What was assumed to be a foregone conclusion after last Sunday’s Fastlane is now a reality as WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend the title against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 37.
Adam Pearce announced his decision at the close of Friday’s WWE SmackDown which neither Reigns nor Edge seemed to care for. A brawl broke out between all three men with Edge standing tall at the end following his use of a steel chair.
It’s unknown what night the match will be part of and whether it will be a main event of that night.
In the main event of last Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view, Reigns retained the title in a win over Bryan that was marred by Edge involving himself in the match after the referee was knocked out. Bryan got a visual submission on Reigns with the Yes Lock that helped his claim that he should have another shot at the title.
Edge had earned a shot at either the WWE Champion or Universal Champion after winning this year’s Royal Rumble.
WrestleMania 37 is set for Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The key main event for WrestleMania is now confirmed to be a three-way with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan for the Universal title.
Edge’s apparent heel turn after laying both Reigns and Bryan out with chair sets, leading to Reigns’ win at tonight’s WWE Fastlane event appeared to set up a change in the match even though they went off the air on the show pushing Reigns vs. Edge, which has been the announced match since last month’s Elimination Chamber.
It’s since been confirmed that finish was done to set up a three-way that had been rumored for a week and interviews pushing Edge and Bryan as adversaries seemed to indicate them meeting down the line.
With only three weeks until WrestleMania, one would expect the official announcement to come sooner than later. At this point it’s still not clear which matches on the show will air on which nights.
WWE’s Peacock era begins tonight with the final pay-per-view before WrestleMania 37.
Tonight’s Fastlane PPV will be headlined by Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan facing off for the Universal Championship. Edge, who will challenge for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania, will be the special guest enforcer for the match.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus will meet in a no-holds-barred match tonight. McIntyre is set to challenge for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
Ahead of Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania, they’ll team up and challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s WWE Women’s Tag Team titles tonight. Alexa Bliss vs. Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins, Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship, and Riddle vs. Mustafa Ali for the United States Championship are also set for Fastlane. Braun Strowman vs. Shane McMahon was announced for the PPV but isn’t currently being advertised on WWE.com.
Tonight’s PPV will be the first WWE event to stream live on Peacock. It will also be the final WWE PPV to air on the standalone WWE Network in the United States. The pre-show starts at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card then starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. Jax & Baszler vs. Banks & Belair will open the main card.
**********
Pre-Show Recap
Kayla Braxton introduced the Fastlane panel members Booker T, Jerry Lawler, and Pete Rosenberg. Braxton explained how to sign up for the WWE Network on Peacock.
The panel ran down the line up for tonight. They aired a video for Drew McIntryre against Sheamus that highlighted their 20-year friendship and feud.
The panel discussed WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler against Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair. They showed footage of Baszler kicking Jax in the face on SmackDown. Both teams are having problems. The panel also discussed Banks defending against Belair at WrestleMania 37.
The panel turned their attention to the Randy Orton and Alexa Bliss feud. Sonya Deville joined the panel to discuss Intercontinental Champion Big E against Apollo Crews.
They recapped Shane McMahon putting Braun Strowman through the announce table and then dumping slime on him on Raw last Monday. Braxton reported that McMahon injured his knee earlier today. They showed a still image of McMahon holding on to his knee in pain.
In the back, Sarah Schreiber was standing in front of the Doctor/Trainer room. She noted she’s waiting to get an update on McMahon’s injury. The panel treated the injury seriously and thought McMahon shouldn’t compete with an injury.
They recapped the Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura feud.
Kevin Patrick interviewed Seth Rollins in the back. Rollins was wearing an incredibly flashy suit that words can’t do justice. Rollins welcomed Patrick to the WWE and bragged about his suit. He mocked Cesaro and promised to defeat Nakamura later.
United States Champion Riddle defeated Mustafa Ali (w/Retribution) to retain the title
Riddle and Ali had a good pre-show match.
They recapped Riddle beating Ali on Raw to retain the title. After the match, Ali was furious that he lost and blamed Retribution.
Riddle took Ali down and hit a series of knees for the early advantage. He followed up with a gut-wrench suplex and broton for a near fall. Riddle attempted a second broton, but Ali got his feet up to take over.
Ali sent Riddle into the ring post and yelled at Retribution at ringside. Ali slowed the pace down and targeted Riddle’s ribs. Riddle attempted the Bro Derek, but Ali slipped out the back and hit a dropkick.
Ali regained control but seemed to injure his knee. He then hit a rolling backstabber for a close near fall. In a cool spot, Ali went from a running neck breaker, but Riddle reversed into a submission.
Riddle hit a powerbomb into the final flash for a near fall. Ali attempted a tornado DDT, but Riddle rolled through and hit a fisherman buster. Ali fought back and locked on the koji clutch.
The finish came when Riddle climbed to the top rope, but Ali cut him off. Riddle fought back and hit Bro Derek off the second turnbuckle for the win.
After the match, Retribution tried to help Ali, but he started yelling at them. Reckoning stepped forward, and Ali got in her face. He demanded she get back in line, but she walked away instead.
Slapjack walked off as well. Ali yelled at Mace and T-Bar and blamed them for his loss. Mace and T-Bar had enough and gave Ali a double chokeslam.
The panel discussed Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Daniel Bryan with Edge as enforcer referee.
Main Show
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) defeated Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair to retain the titles
This was a good match. The story of the match was both teams teasing dissension.
They recapped Banks and Belair’s argument from SmackDown. Michael Cole noted both teams are having problems with each other.
Both teams argued with each other before the match started. Banks and Belair worked over Baszler for the early advantage. Belair hit a head-spring moonsault for a near fall.
Baszler and Belair seemed lost at one point, and they just stopped running in the middle of a spot. They quickly recovered, and Baszler rocked Beliar with a knee to the face. Baszler went to stomp on Belair’s elbow, but Jax made a blind tag.
Banks and Belair worked together, and Banks hit a hurricanrana on Jax. The heels took over when Baszler caused a distraction, and Jax knocked Belair off the apron.
Baszler slowed the pace down and locked on a submission. The heels isolated Belair on their side of the ring and cut her off from her corner. Belair fought back, and Banks got the hot tag.
Banks ran wild and hit a Tornado DDT on Baszler for a near fall. Belair then hit a 450 Splash, but Reginald jumped on the apron.
Banks tagged back in and locked on the Bank Statement on Baszler. Belair jumped in the ring to stop Jax from breaking up the submission. Jax pushed Belair onto Banks to break up the submission anyway.
Belair and Banks started to argue and yell at each other. Banks pushed Belair and called her a rookie. Belair started to leave the ring when Baszler rolled up Banks for the win.
After the match, Banks and Belair continued to argue. Banks then slapped Belair across the face and left. Belair was in shock but looked up at the WrestleMania sign.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Shane McMahon injuring his knee earlier today. McMahon walked out of the trainer’s room on a crutch with ice on his knee.
Elias and Jaxson Ryker approached McMahon. Elias wanted to discuss his pitch for a performance at WrestleMania 37. He mentioned making Bad Bunny look bad. McMahon has an idea he wants to talk about with them.
Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews to retain the title
Crews and Big E had a good hard-hitting match until the finish. The finish was a bit messy and confusing.
They charged at each other and traded shots in the middle of the ring at the start. Big E speared Crews off the apron to the floor and followed up with a splash on the apron.
Big E was firmly in control and taunted Crews. He followed up with a second splash on the apron. Big E then gave Crews two belly-to-belly suplexes across the ring. He attempted a splash in the corner, but Crews attacked Big E’s knee.
Crews took over and hit three rolling German suplexes. He stomped on Big E and hit a frog splash for a near fall. Crews attempted a standing moonsault, but Big E got his knees up.
Big E missed a charge in the corner and went shoulder first into the ring post. Crews attempted a powerbomb, but Big E slipped out the back.
Big E attempted the Big Ending, but Crews avoided the move.
The finish came out of nowhere. Big E attempted an inside cradle, but Crews attempted to reverse. During the reversal, Big E appeared to pin Crews. Cole and Graves were confused by the finish as well.
After the match, Crews attacked Big E and hit a series of Angle Slams.
In the back, Joseph Average was selling Old Spice when Tozawa approached looking for 24/7 Champion R-Truth. Truth was hiding in the display case. Average ended up pinning Truth, but Truth won the title back.
They showed footage of Shane McMahon injuring his knee earlier today while practicing his jumping knees.
McMahon then introduced Elias for a concert. McMahon came out on a crutch and announced that Elias is taking his place tonight. Elias was surprised to find out he was facing Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman defeated Elias (w/Jaxson Ryker)
This was basically a squash match. Strowman dominated Elias and easily won.
Strowman beat down Elias and had the early advantage. Ryker tried to help Elias, but it backfired. Strowman ran around ringside and knocked Elias onto the barricade.
Ryker distracted Strowman, and Elias briefly took over with a DDT. He hit an elbow off the top rope for a near fall. Strowman rocked Elias with a hard clothesline to regain control. Strowman then hit the running power slam for the win.
They recapped Retribution turning on Mustafa Ali during the pre-show.
In the back, Riddle was riding around on his scooter. He approached Shinsuke Nakamura and wished him luck with his match later. Riddle told a story, but Nakamura hid until Riddle walked away.
Seth Rollins defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
Rollins and Nakamura had a good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
They recapped Seth Rollins feud with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura had the early advantage, but Rollins quickly took over. He rocked Nakamura with a series of knees. Rollins followed up with a backbreaker for a near fall.
Rollins slowed the pace down and hit a knee drop for a near fall. Rollins continued to beat down Nakamura and started yelling about Cesaro giving him the giant swing.
Rollins teased giving Nakamura the giant swing. Nakamura fought back and went for an armbar, but Rollins made it to the ropes. Nakamura took over and hit a sliding dropkick on Rollins. He followed up with a knee on the apron.
Nakamura hit a huge knee in the corner for another near fall. Nakamura attempted the knee off the second turnbuckle, but Rollins knocked him to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive.
Rollins hit a springboard knee to the face and the sling blade for a near fall. Rollins attempted the buckle bomb, but Nakamura escaped and hit a kick to the head. Nakamura followed up with a sliding German suplex.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Rollins countered with the buckle bomb. He followed up with the falcon’s arrow for a near fall. Rollins attempted the curb stomp, but Nakamura avoided the move.
Rollins went for a running knee, but Nakamura ducked. Rollins countered by hooking his leg on Nakamura’s and delivered a kick to the back of the head. Rollins then hit the curb stomp for the win.
The Raw commentators briefly discussed Rhea Ripley debuting tomorrow night.
No Holds Barred Match: Drew McIntrye defeated Sheamus
McIntrye and Sheamus had a really good hard-hitting, and brutal match. They both had bruises and deep cuts all over their backs when it was over.
They wasted no time and started trading shots. McIntrye caught Sheamus with a belly-to-belly suplex and sent him to the floor with a clothesline.
Sheamus fought back and sent McIntrye into the barricade.
McIntrye recovered and hit a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor. McIntrye cleared off the announce table and pulled out kendo sticks from under the ring. Sheamus jumped McIntrye and sent him into the ring post.
McIntrye hit another belly-to-belly suplex on the floor and threw Sheamus into the steps. Sheamus rocked McIntrye with a knee as he entered the ring.
Sheamus took over and hit McIntrye with a kendo stick several times. McIntrye fought back and rocked Sheamus with the Glasgow kiss.
McIntrye grabbed the kendo stick and hit Sheamus in the back. He then tried jabbing the kendo stick into Sheamus’ eye. The kendo stick shots left deep cuts on both of their backs.
Sheamus rolled to the floor. McIntrye charged at Sheamus, but he moved and sent him into the steps. They fought on top of the announce desk. McIntrye attempted the Future Shock DDT, but Sheamus avoided it.
Micintrye threw Sheamus off the table into the barricade. They brawled around the ThunderDome into the stands. McIntrye attempted a suplex, but Sheamus countered with a suplex. They fought on the platforms in front of the screens. Sheamus took over after hitting a rolling senton on the platform.
Sheamus set up for another rolling senton, but McIntrye broke free. He then threw Sheamus, and he crashed into the screens, which exploded with sparks flying everywhere.
McIntyre placed Sheamus on a box and rolled him back to ringside. McIntyre then gave Sheamus a suplex on the floor again.
McIntrye tried to carry Sheamus back to the ring, but Sheamus poked him in the eyes. Sheamus then hit the Brogue Kick, and McIntrye flew over the barricade.
Sheamus yelled at McIntrye that he should be in the WrestleMania main event. Sheamus then gave McIntyre white noise off the barricade through the announce table. Sheamus shoved McIntrye back in the ring and grabbed a piece of the announce desk.
The finish came when Sheamus attempted the Alabama Slam on the piece of the table, but McIntrye countered into the Future Shock DDT. McIntrye then hit the Claymore Kick for the win.
Alexa Bliss defeated Randy Orton
This wasn’t a match and more of an angle to set up the return of The Fiend. They did a bunch of special effects moments like a bad horror movie.
Orton came out first and posed on the turnbuckle as he always does. Suddenly, Orton started to cough up the black ooze again. He grabbed a towel and demanded that Bliss come to the ring.
Bliss laughed at Orton as she made her entrance. The lights turned purple for the match. Orton walked towards Bliss, but suddenly flames appeared in the ring out of nowhere.
Orton backed off but then charged at Bliss. She moved, and he went shoulder-first into the ring post. Bliss laughed at Orton some more.
Orton followed Bliss around ringside, but she suddenly stopped. She looked up, and the lighting rig fell and almost landed on Orton.
Bliss laughed and challenged Orton to get in the ring. Bliss blew a kiss at Orton. He got upset and charged towards her, but she hit him with a fireball.
Orton went down, but the commentators claimed Orton blocked the fireball. Bliss sat on the top turnbuckle and stared at Orton.
Suddenly, The Fiend came through a hole in the ring. Flames came out of the hole, and then The Fiend emerged. The Fiend’s mask is melted and deformed looking because Orton set him on fire at TLC.
Orton backed off, but Bliss pushed him into The Fiend. The Fiend then hit Sister Abigal, and Bliss covered Orton for the win.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Daniel Bryan to retain the title
Special Ringside Enforcer: Edge
Bryan and Reigns had a really good match that told a good story. They worked at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Reigns backed Bryan in the corner and rocked him with a hard chop. Bryan fought back and attempted a kneebar.
He taunted Reigns and continued to target the legs.
Bryan attempted an armbar, but Reigns quickly broke free. Bryan hit a series of kicks to the legs again, but Reigns countered with a side headlock.
Bryan slipped out of the headlock and worked over Reigns shoulder and hand. Reigns regained control and backed Bryan in the corner.
Bryan fought back and caught Reigns with a dropkick.
Bryan went back to attacking Reigns’ arm and leg. Reigns briefly took over, but Bryan fought back. Bryan ran up the corner and charged at Reigns, but he countered with a backbreaker.
Reigns looked over at Edge as he beat down Bryan. He followed up with a suplex for a near fall. Reigns slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Bryan broke free, but Reigns knocked him to the floor. Reigns beat Bryan around ringside and looked over at Edge again.
Reigns charged at Bryan, but he moved, and Reigns crashed into the corner. Bryan recovered and hit a running dropkick in the corner. He attempted a hurricanrana off the top rope but Reigns reversed into a Boston crab.
Bryan fought back and rolled up Reigns for a near fall. Bryan sent Reigns to the floor and attempted a plancha. Reigns countered into a slam and picked Bryan up.
Bryan slipped out the back and pushed him into the ring post. He followed up with a knee of the apron to regain control.
Bryan hit a missile dropkick for a near fall. He rocked Reigns with a series of kicks, but Reigns backed him into the corner. Reigns attempted a powerbomb, but Bryan reversed into a hurricanrana. He followed up with a kick to the head for a near fall.
Bryan stomped on Reigns face and transitioned into the Yes Lock. Reigns almost made it to the ropes, but Bryan rolled to the middle of the ring and reapplied the Yes Lock.
Reigns broke free and hit a powerbomb for a two-count. Reigns attempted a spear, but Bryan caught him with a kick to the face. Suddenly, the referee was standing directly behind Reigns.
Bryan went for the running knee but Reigns moved, and he hit the referee. Reigns then hit the spear on Bryan. Corey Graves noted there’s no referee. Edge eventually jumped in the ring, but Bryan kicked out.
Reigns and Edge briefly argued. Reigns attacked Bryan, but Bryan reversed into the Yes Lock again. Jey Uso ran out and rocked Edge with a superkick. He caught Bryan with a superkick as well.
Uso grabbed a chair and sent Edge into the ring post. Uso tried to hit Bryan with the chair, but he avoided it. Bryan got the chair and beat down Uso with it. He noticed the referee was down, so he went to hit Reigns with the chair. Reigns moved, and Bryan hit Edge in the shoulder with the chair.
Reigns charged at Bryan, but Bryan applied the Yes Lock again. Reigns eventually tapped out, but there was no referee. Edge grabbed the chair and attacked both Bryan and Reigns.
Edge was furious and yelled that the title shot is his at WrestleMania. Edge stormed off in a rage. Eventually, Reigns crawled over to Bryan and pinned him for the win.
Edge will be playing a role in Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane.
In the main event of tonight’s SmackDown, Edge defeated Jey Uso to become the special guest enforcer for Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane. The pay-per-view is airing live on Peacock and the WWE Network this Sunday.
As the special guest enforcer, Edge will be outside of the ring during Reigns and Bryan’s Universal title match.
Edge pinned Uso in tonight’s main event after hitting a spear. Following the match, Reigns ambushed Edge by laying him out with a spear of his own. Bryan was on commentary for the match and went to get into the ring when Reigns provoked him, but Bryan was then attacked by Uso. Reigns also laid out Bryan with a spear.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37. In storyline, Edge hasn’t been happy that Bryan is getting a title shot before him. Edge was the winner of this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge will be the special guest enforcer for the match)
No holds barred match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
United States Champion Riddle defends against Mustafa Ali
The build to Fastlane continues on tonight’s SmackDown.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan at Fastlane. Tonight, they meet face-to-face for the official contract signing. Bryan earned the title shot by defeating Jey Uso in a steel cage match last week.
Reigns retained the Universal Championship against Bryan last month at Elimination Chamber in a short contest immediately after Bryan won the SmackDown Chamber match.
Kevin Owens hosts The KO Show with SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks and women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair as his guests tonight. Belair chose Banks as her WrestleMania 37 opponent a few weeks ago. However, they team up to challenge WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler first at Fastlane. Fastlane is taking place on Sunday, March 21.
Banks & Belair will also face Natalya & Tamina tonight, The Street Profits will team with Rey & Dominik Mysterio against Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, Chad Gable & Otis, and Intercontinental Champion Big E returns for the first time since being attacked by Apollo Crews three weeks ago. Big E was stretchered out after Crews attacked him with the steel steps. During Big E’s absence, Crews has embraced his Nigerian royal heritage and has promised to confront Big E.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Show Recap
They recapped Daniel Bryan beating Jey Uso in a steel cage match last week.
Edge made his way down to the ring and noted there’s a big contract signing tonight. However, Edge needs to address a few topics. He said that Roman Reigns spent weeks demanding that Edge acknowledge him as the WrestleMania 37 main event.
Edge pointed out that Reigns suddenly changed his mind and went down Daniel Bryan blvd. He turned his attention to Daniel Bryan. Edge was furious that Bryan went into business for himself. He’s upset that Bryan feels he deserves the WrestleMania main event more than him.
Edge noted that he helped build the SmackDown brand. He claimed that while Bryan was working maybe once a week, he worked five times a week. Edge listed names he competed against, including Eddie Guerrero, Batista, Mr. Perfect, The British Bulldog, Terry Funk, and more.
Bryan’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He recognized that Edge earned the title shot. Bryan admitted that this could be his last WrestleMania, and he’s going to do whatever it takes to get the main event.
Bryan noted this isn’t about Edge. He went into business for himself because he needs to give it one more shot.
Edge pointed out that he earned the title shot by winning the Royal Rumble. He said that he has mutual respect for Bryan, but he doesn’t like how he went about earning the title shot. Edge ended by noting that Bryan isn’t better than him.
Edge and Bryan were good in the segment, although it was strange that Edge doesn’t like how Bryan earned the title shot. Bryan won a cage match to get the title shot, which bothers Edge, but it’s unclear why he’s so upset.
Street Profits, Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, Chad Gable & Otis
This was a good eight-man tag team match.
The heels jumped the faces as they made their entrances before the commercial break.
Angelo Dawkins and Roode started the match after the break. Dawkins ran wild and hit a series of dropkicks. Montez Ford rocked Roode with a dropkick as well.
The heels took over when Otis caught Dominik with a double ax handle. They isolated Dominik and cut him off from his corner. Roode slowed the pace down and worked over Dominik’s leg.
Roode attempted a suplex, but Dominik countered into a tornado DDT. Dawkins got the tag and ran wild on the heels. Ziggler caught Dawkins with a back elbow, but Dawkins fought back and hit a huge spine buster.
Ford climbed to the top rope for the frog splash, but Roode shoved him off. Ford took a nasty fall to the floor and hit the ropes on his way down.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control as Ziggler isolated Ford on their side of the ring with a chin lock. Ford tried fighting back, but Ziggler locked on a sleeper hold.
Ford crawled to his corner with Ziggler on his back. Ford made the tag, but the heels distracted the referee. The heels dragged Ford back to their corner. Gable gave Ford a German suplex, but he landed on his feet.
Rey got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a DDT on Gable, but Otis broke up the pin attempt.
Dominik hit a cross-body block, but Otis caught him. Rey then hit a senton on Otis.
Rey went for the 619 on Otis, but Roode caught Rey with a spine buster. The faces fought back and regained control.
The finish came when Rey and Dominik hit a double 619 on Roode. Ford followed up with the frog splash for the win.
They recapped The Hurricane announcing Molly Holly has the first inductee in the 2021 Hall of Fame class on The Bump.
In the back, Jey Uso approached Paul Heyman in front of Roman Reigns locker room. Heyman was happy to see Uso, but he wouldn’t let him talk to Reigns. Heyman asked if Uso spoke with him yet.
Uso claimed they spoke yesterday, but Heyman noted he’s not happy that Uso lost to Daniel Bryan and tapped out. Uso has things to do anyway, and he’ll talk to Reigns later.
Back from the break, Kayla Braxton interviewed Seth Rollins. They recapped Cesaro giving Rollins the giant swing two weeks ago. Rollins noted he was just trying to help Cesaro, but he got mocked and embarrassed.
Rollins wants nothing to do with Cesaro. He claimed Cesaro is the biggest waste of potential.
Braxton noted Cesaro takes on Murphy in a return match from last week. Rollins was happy to hear there’s a return match.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler Take Reginald Shopping
They recapped Bianca Belair beating Shayna Baszler last week. It also included Carmella firing Reginald, Banks slapping Reginald, and Nia Jax flirting with Reginald.
Jax and Baszler took Reginald shopping, and he tried on a series of outfits. Jax was very impressed, but Baszler was bored out of her mind. Reginald did a backflip and sat on Jax’s lap.
Reginald loves the shopping spree but doesn’t know how to repay Jax. She smiled, and they played romantic music.
Cesaro defeated Murphy
Cesaro and Murphy had a good short match while it lasted until the weak finish.
Seth Rollins watched the match from the stage.
Cesaro had the early advantage and rocked Murphy with a kick to the face. Cesaro charged at Murphy on the floor, but Murphy caught him with a jumping knee.
Murphy climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off. He followed up with a superplex from the apron.
Cesaro hit Murphy with a series of uppercuts. Cesaro then caught Murphy in the giant swing, but Seth Rollins attacked Cesaro for the disqualification.
After the match, Rollins attacked Cesaro and hit two curb stomps. Rollins put Cesaro’s head into a steel chair and teased another curb stomp until WWE officials jumped in the ring.
Rollins walked backstage and went face-to-face with Shinsuke Nakamura. They had a brief staredown.
Sami Zayn and his documentary crew approached Kevin Owens in the back. Zayn wants Owens to be in his documentary. Owens agreed to be in the film, but he’s about to host The KO Show.
Back from the commercial, Edge approached Jey Uso in the back. He’s known Uso’s family for a long time. Edge remembers when Uso was a little kid. He’s disappointed that Uso does whatever Roman Reigns tells him.
Uso got in Edge’s face and told him to go home to his family.
The KO Show
Kevin Owens noted the fans hadn’t seen him for the last few weeks. He pulled himself back up.
Owens introduced his guests Bianca Belair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks. Owens pointed out that they’re facing at WrestleMania, but before that, they challenge for the tag team titles at Fastlane.
Owens noted they could face off at WrestleMania for the title and be the tag team champions. Owens said that only John Cena and Shawn Michaels were tag team champions to face off for a title at WrestleMania.
Belair noted that it’s not her fault that Reginald has a crush on her. Banks and Belair argued back and forth. Belair thinks Banks gives Regianldd too much attention despite not liking him.
Banks claimed she’s the Micahel Jordon of the women’s division, and Belair can be the Lebron James.
Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, and Reginald interrupted. They made their way to the commentators.
They had an okay tag match with a typical distraction finish.
Jax, Baszler, and Regaind joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Most of the focus was on Reginald and Jax on commentary, which took away from the match.
The faces had the early advantage until the heels isolated Banks in their corner. Belair got the hot tag and ran wild. She hit a series of dropkicks on Natayla and a spinebuster, but Reginald distracted the referee.
Reginald posed on the commentary table. Banks got in his face and chased him into the ring. Natalya then knocked Banks out of the ring. Belair was distracted, and Tamina rolled her up for the win.
Belair and Banks argued after the match. Belair blamed Banks for losing because she gives Reginald attention.
Back from the break, Belair and Banks continued to argue. Banks refused to accept any blame. She called Belair a rookie and walked off.
Intercontinental Champion Big E made his way to the ring. He came out on a crutch, wearing a neck brace and all bandaged up. He threw away the crutch and tore off the bandages.
Big E was furious that Apollo Crews attacked him with the steps a few weeks ago. He promised to get revenge on Crews. Big E noted it’s an eye for an eye.
He demanded that Crews come to the ring and take the opportunity he’s been begging for. Crews didn’t come out, but Big E wasn’t surprised. Big E’s ready for a fight, so he issued an open challenge.
King Corbin interrupted and walked onto the stage. Corbin was about to accept the challenge, but he’s started talking about his suit.
Sami Zayn interrupted and accepted the challenge. Corbin and Zayn briefly argued. Big E heard enough and promised to give the title shot to the first person to enter the ring.
Zayn jumped in, but Big E beat him down and tossed him out of the ring.
Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Sami Zayn
Zayn and Big E had a good match.
Big E had the early advantage as he rocked Zayn with a back elbow for a near fall. He tossed Zayn across the ring, but Zayn hit Big E with a boot to the face to take over.
Zayn hit an elbow off the second rope for a near fall. He attempted the elbow again, but Big E caught him with a belly-to-belly suplex. Zayn gained control when Big E missed a splash on the apron.
Back from the break, Zayn and Big E fought on the top rope. Zayn then hit a sunset bomb from a close near fall. Zayn slapped Big E in the face, which fired him up. Big E rocked Zayn with a clothesline and hit the Big Ending for the win.
After the match, Apollo Crews jumped Big E from behind and hit the Angle Slam. Crews hit a second Angle Slam and tossed the steps into the ring. He then hit Big E with the steps and knocked him to the floor.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Nia Jax and Reginald backstage. Reginald convinced Jax to challenge Sasha Banks for the title next week.
Fastlane Contract Signing
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring. Back from the break, Bryan made his entrance.
Adam Pearce noted they’ve both read over the contract. Reigns made Pearce get him a chair so he could sit at the head of the table. Reigns admitted a few weeks ago he agreed to the match with Bryan.
Reigns changed his mind and won’t sign the contract. Bryan’s excited, so he signed the contract with enthusiasm.
Bryan mocked Reigns and taunted him until he finally signed the contract.
Uso threw the table out of the ring and got in Bryan’s face. Uso demanded to be the special enforcer referee at Fastlane.
Edge’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He agreed with Uso and then challenged him to a match next week. The winner will be the special enforcer referee at Fastlane. Edge noted this would be his first match on SmackDown in eleven years.
Pearce agreed and made the match official. A brawl broke out between all four guys. Bryan tried to go after Reigns, but Edge pushed him out of the way. Bryan then hit Edge with the running knee to end SmackDown.
Next Week: Edge goes one-on-one with Jey Uso; the winner will be the special enforcer referee at Fastlane for the Universal title match. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Nia Jax.
A pair of segments building up title matches for Fastlane have been announced for this week’s SmackDown.
Ahead of their Universal Championship match at Fastlane, Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan will take part in a contract signing on SmackDown this Friday night. Bryan challenging for the Universal Championship at Fastlane was confirmed when he defeated Jey Uso in a steel cage match in the main event of SmackDown last week.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair will be Kevin Owens’ guests on the KO Show on this week’s SmackDown. Banks & Belair are challenging for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s WWE Women’s Tag Team titles at Fastlane. On SmackDown last week, Belair defeated Baszler in a singles match.
Fastlane is taking place on Sunday, March 21. It will air live on the WWE Network and Peacock.
Reigns vs. Bryan and Jax & Baszler vs. Banks & Belair are both rematches from Elimination Chamber. Bryan won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match at last month’s pay-per-view but then had to immediately challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship. Reigns won when Bryan passed out in a guillotine
Jax & Baszler retained their Women’s Tag Team titles against Banks & Belair at Elimination Chamber when Banks was distracted by Reginald. After last week’s angle where he was fired as Carmella’s sommelier, Reginald is now aligned with Jax & Baszler.
Banks is defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Belair at WrestleMania 37 next month. The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania.
WWE has also announced that Intercontinental Champion Big E will make his return to SmackDown this Friday. It will be the first time Big E has appeared on the show since being stretchered out after Apollo Crews attacked him with the steel steps three weeks ago. Crews cut a promo on SmackDown last week and said he’s demanding another shot at Big E’s Intercontinental title.
With a win in last night’s main event, Daniel Bryan getting another Universal Championship shot was made official.
Bryan defeated Jey Uso in a steel cage match on SmackDown last night. Universal Champion Roman Reigns watched on as his cousin Uso tapped out to Bryan’s Yes Lock at the end of the match. Uso had reached the ropes, but Bryan didn’t have to break the hold due to it being a steel cage match.
With Reigns still looking on, Bryan celebrated on top of the cage to close last night’s show.
As a stipulation of Bryan defeating Uso, Bryan will challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship at Fastlane on Sunday, March 21. Last night’s match also had a stipulation where — if Bryan lost — he would have had to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief, the head of the table, and the greatest wrestler on the planet.
Bryan also got a Universal Championship shot against Reigns at last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Bryan won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match but then had to immediately face Reigns. Reigns broke out of the Yes Lock and then quickly got the win, making Bryan pass out in a guillotine.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane will go on to defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37.
Daniel Bryan is getting another shot at the Universal Championship.
Bryan will challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at Fastlane on Sunday, March 21. The pay-per-view will air live on the WWE Network and Peacock.
The Universal Championship match was confirmed for Fastlane when Bryan defeated Jey Uso in a steel cage match in the main event of tonight’s SmackDown. If Bryan lost, he wouldn’t have gotten the title shot and would have had to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief, the head of the table, and the best wrestler on the planet.
Bryan and Uso’s steel cage match was made after a match between them on SmackDown last week ended in a double countout.
At last month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view, Bryan won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match but then immediately had to face Reigns for the Universal Championship. Reigns broke out of the Yes Lock and quickly won when Bryan passed out in a guillotine.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37. In storyline, Edge wasn’t happy with Bryan getting a title shot before he faces Reigns. WWE claimed on television that the original plan for Fastlane was Bryan & Edge facing Reigns & Uso in a tag team match.
Reigns vs. Bryan is the second match that’s been announced for Fastlane. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair will also challenge for Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler’s Women’s Tag Team titles at the PPV.
A steel cage match with Fastlane implications headlines tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Daniel Bryan and Jey Uso will face off inside of a steel cage tonight. If Bryan wins, he challenges Universal Champion Roman Reigns for the title at Fastlane. Bryan confronted Reigns and demanded a title shot last week. Bryan had to defeat Uso to earn the Fastlane title shot, but they went to a double countout.
Edge was frustrated that Bryan could get a title shot before Edge challenges Reigns at WrestleMania 37. Originally, it was said that Edge & Bryan were to team up against Reigns & Uso at Fastlane until Bryan demanded the title shot.
If Uso wins tonight, Bryan must acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief, the head of the table, and the best wrestler on the planet.
Bianca Belair goes one-on-one with Shayna Baszler tonight. Belair chose SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks as her WrestleMania 37 opponent last week. At Fastlane, Belair & Banks team up to challenge Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Baszler in a rematch from Elimination Chamber.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They recapped Edge winning the Royal Rumble and choosing Universal Champion Roman Reigns as his opponent at WrestleMania 37.
Michael Cole was standing in the ring and introduced his guest Daniel Bryan. Cole noted that Reigns and Edge is the current main event, but that could change. He explained that if Bryan wins tonight, he gets a title shot at Fastlane.
Cole pointed out the original main event was Bryan & Edge against Reigns & Uso. He wondered why Bryan would rather have a title shot than being in a tag team match. Bryan responded that nobody asked him to be in a tag match.
Bryan knows that the dream match is Edge against Reigns. He described it as the Attitude Era versus The Thunderdome. Bryan promised to be the one to ruin everyone’s dream match.
Bryan then showed a video package recapping his Elimination Chamber win and loss to Reigns. It also included Edge spearing Reigns after his victory.
Bryan noted that he’s lost a lot in his career but losing at the Elimination Chamber still hurt. After losing to Reigns, Bryan rolled to the floor. He felt like a failure as he watched Edge spear Reigns and pointed to the WrestleMania sign.
Bryan talked about scoring low on a personality test. He said that he loves wrestling and that drives him. Bryan put himself on the back burner because he felt other guys were ready to be a star.
Bryan regrets putting himself on the back burner. He wrestled more times in the last three weeks than Edge and Reigns wrestled in the previous three months.
Bryan promised that he’s going to headline WrestleMania, and this might be his last chance.
This was an awesome Bryan promo.
Roman Reigns’ music hit and made his way to the ring with Jey Uso and Paul Heyman.
Back from the break, Reigns, Heyman, and Uso were in the ring facing Bryan. Reigns mocked Bryan for being driven and ambitious. Reigns noted Bryan is the little guy and the underdog.
Reigns insisted Bryan doesn’t love wrestling. He needs wrestling.
Reigns pointed out that he loves this business. He doesn’t need this business, but everyone needs him. Reigns claimed that even Bryan needs him.
Reigns promised that Bryan wouldn’t win against Uso tonight. Bryan tried to speak, but Uso grabbed the mic. He got in Bryan’s face and told him not to worry about the champion.
Uso tried to jump Bryan like he did last week. Bryan was ready for Uso this time and fought back. He sent Uso to the floor and had a brief staredown with Reigns.
This was a good opening segment. Bryan was great in his role and gave a fiery promo.
King Corbin (w/Sami Zayn) defeated Montez Ford (w/Angelo Dawkins)
Corbin and Ford had a fine match, although it dragged a bit.
They recapped The Street Profits beating King Corbin & Sami Zayn last week after Corbin yelled at Zayn’s documentary crew.
Sami Zayn walked out on the ramp and briefly mentioned losing last week. Before Zayn could continue, King Corbin interrupted. He noted they’re not a tag team, and he’s a singles competitor.
Corbin demanded a singles match with either member of Street Profits. Zayn was upset because he prepared for a tag match.
Ford had the early advantage and ran wild on Corbin. Corbin took over after hitting a spine buster on Ford. He slowed the pace down, but Ford fought back.
Ford hit a standing moonsault for a near fall. He started to climb to the top rope, but Zayn caused a distraction. Corbin attempted to roll up Ford, but he rolled through and hit an enziguri.
Corbin suddenly hit the End of Days on Ford for the win.
After the match, Zayn pointed out that he helped Corbin, so Corbin has to help him. Angelo Dawkins then knocked Zayn off the apron, and he landed on Corbin.
Corbin was furious and refused to help Zayn. Corbin walked to the back as they went to a break.
Angelo Dawkins (w/Montez Ford) defeated Sami Zayn
Dawkins and Zayn had a fine match with the typical distraction finish.
Dawkins was firmly in control and hit a standing dropkick for a close near fall. Zayn took over as they fought around ringside. He rocked Dawkins with a hard clothesline for a near fall.
Dawkins fired up and hit a splash in the corner. He followed up with a bulldog for a near fall. Zayn blocked a suplex attempt, but Dawkins hit the twisting neck breaker for a near fall.
Dawkins avoided a blue thunder bomb, but Zayn hit an exploder suplex in the corner. Zayn set up for the helluva kick, but Ford began yelling at the documentary crew. This distracted Zayn, and Dawkins rolled him up for the win.
Zayn freaked out at the documentary crew and blamed them for his loss.
In the back, Reginald approached Carmella with a bottle of champagne. She yelled at Reginald for helping Sasha Banks the last few weeks. Carmella knocked the bottle out of his hands and fired him.
Dominik Mysterio (w/Rey Mysterio) defeated Chad Gable (w/Otis)
Gable and Mysterio had a fun short match.
Gable and Mysterio started with some chain wrestling. Gable got a waist lock, but Mysterio sent him to the floor. Mysterio briefly took, but Gable fought back.
Gable slowed the pace and targeted Mysterio’s leg. Mysterio fought back and hit a hurricanrana. He attempted a tornado DDT, but Gable avoided it and hit a tiger suplex for a close near fall.
Gable went for a moonsault, but Mysterio moved out of the way. The finish came when Mysterio rolled up Gable for the win.
After the match, Rey hit a sliding dropkick on Otis and a senton off the apron.
The recapped Cesaro giving Seth Rollins a giant swing last week.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Seth Rollins in the back. Rollins was furious over Cesaro’s action and his attack. Murphy showed up and offered to help Rollins with his Cesaro problem.
Rollins demanded Murphy leave and get out of his face.
Bianca Belair defeated Shayna Baszler (w/Nia Jax)
Belair and Baszler had a good match while it lasted.
They recapped Baszler kicking Asuka’s teeth out of her mouth. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks came to ringside with Reginald following behind her.
Belair attempted a dropkick, but Baszler caught the leg. Belair fought back and regained control.
Baszler kicked Belair’s arm and hit a running knee in the corner. Baszler continued to target Belair’s arm.
Belair fought back and slammed Baszler. She followed up with a suplex and back body drop.
Belair attempted a double chicken wing, but Baszler sent her to the floor. Belair landed at Reginald’s feet and shoved him towards Nia Jax. Belair jumped back in the ring, but Baszler caught her with a knee.
Jax shoved Reginald. She attacked him, but Reginald moved, and Jax hit Banks. Belair was distracted, and Baszler went for the Kirifuda Clutch. Belair reversed into the KOD for the win.
After the match, Reginald checked on Banks. Banks stood up and slapped Reginald hard across the face.
In the back, Roman Reigns spoke with Jey Uso. Reigns noted that if Uso loses, he’s embarrassing the family. Uso promised to win.
Cesaro defeated Murphy
Cesaro and Murphy had a good hard-hitting match.
Seth Rollins joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Rollins promised that Cesaro would never give him another giant swing.
Cesaro had the early advantage and hit a backbreaker for a near fall. Murphy sent Cesaro to the floor and hit a huge dive. He followed up with a Meteora for another near fall.
Cesaro fought back and rocked Murphy with an uppercut as he came off the top. Cesaro followed up with a series of uppercuts in the corner. The finish came when Cesaro used the giant swing into the sharpshooter for the win.
Rollins applauded Cesaro for his win after the match.
In the back, Reginald tried to make up with Sasha Banks. She yelled at him to leave and slammed to door on him.
He walked past Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax as he was leaving. Baszler mocked Reginald and said he smells like failure. Jax told Baszler to chill because she thinks he’s cute.
They recapped Apollo Crews injuring Intercontinental Champion Big E a few weeks ago.
Apollo Crews came to the ring with two soldiers. He noted people don’t like the new Apollo Crews. He said he’s being the real Apollo Crews and called himself a real African American.
Crews said this is how he really talks and who he really is. He admitted that he felt ashamed of his Nigerian heritage when he was younger. However, Crews understands everything his family taught him. He’s proud of his ancestors.
Crews knows Big E is returning next week. He mocked Big E and promised to defeat him for the title.
Crews was awesome again in this segment.
In the back, Natalya and Tamina spoke with Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. Natalya and Tamina were upset that they’re not getting a title shot at Fastlane against Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. Pearce noted that’s the match they decided on. Pearce left. Deville then pointed out she’d make a different decision.
Kayla Braxton tried to interview Jey Uso, but Bryan attacked him.
Ding Dong Hello
Bayley decided to work on a new segment for her talk show.
Bayley noted some shows read mean tweets. Instead, she’s going to read sweet tweets. Bayley read two tweets praising her and her talk show. However, she stopped reading the third one. She became upset and stormed out of her fake door.
Corey Graves went into the cage and ran down the rules for the match. He noted three ways to win: pin, submission, or escape the cage. This was a nice touch and gave more importance to the match.
Steel Cage Match: Daniel Bryan defeated Jey Uso
Bryan and Uso had a really good cage match. They both worked hard and told a good story.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman walked to ringside. Reigns suddenly stopped and looked down. Heyman looked down at the same spot. He then ran and grabbed a chair for Reigns to sit on.
Bryan and Uso charged at each other at the bell and traded shots in the middle of the ring. Uso took over and drove Bryan head-first into the cage. He attempted to walk out the door, but Bryan cut him off.
Uso tried to climb out, but Bryan went up after him. Bryan slammed Uso’s head into the cage. Uso fought back and dropped Bryan on the top rope.
Bryan fired back and hit a missile dropkick. He kicked Uso’s arm and began to work on it. Bryan ran up the corner and avoided Uso. He tried to climb out of the cage, but Uso cut him off.
Uso caught Bryan in the tree of woe and stomped on his bad knee. They fought on the top rope, with both trying to escape.
Uso regained control and gave Bryan a Samoan Drop off the top rope.
Back from the break, Bryan and Uso fought on the top of the cage. They climbed back in and fought on the top rope. Bryan hit a series of kicks standing on the top rope.
Uso fought back and hit a superkick, which knocked Bryan down. Uso followed up with a splash off the top for a near fall.
Uso tried to crawl out the door, but Bryan stopped him. Uso fought back and scored a near fall. Bryan recovered and rolled up Uso for a near fall. Bryan then rocked Uso with a series of elbows.
Uso gave Bryan a slingshot into the side of the cage. Uso tried to climb out of the cage, but Bryan cut him off. Bryan tried to escape, but Uso dragged him back in.
Bryan slammed Uso’s arm against the cage. Bryan then gave Uso a butterfly superplex into the Yes Lock.
Uso got to the ropes, but there’s no rope break in a cage match. Uso finally tapped out as Roman Reigns watched from ringside.
Bryan takes on Universal Champion Roman Reigns for the title at Fastlane.
Bryan celebrated on top of the cage to end SmackDown.
Daniel Bryan is getting another shot to earn a Universal Championship match against Roman Reigns.
On this week’s episode of Talking Smack, it was announced that Bryan will face Jey Uso in a steel cage match on SmackDown next Friday. If Bryan wins, he’ll challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship at Fastlane. If Uso wins, Bryan has to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief, the head of the table, the best wrestler on the planet, the undisputed Universal Champion, and the main event of WrestleMania.
Paul Heyman said on Talking Smack that he had been authorized by Reigns to offer Bryan another match against Uso. Bryan agreed but wanted it to be a steel cage match. Bryan said that — if he loses to Uso — he’ll shake Reigns’ hand and acknowledge Reigns as the best wrestler he’s ever been in the ring with. Reigns agreed to make Bryan vs. Uso a steel cage match.
Last night’s SmackDown was headlined by Bryan vs. Uso. Bryan would have gotten a shot at Reigns’ Universal Championship if he won, but the match ended in a double countout. Reigns then attacked Bryan as Bryan had Uso in the Yes Lock after the match. Bryan put Reigns in the Yes Lock, but Uso gave Bryan a superkick. Reigns then hit a spear on Bryan and put him in a guillotine.
Bryan won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber this past Sunday but then immediately had to challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship. Reigns broke out of the Yes Lock and quickly defeated Bryan with a guillotine.
It was said on last night’s SmackDown that the original tentative plans for Fastlane were Bryan & men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge teaming against Reigns & Uso. Edge didn’t seem happy with Bryan potentially getting a title shot before Edge challenges for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37.
There was a backstage segment on last night’s SmackDown where Bryan said his chances of beating Reigns are better than Edge’s are. Bryan said that — with Edge’s ring rust and how much time he’s taken off — he doesn’t know if Edge has what it takes to defeat Reigns.
Fastlane is taking place on Sunday, March 21. It’s WWE’s final pay-per-view before WrestleMania 37.
The main event picture for Fastlane was left unclear at the end of last night’s episode of SmackDown.
Last night’s show was headlined by Daniel Bryan facing off against Jey Uso. The match was set up when Bryan confronted Roman Reigns in the opening segment and challenged him to a Universal Championship match at Fastlane. Bryan had won SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match this past Sunday but then had to immediately challenge for Reigns’ title. Reigns broke out of the Yes Lock and used a guillotine to quickly retain.
Bryan vs. Uso had a stipulation where Bryan would have gotten a Universal Championship shot against Reigns at Fastlane if he won. Instead, the match ended in a double countout. Reigns then attacked Bryan after the match. Bryan put him in the Yes Lock, but Uso hit Bryan with a superkick. The show ended with Reigns putting Bryan in the guillotine again and then posing with the Universal Championship.
Men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge, who will challenge for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37, didn’t appear to be happy with someone potentially getting a title shot before him. It was said that the original tentative plans for Fastlane were Edge & Bryan facing Reigns & Uso in a tag match.
Women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair’s WrestleMania 37 decision has also been made official, with her declaring last night that she’ll be challenging for Sasha Banks’ SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
As the build to the Royal Rumble continues, two title matches will take place on tonight’s SmackDown from the WWE ThunderDome.
Intercontinental Champion Big E makes his first title defense tonight as he faces Apollo Crews. Big E took on Baron Corbin in a non-title match last week that turned into a tag team match with Big E & Crews defeating Corbin & Sami Zayn.
After the match, Crews pointed out that he saved Big E and helped him win the title from Zayn in the previous week’s lumberjack match. Big E said he was going to issue an open challenge for tonight’s show, but Crews told him that he could consider the challenge already answered.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits also defend against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode tonight. The Street Profits retained the titles against Ziggler & Roode two weeks ago. Ziggler & Roode then attacked the champions during their “New Year’s Smoke-Tacular” last week
Plus, tonight’s show will feature a number one contender’s gauntlet match to decide Universal Champion Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble challenger. Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan, Zayn, Corbin, and Rey Mysterio will face off in the gauntlet match.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring to start SmackDown. As they slowly walked to the ring, Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the gauntlet match later tonight.
Reigns praised Kevin Owens and claimed he never wanted to hurt him. He blamed Owens for making him attack him last week. Reigns said he loves the entire roster and their families. He was furious that people are blaming him for injuring Owens. Reigns said people should blame Adam Pearce for making the match.
Reigns then demanded Pearce come to the ring. Heyman went ballistic trying to get Pearce to come out. Pearce slowly entered the ring, and Reigns got in his face. They recapped Owens begging Pearce to give him a match with Uso. The recap included Reigns viciously attacking Owens and throwing him out of the stands.
After the recap, Reigns wanted Pearce to take responsibility and be a man. He pointed out that he was done with Owens and wanted to move forward. Instead, Owens went to his friend, Pearce, to get the match.
Uso stood behind Pearce and glared at him. Reigns noted Pearce gave Owens the match, and now Owens isn’t here. He was furious that Pearce made the gauntlet match for a shot at his title. Reigns brought up everything he does for the company. He felt betrayed that Pearce would make the match.
Pearce said he’s just trying to make the best match possible.
Reigns wondered if Pearce is going to put himself in the match. Pearce said that would be a conflict of interest.
Reigns became upset and wondered if Pearce thinks he’s stupid. He handed the title to Heyman and grabbed Pearce. Reigns backed him into the corner. He noted Pearce doesn’t respect him, which means he doesn’t respect his family. Pearce was terrified and begged Reigns to stop.
Heyman advised Reigns not to hurt Pearce.
Reigns quickly calmed down. He said that maybe nobody called each other stupid. Reigns tapped Pearce on the shoulder and walked off with Heyman and Uso.
This was a good opening segment.
Intercontinental Champion Big E defeated Apollo Crews
Crews and Big E had a good match with lots of hard-hitting, fast-paced action. The angle in the middle did slow the momentum a bit at one point.
Crews hit a dropkick and big boot for a near fall at the ring of the bell.
Big E fought back and hit a big splash on the apron. Crews regained control and hit a splash in the corner. He followed up with three rolling German suplexes for a near fall.
Big E rolled to the floor, but Crews caught him with a moonsault off the apron. Crews backed Big E into the corner and set him up for a superplex.
They briefly fought on the top turnbuckle, but Crews hit the superplex. They did the Randy Savage-Dynamite Kid finish. Both guys got their feet up, and the referee counted three.
There was confusion in the ring. Crews celebrated as if he won, but Big E protested to the referee. They quickly cut to a commercial break.
Back from the break, they showed different angles of the pin and pointed out that both guys had their shoulders down.
The referee was standing in the ring with the belt. He declared the match a draw because of the double pin. The belt went to the champion because of the draw. Big E tried to shake Crews’ hand, but Crews wanted the match to continue. Crews got in Big E’s face and slapped him hard across the face. Big E agreed to restart the match.
Big E ran wild and hit a series of belly-to-belly suplexes. Crews fought back and hit a huge frog splash for a close near fall. He followed up with a standing moonsault for another near fall. Big E went for the Big Ending, but Crews slipped out the back and hit an enziguri.
Crews charged at Big E, but he caught him with an uranage. He followed up with the Big Ending for the win.
In the back, Adam Pearce was on the phone when Sonya Deville entered the room. He’s happy to have her back. Deville noted she’s not bitter even though her former best friend beat her in a loser leaves town match, went to Raw, and formed a new tag team.
Deville pointed out that Pearce is very busy running SmackDown and even has a match later. Pearce quickly noted that he’s not in the match later.
Deville wondered why he’s not in the match. He said that he hasn’t competed in years. They’ve mentioned Pearce wrestling twice tonight so far.
Alyse Ashton tried to interview Bianca Belair about entering the Royal Rumble match. Bayley interrupted and wondered if Belair eliminated Bayley from the match last year. Belair pointed out Bayley wasn’t in the match.
Bayley bragged about being champion last year. Belair promised to eliminate her this year.
They recapped Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode jumping The Street Profits last week.
They showed that Sports Illustrated ranked Sasha Banks top wrestler of 2020.
In the back, Carmella was enjoying champagne with Reginald in the background. She sarcastically praised Banks. She then claimed that Banks doesn’t have her talent.
Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defeated The Street Profits to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles
This was a good match. They worked hard and told a good story.
Cole and Graves wondered if Ford is injured because Dawkins started the match. Dawkins had the early advantage and hit a dropkick on Ziggler for a two count.
Dawkins dropped Ford on Ziggler for a near fall, but Ziggler went after the injured leg. The heels isolated Ford and cut him off from Dawkins.
Ford fought back and sent the heels to the floor. He followed up with a huge dive to the floor but sold his knee as they went to commercial.
Back from the break, Dawkins ran wild on Roode and hit a twisting splash. Ford was walking around ringside, selling his knee. Dawkins considered tagging Ford but decided not to. The heels quickly took advantage and gained control of the match.
The heels isolated Dawkins on their side of the ring. Ziggler slowed the pace down with a front face lock.
Roode got the tag and hit a neck breaker for a two count.
Roode threw Ziggler into Dawkins, but he moved out of the way. Ziggler crashed hard into the corner. Dawkins sent Roode to the floor and attempted to tag Ford.
Roode pulled Ford off the apron, but he fought back. Ford finally got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a discus lariat on Ziggler for a close near fall. Ford climbed to the top rope for the frog splash, but Roode tried to stop him.
Ford knocked down Roode. Ziggler ran up and dropped Ford on his face. Ziggler went for the superkick, but Ford hit a superkick first for a near fall. Roode and Dawkins fought on the apron. Roode took Dawkins out of the match.
Ford used a sunset flip on Ziggler for a near fall.
Ziggler attacked the injured leg to regain control. Roode used the Perfect Plex for a near fall. Roode attempted the Glorious DDT, but Ford fought out. The heels took back over. The finish came when Roode and Ziggler hit a spine buster into the Zig Zag to win the titles.
In the back, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville discussed the title match. Paul Heyman entered the office and praised Pearce. He brought up Pearce’s past as Scrap Iron Adam Peace. Heyman noted Pearce is excellent at his job, but his dream was to be a wrestler.
Heyman pulled some strings, and Pearce is now competing in the gauntlet match. Pearce wasn’t happy to be added to the match.
In the back, Billie Kay approached Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott. She asked to join them, but they turned her down. She started to cry, so Morgan tried to comfort her. Kay assumed that meant she’s a member of the Riott Squad now.
Kay’s been preparing to join the Riott squad already. She started listening to Blink 1-8-2 and added Mosh Pitting to her resume. Kay was funny in the segment.
Gauntlet Match: Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Sami Zayn
Before the match, Zayn came out with a documentary crew. He said that once he heard there was a gauntlet match, he demanded WWE management put him in the match.
Zayn was furious that WWE management put him first in the gauntlet. He said there is obviously a conspiracy against him. He has the crew to uncover the plot against him, which cost him the I.C. title. Zayn promised to defeat Mysterio and win the gauntlet match.
Mysterio hit Zayn with a dropkick right at the bell. He followed up with the 619 and a splash for the very quick win to advance.
Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio)
Nakamura and Mysterio had a good match. Corbin’s attack after the match didn’t make much sense since Mysterio didn’t win.
Mysterio had the early advantage and sent Nakamura to the floor with a hurricanrana.
Nakamura blocked a sliding dropkick and hit a knee to the face. He then missed a knee off the apron to the floor.
Mysterio fought back and attempted a running sunset bomb from inside the ring to the floor. Nakamura rolled through and hit a sliding knee.
Nakamura placed Mysterio on the top turnbuckle. Mysterio fought back and hit a seated senton. The finish came when Mysterio hit the 619 and went for a splash, but Nakamura got his knees up. Nakamura then locked on the armbar, and Mysterio tapped. Nakamura advances to the next match in the gauntlet.
King Corbin ran out and attacked Dominik at ringside. He tossed Nakamura into the ring post and attacked Mysterio. Corbin beat down Mysterio as they went to commercial.
Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated King Corbin
This was a fine match.
The match started during the commercial break. Corbin was firmly in control and hit a clothesline for a near fall. He missed a charge in the corner and went shoulder-first into the ring post.
Corbin drove Nakamura back-first into the ring post on the floor. Corbin continued to beat down Nakamura. Nakamura fought back and hit a knee off the second turnbuckle. He set up for the Kinshasa, but Corbin countered with Deep Six for a near fall.
Nakamura caught Corbin with a triangle, but Corbin countered into a powerbomb for a near fall. The finish came when Nakamura hit the Kinshasa on Corbin for the win to advance in the gauntlet.
Gauntlet Match: Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Daniel Bryan
Bryan and Nakamura had a really good match.
Bryan jumped Nakamura to start the match and sent him to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive. Nakamura fought back and set up for the Kinshasa. Bryan countered with the half-crab and transitioned into an ankle lock.
Nakamura tried getting to his feet, but Bryan hit a German suplex for a close near fall. Bryan rocked Nakamura with Yes kicks, but Nakamura avoided the last kick. Nakamura locked on an armbar, but Bryan counted with an armbar as well.
Bryan transitioned into the Yes Lock, but Nakamura made it to the ropes to break the hold. Bryan went for a hurricanrana off the top rope, but Nakamura held on, and Bryan fell to the mat.
Nakamura went back to the armbar, but Bryan countered with a roll-up for a near fall. Bryan rocked Nakamura with a series of kicks in the corner. He followed up with two running dropkicks in the corner. Bryan went for a third dropkick, but Nakamura hit the Kinshasa for the win to advance.
After the match, Bryan and Nakamura shook hands.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Jey Uso walked out to the ring to watch the gauntlet’s last match.
Gauntlet Match: Adam Pearce defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to earn a title shot at the Royal Rumble
This wasn’t a match and was more of an angle.
Pearce reluctantly walked to the ring with the heels behind him. Graves praised Pearce’s past career, but Cole said Pearce wasn’t good enough to make it in the WWE.
Uso and Reigns jumped in the ring and viciously beat down Nakamura. Reigns hit the superman punch, and Uso followed up with a splash off the top rope. There was no mention of Nakamura’s tag team partner Cesaro and no explanation for his absence.
Reigns threw Peace into the ring. Uso knocked out Pearce with a superkick. Reigns then ordered the referee to ring the bell. They dragged Pearce on top of Nakamura, and the referee counted three. Adam Pearce is the number one contender and gets a title shot against Reigns at the Royal Rumble.
In this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reported that Daniel Bryan has been pushing for more NXT talent to be brought up to SmackDown but has been met with opposition.
Meltzer said that Bryan, who is involved in creative, has got pushback due to the poor track record of those brought up over the last two years, Vince McMahon losing interest in call-ups soon after they debut, and the number of main roster talent who don’t currently have a role on TV.
On Wednesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer said Damian Priest was set to be called up to SmackDown on relatively short notice as Kevin Owens’ best friend in order to help in his feud with Roman Reigns. However, Owens thought that plan didn’t make sense as they don’t have anything in common which Reigns agreed with. At last word, Priest was scheduled to be brought up to Raw at some point later this month.
Also on this week’s newsletter, Meltzer said that Rhea Ripley’s loss to Raquel Gonzalez Wednesday on New Year’s Evil was to write her off NXT for a main roster call-up.
Daniel Bryan is the first wrestler to declare for the 2021 Royal Rumble.
During a backstage interview on tonight’s SmackDown, Bryan announced that he’s officially entering the 2021 men’s Royal Rumble match. Bryan said winning a Royal Rumble is the one thing he’s never done in his career that he’s absolutely dying to do. Bryan said he’s going to do everything he can to climb this mountain.
Bryan made the announcement after defeating Jey Uso on tonight’s SmackDown. There was a pre-match angle where Uso attacked Bryan while he was making his entrance, but Bryan chose to still have the match. For the finish, Bryan avoided a superkick and hit a running knee on Uso to get the win.
Bryan’s interview where he declared for the Royal Rumble was interrupted by Sami Zayn. Zayn accused Bryan of having it out for him and having something to do with WWE making Zayn defend the Intercontinental title against Big E in a lumberjack match on tonight’s show. Zayn said karma will take care of Bryan and Bryan will fail at the Royal Rumble.
Big E defeated Zayn for the Intercontinental title in tonight’s main event.
The 2021 Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31. There will be men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches at the pay-per-view.
WWE has made a couple of announcements for this week’s Christmas Day episode of SmackDown.
It had already been announced that Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Charlotte Flair would be defending their titles on SmackDown this Friday. Their match has now been revealed, with Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair and Bayley & Carmella challenging Asuka & Charlotte in a triple threat elimination match.
This will be Asuka & Charlotte’s first title defense. They won the Women’s Tag Team titles from Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax at TLC this past Sunday.
WWE has also announced Daniel Bryan vs. Jey Uso for this Friday’s SmackDown. Uso’s cousin Roman Reigns is defending the Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a steel cage match on the episode. The steel cage stipulation is due to Uso getting involved and helping Reigns throughout his tables, ladders, and chairs match against Owens at TLC.
Friday’s SmackDown was taped earlier in the week and will air on Fox at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The episode will feature:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defending against Kevin Owens in a steel cage match
Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn defending against Big E in a lumberjack match
Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Charlotte Flair defending against Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair and Bayley & Carmella in a triple threat elimination match
