Join on-air personality Denise Salcedo as she reviews the February 8th edition of WWE NXT 2.0. This show features Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic semi-final matches, an unexpected appearance from Dolph Ziggler, and much more!
Topics Rundown:
Creed Brothers advance to Dusty Cup Finals
Tiffany Stratton defeats Wendy Choo
Pete Dunne adds weapons to steel cage match with Tony D’Angelo
LA Knight vs. Sanga
Dolph Ziggler appears on NXT 2.0 —- Santos Escobar overshadowed
Dolph Ziggler made an appearance during tonight’s NXT 2.0, crashing the Championship summit between NXT Champion Bron Breakker and top contender Santos Escobar.
After the summit commenced, Ziggler appeared and commandeered the microphone from moderator Wade Barrett. Ziggler continued his war of words with Breakker, which has been going back and forth on social media and in video segments on WWE’s digital platforms.
As Ziggler cut a promo on Breakker, Tommaso Ciampa entered. Ciampa confronted Ziggler, then brawled with him, while Escobar and Legado del Fantasma sent Breakker through a table with a powerbomb.
The scenario seemed to hint at a four-way between Breakker, Ziggler, Escobar, and Ciampa for the NXT title, or perhaps a tag match with Breakker and Ciampa facing Ziggler and Escobar. However, as it currently stands, the next NXT title match is still Breakker defending against Escobar on next week’s Vengeance Day episode.
The lineup for next week’s show:
NXT Championship: Bron Breakker (c) vs. Santos Escobar
NXT North American Championship: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Cameron Grimes
NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship: Gigi Dolin & Jacy Jayne (c) vs. Indi Hartwell & Persia Pirotta
Men’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic finals: The Creed Brothers vs. MSK
Weaponized steel cage match: Pete Dunne vs. Tony d’Angelo
WWE is continuing to tease that Dolph Ziggler could soon be making an appearance on NXT.
After last night’s Raw, WWE uploaded a post-show interview where Ziggler responded to a tweet from NXT Champion Bron Breakker. There was also a post-show angle the previous week where Ziggler and Robert Roode got into a confrontation with NXT’s LA Knight.
During their confrontation, Knight challenged Ziggler and Roode to come down to NXT. Ziggler and Roode responded by saying that they work Mondays and were focused on the Royal Rumble.
Breakker tweeted video of Ziggler being eliminated from the men’s Royal Rumble match yesterday and wrote: “Says he doesn’t work on Tuesdays … apparently he can’t work on Saturday either. @HEELZiggler.”
Ziggler was asked about Breakker’s tweet and said that everyone runs their mouth until you see them in person. Ziggler said that — maybe one of these days — Breakker will have to deal with him in person. Ziggler said that maybe he’ll stop by NXT and take Breakker’s title from him.
Breakker won the NXT Championship from Tommaso Ciampa at NXT New Year’s Evil last month. He’s currently involved in a feud with Santos Escobar. On tonight’s NXT, Breakker will team with Ciampa against Legado del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde.
Seven new participants have been confirmed for this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
WWE has announced that Omos, Randy Orton, Riddle, Chad Gable, Otis, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode will be entrants in the men’s Royal Rumble. With 22 wrestlers now confirmed, there are still eight spots left open in the match.
For the women’s Royal Rumble, WWE has announced 21 of the 30 wrestlers who will be taking part in the match.
The Royal Rumble is being held at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis this Saturday. Here’s the updated list of entrants for both Rumble matches:
Chad Gable and Otis are the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
The Alpha Academy defeated RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) to win the titles tonight on Raw. The finish had Orton dodging a charge from Gable, who in the process was able to tag in Otis. Gable blocked an RKO attempt and shoved Orton into Otis, who then pinned Orton with a forward slam to win the match and the titles for his team.
Orton and Riddle had held the Raw Tag Team titles for over 140 days, defeating AJ Styles and Omos at SummerSlam back on August 21 of last year. The two had just successfully defended the titles at Day 1 back on January 1, defeating The Street Profits.
Alpha Academy on last week’s Raw defeated RK-Bro in a non-title match. In that match, Otis pinned Riddle after Riddle had attempted an RKO. The story prior to tonight’s match was Orton telling Riddle to tag him in when he was in trouble, going as far as scribbling it down on Riddle’s hands.
A United States Championship match, among other matches, are set for the final Raw of 2021.
Damian Priest will defend the United States title against Dolph Ziggler. The two had a match on tonight’s Raw, with Ziggler winning by count out after Priest attacked Ziggler’s partner, Robert Roode, on the outside. Priest went after Ziggler, but Ziggler fled, leaving Priest to lay out Roode again for good measure.
Additionally, Austin Theory will meet Finn Balor in a rematch from tonight’s Raw. Theory met with Vince McMahon after he jumped Balor backstage, as he had defeated Theory earlier in the show. McMahon said he liked what Theory did, but reminded him that he liked to fire people, especially before the holidays.
AJ Styles and Omos, former tag team partners, will meet in a singles match. Omos attacked Styles after they lost a match to the Mysterios. Omos told Styles that the next time they meet, it will be in a match. Randy Orton is also set to face Otis in a singles match. Orton defeated Chad Gable on tonight’s show and tried to lay out Otis after the match, but Otis blocked the RKO on three different occasions.
Also scheduled for the show is the finals of the RK-Bronament, where The Mysterios will face The Street Profits. The finals were set to take place on December 14, but were delayed by two weeks.
A pair of title matches are set for tonight’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that the United States Championship and Raw Tag Team titles will both be on the line on Raw tonight. Damian Priest will defend his United States title against Apollo Crews, while Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode will challenge RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) for the Raw Tag Team titles.
Priest and RK-Bro have both held their respective titles since SummerSlam. Priest won the United States Championship from Sheamus at that pay-per-view. RK-Bro won the Raw Tag Team titles from AJ Styles & Omos.
It appeared that Crews was going to answer Priest’s United States title open challenge last week. Crews interrupted Priest on the show but then declined to face him. Crews said he would decimate Priest when they do face off. Crews said he’ll show the entire world that Priest isn’t fit to be United States Champion.
Priest instead retained the United States title against Sami Zayn last Monday.
While dressed up like Orton, Riddle defeated Ziggler in a singles match last week.
Tonight’s Raw is taking place at the UBS Arena in Long Island, New York. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Non-title match: WWE Champion Big E vs. Kevin Owens
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor
Edge returns
United States Champion Damian Priest defends against Apollo Crews
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
A pair of tag team matches have been added to Raw’s go-home show for Crown Jewel.
WWE Champion Big E and his Crown Jewel challenger Drew McIntyre will team up again as they face Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode on Monday’s Raw. Big E & McIntyre defeated Ziggler & Roode on the October 4 episode of the show.
Big E & McIntyre also teamed together on Raw earlier this week, losing by countout against The Usos. Dissension between Big E and McIntyre led to them brawling on the floor and ignoring the referee’s count. The show ended with McIntyre countering the Big Ending and laying out Big E with a Claymore.
It’s also been announced that Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro will face The Street Profits in non-title action on Monday’s show. RK-Bro are defending their titles against AJ Styles & Omos at Crown Jewel on Thursday (October 21).
The Street Profits were selected by Raw in the WWE Draft earlier this month. On last night’s SmackDown, they unsuccessfully challenged for The Usos’ SmackDown Tag Team titles in a street fight.
Monday’s Raw is taking place at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Bianca Belair
WWE Champion Big E & Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Non-title match: Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) vs. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
King of the Ring tournament semifinal match: Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal
Queen’s Crown tournament semifinal match: Shayna Baszler vs. Doudrop
WWE has announced two segments and a tag team match for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
After making her return at SummerSlam, new SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch will appear on tonight’s SmackDown. The show will also feature Universal Champion Roman Reigns hosting a championship celebration.
Plus, Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs will face Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in tag team action on SmackDown tonight.
At SummerSlam, Lynch defeated Bianca Belair in under 30 seconds to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship. It was Lynch’s first appearance on WWE programming since announcing her pregnancy in May 2020.
Belair defending her title against Sasha Banks was originally set for SummerSlam, but it was announced just before the match was supposed to start that Banks wouldn’t be able to compete. WWE teased that Carmella would be taking Banks’ place in the SmackDown Women’s Championship match, but Lynch then laid out Carmella and challenged Belair to face her instead.
Reigns retained his Universal Championship against John Cena in the main event of SummerSlam. The returning Brock Lesnar then confronted Reigns.
Nakamura defeated Apollo Crews on SmackDown two weeks ago to win the Intercontinental title. Nakamura & Boogs defeated Crews & Commander Azeez on last Friday’s episode of the show.
Tonight’s SmackDown is taking place at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
The final SmackDown from the WWE ThunderDome takes place tonight and features two Money in the Bank qualifying matches.
Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin will determine the final two participants for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, and Kevin Owens have already qualified for the match.
Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Zelina Vega have been announced for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match thus far.
Carmella and Vega were announced for the women’s MITB match by Sonya Deville on SmackDown over the past two weeks. Liv Morgan, who is trying to get her own Money in the Bank spot, confronted Carmella and Vega after those announcements and defeated them in matches. WWE has yet to confirm if Morgan will be in Money in the Bank.
Plus, the build to Roman Reigns and Edge’s Universal Championship match at Money in the Bank will continue tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Edge returning two weeks ago and attacking Roman Reigns. It also included Jimmy Uso calling out Edge last week.
Jimmy Uso tried to enter Roman Reigns locker room, but Paul Heyman stopped him. Heyman noted Reigns is getting ready to go to the ring, but he’ll deal with Uso later. Heyman promised him that Reigns is going to give him the attention he deserves. Uso walked off, and Heyman gave him an evil grin.
After the opening video, Reigns was standing behind the curtain. Heyman approached and told him it’s time. They headed towards the ring.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee noted it’s the final SmackDown from the ThunderDome. They pushed that Reigns vs. Edge at Money in the Bank is their first singles match.
Roman Reigns Segment
They piped in fake boos and loud “Roman sucks” chants. Roman noted there’s a lot of stuff he didn’t like about last week. He’s furious that Edge claimed he’s scared of him. Reigns mentioned he had a few seconds of fear when Edge had him in the cross face with the bar. Reigns said to ask any fighter and mentioned Brock Lesnar.
Reigns said he used the few seconds of fear to beat Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Reigns then turned his attention to Jimmy Uso.
Uso made his way to the ring. Uso pointed out that he called out Edge for him, but he was on vacation. Reigns noted he didn’t ask Uso to call out Edge. Reigns wasn’t there last week because he was busy talking to Jey Uso.
Jey Uso’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He said he returned for all three of them. Jey told Reigns that his right-hand man is back, but he also came back for Jimmy. He’s here for Jimmy during these dark times. Jey’s ready to be tag team champions again.
Reigns said that’s all he ever wanted. He wants the Usos to be tag team champions and to be the Universal Champion for as long as he wants. Reigns pointed out they just have to do things his way, which is together.
Reigns opened his arms and embraced The Usos. They hugged, and Reigns looked in the camera.
Reigns and The Usos were great in the segment. The hug at the end was perfect.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Baron Corbin. He mentioned his recent financial problems. He promised to win the Money In the Bank ladder match to get back on track.
Money In The Bank qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) defeated Baron Corbin (10:57)
Corbin and Nakamura had a fine match. It was the same match they’ve had for the last few weeks. It did go a bit long and went through two commercial breaks.
They recapped Baron Corbin’s losing streak and string of bad luck. Big E came to ringside to join Michael Cole and Pat McAfee.
Big E invited McAfee to sit with him on his couch. They made a ton of jokes about Corbin’s hairline. Big E pointed out that he’s never had a shot at the World title.
They showed footage from earlier today of Nakamura and Boogs driving around in Corbin’s car.
Corbin jumped Nakamura as he made his entrance. Boogs made the save for Nakamura.
The match started during the commercial break. Corbin was firmly in control as he dropped Nakamura on the top rope. Nakamura fought back and hit an enziguri. He followed up with a running knee in the corner. He then hit a sliding knee for a near fall.
Corbin regained control and hit a back suplex for a near fall. Nakamura knocked Corbin to the floor. Corbin suddenly hit Boogs at ringside. Nakamura rolled out of the ring, but Corbin gave him a brainbuster on the announce table.
Back from the break, Corbin went shoulder-first into the ring post. Nakamura was firmly in control until Corbin hit the deep six for a near fall. Corbin tried to place Nakamura on the top rope. Nakamura fought back and locked on a triangle. Corbin tried to fight back and hit a powerbomb, but Nakamura held on. Corbin made it to the ropes to break the hold.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Corbin countered with a clothesline. The finish came when Nakamura hit a series of knees and the Kinshasa for the win.
Nakamura qualifies for the Money in the Bank ladder match. After the match, McAfee and Big E rocked out to Nakamura’s music.
In the back, Jimmy apologized to Jey for everything he said before. Jey accepted the apology because they’re family. Jey wondered if they should try to take out Edge before Reigns does.
Non-title match: Shotzi & Nox defeated WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina (3:14)
Before the match, Tamina and Natalya noted they were told they’re taking on a mystery team. They demanded the mystery team come to the ring. Shotzi and Nox from NXT made their debuts.
They referred to Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox as Shotzi & Nox throughout the match. They didn’t mention the mystery team until right before the break.
This was a fine tag team match. They didn’t get a lot of time.
Nox and Shotzi had the early advantage, but the champions took over. Tamina rocked Shotzi with a hard clothesline and elbow drop for a near fall.
Natalya went for a pin, but Nox broke up the pin attempt. She followed up with a cannonball on Tamina in the corner. Natalya rocked Nox with the discuss clothesline to take her out of the match.
Shotzi took over on Natalya and hit the ball pit for the win.
In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Edge. He promised to call out Roman Reigns later tonight. He wondered if Reigns had the guts to answer his challenge without The Usos.
Sonya Deville Announces Bayley’s Replacement
Sonya Deville came out and announced that Bayley suffered an injury during training. She’ll be out for nine months. Earlier today, Bayley discussed her injury and not being able to take on Bianca Belair at Money In The Bank. She was wearing a huge knee brace and blamed the fans for her injury.
Deville wished Bayley luck and hopes she recovers soon. She noted that Bayley’s out of the title match at the pay-per-view.
Deville announced that Belair would no longer defend the title that night. Instead, she defends the title next Friday on SmackDown. Deville introduced Belair’s opponent Carmella.
Carmella came to the ring and noted she’s the most beautiful woman in the WWE. Liv Morgan interrupted.
She was furious that Carmella’s getting the title shot. Morgan got in Deville’s face and accused her of favoritism.
Deville yelled at Morgan to shut her mouth and listen. She announced that Morgan takes Carmella’s place in the ladder match. Morgan hopes Carmella wins the title so she can cash in on her.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair came out. Belair doesn’t know if Bayley’s faking her injury or not. Belair can wait to settle their problems when she heals. Belair then told Carmella that she’d see her next week.
In the back, Paul Heyman told Roman Reigns that Edge is going to call him out and that he questioned his manhood.
They aired a vignette hyping Toni Storm’s upcoming debut.
Money In The Bank qualifier: Seth Rollins defeated Cesaro (18:17)
Cesaro and Rollins had a good match. They both worked hard and told a good story.
Kevin Owens joined Pat McAfee and Michael Cole on commentary.
Cesaro caught Rollins in mid-air and hit a backbreaker to gain the early advantage. Cesaro followed up with a flying cross body for a two-count. Rollins rolled out of the ring and was furious.
Back from the break, Rollins slammed Cesaro face-first on the announce table to take over. He then shoved Cesaro into the stairs. Rollins slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Cesaro escaped, and they fought over a backslide. Rollins landed on his feet and rocked Cesaro with a kick to the back of the head. Cesaro fought back with uppercuts, but Rollins cut him off.
In a crazy sequence, Cesaro climbed to the top rope, but Rollins cut him off. Rollins hit a superplex and rolled through. He went for the falcon’s arrow, but Cesaro counted with a suplex over the top rope to the floor.
Back from the break, Cesaro had Rollins in the giant swing. Rollins escaped the sharpshooter, but Cesaro came back with an uppercut. Cesaro pulled Rollins out of the corner into a sit-out powerbomb. Rollins pulled out the turnbuckle pad, and the referee just looked at the pad instead of making the count.
Cesaro attempted the uppercut off the second rope, but Rollins countered. Rollins then dropped Cesaro on the exposed turnbuckle, which busted him open. Rollins tried to win by count-out, but Cesaro made it back in the ring. Rollins then knocked Cesaro back to the ringside and gave him a DDT on the ramp.
Rollins jumped back in the ring and tried to win by count-out, but Cesaro made it back in the ring. Rollins went for the curb stomp, but Cesaro countered with the sharpshooter. Rollins slipped out, but Cesaro hit an uppercut. Cesaro fell to the mat, and Rollins hit the curb stomp for the win.
Rollins qualifies for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
In the back, The Usos approached Edge’s locker room door. Jimmy went to knock on the door, but Jey told him to wait until Edge leaves.
Back from the break, Jimmy got impatient waiting, so they ran into Edge’s locker room, but he wasn’t there. Jey noted Edge’s lucky they didn’t find him.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Seth Rollins. He celebrated qualifying for the ladder match. Rollins noted he cashed in on Roman Reigns once before. He still thinks he should be getting the title shot at Money In The Bank. Rollins said he might cash in at Money In the Bank this time.
Edge showed up to confront Rollins. Edge noted while Rollins complained; he went and took the title shot. Edge promised to call out Reigns. Rollins was furious as Edge walked away.
They recapped Otis destroying the Street Profits. In the back, Chad Gable noted it doesn’t matter if it’s the Street Profits, Edge, or Roman Reigns. Otis added they’ll destroy everyone.
Edge Calls Out Roman Reigns
Edge mocked Roman Reigns and The Usos for reuniting earlier in the night. Edge showed still shots of Reigns and Jimmy in the cross face.
Reigns, Paul Heyman, and The Usos watched backstage. Edge demanded Reigns come to the ring right now. Reigns stood up and told The Usos to stay in the back. He wants to handle this one on his own.
Reigns gave Heyman the title and told him to stay in the back too.
Reigns slowly walked to the ring. In the back, Jey thinks it’s a trap, so The Usos headed to the ring.
The Usos made their way to ringside. Reigns was unhappy they showed up and said he wants to handle this without them. Reigns slowly entered the ring and faced off with Edge.
Edge and Reigns started brawling in the ring. Suddenly, Rey Mysterio’s music hit. Rey and Dominik ran out and attacked The Usos. The Usos recovered and beat down The Mysterios.
Edge hit a DDT on Reigns and set up for the spear. Jey grabbed Edge’s leg, and Jimmy hit a superkick. The Mysterio’s jumped back in the ring and hit double 619 on The Usos. Edge then hit the spear on Jey.
Edge broke off a piece of the chair and gave Uso the cross face with the bar. Reigns ran away and watched from the ramp. Edge also applied the cross face on Jimmy. Reigns slowly walked away to end the last SmackDown from the ThunderDome.
Next Week: SmakDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Carmella. In a fatal four-way, Kevin Owens takes on Shinsuke Nakamura, Big E, and Seth Rollins.
WWE has made a new match announcement for tonight’s Throwback edition of SmackDown.
Rey Mysterio will face Dolph Ziggler in a singles match on SmackDown tonight. The match comes in advance of Rey & Dominik Mysterio challenging for Ziggler & Robert Roode’s SmackDown Tag Team titles at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 16.
Rey & Dominik are looking to become the first father and son team to hold Tag Team titles in WWE history. Ziggler & Roode have been SmackDown Tag Team Champions since defeating The Street Profits for the titles this January.
Tonight’s Throwback episode of SmackDown on Fox will feature retro branding. It’s tied in with this being NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend. NASCAR’s Throwback Weekend events are airing on FS1.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins in a WrestleMania rematch. Cesaro defeated Rollins when they faced off at WrestleMania 37 last month.
At the end of last Friday’s SmackDown, Cesaro was tied up in the ropes and forced to watch on as Roman Reigns laid out Daniel Bryan with a con-chair-to. Cesaro had tried to make the save for Bryan but was attacked by Jey Uso. Bryan is now banished from SmackDown after unsuccessfully challenging for Reigns’ Universal Championship last week.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode will defend their titles against Rey & Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania Backlash. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, May 16.
Rey & Dominik are looking to become the first father and son team to hold Tag Team titles together in WWE history.
Ziggler & Roode have been SmackDown Tag Team Champions since winning the titles from The Street Profits this January.
On SmackDown’s go-home show for WrestleMania 37 last month, Ziggler & Roode retained their titles against The Street Profits, The Mysterios, and Chad Gable & Otis in a fatal four-way match. Ziggler & Roode also retained against The Street Profits on SmackDown three weeks ago. Last week’s SmackDown saw The Street Profits & Bianca Belair defeat Ziggler, Roode & Bayley in a six-person tag match.
The Mysterios defeated Otis & Gable on SmackDown two weeks ago.
This is the fourth match that’s been announced for WrestleMania Backlash. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Asuka and Charlotte Flair in a triple threat match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defend against Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Tonight’s SmackDown features the fallout from WrestleMania 37.
New SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair will likely appear tonight to address her emotional victory. Belair defeated Sasha Banks to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship in the main event of WrestleMania night one.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns successfully defended his title against Daniel Bryan and Edge in WrestleMania night two’s main event. Reigns pinned both Bryan and Edge after hitting Edge with a conchairto.
In other results, Apollo Crews defeated Big E to win the Intercontinental title with help from Commander Azeez. Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn and gave Logan Paul a stunner after the match. and Cesaro scored a victory over Seth Rollins. Natalya & Tamina won the Tag Team Turmoil match on night one but lost to WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler on night two.
Tonight, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defend their titles against The Street Profits. Ziggler & Roode retained the titles in a fatal four-way against The Street Profits, Rey & Dominik Mysterio, and Chad Gable & Otis last week. Rey & Dominik vs. Gable & Otis is also set for tonight’s show.
Tonight’s SmackDown will also feature Pat McAfee’s debut as a member of the show’s commentary team. He’ll be calling the action with Michael Cole.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Roman Reigns defeating Edge and Daniel Bryan in the main event of WrestleMania night two.
Michael Cole welcomed the fans to a new era of SmackDown. Cole introduced his new broadcast partner Pat McAfee. Cole ran down his sports background and noted McAfee’s a former NXT superstar.
McAfee was a total heel and claimed fans are calling him Mr. Friday Night. McAfee is already annoying Cole.
McAfee did a good job his first night as a color commentator. He irritated Cole all night.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Paul Heyman Segment
Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring. They piped in loud boos and “you suck” chants. Reigns asked Heyman to explain to the new viewer who he beat Sunday night.
Heyman talked about Edge and Daniel Bryan’s careers. He praised Reigns for his victory Sunday night.
Reigns noted he called his shot like Babe Ruth. He smashed them, stacked them, and pinned them.
Reigns believes management will never put him in a triple threat again because he beat a Hall of Famer and a future Hall of Famer. Reigns pointed out that now nobody wants to face him.
Reigns said they opened up his show, but now it’s time to go. They started to leave the ring.
Suddenly, Cesaro’s music hit, and he walked to the ring. He went face-to-face with Reigns. Cesaro grabbed a mic but Reigns just walked away before he could speak. Cesaro stood in the ring and watched them leave.
Reigns delivered a great promo as he usually does. It seemed odd that Cesaro just watched them leave before he could speak.
Cole and McAfee praised Cesaro and his victory over Seth Rollins.
Cole said they’re going to look at the single most impressive moment at WrestleMania after the break.
They showed highlights from WrestleMania weekend.
Cesaro approached WWE officials Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. Cesaro was furious that Reigns disrespected him in the ring. He demanded a match with Reigns tonight and said it doesn’t have to be for the title.
Pearce seemed not to agree, but Deville cut him off. She promised to talk with Reigns about it.
They recapped Cesaro giving Seth Rollins the UFO at WrestleMania.
Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable)
Mysterio and Otis had a fun short match.
Otis had the early advantage and dropped Mysterio with a press slam. Mysterio fought back with forearms and climbed to the top rope. Otis cut him off but missed a charge in the corner.
Mysterio responded with a senton off the top for a near fall. Mysterio attempted a springboard crossbody, but Otis caught him with a slam. Otis missed a splash off the second turnbuckle.
Mysterio recovered and hit the 619. Mysterio jumped off the second turnbuckle and caught Otis in a crucifix for the win.
Paul Heyman responds to Cesaro’s challenge after the break.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman and asked if Reigns will accept Cesaro’s challenge. Heyman said there was no rain delay on Saturday. He said it was angels tears because of what Reigns was going to do to Edge and Bryan.
Heyman said Cesaro has a million-dollar body but a 10 cent brain. Heyman decides to give the fans what they want. Tonight, Cesaro will take on Jey Uso in the main event.
They recapped Cesaro defeating Seth Rollins Saturday night.
Sami Zayn Segment
Sami Zayn made his way to the ring. They recapped Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn and Owens giving Logan Paul the stunner.
Zayn claimed that he got screwed at WrestleMania. He said Owens, the fans, and Michael Cole poisoned Paul’s mind. Zayn could feel that something was wrong with Paul, and it distracted him throughout the match.
Zayn demands vindication and calls out Owens. Zayn noted there are no toxic fans or Paul to distract him tonight.
Kevin Owens walked to the ring as they cut to a commercial.
Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn
Owens and Zayn had a good hard-hitting match until the finish.
Owens and Zayn brawled around ringside to start the match. Owens had the early advantage and dropped Zayn with a clothesline.
He followed up with a senton and attempted the cannonball.
Zayn avoided the cannonball and hung Owens on the top rope to take over. Owens responded with another clothesline and dropped Zayn on the top rope.
Owens placed Zayn on the top turnbuckle. He rocked Zayn with hard chops, but Zayn fought back. Zayn then hit a sunset bomb off the top rope for a near fall. On commentary, McAfee asked Cole the move’s name and said it was the coolest move he’d seen.
Back from the break, Zayn knocked Owens off the top rope. Owens avoided Zayn and rocked him with a superkick. Owens followed up with a Swanton bomb for a near fall.
Zayn rolled to the floor and tried to leave. Owens brought him back in the ring and attempted a pop-up powerbomb. Zayn avoided the powerbomb, but Owens hit a fisherman’s backbreaker.
Zayn tried to leave the ring again, but Owens went after him. Zayn slipped out of the ring again, and Owens tried to drag him back in the ring. Zayn poked Owens in the eyes and got counted out.
After the match, Owens brought Zayn back in the ring and hit the stunner.
In the back, the new Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews was with Commander Azeez. Crews bragged about winning the title and noted Big E’s not there tonight. He introduced Commander Azeez and said he’s a former member of the Nigerian guard. Crews didn’t mention his time on Raw Underground.
Bianca Belair’s Championship Celebration
The Street Profits made their way out as the crew set up the ring for Belair’s celebration with a blue carpet and balloons.
Back from the break, The Street Profits promised to win the tag team titles later. Montez Ford noted they’re out there for a different reason. He said WrestleMania was a historic night, but there’s a particular moment that he’ll be telling his grandchildren.
They aired an excellent video package looking at Belair vs. Sasha Banks from WrestleMania. Dawkins and Ford seemed legitimately emotional after they showed the video.
Ford then gave Belair a grand introduction. He called her the roughest, toughest person and the best part of his life. Belair noted that she never thought this moment wasn’t possible despite all the setbacks.
She admitted that if someone told her a year ago she would be in the WrestleMania main event, she’d agree. Belair’s not cocky. She just believes in herself. Belair said everyone has a little EST in them. She praised Banks and thanked her for the match. Belair noted Banks pushed her, and they both made history. She mentioned leaving Banks with a scar.
Belair pointed out they’re just getting started making history. In a touching moment, Belair and The Street Profits shared a hug. Belair then told them to win the tag team titles.
This was a good segment. Belair delivered a good promo.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Sasha Banks backstage. Banks was furious and looked at the scar on her side. She stopped talking and walked off in a rage.
Kayla Braxton then interviewed Bayley backstage. Bayley mocked Belair and promised to restore dignity to the title. She challenged Belair and promised to take her title.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defeated The Street Profits to retain the titles
This was a good match.
Ford dropped Ziggler with a standing dropkick for a near fall. The faces isolated Ziggler on their side of the ring.
Ford avoided Ziggler, and he ran into Roode. Dawkins then hit the twisting splash in the corner and followed up with a bulldog.
Back from the break, Dawkins caught Roode with a back elbow, but Ziggler caused a distraction. Roode took advantage and hit Dawkins with a spine buster. The heels isolated Dawkins and cut him off from his corner.
Ford got the hot tag and ran wild on the heels. Ford hit a back suplex on Roode and followed up with a standing moonsault for a near fall. Ford hit a dive to the floor, taking out the heels.
Dawkins hit the spine buster on Roode. Ford then hit the frog splash, but Ziggler broke up the pin attempt. Ford beat Roode in the corner and didn’t notice Ziggler make the blind tag.
Ford whipped Roode into the opposite corner, but Ziggler hit the Zig Zag on Ford for the win.
They showed the footage of Cesaro giving Rollins the UFO several times throughout the night.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Cesaro in the back. She noted Paul Heyman insulted him earlier. He admitted that Heyman was right about some stuff but was wrong about one thing. Cesaro does belong in the ring with Roman Reigns.
In a great shot, they cut to Reigns with a perplexed look on his face. He couldn’t believe Cesaro thinks he belongs in the same ring as him. He urged Jey Uso to take care of Cesaro.
This wasn’t much of a match. They went a few minutes and didn’t have time to build to anything.
Tamina and Jax argued at ringside. Baszler had the early advantage and attempted to stomp on Natalya’s arm, but Tamina pulled her out of the ring. Jax distracted Natalya and Baszler rocked her with a knee.
Jax jumped on the apron and argued with the referee. Baszler almost ran into Jax but stopped herself. Natalya then rolled up Baszler for the win.
After the match, Tamina rocked Jax with a boot to the face.
In the back, Uso promised to defeat Cesaro tonight.
They recapped Jey Uso winning the Andre The Giant Battle Royal last week.
Cesaro defeated Jey Uso DQ
Cesaro and Uso had a really good hard-hitting, fast-paced match until the lame finish.
Cesaro caught Uso with a backbreaker for the early advantage. Uso fought back and attacked Cesaro’s arm. Cesaro knocked Uso to the floor and attempted a dive off the apron. Uso recovered and rocked Cesaro with a superkick.
Back from the break, Uso continued to work over Cesaro’s arm. Cesaro fought back, but Uso responded with a Samoan Drop. Uso attempted a suplex, but Cesaro reversed with a suplex.
Cesaro hit a cross body for a close near fall. Uso went back to the arm and hit a superkick for two-count. Uso climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off with a dropkick. Cesaro then hit a gut-wrench superplex for a near fall.
Uso went back to the arm, but Cesaro used a cartwheel to avoid the move. He then hit a springboard uppercut for a close near fall. Uso fought back and hit a back suplex into a neck breaker for another near fall.
Cesaro rocked Uso with a discus lariat for a near fall. Cesaro then gave Uso the giant swing. Suddenly, Seth Rollins jumped in the ring and attacked Cesaro to end the match.
Rollins walked to the top of the stage. He yelled at Cesaro that it’s not over between them.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode will defend their titles against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) on this week’s SmackDown. On last Friday’s special WrestleMania edition of the show, Ziggler & Roode retained their titles against The Street Profits, Rey & Dominik Mysterio, and Chad Gable & Otis in a fatal four-way match.
Before last week’s SmackDown Tag Team title match got started, a brawl broke out between the four teams when Ziggler & Roode attacked The Street Profits backstage. Ford hit a frog splash on Gable near the end of the match, but Roode blind tagged in. Ziggler gave Ford a superkick, then Roode pinned Gable to get the win.
The Street Profits had been trying to get a SmackDown Tag Team Championship rematch since losing the titles to Ziggler & Roode this January.
WWE has also announced that Rey Mysterio vs. Otis will take place on this Friday’s SmackDown. It will be the first episode of the show since WrestleMania 37.
New entrants have been added to this year’s Royal Rumble matches.
On Friday’s episode of SmackDown, it was announced that Intercontinental Champion Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn, and SmackDown Tag Team Champion Dolph Ziggler will be taking part in this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match. Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Tamina were also added to the list of entrants for the women’s Royal Rumble match.
The men’s Royal Rumble match now has 13 announced entrants. There have been 12 entrants announced for the women’s Royal Rumble match.
The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31. Here’s the updated list of entrants for the men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches:
