With a “Wild Card rule” being introduced, a handful of SmackDown wrestlers appeared on Raw last night.
The Wild Card rule was announced by Vince McMahon in the opening segment. It was said that three wrestlers from Raw and three from SmackDown would be able to make cross-brand appearances “on a given occasion.”
Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan, and WWE Champion Kofi Kingston were the first three SmackDown wrestlers to appear. Two WrestleMania rematches were made for last night, with Kingston defending his title against Bryan and Reigns taking on Drew McIntyre.
SmackDown’s Elias and Lars Sullivan were also on last night’s Raw. It was explained that Elias was okay because he was with Shane McMahon, and Vince increased the Wild Card rule number to four when confronted by Sullivan.
For the first time in his 11-year career on the main roster, Kofi Kingston is the WWE Champion.
Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan by at the midway point of WrestleMania Sunday, ending Bryan’s near 200-day run as champion.
Bryan had the LaBell Lock on for the third time, but Kingston worked his way out of it and started hitting big elbows from the top, transitioning into Bryan’s own signature stomps. He then hit Trouble In Paradise for the pin and win.
Following the win, Kingston’s two sons and The New Day joined him in the ring with the traditional version of the belt.
He joins an illustriious list of talents in the WWE Triple Crown club, those who have won a WWE world title, a secondary title, and the tag team titles. Kingston is a former four-time Intercontinental champion, three-time U.S. champion, four-time Raw tag team champion, three-time SmackDown tag team champion, and the World tag team titles once with CM Punk.
WWE actually spoiled the win on their own WWE Shop page. If you searched for ‘The New Day’, a shirt that says “There’s A New Champ” came up immediately. After the match, the group pulled the new shirts out of a box.
The win culminates a storyline that began back in February when he got an opportunity in the Elimination Chamber match following an impressive run in a SmackDown gauntlet match, replacing the injured Ali. Fans got into Kingston as an underdog challenger and the storyline for him getting the Mania title shot was born, even including Vince McMahon as a foil. During the match, they cut backstage several times to show Kingston’s fellow SmackDown wrestlers cheering Kingston on.
The build to WrestleMania 35 came to an end on last night’s SmackDown.
The contract signing for Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania closed the episode. Bryan accused Kingston of being complacent in his career and said this is going to be the best it’s ever going to get for him.
Kingston rejected comparisons between him and Bryan, pointing out that Bryan became World Heavyweight Champion within two years of coming to WWE. Kingston said he’s had to wait 11 years for a singles match for the World title.
Kingston said he’s ready, and he can see that Bryan knows it. Kingston told Bryan that the one common thread between them is that Bryan knows what comes next — him defeating Bryan and becoming WWE Champion.
Becky Lynch made an appearance last night and vowed to become a double champion at WrestleMania, a fatal four-way SmackDown Tag Team title match was announced for Sunday, and AJ Styles and Randy Orton’s appearance on the Kevin Owens Show led to Orton giving Styles an RKO.
SmackDown’s go-home show for WrestleMania takes place from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland tonight.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is set to defend his title against Kofi Kingston on Sunday. Kingston finally earned the title shot after Xavier Woods and Big E won a tag team gauntlet match last week. Tonight, Kingston and Bryan meet face-to-face for the official contract signing.
Raw Woman’s Champion Ronda Rousey takes on SmackDown Woman’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in the main event of WrestleMania 35. Last night on Raw, all three women were “arrested” in a chaotic scene. WWE.com is teasing that Flair and Lynch will appear tonight to address the incident.
Randy Orton and AJ Styles are set to clash at WrestleMania. Tonight, they’ll both be guests on The Kevin Owens Show. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade was originally announced for tonight, but their match has been pulled due to what WWE said is an ankle injury Mysterio suffered against Baron Corbin on Raw.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Kevin Owens was already in the ring to host The Kevin Owens Show. He wasted no time and brought out his guests Randy Orton and AJ Styles. Owens pointed out that Orton ruined Kurt Angle’s last match on SmackDown against Styles. Orton said he saved the WWE universe from watching a broken down Olympian. He also saved the WWE Universe from watching the match.
Styles mocked Orton for only knowing one wrestling move. Orton only needs one move when it’s as deadly as the RKO. He mocked Styles for working the independent scene and wrestling in high school gyms. He said while Styles was wrestling in front of dozens of fans he was headlining WrestleMania. Styles admitted that Orton was in the WWE while he was on the independent scene. Styles noted Orton was failing drugs tests during that time. This got a huge reaction from the fans.
Orton said since John Cena left Styles became a corporate bitch. Owens immediately stood up and left the ring. Styles and Orton started brawling. Styles went for the phenomenal forearm but Orton countered into the RKO. This was a good segment and the RKO spot looked great.
SmackDown tag team champions The Usos, Ricochet & Aleister Black defeated The Bar, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev (w/Lana)
Ricochet and Cesaro started the match and had a great exchange. Cesaro rocked Ricochet with an uppercut. Black got the tag and scored a near fall on Sheamus. The heels took over and isolated Jey Uso in their corner.
Rusev threw Jey into the ring steps and then the barricade. Jey hit a Samoan drop and tagged Jimmy. Jimmy hit a superkick on Rusev for a close two count. Cesaro rocked Ricochet with another huge uppercut. The Usos hit a double superkick on Rusev for the win.
After the match, Alexa Bliss made her way out on the ramp. Bliss brought up The Usos forfeiting their match against New Day last week. Bliss announced that as punishment The Usos defend the SmackDown tag team titles against The Bar, Ricochet & Aleister Black and Rusev & Nakamura in a four-way match at WrestleMania. All four teams started brawling. Black rocked Cesaro with Black Mass and Ricochet hit a dive to the floor.
The IIconics made their way to the ring to address their opponents on Sunday. They noted they already pinned the current women’s tag team champions, Bayley and Sasha Banks. They promised to win the championship this Sunday and make WrestleMania iconic.
The Miz defeated SAnitY in a 1 on 3 handicap match
Before the match, Miz talked about WrestleMania meaning something different to everyone. For Miz, it’s about retribution. Miz fought to make his father proud but now he fights for his honor. He said McMahon has a father so that makes him a son of a bitch. Shane McMahon came out to watch the match.
Eric Young hit a neck breaker for the early advantage. Miz fought back and sent Killian Dain into the ring post. Miz hit the running knees on Dain and Young. McMahon stopped the match and made it a falls count anywhere match.
SAnitY jumped Miz from behind. Dain missed a charge and hit the barricade. Miz and Alexander Wolfe fought into the crowd. Miz slammed Wolfe through a table for a near fall.
Miz and Young fought into the backstage area. Miz scored a two count on Young but Dain broke up the pin. Miz sent Dain into the wall. Miz and Young then fought outside the arena and Miz scored the pin on Young.
Shane McMahon left the arena in a limo. Suddenly a cop car pulled into the parking lot. Becky Lynch stepped out and walked into the arena.
Corey Graves was in the ring and introduced Becky Lynch. She took the mic from Graves and stood on top of the announce table. She answers to the people, not Graves. The crowd broke into a huge “Becky” chant.
Last year, Lynch and Charlotte Flair were friends and Ronda Rousey was about to debut. She said the stars were aligned for Flair and Rousey to headline WrestleMania this year until she slapped Flair at SummerSlam. She fought to get in the main event. She promised the next time the fans see her she’d be the double champ.
EC3, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Andrade, Zelina Vega, Lana, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Shelton Benjamin vs. Nikki Cross, Heavy Machinery, Naomi, The Hardys, R-Truth, Carmella & Asuka Ended Without A Winner
The commentators pushed that this is the largest mixed tag match in history. Everyone in the match is in either the women’s battle royal or Andre The Giant memorial battle royal.
Vega and Cross started off the match. Lacey Evans music hit. She walked out on the ramp and left. Vega gained control and beat down Cross. EC3 and Otis went back and forth. Otis took over and hit the Caterpillar.
Back from break, Naomi took down Rose and tagged in Truth. Truth and Andrade went back and forth. Truth and Carmella broke into a dance break. Suddenly, everyone started brawling and throwing each other over the ropes.
Otis saw Rose and started flirting with her. Benjamin threw out Otis and Cross threw out Rose. Cross got in Benjamin’s face. He walked away but she jumped on his back. They both fell over the top rope to the floor.
Jeff Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on EC3 and Asuka rocked him with a kick. Jeff threw EC3 to the floor. Asuka and Jeff hugged but Asuka then threw Jeff over the top rope.
United States Champion Samoa Joe defeated Ali in a non-title match
Joe was firmly in control and beat down Ali in the corner. He rocked Ali with a hard chop. Ali fought back with a dropkick sending Joe to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive.
Ali hit a tornado DDT on Joe for a near fall. He missed the 450 splash and Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch for the win. Ali passed out from the hold.
Michael Cole hosted the WWE Championship contract signing in the ring. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan came out with Rowan. Kofi Kingston came out with Xavier Woods and Big E. The fans broke into a huge “Kofi” chant. Bryan signed the contract but held on to it. The fans broke into a “Kofi rocks” chant.
Bryan’s not going to stop Kingston from signing but he’s he going to educate the masses. The fans broke into a huge “Kofimania” chant. Bryan gave the fans a life lesson. He said not to be complacent like Kingston.
Bryan has another life lesson, which is don’t sit back and be a bystander in your own life. He noted Kingston needed to be pushed. Bryan said the way fans chant “Kofi” is the same when they chanted, “Yes” for him. He said the fans feed off of him because they’re parasites. Bryan told Kingston this is the best it’s going to be.
Kingston heard enough and told Bryan to listen. Bryan doesn’t know Kingston. Kingston promises to educate Bryan. He watched Bryan come into the WWE and win the title in two years. He watched and learned.
Kingston hasn’t got a singles title shot at the WWE championship in eleven years but that’s okay because he has it now. Kingston promised to defeat Bryan and become the WWE Champion at WrestleMania. Kingston signed the contract and stared down Bryan.
A contract signing will be part of the final build to Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
WWE has announced that Bryan and Kingston will take part in a contract signing on Tuesday’s go-home episode of SmackDown. The segment was set up by a tweet from Kingston, who wrote that he wanted Vince McMahon to put something in writing to make the title match official.
Kingston tweeted: “One week from today, I will be on the cusp of achieving my childhood dream, wrestling for the WWE title…(crazy to say that) Since a certain someone has made it impossible to trust him at his word, I’m gonna need to see something in writing. No more games.”
Kingston’s road to WrestleMania storyline led to him being confirmed as Bryan’s WWE title challenger after Big E & Xavier Woods won a tag team gauntlet match on last week’s SmackDown.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
After a number of twists and turns, Kofi Kingston is finally going to WrestleMania.
The New Day came out to start SmackDown tonight, hinting that they were thinking about quitting after Kofi Kingston lost to Daniel Bryan in an impromptu match last week after winning a gauntlet match that was for a shot at the WWE title at WrestleMania. Vince McMahon came out and didn’t buy that the New Day were quitting and instead questioned if Big E and Xavier Woods were a B+ team. He put them in a gauntlet match where if they won, Kofi Kingston would get the title shot.
Most of the final hour of SmackDown was dedicated to the gauntlet match. The New Day easily dispatched Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, but had a tougher time defeating Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev and The Bar, who put Big E through a table after their loss. The Usos followed, but showed respect to the team by forfeiting.
The final team was Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan. After a back and forth match, Big E turned over the announce table on Rowan and was able to get a count out victory, securing Kofi Kingston’s WWE title shot.
WrestleMania 35 will take place on April 7 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Kofi Kingston defeated the five other wrestlers he was scheduled to face in last night’s gauntlet match, but the deck still continued to be stacked against him.
After Kingston made it through Sheamus, Cesaro, Rowan, Samoa Joe, and Randy Orton, Vince McMahon came out and added Daniel Bryan to the match. And with Bryan pinning Kingston, Kingston’s road to WrestleMania storyline will continue into next week.
Also on SmackDown, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair’s appearance on the KO Show led to a brawl, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley in a non-title match, and The Miz responded to Shane McMahon ahead of their match at WrestleMania.
WWE changed up a couple of matches at tonight’s Fastlane pay-per-view.
Daniel Bryan defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens was advertised going into the show, but the title match was changed to Bryan vs. Owens vs. Mustafa Ali. Bryan retained by hitting a running knee as Ali was in mid-air.
Rowan took out Owens before the finish and then laid out Ali after the match.
There was a storyline on the pre-show where, as The New Day were entering for Big E & Xavier Woods vs. Rusev & Shinsuke Nakamura, Kofi Kingston was told that the McMahon family requested to speak to him about the WWE Championship match.
That was followed up on later in the show. Kingston finally got to meet with Vince McMahon, and Vince said he was making the WWE title match a triple threat. Vince said Big E and Woods were barred from ringside and told Kingston that his match was starting now.
But instead of challenging for the WWE title, Kingston faced Cesaro & Sheamus in a handicap match. They defeated Kingston, with Rusev and Nakamura attacking Big E and Woods when they tried to come out.
The crowd chanted for Kingston at points during Bryan vs. Owens vs. Ali. Kingston had originally been announced as Bryan’s challenger for the PPV, but Owens replaced him as part of a storyline where Vince said Kingston wasn’t as deserving of getting a title shot.
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade was announced for the Fastlane pre-show, but that was also changed. They were instead involved in a fatal four-way United States Championship match on the main card, with Samoa Joe defeating Mysterio, Andrade, and R-Truth to retain his title.
The finish of the match was Mysterio passing out while Joe had him in the Coquina Clutch.
In an angle on the pre-show, Carmella was going around with a petition to get R-Truth a US title rematch. Zelina Vega said R-Truth should just give up — because Andrade will be next in line for a shot at the US title after he’s done with Mysterio. Joe walked up and said he’s the champion and R-Truth, Andrade, and Mysterio should come see him if they have a problem with that.
Kevin Owens returned to the ring tonight and was announced as Daniel Bryan’s new challenger for Fastlane.
A contract signing for Bryan and Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at the pay-per-view had been advertised as the focal point of this week’s SmackDown. The segment started off the show, but it led to Vince McMahon coming out, introducing Owens, and announcing that Owens will be replacing Kingston in the title match at Fastlane.
The storyline was Vince saying Owens is more deserving of the title shot. Vince said he has to give the audience the “highest caliber competition” and “biggest box office” he can.
Owens came out and signed the contract for the title match. Big E and Xavier Woods were furious, and the fans chanted for Kingston as New Day went backstage.
There was then a segment where Owens asked Stephanie and Shane McMahon if he could team with Kingston against Bryan & Rowan. Owens said he thinks Kingston is just as deserving of challenging Bryan as he is.
Owens & Kingston faced Bryan & Rowan in this week’s main event. Owens pinned Bryan after hitting a stunner, with Kingston taking out Rowan with a dive before Owens got the win.
Big E and Woods both sent out tweets to further the angle. Big E wrote: “I don’t even know why we’re surprised anymore.”
Woods tweeted: “So what else does @TrueKofi have to do? He’s a multi-time champion. He’s given 11 amazing years to this company. He’s pinned the @wwe champion. Kofi is more than good enough. Kofi is more than worthy. What else do you want from him? WHAT ELSE?”
Tonight was Owens’ first match since undergoing double knee surgery in October 2018. He was on Raw before having surgery, but WWE had been hyping that he could be on Raw or SmackDown when he returned.
Fastlane is taking place at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on March 10.
The road to WrestleMania continues as tonight’s SmackDown takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defends against Kofi Kingston at Fastlane on March 10. Kingston pinned Bryan in a six-man tag match last week. Shane McMahon then announced Kingston as the next challenger for Bryan’s title. Tonight, Bryan and Kingston come face-to-face for the official contract signing for their match.
Johnny Gargano takes on Cesaro tonight. NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa and Gargano defeated The Bar in their SmackDown debuts last week. Ciampa and Sheamus will be in their partner’s corners for the match.
NXT stars Ricochet and Aleister Black also made their debuts last week. Tonight, Ricochet & Black team up to take on Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev.
Mandy Rose pinned SmackDown Woman’s Champion Asuka in a non-title match last Tuesday. Both Rose and Asuka are scheduled to appear tonight, and we’ll see if Rose pinning Asuka leads to her getting a title shot.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, Rowan, Stephanie, and Shane McMahon were already in the ring for the contract signing. Shane called Kofi Kingston an overnight success over eleven years.
Shane showed clips of Kingston’s debut in 2008 and his classic Royal Rumble moments. It also included clips of him winning the Intercontinental title, the U.S. title and as a member of The New Day. Stephanie discussed Kingston pinning Bryan on two occasions and his performance in the Elimination Chamber. Shane said that’s why Kingston gets the next title shot. Shane noted this is Kingston’s first one-on-one title shot.
The New Day came down to the ring. Kingston ran around ringside to a huge “Kofi” chant. Kingston noted he couldn’t do it without Xavier Woods and Big E. He also said he couldn’t do it without the WWE Universe. Kingston promised to defeat Bryan and win the title.
Bryan remained seated and never spoke this entire time. Bryan signed the contract first. Kingston was about to sign the contract with Vince McMahon’s music hit. Vince praised Kingston and his ability in the ring. He said it’s up to him to present the highest caliber talent and big box office.
Vince announced that he’s replacing Kingston with somebody more talented and qualified. Woods and Big E. were furious. Kingston remained silent. Vince introduced Bryan’s new Fastlane opponent Kevin Owens.
This actually got a mixed reaction. The fans popped for Owens’ return but were unhappy that Kingston lost his title shot. The fans broke into a “Kofi” chant. Owens sat down in the seat. Kingston and The New Day walked away. Woods and Big E were furious and yelling as they left. Kingston remained silent.
Backstage, Kevin Owens met with Shane and Stephanie McMahon. Owens understands that Kofi Kingston is upset. He also believes that Kingston deserves a title shot. Shane and Stephanie had no idea Vince was going to replace Kingston with Owens. They wondered how long Owens knew about this. Owens asked to team with Kingston to face Daniel Bryan and Rowan. Shane and Stephanie are going to let him know their answer later.
The Hardys defeated The Bar
There was no explanation why this was changed from Cesaro vs. Johnny Gargano to this match. The commentators might have mentioned it in passing. The Bar was surprised when The Hardys came out. This is Matt’s first match back.
The Hardys were firmly in control and had the early advantage. Jeff jumped off of Matt’s back and landed on The Bar on the floor. Back from commercial, The Bar took over and gained control.
Jeff fought back and hit a whisper in the wind. Matt got the got hot tag and ran wild on Cesaro. He hit a side effect for a near fall. The finish came when Matt hit the twist of fate on Sheamus and Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb for the win.
In the back, Aleister Black and Ricochet were watching. Lana interrupted. She doesn’t see anything special with Ricochet and thinks Black looks ordinary. They promised to prove her wrong and defeat Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev later.
Honky Tonk Man was announced as the next entrant into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.
United States Champion R. Truth and Carmella came down to the ring. Truth said since he was a kid he always wanted to be like his hero John Cena. Truth is going to continue the U.S. Championship open challenge. It starts after a short dance break.
Andrade and Zelina Vega came down to ringside to accept the challenge. Suddenly, Rey Mysterio’s music hit and he ran down to the ring. Truth was at a crossroads and doesn’t know who to face. Truth noted when he faces a dilemma like this he thinks to himself, “What Would John Cena Do?” Carmella noted Cena would face both in a triple threat match. Truth finally agreed to face both.
United States Champion R. Truth (w/ Carmella) defeated Andrade (w/Zelina Vega) and Rey Mysterio
Andrade nailed Mysterio with a dropkick to start the match. Mysterio attempted a sliding dive into a splash on the floor but Andrade caught him with a kick. Mysterio gave Andrade a hurricanrana off of Truth’s shoulders for a near fall. Andrade recovered and hit the double knees on Mysterio. He missed the double knees on Truth.
Truth gained control and hit a splash on Andrade. Truth then did Cena’s “You Can’t See Me” and hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle for a near fall. Vega tried to get involved but Carmella pulled her off the apron. Andrade avoided the 619 and hit a back elbow for a two count.
Mysterio set up both Truth and Andrade for the 619. He hit the move on Andrade but Truth avoided and rolled up Mysterio to retain the title.
After the match, Andrade tried to attack Mysterio. Mysterio countered into the 619 but Andrade escaped before he could hit the move.
Kevin Owens & Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan & Rowan in a tag team match is official for later.
Charlotte Flair came down to the ring. She noted that Vince McMahon changed the main event of Fastlane. She said he made it better by replacing Kofi Kingston with Kevin Owens.
That’s almost as important when Vince granted her the WrestleMania main event over Becky Lynch. She recapped Lynch getting arrested and Rousey laying down the belt at Stephanie’s feet. Flair said she knows her lane and does what she’s asked to do. She said she’d never lay down the title like Rousey did last night. Flair believes that Lynch and Rousey fear her. Flair fears no one.
Flair showed comments Rousey made in November. Rousey noted if a champion couldn’t defend the title they should step aside. Flair promised to show up to Raw on Monday so Vince can crown her the new Raw Woman’s Champion.
Ricochet & Aleister Black defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev (w/Lana)
Black and Nakamura went back and forth trading moves. The heels took over and isolated Ricochet in their corner. Black was briefly in control until Rusev distracted him and Nakamura hit him from behind. Rusev rocked Black with a clothesline on the floor.
Ricochet got the hot tag and ran wild. He rocked Rusev with a springboard uppercut and hit a standing shooting star press for a near fall. Ricochet hit a somersault senton on Rusev on the floor. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa on Black but he countered with Black Mass for the win.
Kayla Braxton interviewed AJ Styles in the back. Styles is happy to hear that Roman Reigns is in remission. Braxton said people believe Styles is in a slump for the first time of his career. His standards keep pushing him to be the best. Recently, he wasn’t at his best. He noted he couldn’t stop Daniel Bryan’s reign as champion but he isn’t going to quit.
He’s going to pick himself up and take on the next challenger. He’s going to prove that this is the house AJ Styles built. Randy Orton interrupted. He questioned AJ Styles and walked away.
Lacey Evans walked down the ramp and walked back up.
Kofi Kingston & Kevin Owens defeated Daniel Bryan & Rowan
Kingston and Rowan started the match but Owens quickly tagged in. Kingston scored a two count on Bryan and sent him to the floor. He tagged in Owens who hit a dive to the floor.
Back from commercial, the heels were in control and isolated Kingston on their side of the ring. Bryan tied Kingston up in the ropes and hit a running dropkick to the back. Rowan hit a big splash on Kingston for a near fall. Bryan gave Kingston a huge superplex for another close near fall.
Kingston fought back and rolled up Bryan for a two count. Bryan applied the Labelle Lock but Kingston made the ropes. Bryan hit two running dropkicks in the corner but Kingston hit a double stomp on the third attempt.
Kingston crawled to his corner and Owens tagged himself in. Owen ran wild on Bryan and hit a senton. He then hit a cannonball on Bryan in the corner. Owens rocked Rowan hit a superkick and hit the pop-up powerbomb on Bryan for a near fall.
Owens climbed to the top but Rowan yanked him off and threw him over the announce table. Kingston then hit a huge dive on Rowan. Bryan missed the running knee on Owens. Owens fought back and hit the Stone Cold Stunner for the win.
Last night’s SmackDown saw Kofi Kingston pin WWE Champion Daniel Bryan for the second straight week.
Kingston teamed with AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy to defeat Bryan, Samoa Joe & Randy Orton in last night’s main event. Kingston pinned Bryan after hitting Trouble in Paradise, and WWE then confirmed that Kingston will challenge for Bryan’s title at Fastlane.
Kingston eliminated Bryan in last week’s gauntlet match. They were then the final two in Sunday’s Elimination Chamber match, with Bryan retaining his title.
The SmackDown Women’s Champion was also pinned when Asuka faced Mandy Rose in a non-title match last night. Rose faked an eye injury and rolled up Asuka to get the win.
After they debuted on Monday, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Ricochet, and Aleister Black were again in action on SmackDown. Gargano & Ciampa teamed against Cesaro & Sheamus, Ricochet faced Eric Young, and Black took on Andrade.
Kofi Kingston’s momentum is taking him to another shot at the WWE Championship.
WWE announced at the end of tonight’s SmackDown that Kingston will officially challenge for Daniel Bryan’s WWE title at Fastlane. Kingston pinned Bryan for the second straight week, with him hitting Trouble in Paradise on Bryan to win a six-man tag main event.
Kingston teamed with AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy to defeat Bryan, Samoa Joe & Randy Orton in the match. Shane McMahon then came out to announce Bryan vs. Kingston for Fastlane.
Kingston eliminated Bryan in a gauntlet match on last week’s SmackDown. They were the final two in Sunday’s Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, and Bryan retained by hitting Kingston with a running knee after Kingston missed a splash off of one of the pods.
Dave Meltzer reported earlier on Tuesday that WWE had changed their plans and Kingston was now the front-runner to face Bryan at Fastlane. Meltzer wrote that WWE made their decision “based on the fan response to Kingston’s performance in the gauntlet on Tuesday, and even more the Elimination Chamber on Sunday.”
Mustafa Ali was originally supposed to be in the gauntlet and Elimination Chamber matches instead of Kingston, but Ali had to be replaced due to injury.
Fastlane is taking place at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio on March 10. The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Shane McMahon & The Miz at the pay-per-view.
The build to Fastlane picks up tonight as SmackDown takes place from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan retained his title in the Elimination Chamber match Sunday by defeating five other wrestlers. Tonight, Bryan finds out who his next challenger is at Fastlane.
Charlotte Flair is set to challenge Raw Woman’s Champion Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania. Becky Lynch attacked both with crutches at Elimination Chamber. Tonight, Flair responds to Lynch’s attack.
The Usos defeated The Miz and Shane McMahon to capture the SmackDown Tag Team titles on Sunday night. Tonight, The Miz has promised to issue an apology to McMahon for the loss.
NXT stars Ricochet, Aleister Black, NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano, and NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa made their Raw debuts last night. WWE.com is teasing that all four could appear tonight on SmackDown as well.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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SmackDown started with a video package highlighting Kofi Kingston’s performance in the Elimination Chamber this past Sunday. They announced Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles & Jeff Hardy vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe & Randy Orton in the main event later tonight.
Shane McMahon came down to the ring. He talked about the NXT stars who made their debuts last night. He was so impressed that he wants them here tonight. He announced that Ricochet, Alistair Black, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa are appearing tonight.
The Miz interrupted and came down to the ring. He discussed losing the SmackDown tag titles. Miz admitted that he used McMahon. He said he knew McMahon could relate because of his dad.
Miz talked about winning the titles and celebrating two days later. McMahon surprised him that night by bringing out his dad. His dad told him he was proud of him that night. That was the first time his father had said that.
Miz noted that he let McMahon down at Elimination Chamber. He said he knows there’s no automatic rematch clause but if anyone can get the rematch its McMahon. This brought out the SmackDown tag team champions The Usos.
They told McMahon to forgive Miz and they’d give them a rematch. However, they know McMahon doesn’t want the rematch because Miz is a joke, a failure, and a fraud. He’s a wannabe A-lister with C-list skills. They told McMahon to find another partner. McMahon told them not to disrespect his partner. He agreed to the match but it takes place in Miz’s hometown at Fastlane.
Alistair Black defeated Andrade (W/Zelina Vega)
Fans chanted “NXT” at the start of the match. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa were shown watching the match backstage.
Andrade had the early advantage and rocked Black with vicious chops. Black fought back and sent Andrade to the floor. He teased hitting a dive to the floor but instead hit a black flip off the second rope into his cross-legged pose in the ring.
They traded shots in the middle of the ring. Black rocked Andrade with a knee. He attempted a moonsault off the middle rope but Andrade pushed him to the floor. Black hit the double knees of the middle turnbuckle and a German suplex for a near fall.
Andrade fought back and hit the double knees in the corner for a two count. He attempted the Hammerlock DDT but Black reversed and dropped him on the top turnbuckle. Black then hit Black Mass for the win.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. The fans broke into a “Johnny Wrestling” chant. The Bar interrupted and noted nobody knows who they are. Cesaro told them to go back to Raw or NXT. Ciampa said they’re here to take over. Gargano noted they’re not here to set the bar; they’re here to break the bar. The Bar laughed and walked away.
Backstage, Jeff Hardy and AJ Styles met. They promised to put their differences aside for the main event. Kofi Kingston and New Day approached. The fans broke into a huge “Kofi” chant. Kingston offered pancakes as a truce. He knows they were opponents on Sunday but are partners tonight.
NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa & NXT North American Champion Johnny Gargano defeated The Bar
Before the match, Cesaro and Sheamus were still laughing at Ciampa and Gargano. Ciampa and Sheamus started the match with Ciampa getting the better of Sheamus. Cesaro tagged in and demanded Gargano tag in. They traded holds on the mat but Cesaro took over with an uppercut.
Ciampa made a blind tag and caught Sheamus with a knee. Gargano followed up with a suicide dive. Ciampa attempted a cross body on Cesaro but he got caught and Cesaro hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on the floor.
Ciampa and Sheamus fought on the top turnbuckle. Ciampa hit a somersault powerbomb off the top but Sheamus landed on Ciampa’s knee.
Gargano got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a superkick on Cesaro off the apron and a dive on Sheamus. He hit a slingshot DDT on Cesaro for a close near fall. Gargano applied the Gargano lock but Cesaro powered out. The Bar hit a backbreaker/knee drop combo but Ciampa broke up the pin attempt.
Cesaro got the tag and tried to knock Ciampa off the apron but Ciampa dropped off before he could hit him. Gargano rolled up Cesaro for a near fall. Cesaro backed Gargano in the corner. Ciampa made the blind tag and rolled up Cesaro for the win.
Daniel Bryan and Rowan met with Samoa Joe and Randy Orton backstage ahead of their six-man tag match later.
Kayla Braxton interviewed SmackDown Woman’s Champion Asuka in the ring. Braxton ran down all of Asuka’s accomplishments. Braxton noted that fans are talking more about Raw Woman’s Champion Ronda Rousey. She wondered if Asuka felt lost in the shuffle. Asuka noted she’s ready for the next challenger. She beat Charlotte Flair and made Becky Lynch tap. She wants to know who’s ready for Asuka. This brought out Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
Mandy Rose (w/Sonya Deville) defeated SmackDown Woman’s Champion Asuka in a non-title match
They hooked up and Asuka nailed Rose with a dropkick. Suddenly, Lacy Evans music hit and she walked down the aisle. Deville told Evans to leave. Rose jumped Asuka from behind and took over.
Rose rocked Asuka with a knee on the floor. Asuka fought back and caught Rose with a dropkick off the second turnbuckle. She hit a spinning back fist and a kick for near fall. Asuka nailed Rose in the face with a knee. Rose pretended her eye was injured and tossed Asuka in the ropes. She then rolled up Asuka for the win.
In the back, Charlotte Flair discussed Becky Lynch attacking her at the house show and Elimination Chamber. Flair called Lynch selfish and noted if she does it again Lynch will be arrested.
The Miz was walking backstage and approached Shane McMahon. He informed him that his father, Mr. Miz, will be at ringside at Fastlane.
Ricochet defeated Eric Young (w/SAnitY)
Ricochet was firmly in control and sent Young to the floor. He teased a dive but did a backflip instead and did his pose in the middle of the ring. Alexander Wolfe distracted Ricochet and Young rocked him with a forearm.
Young slowed the pace down but Ricochet fought back. He hit a springboard uppercut and standing shooting star press for a near fall. Ricochet caught Wolfe with a dropkick and hit a dive onto Young and Killian Dain on the floor. Young was bleeding from the side of the head. Ricochet nailed Young with a kick and hit the 630 for the win.
Kayla Braxton interviewed The New Day backstage. Kofi Kingston got another big reaction. Braxton talked about Kingston’s impressive performance at the Elimination Chamber. Xavier Woods noted this has been 11 years for Kingston. They talked about all the things that didn’t exist 11 years ago. They noted Kofimania was trending on Twitter. Big E did New Day’s intro on camera.
AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy & Kofi Kingston (w/The New Day), defeated WWE Champion Daniel Bryan (w/Rowan), Samoa Joe & Randy Orton
Before the match, Bryan noted the fans tried to will the title off of him by forcing him in the chamber match. However, he survived because he serves a higher purpose to enlighten and educate.
He’s going to educate the fans about his opponent at Fastlane. Instead of saying who it is, he’s going to say who it’s not. It’s not any of the guys standing in the ring because he beat them all on Sunday.
Bryan teased starting the match with Kingston but tagged out to Joe. The heels took over by isolating Hardy in their corner. Bryan tagged in once Hardy was down. He rocked him with kicks for a near fall.
Kingston got the tag and nailed Orton with a dropkick and hit the boom drop. He sent Bryan and Orton to the floor. Kingston climbed to the top but Bryan pushed him off. Orton then gave Kingston a back suplex on the announce table.
The heels now isolated Kingston on their side of the ring. Orton gave Kingston a second back suplex on the announce table. Orton missed a charge in the corner and Styles got the tag. He ran wild on the heels. Styles locked on the calf crusher on Bryan but Joe broke it up. Bryan was able to lock on the Labelle Lock on Styles.
Kingston got the hot tag and ran wild. Bryan back-dropped Kingston to the floor but he landed on the other guys. Kingston nailed a dropkick on Bryan and followed up with a dive to the floor on Bryan and Rowan. The finish came when Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Bryan for the win.
After the match, Shane McMahon came out to announce that WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defends against Kofi Kingston at Fastlane. The fans broke into a “Kofi” chant before he announced it. Kingston and New Day celebrated in the ring.
In a change of plans that took place on Monday, it looks like Kofi Kingston is the front-runner to be announced as WWE Champion Daniel Bryan’s opponent for Fastlane at tonight’s SmackDown in New Orleans, Louisiana.
As of Monday morning, WWE already had plans in place for both Fastlane, which takes place on March 10 in Cleveland, and WrestleMania four weeks later, which did not involve Kingston.
However, based on the fan response to Kingston’s performance in the gauntlet on Tuesday, and even more the Elimination Chamber on Sunday, where he was a stand-in for the injured Mustafa Ali, the decision was changed to go to Bryan vs. Kingston.
It is not clear how or if this change of plans will affect the original WWE title plans for WrestleMania. Bryan was scheduled to face someone making a return as opposed to one of the current SmackDown brand regulars at the year’s biggest show.
WWE is hyping that Daniel Bryan’s opponent for Fastlane will be confirmed on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
An advertisement that aired during Raw on Monday announced that the challenger for Bryan’s WWE Championship at Fastlane will be revealed on SmackDown. It also announced a segment for SmackDown where The Miz will issue a public apology to Shane McMahon after they lost the Tag Team titles to The Usos at Elimination Chamber.
Bryan retained the WWE title against Kofi Kingston, Randy Orton, AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, and Samoa Joe in an Elimination Chamber match at Sunday’s pay-per-view. Bryan and Kingston were the final two left in the match, with Kingston missing a splash off of one of the pods and Bryan following up by hitting the running knee to retain.
Kingston was a replacement for Mustafa Ali in the Elimination Chamber match. The PPV ended with the crowd giving Kingston an ovation as he stood on the stage with Big E and Xavier Woods.
The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio is hosting Fastlane on Sunday, March 10. It’s WWE’s last PPV before WrestleMania 35.
