On his Fangin N’ Bangin podcast, former WWE wrestler Gangrel said he was scheduled to appear on AEW Dynamite in Milwaukee, but it was canceled Monday after Edge’s homage to The Brood last weekend.
He said AEW reached out last week for the Milwaukee show and were even in the process of putting his entrance together with music and pyro with fire. He was preparing to fly out to Milwaukee on Tuesday, but got the call Monday that they were going in a different direction due to “WWE media stuff.”
In a surprise on last Friday’s SmackDown, Edge gave Rollins a “Brood bath” (black liquid designed to imitate blood) ahead of their clash at Saturday’s SummerSlam where he even did part of the Brood entrance for that match.
Gangrel said he was both worried about the opportunity falling through and happy for Edge at the same time. He knew once he saw the “tremendously done” entrance Saturday and that “I knew it was the final nail in the coffin.” He opined that AEW didn’t want to come off as copying WWE so close to the Edge homage.
He didn’t say what AEW was bringing him in for, but it’s assumed it would have been part of the Christian Cage/Kenny Omega angle given his Brood relationship to Cage.
Gangrel said he called Edge to talk about SmackDown and eventually reluctantly revealed what had happened after Edge was excited that Gangrel might get more bookings out of the angle.
Once Edge found out, he felt bad about the situation and was apologetic as he had no idea. He had been working on it for nearly three months and said it was hard to get WWE to approve it because of their PG rating. He wanted red “blood” but was told if it wasn’t black, it wasn’t going to happen.
He said he had no ill will toward Edge and was thrilled to see the entrance pulled off. He simply chalked it up to bad timing and hopes to be booked by AEW again in the future.
Edge and Seth Rollins are officially set to go one-on-one for the first time ever.
Edge vs. Rollins has been made official for SummerSlam. The pay-per-view is taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 21.
The build to Edge vs. Rollins began prior to last month’s Money in the Bank PPV. Rollins wanted to challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at Money in the Bank, but Edge was chosen as Reigns’ opponent instead.
Rollins interfered in Reigns vs. Edge at Money in the Bank and helped cost Edge the match. Edge and Rollins then brawled after the match.
Edge vs. Rollins was announced for SummerSlam during a segment on tonight’s SmackDown. Edge challenged Rollins to the match, but Rollins said he was going to think about it. Rollins brought up Edge’s past neck injuries and warned him about what would happen when Rollins stomps his head into the mat.
Edge responded by saying that Rollins has tried to walk in his footsteps but can’t fill them. He called Rollins the lite version of Edge. Rollins got mad at that and accepted Edge’s challenge.
During Edge and Rollins’ feud, WWE has referenced the angle where Rollins threatened Edge on Raw in 2014. Rollins has vowed that he won’t hesitate to take out Edge this time.
Here’s the updated card for SummerSlam:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against John Cena
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Goldberg
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Sasha Banks
Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. defends against Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match
Edge vs. Seth Rollins
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Date: July 18, 2021 Location: Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX
Show Recap —
KICK-OFF SHOW
Kayla Braxton hosts with Jerry Lawler, Booker T, JBL, and Peter Rosenberg. The crowd (those who have shown up so far) chanted “welcome back” as soon as they were introduced, and they all got their names chanted except for Rosenberg (the crowd chanted for Braxton when Rosenberg was introduced).
Sonya Deville joined them and they interviewed Liv Morgan (by video) about the Money in the Bank match. Morgan was practically in tears already speaking about the opportunity. Morgan said she had no other option than to win tonight.
Three of the four panelists picked Charlotte Flair to beat Rhea Ripley. All four picked AJ Styles and Omos to beat the Viking Raiders, and all four picked Bobby Lashley to beat Kofi Kingston.
They aired a video recap of Smackdown and the return of a live crowd. Braxton spoke about the reaction Edge received.
Miz and John Morrison busted in on the panel. The crowd was happy to see them and they chanted “Johnny drip stick.” Morrison admitted he was nervous for tonight but that was a good thing.
The Usos defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio to win the Smackdown Tag Team Championships (11:26)
The crowd seems pumped to see anyone and everyone so far. They booed the Usos once they got the heat but part of the crowd chanted for them later, too.
Dominik tried a dive off the top rope but he was caught by both Usos and they swung him into the barricade. Rey made a hot tag and hit Jey with a seated senton off the top for two. Jimmy blind-tagged in and gave Rey a superkick and Samoan drop for two. Rey went for a 619 on Jey but Jimmy (not the legal man) jumped in the way and took the move instead.
This led to Jey hitting a splash for a close nearfall. That spawned a “this is awesome” chant. Jimmy dropped Rey face-first on the turnbuckle and Jey assisted him in making the cover (which the referee couldn’t see) for the pinfall win. So Jimmy pinned Rey.
The crowd popped for the title change. The match itself was fine.
MONEY IN THE BANK MAIN SHOW
The show started with a big fireworks display. The stage seems the same as the one used for Smackdown.
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Nikki A.S.H. defeated Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Naomi, Natalya, Tamina, Zelina Vega and Liv Morgan (15:46)
Bliss, Naomi, Asuka, and Morgan seemed to get the best reactions coming out.
All of the women began fighting outside the ring as Bliss pranced around the ring. It seemed like she might use magic to grab the briefcase without climbing but Asuka attacked her. Everyone traded moves after that. Morgan tried quickly climbing the ladder as Tamina held it up but Tamina attacked both her and Vega.
Later in the match, Bliss “creepily” crawled up a ladder that had Morgan pinned in the corner. Natalya went after Bliss but Bliss no-sold it and laughed. Bliss and Vega found themselves on top of the ladder until Bliss hypnotized Vega and caused her to climb down the ladder. The crowd lightly groaned. Bliss tried climbing the ladder but Natalya powerbombed her.
Vega was lying face-first on a ladder platform and Naomi powerbombed Morgan on top of her. Naomi managed to hit a double stunner on Natalya and Tamina. She also slammed Nikki on a ladder and followed with a leg drop.
Vega jumped on Natalya’s back but Natalya managed to climb to the ladder anyway. Natalya began passing out as Vega tried grabbing the briefcase but Morgan knocked them down. Everyone brawled in the ring until they were knocked down by a flying Nikki.
Bliss gave Nikki her version of Sister Abigail but was stopped from climbing by Natalya and Tamina. Everyone buried Bliss under a pile of ladders, which the crowd booed.
Three ladders were set up in the ring and six women battled at the top (not Bliss). As they fought for position, Nikki ASH simply climbed above them (over Morgan) and grabbed the ladder because they weren’t paying enough attention. Nikki wins.
The crowd popped for the finish, which made Nikki look smart and everyone else look dumb. The match was about what you’d expect.
The Usos celebrated backstage. Roman Reigns said he was happy for them. They offered him the title belts and said, “for you,” but he told them, “hold on to them for me.” He advised them that winning the titles was the easy part. Reigns told Jey that he’s the reason he was there, then looked at Jimmy and said, “and you…” but didn’t follow up. A few people chucked as the camera zoomed in Jimmy’s face. Jey and Jimmy took turns sucking up to Reigns. He told them he was proud of them. (There were some brief “boring” chants as Reigns spoke to the Usos as well.)
Before the upcoming match, they decided to replay some footage from last year of the Viking Raiders and the Street Profits doing their competitions (bowling, basketball, axe throwing).
AJ Styles & Omos defeated The Viking Raiders to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships (12:56)
Omos started the match and knocked down both Viking Raiders but Ivar and Erik briefly gained control after Styles got in. There was a very cool spot where Omos launched Styles out of the ring and Styles wiped out Erik with a flying hurricanrana. The Raiders again gained control of Styles but Omos tagged in and slammed Ivar.
Erik and Ivar double-teamed Styles before knocking Omos from the apron. They gave Styles a combo springboard clothesline/German suplex for two. Styles fought off both guys and tagged in Omos. He press-slammed Ivar, which popped the crowd, for two.
Ivar fought off Styles before he and Erik took turns going after Omos. Erik brought Omos down to his knees with a dive as Styles went after Ivar in the ring. Ivar ducked a Phenomenal forearm and they gave him a Viking Experience, but Omos shoved Erik into Ivar to break up the cover.
There was a brief exchange that led to Omos giving Erik a tree slam for the pinfall win. The crowd was happy that the champs retained. (They chanted for Styles throughout the match.)
Kevin Patrick interviewed Drew McIntyre. He was thrilled to be back with the live crowd and he needed to win tonight. He had one last story to tell: he was kicking off heads tonight, climbing the ladder and winning the briefcase. (He seemed to get a mixed reaction but got more cheers the more he mentioned the name of the city.)
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) defeated Kofi Kingston to retain the WWE Championship (7:37)
Lashley squashed Kingston.
Kingston (who entered alone) got a very good reaction coming out.
MVP held Kingston’s foot as the match started and Lashley went for a spear, but Kingston countered into a cover for a one count. Lashley quickly took over after that. Kingston tried fighting back but Lashley killed him with a spinebuster. Before the three-minute mark of the match, Lashley drove Kingston twice into the post.
The crowd chanted for Kingston as Lashley nailed a running forearm in the corner and followed with a flatliner. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock and Kingston seemed to be countering it but Lashley used his strength to toss him across the ring with a fallaway slam. Lashley hit another flatliner, followed by three consecutive Ron Simmons Dominators.
The crowd booed as Lashley taunted them. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock and Kingston appeared to tap. The referee called it. Lashley wins by submission.
Charlotte Flair defeated Rhea Ripley to win the Raw Women’s Championship (16:49)
Corey Graves noted that it’s been an especially long time for Charlotte wrestling in front of a live crowd because she didn’t compete at this year’s WrestleMania.
When the match started, the crowd chanted for Charlotte before chanting for Ripley. When they chanted for Ripley, Charlotte flipped off the crowd which caused the screen to go black for a moment (but we still got to see it anyway). The crowd popped when they realized they got to Charlotte. That also led to a “we want Becky” chant.
There seemed to be dueling chants for each woman but that also bled into another “we want Becky” chant. The crowd got into it after Ripley hit a Northern Lights suplex. She also hit a hard German suplex. Charlotte blocked a missile dropkick and applied a Boston crab. A series of counters led to a big boot by Charlotte for two.
Another series of counters led to Ripley impressively powering Charlotte into a vertical suplex, which got a nice reaction from the crowd. Charlotte booted Ripley from the ring before hitting a moonsault off the top to the outside. Ripley blocked a Natural Selection and applied a standing cloverleaf but Charlotte countered into a rollup for two.
Charlotte countered a Riptide and spiked Ripley with a DDT for a nearfall. They traded strikes until Charlotte hit a back elbow. She tried doing a cover with her feet on the ropes but the referee caught her. Ripley kicked Charlotte in the head but Charlotte shoved her off the top and hit a Natural Selection from the top rope for a very close nearfall. “This is awesome” chant.
Charlotte went for a Figure Eight but Ripley chucked her from the ring. Charlotte slammed Ripley into the post, trapped Ripley’s leg between the post and the steel steps, then kicked the steps repeatedly. Charlotte put Ripley in the Figure Eight and Ripley had no choice but to tap out. Charlotte is the new champion.
The crowd really got into this as it went and they popped for the finish. Very good match.
Riddle approached Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs in Gorilla position. Riddle was a fan of theirs and Boogs was a fan of his. They wished each other luck. Riddle said Randy Orton was a big fan of theirs too. Boogs was excited but Riddle admitted that Orton never actually told him that, he just assumed as much. Riddle asked Boogs to play Orton’s theme and Boogs obliged. They sang Orton’s theme together. Nakamura initially seemed annoyed but he got into it and did Orton’s pose. Kevin Owens was nearby and appeared nonplussed. The crowd enjoyed this.
(Apparently, a bunch of people lost their feed on Peacock. I’m watching on the WWE Network in Canada and it’s working fine.)
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Big E defeated Kevin Owens, Riddle, Shinsuke Nakamura, Seth Rollins, Ricochet, John Morrison and Drew McIntyre (18:05)
Rollins and Morrison argued over who was the drip-iest until Riddle kicked Rollins in the face. Ricochet then wiped out Morrison with a crazy flip dive. Big E and McIntyre had a big staredown. McIntyre gave him an overhead suplex but Big E wiped him out with a spear to the outside. Nakamura gave Owens a reverse exploder onto a ladder.
Morrison (who is actually a big crowd favourite) gave Nakamura a corkscrew dive off a ladder. Namakura put Morrison in an armbar on top of the ladder but Rollins knocked down Nakamura with a flying knee. Morrison and Rollins decided to work together and they knocked down a few people with ladders.
Morrison gave Riddle a Samoan drop on a ladder before he and Rollins gave Ricochet a back body drop on a ladder. Owens went after Rollins but Morrison saved him. They set up a ladder bridge but Owens fought them off for a moment. Morrison and Rollins held up a ladder but Owens used a Lionsault to take them down.
It didn’t matter though because Rollins (with Morrison’s help) gave Owens a falcon arrow onto the edge of a ladder (like the Sami Zayn Michinoku Driver on Owens a few years ago). McIntyre went after Rollins and Morrison but they fought him off and Morrison hit a spinning elbow drop off the top (which probably missed). Rollins then hit Morrison with a ladder.
A bunch of babyfaces finally came back in and Riddle took out Rollins with an RKO. Riddle and Nakamura traded strikes until McIntyre took them down with a double Claymore. He also gave Big E a Future Shock DDT and gave Ricochet a reverse Alabama Slam on a ladder. McIntyre then wiped out a bunch of bodies with a flip dive.
McIntyre did a big 3-2-1 countdown before hitting Rollins with a Claymore. Veer and Shanky ran down to prevent McIntyre from climbing the ladder. Jinder Mahal ran down and attacked McIntyre with a chair. They dragged McIntyre away.
Riddle began climbing the ladder but Ricochet leaped onto the ladder to stop him. Riddle pushed the ladder over but Ricochet used the opportunity to wipe out a crowd with a crazy dive.
Riddle and Ricochet battled atop a ladder and Big E stopped Rollins from getting involved. Riddle yanked Big E and Ricochet from the ladder and gave them both RKOs. Nakamura fought off Riddle but Morrison sprayed him with a drip stick. Owens gave out stunners to Morrison and Nakamura. Ricochet blocked a stunner but Owens gave him a pop-up powerbomb instead.
Owens began climbing but Rollins powerbombed him to the outside through a ladder bridge. “Holy shit” and “this is awesome” chants. Rollins took too long to climb the ladder which allowed Big E to catch him with a Big Ending off a ladder.
Big E climbed the ladder and grabbed the briefcase. Big E is Mr. Money in the Bank. Crowd was very happy. Big E celebrated and the crowd remained on their feet. This was terrific.
The announcers plugged SummerSlam in Las Vegas.
Patrick interviewed Seth Rollins who could barely breathe. Rollins was pissed that he lost. Rollins thought he should have been in the Universal title match instead of the ladder match and he blamed Edge. He wasn’t waiting around. He said he was next in line for the winner of Edge vs. Reigns.
Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Edge to retain the Universal Championship (33:05)
The crowd cheered Edge. The crowd booed Roman Reigns. They’re pumped for the match.
Edge used a waist lock takedown before smacking Reigns in the head to mock him. Reigns knocked Edge out of the ring with a shoulder block and mocked him. Once they got going, it seemed like Reigns would take control, but Edge targeted his arm/shoulder until Reigns bailed from the ring. Reigns came back with right hands but Edge knocked him from the ring again.
Edge went after him but Reigns gave him a Samoan drop on the outside. It seemed like Edge might get counted out (not really) but he got back in. Reigns toyed with Edge and attacked him around ringside for a bit. (Edge sold like he’s been beaten up for a while, but not that much has happened really.) The crowd chanted “Roman sucks” as he slowly sauntered around Edge.
Reigns held Edge for a long time in a rest hold. It’s somehow already been 14-minutes. Edge fought out but ate a right hand. Reigns followed with a drive-by dropkick for two.
Edge countered a superman punch into a backslide for two, then they knocked each other down with big boots. They traded strikes until Edge hit an Edge-O-Matic for two.
(This match is now as long as the men’s ladder match.)
Edge hit a flapjack and impaler DDT for two. With Reigns sitting on the top rope, Edge slammed his head into the top of the ring post before booting him in the corner. Edge applied a crossface but Reigns just barely got a rope break.
Edge went for a spear but Reigns caught him in a guillotine. Edge responded by driving himself and Reigns out of the ring. Reigns went for a spear on the outside but Edge moved and Reigns crashed through the barricade.
Edge then ran outside and speared Reigns through a different part of the barricade. Edge hoisted Reigns on his shoulders into the ring and applied a cover but Reigns kicked out. The crowd chanted for Edge. Edge tried another DDT but Reigns blocked and hit a superman punch. Edge fell into referee Charles Robinson, who died on the spot.
Reigns broke a piece off a steel chair and tried using it to put Edge in a crossface. (Officials and medical staff ran down to check on Robinson, but nobody thought to send a new referee into the ring). Edge fought out and put Reigns into a crossface using the metal piece of the chair.
The Usos made their way down the ramp but were taken out by Dominik and Rey Mysterio.
Edge still had the hold on but Seth Rollins slipped in and kicked Edge in the head. Reigns got up and set up for a spear. Edge speared Reigns anyway, which was cool, and a new referee ran out but Reigns just barely kicked out.
Rollins ran back down and leaped on the apron. Edge chased him away but Reigns speared Edge for the win. Reigns retains.
(I didn’t like this but the crowd was into it all the way through. So take that for what it’s worth. I don’t blame Edge or Reigns, it was just the match layout.)
Rollins attacked Edge after the match. Rollins and Reigns had a brief staredown before Edge attacked Rollins. Edge attacked him through the crowd and as soon as they disappeared from the frame, Reigns’ music played.
Heyman handed Reigns a mic. Reigns said the whole world can acknowledge him.
John Cena’s music hit and the place erupted.
Cena entered. He posed and played to the crowd as Reigns looked annoyed and the show came to an end.
WWE returns to touring, starting with tonight’s SmackDown from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Tonight’s episode is SmackDown’s go-home show for Money in the Bank. The episode will be headlined by Roman Reigns & The Usos facing Edge, Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio in a six-man tag match.
The six-man tag will preview two of Sunday’s title matches. Reigns is defending his WWE Championship against Edge at Money in the Bank, while The Usos are challenging for The Mysterios’ SmackDown Tag Team titles on Sunday’s pre-show.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends her title against Carmella tonight. Originally, Belair was supposed to face Bayley at Money in the Bank, but Bayley suffered a knee injury and will be out of action for approximately nine months. Liv Morgan is taking Carmella’s place in Sunday’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match.
The participants in the women’s ladder match are now: Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Zelina Vega, Morgan, Natalya, and Tamina.
SmackDown’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match participants (Big E, Kevin Owens, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Seth Rollins) are facing off in a fatal four-way match tonight. The men’s ladder match on Sunday will also feature Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, and Drew McIntyre.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They started with an awesome video package welcoming back crowds. It featured a series of classic moments with fans. They opened with a shot of the crowd.
Vince McMahon’s music hit, and he walked out to a huge pop. He asked the fans where they’ve been, and the crowd popped again. He took a bow and walked off.
Roman Reigns & The Usos (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Edge, Rey & Dominik Mysterio (9:22)
They had a really good match with a hot crowd.
Reigns came out first, so the fans popped for him initially but quickly started booing him. Rey and Dominik got a great reaction. Cole pointed out this is Dominik’s first match in front of fans.
The fans broke into a loud “Edge” chant right before he made his entrance. Edge got a huge pop when he came out. The cut to a commercial immediately.
Reigns distracted Edge, and Jey attacked him from behind to start the match. The faces took over and worked over Jimmy’s arm. Edge picked up Jimmy, and Rey hit a senton off the top. Dominik followed up with a springboard moonsault for a near fall. Fans broke into a brief “Dominik” chant.
Jimmy gave Dominik a knee from the apron, and Jey hit an uppercut to take over. Reigns put his hand out for the tag, and the fans erupted in boos. Reigns was awesome playing to the crowd and getting more boos.
Reigns pulled Dominik out of the ring and gave him a huge powerbomb through the announce table.
Back from the break, Dominik hit a tornado DDT on Jimmy. Edge got the hot tag and ran wild on the heels. Edge avoided a Samoan drop but got rocked with a superkick.
Rey made the blind tag and scored a near fall.
Dominik hit a huge springboard crossbody block to the floor on Jimmy. Reigns then tossed Dominik into the ring post.
Rey set up for the 619 on Jey, but Reigns grabbed Rey from the floor. Reigns pushed Rey into the apron. Suddenly, Edge hit a spear on Reigns.
The finish came when Jimmy caught Rey with a superkick, and Jey rolled him up for the win.
After the match, The Usos jumped Rey and beat him down. Dominik tried making the save, but The Usos overpowered him. Edge jumped in with a chair and took out the Usos.
Reigns jumped in and hit the superman punch on Edge. The fans erupted in boos as Reigns celebrated. He then broke off a piece of a chair, but Edge hit a spear. He took the piece of chair and put Reigns in the cross face. Reigns tapped, and the fans cheered.
Edge grabbed the belt and posed in the middle of the ring.
Back from the break, Kayla Braxton interviewed Edge. Despite making Reigns tap, he has to go into a dark place of his soul. He promised to do whatever it takes to win the title Sunday.
Seth Rollins started laughing hysterically. He’s sure that Reigns is going to win, but he hopes Edge wins. He promised to win the Money in the Bank ladder match. Then he’s going to finish what he started seven years ago when he had his foot on Edge’s neck.
Sami Zayn came out and claimed he should be in the Money in the Bank ladder match. He said he’s being kept out of the match on purpose. He said now he has the fans to support him.
Zayn tried to get them chanting, but they booed instead. He demanded a spot in the ladder match.
Suddenly, Finn Balor’s music hit, and he made his return to a huge pop. There was a faint “NXT” chant. Zayn welcomed him back and then tried to attack. Balor was ready for him and beat Zayn down. He then hit the coup de grace.
They recapped Shotzi and Nox debuting last week on SmackDown.
They aired an Apollo Crews video package highlighting his recent success.
Non-Title Match: Shotzi & Nox defeated WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina (3:18)
They had an okay match with a weak finish. Shotzi and Nox’s victory earns them a future title shot.
Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega joined Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary. Morgan and Vega weren’t good on commentary. They kept arguing, which took away from the match.
Natalya and Tamina had the early advantage as they isolated Shotzi on their side of the ring.
The fans broke into a faint “Shotzi” chant. Shotzi fought back and tagged Nox.
Nox ran wild and hit a cannonball in the corner.
Nox followed up with the shiniest wizard for a near fall. Natalya recovered and went for the sharpshooter on Nox.
On commentary, Vega and Morgan started arguing. Eventually, they started brawling at ringside. Their brawl distracted Natalya and Nox used a small package for the win.
After the match, Tamina and Natalya beat down Morgan and Vega. Morgan fought back and posed in the ring to cheers.
Bianca Belair was on her way to the ring. Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode tried to talk to her, but she ignored them.
Belair and Carmella had a good match. The fans loved Belair and went crazy for everything she did.
They did the special ring introduction for the match. The crowd gave Belair a huge reaction and chanted, “E.S.T.”
Carmella slapped Belair to start the match. Belair chased Carmella around ringside and gained the early advantage. Carmella backed Belair in the corner and beat her down to boos.
Belair did a backflip and hit a shoulder tackle to regain control. They fought on the apron until Carmella pulled Belair into the ring post. She then threw Belair into the steps for a near fall.
Carmella dragged Belair back to the floor and threw her into the barricade.
Back from the break, Belair regained control and hit a headspring splash for a two-count. She climbed to the top rope, but Carmella cut her off. They fought on the top turnbuckle until Carmella hit a hurricanrana for a near fall.
The fans broke into another “E.S.T.” chant. Belair tried to roll up Carmella, but she kicked off, and Belair went head-first into the middle turnbuckle. In an impressive spot, Carmella locked on a guillotine submission, but Belair fought out into a delayed vertical suplex for a close near fall.
They fought on the floor until Carmella hit a superkick. She grabbed at Belair’s hair out of frustration.
Belair recovered and whipped Carmella with her ponytail. She then hit the KOD for the win to a huge pop.
In the back, Otis and Chad Gable discussed Otis’ upcoming match with Cesaro. Gable promised that Otis is going to beat Cesaro later. Cesaro interrupted and mocked Gable and Otis. Otis jumped Cesaro and knocked him down.
They aired a Toni Storm vignette.
They recapped Otis destroying The Street Profits.
Cesaro defeated Otis (w/Chad Gable) via DQ (1:05)
Cesaro and Otis didn’t have a good match. They barely went a minute when it ended in a disqualification.
They showed highlights of Cesaro giving various stars the giant swing.
Otis backed Cesaro into the corner for the early advantage. Cesaro fought back and rocked Otis with a series of uppercuts. Gable jumped on the apron, but Cesaro knocked him off. Otis took advantage and regained control.
Otis missed a splash and went shoulder-first into the ring post.
Gable jumped in and hit a German suplex on Cesaro for the disqualification. Cesaro fought back and gave Gable the giant swing to a huge pop.
Otis attacked Cesaro and beat him down. He followed up with the Vader Bomb.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman. Heyman promised that Reigns is going to beat the sins out of Edge on Sunday. He also promised Reigns would beat Edge to retain the title.
Heyman was about to say that’s not a prediction; it’s a spoiler when Big E interrupted. Big E promised to win the Money in the Bank ladder match. He mocked Reigns and mentioned Edge putting him in the cross face.
Baron Corbin Segment
They recapped all of Corbin’s recent problems.
Corbin walked to the ring, looking sad. He hasn’t shaved in days and had a stain on his shirt. Corbin talked about the bank threatening to foreclose on his house. The fans broke into a “What?” chant almost instantly. He noted that he might have to move in with his in-laws because times are so tough. He started a Corbin Fund Me page and is trying to raise $100,000.
Corbin got on his knees and begged the fans. Suddenly, Kevin Owens’s music hit to a big pop. Corbin begged Owens for money. He pointed out that Owens doesn’t spend money on his wardrobe so he can afford it. Owens snapped and hit the stunner. Big E’s music hit, and he came out for the main event.
The end of the segment got a good reaction, but the rest of it was mixed.
Fatal Four-Way: Seth Rollins defeated Big E, Kevin Owens, and King Nakamura (8:01)
This was a good main event to end a fun SmackDown with a hot crowd.
Back from the break, Nakamura and Rollins made their entrance. The bell rang, and Rollins told the other three to fight it out. He stepped onto the apron and promised to see them Sunday.
Big E then hit the spear on Rollins off the apron. Rollins barely missed hitting his head on one of the ladders set up at ringside. Owens then hit a dive onto Big E, and Nakamura followed up with a knee off the apron. They then cut to another commercial break.
Back from the break, Owens climbed to the top rope, but Big E cut him off. He attempted a superplex, but Owens blocked the move. Nakamura and Big E teamed up to give Owens a double superplex.
Rollins missed a frog splash. Nakamura took over and knocked Rollins to the floor with a knee. He went for the Kinshasa on Owens, but Big E caught Nakamura with the Big Ending for a near fall. Rollins broke up the pin attempt and brought in a ladder.
Rollins knocked Nakamura to the floor and cleared the announce table. Rollins started climbing the ladder, but Owens pulled him down. Owens then climbed to the top of the ladder and hit a huge elbow on Nakamura. The crowd popped huge for the spot.
In the ring, Rollins hit the curb stomp on Big E on the ladder for the win.
After the match, Rollins climbed up the ladder and pulled down the briefcase to a chorus of boos.
Next Week: SmackDown takes place from Cleveland and Rolling Loud in Miami.
Roman Reigns and Edge are set to face off in six-man tag team action on SmackDown’s go-home show for Money in the Bank.
On this week’s Talking Smack, it was announced that Reigns & The Usos vs. Edge, Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio will take place on next Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The match will be the final build to Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Edge at Money in the Bank.
The Mysterios came to Edge’s aid by attacking The Usos during Edge’s brawl with Reigns on last night’s SmackDown. Reigns had told The Usos to stay in the back and that he wanted to handle things on his own. But The Usos said they felt like Reigns was being set up for a trap and came out to the ring without Reigns’ permission.
After The Usos and Mysterios got involved, Reigns got away during the brawl. He watched on from the ramp as Edge and The Mysterios took out The Usos. Reigns then headed to the back as the show was going off the air.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio are the SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Next week’s SmackDown marks the start of WWE’s return to touring. It’s taking place at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:
Roman Reigns & The Usos vs. Edge, Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Carmella
Big E vs. Kevin Owens vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins
After making his return last week, Edge is set to address Roman Reigns tonight.
WWE has announced that Edge will address Reigns on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. Reigns is defending his Universal Championship against Edge at Money in the Bank, which is taking place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18.
In his first appearance on WWE television since WrestleMania 37, Edge returned to SmackDown last Friday and brawled with Reigns. Reigns and Paul Heyman had been giving a “State of the Universal Championship Address” last week prior to Edge appearing. Heyman mentioned Reigns defeating Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 37 and claimed that Reigns had wiped out the entire division.
Edge went to give Reigns a con-chair-to last week, but he was stopped by Jimmy Uso. Reigns and Heyman headed up the ramp as Edge fought with Jimmy. Edge sent Jimmy into the steel steps and speared him through the barricade.
Reigns vs. Edge was made official for Money in the Bank on last week’s Talking Smack. Seth Rollins, who had asked Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville for the next shot at Reigns’ title, was a guest on Talking Smack when the announcement was made. Rollins was upset about Edge getting the title shot instead of him.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn in a Last Man Standing Money in the Bank qualifying match has also been announced for tonight’s SmackDown.
Edge is getting his one-on-one title shot against Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
On this week’s Talking Smack, it was announced that Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Edge at Money in the Bank. The pay-per-view is taking place at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, July 18. It will be the first PPV in WWE’s return to touring.
Video aired on Talking Smack of Edge approaching WWE authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville after last night’s SmackDown. Edge said he wanted the match that should have happened at WrestleMania 37: Roman Reigns vs. Edge for the Universal Championship. Edge demanded that the match be made for Money in the Bank. Pearce agreed to give Edge the match.
Seth Rollins was a guest on Talking Smack when the announcement was made. Rollins was upset about Reigns vs. Edge being announced. Rollins said he’s been around every day unlike Edge and deserves the match instead. Rollins stormed off Talking Smack looking to talk to somebody about the situation.
Rollins had told Pearce and Deville on SmackDown last night that he wanted the next shot at Reigns’ Universal title. Pearce responded by saying that they would take it under advisement.
Edge returned to SmackDown last night and brawled with Reigns. It was Edge’s first appearance on WWE television since WrestleMania 37 this April.
Reigns retained the Universal Championship by defeating Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 37. Edge won this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match to get the WrestleMania title shot, but Bryan was added to make it a triple threat match. The finish of the match was Reigns stacking Edge and Bryan on top of each other and pinning them.
Here’s the updated card for Money in the Bank.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Kofi Kingston
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Charlotte Flair
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and three more wrestlers to be determined)
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Big E, and four more wrestlers to be determined)
A last chance qualifying match between AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre on Monday’s Raw will determine Raw’s final participant for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. A Last Man Standing Money in the Bank qualifying match between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn has also been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
Edge returned to SmackDown last night and went after Universal Champion Roman Reigns.
In his first appearance since WrestleMania 37, Edge brawled with Reigns in the main event angle of last night’s show. Reigns and Paul Heyman were giving a “State of the Universal Championship Address” and listed Edge’s name among the challengers Reigns has defeated. Heyman said Reigns has cleared out the division.
Edge got the better of his brawl with Reigns until Reigns hit a Superman punch. Reigns went to go get a steel chair, but Edge gave Reigns a spear when he came back in the ring. Edge set up Reigns for a con-chair-to, but Jimmy Uso saved Reigns. Uso attacked Edge but was sent into the steel steps and given a spear through the barricade.
Reigns and Heyman headed up the ramp as Edge fought with Uso. Edge asked where Reigns was at and said that if Reigns wants him — Edge is right here.
Edge challenged for Reigns’ Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37 this April, but the match was turned into a triple threat match with Daniel Bryan added. Reigns retained the Universal Championship by stacking Edge and Bryan on top of each other and pinning them.
Dave Meltzer and I are back with Wrestling Observer Radio after a newsworthy day in WWE. We go over all of the 14 releases.
We also discuss AEW finanances, Edge showing up at Smackdown, Fast 9 releasing in the US on Friday with John Cena as the main villain, Kenny Omega vs Jungle Boy, the New Japan Pro Wrestling show in LA with Jon Moxley, Filthy Tom’s match with Kojima, and some MMA news.
Check out our new Facebook Group for those of you interested in attending any F4W meetups, including the 2022 F4W Convention.
In the main event angle of tonight’s SmackDown, Edge returned to WWE television for the first time since WrestleMania 37.
Edge appeared as Roman Reigns was giving a “State of the Universal Championship Address” on tonight’s SmackDown. He brawled with Reigns and gave Jimmy Uso a spear through the barricade.
Edge got the better of the brawl with Reigns until Reigns gave him a Superman Punch. Reigns went and got a steel chair, but Edge gave Reigns a spear when he came back into the ring. Edge set up Reigns for a con-chair-to until Jimmy Uso stopped him. Jimmy attacked Edge but was sent into the steel steps. Edge then speared Jimmy through the barricade.
Reigns and Paul Heyman headed up the ramp as Edge fought with Jimmy. Edge asked where Reigns was at and said that if Reigns wants him — Edge is right here.
Heyman had mentioned Edge’s name tonight when running down all of the challengers that Reigns has defeated. Heyman claimed that Reigns had wiped out the entire division.
Reigns retained his Universal Championship against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 37 night two this April. The finish of the match was Reigns stacking Edge and Bryan on top of each other and pinning both of them.
Edge won this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match to get the WrestleMania title shot, but Bryan was added to make it a triple threat match.
There was a segment earlier on tonight’s SmackDown where Seth Rollins told WWE authority figures Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville that he wanted to be Reigns’ next challenger. Pearce said they weren’t ready to make that decision yet. Deville said they would take it under advisement.
Daniel Bryan discussed feeling detached while wrestling at WrestleMania 37 in a new interview.
Talking to BT Sports about his match at WrestleMania 37, Bryan said he experienced a ‘detached’ feeling while wrestling Roman Reigns and Edge in a triple threat match for the Universal title.
“It’s taken me time to fully process what the experience was like because it wasn’t like a normal thing,” he explained. “It was really weird, like out of body in it. When I’m wrestling, I feel everything and feel like I really enjoy it. This was weird, I was out there and it felt like I was detached. It was so strange in fact that before the match started, I got this strange feeling like, ‘Is this what it’s like before you die? Am I going to die? I was like huh, well, okay.’ I don’t know why or how it happened, but it was unlike anything I have felt while wrestling.”
He later explained that he may have seen it as a sign of winding down his career as a full-time wrestler, which he has expressed before in previous interviews.
“The odd detachment, I was like, ‘woah’,” he said. “Like I said, I’m either gonna die or maybe it’s a sign that this isn’t it and it isn’t the same type of fulfillment that it was before. I’ve been trying to meditate on it and talk to my friends that I’m close with like ‘hey, what is that?'”
Bryan also confirmed in the interview that his contract was coming up “relatively soon” and was considering what he would do.
Roman Reigns defeated Bryan and Edge at WrestleMania 37 to retain the Universal title. Bryan did not appear on the following edition of SmackDown.
WrestleMania 37 concludes tonight with a triple threat Universal Championship match headlining the night two card at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns will put his title on the line against men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge and Daniel Bryan. Bryan was added to the match following the events of last month’s Fastlane pay-per-view. Bryan made Reigns tap out during their title match, but there was no referee to call for the bell. Edge, who was the special guest enforcer and had been unhappy about Bryan getting a title shot on the road to WrestleMania, then cost Bryan the match.
The Raw Women’s Championship will also be on the line as Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley. Ripley will be looking for WrestleMania redemption after losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Charlotte Flair last year.
Plus, Randy Orton will face “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt, Kevin Owens will take on Sami Zayn (with YouTube star Logan Paul appearing as Zayn’s guest), Big E will defend his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight, Sheamus will challenge Riddle for the United States Championship, and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler will defend their titles against Natalya & Tamina.
The show begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time and will air live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else. The pre-show will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern. No matches are set for the pre-show.
**********
Show Recap–
KICKOFF
The kickoff panel consists of Kayla Braxton, JBL, Pete Rosenberg, Bookert T, and Jerry “The King” Lawler. The weather is better, so the backdrop is the Raymond James Stadium. The panel ran down tonight’s lineup.
They took a closer look at Randy Orton vs. The Fiend. Braxton noted Orton vs. Fiend opens tonight’s show.
They recapped Tamina & Natalya’s victory in the tag team turmoil last night to earn a title shot against Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler tonight. The panel turned their attention to Riddle vs. Sheamus.
They recapped Sheamus defeating Riddle two weeks ago. Lawler wondered why Riddle doesn’t wear boots. Booker T agreed and claimed he’d stomp on his feet.
Rosenberg defended Riddle not wearing boots because he’s from MMA. JBL agreed and pointed out that Kevin Von Erich didn’t wear shoes either. Booker claimed nobody without boots ever won the world championship. JBL countered with Antonino Rocca. Booker didn’t care.
They recapped WrestleMania Night One. The panel talked about Bianca Belair’s victory and Montez Ford celebrating with her. The panel discussed the rest of the results.
They recapped Raw Women’s Champion Asuka vs. Rhea Ripely. They recapped the 2021 Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
The panel discussed Big E vs. Apollo Crews. Sonya Deville joined the panel to discuss the feud and tonight’s Nigerian Drum Fight. They recapped Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn with Logan Paul’s involvement.
They recapped Universal Champion Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan.
WRESTLEMANIA – NIGHT TWO
Country singer Ashland Craft performed America The Beautiful. They showed shots of the roster standing on the stage from last night.
WrestleMania’s co-hosts, Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan walked out on the stage dressed like pirates. The fans cheered Titus, but Hogan got a mixed reaction with lots of boos.
Randy Orton defeated The Fiend (w/Alexa Bliss) (5:52)
Orton and Fiend had a fine match. They kept it short, but the fans were into it most of the way. The finish came out of nowhere and featured magic.
The Fiend’s entrance was awesome.
As The Fiend walked down a hallway, he transformed from being burnt and deformed to the normal-looking Fiend.
Then Bliss walked to the ringside, where there was a huge jack in the box. She turned the handle, and The Fiend popped out.
The lights remained red throughout the match. The Fiend jumped off the box and caught Orton with a clothesline. The fans popped for The Fiend when he posed. The Fiend charged at Orton, but he slipped out to ringside.
Orton gave The Fiend a back suplex on the announce table, but it did not affect him. The Fiend locked on the mandible claw, but Orton escaped. Orton hit the draping DDT, but The Fiend jumped back up.
Orton sent The Fiend head-first into the box to take over. The Fiend fought back and rocked Orton with a clothesline. He followed up with a flying cross-body block. Orton recovered and beat down down The Fiend.
Orton attempted the RKO, but The Fiend countered with the mandible claw. The Fiend set up for Sister Abigail, but flames emerged from the ring post. Suddenly, Bliss was sitting on top of the box dressed in black. She had the black ooze pouring down her face. The fans popped big for Bliss’s transformation. Orton took advantage and hit the RKO for the win.
After the match, Bliss and The Fiend had a brief staredown. The lights went out, and they were both gone. The fans erupted in boos when the lights came back on, and the ring was empty.
Eric Bischoff approached Titus and Hulk Hogan backstage. Bayley interrupted and invited Bischoff on her show Ding Dong Hello.
Bischoff praised Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defeated Tamina & Natalya to retain the titles (14:00)
This was a fine match. Both teams worked hard, although it dragged at times.
The fans cooled off midway but were mainly into the match.
Baszler used a side headlock on Natalya for the early advantage. Natalya attempted the sharpshooter, but Baszler made it to the ropes. Jax tagged in and overpowered Natalya.
Jax demanded that Tamina get in the ring. The fans popped big for Tamina and broke into a “Tamina” chant. Tamina overpowered Jax to gain control. Tamina and Natalya gave Jax a double flapjack. Baszler made a blind tag, but the faces took over.
Natalya gave Baszler a catapult into a superkick from Tamina. Baszler rocked Natalya with a knee to gain control. Jax attacked Tamina at ringside and slammed her down hard.
Baszler slowed the pace down and worked over Natalya’s knee. The fans erupted in boos as Jax worked over Natalya’s leg. The heels isolated Natalya in their corner.
Jax missed a charge in the corner, and Natalya hit the discus clothesline for a near fall. Jax recovered and hit a powerbomb, but Tamina broke up the pin attempt.
Tamina got the got hot tag and ran wild on Baszler. Baszler attempted the Kirifuda Clutch, but Tamina broke free.
Tamina climbed to the top, but Baszler cut her off. Jax recovered and hit a crossbody onto Tamina and Natalya. Jax trashed talked Tamina.
Tamina heard enough and hit Jax in the face. She then slammed Jax for a near fall.
The fans broke into another “Tamina” chant.
Tamina attempted the Superfly splash, but Jax moved out of the way. Natalya tagged in and knocked Baszler off the apron, but Baszler made a blind tag.
The finish came when Natalya locked on the sharpshooter on Jax, but Baszler was legal in the match. Baszler jumped in and locked on the Kirifuda Clutch for the win.
Kevin Owens defeated Sami Zayn (9:15)
Owens and Zayn had a really good hard-hitting and fast-paced match.
JBL joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary.
Zayn came out first and introduced his guest Logan Paul. The fans booed Logan Paul as Zayn did the introduction. Zayn danced to Paul’s music, which was hilarious. The fans booed Paul when he got in the ring. The fans broke into a “KO” chant when Owens entered. Paul sat at ringside with the commentators.
The bell rang, and Zayn charged at Owens. Owens caught Zayn with a pop-up powerbomb for a near fall. Owens was firmly in control and hit a cannonball in the corner.
Owens avoided a suplex on the apron. Zayn recovered and hit a brainbuster on the apron to take over. There was a slight “Logan sucks” chant.
Zayn hit the Michinoku Driver for a near fall. Cole called it a blue thunder bomb, but Graves corrected him to save Cole from the Internet.
Owens and Zayn fought on the top rope. Owens knocked Zayn down with a head butt. He followed up with a frog splash for a close near fall. Owens then hit a modified backbreaker for another near fall.
Zayn recovered and hit the exploder suplex in the corner. Zayn missed the Helluva Kick but hit the blue thunder bomb for a near fall. Zayn hit a series of suplexes and a brainbuster for a close two-count. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant.
Zayn attempted a superplex, but Owens reversed into a suplex. Owens hit a running clothesline in the corner. He attempted a second running clothesline, but Zayn hit the Helluva kick.
Zayn went for the Helluva kick again, but Owens hit a superkick. Owens hit a second superkick and the stunner for the win.
After the match, Paul jumped in to check on Zayn. Paul congratulated Owens and tried to shake his hand. Zayn became furious and got in Paul’s face. Paul knocked Zayn down, and the fans booed.
Paul raised Owens’s hand, and the fans booed. Owens didn’t seem happy and then gave Paul the stunner to a huge pop.
United States Champion Riddle approached The Great Khali in the back. Riddle congratulated Khali on getting in the Hall of Fame. Riddle asked for a translator. Rob Van Dam showed up to a huge pop.
He gave Riddle and Khali RVD rolling papers. They wished Riddle good luck with his match against Sheamus.
Sheamus defeated Riddle to win the United States Championship (10:50)
Riddle and Sheamus had a good hard-hitting match with an awesome-looking finish.
Riddle got a big reaction from the fans. The fans broke into a “Bro” chant as he made his entrance.
Sheamus rocked Riddle with a shoulder block for the early advantage. Riddle fought back with a sleeper hold, but Sheamus backed into the corner. Sheamus then hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a near fall.
Riddle briefly fought back, but Sheamus hit a suplex for a near fall. Sheamus climbed to the top rope, but Riddle jumped to the top rope. He then hit a belly-to-belly superplex. Riddle fired up and hit a forearm in the corner. He followed up with a suplex and the broton. Riddle then hit the jackhammer for a close near fall.
Riddle went for the buckshot lariat, but Sheamus hit a knee for a very close near fall. Sheamus followed up with the Alabama Slam.
Riddle and Sheamus fought on the apron. Riddle pushed Sheamus into the ring post and hit a German suplex on the apron. He followed up with an Asai moonsault.
Riddle hit the floating bro for another near fall. Sheamus countered the armbar into a powerbomb for a near fall.
Sheamus and Riddle fought on the top rope. Sheamus went for White Noise off the top, but they slipped off. Sheamus managed to land on his feet while still holding Riddle. Sheamus then hit White Noise. He followed up with a knee of the top rope for a close near fall.
The finish was awesome. Riddle hit a moonsault off the second rope, but Sheamus hit the Brogue Kick mid moonsault for the win.
Nigerian Drum Fight: Apollo Crews defeated Big E to win Intercontinental Championship (6:49)
Big E and Crews had a good match until the finish.
They announced the match is no disqualification and no count-out. Tables, kendo sticks, drums, and a gong surround the ring.
Wale performed Big E’s entrance. The fans gave Big E a big reaction when he made his entrance.
The bell rang, and they both jumped out of the ring to get kendo sticks. They traded kendo stick shots in the ring. Crews briefly gained control with the kendo stick.
Big E fought back and hit a massive spear through the ropes to the floor. The fans broke into a loud “Let’s Go Big E” chant. Big E set up the ringside steps, but Crews countered with a death valley driver on the apron for a near fall.
Crews placed Big E on the steps. He tried dropping the other half of the steps, but Big E moved out of the way. They fought on the apron, and Crews charged at Big E. Big E countered and hit a uranage off the apron onto the steps.
Big E set up a table in the ring. Crews fought back and destroyed Big E with the kendo stick.
Crews placed Big E on the table but missed a frog splash.
Big E then hit the Big Ending and had the match won. Suddenly, Dabba-Kato jumped in and broke up the pin. He gave Big E a chokeslam and dragged Crews onto Big E for the win.
They recapped the 2021 Hall of Fame ceremony. They honored Eric Bishoff, Molly Holly, The Great Khali, Rob Van Dam, Kane, Ozzy Osbourne, and Warrior Award recipient Rich Hering,
Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka to win the Raw Women’s Championship (13:30)
Asuka and Ripley worked hard and had a good match.
Ash Costello performed Rhea Ripley’s entrance.
The fans popped for Ripley and broke into a “Rhea” chant. They did the special ring introduction for this match. The fans cheered for both Ripley and Asuka.
Asuka hit a dropkick, but Ripley didn’t go down. Asuka made several pin attempts, but Ripley kicked out. Ripley rolled to the floor, but Asuka rocked her with a knee to the face.
Asuka missed the hip attack, and Ripley took over. The fans broke into dueling “Let’s Go Asuka” and “Let’s Go Rhea” chants. Rhea slowed the pace down with the body scissors. The fans booed as Ripley taunted Asuka.
Ripley continued to trash talk Asuka. Ripley tried to kick Asuka, but she got caught in a kneebar. Ripley powered out and hit a German suplex.
Ripley slowed the pace down and backed Asuka into the corner. Ripley placed Asuka on the top rope, but Asuka knocked her off. Asuka followed up with a missile dropkick.
Asuka then hit a German Suplex and a hip attack. Asuka hit a series of strikes and a hard kick to the head. She followed up with a hip attack for a near fall.
Asuka climbed to the top, but Ripley cut her off with a dropkick. Ripley then dropped Asuka face-first on the apron. Asuka recovered and hit another hip attack.
Asuka hit a DDT off the apron to the floor. Ripley avoided a sliding knee and stomped on Asuka. Ripley applied a submission, but Asuka reversed into an armbar. Ripley broke free.
Ripley attempted a waist lock, but Asuka reversed into an armbar. She then applied the Asuka Lock, but Ripley reversed into a near fall.
The finish came when Asuka rocked Ripley with a series of kicks. Ripley challenged Asuka to hit her again. Asuka went for another kick, but Ripley ducked and hit the Riptide for the win.
The fans popped big for Ripley’s victory.
They recapped Randy Orton vs. The Fiend from earlier tonight.
Titus O’Neil and Hulk Hogan came back out to thank the fans in the audience and at home. Bayley’s music hit, and she walked out. The fans broke into a slight “Bayley” chant.
Bayley demanded they set off her pyro. She complained about all the legends and Michael Cole.
Suddenly, The Bella Twins interrupted Bayley. Bayley was furious and noted that John Cena’s not there tonight.
Nikki knocked the microphone out of her hands. The Bellas between down Bayley and threw her down the ramp. The fans booed The Bellas beating up Bayley.
Triple Threat: Universal Champion Roman Reigns (w/Paul Heyman & Jey Uso) defeated Edge and Daniel Bryan to retain the title (21:40)
Reigns, Bryan, and Edge, had a great WrestleMania main event. They all worked very hard and told a good story.
The fans cheered Bryan as he entered and broke into a loud “Yes” chant. The fans cheered Edge as well and gave him a big reaction for his entrance.
The fans started booing Reigns before his music started. They did the special ring introductions.
The fans cheered for Edge and Bryan during the introductions. They loudly booed Reigns.
Reigns threw Bryan to the floor, and Uso rocked him with a superkick. He threw Bryan into the ring steps.
Reigns threw Edge to the floor, and Uso knocked him down with a superkick as well. Reigns and Uso cleared the announce table, but Bryan hit a suicide dive. Uso then rocked Bryan with a superkick.
Edge recovered and sent Uso into the steps. Edge beat down Reigns and sent him into the ring post.
Edge then gave Uso an implant DDT on the steps. A medical team ran down to check on Uso and helped him to the back.
Edge and Bryan traded shots in the middle of the ring. Bryan hit a hurricanrana on Edge, but Edge rolled through for a near fall. Edge tried to suplex Reigns into the ring. Bryan slid through Reigns’ legs and took him out of the match.
Bryan avoided Edge and attempted a suicide dive but Reigns caught him. Reigns then gave Bryan a belly-to-belly suplex.
Reigns rocked Edge with a clothesline. The fans erupted in boos. Reigns attempted the superman punch, but Edge avoided it and hit a DDT.
Reigns hit the superman punch and attempted the spear. Edge countered into a sunset flip for a near fall. Edge and Reigns both went for the spear and collided in the middle of the ring.
The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant. Bryan hit a diving head butt on Edge and then on Reigns for a near fall. Bryan rocked both Edge and Reigns with Yes Kicks.
Bryan hit Edge with the running knee. He avoided Reigns’ superman punch and hit a kick for a near fall.
Bryan stomped on Reigns and then applied the Yes Lock. Edge made the save and broke up the submission.
Bryan then got the Yes Lock on Edge, but Reigns broke it up. Reigns then gave Bryan a powerbomb onto Edge. The fans broke into a “Roman sucks” chant.
Reigns then gave Bryan a powerbomb off the steps through the announce table. The fans booed Reigns as he posed on the steps.
Suddenly, Edge caught Reigns with a spear off the steps. The fans broke into another “This is awesome” chant. Edge tried to bring in a chair, but Reigns grabbed it, and a piece of the chair came off.
Edge then locked on the cross face on Reigns with a piece of the chair. Reigns almost tapped, but Bryan stopped him. Bryan then applied the Yes Lock on Reigns while Edge still had the cross face applied.
Bryan and Edge traded head butts. The fans broke into another “This is awesome” chant. Bryan went for the running knee, but Edge countered with the spear.
Reigns went for the superman punch, but Edge avoided it. He responded with the spear. Edge had the match won, but Bryan pulled out the referee.
Edge attacked both with a chair. Edge then gave Bryan a concerto. He went to give a concerto to Reigns, but Uso ran out for the save. Edge destroyed Uso with the chair. Reigns recovered and caught Edge with a spear. He then hit the concerto on Edge.
Reigns dragged Edge onto Bryan and pinned both of them for the win in a great match.
Reigns, Uso, and Heyman, posed in the ring as pyro went off. The fans booed Reigns as he celebrated his victory.
The final SmackDown before WrestleMania was a special WrestleMania edition of the show.
Ahead of their Universal Championship match at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns, Edge, and Daniel Bryan all cut promos on last night’s SmackDown. Reigns vs. Edge vs. Bryan will be the main event of WrestleMania 37 night two this Sunday.
Last night’s SmackDown also featured a couple of matches that at one point seemed like possibilities for the WrestleMania card. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode defended their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Street Profits, Rey & Dominik Mysterio, and Chad Gable & Otis, while Jey Uso won this year’s Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
On the road to WrestleMania 37, a street fight headlined last night’s episode of SmackDown.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Edge were both hoping to see Daniel Bryan beaten down so badly that he wouldn’t be able to make it to their title match at WrestleMania, but Bryan defeated Jey Uso in last night’s main event. Bryan pummeled Uso with steel chain shots at the end of the match and submitted him with the Yes Lock.
Edge was on commentary for Bryan and Uso’s street fight, while Reigns came out to the stage during the match and watched on. After the match, Bryan charged at Edge and sent him into the barricade with a running knee. Bryan then repeatedly smashed Edge’s head into the ring post.
Bryan then turned his attention to Reigns. Reigns went to throw his chair at Bryan, but Bryan avoided it. Bryan hit a running knee on Reigns and then put him in the Yes Lock.
A show-long storyline on last night’s SmackDown ended with a change to WrestleMania 37’s Universal Championship match being confirmed.
After making Roman Reigns visually tap out at Fastlane but being cost the match by Edge, Daniel Bryan appeared on last night’s SmackDown and demanded another shot at Reigns’ Universal Championship. Edge said Bryan didn’t deserve a title shot and wanted it to be kept one-on-one. Reigns told Adam Pearce that he was only going to wrestle on one night of WrestleMania and was only going to have one title defense. Pearce said he would make a decision by the end of the show.
Pearce announced that Reigns will defend his Universal Championship against Edge and Bryan in a triple threat match in the main event of WrestleMania 37 night two. Bryan was happy with the decision, but Reigns and Edge were both furious. A three-way brawl then broke out. It featured Edge snapping and giving Bryan, Reigns, and Jey Uso steel chair shots. Edge went to give Bryan a con-chair-to, but Bryan was able to get away while officials attempted to get Edge to stop. Edge hit steel chair shots on WWE officials Pat Buck and Jamie Noble.
The build to Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania 37 night one also continued. Despite Banks distracting her, Belair defeated Natalya on last night’s show. After Banks had slapped her at Fastlane, Belair got payback on Banks by hitting a slap of her own when Banks tried to get involved in her match aganst Natalya. But Banks then laid out Belair with a backstabber after the match was over.
Three new matches were confirmed for WrestleMania 37. Seth Rollins vs. Cesaro will take place on night one, while Big E vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental title and Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn will be part of the card for night two.
