What was assumed to be a foregone conclusion after last Sunday’s Fastlane is now a reality as WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns will defend the title against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 37.
Adam Pearce announced his decision at the close of Friday’s WWE SmackDown which neither Reigns nor Edge seemed to care for. A brawl broke out between all three men with Edge standing tall at the end following his use of a steel chair.
It’s unknown what night the match will be part of and whether it will be a main event of that night.
In the main event of last Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view, Reigns retained the title in a win over Bryan that was marred by Edge involving himself in the match after the referee was knocked out. Bryan got a visual submission on Reigns with the Yes Lock that helped his claim that he should have another shot at the title.
Edge had earned a shot at either the WWE Champion or Universal Champion after winning this year’s Royal Rumble.
WrestleMania 37 is set for Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The key main event for WrestleMania is now confirmed to be a three-way with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan for the Universal title.
Edge’s apparent heel turn after laying both Reigns and Bryan out with chair sets, leading to Reigns’ win at tonight’s WWE Fastlane event appeared to set up a change in the match even though they went off the air on the show pushing Reigns vs. Edge, which has been the announced match since last month’s Elimination Chamber.
It’s since been confirmed that finish was done to set up a three-way that had been rumored for a week and interviews pushing Edge and Bryan as adversaries seemed to indicate them meeting down the line.
With only three weeks until WrestleMania, one would expect the official announcement to come sooner than later. At this point it’s still not clear which matches on the show will air on which nights.
A match with Fastlane main event implications headlined last night’s go-home edition of SmackDown.
In his first match on SmackDown in 10 years, Edge defeated Jey Uso last night. With him defeating Uso, Edge was confirmed as the special guest enforcer for Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane this Sunday.
Reigns blindsided Edge by laying him out with a spear after last night’s main event. Bryan was on commentary and went to get into the ring after being provoked by Reigns, but Bryan was then attacked by Uso. The show ended with Reigns laying out Bryan with a spear as well.
Earlier in the night, Bryan vowed that he’ll break Reigns and make him tap out at Fastlane. Reigns said he would rather die in the ring than tap out to someone like Bryan.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37.
Shinsuke Nakamura confronting Seth Rollins on last night’s show led to a match between them being announced for Fastlane. Ahead of their Women’s Tag Team title match on Sunday, Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler faced Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair in singles matches last night. Plus, a side-by-side interview with Intercontinental Champion Big E and Apollo Crews broke down and ended with Big E finding Crews and beating him down until officials stepped in.
Edge will be playing a role in Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane.
In the main event of tonight’s SmackDown, Edge defeated Jey Uso to become the special guest enforcer for Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane. The pay-per-view is airing live on Peacock and the WWE Network this Sunday.
As the special guest enforcer, Edge will be outside of the ring during Reigns and Bryan’s Universal title match.
Edge pinned Uso in tonight’s main event after hitting a spear. Following the match, Reigns ambushed Edge by laying him out with a spear of his own. Bryan was on commentary for the match and went to get into the ring when Reigns provoked him, but Bryan was then attacked by Uso. Reigns also laid out Bryan with a spear.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania 37. In storyline, Edge hasn’t been happy that Bryan is getting a title shot before him. Edge was the winner of this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match.
Here’s the updated card for Fastlane:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan (Edge will be the special guest enforcer for the match)
No holds barred match: Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus
Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews
United States Champion Riddle defends against Mustafa Ali
SmackDown’s go-home show for Fastlane will feature Edge’s first match on the brand in 10 years.
Edge takes on Jey Uso tonight, with the winner serving as the special guest enforcer for the Universal Championship match at Sunday’s Fastlane pay-per-view. Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Daniel Bryan at the PPV.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan will defend their Universal Championship at WrestleMania 37. Edge, who won this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match, has been upset that Bryan is getting a title shot first and has accused Bryan of going into business for himself.
During the contract signing for Reigns and Bryan’s title match, Reigns initially refused to sign the contract until Bryan taunted him. Uso became furious at Bryan’s attitude and demanded to be the special enforcer at Fastlane. Edge interrupted and challenged Uso to tonight’s match. All four brawled until Bryan hit the running knee on Edge.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends against Nia Jax on tonight’s show. The match comes in advance of Banks & Bianca Belair challenging for Jax & Shayna Baszler’s WWE Women’s Tag Team titles at Fastlane.
Plus, there will be a sit-down interview with Intercontinental Champion Big E and Apollo Crews ahead of their title match at Sunday’s PPV.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
In the back, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair continued to argue about last week. Belair believes that Reginald is in Banks’ head. She also was angry that Banks agreed to defend against Nia Jax. Belair thinks it’s a mistake.
Banks got in Belair’s face and promised to defeat Jax.
WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defeated Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler) to retain the title
Banks and Jax had a good match that told a good story as well.
Jax gave Reginald the night off and sent him on a special spa day.
Banks took out Baszler at ringside and attacked Jax. Banks had the early advantage until Jax took over with an elbow. Jax followed up with a press slam for a near fall.
Jax connected with an elbow drop for another near fall. She then hit a Samoan Drop for a two count. Suddenly, Belair’s music hit, and she walked down to ringside. Banks rolled to the floor, and Belair urged her to get back up.
Back from the break, Jax was still in control and hit a side slam for a near fall. On commentary, Michael Cole noted Belair came to ringside because Jax is dominating.
In a brutal-looking spot, Jax applied the stretch muffler on Banks and then swung Banks’ head into the second turnbuckle. Jax missed a splash, and Banks hit a Metearo to the back of the head for near fall.
Jax attempted another Samoan Drop, but Banks broke free. Banks then hit a DDT into the Bank Statement.
Baszler chased Belair into the ring, but the referee stopped Belair.
Baszler tried to kick Banks, but she avoided, and Baszler rocked Jax. Belair and Baszler fought around ringside, and Banks rolled up Jax to retain the title.
They recapped the contract signing from last week and Daniel Bryan hitting Edge with the running knee.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Edge. He discussed Bryan hitting him with the running knee last week. Edge turned his attention to Jey Uso and praised him but promised to defeat him later.
They showed footage from 19 years ago of Edge and Hulk Hogan beating Billy & Chuck for the tag team titles on SmackDown.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the news that Hulk Hogan and Titus O’Neil host WrestleMania 37.
In the back, Jax blamed Baszler for losing against Banks. Baszler blamed Belair for jumping in the ring. Jax hopes Baszler doesn’t do this on Sunday.
Baszler promised to take on Belair later and kick her head off.
Seth Rollins made his way to the ring. Rollins discussed making his return to SmackDown a few weeks ago.
He talked about the roster surrounding the ring for his return. Rollins turned his attention to Cesaro.
Rollins showed footage from last week of him beating down Cesaro with two curb stomps. Rollins laughed at Cesaro and mocked him for running around trying to reach the brass ring.
Rollins is furious that Cesaro gave him a giant swing. He noted that Cesaro spun him 22 times. Rollins promised that Cesaro wouldn’t disrespect him like that again.
Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. They had a brief staredown, and a brawl broke out. Nakamura beat down Rollins and hit the Kinshasa.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves announced Eric Bischoff as the newest inductee into the 2021 WWE Hall Of Fame.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio defeated The Street Profits
The Street Profits and The Mysterio’s had a good fast-paced match.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode joined Cole and Graves on commentary.
They recapped the eight-man tag team match from last week. Cole pushed that The Street Profits deserve a title shot because Ford pinned Roode in the match.
Ford and Dominik went back and forth with mat wrestling. Rey made the blind tag and hit a standing dropkick to take over. Rey set up for the 619 and tagged in Dominik, but Dawkins rocked Rey with a right hand.
Dominik then caught Dawkins with a hurricanrana. Dominik attempted the 619, but Ford rocked him with a clothesline.
The Street Profits sent up for the Doomsday Device, but Rey crawled between Dawkins’s legs. He knocked Ford off the top, but Dawkins caught Rey with a boot to the face. Dominik then countered into a hurricanrana for the win.
After the match, Chad Gable and Otis confronted Rey and Dominik. The Street Profits distracted the heels, and the Mysterio’s knocked them out of the ring. They followed up with dives wiping out the heels.
The Alpha Academy defeated Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Both teams had a good match, although the angle feels a bit rushed. It seems odd to defeat The Mysterio’s right after beating the Street Profits.
The Street Profits joined the commentators and the champions.
Rey hit a seated senton on Gable and set up for the 619. Otis avoided, and the heels took over.
Otis rocked Rey with a double sledgehammer. Otis then slowed the pace down with a bear hug on Rey. Rey fought back, and Dominik got the hot tag.
Dominik caught Gable with a hurricanrana and Tornado DDT, but Otis broke up the pin attempt. Rey sent Otis to the floor, but Otis fought back. He sent Rey into the barricade to take him out of the match.
The finish came when Gable hit a rolling German Suplex on Dominik. Otis then hit a splash off the second turnbuckle for the win.
In the back, Kevin Owens approached Sami Zayn with his documentary crew. Zayn is furious that he has a match with King Corbin later. Owens turned down appearing in Zayn’s film.
Zayn noted he’s been in touch with Logan Paul. Owens thinks all of Zayn’s problems are his own fault.
Zayn couldn’t believe that Owens isn’t on his side. He promised to prove to Owens that there’s a conspiracy against him. Owens agreed to watch Zayn’s match with Corbin.
They showed footage from 14 years ago of Edge cashing-in the Money In The Bank contract and beating The Undertaker to win the World Championship on SmackDown.
Daniel Bryan made his way to the ring. Bryan noted Edge has his first match on SmackDown in 10 years later tonight. He pointed out the winner will be the special enforcer referee for his title match at Fastlane.
Bryan knows what will happen if Jey Uso is the enforcer referee. However, he also knows that Edge wants to face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 37. He believes that Edge thinks he can beat Reigns but can’t beat Bryan.
Bryan promised to make Reigns tap out at Fastlane as he did to Uso two weeks ago.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman interrupted. Reigns laughed at the idea that Bryan’s going to tap him out. Reigns can deal with the little white lies Bryan tells, but he was furious that Bryan thinks he can tap him out.
Reigns noted he’s hasn’t tapped out in his career. He’d rather die in the ring than tap out to someone like Bryan. Bryan pointed out that everyone thinks they won’t tap out until they tap out. He’s not going to just make Reigns tap out. Bryan promised to break Reigns of his delusions.
Bryan doesn’t want Reigns to die, but it doesn’t matter if Reigns taps out or not. Bryan promised to win the Universal Championship at Fastlane.
This was a good segment. Bryan and Reigns delivered great promos.
King Corbin defeated Sami Zayn
They showed a very interesting video for the next match between Sami Zayn and King Corbin. It completely buried the match and called it the least anticipated match in SmackDown history. It referred to Sami Zayn as the irritating force against the unlikeable object, Corbin.
There wasn’t much to this match, and they kept it short.
Kevin Owens joined Cole and Graves on commentary.
Zayn had the early advantage until Corbin rocked Zayn with a clothesline. Zayn poked Corbin in the eye. Corbin missed a charge in the corner, and Zayn rolled him up with his feet on the ropes. The referee caught Zayn and stopped the count.
Zayn tried to take the turnbuckle pad off, but the referee stopped him. Corbin then hit the End Of Days for the win.
After the match, Zayn was furious that he lost. He became even more upset when Owens wouldn’t take his side. Zayn yelled at Owens and couldn’t believe Owens disagreed with him.
Owens told Zayn to leave and turned his attention back to Graves. Suddenly, Zayn rocked Owens with a helluva kick from behind.
They announced Seth Rollins against Shinsuke Nakamura at Fastlane.
They recapped Apollo Crews attacking Big E last week.
Intercontinental Champion Big E and Apollo Crews sat down for a split-screen interview. Cole wondered if they could reconcile one day. Big E told Crews to enjoy the next two days before Fastlane. He noted that Crews’ future is dark and bleak. Big E is confident that he will retain the title Sunday night, and Crews will get everything he deserves.
Crews warned Big E that he’s talking to Nigerian Royalty. He promised that his ancestors would watch as Crews stands over Big E’s mangled body. Crews vowed to win the title Sunday at Fastlane.
Big E doesn’t want to wait until Fastlane and went looking for Crews. He jumped in a golf cart and drove around looking for Crews.
Big E and Crews ended up brawling in the back. Big E got the advantage and beat Crews down.
Referees and officials ran out to break up the fight. Crews jumped in a golf cart and drove off.
Bianca Belair vs. Shayna Baszler (w/Nia Jax)
This wasn’t much of a match and more a series of quick angles.
Sasha Banks made her entrance but then changed her mind and walked to the back. Banks claimed that Belair doesn’t need her and walked off laughing.
Baszler had the early advantage and sent Belair to the floor. Jax looked down at Belair and then walked away.
Baszler was distracted that Jax left ringside, and Belair rolled her up for a near fall.
Suddenly, Tamina and Natalya jumped in the ring and beat down both Baszler and Belair. Belair briefly fought back, but the heels overpowered her. Neither Banks nor Jax came out for the save.
They showed footage from 10 years ago of Edge announcing his retirement on SmackDown. They highlighted Edge giving up the World title and placing it in the middle of the ring.
Edge defeated Jey Uso
Edge and Uso had a good match. They worked at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Daniel Bryan joined Cole and Graves on commentary. Cole pointed out that the special ringside enforcer referee will have some authority on Sunday.
Edge had the early advantage and went for a submission, but Uso broke free. He followed up with a knee lift and applied the cross-face chicken wing. Uso broke free again, and Edge rolled to the floor.
Uso then hit a suicide dive to gain control as they went to a break.
Back from the break, Uso was firmly in control as he stomped on Edge. He dropped Edge on the top rope and knocked him to the floor. Uso targeted Edge’s ribs and sent him ribs first into the ring post.
Edge fought back, but his ribs slowed him down. Uso then hit an enziguri to the ribs.
Edge avoided Uso, and they collided in the middle of the ring. Edge regained control and hit a knee off the second turnbuckle to Uso’s shoulder. He continued to target Uso’s shoulder.
Uso fought back and hit a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Uso climbed to the top, but Edge cut him off. Edge then hit a hurricanrana from the top for a close near fall.
Edge avoided a superkick and hit a DDT. He set up for the spear, but Uso caught him with a superkick. Uso hit the splash off the top rope but landed on his injured shoulder. Edge quickly regained control and hit the spear for the win.
Edge will be the special ringside enforcer referee for the Universal title match at Fastlane.
Edge looked over at Bryan after winning. Suddenly, Reigns jumped in and speared Edge. He challenged Bryan to get in the ring, but Uso jumped Bryan as he entered. Reigns then hit the spear on Bryan and posed over his fallen body.
For the first time in 10 years, Edge will be in action on SmackDown.
Edge vs. Jey Uso has been announced for next Friday’s episode of SmackDown. The match has a stipulation where the winner will become the special guest enforcer for Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane. Fastlane is taking place on Sunday, March 21.
A contract signing for Reigns and Bryan’s Universal Championship match at Fastlane headlined tonight’s SmackDown. Though he originally said he wouldn’t sign the contract, Reigns signed it after being taunted by Bryan. Bryan vowed that he’ll tap out Reigns just like he did to Uso last week. Uso got mad at that and wanted to be made the special guest enforcer for Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane. Edge then entered and proposed a match between him and Uso to determine the special enforcer. WWE authority figure Adam Pearce made the match official for next week.
A brawl then broke out at the end of tonight’s SmackDown. Bryan sent Uso out of the ring and went after Reigns, but Edge pushed him out of the way and continued to fight with Reigns. The brawl ended with Bryan standing tall after dropping Edge with a running knee strike.
There was a backstage segment on tonight’s SmackDown where Edge spoke to Uso man-to-man. Edge asked why Uso is acting like Reigns’ lapdog. Uso told Edge not to talk to him like that. Uso said his family runs things around here and Edge needs to fall in line. Uso said Edge should go home and enjoy his family — because Edge won’t be able to enjoy anything after what Reigns does to him at WrestleMania 37.
The winner of Reigns vs. Bryan at Fastlane will defend the Universal Championship against Edge at WrestleMania. In storyline, Edge is unhappy that Bryan is getting a title shot before Edge faces Reigns.
Next Friday’s SmackDown is the go-home show for Fastlane. The episode will also feature SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defending her title against Nia Jax. Banks & Bianca Belair are challenging for Jax & Shayna Baszler’s WWE Women’s Tag Team titles at Fastlane.
By delivering a spear, men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge announced his WrestleMania 37 decision at tonight’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Roman Reigns defending his Universal Championship against Edge is set for one of the nights of WrestleMania 37. The event is taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11.
After Reigns retained his Universal Championship against Daniel Bryan at Elimination Chamber, Edge hit the ring and dropped Reigns with a spear. Edge then pointed to the WrestleMania sign, making his WrestleMania decision official.
Bryan, Jey Uso, Cesaro, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Baron Corbin were the wrestlers in SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber match tonight. Bryan eliminated Uso at the end of the match and then immediately had to challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship. Bryan reversed a spear attempt into the Yes Lock after the bell rang, but Reigns got out of it, pummeled Bryan with strikes, and Bryan then passed out in a guillotine.
Edge had interacted with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, NXT Champion Finn Balor, and Reigns in the days after his Royal Rumble win. Edge and Reigns also had an interaction on SmackDown this past Friday, with Edge telling Reigns that he needs Edge to choose him to be in the main event of WrestleMania 37. Reigns then laid out Edge with a spear at the end of the episode.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns responded to WWE’s announcement that Edge will be kicking off tonight’s SmackDown: “If you’re going to say something on my show, you’ll have say it to my face. See you at the top of the show. #Smackdown”
**********
An appearance by men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge is set for tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Edge will kick off tonight’s Elimination Chamber go-home edition of SmackDown. It’s expected that Edge will face Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 37, but — in storyline — it’s been said that Edge won’t decide which title he’s challenging for at WrestleMania until after Sunday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
Edge interacted with WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, NXT Champion Finn Balor, and Reigns in the days after his Royal Rumble win. On the post-Royal Rumble episode of SmackDown, Reigns demanded that Edge acknowledge him as the main event of WrestleMania. But the episode ended with Kevin Owens attacking Reigns and laying him out with a stunner.
Owens, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Baron Corbin are facing off in an Elimination Chamber match on Sunday. The winner will challenge for Reigns’ Universal Championship later in the night.
Owens, Bryan & Cesaro vs. Uso, Zayn & Corbin is set for tonight’s SmackDown. WWE has also announced that Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler will be the guests on Bayley’s “Ding Dong, Hello!” talk show tonight.
The world today is a very confusing place and that extends to the world of pro wrestling.
On this week’s Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, I wanted to explore a few things that are currently confounding me and to help me do that, I enlisted Rich Kraetsch from Voices of Wrestling, aka Dave Meltzer’s favorite website these days.
The three main topics covered:
The current status of the AEW/Impact Wrestling angle and why it’s falling short of expectations
Why fans shouldn’t have been surprised that Edge’s appearance on WWE NXT did nothing for their ratings
AEW’s continued roster additions and at what point do they have too many people to both keep track of and keep happy
We also hit on the silence on the Hard to Kill pay-per-view number, whether AEW management can say ‘no’, and even our shared loved for the 1990’s era Chicago White Sox and the legendary Frank Thomas.
Yep, it’s all here and completely free. Just click below.
Royal Rumble winners Edge and Bianca Belair both appeared on SmackDown last night — but neither announced which title they’ll be challenging for at WrestleMania 37.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns opened last night’s show by calling out Edge. When he didn’t come to the ring, Reigns said he wanted Edge’s decision by the end of the night.
Edge and Reigns both appeared at the end of the show. After Edge mocked him for bringing backup, Reigns sent Jey Uso away. Reigns wanted Edge to acknowledge him as the main event of WrestleMania, but Kevin Owens came into the ring from behind and laid out Reigns with a stunner.
Belair’s appearance on last night’s SmackDown was interrupted by Carmella’s sommelier Reginald. Carmella and SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks then both came to the ring. Banks said she’s seen how Belair is the strongest and the fastest, but Belair isn’t the best. Banks said Belair has it all — but she doesn’t have the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Reginald told Belair that she got lucky at the Royal Rumble and would lose to Banks if she challenges her. The segment then ended with Belair attacking Reginald with her braid.
Men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge appeared on NXT last night and teased challenging for the NXT Championship.
Edge interrupted an in-ring segment with NXT Champion Finn Balor and Pete Dunne on last night’s show. Edge spoke about how watching NXT as a fan helped him find his passion to get his career back after nine years. He used that passion to win the Royal Rumble — and that allows him to challenge any champion in WWE.
Edge called Balor and Dunne two of the best. Edge said he sees so much of himself in Dunne — both the good and the bad — and said Balor is in a zone that’s special to watch.
Balor and Dunne are set to face off for the NXT Championship at TakeOver: Vengeance Day on Sunday, February 14. Edge told them he’ll be watching their match. Edge said he’s never held the NXT Championship before and going after the title is intriguing. Edge said that if he hasn’t made his choice by TakeOver, Balor vs. Dunne might cause him to make it.
As he was leaving the building, Edge was confronted by Karrion Kross. Kross warned Edge that it won’t be Balor or Dunne he’s facing if he challenges for the NXT Championship — it’ll be Kross after he takes back the title that he never lost. After being threatened by Kross, Edge said words like that could be motivating and could motivate him to come back to NXT. Edge said he doesn’t know if Kross would like that.
Tonight’s episode of NXT will include an appearance by the men’s Royal Rumble winner.
After winning Sunday’s men’s Royal Rumble match and defeating Randy Orton on Raw, Edge will appear on NXT tonight. Edge announced the appearance in a tweet on Tuesday: “In Orlando to visit my wife. Then I had a thought, @WWENXT needs to get #RatedR”
With WWE yet to announce which title Edge will challenge for at WrestleMania 37, Edge may be on NXT tonight to interact with NXT Champion Finn Balor. Balor appears set to defend his title against Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day on Sunday, February 14.
Tonight’s show will also feature matches in the men’s and women’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classics. The men’s Dusty Classic quarterfinals will conclude with Undisputed Era’s Adam Cole & Roderick Strong vs. Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher and The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) vs. Legado Del Fantasma’s Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde. The semifinals of the women’s Dusty Classic will begin with Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter vs. Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez.
Plus, NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar will defend his title against Curt Stallion. That match was originally supposed to take place last week, but there was an angle where Stallion was attacked backstage.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
The show opened wth Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez cutting a promo on the way the ring. Their entrance kicked off a show that is beginning with a women’s tag match in the ongoing tournament.
Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez defeated Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro in a Women’s Dusty Classic semifinal match
Gonzalez pinned Catanzaro after a pop-up chokeslam. Catanzaro hit an insane double stomp just moments before. With the win. Kai & Gonzalez are headed to the finals of the tournament.
Kai & Gonzalez dominated early on until a melee began. Cat-and-mouse with Gonzalez giving chase. She caught Catanzaro, and Gonzalez press slammed Catanzaro back into the ring from the floor. The heels worked over Catanzaro.
Hot tag to Carter, and she ran wild. In keeping with her luchadora background, Carter springboarded into some lucha libre spots. As Carter was fighting with Gonzalez, Kai tried to trip her up. Carter kicked her away, but the distraction allowed Gonzalez to shove Carter off the apron. The show cut to a picture-in-picture commercial as Carter was down selling.
The heels worked over Carter during the break. Tag to Catanzaro, and she got a near fall on Kai. Catanzaro climbed up part of a lighting grid that stood like a pilar, and she leaped off with a dive.
Carter took a combo move where Gonzalez press slammed her into a GTS-like kick from Kai. Catanzaro jumped in to break up the pinning attempt. The babyfaces low-bridged the top rope on a charging Gonzalez. They teamed up to stun Gonzalez. That led to Catanzaro with an unbelievable multiple rotation double stomp for a close two count. Kai broke it up.
Catanzaro went for a rana, but Gonzalez countered to deliver a pop-up chokeslam. Gonzalez then covered her for a pinfall.
Announcers Tom Phillips and Beth Phoenix congratulated Wade Barrett on officially becoming an United States citizen. They presented him with a gift that included a framed photo of “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan and some apple pie.
Toni Storm in a backstage interview talked about being in the upcoming triple threat match for the NXT Women’s Championship at TakeOver. Storm said she was at the top of her game, and she would show that in her match later on tonight.
Edge was backstage chatting with NXT General Manager William Regal.
Austin Theory (with Johnny Gargano) defeated Leon Ruff
Theory pinned Ruff to win the match. Dexter Lumis made a save after the macth when Theory was delivering a post-match beatdown on Ruff. Lumis would go on to pull out some of Theory’s hair.
Theory was bullying Ruff until Ruff fired but on him. Gargano tried to get involved, but Ruff superkicked him. Ruff with a missile dropkick off the top, and Ruff decked Gargano when he tried to interfere again. Theory and Ruff both went down on a shoulder tackle.
Everybody was down selling when Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae came down to ringside. They were seemingly going to help their partners in The Way, but Ember Moon and Shotzi Blackheart ran down to run off LeRae and Hartwell. The two teams meet in a semifinal match in the women’s Dusty Classic.
Spoofing Eddie Guerrero, Ruff sold like Gargano hit him. A referee kicked Gargano out of the ringside area, and Gargano was ordered to the back. Ruff then used a springboard cutter for a near fall. To no avail as Theory caught him on another dive, and Theory dropped him on the barricade. Back in the ring, Theory delivered a Marc Mero TKO cutter (that Theory calls the “ATL”), and he covered Ruff for a pinfall.
Theory kept attacking Ruff after the bell. He gave him another ATL cutter. He went outside the ring looking for plunder, but Dexter Lumis snatched him in his clutches. During the attack by Lumis, Theory supposedly had some of his hair ripped out. Barrett on commentary said he was scalped. Hardly.
A vignette hyped El Legado del Fantasma. Another vignette told the a Chinese tale that relates to Xia Li & Boa. It explained that their mentor figure is a over 1,000 years old in a fantastic mythical tale.
El Legado Del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde) deafted Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) in a Dusty Rhodes quarterfinal match
Mendoza pinned Dorado, and Legado del Fantasma is advancing to the semifinals.
Best match of the night so far that was billed as battle of sorts for the heart of lucha libre. It was a WWE-version of rudos against tecnicos. They wrestled and flew through a commercial break.
Metalik looks so much more like the high flyer he was before joining WWE. That is a great thing. Hot tag to Dorado after the commercial break. He was a house of fire, and he flew around the ring. Dorado with a handspring into a stunner for a two count.
Wilde countered Lucha House Party with a springboard into a double DDT spot. Lucha House Party fought back, and they did some wild high spots. Metalik with a super Frankensteiner to the floor. Dorado moonsaulted off the ring post to the floor.
Blind tag by the rudos, and they catch Dorado with a combo kick/leg sweep, and Mendoza pinned Dorado.
MSK after the match came out to the stage to cut a promo on Legado del Fantasma. The two teams meet next week in the tournament semifinals.
Enter Edge
Pete Dunne was joined by the NXT Tag Team Champions Danny Burch & Oney Lorcan. They entered the ring for a promo near the top of the second hour. Dunne was looking for NXT Champion Finn Balor.
Balor entered the scene, and he cut a promo on Dunne. Balor claimed Dunne was hiding behind Burch & Lorcan, so Dunne told them to leave. Dunne said he was winning the title from Balor at the first chance he gets. Balor informed him that chance comes at TakeOver, as they will have a title match on that card.
Edge interrupted them, and he got between them in the ring. He said a lot of times they focus on the “E” in WWE, but in NXT they focus on the second “W” in WWE. Edge said NXT helped him find his passion. It helped him get his career back after nine years away. He used his passion to win the Royal Rumble, and that allows him to challenge any champion in the company.
Edge went on to put over Balor and Dunne, and Edge said he was watching their title match at TakeOver. He pointed at the NXT title in saying he never had that. Edge said if hasn’t made his choice by TakeOver, then their match might make up his mind. He was teasing challenging the winner at WrestleMania in a title match. He never actually said he was challenging for the NXT title, but he teased it greatly.
NXT North Americam Champion Johnny Gargano was being interviewed by someone that was not McKenzie Mitchell. Gargano was happy someone else was interviewing him this time, but he soon freaked out when she told him Kushida would be challenging him at TakeOver in a North American title match. Gargano could not believe the news, and he demanded they go to Regal’s office.
When Gargano got to Regal’s office he found Kushida already there. Kushida told Gargano that Regal was busy. Gargano acted like he would come back later, and then he tried to sucker punch Kushida. A brawl erupted backstage. Kushida kicked him in the arm before the fight was broken up.
Toni Storm vs. Jessi Kamea (with Robert Stone & Aliyah) ended in a no contest
The referee threw the match out when Mercedes Martinez entered the ring, and a brawl erupted amonst all three.
Kamea is now a part of the Robert Stone Brand. She got some offense on Storm before Mercedes Martinez got into the ring to attack Storm. Kamea also fougth with Martinez, but she was pulled away by Aliyah and Stone.
Martinez was fighting with Storm when NXT Women’s Champion Io Shirai entered the scene. She sat on the turnbuckles with her title hanging from her shoulder. Shirai watched her two opponents at TakeOver fighting among themselves. When there fight spilled outside the ring, Shirai did an Asai moonsault off the top rope to the floor. The champ stood tall.
Next came a Curt Stallion promo, it was something. Better than whatever that was last week, but oh my. It was something. Tonight was the biggest night of his life. He hollered “place your bets” really loud before saying Curt “The Lone Star” Stallion is going to make everybody in Texas proud.
A vignette hyped Cameron Grimes. He returns next week on NXT.
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar defeated Curt Stallion to retain his title
Escobar pinned Stallion to retain. Scarlett was scouting Escobar, and Karrion Kross confronted him after the match.
Stallion was fighting from underneath almost from the start. Escobar grounded him, and Stallion ate a dropkick for a near fall.
Scarlett was seen watching over the macth. She was there apparently to scout Escobar for her charge, Karrion Kross. That distraction eventually got to Escobar, and Stallion was able to clothesline him out of the ring before a commercial break.
Stallion was backdropped on the ring steps during the commercials, and Escobar was back in control when the show returned from the break. Escobar continued to work over Stallion. He applied a half crab, and then a crossface.
Escobar missed a charge, and Stallion made a comeback. He cleaned house, and then Stallion leapt through the ropes with a tope. He jumped off the top rope with a splash for a two count. Escobar countered Stallion to give him an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles. Stallion still fought back as they exchanged strikes.
Escobar delivered a Phantom Driver, and then he executed a double underhook neckbreaker. Escobar then pinned Stallion to retain his title.
Karrion Kross entered the scene after the match. He beat up Mendoza & Wilde at ringside, and then Kross confronted Escobar. He told Escobar he was giving him the gift of time to think about things. Kross hinted that time will soon run out.
A feature aired that highlighted Black History Month.
Edge was leaving the building, and he was asked if he made his decision yet. He had not. Kross then confronted Edge in the parking lot. Kross did not have on a shirt when he confronted Escobar in the ring, but Kross put on a shirt to confront Edge. Anyway, he confronted Edge. Another tease, but this one was teasing a match with Edge against Kross. Like earlier, just a tease as nothing is official.
Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher defeated Undisputed Era (Adam Cole & Roderick Strong) in a Dusty Classic quarterfinal match
Ciampa pinned Cole to win the match. Ciampa & Thatcher advance to the semifinals.
Great wrestling sequences from the start. Undisputed Era would seem like the better team because they have been stablemates so long, but Thatcher & Ciampa showed great teamwork. That was part of the story in the match before a commercial break.
Strong with a superplex spot with Thatcher. That led into Cole making a hot tag, and he cleaned house. Backstabber on Ciampa for a near fall. More exchanges, and Cole with an ushigoroshi for another two count.
Ciampa countered an attempted figure four from Cole, so Cole applied it to Thatcher instead. Ciampa broke up the submission hold after Ciampa himself had to escape the Stronghold. Thatcher & Ciampa with a combo for a near fall. Strong escaped their clutches with an Olympic Slam.
Cole tagged back in to get a near fall on Ciampa. Thatcher with a save to protect Ciampa, but Thatcher gets rocked by Cole with a superkick. Strong then give Thatcher a backbreaker on the barricade. In the ring, Ciampa delivers a Willow’s Bell to Cole and covers him for the pinfall.
Thatcher & Ciampa move on to face Grizzled Young Veterans in the semifinals of the Dusty Classic.
Men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge is headed to NXT for an appearance on Wednesday night.
After Edge teased the appearance on social media, WWE confirmed that Edge will be on this Wednesday’s episode of NXT. Edge was also on Raw last night and is set to appear on SmackDown this Friday.
“In Orlando to visit my wife. Then I had a thought, @WWENXT needs to get #RatedR,” Edge tweeted. Beth Phoenix, who is married to Edge, is part of the NXT commentary team.
WWE hasn’t announced which title Edge will be challenging for at WrestleMania, but Dave Meltzer reported that Edge facing Universal Champion Roman Reigns is planned for WrestleMania. Reigns is a member of the SmackDown roster.
Last year, Charlotte Flair won the women’s Royal Rumble and challenged for the NXT Women’s Championship at WrestleMania.
Finn Balor is the current NXT Champion. WWE has been building to Balor defending his title against Pete Dunne at NXT TakeOver on Sunday, February 14.
I didn’t come back to just do a greatest hits tour. That’s not why I came back. I didn’t just want to do regurgitated greatest hits. I wanted to come back because I wanted to tell compelling stories. I wanted to get in with a lot of talent so that … if I could impart wisdom from 29 years of doing this, in terms of trying to tell a story, that’s really exciting for me. I love so much of this talent, and it’s exciting to be able to get in with them. Did I necessarily know that I was going to try to work toward WrestleMania? No. A lot of those things are out of your hands. I did know I was going to put the work in to be able to do it if called upon. That’s part of my responsibility in coming back, as well.
I don’t just want to be another body. I want to be able to help, and to help the totality of the industry if I can. If that means that this year Edge main events WrestleMania? Ok. I will do my part to make that happen and make it as compelling as I possibly can. But I also want to get in there with loads of talent. My goal is to come back and tell great stories in the main event of WrestleMania or on Raw, whatever it is. I came back committed to this. After my family, this is my top priority. If I’m asked to be in a title program heading into WrestleMania? I’m here every week. That’s the way I operate. I’m not going to be a guy who comes in for one week and floats off for eight weeks. If I’m involved and I’m in the mix, I’m going to be here every week because that’s how I operate.
Here’s the updated lineup for Wednesday’s NXT:
Edge appears
Men’s Dusty Classic quarterfinal match: Undisputed Era (Adam Cole & Roderick Strong) vs. Tommaso Ciampa & Timothy Thatcher
Men’s Dusty Classic quarterfinal match: Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado) vs. Legado Del Fantasma (Raul Mendoza & Joaquin Wilde)
Women’s Dusty Classic semifinal match: Kacy Catanzaro & Kayden Carter vs. Dakota Kai & Raquel Gonzalez
NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar defends against Curt Stallion
One night after winning the men’s Royal Rumble match, Edge was in action against Randy Orton in the main event of last night’s Raw.
Edge and Orton started off the men’s Rumble and were the final two wrestlers after Orton returned at the end of the match following an injury angle. Last night, they faced off against each other for what WWE said was one last time.
As Orton looked to finish the match with an RKO, he was distracted by Alexa Bliss appearing on the top turnbuckle. Bliss had black liquid coming out of her mouth. Edge then hit a spear on Orton to get the win.
Edge also appeared in last night’s opening segment and interrupted WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. The segment ended with Sheamus turning against McIntyre and laying him out with a Brogue Kick. Sheamus was then interviewed backstage and said McIntyre is no longer is friend. Sheamus declared that he wants the WWE Championship.
McIntyre responded to Sheamus later in the show and said he and Sheamus have fought more times than he can count, but this time is different. McIntyre said if Sheamus is willing to throw their 20-year friendship away over the WWE Championship, so be it. He then accepted Sheamus’ challenge for a title match.
Men’s Royal Rumble winner Edge is set to appear on SmackDown this Friday night.
A commercial that aired during tonight’s Raw questioned who Edge and women’s Royal Rumble winner Bianca Belair will set their sights on as the road to WrestleMania 37 continues on Friday’s SmackDown. The WWE on Fox Twitter account also wrote: “2021 Men’s Royal Rumble winner @EdgeRatedR returns to the brand he ruled for many years! #SmackDown, Friday 8e/7c on FOX”
Since returning last year, Edge’s appearances on WWE television have been on Raw. He appeared on tonight’s post-Royal Rumble edition of Raw and interrupted WWE Champion Drew McIntyre in the opening segment, which featured Sheamus dropping McIntyre with a Brogue Kick. Edge was also in action in the main event of tonight’s Raw and defeated Randy Orton after Orton was distracted by Alexa Bliss.
Sunday’s Royal Rumble was the first time Edge has wrestled since tearing his triceps last June.
Dave Meltzer reported today that Edge vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns is planned to take place at WrestleMania 37. Reigns is a member of the SmackDown roster and retained his Universal Championship against Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match at the Royal Rumble.
Belair is also a member of the SmackDown roster. Meltzer noted that which title she’ll be challenging for at WrestleMania “isn’t 100 percent right now.” SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks retained her title against Carmella at the Royal Rumble. Asuka is the current Raw Women’s Champion.
WrestleMania 37 is a two-night event taking place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11.
