea: Owens fully turns on Cody and goes full-on bad guy. That’d be fun. Speaking of fun, I got a kick out of seeing Jericho on a WWE video package the weekend of All In.

Waller introduced Cody and Cody came out to a loud pop. Cody tried to pose on the top rope and Waller cut everything off, telling Cody it was an interview and Cody needed to sit down. Cody grabbed a microphone and said “So …” but Waller finished with “Washington, D.C., what do you want to talk about?” Waller said everything in the WWE is about Cody Rhodes. The crowd chanted Cody’s name. Waller said, “These idiots don’t know the real you,” while referencing the crowd. Waller asked Cody what kind of friend Cody is and mocked him.

Cody jumped in and asked Waller if he thought he was a bad friend. Cody referenced Kevin Owens and said Owens could and has beaten everyone on the SmackDown roster. Cody said Owens has been fighting the Bloodline since before Cody came back. Cody said Owens has not stopped fighting and he followed that up by saying he has never used Owens. Cody asked Waller if Waller could say the same thing and insinuated that Waller was using Austin Theory. Cody called Theory “Magic Mike,” which was funny, and told Theory that Waller was using Theory and everyone is waiting for Theory to do something about it.

Waller chimed in and said they would never turn on each other. Waller said he prepared something for Cody to watch and introduced a video package on Kevin Owens. The video package chronicled all the times Owens turned on his friends. That package included, among others, his program with Chris Jericho. Back in the ring, Waller said that didn’t look like a good friend to him, and just like that, Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out with a mic. Owens soaked in “KO” chants.

Owens said they are trying to convince Cody he’ll turn on him, but Owens said everyone in the video had it coming – except for Kofi Kingston. Owens said everyone knows what’s going to happen … and eventually Nick Aldis will make a tag match with the four. Aldis walked out and Owens asked Aldis if he could make a tag match for tonight. Aldis said it’s a done deal and the main event will be Kevin Owens & Cody Rhodes vs A-Town Down Under. Owens asked Aldis if he could still punch Waller right now and Aldis told Owens to make it quick. The four briefly brawled until the heels retreated and Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar to retain the U.S. title [9:05]

This was ostensibly a home game for Knight, who once called Hagerstown, Maryland, home, and Hagerstown, Maryland, isn’t all that far from Washington, D.C. That said, it was nice to see him get the win in front of (presumably) his family and friends. There was very little suspense about the outcome because this was Knight’s first title defense and … well, come on. Still, both guys showed up for work and Escobar can look to run it back without the rest of LDE being banned from ringside. All the crowds love LA Knight anyway; they loved him a little more tonight.

As the introductions began, Berto and Angel pulled Knight to the outside and attacked him before the bell rang. Escobar stood in the ring, smiling. As a result, referee Jessika Carr sent Berto, Angel and Elektra Lopez to the back. The bell finally rang and Escobar leapt at Knight, but Knight moved and rolled Escobar up for a two-count. Escobar went right back on the offensive and slammed Knight for a two-count. The show then went to a break.

Back from that break, Knight landed a neck-breaker to take control. The two went to the outside and Knight slammed Escobar onto the commentary table repeatedly. Knight cleared off the table, but Escobar threw Knight into the table. Escobar then went to the barricade and hit a double-knees onto Knight, onto the commentary table. Escobar went to the top rope and landed a frog splash on Knight inside the ring and got a two-count out of it. Escobar went to work on Knight’s shoulder/arm. Escobar went for an elbow drop, but Knight moved and before long, followed that up with an inverted atomic drop.

Knight hit a running clothesline and a neck-breaker before stomping a mud hole in Escobar. Knight then landed a clunky Side Effect for a near-fall. Knight set up for a BFT, but Escobar countered with a super-kick. The two battled on the second rope until Knight pushed Escobar off and hit an elbow from the top. From there, it was the BFT and the end.

**********

– Carmelo Hayes cut a promo in a barber shop and was talking trash until Andrade barged in and challenged Hayes to a match next week.

– Legado Del Fantasma were fighting backstage and Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews walked into the scene. Escobar said he would not tolerate disrespect and he would talk to Aldis to “sort this out next week.”

Jade Cargill, Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Alba Fyre, Isla Dawn & Blair Davenport [9:35]

This was better than I expected it to be, though I’m not even quite sure I know what I expected it to be. Good work from all women involved. The pretzel-like submission that Fyre worked midway through the match on Belair was fantastic – and Belair sold it accordingly, too. Cargill gets just a tiny bit better each time she’s out there and this was no exception. There’s a lot to be said about the way WWE has used her since she came over from AEW, but things kind of/sort of feel like they are starting to work with her. Naomi getting the win was a nice touch. Davenport taking the loss, meanwhile … eh. She could use some booking love on Friday nights.

Belair and Dawn began the match with Dawn getting the best of Belair early on. Belair came back with a slam and a springboard moonsault. Belair kicked Dawn and Dawn rolled to the outside. From there, Belair landed a splash on Dawn on the outside and the show went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Blair Davenport had tagged in and was working over Belair. The three heels landed an impressive sequence of triple-team moves on Belair for a two-count.

Dawn ran in and taunted Cargill. With the referee distracted the heels posed for the crowd. Dawn was the legal woman for a split second until Fyre tagged in and the two front-suplexed Belair. Fyre worked a submission on Belair until Belair worked her way out of it with a back-breaker. Dawn tagged in and cut off a hot-tag attempt, but Belair wasn’t having that and landed a vertical suplex on Dawn and got the hot tag to Cargill.

Davenport tagged in as well, but Cargill took out all three heels, complete with a powerbomb and fallaway slam. The heels fought back, but Naomi tagged in and hit a cross-body on Davenport and Dawn. Naomi then landed dueling draping DDTs on Davenport and Dawn. Cargill then kicked the hell out of Fyre. Things broke down and went to the outside, where Belair took everyone out with a cross-body. Back inside the ring, Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Davenport and got the win for her team.

**********

– A Bash In Berlin video aired and Natalya narrated it. The Hart family was featured heavily in the video – including Bret, Owen and the British Bulldog.

– The Bloodline made their entrance. Jacob Fatu was in a walking boot. Solo Sikoa had a microphone and said, “Washington, D.C., acknowledge me.” Sikoa said he had a lot to talk about and he asked the crowd, who was booing him loudly, to keep it down. Sikoa said their “O.T.C. is D.O.N.E.” The crowd still chanted “OTC!” Sikoa said whoever wins the title match at Bash – Cody or KO – Sikoa has next. Sikoa said he will bring the undisputed title back to his family. “We want Roman!” chants broke out. Sikoa reminded everyone that Roman wasn’t there. Sikoa then said there is something wrong with the tag team titles. Sikoa told Fatu to step up. Sikoa told Fatu to give Sikoa his title. Fatu went to hand it over, but Sikoa told Fatu to give it to Tanga Loa. Fatu obliged. “You can’t wrestle!” chants began and it was very, very funny. Fatu was promoted as the “personal enforcer” for Sikoa. Fatu and Sikoa embraced and Fatu screamed he loved Sikoa repeatedly. The Street Profits walked out and mocked the Bloodline. Dawkins yelled that the Profits want the smoke and walked to the ring for their title match.

– LA Knight cut a promo backstage and talked about how he was home. Knight said he was going to cross the ocean and defend his title in an open challenge at Berlin next weekend.

The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa) defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles [9:12]

I don’t know what the hell the deal is with Jacob Fatu and if he’s injured, or how much he’s injured, or if this is all a work, or if … whatever. But him throwing around super-kicks like that – I like it. I also like the fact that somehow, someway, we don’t really know for sure one way or another what the deal is with Fatu. I guess we’re supposed to assume that he isn’t cleared to wrestle because he’s not a tag champion anymore … but if he wasn’t cleared to wrestle, how can he get away with all the physicality? Whatever it is, this adds a nice wrinkle to the act and this match was pretty good. The “You can’t wrestle!” chants beforehand had me cracking up, but Tonga Loa was fine here. I’m interested to see how these tag champs work out. #DIY still being involved in an unexpected – but welcome – development. Does the Bloodline hold on to these belts until the Lucha … oh, never mind.

Guerrillas of Destiny … er … the Bloodline had control early over Dawkins. Ford ultimately tagged in and landed a standing moonsault on Tonga for a two-count. Ford followed that with a clothesline and another two-count. Loa tagged in and the two hit a combination neck-breaker on Ford. Loa kept control until Ford landed an enziuri and tagged in Dawkins. The Profits worked over the Tongans and Dawkins hit a Sky High before tagging on Ford, who hit a frog splash on Loa for a two-count that was broke up by Tonga. Tonga tagged in and on the outside of the ring his some type of modified Cross-Rhodes on Ford on the outside. The show went to a break.

The show returned and Loa and working over Ford inside the ring. Ultimately, Loa went for a pop-up move on Ford, but Ford countered with a DDT. Dawkins received the hot tag and Tonga tagged in. Dawkins went on a tear and Tonga was the recipient. Dawkins landed a Silencer and tagged in Ford, who helped out with a pop-up neck-breaker. Dawkins tagged in again and shoulder-blocked both Loa and Tonga on the outside of the ring. Ford followed that up with the leap over the ring post spot. Still, Fatu ran over and super-kicked both Profits with his walking boot. As a result, Tonga covered Dawkins for the win.

After the match, the Bloodline worked over the Profits, but #DIY’s music hit and Gargano and Ciampa ran out. The Bloodline got the better of them with Fatu landing his pop-up Samoan Drop on Ciampa. Sikoa then hit the Samoan Spike on Gargano and Ciampa. To end things, the Bloodline stood tall.

**********

– Cody and KO were talking backstage. Owens said they want to shut Waller and Theory up. Owens referenced the video from before where Owens turned on all his friends and Owens told Cody he’s not that guy anymore. Owens said he didn’t ask for the tag match to set Cody up. Cody said he’ll just take Owens at his word and be ready for what happens next.

– Saxton was shown backstage and B-Fab walked out of the trainer’s room. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell showed up and were concerned. Everyone was scared about what condition #DIY and the Profits were in.

– A Michin vignette aired and it was very good.

– Pretty Deadly was shown gluing on pink diamonds onto Nia Jax’s crown, which was messed up last week by Michin. Tiffany Stratton asked Jax if there was anything she could do for Jax and Jax said she could start by fixing Jax’s crown. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven were shown talking around the corner from Jax and they speculated about Stratton cashing in on Jax eventually. Jax shut Niven and Green up and said she was in no mood tonight. Next week, Michin and Jax will wrestle in a street fight for the WWE Women’s Championship.

Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens defeated A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller & Austin Theory) [11:38]

Like I said earlier in this recap, I was hoping for a hard turn from KO, but it was not to be. Still, this was all right. Not terribly offensive. Not terribly inspiring. Pretty much the kind of WWE television main event one would expect on their way to a PLE. At some point, Waller and Theory’s run on SmackDown like this is going to have to be studied. They keep showing up. They keep working main events. They keep losing. They keep … seem lesser than the main event? That sounds harsh, but I’m not sure how else to put it. Either way, it always works, even if it working means it’s also kind of boring. For now, it’s on to the go-home show.

Cody and Waller started the match. Cody had control early and tagged in Owens, who chopped Waller and tagged Cody back into the match. Owens quickly tagged back in and the babyfaces had the upper hand, continuously working over Waller. Theory tagged in and hit a rolling dropkick on Owens. Theory pummeled Owens as the show went to its final commercial break.

The show returned, and Owens and Waller were battling on the top rope. Owens got the best of it, punched Waller off the top and hit a frog splash. Owens got the hot tag to Cody and Cody unleashed on Waller, complete with a Disaster Kick. Waller went to the outside and Cody tried to run the ropes, but Theory cut Cody off. As a result, Waller landed a rolling Flatliner on Cody for a two-count. Theory tagged in and kept control over Cody.

While Theory worked a head-lock on Cody, Owens fired up the crowd. Before long, Cody managed to hit a Cody Cutter to even things out. Cody went for a hot tag, but Theory cut Cody off with a back-drop and a two-count. Waller tagged in, but Cody took care of the heels and crawled towards Owens. Cody got the hot tag to Owens and Owens clotheslined both heels on the outside of the ring. Owens also hit a pair of Sentons on the heels. Back inside the ring, Owens landed a Cannonball and a Swanton Bomb on Waller, but Theory broke up a pin attempt. Cody then hit a Cross-Rhodes on Theory and Owens followed that up with a pop-up powerbomb on Waller for the win.

The commentary team ran down the Bash In Berlin card. Owens looked like he was going to hit Cody with the belt, but instead gave Cody his belt back. The show closed after that, and it was a bit of a fun way to end things.

Paul Heyman believes WWE Bloodline angle ‘not even in the third inning yet’

Paul Heyman believes The Bloodline angle still has a long way to go yet.

At a SummerSlam 2023 press conference last year, Heyman responded to a question about where in the overall story they were by saying the angle was in the “bottom of the third.” He adjusted his baseball analogy during an interview with Sam Roberts at Fanatics Fest this weekend, saying he’s not even sure if the angle has reached the third inning yet.

Heyman said:

“I could not imagine someone coming in in this era and saying, ‘Yeah, I’ve seen enough of The Bloodline. Enough of them. That’s alright, Roman, thanks a lot, see you later!'”

“Some people tried to rail me over the coals last year like, ‘Oh, Paul Heyman said they’re only in the third inning, what a jerk off Paul Heyman is!’ I got news for you, I don’t even think we’re in the third inning yet and now that you see the emergence of Solo and Jacob Fatu and the Tongans and the fact that they are a real threat, the first time a real threat to Roman Reigns’ dominance, to Roman Reigns’ sitting at the head of the table, to Roman Reigns being the top star, to Roman Reigns actually being the Tribal Chief. How many stories can we tell from the position that we’re in now?”

“You don’t know what Jimmy Uso’s stance on this is. You don’t know (where) Jey Uso stands on this. You don’t know if or when the Wise Man will return. You don’t know who else Solo may or may not have in his back pocket ready to debut. You don’t know what our moves, what Roman Reigns’ moves, what my moves, what anybody’s moves can be. All you know is that Roman Reigns is back, he’s back to reclaim the title of Tribal Chief from Solo and Solo has so much backup right now.”

“I can’t imagine someone coming into power in this company and saying we’ve told the entire story of The Bloodline. I see someone coming into power and saying, ‘Oh my god, look what I get to play with now.”

Heyman was power-bombed through an announce table by The Bloodline on the June 28 edition of WWE SmackDown and hasn’t been on WWE programming since.

Matt Kempke posted the entire interview to his YouTube channel:

Jacob Fatu returns on WWE SmackDown, attacks Roman Reigns

Jacob Fatu made sure The Bloodline stood tall at the end of SmackDown.

Solo Sikoa came to the ring with Tama Tonga on Friday and said that if Roman Reigns wanted the ula fala necklace from Sikoa, he would have to get it from him. Reigns came out and laid out both men. As he put on the ula fala, however, Jacob Fatu entered the ring and attacked Reigns. Wearing a walking boot, Fatu laid out Roman with a running hip attack in the corner. Fatu, Sikoa, and Tonga then gave Reigns a triple powerbomb onto the announcer’s table. The show ended with the trio standing over the fallen Reigns inside the ring.

Reigns made his return to WWE at the end of SummerSlam two weeks ago, taking out Sikoa and allowing Cody Rhodes to retain the WWE title. On the following edition of SmackDown, Reigns came out at the end of the show and again took out Sikoa’s Bloodline, including Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.

The end of SummerSlam saw Fatu tweaking his foot before Reigns made his return. He was spotted wearing a walking boot following the event. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said that Fatu was meant to sell his leg during Reigns’ return to keep them away from one another.

Wrestling Weekly: AEW’s Arlington experiment, All In, the latest in WWE

AEW’s run in Arlington, Texas wraps up this weekend — but the countdown to their return is already on with the announcement of All In for 2025. We look at how this run of shows has gone as well as the road to Wembley and the latest in WWE. Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

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Update on Bloodline WWE Tag Team title situation

The WWE Tag Team Champions are whoever Solo Sikoa decides are the WWE Tag Team Champions.

Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu won the belts on the August 2 edition of SmackDown. However, Fatu was seemingly injured at WWE SummerSlam and hasn’t been on WWE programming since. On Friday’s SmackDown, Tonga Loa was holding one of the tag belts along with his brother Tama.

Our own Dave Meltzer addressed the WWE Tag Team Championship situation on today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

“The SmackDown Tag Team titles, the champions are whoever two men Solo picks. So, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa can defend them, Jacob Fatu when he comes back can defend them. They never did explain this on television but this is the WWE explanation,” Meltzer said.

Meltzer continued to say it’s unclear if Fatu was legitimately injured at WWE SummerSlam. Still, WWE is hoping to keep him away from Roman Reigns for the foreseeable future.

“Essentially, the deal is that they’re basically trying to have Jacob Fatu completely avoid Roman Reigns because everyone has to sell for Roman Reigns and they want to keep Jacob Fatu special by not bumping around for Roman Reigns.”

“He’s going to be gone when Roman Reigns is around until whenever the time is right to hook them up. So, that’s the situation. I can’t say he’s not hurt but everything that’s happening was planned to happen, I can say that as far as avoiding those two locking up for now.”

“I think they want Roman with Solo first and then they’ll go to Jacob Fatu after that.”

The full episode of Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer is available here for subscribers.

New WWE Tag Team Champions crowned on SmackDown

The Bloodline are the new WWE Tag Team Champions.

Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga defeated DIY’s Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa in the main event of Friday’s SmackDown to capture the WWE Tag Team titles.

Fatu pinned Gargano after a moonsault and implant DDT to secure the victory for The Bloodline.

The title win is the first in the WWE careers of both Fatu & Tonga. Tonga Loa and Solo Sikoa both interfered in the title match to give DIY an out.

After the match, Fatu & Tonga presented Solo Sikoa with their title belts, and SmackDown went off the air with Sikoa posing with the gold.

In Friday’s opening segment, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes agreed to make his title defense against Sikoa at tomorrow’s SummerSlam event a Bloodline Rules match, where anything goes.

Our full report from Friday’s SmackDown is available here.

The SummerSlam lineup:

  • Bloodline Rules: Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defends against Solo Sikoa
  • WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damien Priest defends against Gunther
  • WWE Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Nia Jax
  • WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan defends against Rhea Ripley
  • WWE United States Champion Logan Paul defends against LA Knight
  • WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Bron Breakker
  • CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre with special guest referee Seth Rollins
  • Jelly Roll to perform

Wrestling Observer Live: AEW Collision’s new look & The Bloodline’s dominance continues

I am back from vacation with the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Live, discussing all the latest in wrestling.

On Friday’s WWE SmackDown, the storyline continued with The Bloodline 2.0 leading up to Solo Sikoa’s match with Undisputed Universal Champion Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. I analyze the direction of the story and speculate when Roman Reigns will re-enter the program.

I also discuss this week’s AEW Dynamite featuring the near-one hour match between Will Ospreay and MJF. The discourse surrounding this match was polarizing with as much praise as it received, many couldn’t comprehend an hour-long TV match. However, I argue why a different format can be beneficial.

Additionally, I provide a breakdown of AEW Collision including Skye Blue’s injury and The Patriarchy becoming new Trios champs. I also discuss the new residency location in Arlington, Texas, and how it looked on television.

Plus, we talk TNA Slammiversary, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport featuring more WWE talent, and all kinds of other stuff.

Click here to listen or watch below on YouTube:

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank fallout

SmackDown’s Money in the Bank fallout goes down tonight from the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Solo Sikoa pinned Cody Rhodes in last Saturday’s main event, all but confirming him as the next challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The six-man tag match saw the new-look Bloodline of Sikoa, Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu defeat Rhodes, Randy Orton & Kevin Owens. Fatu starred in the match as he made his WWE in-ring debut.

It’s expected that Rhodes vs. Sikoa will take place at SummerSlam on August 3. We’ll see if WWE makes that official.

New Ms. Money in the Bank Tiffany Stratton is set to celebrate her victory. With the briefcase in her possession, she could be a problem for WWE Women’s Champion Bayley, who has a title defense against Nia Jax scheduled for SummerSlam.

Tonight, Jax goes one-on-one with Michin. A WWE Tag Team title rematch between DIY and Grayson Waller & Austin Theory has also been announced. Plus, Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews face Legado del Fantasma’s Angel & Berto.

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

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The Money in the Bank main event is recapped to start the show off and felt like an all-action war that should have been a no DQ match to start out with. Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa were put over the strongest in the video package – including Cody Rhodes. We saw Cody enter the building along with DIY arriving with Ciampa’s kid and a giant orange Dunkin’ outfit.

Tiffany Stratton MITB Celebration

Stratton came out as Corey called her the center of the universe before a highlight reel of her offense at MITB. She bragged about being the youngest Miss MITB ever and complained about Trish showing up when it’s her time. Tiffy Time, in fact. Bayley came out and fans somehow popped for her theme despite its intro lacking any punch to it or matching her at all. They bring up Tiffy Time entirely too many times across the board before Bayley told her that she’ll make her fail and be the first Miss MITB to fail.

Nia Jax came out for this parade of promos and told Bayley that she beat her seven years ago and says that it’s BBL Bayley time while Bayley is now her victim too. Jax and Stratton attacked Bayley before Michin made a save with a kendo stick. Backstage, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven demanded to see Nick Aldis. Chelsea has added Joel Gertner-esque gigantic neck brace.

Nia Jax defeated Michin

Jax bullied her in the corner to start before sending her down and doing the stink face knocking an eyelash off of Michin. Jax got a long cobra clutch before tossing her around in a Biel. Jax does the Ace Ventura butt cheek mockery towards Bayley before dominating Michin on the floor. Michin landed a second rope rana on Jax before a corner cannonball got 2. Tiffany put a kendo stick in Nia’s reach, but Bayley attacked Stratton and Michin got a tornado DDT for 2. Jax landed a Samoan drop and the banzai drop ended it.

Post-match, Stratton attacked Bayley with the case and she and Jax attacked her. Nia was sucking wind hard here and Stratton teased a cash-in before Jax looked offended at her and Stratton just opted not to cash in to avoid pissing her off more. Solo Sikoa talked about how the peak of the Bloodline had all the gold – but Roman’s reign put an end to that. This new era is more violent, more powerful and this family will rule for decades as long as he’s the Tribal Chief. Baron Corbin came out to team with Apollo Crews against Angel and Berto before WWE thanks Toronto for MITB and Heatwave and Byron chatted with Andrade about his future before Carmelo interrupted him.

Berto and Angel defeated Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin

Crews dive to the floor before Corbin dominated mid-ring and they brought up WWE Speed with Corbin this week. Corbin hit a suplex/cutter to Berto before a brawl broke out. Corbin ran to Crews and Crews helped toss him over the top to the floor! Angel locked him into a Gory special before Berto flipped in for an ill-timed blockbuster for two. Berto nailed a disaster kick for two on Corbin. Corbin ate a superkick, but recovered and hit a death valley driver! Crews ran in and ran wild with a pump kick to Angel alongside a jumping lariat. Crews sent Angel to suplex city before Corbin took out Escobar. Escobar kneed Crews before the Wing Clipper ended it. This match greatly exceeded any expectations going in – Corbin shined brightly as did Crews to a lesser extent.

Chelsea Green, with her giant Joel Getner neck brace and Piper Niven told Pretty Deadly to wait for them to finish talking with Nick before they pitch Pretty Deadly The Musical. LA Knight told them that they’d be with them when he’s done and he walked out before an ad break. Before he could come out, WWE hyped up Bad Blood and Orton sat next to Cody Rhodes looking absolutely gigantic next to him and said he’ll have his back tonight – but Kevin Owens won’t because he’s with his family right now and no matter what, Orton has Cody’s back.

LA Knight came out and played promo bingo saying yeah, wanting to talk to ya and eventually stated that he has a signature from himself (yeah), and Nick Aldis (yeah) for SummerSlam – but he needs Logan Paul’s signature on it (yeah). Knight said that he’ll beat Logan Paul – not because he isn’t good, but because he’s better and that’s a fact of life (yeah). A Blair Davenport hype video showcased her as a bully heel before a match with Naomi after a video recap of Cena announcing his retirement tour at MITB.

Naomi defeated Blair Davenport

Naomi landed a series of kicks and a legdrop before executing a rope run, then a slide into a chinlock. Davenport escaped and hit a double stomp before sending Naomi’s shoulder into the post on the floor. Naomi landed a spinning jawbreaker before hitting a series of ridiculous-looking kicks and a facebuster for two. Davenport hit a tree of woe stomp to the arm before a cradle series resulted in several two count exchanges. Naomi landed a flash cradle for the win in a surprising result. DIY’s title win is recapped in a video that in a vacuum, made it look like an all-time great moment had occurred. Carmelo Hayes faces off with Andrade next week and Logan Paul will be live. Naomi celebrated with Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair and they reveal that Aldis isn’t here, much to the Chagrin of Chelsea and Niven who barge in. Blair Davenport played a plucky face against Naomi saying she’s the better person now before Naomi gets distracted by Chelsea and beaten up by Davenport.

DIY retained the WWE Tag Team Titles against A-Town Down Under

The faces took down the heels with stereo calf kicks. Waller clubbed away on Ciampa in the corner before Theory tagged in and stomped Ciampa. Gargano tagged in and hit a DDT/neckbreaker combo on them. A Gargano slingshot spear got two on Theory. Ciampa got an O’Connor roll and Waller hit a rolling thunder flatliner that got two. Ciampa avoids Meet Me in the Middle and got two and Waller ate a shatter machine! Meet Me in the Middle hits for the win and DIY retains!

Jacob Fatu ran down and took out the tag champs to seemingly set up a tag title win from himself and Sikoa if Sikoa loses at SummerSlam. Fatu laid out Ciamp with a BME and shined to an absurd degree before The Bloodline came out. Solo Sikoa demanded that the crowd acknowledge him, leading to a rundown of their beatings and a “we want Roman” chant that only grew louder as Sikoa pointed out that he took out his own brother Jimmy and the Wiseman. He gave Cody a chance to acknowledge him and Cody came out.

Cody stated that he has to talk to Aldis, but he wants to make Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa for the title at SummerSlam. However, he’d prefer to not wait until then before getting circled by the Bloodline before attacking Cody. Fatu laid out Cody with a superkick and Orton came down for a save. Orton landed the draping DDT to Sikoa before getting taken out by Fatu – who may wind up being his SummerSlam opponent. Fatu and Sikoa tied up Cody in the ropes to attack him before the Tongans took out Orton on the floor with the steel steps. Fatu landed a kneeling superkick to Orton before the Tongans set the announce table up as Fatu and the Tongans Shield triple powerbomb Orton through the table and Sikoa Samoan Spiked Cody.

The Ua Fala was placed on Sikoa before a recap aired of the beating with Cody being forced to watch it all tied to the ropes. This was a strong closing angle and they’ve struck gold with Jacob Fatu being unhinged – but Sikoa being able to tame him a bit despite Sikoa himself being so unstable that even Paul Heyman can’t control him.

WWE Money in the Bank live results: Two ladder matches, Priest vs. Rollins

The 15th WWE Money in the Bank takes place from Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena — the first time the event has taken place in Canada and the second-straight year it’s being held internationally.

Two ladder matches that give the winners the ability to cash in for an anytime, anywhere title shot of their choosing will go down with Jey Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade vs. Chad Gable vs. LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre set for the men and IYO SKY vs. Chelsea Green vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark set for the women.

World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest will look for his third title defense as he faces Seth Rollins in the latter’s first match since having knee surgery after WrestleMania 40. If Priest wins, Rollins won’t get another title shot while Priest is champion. But if Rollins wins, Priest not only loses his title but has to leave Judgment Day.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will team with Randy Orton & Kevin Owens against three members of The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu). Plus, Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defends against Bron Breakker.

The show streams live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. There will also be a two-hour countdown show airing before the event.

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COUNTDOWN TO MONEY IN THE BANK

– The two-hour countdown show began with a live shot of outside Scotiabank Arena, as well as footage of the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match participants arriving to the arena. Michael Cole then mentioned Trish Stratus as the host for tonight’s PLE as we then went to a cool animated cold open for the show.

– Cole introduced himself, as well as Wade Barrett and Big E, who were all standing outside of Scotiabank Arena with a crowd of fans behind them. Big E paraphrased a lyric from AJ Lee’s theme song during his introduction. Cole mentioned Paul “Triple H” Levesque hinting that there could be some surprises in store tonight before he and the panel ran down the card for the evening.

– The panel discussed the Damian Priest versus Seth Rollins match for the World Heavyweight Championship, specifically focusing on Rollins’s condition in his first match since WrestleMania XL. They then went to a sitdown interview Cole had with Rollins.

– As the interview began, Rollins talked about how it felt good to feel the energy of the WWE fans when he returned. Cole asked Rollins about Becky Lynch, which prompted a response of “she’s doing well, though her future is unclear.”

Rollins talked about how the WrestleMania XL night one tag match didn’t go the way he might’ve wanted, but it was an experience he enjoyed. He mentioned how the second night was an uphill battle. He said that he didn’t regret sacrificing his own World Title reign and well being to help Cody Rhodes finish the story. Rollins admitted that there might be some hint of jealously, but he knew that for the first time in twelve years, he could rest comfortably. We then got a tease for the second part of the interview that would air later on during the countdown show.

– We returned to the panel discussing the first part of the Rollins interview. A partial compilation of the Top 10 Money in the Bank Crash Landings was shown.

– The Judgment Day, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens, plus Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline were shown arriving at the arena. We got a recap of the rise of this new Bloodline.

– Cole mentioned that Triple H and WWE officials had to get involved just to have Jacob Fatu allowed in Canada for the six-man tag match due to how dangerous he was. Wade Barrett wondered when Fatu would incinerate the rest of the Bloodline, citing that “when you play with fire, you get burned.”

– Cathy Kelley stood by for an interview with Sami Zayn. She asked about how difficult things were for Zayn as he put his comedy show together and preparing for facing Bron Breakker tonight. Zayn said that with the comedy show over with, he’s got himself into the mindset of seeing himself walking out of Canada with the Intercontinental Championship.

– Elsewhere, Jackie Redmond interviewed Bron Breakker, who put himself over as one of the toughest athletes in wrestling today. He said that he’d be winning the Intercontinental Championship tonight before leaving. A video package for Zayn versus Breakker aired.

– While the panel discussed Zayn versus Breakker, Big E walked off and had to leave for an urgent matter. Following that, we were shown a video on the Money in the Bank briefcase narrated by Damian Priest. The video ended showing all the previous MITB briefcases left at what appeared to be the WWE Warehouse.

– A “WWE Playback” featuring members of Damage CTRL and former leader Bayley watching last year’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match was shown.

– A video about Toronto’s significance in WWE history, narrated by Redmond was shown.

– Shawn Michaels joined Cole and Barrett at the panel as they talked about NXT Heatwave coming up tomorrow night. Michaels discussed matches we’ll see tomorrow, including Trick Williams versus Je’Von Evans versus Ethan Page versus Shawn Spears and Roxanne Perez versus Lola Vice. He then talked about Oba Femi’s progress after a year in NXT. Cole then cued up more of the Top 10 MITB Crash Landings.

– The panel discussed the men’s MITB ladder match as Michaels put over his own history in ladder matches. Barrett predicted LA Knight would win the men’s ladder match, while Cole predicted Jey Uso would get the win.

– Cathy Kelley was backstage with Jey Uso, who sold his confidence in winning the men’s ladder match.

– Back at the panel, we saw that Big E was inside Scotiabank Arena, where he hyped up the crowd inside the arena with his vintage New Day intro. He went into the rink and talked about how the risk was worth the reward. Big E climbed the ladder and said that tonight would be a special night before we returned to the panel and the second part of the Seth Rollins interview up next.

– An excerpt from the WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain documentary was shown.

– The participants for the women’s MITB ladder match were shown arriving at the arena as hour two of the countdown show began. A “By the Numbers’ video for the event soon followed.

– We returned to the kickoff panel, with Redmond now in Cole’s place and Big E back in there. Redmond got the fans behind the panel to make some noise. The second part of the Rollins interview was then shown.

– In part two of Cole’s interview with Rollins, Damian Priest’s time as World Champion was discussed. Rollins said that he wasn’t bitter, and pointed out how Priest needed assistance to win his previous title defences. He talked about the “gentleman’s agreement” and how he agreed on it to push Priest to be confident in himself and stand on his own two feet.

Cole asked about if the past few months have forced Rollins to re-examine his legacy. Rollins answered that he’s given a lot of thought to it and that he wanted to add the World Title to that legacy. When asked about what he’d do if he failed to win tonight, Rollins said that he’d re-evaluate and figure out how to move forward. On the subject of Gunther waiting for him at SummerSlam should he win tonight, Rollins noted that it would be a dream match and that he’d be excited to face him. The interview wrapped on that note.

– A video about WWE’s community impact with the MLSE Launch Pad, Yonge Sttreet Mission, and Scadding Court Community Centre was shown.

– Another “WWE Playback”, with the competitors of last year’s men’s MITB ladder match was shown.

– The second half of the “By the Numbers” video was shown.

– Kelley stood backstage with Tiffany Stratton, who said that her opponents in the women’s MITB ladder match should concerned about her because it will be “Tiffy in the Bank” when all is said and done. As Stratton left, Kelley noted that she saw LA Knight and was going to try and get an interview with him before she tossed it back to the panel.

– The panel discussed the women’s MITB ladder match for a bit before the aforementioned LA Knight interview.

– Knight talked about how everyone out there could be pulling for Jey Uso more than him, and that he’s been there since day one and that everyone will be saying “L.A. Knight… Yeah!”

– The panel polled the crowd on who they wanted to win the men’s MITB ladder match with Knight and Jey getting equal love from the crowd. Big E noted how nearly all the competitors had someone not in the match itself that could get involved. Redmond noted that fans loved surprises at WWE’s Premium Live Events while acknowledging the crowd chanting for AJ Lee.

– There was a preview for a new WWE documentary focusing on Damian Priest. This documentary, “WWE 24: Damian Priest”, is set to premiere in August.

– The Number 1 MITB Crash Landing was Braun Strowman sending Kevin Owens for a crash through a table in 2018.

– We were shown highlights of Sami Zayn’s comedy show that happened this past Thursday.

– A very funny video of Chelsea Green doing the CN Tower Edge Walk was shown.

– The panel showed a video of Paul Levesque’s Twitter/X video about how the landscape of WWE could very well change tonight, and how there were a “few surprises in the tank” for this evening. We then were shown a video package for Rollins versus Priest (that inexplicably had audio of inside the Scotiabank Arena for a bit before the proper audio was restored).

– We went back to the panel, but the audio issues came back, as we heard the commentary team being introduced. They discussed Rollins versus Priest and the six-man tag match before we went inside the Scotiabank Arena.

– The host of Money in the Bank, Trish Stratus, made her way to the ring to a huge hometown ovation. Stratus said that she was excited to welcome everyone to a night that would change WWE forever before she introduced Samantha Irvin to sing the U.S. national anthem. The Canadian national anthem was sung by Ryland James.

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MONEY IN THE BANK 2024

– A live aerial shot of Toronto greeted us to the show as we then went to the new Bloodline, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton arriving at the Scotiabank Arena. Seth Rollins, Damian Priest were also shown making their arrival.

– The animated cold open for the event was then shown once more (having been previously aired at the top of the Countdown).

– Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the event and announced that we’d be kicking off with the men’s ladder match.

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Drew McIntyre defeated Jey Uso, LA Knight, Andrade, Carmelo Hayes, and Chad Gable

The announcers noted that the men’s ladder match was sponsored by The Boys show on Amazon Prime, and the case had a Vought International (a fictional megacorporation from The Boys) logo on it.

Jey Uso entered first to a great ovation from the Toronto crowd, who all chanted “YEET” and did his signature dance. After Andrade’s entrance, LA Knight made his way to the ring to a reaction that equaled Jey’s entrance. Knight walked under the ladder set up at ringside as the fans chanted for him. Chad Gable got booed loudly by the crowd as they chanted “You Suck” in time with his theme. Carmelo Hayes wore Toronto Raptors-themed gear for the match. For Drew McIntyre’s entrance, the crowd chanted “CM Punk” at him.

All six competitors teed off on each other as the bell rang. McIntyre flattened Andrade with a Glasgow Kiss headbutt. Hayes and Knight fought each other, while Jey and Gable briefly brawled. Jey and Knight were the only ones left in the ring as they stared each other down. They took out Hayes and Gable on opposite ends of ringside.

McIntyre entered the ring and hit everyone with a ladder before he set it up in the middle so he could climb it. Gable intercepted him and trapped McIntyre in an armbar across the top of the ladder. Andrade took Gable out with a springboard legdrop. He then used the ladder as a weapon to bludgeon McIntyre and Gable with.

Hayes and Andrade exchanged blows before Hayes flattened his foe with a springboard clothesline. Hayes tried for another springboard move, but Andrade caught him for a springboard Spanish Fly onto a ladder spread across the ring. That earned a “Holy s**t” chant from the Toronto faithful.

Jey and McIntyre faced off in the ring and started to exchange strikes before Uso hit a spear on his Scottish foe. Gable threw Jey with a fierce German suplex before he did the same to McIntyre. Gable caught Hayes and launched him with an impressive Chaos Theory suplex. After he pulled down the straps, Gable did a German suplex on a ladder to throw it onto Andrade.

Gable’s ascent to the top was stopped by Knight, who stomped away on him in the corner. Gable responded with a leg whip across the middle rope to immobilize Knight. With the ladder stood on its side, Knight threw Gable with a neckbreaker into the ladder.

Outside the ring, Knight bashed Hayes’ head against the commentary table before he set a particularly large ladder across the ring and commentary table. Knight’s attempted powerbomb was stopped by a knee from Hayes.

With two ladders set up in the ring, Gable and Hayes brawled it out as Gable caught his opponent with an ankle lock across the two ladders. McIntyre grabbed Gable and threw him against one of the ladders before he drove him into a ladder with a powerbomb. McIntyre hit a Claymore Kick on Andrade as he tried to climb up. Knight and Jey teamed up to stop McIntyre, hitting him with the BFT and Uso Splash, respectively.

Jey and Knight both tried to head up the ladder and were caught at a stalemate. They traded blows (with dueling “YEAH” and “YEET”) chants. Hayes emerged and tipped the ladder to throw Jey and Knight over. He floored Jey with Nothin’ But Net.

Hayes almost had the briefcase in hand, but Andrade stopped him before he could get to it completely. Andrade set up a ladder bridge between the free-standing ladder and the middle rope. Knight threw Andrade off the ladder, which caused a sunset flip powerbomb right onto the ladder bridge. That move took Hayes out of the equation.

Gable threw Knight on the ladder bridge set up at ringside. He appeared to be all clear for grabbing the briefcase, but Jey pushed the ladder away to leave him dangling precariously. Gable fell off and got hit with a spear.

Jey came dangerously close to grabbing the briefcase, but McIntyre stopped him by throwing the ladder in his face. That put Jey out of commission. McIntyre was in the clear and he grabbed the briefcase for the win.

A hot opener to get the ball rolling for tonight. Hayes and Gable particularly were the standouts of the match, getting some of the best spots out of everyone. McIntyre’s win sets up the teased cash-in for tonight during Rollins vs. Priest and a possible CM Punk appearance, so that’s to be determined.

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– We got a promo from the head of Vought International that served to promote the second season of The Boys on Prime Video.

Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) defeated Bron Breakker

Breakker entered to a new theme song, while Zayn naturally got a huge home country reaction from the Toronto crowd.

The two sized each other up in the middle of the ring before Breakker throw Zayn overhead. Breakker followed that up with another shoulder throw. The commentators noted that Breakker said he wanted to “destroy” Zayn.

Zayn slapped Breakker in the face, which prompted a shoulder thrust to the corner. Zayn quickly recovered and took down Breakker with a top rope elbow smash. Breakker got thrown over the top rope and Zayn sized him up for an Arabian Press, which he barely connected with.

Zayn worked over Breakker for a bit until he got crushed with a high-speed Steinerline. Breakker followed that up with a belly to belly suplex as he continued the attack on Zayn in the corner. Breakker mocked Zayn’s “ole ole ole” chant as he kept up the onslaught. Zayn kicked out after another belly to belly as Breakker just did push ups next to him.

Breakker got battered with repeated elbows as Zayn caught him with a DDT from the top ropes. That only got a close two. Zayn went on the offensive once again, clotheslining him over the top rope yet again.

At ringside, Zayn tried for a moonsault, but Breakker caught him. Zayn pushed Breakker into the ringpost to briefly create some separation. Zayn threw Breakker out of the ring and looked to have him set up for his tornado DDT. Breakker intercepted him with a fierce pounce and threw Zayn back into the ring.

Zayn countered the spear with the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Breakker kicked out at two. Breakker positioned Sami across the top turnbuckle and ran full force for an impressive Frankensteiner. Zayn just barely kicked out at two. The crowd responded to the action they were seeing with justified “this is awesome” chants.

Outside the ring, Breakker looked to have the spear, but Zayn avoided calamity. Breakker instead flattened Zayn with a leaping clothesline from the apron.

Breakker grabbed Zayn for the gorilla press, but he got countered into the Exploder suplex. Zayn’s Helluva Kick was intercepted with a vicious knee strike. Gorilla Press Slam by Breakker. Zayn was in prime position for the Spear, but he kicked Breakker in the head and brought this match to an end with a Helluva Kick to retain.

A heck of a match to follow up the hot opener. Zayn retaining on Canadian soil was the right call. For his effort, Breakker looked like he could hang and he put forth one of his best main roster performances to date. While he lost here, Breakker’s story with the IC Title looks like it’s just beginning.

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– A video with Cody Rhodes and Metro Boomin hyped up the return of Bad Blood in Atlanta on Sunday October 5th, 2024.

The Last Time Is Now

– Trish Stratus appeared on the stage and asked if the fans were having fun this evening. She put over her special moments inside Scotiabank Arena as she introduced John Cena.

Cena made his appearance to a massive reaction from the Toronto crowd, decked out in new “The Last Time Is Now” gear. The crowd sang along to Cena’s theme song.

Cena said that he was here to officially announce his retirement from WWE, much to the crowd’s dismay. Cena acknowledged the reaction being mixed and wondered why he chose to announce his retirement here. He said that in two decades of being in WWE, he’s seen waves of prosperity and also times of tremendous hardship, where only the most dedicated fans stand by your side.

He said that whether WWE was hot or cold, Canadians always showed up. Cena said that the farewell does not end tonight, as he put over Raw’s move to Netflix. He pledged to be there and that the 2025 Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber, and that WrestleMania 41 will be his last shows.

Cena told fans that he’d kick off the press conference immediately after Money in the Bank to field any questions about his impending retirementg. He wanted to thank the fans for their support as they chanted “thank you Cena”. With tears in hiis eyes, Cena sincerely thanked the fans for their honesty and for allowing him to plan something unforgettable, and that they can start this in Toronto. “If you want some, then hurry up and come get some… because the last time is now!” Cena wrapped his promo up.

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– Backstage, Damian Priest told Judgment Day not to get involved in his business as he went to prepare for his World Title Match. As Priest left, Balor said, “whatever you want… boss.”

World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest defeated Drew McIntyre and Seth “Freakin'” Rollins (McIntyre cashed in Money in the Bank mid-match)

The stipulations agreed upon for this match: if Rollins wins, Priest must leave the Judgment Day; if Priest wins, Rollins can never challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship ever again.

Rollins, of course, entered to a huge ovation and the crowd loudly singing his song (with a decibel meter shown on screen during this).

After the introductions, the match started fast with Rollins and Priest attempting to hit their signature moves on one another, but to no avail. Rollins’ suplex was countered into a Falcon Arrow by Priest in this exchange.

Priest crushed Rollins with repeated splashes in the corner, but got caught with the Slingblade on the third attempt. He got sent to the outside as Rollins looked to the entrance and called out Drew McIntyre to get it over with.

Rollins hit a series of three suicide dives on Priest that sent him over the announce table. He dodged a kick from Priest and took him down with a superkick. With Priest stunned in the middle of the ring, Rollins launched himself with a springboard swanton, then a moonsault for the near-fall.

Priest planted Rollins with the headlock driver as he tried for South of Heaven, but that got countered into a pin attempt. Rollins slammed Priest down with a powerslam, followed by a running knee. He ascended to the top rope for the frog splash. That only got a two count, unfortunately.

Rollins tried for another top rope move, but Priest hit him with a throat thrust to stun him. Priest looked to hit a move of some sort, but Rollins wriggled out of the way and hit a buckle bomb instead. Priest responded with a sit-down powerbomb.

Priest began to smacktalk Rollins as he slapped him the face. This fired Rollins up and we got an exchange of blows from champion and challenger. Priest got the better of Rollins with repeated spinning kicks and looked to have him caught in the South of Heaven. Rollins revesred it and managed to land the Stomp on Priest for the incredibly close near-fall.

Rollins yelled at Priest to stand on his own to feet as the World Champion struggled to get himself up. Priest recovered and planted Rollins with the Razor’s Edge for a near-fall of his own.

Priest went to the top rope, but Rollins intercepted him with a headbutt. Priest managed to stave off Rollins briefly, but not for long, as Rollins got his superplex and Falcon Arrow combo. A 2.99999 nearfall there as Drew McIntyre lived up to his promise and looked to cash in his Money in the Bank Contract, though the timing for McIntyre’s entrance seemed to be off by just a bit.

McIntyre dropped Rollins with a Future Shock DDT and sized him up for the Claymore. Priest intercepted with a clothesline, but he got taken down by a kick that grazed him. McIntyre wanted to finish Priest off, but CM Punk ran in and attacked McIntyre to a huge roar from Toronto’s crowd.

Punk assaulted McIntyre at ringside with a steel chair. He threw McIntyre into the timekeepers area and smashed the chair over him repeatedly. Punk eyed the World Title and smashed McIntyre with it. Satisfied with his handiwork, Punk sat crosslegged across the commentary table. Priest got back up to his feet and hit South of Heaven on the dazed McIntyre for the pin to retain the World Title.

After the match, Rollins yelled at Punk for costing him the World Title as Corey Graves tried to calm him down.

The one-on-one portion of the match was decent and somewhat sloppy at times. The weird timing botch with the pin attempt and McIntyre’s cash-in didn’t help matters. That said, Punk’s intervention kinda brought things back up. The finish reheats both Punk’s feuds with McIntyre and Rollins, which brings Raw’s main event scene into some fun chaos in the coming months. The men’s MITB briefcase being sacrificed for it might be a sore spot for some as it could’ve gone to a different winner to give them a big opportunity.

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Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Tiffany Stratton defeated Chelsea Green, IYO SKY, Naomi, Lyra Valkyria, and Zoey Stark

Canadian star Chelsea Green got a big reaction from the Toronto crowd.

The match started with all the competitors except for Green leaving the ring to try and grab their ladders. Green finally got a ladder and was left all alone in the ring as she tried to climb, but couldn’t because of her fear of heights.

Green took down Naomi and Stark with the ladder before SKY launched herself with a kick to Green. SKY showed off her athleticism as she avoided Stratton’s offense with a flipping dodge. She dropkicked Stratton into the ladder, as she followed that with a Meteora.

Valkyria sent SKY into the corner-propped ladder with a suplex. She then got a fisherman suplex on SKY right on another ladder. Stark took out Valkyria with a springboard missile dropkick, followed by a German suplex and clothesline. Stark caught Valkyria’s springboard and hit a rough-looking Samoan drop onto the ladder.

Stark looked to hit some sort of diving attack on Valkyria, but she appeared to hit the ladder more than Valkyria. Naomi recovered and planted Stark with a split-legged moonsault and leg drop on the ladder.

Stratton got a rather impressive Alabama slam on Naomi, which got her a loud “Tiffy Time” chant from the crowd. She went to the top rope and hit an amazing swanton to the competitors outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Green set up a bigger ladder in the ring and tried to climb it gingerly. SKY stopped her ascent with a ladder sandwich. Her climb is stopped by Valkyria, but SKY managed to trap her in a ladder tree of woe position. This wasn’t enough to stop Valkyria, as she grabbed SKY for a unique German suplex from the ladder. Stark took Valkyria out with a kick.

Stratton and Stark’s standoff was countered by Naomi, who tried to scale the two ladder, but she was stopped by Stratton and Stark. With the ladders split, Naomi showed impressive balance as she landed an amazing split-legged DDT on Stratton.

Naomi took some tables from underneath the ring, but she got thrown into the steel steps by Green, who got help in setting up the tables by Stratton. In the ring, SKY, Stark, and Valkyria were soon joined by Stratton as a ladder bridge was set up.

Stark catapulted Stratton into one of the ladder bridges as Valkyria came close to grabbing the briefcase. Stark caught her and threw her right into the ladder bride back-first. Naomi bounced Stark off the ladder and looked to climb up top.

Green intercepted as the fans began to chant for her. She sent Naomi face-first with an Unprettier onto the ladder bridge. Stark climbed up as SKY soon joined her at the top. The two fought each other as she looked for a superplex, but SKY escaped and and hit an incredible Michinoku Driver onto the ladder.

Green looked like she was in the clear, but Stratton met her at the top and sent the Canadian crashing through the tables outside the ring. With nobody left standing, Stratton grabbed the briefcase and became Miss Money in the Bank.

Things started off rough, but became incredibly fun once all six women got into the swing of things. Some of the spots were just amazing and I found myself really enjoying this match by the end. I’d say this was the better of the two MITB ladder matches this evening. Stratton getting the briefcase was certainly the right call, for sure.

**********

– Backstage, Stratton confronted Trish Stratus and said that “Trishy Time” was no longer here and that it would be “Tiffy Time” from now on. Stratus warned Stratton not to get too ahead of herself.

Six-Man Tag Match: The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu) defeated Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens

Owens entered to a great ovation from the Toronto crowd for what was surely an emotional entrance for him. The crowd sang along for Orton’s entrance as the decibel meter got shown again. Rhodes, naturally, got one of the biggest reactions of the evening, as the Toronto crowd showed their love for the American Nightmare.

Rhodes began for his team, while Sikoa stepped up on the Bloodline’s behalf. The fans chanted “f**k you Solo” as Rhodes and Sikoa faced off.

Sikoa backed off and tagged in Tama Tonga instead. Rhodes and Tonga locked up in the middle. Rhodes caught Tonga with the dropdown uppercut before Tonga briefly gained momentum. Rhodes dropped Tonga with a bulldog before he tagged Owens in. Tonga got shelled in the corner with repeated stomps and punches by Owens to a huge roar from the Toronto crowd.

Rhodes back in for his team as he slammed Tonga with a suplex. Orton got tagged in and it was his turn to lay in on Tonga with the ten-punch in the corner. Tonga caught Orton with a thumb to the eye so he could tag in Fatu for his first bit of in-ring action in WWE.

Fatu tried to run at Orton, but he got sent outside and hit with the draping hangman DDT. Fatu quickly recovered while Orton tried to get hyped up for the RKO. He dropped Orton with a Samoan Drop, followed by a superkick. Fatu dragged Orton back to the Bloodline corner as Sikoa tagged himself in.

The “f**k you Solo” chants picked up back again while the Bloodline worked over Orton in their corner. They continued to isolate Orton with Tonga tagged in. Orton stopped Tonga’s momentum in its tracks with a back suplex, which allowed him to tag Owens into the match.

Owens unleashed his fury on Tonga once more, as he got his cannonball and swanton combination. Owens’ pinfall was broken up by Fatu, who dragged Tonga back to his corner so he could be tagged in.

Fatu worked on Owens for a bit before Sikoa found himself back into the match. Owens struggled to make it back to his corner, but failed to clear completely as Sikoa forced him back to the Bloodline corner. Tonga Loa got in a cheap shot on Owens with the referee distracted.

Sikoa tagged Fatu back in and he flattened Owens violently with a high-speed running hip strike in the corner. Owens’ moment of hope got snuffed out by Fatu. The fans chanted “Fight Owens Fight” as he tried to take on the Bloodline alone.

Sikoa took a cheapshot on Rhodes, but he got sent over the top rope by Owens. Orton looked to be tagged in, but Tonga Loa pulled Orton down while the referee was distracted by Fatu.

A crazed Owens beckoned Sikoa to hit him and we got a scuffle between the two. Sikoa missed on a corner splash as Fatu tagged himself in again. He trapped Owens in a chinlock before he headbutted him in the corner. Running splash by Fatu is missed thanks to an Owens dodge. Rhodes finally tagged into the match and he went wild on Sikoa.

Disaster Kick by Rhodes on Sikoa, followed by the Cody Cutter on Tonga. Rhodes took out Loa with a suicide dive as Fatu attacked Cody. Fatu got sent over the timekeepers area with a toss by Rhodes.

Sikoa caught Rhodes with a spear for the near-fall. The two men met in the middle as Rhodes countered a Samoan Drop with a Pedigree attempt. Sikoa avoided id and the referee got knocked down by accident. Rhodes floored Sikoa with the Cross Rhodes.

Owens and Orton joined in with a swanton and RKO, respectively. The trio looked towards the commentary table and cleared it out. Sikoa was set up in position for a Shield powerbomb, but Fatu jumped in and took everyone out. Owens avoided a running splash from Fatu, which caused him to colllide with the referee. Owens smashed Fatu with the Prime Hydration bottle and leapt from the barricade to take Fatu out with a frog splash.

Owens threw Tonga into the ring and tried to set him up for the package piledriver. Loa rescued Tonga with a low blow on Owens, but he got taken out with an RKO. Sikoa hit the Samoan Spike on Orton. Rhodes caught Sikoa in position with the Cross Rhodes.

Rhodes’ triple Cross Rhodes attempt intercepted by Fatu, who planted the WWE Champion with an implant DDT. Samoan Spike by Sikoa and that’s it, over.

**********

A good main event to cap off Money in the Bank, and the expected result happened to bring us closer to the expected Sikoa versus Rhodes World Title Match at SummerSlam. Roman Reigns’ return in a few weeks will certainly be one to look forward to.