The build to Extreme Rules continued with a champions vs. challengers main event on last night’s Raw.
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre & Raw Women’s Champion Asuka teamed up against their Extreme Rules challengers Dolph Ziggler & Sasha Banks in the match. It was set up earlier in the show with a double contract signing for their Extreme Rules title matches.
The challengers got the win when Banks turned the Asuka Lock into a pin.
It was said during the contract signing that McIntyre is allowing Ziggler to pick the stipulation for their title match at Extreme Rules, but what Ziggler’s choice will be hasn’t been revealed. The pay-per-view is taking place on Sunday, July 19.
Date: June 29, 2020 Location: WWE Performance Center in Orlando, FL
The Big Takeaway —
Sasha Banks pinned Asuka in the mixed tag main event.
Andrade and Angel Garza aren’t getting along but still managed to beat the Viking Raiders. Then they lost to the Big Show.
Ric Flair appeared live and interacted in close proximity to others on the show. Most people in the audience wore masks but not everyone did.
Show Recap —
Raw started with a chaotic scene. Sasha Banks and Bayley brawled with Asuka in the ring until they were separated by officials. Samoa Joe comically tried to move on quickly and start the contract signing but the wrestlers brawled again and were broken up again.
(Most people in the audience appear to be wearing masks, but some aren’t. Kona Reeves is among those not wearing one.)
Dolph Ziggler interrupted. Joe sarcastically thanked him for waiting for his introduction. Ziggler introduced Drew McIntyre, who he said would only be the WWE Champion for another three weeks.
McIntyre came out and everyone sat down, including Asuka and Banks. Bayley remained standing behind Banks.
Ziggler said McIntyre left for years while he remained in WWE carrying monsters like him. Ziggler knew McIntyre would do it took to defend his title but Ziggler would keep getting up no matter how many times he got hit. Ziggler said McIntyre’s redemption story would be over. Ziggler said he created McIntyre and he would destroy him at “Extreme Rules Horror Show.”
Ziggler and McIntyre each signed the contract. McIntyre said he went through hell after he got fired. McIntyre said they used to be like family. McIntyre knew why Ziggler wanted the title — every time he got close to the top he dropped the ball. McIntyre said he would slaughter him at “Extreme Rules Horror Show.”
McIntyre said Ziggler was the only one who believed he had a chance so he was allowing Ziggler to pick the stipulation.
Ziggler began talking but Asuka got impatient and yelled in Japanese. She signed the contract. Banks said she wasn’t the same person that Asuka faced before. Banks said she would be “two-belts Banks,” and would take over the company with Bayley. She signed.
Bayley said it would be a horror show for Asuka and laughed at her own joke. Asuka attacked them. Ziggler tried to superkick McIntyre but he blocked it. He went for a Claymore but Ziggler bailed.
Angel Garza spoke to referee Jessika Carr (who is officiating his match later) and offered her a rose but she declined. Charly Caruso appeared and asked him what that was about. Zelina Vega wanted her to ask a different question. Caruso asked if they thought they would be next in line for a tag title shot if they beat the Viking Raiders. Andrade said yes.
Big Show interrupted them. Show referred to Vega as “Smurfette” and referred to Andrade and Garza as “Ferrari” and “Maserati.” He said he was pulling rank and his segment would be next instead of their match. Vega wanted to punch him.
McIntyre & Asuka will face Ziggler & Banks later tonight.
Big Show / Ric Flair segment
Big Show called out Randy Orton but got Andrade and Garza instead. Show apologized to Vega but warned them not to try him. Andrade laughed at the idea of Show being a legend. They bickered for a bit until Show challenged them to a fight. Vega said Show could say hi to Edge and Christian at the retirement home when they’re done with him.
Ric Flair interrupted before they could fight. Flair said he respected Vega and her crew. (Flair remained on the stage instead of getting in the ring near the others.)
Flair basically said Orton would take out Show whenever he felt like it. Flair thought it was nice that Show was getting his time in Hollywood and said Show would to the Hall of Fame one day. Flair said if Show wasn’t careful, Orton would become an even bigger legend killer at his expense.
Flair told Andrade and Garza to go ahead and have their fun with Show. Before they could attack, the Viking Raiders ran out and brawled with them which led to a break.
This wasn’t much of a promo from Flair and felt like a waste even ignoring the circumstances.
Andrade & Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega) defeated The Viking Raiders
There was a moment early in the match where Andrade wanted a tag but Garza didn’t tag him. Andrade tagged himself in and knocked down Erik with a kick. He yelled at Garza and shoved him for not tagging him. He complained to Vega and threatened to leave. Vega left the commentary table to try reasoning with him.
After a break, Andrade was back and Vega explained to the announcers that she was the best manager in the business and said she was what MVP hoped to be. Vega also claimed there were no issues between the two men.
Everyone traded moves near the finish. Andrade distracted Jessika Carr long enough for Garza to shove Erik into the ring post. In the ring, Andrade gave Erik a back elbow and Garza finished him off with a Wing Clipper for the pinfall win.
Vega bragged to the announcers as Andrade left on his own. Garza celebrated with Vega.
The IIconics approached Ruby Riott and called her a freak and weirdo. They noticed she tried calling someone on the phone and figured it was Liv Morgan who was a loser just like her. Riott reminded them that they both lost their tag title shot. The IIconics said they at least have each other. Riott challenged one of them to a match and they would need to be carried out of the ring when she’s done with them. She mocked their “iconic” pose before leaving.
Garza and Andrade argued backstage. Flair approached them and congratulated them on their win. They were happy about that. Flair had a proposition for Vega. They all left together. (Flair was in close proximity with all three of them here.)
R-Truth defeated Akira Tozawa to win the 24/7 Championship (1:06)
Truth feigned an injury to trick Tozawa and rolled him up to win the match. They said Truth was now a 37-time champion. One of the ninjas tried pinning Truth but he kicked out and ran away before the rest of them could attack.
In the back, Bobby Lashley told MVP that Apollo Crews disrespected him both. MVP assured him that the offer to Crews was officially dead. MVP said he would drop a few gems on Crews tonight.
As they walked away, they crossed paths with Seth Rollins and Murphy. Rollins had his most important message to date and he had to deliver it right now. Austin Theory was not there.
[Second hour]
Big Show faces Andrade and Garza in a handicap match later tonight. Flair was included in the graphic with Vega as a manager.
Seth Rollins promo
Rollins and Murphy came to the ring and then a long video package was played.
Rollins spoke about Mysterio and made a joke about him not being able to see clearly (because of his eye injury). This was notable because of the loud fake booing that followed.
Rollins asked for Mysterio’s forgiveness. Not because of what he’s done in the past but because of what he will do in the future. Rollins said they were bounded by fate and Mysterio was meant to be a sacrifice for the greater good. Rollins said Mysterio would return to the ring and every time he did, Rollins would tear him down piece by piece.
Rey and Dominick appeared on the screen. Rey asked Dominick to forgive him for what he’s going to do to Rollins. He understood why Dominick tried to fight his battles but now it was his time to go after Rollins. Mysterio warned Rollins: “eye for an eye.” Dominick forgave Rey but would never forgive Rollins. Dominick said Rollins will never forget what Rey does to him.
Rollins warned them to be careful what you wish for and threatened to end Dominick’s career before it began. Aleister Black and Humberto Carrillo came out as Rollins and Murphy left the ring.
After a break, Rollins asked Black and Carrillo why they kept fighting Mysterio’s battles for him. Carrillo called Rollins a coward. Black said he recognized evil when he saw it and said Rollins would atone for what he’s done. Rollins said this would end now.
Black was all over both guys until Murphy distracted the referee long enough for Rollins to attack from behind. Black used a back elbow and tagged in Carrillo who stomped away on Murphy and hit an enziguri.
Carrillo followed with a springboard crossbody and missile dropkick. He appeared to be going for a 619 but Rollins pulled Murphy away. Carrillo kicked Rollins off the apron and took out both guys with a dive. Despite all that, Murphy and Rollins were in control after a break.
Black made a hot tag and hit Murphy with a series of strikes and took down both men with a springboard moonsault. Black hit a Murphy with a knee and Carrillo hit a 619 but Rollins broke up the cover. Rollins gave Black a suicide dive. Murphy then gave Carrillo a lifting knee strike for a nearfall (Black was late breaking up the cover so Carrillo just kicked out).
Murphy and Rollins used a combo powerbomb/flying knee strike, which would be a cool finisher, but Carrillo kicked out again. Black yanked Murphy from the ring and Carrillo rolled up Rollins, but Rollins kicked out and hit a curb stomp for the pinfall win. Good match.
Rollins and Murphy attacked them after the match. Carrillo tried fighting back but Murphy knocked him down with the steel steps.
Rollins put Mysterio’s mask on Carrillo’s head and tried taking out his eye but Black made the save. As Murphy and Black brawled, Rollins gave Carrillo a curb stomp on top of the steel step.
Sarah Schrieber interviewed Asuka and McIntyre. She asked what they hoped to gain in tonight’s match. Asuka responded in Japanese. McIntyre said they wanted to have some fun tonight. He wanted Ziggler to pick the stip for their title match so he would have no excuse. McIntyre said Sasha wasn’t ready for Asuka, and Asuka said Dolph wasn’t ready for Drew.
They aired an Undertaker tribute video.
Riott was warming up backstage when she was approached by Lana. Riott was annoyed to see her. Lana began speaking but Riott interrupted because she wasn’t interested in what she was selling. Riott suggested she go ruin someone else’s career.
Lana said she just wanted to help. Lana was upset last week but there was a woman who reminded her of how good she was. This woman had more wins than Trish Stratus, Lita, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Asuka. She was a woman we could believe in: Natalya. Lana smiled and left.
There was a recap of Asuka’s win over Charlotte last week and Nia Jax attacking Charlotte afterwards. Tom Phillips said Charlotte has a fractured collarbone.
As soon as the match started, Riott was distracted by Kay on the outside for no reason so Royce kicked her and took control. Riott came back with strikes and an STO for two. Riott was distracted again by Kay on the outside, so Royce used a rollup for two. Riott tried a schoolgirl for two. Royce then hit an enziguri and spinning brainbuster for the pinfall win.
This was a dumb match. It’s obviously a set up for Morgan to save Riott on a future show, but this was a very lazy angle.
Big Show told Caruso that he knew the match tonight could be a trap. Flair was a hero to him as a kid but he also knew he was the dirtiest player in the game. Now, Flair was managing Orton which made him the “most dangerous apex predator the WWE has ever seen.” Show welcomed the challenge and told Orton to try him. Show also issued a warning to Andrade and Garza who weren’t getting the friendly giant tonight.
[Third hour]
1-on-2 handicap match: Big Show defeated Andrade & Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega) (5:31)
Andrade and Garza couldn’t agree on who should start the match. They agreed to enter at the same time, but Andrade tricked Garza who had to enter alone. Show chopped away at Garza who eventually managed to tag out. Show beat up Andrade until he tagged Garza back in.
Garza dropkicked Show’s leg and he fell face-first into the buckle, then Garza stomped away at him. Andrade tagged himself in which led to an argument. Garza left. Vega tried pleading with Garza and left with him.
Andrade turned around and Show gave him a chokeslam for the pinfall win. Show knocked him out with a punch after the match.
Ricochet, Cedric Alexander and Apollo Crews spoke backstage. Truth bumped into them and they told him that he looked shook. Truth referred to Alexander and Ricochet as “Cedric the Entertainer” and “Richard O’Shea.” Crews and Alexander were very amused by Ricochet’s new name and Crews suggested he go with it. Crews told Truth that they didn’t know what it was like being a fighting champion. Truth said they had no idea.
MVP (w/Bobby Lashley) defeated US Champion Apollo Crews in a non-title match (6:42)
MVP cut a promo on Crews before the match until he interrupted. Crews said MVP should have listened to him the first time and said MVP was only trying to help himself. MVP said he’d wish he had him as a manager instead of an enemy.
Crews used a flip dive early but he only hit Lashley, so MVP launched him into the steel steps which led to a break. Crews came back later with a Stinger splash and spinebuster for two. A Lashley distraction allowed MVP to hit a boot and fisherman’s suplex for the pinfall win. Yikes.
Crews attacked MVP after the match but Lashley put him in the full nelson. Referees couldn’t stop him so Ricochet and Alexander ran down. They weren’t strong enough to pull Lashley off, and Ricochet somehow fell down in his attempt. Alexander gave Lashley an enziguri and Ricochet followed with a springboard dropkick to knock him down.
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Ricochet (w/Cedric Alexander)
Lashley was in full control and got some help from MVP while the referee was distracted. Lashley used a modified Dominator for a nearfall. Throughout the match, Lashley just tossed Ricochet around. Lashley also drove Ricochet into the ring post and Joe was amused at how easily Lashley was throwing him around.
Lashley went for a spear but Ricochet collapsed before he could do it. Lashley went for the full nelson but Ricochet slipped out. Lashley tried driving him into the post again but Ricochet slipped out again and pushed him into it instead. Ricochet followed with a Lionsault for two.
Ricochet was distracted by MVP so Alexander took him down. Ricochet avoided an attack by Lashley but Lashley caught a kick attempt and gave him a big spinebuster.
Lashley followed with a full nelson for the submission win. Lashley also put Alexander in the full nelson after the match. (Lashley was busted open from his ear, I think from getting posted.)
Ziggler spoke to Banks and Bayley. He offered to be the player/coach in the tag match tonight. Banks laughed at this idea and at him losing Mandy Rose to Otis. Bayley told him not to screw this up for Banks.
Mixed tag match: Sasha Banks (w/Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley) & Dolph Ziggler defeated Raw Women’s Champion Asuka & WWE Champion Drew McIntyre (14:04)
Bayley joined commentary.
Ziggler used a Fameasser (sort of) early in the match but McIntyre kicked out before even a one count. Banks tagged herself in, which brought Asuka into the match. After a brief exchange, Ziggler tried to interfere but McIntyre chopped him, then Asuka took down Banks with a back elbow.
After a break, Ziggler had McIntyre in a headlock. McIntyre tried a reverse Alabama Slam but Ziggler countered into a rollup for two and followed with a DDT.
Banks tagged in but Asuka caught her with strikes, a German suplex and shining wizard for two. Asuka knocked Banks out of the ring but Bayley distracted her (and Bayley even noted how stupid she was to fall for it) and Banks followed with a double knee strike to take over.
Asuka used a Codebreaker and tagged in McIntyre who hit Ziggler with a clothesline, overhead suplexes and a flying clothesline. Banks tagged herself in and yelled at McIntyre, who elbowed Ziggler out of the ring. Banks wasn’t paying attention so Asuka used a roundhouse kick for a nearfall. Ziggler pushed McIntyre into the ring post.
Banks and Asuka traded moves until Banks rolled through an Asuka Lock into a pinfall for the win.
The three heels celebrated and they quickly went off the air.
Final Thoughts —
This wasn’t much of a show unless you’re a big fan of babyfaces being easily distracted.
Monday’s episode of Raw is set to feature contract signings for two matches at Extreme Rules.
A commercial aired during SmackDown tonight advertising that Monday’s Raw will feature a double contract signing. The contract signings will be for Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler’s WWE Championship match and Asuka and Sasha Banks’ Raw Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules.
All four wrestlers will be in the ring at the same time for the double contract signing. The segment will be officiated by Samoa Joe.
Both of those matches were announced for Extreme Rules on Raw this past Monday. It was revealed on the episode that Ziggler and Robert Roode have been traded to Raw, and Ziggler made an appearance to set up his match against McIntyre for the pay-per-view.
After Banks & SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley retained their Women’s Tag Team titles against The IIconics on Raw, Banks cut a promo acting like she was going to issue a challenge to Bayley — but she then revealed it was Asuka who she was challenging. Asuka accepted Banks’ challenge but was then attacked by Bayley & Banks. She fought back, but Banks hit a backstabber and put her in the Banks Statement.
It was announced tonight that Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode are both now members of the Raw roster. WWE said that Ziggler and Roode were the wrestlers Raw got in return for AJ Styles being traded to SmackDown last month.
WWE announced on May 22 that Styles had been traded to SmackDown for “future considerations.”
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre opened tonight’s Raw before being interrupted by Ziggler. After informing McIntyre that he and Roode were now on Raw, Ziggler said that McIntyre owes him one. Ziggler mentioned his history teaming with McIntyre and took credit for bringing McIntyre back to WWE and the success he’s had since then.
Ziggler said he knows McIntyre needs a challenger for Extreme Rules — and all he’s asking for from McIntyre is a WWE Championship match.
McIntyre called Ziggler’s version of events revisionist history and said Ziggler has been losing a lot without McIntyre watching his back. McIntyre said Ziggler is extremely talented, but he’s become an entitled jackass.
McIntyre brought up that Ziggler gave him the nickname the Scottish Psychopath. He then asked if Ziggler can imagine what he’ll do and how far he’ll go to remain champion. McIntyre wanted to know if Ziggler still wanted this match. When Ziggler said yes, McIntyre announced that he’ll defend the WWE title against Ziggler at Extreme Rules.
Extreme Rules is taking place on Sunday, July 19. This is the first match confirmed for the pay-per-view.
A six-man tag match will be part of WWE’s final build to Backlash.
WWE has announced that Universal Champion Braun Strowman & Heavy Machinery will face The Miz, John Morrison & Dolph Ziggler on this week’s episode of SmackDown. Miz & Morrison are challenging for Strowman’s Universal title in a two-on-one handicap match at Backlash on Sunday.
A storyline throughout last Friday’s SmackDown saw Miz and Morrison play pranks on Strowman in an attempt to make his life a living hell. After they destroyed his car’s windshield, Strowman flipped over a van with Miz and Morrison in it.
This will be the first time Tucker has appeared on SmackDown since April.
Strowman & Otis defeated Miz & Morrison in the main event of SmackDown on May 15. After the match, Otis teased cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase but then said he was only joking when Strowman turned around.
Otis defeated Baron Corbin by disqualification on SmackDown last week. Corbin got disqualified for using a steel chair, but Otis hit The Caterpillar on him after.
WWE has also announced that tomorrow’s SmackDown will feature a contract signing for Jeff Hardy vs. Sheamus at Backlash.
Plus, Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles will face off in the finals of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament on SmackDown tomorrow.
Much of the lineup for next Friday’s SmackDown has already been revealed.
– NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley will face off in a non-title champion vs. champion match on next Friday’s show. That was set up when Charlotte appeared on SmackDown tonight as part of the brand-to-brand invitation.
Bayley challenged Charlotte to the champion vs. champion match and Charlotte accepted. Charlotte also asked if Sasha Banks is her own woman or if she’s happy being Bayley’s lackey and an afterthought.
– The first round of WWE’s Intercontinental title tournament will conclude with the remaining first round matches taking place on next week’s SmackDown. Jeff Hardy will face off with Sheamus, and AJ Styles will take on Shinsuke Nakamura. The winner of Hardy vs. Sheamus will advance to face Daniel Bryan in the semifinals. The winner of Styles vs. Nakamura will advance to a semifinal match against Elias.
– A mixed tag grudge match is also set for SmackDown next week. It will be Mandy Rose & Otis vs. Sonya Deville & Dolph Ziggler.
Following his win in the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, Otis appeared on a Miz TV segment at the start of SmackDown tonight. It led to Braun Strowman later agreeing to team with Otis in the main event and them defeating Miz & Morrison.
A promo with Deville and Ziggler also aired on SmackDown tonight, with Deville saying Rose will never be a winner like her and will never have the skill, talent, charisma, and mind that Deville has. Deville said she’s just getting started ruining Rose’s life.
Two Money in the Bank qualifying matches are set for next week’s SmackDown.
On the men’s side, Otis will face Dolph Ziggler. The two have been feuding for months, mostly centering around Mandy Rose. Otis defeated Ziggler at WrestleMania 36, with Mandy Rose choosing Otis after a hacker revealed that Sonya Deville had concocted a plot to drive Mandy away from Otis.
Mandy, meanwhile, will face Carmella in the other qualifying match. Carmella’ tag team partner, Dana Brooke, qualified last week.
Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin has also been announced. Both men have qualified for Money in the Bank, but Bryan is looking to face Corbin after he defeated his tag team partner Drew Gulak tonight to qualify.
The Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match currently has Bryan, Rey Mysterio, Aleister Black, Apollo Crews, and Corbin, while the Women’s match has Asuka, Shayna Baszler, Brooke, and Lacey Evans, who defeated Sasha Banks tonight to advance.
Daniel Bryan challenging for the Intercontinental title is officially part of the WrestleMania 36 card.
As a stipulation of Drew Gulak defeating Shinsuke Nakamura on SmackDown tonight, Bryan is challenging Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania. The show was taped earlier this week and will air on the WWE Network on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.
Gulak pinned Nakamura in their match on SmackDown after Bryan pulled Gulak away from a Kinshasa.
Zayn won the Intercontinental title earlier this month when he teamed with Nakamura & Cesaro and defeated Braun Strowman in a three-on-one handicap match.
Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler was also officially set up for WrestleMania 36 on SmackDown tonight. Otis tried to confront Ziggler backstage but was held back. Ziggler challenged Otis to face him at WrestleMania — with Mandy Rose in Ziggler’s corner. Otis then accepted the challenge.
There was another segment later tonight where Ziggler and Rose spoke backstage. Rose said she supports the match, but she refuses to let Ziggler and Otis fight over her like she’s some sort of prize.
A tag team gauntlet match headlined WWE’s final build to Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Heavy Machinery starred in the gauntlet match, defeating The New Day, The Lucha House Party, The Usos, and The Miz & John Morrison, but it was Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode who won the Elimination Chamber advantage.
Miz & Morrison attacked Heavy Machinery after being eliminated in the gauntlet match. Ziggler & Roode then came out as the final team. As Otis was going for The Caterpillar on Roode, Ziggler hit him with a superkick and pinned him.
Ziggler & Roode will be the last team to enter the Chamber during Sunday’s SmackDown Tag Team title Elimination Chamber match.
A new match was also added to the Elimination Chamber card last night. Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak will face off at the PPV.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison, The New Day, The Usos, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, The Lucha House Party, and Heavy Machinery will face off in a gauntlet match on SmackDown tomorrow night. Those are the teams that will face off for the SmackDown Tag Team titles in an Elimination Chamber match at Sunday’s pay-per-view.
The team that wins the gauntlet match will enter the Elimination Chamber last on Sunday.
Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins starred in pre-Elimination Chamber gauntlet matches over the last two years, though those respective gauntlet matches were won by Randy Orton and Braun Strowman.
Miz & Morrison won the SmackDown Tag Team titles from The New Day at Super ShowDown last week.
Tomorrow’s SmackDown is taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks will face Naomi & Lacey Evans in a rematch from last week. WWE has also announced that Bray Wyatt will host a Firefly Fun House segment on the show.
New SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison are set to defend their titles inside of the Elimination Chamber.
During tonight’s SmackDown, it was announced that Miz & Morrison will defend their titles against The New Day, The Usos, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, The Lucha House Party, and Heavy Machinery in an Elimination Chamber match on Sunday, March 8.
The Elimination Chamber pay-per-view is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
After winning the SmackDown Tag Team titles from The New Day at Super ShowDown, Miz & Morrison appeared on SmackDown tonight. They were interrupted by the Elimination Chamber match announcement and then lost a non-title match against The Usos.
This is the second Elimination Chamber match that’s been confirmed for this year’s Elimination Chamber PPV. Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Natalya, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, and Sarah Logan will also face off inside of the Elimination Chamber to determine Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch’s challenger for WrestleMania 36.
Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zayn & Cesaro challenging for Braun Strowman’s Intercontinental title in a three-on-one handicap match has also been announced for the Elimination Chamber PPV.
Two of the newly announced matches will take place on the main card, while the other is set for the Super ShowDown pre-show. Mansoor vs. Dolph Ziggler and Angel Garza vs. Humberto Carrillo are set for the main card. The Viking Raiders will face Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson on the pre-show.
NXT’s Mansoor has been pushed as a hometown hero at WWE’s events in Saudi Arabia, winning the 50-man battle royal at last year’s Super ShowDown and defeating Cesaro at Crown Jewel in October.
Garza defeated Carrillo in their match on this week’s Raw. They’ll face off again in a tag team match next Monday, with Garza teaming with Andrade against Carrillo & Rey Mysterio.
At October’s Crown Jewel event, Gallows & Anderson last eliminated The Viking Raiders to win the World Cup tag team turmoil match.
The Super ShowDown pre-show will begin on the WWE Network at 11 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow, with the main card starting an hour later. The show is taking place at Mohammed Abdu Arena on the Boulevard in Riyadh.
Here’s the updated lineup:
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt defending against Goldberg
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Ricochet
Roman Reigns vs. Baron Corbin in a steel cage match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Naomi
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) defending against The Miz & John Morrison
Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Murphy defending against The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
Tuwaiq Trophy gauntlet match (AJ Styles, Andrade, Rey Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, Erick Rowan, and R-Truth)
Mansoor vs. Dolph Ziggler
Angel Garza vs. Humberto Carrillo
The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs. The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Nikki & Brie Bella are returning to WWE television on this week’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that The Bellas will be Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross’ guests for a Moment of Bliss segment on this Friday’s SmackDown. Dave Meltzer confirmed last week that The Bellas are scheduled to be part of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class, though the official announcement of that has yet to be made.
Nikki & Brie revealed last month that they’re both pregnant and expecting babies later this year.
Season five of Total Bellas will premiere on E! at 10 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday, April 9.
An eight-man tag match has also been added to this week’s SmackDown. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will team with The Usos against The Miz, John Morrison, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.
New Day are defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against Miz & Morrison at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia next Thursday (February 27).
This week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Goldberg will appear on the episode to continue the build to him challenging “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt for the Universal Championship at Super ShowDown.
Carmella and Naomi will face off on SmackDown to determine who will challenge for Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Super ShowDown. There will also be a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans on the episode.
Roman Reigns and Baron Corbin brought their loser eats dog food stipulation to television last night.
After the stipulation had been used for Reigns vs. Corbin house show matches, it was added to Reigns & The Usos’ six-man tag match against Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode on last night’s SmackDown. Corbin lost the match for his team and then was humiliated after.
An Intercontinental title change also took place, with Braun Strowman defeating Shinsuke Nakamura to win his first singles title. Naomi returned to SmackDown and set her sights on Bayley’s championship, and The Miz & John Morrison became the number one contenders to The New Day’s Tag Team titles.
SmackDown takes place from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas tonight and features the final build to the Royal Rumble.
A six-man tag match is set for tonight, with Roman Reigns & The Usos teaming up against King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode. The six-man tag comes in advance of Reigns, and Corbin facing off in a falls count anywhere match on Sunday night. In addition to that, both will be entrants in the men’s Rumble.
The falls count anywhere stipulation was announced by Reigns after he defeated Roode in their tables match last Friday.
Universal Champion Bray Wyatt and Daniel Bryan will take part in a contract signing tonight. The Fiend defends against Bryan at the Royal Rumble in a strap match. The stipulation was set up by a challenge that Bryan issued on SmackDown last week.
Kane and Bryan tried to set a trap for The Fiend, but The Fiend escaped back through the ring when Bryan attacked him. Bryan then challenged The Fiend to the strap match, saying the stipulation was his idea for how to beat someone who disappears every time they’re in trouble.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Roman Reigns & The Usos defeated King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
This was a good match and a fun way to kick off the night. Jimmy Uso and Roode had a quick exchange. Jimmy charged, but Roode gave him a backdrop over the rope. Jimmy tried landing on the apron, but he slipped off. Ziggler then grabbed Jimmy by the hair and sent the back of his head into the ring steps.
Reigns, Jey, and medical personal checked on Jimmy. Jimmy was taken out of the match and to the back.
Back from the break, Reigns and Jey are going on with the match despite the disadvantage. Jey caught Corbin with a back elbow and climbed to the top. He missed a cross body, and Corbin hit deep six for a close near fall.
The heels took over and isolated Jey on their side of the ring. Jey fought back and hit an enziguri on Roode. Jey was about to make a tag when Corbin yanked Reigns off the apron and threw him over the barricade into the front row.
Back from the break, Reigns isn’t on the apron, so Jey is on his own against the three heels. Jey sent Corbin shoulder-first into the ring post. Reigns got the hot tag, and Corbin tagged out.
Reigns ran wild on Ziggler and hit a running boot. Reigns set up for the superman punch, but Roode caused a distraction. Corbin grabbed Reigns by the hair, and Ziggler hit a superkick for a close near fall.
Reigns is on his own against the three heels as Jey is off the apron. The heels regained control and beat down Reigns.
Roode attempted the Glorious DDT, but Reigns rolled through for a two count. Reigns then hit a huge powerbomb.
Jey Uso got back up on the apron. Reigns attempted the tag, but Ziggler yanked Jey off the apron. The heels isolated Reigns in their corner.
Ziggler attempted a superkick, but Reigns hit the superman punch.
Jimmy Uso limped down to the ring and got the hot tag. Jimmy ran wild and threw Corbin over the announce table.
Jimmy followed up with a crossbody on Roode, but Corbin broke up the pinfall attempt.
Reigns hit the superman punch on Corbin. They fought around ringside and over the barricade.
Reigns and Corbin fought through the crowd and to the back.
Jey hit a crossbody off the announce table onto Ziggler on the floor. In the ring, Roode and Jimmy fought on the top turnbuckle. Jimmy pushed off Roode and hits the splash for the win.
They recapped the Lacey Evans pinning SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley last week.
Michael Cole Interviews Lacey Evans
Cole interviewed Evans on the stage. Cole wondered why Evans questioned Sasha Banks and Bayley’s leadership.
Cole asked about Evans’s upbringing, and she became emotional. She talked about her father’s addiction and battle, which he lost. She began crying, and she talked about never giving up. The fans cheered and gave her a great reaction.
Evans talked about her military career and promised to be a better leader than Banks and Bayley.
They showed footage of Banks taunting Evans daughter. She told the story of her daughter crying backstage. Evans noted she put Banks on the shelf and is going to do the same to Bayley.
Suddenly, Bayley jumped Evans from behind. Referees ran out to stop Bayley from attacking Evans.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Carmella and Dana Brooke. She asked them how they’re feeling about the Rumble this Sunday.
Carmella’s confident that she’s going to win and ran down her accomplishments. Brooke mocked Carmella and noted the Rumble is every woman for herself. She knows she’s the underdog but promises to win.
Suddenly, Bayley and Evans fought in the background. Brooke and Carmella stepped in to break it up along with the referees.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs. Fire & Desire
They recapped Otis catching Mandy Rose, which led to Sonya Deville losing. Before the match, they showed footage of Rose and Deville making up.
Before the match could start, Bayley and Lacey Evans ran down to the ring. A brawl broke out between all the women, and the referee called for the bell.
Before the match, Elias sang the song “Texas Dream.” He then introduced his tag team partner Strowman, to help him sing. Strowman made his way down to the ring.
Elias and Strowman were about to sing when the heels interrupted.
Elias and Cesaro went back and forth. Elias walked the top rope and hit a Meteora. Back from the break, the heels isolated Elias on their side of the ring. Cesaro knocked Strowman off the apron.
Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa, but Elias countered with a knee. Strowman got the hot tag and ran wild. He missed a charge in the corner, and Nakamura hit a knee off the second turnbuckle.
Zayn distracted the referee, and Nakamura tried bringing in a chair. Elias cut him off and took him out. The finish came when Strowman hit a running power slam on Cesaro, and Elias hit an elbow off the top for the win.
In the back, Big E put a ton of grease on himself. Kofi Kingston didn’t understand what Big E’s doing. He explained that it’s going to be tough to throw him out at the Rumble. Kingston promised to defeat John Morrison tonight, and they’re both excited for the Rumble on Sunday. They’re going to win it for the injured Xavier Woods.
Kayla Braxton interviewed King Corbin backstage. He promised to defeat Roman Reigns at The Royal Rumble and said that Reigns wouldn’t make it to the Rumble match.
They showed a video package looking back at the history of the Royal Rumble match and various records.
In the back, Sheamus talked about his return and his feud with Shorty G. He promised to defeat Shorty G at the Royal Rumble and finished what he started.
John Morrison (w/The Miz) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Big E)
Before the match, The Miz scolded the fans for booing Morrison last week after being gone for eight years. Miz then announced that they’re both entering the Rumble this year.
Morrison gave Kingston a monkey flip, but Kingston landed on his feet. Kingston returned the favor, and Morrison landed face first.
Morrison fought back but missed a twisting plancha to the floor. Kingston followed up with a dive of his own.
Back from the break, Kingston caught Morrison with a sunset flip, but Morrison rolled through and rocked Kingston with a knee.
Kingston fought back and caught Morrison with a dropkick. He followed up with the Boom Drop and set up for the trouble in paradise. Morrison rocked Kingston with a kick out of nowhere.
Morrison poked Kingston in the eyes behind the referees back and hit the Spanish fly for a close near fall. Kingston recovered and hit the SOS for a two count.
Morrison attempted a pin with his feet on the second rope. Big E knocked the feet off, and Miz attacked Big E.
Big E chased Miz around ringside, and he jumped up on the apron. Kingston rocked Miz with the trouble in paradise. Morrison blindsided Kingston and hit Starship Pain for the win.
Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt-Daniel Bryan Strap Match Contract Signing
Michael Cole stood in the ring with a table and the contract. Cole explained the rules of a strap match and introduced the participants, Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt.
Firefly Funhouse Interrupted on the big screen. Wyatt struggled to fax the contract to Bryan and wondered why Bryan would want to strap himself to Him.
Bryan pulled out the strap and demanded Wyatt come to the ring. Wyatt noted his lawyer Mercey The Buzzard advises him not too.
Bryan said he figured out Wyatt’s mind games. He’s just running from his past and his mistakes.
Wyatt noted “mistake” is the word of the day. Wyatt’s not the one in the match, so it only makes sense that He signs the contract.
The lights went out. The red lights came on, and “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt was standing in the ring. Wyatt attacked Bryan gave him Sister Abigal and the mandible claw.
Wyatt then viciously whipped Bryan with the strap. Wyatt sat down to sign the contract. He grabbed the pen and stabbed his other hand, and signed the contract with his blood. The fans chanted, “You’ve Got Issues.”
Wyatt threw the contract at Bryan and left. The lights came back on to show the marks on Bryan’s back from the strap.
