Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal vs. Carmella & R-Truth will be the finals of Mixed Match Challenge season two.
Fox & Mahal and Carmella & R-Truth both won semifinal matches on tonight’s Mixed Match Challenge episode to advance to the finals, which are being held at TLC in San Jose, California this Sunday. Both of their wins were pushed as being major upsets.
Fox & Mahal defeated Bayley & Apollo Crews in Raw’s semifinal match, with Fox pinning Bayley after hitting a big boot. The Singh Brothers had broken up a pin after Bayley hit a Bayley-to-Belly on Fox, but it didn’t cause a disqualification.
Crews was replacing Finn Balor as Bayley’s partner.
Carmella & R-Truth defeated Asuka & The Miz in SmackDown’s semifinal. There has been a storyline of dissension between Asuka and Miz since they lost to Charlotte Flair & Jeff Hardy in the round-robin portion of the tournament. After Miz pulled Asuka in his way so that she would take a superkick from Carmella instead of him, Asuka turned against Miz, hit him with strikes, and walked out on him. R-Truth then hit an Unprettier on Miz for the win.
The team that wins Mixed Match Challenge season two will receive the number 30 spots in their respective Royal Rumble matches and “an all-expenses paid vacation to anywhere in the world.”
Here’s the updated card for TLC
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins defending against Dean Ambrose
If Braun Strowman is able to wrestle at the PPV: Strowman vs. Baron Corbin in a tables, ladders, and chairs match (Strowman will challenge for Brock Lesnar’s Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble if he defeats Corbin. If Corbin wins, he’ll become the permanent general manager of Raw. Corbin will lose all of his GM power if Strowman wins)
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Nia Jax
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Charlotte Flair and Asuka in a triple threat tables, ladders, and chairs match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The Usos and The New Day in a triple threat match
Natalya vs. Ruby Riott in a tables match
Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre
Elias vs. Bobby Lashley in a ladder match (the first person to reach the guitar suspended above the ring will be able to use it during the match)
Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton in a chairs match
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Cedric Alexander
Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal vs. Carmella & R-Truth in the finals of Mixed Match Challenge season two
Mixed Match Challenge went overseas during the eighth week of the round-robin tournament. Streamed on Facebook Watch hours earlier than usual, the show from Manchester, England was arguably one of the best episodes of the second season in the mixed tag team tournament.
The show from England featured a rap battle and dance breaks much like other gaga in Mixed Match Challenge. However, a hot crowd helped to create a much better atmosphere than previous weeks.
Kayla Braxton and Vic Joseph hosted a 10-minute pre-show before the live stream began. Joseph was also on commentary at ringside with Renee Young calling the matches. No Michael Cole on the show this week.
Highlights from the pre-show included promos from The Fabulous Truth and Day One Glow. Carmella vowed that Naomi would be “snatched bald” in their tag match. Naomi clapped back saying the only person that will be snatched bald is Carmella.
The Fabulous Truth also interrupted a segment on the pre-show to issue a challenge. They wanted a rap battle against Day One Glow during their match later on. Carmella and R-Truth then had a dance break with Braxton and Joseph.
Before taking part in the dance break, Braxton and Joseph did a breakdown of the recent backstory between Finn Balor and Bobby Lashley on Raw. They would once again be on opposing sides — only this time in a mixed tag team match when Country Dominance faced B’N’B in the opening bout this week.
Mickie James & Bobby Lashley (w/ Lio Rush) defeated Bayley & Finn Balor
James pinned Bayley in the aftermath of interference by Lio Rush. Country Dominance continues their undefeated streak — improving to three wins in the tournament. B’N’B dropped to an even record of two wins and two losses. The crowd chanted and sang for Bayley before the match started.
Bayley cradled James for near falls in the opening minutes. Lashley tagged in and wanted to have a pose down with Balor. The WBF lives on in Mixed Match Challenge. When Balor was posing, Lashley jumped him. Lashley clubbed Balor, then he paused to pose and flex.
Lashley continued fighting dirty until Balor struck back by cutting him off with a dropkick. Balor sent Lashley outside. Rush jumped into the ring and Balor threw him outside. Rush still managed to cause a distraction that shifted Balor’s attention. Lashley capitalized before applying the dreaded nerve hold.
A hot tag led to Bayley running wild. James cut her off with a superkick. Balor rushed into the ring to break up a pinning attempt. Balor then ran into a brick wall — but he fought back to drop Lashley with a slingblade. Lashley posted himself when missing a charge into a corner. With Lashley down selling, Rush was left one-on-one with Balor after weeks of interference and trash talk in matches on Raw.
Rush begged off and ran around the ring playing cat-and-mouse. Balor caught up to Rush, and Balor climbed to the top rope looking to pounce on his prey. Lashley shoved Balor off the top rope to save Rush from a Coup de Grace. That still could not save Rush from a Bayley-to-Belly.
Bayley suplexed Rush, and the crowd popped. With Bayley distracted with Rush, James swooped in to deliver a swinging DDT for the deciding pinfall.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Country Dominance in a post-match promo backstage. James cut a promo saying they are greater than Monster Eclipse. Lio Rush added that they would dominate, win, and collect — which he said was their formula for success.
Both Country Dominance and Monster Eclipse are undefeated heading into their match next week. Jimmy Uso suddenly burst onto the scene getting hyped before his entrance for the SmackDown block match in the mixed tag tournament.
Naomi & Jimmy Uso defeated Carmella & R-Truth
Naomi pinned Carmella in a match that included a rap battle and a dance break. The Fabulous Truth remain winless in the tournament, while Day One Glow improve to an even record of two wins and two losses.
Carmella made a blind tag as Uso and Truth were walking and talking. Carmella and Truth started dancing together. Uso called them out asking what is up with the rap battle. Uso shoved Truth as he gave him a microphone.
Day One Glow then slayed in the rap battle. The freestyling turned into a dance break where the lights dimmed and everybody danced. Breaking up the dance party, Carmella superkicked Naomi with a cheap shot for a two count.
Naomi fought out of a headlock only to get trapped in an airplane spin combined with a headscissors takeover by Carmella. The finish came out of nowhere when Naomi springboarded into an enzuigiri to score a pinfall on Carmella.
No hard feelings afterwards as the show closed with Fabulous Truth and Day One Glow dancing on the stage.
Next week undefeated teams from each block face off in the round-robin tournament. Team Awe-ska meet Fenomenal Flair in the SmackDown block match, and Country Dominance face Monster Eclipse in the Raw block.
WWE’s round-robin tournament continues next week with two more mixed tag team matches from Manchester, England. The Raw block has Mickie James & Bobby Lashley vs. Bayley & Finn Balor. Likewise, Carmella & R-Truth vs. Naomi & Jimmy Uso meet in the SmackDown block match.
Last night on the show from Atlanta, Charlotte Flair & AJ Styles continued their undefeated streak with a win over Lana & Rusev. Lana & Rusev remain winless in the SmackDown block. In the Raw block on last night’s show, another undefeated team faced a winless pairing. Ember Moon & Braun Strowman defeated Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal as the tournament rolled on.
James & Lashley and Asuka & The Miz are also undefeated in the tournament.
This season of Mixed Match Challenge will culminate with the finals being held at TLC on December 16, where the team that wins the Raw block will face the winners of the SmackDown block. Here are the updated standings:
The fourth week of the ongoing mixed tag team tournament continued the round-robin gaga. For the second week in a row, one of the two matches on Mixed Match Challenge featured a dance-off. On this week’s episode from Indianapolis, things got groovy — but not for everyone.
Injuries continue to plague the tournament. A most recent development is an injury to Kevin Owens. An announcement of him being injured leaves Natalya without a tag team partner for the tournament. In a promo on the show, Natalya said she needed two new paws for Team Pawz. She wondered out loud who would be her mystery partner for a match next week.
In matches on this show, Fenomenal Flair faced Fabulous Truth. Likewise, B’N’B met Monster Eclipse in the show opener. Once again, gaga was prevalent in what had the tone of house show matches.
Ember Moon & Braun Strowman defeated Bayley & Finn Balor
Strowman pinned Balor with a running powerslam. The women started the match before Strowman began mauling Balor. Trying to chop down a proverbial redwood, Balor fought back to no avail. Strowman toyed with him like a cat playing with a ball of yarn. That built to a hot tag. Strowman missed a charge into a corner — and Balor tagged out.
Bayley ran wild on Moon — but Moon soon turned the tables to gain an advantage. Moon springboarded into a flying crossbody for a near fall. Bayley used a running knee strike for a two count. Moon went to the top rope, but Bayley tripped her up. A Bayley-to-Belly led to Strowman breaking up a pinning attempt.
Strowman posted himself when missing a charge into a corner. Balor jumped off the top rope to deliver a double foot stomp onto Strowman’s back. The monster fell for the first time in the match. Bayley dispatched Moon at ringside. Meanwhile, Strowman recovered to powerslam Balor for the pinfall.
Charlotte Flair & AJ Styles defeated Carmella & R-Truth
Styles pinned Truth with a roll-up. Carmella and Truth rapped a duet together before the match. Charlotte was selling her injuries from a stunt at the finish of her match with Becky Lynch on SmackDown. In storyline, she was medically cleared but “banged up” for this match.
They all played to the crowd early on with dueling chants of “Wooo” and “What’s up” going back and forth. Truth and Styles started the wrestling match when a dance-off developed.
The lights dimmed and the ring turned into a nightclub. Everybody was dancing to the music. They all did the splits. Styles was last — and he sold his groin upon trying the splits. He blamed it on his age and having kids. Everyone laughed at him.
Carmella caught Styles with a flying headscissors to break up the dance party. Carmella begged off from Charlotte. A chase ensued around the ring. Moments later, Carmella applied a headscissors submission — only for Charlotte to power out for a tag to Styles.
Styles cleaned house on Truth. They traded near falls with Carmella and Charlotte each making a save. Styles attempted a sunset flip, and Carmella grabbed Truth’s hands to keep him from going over into a pinning combination. Charlotte rushed over to pull Carmella off the apron. Truth lost his grip and Styles then rolled him up for a pinfall.
Braun Strowman & Ember Moon vs. Finn Balor & Bayley and AJ Styles & Charlotte Flair vs. R-Truth & Carmella are set for next week’s Mixed Match Challenge episode.
Balor & Bayley wrestled on last night’s show, with them defeating Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox. After a storyline where there was dissension between Fox and Sunil Singh during the match, Balor took out Mahal and Singh with a tope con hilo and Bayley hit the Bayley-to-Belly on Fox for the win. Jimmy Uso & Naomi also defeated Rusev & Lana last night.
Strowman & Moon and Styles & Charlotte both won matches on the season two premiere of Mixed Match Challenge. R-Truth & Carmella lost to The Miz & Asuka last week.
This season’s Mixed Match Challenge is a round-robin tournament. It will culminate with the winners of the Raw block facing the team that wins the SmackDown block at TLC on December 16.
Here are the updated standings for the tournament:
WWE has announced the two matches that will be taking place on next week’s episode of Mixed Match Challenge.
Bobby Lashley & Sasha Banks will be facing Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox in Raw’s match. On the SmackDown side, The Miz & Asuka will take on R-Truth & Carmella.
Miz & Asuka were the winners of Mixed Match Challenge season one.
Season two of Mixed Match Challenge premiered on Facebook Watch after SmackDown last night, with Braun Strowman & Ember Moon defeating Kevin Owens & Natalya and AJ Styles & Charlotte Flair picking up a win against Jimmy Uso & Naomi.
This season of Mixed Match Challenge is a round-robin tournament, with there being a Raw block and a SmackDown block. The tournament will conclude at WWE’s TLC pay-per-view in San Jose, California on December 16.
Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Vic Joseph are the commentary team for this season of Mixed Match Challenge.
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) w/ Big E defeated Cesaro & Sheamus and SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe & Killian Dain) w/ Eric Young in a triple threat match to retain their titles
New Day retained when Woods pinned Cesaro. Woods’ grandmother was sitting in the front row.
– Karl Anderson (w/ Luke Gallows) defeated Harper
Anderson won with a roll-up while Harper was distracted by Gallows. Harper was mad after the match and threw chairs around and knocked over the stairs.
– Naomi & Asuka defeated Peyton Royce & Billie Kay
Aiden English ran in from the back to knock off Almas’ feet from the ropes. Lana and Rusev submitted Vega and Almas with a double Accolade before celebrating with English after the match.
– Daniel Bryan defeated The Miz
Miz took the mic before the match and did a Rick Rude promo, telling the “fat, lazy sweat hogs” to keep it down. There was a near fall with Miz hitting the Skull Crushing Finale, but Bryan kicked out and won with his running knee.
– Shelton Benjamin defeated Tye Dillinger
Benjamin attacked Dillinger before the match and ended up winning while holding the middle rope when pinning him.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Carmella and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match to retain her title
Charlotte hit her finisher on Carmella, but Lynch threw Charlotte out of the ring and got the pin.
– WWE Champion AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy & R-Truth defeated Samoa Joe, Randy Orton & United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura
Styles won it for his team by hitting the Phenomenal Forearm on Joe.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends her title against Carmella as WWE is back in Toronto tonight.
Flair won the title by defeating Carmella and Becky Lynch at SummerSlam. Lynch had the match won when Flair hit Natural Selection and pinned her, then Lynch turned on Flair after the match. Last week, Flair and Lynch had an intense brawl with the women’s division coming out to stop them.
Brie Bella made her return to SmackDown to aid her husband Daniel Bryan in his feud with The Miz and Maryse last week. The two couples are on a collision course headed towards Hell in a Cell.
The New Day defeated The Bludgeon Brothers to win the SmackDown Tag Team titles last week. Tonight, The New Day celebrate the beginning of their fifth title reign. Plus, a tag team tournament begins to determine the next challengers for their titles. The Bar take on The Colons and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows in a first round match.
Last week, Samoa Joe once again viciously attacked WWE Champion AJ Styles. He put him to sleep with the Coquina Clutch and taunted his family again. Their heated rivalry continues tonight ahead of a title match at Hell in a Cell.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The New Day came out to celebrate winning the SmackDown tag titles last week. Big E brought a miniature version of The Stanley Cup. Big E was about to say that they’re the 5 time world champions when King Booker interrupted.
The New Day all bowed down to Booker. He christened them Lord Xavier The Wise, Sir Kofi The Brave and Big E. Big E was disappointed that he didn’t have a cool name like Woods and Kingston. Big E said that Booker just went full Saxton. Booker was unhappy with that comment. He quickly changed his tune and welcomed The New Day into the 5 Timers Club.
Booker, Woods and Kingston all did the Spinaroonie. Big E attempted to but couldn’t get off his back. Woods and Kingston spun him around.
The Bar defeated The Colons and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows in a Tag Team Tournament Match
The New Day joined in a commentary for the match. They had their own orange announce table with pancakes. They cut away to The New Day several times during the match.
The Colons took over when Primo distracted Anderson and Epico shoved him off the top turnbuckle to the floor. After the commercial break, The Bar was firmly in control and scored a close near fall. Gallows got the hot tag and ran wild. Gallows hit a pump handle slam and splash for a two count.
The Colons hit a double backstabber on Gallows but Cesaro made the blind tag and stole the pin to advance in the tournament.
Backstage, GM Paige met with Rusev, Lana and Aiden English in her office. She announced that next week Rusev & English take on The Usos and Sanity. The winners of that match take on The Bar for a tag title shot at Hell in a Cell.
Jeff Hardy came out to address Randy Orton. Hardy had “RKO” painted on his face. He noted that Orton has targeted him and got in his head. He recapped attacking Orton last week and hitting the Swanton Bomb. Hardy called out Orton.
Orton said that he isn’t finished with Hardy yet. He’s going to leave Hardy a pile of broken bones in the ring. Orton refused to enter the ring and said that Hardy should be smarter than all the dumb Canadians. Orton said that Hardy only needs to remember RKO but Hardy cut him off and challenged Orton to a Hell in a Cell match at the PPV. Orton slowly walked away.
Renee Young interviewed Carmella in the back. Young wondered how Carmella feels about the buzz Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair made. Carmella said she still gets all the attention and promised to regain the title. Carmella left.
R-Truth showed up and asked Young where Carmella went. Tye Dillinger tried to explain to Truth that he couldn’t have a match with Carmella.
Billie Kay (w/Peyton Royce) defeated Naomi
Kay said she can see the future and predicted Royce beating Naomi last week. She said she can see in the future again. She predicted The Toronto Raptors will have a dismal season and Naomi will lose.
Kay had the early advantage but Naomi fought back. Royce tried to interfere but it almost backfired. Naomi rolled up Kay for a near fall. Royce nailed Naomi with a kick and Kay rolled her up for the win.
Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella came out to address The Miz and Maryse. Bryan noted that Miz mocked his retirement last week but he was just acting. Bryan pointed out that Miz isn’t a good actor and can’t even act like a tough guy. Bryan mentioned that his wife Brie punched Miz in the face. The crowd chanted for Brie. Bryan called her a butt-kicking, diaper changing hot mama and promised to defeat The Miz and Maryse at Hell in a Cell.
Andrade “Cien” Almas and Zelina Vega interrupted. Vega said it was an honor to be in the ring with two legends. Brie Bella and Andrade “Cien” Almas. Vega challenged Bryan to face Almas. Bryan said he couldn’t make the match but knew somebody that could and called out Paige. She didn’t come out right away and ran out minutes later. She acted like she was out of breath. She made Almas against Bryan official and called for a referee.
Daniel Bryan (w/Brie Bella) defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Zelina Vega) by DQ
They did some mat wrestling early and trade submission attempts. Bryan sent Almas into the ropes but Almas hung on and did his pose. Bryan nailed Almas with a dropkick. Almas locked on a unique submission move but Bryan reversed into a near fall.
They traded vicious chops that echoed in the arena. Bryan attempted his dropkick in the corner but Almas rocked him with a knee. Almas missed a second knee and crashed to the floor. Bryan missed the missile dropkick and Almas rocked him with the back elbow. The Miz and Maryse were watching the match backstage and suddenly left.
Almas climbed to the top turnbuckle but Bryan caught him with dropkick and hit a double under hook superplex.
The Miz came out and distracted Bryan. Bryan nailed Miz with a suicide dive but Almas nailed Bryan with a twisting dive to the floor. Almas hit a reserve tornado DDT for a close near fall. Almas attempted a moonsault but Bryan got his feet up and Bryan applied The Yes Lock.
Vega jumped on the apron but Bella pulled her down. Maryse jumped Bella from behind and pushed her into the ring post. Miz jumped Bryan from behind. Almas gave Bryan the Hammer Lock DDT and Vega hit the double knees on Bella.
The Miz applied the Yes Lock on Bryan and Maryse hit a DDT on Bella. Miz then hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Bryan
Renee Young interviewed Charlotte Flair in the back. The fans booed Flair when she first appeared. She’s not going to apologize for working hard to get to where she is. She said that Becky Lynch can never win the big one. She promised to take on Lynch after she runs threw Carmella.
WWE Champion AJ Styles came down to the ring to address Samoa Joe. Styles noted that Joe played mind games and got in his head. However, he’s not man enough to beat him for the title. Styles wants to put an end to the mind games right now. He doesn’t want to wait for Hell in a Cell and demanded Joe come down to the ring.
Joe appeared on the big screen and said he wasn’t going to come out there. He noted Styles was there and not with his family. Joe got on his cell phone and called Wendy Styles.
Joe told her to calm down and promised to send Styles home. He asked if they’re still on for the back to school BBQ and told he to save him a plate because he might stop by next Tuesday. Styles ran to the back.
AJ Styles ran around backstage looking for Samoa Joe and almost punched out a crewmember.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Carmella
Flair got a mixed reaction when she was introduced. There was a loud “We Want Becky” chant at the start of the match.
Carmella had the early advantage and slowed the pace down. The crowd broke into another “Becky” chant. Flair climbed to the top turnbuckle but Carmella shoved her to the floor. She followed up with a suicide dive wiping out Flair.
Carmella nailed Flair with a top rope hurricanrana for a close near fall. Flair attempted the Figure Four but Carmella reversed and hit two super kicks for another near fall. Flair fought back and hit a spear and Natural Selection. Flair locked on the Figure Eight to retain the title.
After the match, Becky Lynch attacked Flair from behind. The crowd popped big for Lynch and broke into a huge “Let’s Go Becky” chant. Lynch promised to take her title back at Hell in a Cell and called Charlotte a “bitch.” The fans were solidly behind Lynch.
Lynch held the title up and the crowd popped again. They broke into another huge “Becky” chant. Lynch got the biggest reaction on the show. When the camera went back on Flair the crowd reacted negatively and loudly booed her.
Next Week: The Usos takes on Sanity and Rusev & Aiden English in a tag team tournament match. The winners take on The Bar for a tag team title shot at Hell in a Cell.
Rusev & Lana won with a double Accolade. This had decent action with some minor missed spots. The fans loved the finish and were into Aiden English when he came out near the end.
– Shelton Benjamin defeated Tye Dillinger
Dillinger got a good pop when he entered, but the crowd was pretty dead during most of the match. There may have been too many rest holds and countout win attempts.
There was a loud pop when Dillinger used the Sharpshooter. The match and crowd picked up near the end, but it nearly became the worst WWE match I’ve seen in person before then.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Carmella by DQ
There were good reactions for this, with Charlotte getting a loud ovation and Carmella getting booed. Carmella mocked Charlotte by doing the Flair’s “Woo!”
Becky Lynch interfered to stop the match when Charlotte had Carmella in the Figure Eight, then Asuka came in to make the save for Charlotte. That led to a tag match.
The crowd was hot for Lynch and loved her here. There was lots of fast action and great striking work, ending with Charlotte & Asuka winning with a Figure Eight on Carmella. Great match.
– Karl Anderson (w/ Luke Gallows) defeated Harper
There were many near fall attempts before Anderson won with a roll-up. A very good match that reminded us of Harper’s potential.
– United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Jeff Hardy and The Miz in a triple threat match to retain his title
All three got loud responses from the crowd, with Miz’s being a mixed reaction. Miz put on a headband and did some good comedy with Nakamura.
The match had good strikes and the audience was really behind Hardy. There were many near falls. Miz hit his finisher on Hardy, Nakamura did the Kinshasa to Miz, and Nakamura pinned Hardy.
– WWE Champion AJ Styles defeated Samoa Joe to retain his title
Joe got a decent mixed reaction with “Joe” chants. The crowd was loud for Styles, but it seemed that Hardy’s reaction in the previous match was a bit louder. They may have been tired from the heat, but the crowd did pick up for Styles.
Joe struck Styles before Styles’ introduction finished. There were a few “Who’s your daddy?” chants to go along with the TV storyline of Joe taunting Styles’ family. Joe hit a wicked clothesline where Styles flipped over. They did lots of finisher reversals, leading to Styles hitting the Phenomenal Forearm to retain. Great match.
The show finished with a promo from Styles, who talked about coming to Halifax before he was with WWE. The crowd popped for this.
Charlotte Flair is not only back, but will be in the SmackDown women’s title match at SummerSlam.
She made her return tonight after making a save for Becky Lynch, who was jumped by Carmella after James Ellsworth’s music distracted her. After being confronted backstage by GM Paige, a match was made between Charlotte and Carmella where if Charlotte won, she would be added to the title match at Summerslam. Charlotte won by submission, much to the chagrin of friend Becky Lynch, who backstage looked less than pleased about Charlotte being added to the match.
Charlotte was scheduled back on the road today and was cleared to return to action tonight. She took time off following Backlash back in May to recover from surgery following complications with her breast implants. She explained to Maria Menounos on her podcast that her implants had ruptured, with silicone spreading to other parts of her chest and back.
SummerSlam is set to take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Becky Lynch’s win over Carmella tonight makes the SmackDown women’s title match for SummerSlam official.
Lynch defeated Carmella in a non-title match tonight on SmackDown, submitting her with the disarmher. Based on stipulations made last week, if Lynch won, she would earn a SmackDown women’s title match against Carmella at SummerSlam. Lynch had been racking up wins in recent weeks leading to tonight’s match, challenging Carmella after defeating Mandy Rose last week.
It wasn’t a good night for Carmella in a lot of ways, as the person who has been helping her retain the title in recent months seemingly won’t be at her side any longer. After interrupting a WWE championship contract signing and trying to insert himself in the match, SmackDown General Manager Paige fired Ellsworth, escorting and literally kicking him out of the building.
SummerSlam will take place on August 19 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The build towards SummerSlam continues tonight on SmackDown. Since winning the WWE Championship last fall, AJ Styles has taken on all challengers. Tonight, general manager Paige announces Styles’ next title challenger and opponent at SummerSlam.
Randy Orton made his return at Extreme Rules and targeted Jeff Hardy. Last week, Orton viciously and brutally attacked Hardy once again. The motivation surrounding Orton’s attacks remains a mystery.
The Miz hosted a funeral for Team Hell No last week. He claimed that Daniel Bryan’s return from injury has been a bust and his career is dead. Bryan attacked Miz, but Miz ran off before any serious damage could be done. Their feud continues tonight and is headed towards WWE’s biggest event of the summer.
Becky Lynch takes on SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella in a non-title match tonight. If Lynch wins, she receives a title shot at SummerSlam. Plus, a tag team tournament begins to determine the next challengers for The Bludgeon Brothers titles. The New Day take on SAnitY in a first round match.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started with The Miz, Maryse and their baby Monroe Sky arriving in a limo in the back. Miz was booed heavily, Maryse got a mixed reaction and the crowd popped for Monroe. They’re hosting a special premiere for their new show Miz & Mrs., which debuts after SmackDown tonight.
Randy Orton came down the ring to explain why he attacked Jeff Hardy. He said he did it because of the fans. He pointed out that he worked hard for the fans but feels the fans don’t respect him. He wondered if they don’t respect him because he’s not some indie darling that competed in bingo halls and stole a hand gesture. He did the Too Sweet hand sign.
Orton called the fans the true legend killers. He won’t let them win and it’s his mission to eliminate every superstar the fans put on a pedestal. That’s why he started with Hardy and he promised to end Hardy’s career.
A recap aired of Stephanie McMahon’s announcement from Raw last night. It included reactions from the women.
Earlier today, the match was set up after Almas and Vega argued with Rusev and Lana over who should challenge WWE Champion AJ Styles at SummerSlam. Aiden English wasn’t in Rusev’s corner and didn’t do the ring introduction.
Rusev was firmly in control early in the match. Almas briefly took over but Rusev regained control. Rusev nailed Almas with a kick to the head for a near fall. Almas rocked Rusev with a back elbow. He attempted the double knees but Rusev hit the Machka kick.
Vega and Lana started to argue at ringside. Vega slapped Lana and they started fighting. Aiden English ran out and pulled off Lana. Vega jumped on English’s back and he ran into Lana knocking her out. Rusev was distracted and Almas hit the Hammerlock DDT for the win.
In the back, Tye Dillinger pumped up R-Truth for his upcoming match with Samoa Joe.
Aiden English and Lana argued backstage about the previous match. Rusev interrupted and said that maybe nobody is good for Rusev.
Samoa Joe defeated R-Truth
This was Truth’s first match since the WrestleMania kick off show. Truth hit a brief series of moves before Joe took over. Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch for the win.
Asuka was interviewed in the back. She said she’s so excited and ready for the all women’s pay per view Evolution but Billie Kay isn’t ready for Asuka.
Asuka defeated Billie Kay (w/ Peyton Royce)
Royce distracted Asuka to give Kay the early advantage. Asuka fired back and hit a shining wizard for a near fall. Finish came when Asuka hit three kicks to the head for the win.
In the back, United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura mocked Jeff Hardy and said that a viper bit Hardy. Nakamura warned Orton that he bites back.
Paige came out to announce the next challenger for WWE Champion AJ Styles at SummerSlam. First, she mentioned she’s excited about the women’s pay per view Evolution.
Paige introduced Styles. Tom Philips noted that Styles has been WWE Champion for 259 days. Styles said when he heard about the first women’s PPV that he thought about his daughter. He can now look in her brown eyes and tell her she can do anything she wants. He said he’s proud of the company he works for.
Styles is looking forward to his match at the biggest event of the summer and signed the SummerSlam contract. Paige asked for a drumroll to announce the challenger but was interrupted by James Ellsworth. Ellsworth said he came back for the title and pointed out that he beat Styles three times.
Paige called Ellsworth a joke. Ellsworth made fun of the way she dresses and that she’s pale as a ghost. She said that they don’t make fun of people around here and fired Ellsworth.
Security dragged him away to the back. Paige literally kicked Ellsworth out of the building.
Back in the ring, Samoa Joe jumped Styles from behind and locked on the Coquina Clutch. Joe then signed his name on the SummerSlam contract.
Paige met with Samoa Joe in the back. Paige said she picked Joe to be the challenger but didn’t want to announce it that way. Joe said his way was phenomenal.
Carmella approached Paige and noted that the power has gone to her head. She promised to defeated Becky Lynch next.
Becky Lynch defeated SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella in a non-title match
Lynch was in control early but Carmella took over after throwing her into the barricade. Lynch fought back but Carmella regained the advantage. Lynch attempted the Dis-arm-her several times but Carmella avoided it.
Lynch missed a leg drop and Carmella hit a superkick for a near fall. Suddenly, Lynch locked on the Dis-arm-her for submission win. Lynch receives a title shot at SummerSlam.
The New Day (w/ Kofi Kingston) defeated SAniTY (w/ Eric Young) in a Tag Team Tournament match
The Usos joined the commentators for the match. They face The Bar next week in the other tournament match.
The heels isolated Woods on their side of the ring. Xavier Woods nailed Killen Dain with a missile drop kick and tagged Big E. Young tired to interfere but Kingston shoved him off the top. Finish came when The New Day hit the Big Ending on Alexander Wolfe to advance to the finals.
After the match, The Bar returned to SmackDown and promised to defeat The Usos. Then they’ll win the tournament and beat the Bludgeon Brothers at SummerSlam.
In the back, Miz was upset that Paige hadn’t arranged for a babysitter. She said she did and introduced Sin Cara. Miz didn’t like that and took his daughter to the ring.
The Miz, Maryse and Monroe Sky came down to the ring for their special Miz and Mrs. premiere party. Miz came out with Monroe strapped to his front but she was actually never shown on screen.
Miz introduced Monroe and said she’s done more than Daniel Bryan has since his return. He went to unstrap her and show her to the crowd. However, Miz said she was put to sleep at the mention of Bryan’s name and was once again not shown on screen.
Miz showed a video package to promote Miz & Mrs. but Bryan replaced it with embarrassing footage of the Miz. Bryan came down to the ring and attacked the two security guards standing in front of a red rope.
Bryan entered the ring and Miz threw Monroe at him. It was actually a toy baby doll. Miz attacked Bryan and hit the skull-crushing finale. He said the baby from earlier was an actor and he’d never bring Monroe to this city. The only place to see Monroe is on Miz & Mrs., which debuts next.
Next Week: The Usos take on The Bar in the second tag team tournament match.
SmackDown’s side of the SummerSlam card should start to become clear on next week’s episode.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella vs. Becky Lynch in a non-title match has been announced for next Tuesday’s show, along with Paige revealing WWE Champion AJ Styles’ challenger for the pay-per-view. If Lynch wins, she’ll challenge for Carmella’s title at SummerSlam.
WWE has established momentum for Lynch with a winning streak over the past month. She tapped out Mandy Rose with an armbar tonight before cutting a promo and setting her sights on Carmella’s title. Paige then announced their match for next week.
Styles submitted Andrade “Cien” Almas with the Calf Crusher tonight. Samoa Joe also defeated Tye Dillinger with the Coquina Clutch and sent out a tweet about wanting a title shot: “How many more must pay before you give me what I want? You keep denying, I keep collecting.”
On Monday night, Alexa Bliss defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey became the first match to be announced for SummerSlam. Brock Lesnar’s Universal Championship challenger for the PPV will be decided on Raw next week when Roman Reigns faces Bobby Lashley in a number one contender’s match.
SummerSlam is taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on August 19.
A new stipulation has been added to the SmackDown women’s championship match at Extreme Rules.
GM Paige made the announcement during SmackDown tonight that James Ellsworth will be suspended above the ring during the match between Carmella and Asuka. Ellsworth was the one responsible for Asuka’s loss last month at Money in the Bank when he made his return to the promotion, helping Carmella score the win while distracting Asuka.
After the first Battle of the Sexes bout proved to be inconclusive, James Ellsworth and Asuka had their second encounter on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Like the previous week, Ellsworth continually tried to escape out of the ring. But this time, since it was a lumberjack match, he was kept in the ring thanks to the likes of Becky Lynch and Naomi. Asuka eventually latched on with the Asuka lock for the submission.
Despite winning the match, it was Asuka and James Ellsworth who were left standing, as Ellsworth sprayed Asuka in the eyes with an unknown substance. Carmella followed up with a superkick which laid Asuka out.
Extreme Rules is this Sunday on the WWE Network. It will take place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The card for Extreme Rules continued to take shape on tonight’s SmackDown.
Two more title matches were announced for the July 15 pay-per-view. Daniel Bryan will team with the returning Kane to challenge for The Bludgeon Brothers’ SmackDown Tag Team titles, while Carmella will again defend her Women’s Championship against Asuka.
Kane returned to television tonight for the first time since becoming the Republican candidate for mayor of Knox County, Tennessee. He made the save and helped even the odds against The Bludgeon Brothers after Bryan defeated Harper by disqualification in this week’s main event. Bryan and Kane hugged, reuniting their Team Hell No duo. Paige then announced the title match for Extreme Rules.
Paige also made Carmella vs. Asuka for the PPV. In the lead-up to the event, Asuka will face James Ellsworth on next week’s episode of SmackDown.
Here’s the updated card for Extreme Rules:
WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Rusev
Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss defending against Nia Jax
SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella defending against Asuka
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper & Rowan) defending against Daniel Bryan & Kane
Raw Tag Team Champions Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt defending against The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)
