Tag: gauntlet match

WWE Raw live results: IC title contender’s gauntlet match

Posted on March 11, 2024 by Steve Khan

Date: March 11, 2024
Location: Toyota Center in Houston, TX

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Show Recap —

Rapper Travis Scott (wearing an old-school Steve Austin DTA shirt) was shown arriving at the arena and embracing Jey Uso. (Gunther was also shown.)

Drew McIntyre/Seth Rollins segment

Drew McIntyre entered. He called Seth Rollins a selfish, delusional, hypocritical junkie for giving himself two main events at WrestleMania. Drew was getting “What” chants so he told the crowd to say “What” if they were glad he took out CM Punk and they did. The crowd chanted for Punk and McIntyre said he was the only one keeping Punk relevant.

McIntyre spoke briefly about The Rock before he was interrupted by Rollins. Rollins dared McIntyre to attack him again with another Claymore Kick. Rollins got on his knees and dared him again but McIntyre didn’t bite. Rollins called him a coward so he turned his back but McIntyre still didn’t bite.

McIntyre just wanted Rollins to listen to him. McIntyre said Rollins was right when he said he had to get over the Bloodline. He wanted to drop Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa when they got involved in his business again but he didn’t because he was focused on the World title.

McIntyre urged Rollins to take his own advice but he didn’t because the only person Rollins cared about was himself. (McIntyre did a funny impression of Rollins in here. Not because it was totally accurate, but because he mocked his stupid laugh.)

Rollins said McIntyre was starting to remind him of Punk. Rollins thought Punk was the biggest hypocrite in the world until he met McIntyre. Rollins said McIntyre might as well have been an honorary member of the Bloodline at this point. Rollins thought McIntyre would gladly take their help if it meant beating him and standing tall with The Rock.

Rollins said that wouldn’t happen because he and Cody Rhodes would take down the Bloodline on night one. On night two, Rollins would beat McIntyre once again and the only thing he would hear was the people singing his song.

McIntyre figured Rollins wanted him to put him out of his misery right now but he wouldn’t do it because he wanted to beat him at WrestleMania instead. Rollins said McIntyre was upset because out of everything going on right now (the Bloodline, his knee injury), McIntyre was the least of his worries. McIntyre didn’t take the bait and he went to the back instead.

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Damage CTRL was shown arriving at the area.

WWE congratulated themselves on reaching 100 million subscribers.

There was a good Chad Gable video package focusing on tonight’s gauntlet match.

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Becky Lynch defeated Liv Morgan (15:27)

Lynch entered before a break and stood around for a while before the match started. They still went to break less than two minutes into the match after Morgan hit a rough-looking suicide dive. Lynch came back with exploder suplexes but as she came off the middle rope, Morgan nailed her with a Codebreaker. They exchanged strikes until Lynch hit another Codebreaker for two.

They battled on the apron which led to Morgan hitting a sunset flip powerbomb to the outside. Morgan rolled Lynch into the ring but only got a two count. Lynch countered an Oblivion with a Man-handle Slam but Morgan rolled out of the before she could make a cover and just in time for another commercial break.

Lynch applied an armbar but Morgan countered and hit a tornado DDT. Morgan hit Oblivion but Lynch rolled out of the ring. Morgan tried something off the top but Lynch caught her and hit a Man-handle Slam for the pinfall win.

(The crowd was quiet when this started but they got into it the more it went, particularly after the sunset flip powerbomb.)

Lynch’s demeanour here was all business, including during her entrance and after she won.

— Rhea Ripley entered to confront Lynch. Morgan had some words for Ripley as she left.

The crowd chanted “Mami” as she congratulated Lynch on the win. Ripley asked if it was worth it and Lynch nodded. Ripley said Lynch kept getting into fights and leaving it all in the ring. We were getting closer to WrestleMania but Lynch kept fighting no matter what.

Ripley knew Lynch wanted to prove that she was still the best but deep down, she knew Ripley was better. Lynch kept picking fights so she would have an excuse when she lost at Mania. Lynch wouldn’t be The Man but would be a disappointment.

Lynch said she planted a seed of doubt weeks ago when she said Ripley might be better. That seed grew into a tree with roots and vines that wrapped around the whole world. Ripley had to remember that when people believed in her, she was good, but when people doubted her, she was great. Lynch said if it was her against the world, the world didn’t stand a chance.

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Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis announcement

They announced that Damian Priest and Finn Bálor would defend their tag titles in a six-pack ladder match at WrestleMania. Teams would have to qualify for the match over the coming weeks.

Judgment Day were shown in the back and they were not happy about this announcement. They left to find Pearce and Aldis.

********

They showed pictures of The Rock, Bad Bunny and (naked) John Cena at the Oscars last night.

Travis Scott was shown in the front row.

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell defeated Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri (2:03)

Dupri went for her version of the Caterpillar on Hartwell but LeRae got in her way. LeRae confronted Dupri and told her that she shouldn’t be doing the Caterpillar and the fans were booing her because she didn’t belong here. LeRae said the internet comments were nothing compared to what the other women in the locker room were saying about her.

LeRae also said that Dupri should be glad her dead brother wasn’t there to see what a disappointment she was.

An upset Dupri went to leave but a confused Hartwell booted her. LeRae knocked Nile off the apron and told Hartwell to pin Dupri, which she did to pick up the win.

(The referee just stood there instead of counting out LeRae who was not the legal wrestler.)

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[SECOND HOUR]

Bálor, Priest and JD McDonagh confronted Pearce and Aldis. Bálor hated ladders and they hated this idea. Pearce said they could cement their legacy by winning but Damian Priest said they’ve already proven they were the best. Priest wanted to know whose idea this was. Pearce and Aldis resisted but Pearce admitted the idea came from R-Truth and The Miz.

Priest thought that was stupid and wanted them in a match tonight. Pearce said they were out doing media. Truth barged in at that moment and Pearce was stunned. Truth acted like he didn’t know what day it was. Priest told Pearce to put them in a match.

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Cody Rhodes sit-down interview

Michael Cole showed a video package of the closing segment from Smackdown before introducing Rhodes.

Rhodes said he wasn’t sure if The Rock actually was his boss but, either way, it sure did feel good to slap your boss. Rhodes said Rock was one of his favourite wrestlers in the past and Rock knew exactly what the slap was — a receipt.

Cole asked why Rhodes would risk so much before his match against Roman Reigns. Cole mentioned that Rollins was the last man to beat Reigns but by disqualification. Cole wondered if Rollins wanted to prove he was the top guy by finally beating Reigns. Cole asked Rhodes if he could trust Rollins.

Rhodes said people change. He left WWE and smashed the throne only to return and work with the man who sat on that throne. He even teamed with Jey Uso. Rhodes was glad to team with Rollins and called it his only chance to get a fair shot at Reigns on night two.

Rhodes recalled Cole asking him before if his story ended with him coming up short. Rhodes asked Cole if he looked nervous or frightened. Rhodes admitted that he was nervous and afraid. But the story was no longer about Reigns and himself. The story was about everyone who followed him through to the absolute end.

The story was about a fan named Hannah who was blind but went to the show and cheered for him just so she could feel it. It was about his friend Harley who went through spinal fusion surgery but still sat in the front row so he could get the weight belt.

It was about fans like that and fans from his own family. Like the sister that The Rock didn’t mention who was the original shotgun rider with their dad.

The story was about his mother — the only parent he had left. He couldn’t hand the title to Dusty but he could hand it to Michelle. (Cody got very emotional here and the crowd chanted for him.)

The story was about his number one fan, his wife Brandi Rhodes. She took a chance on him when he wore a goofy mask and took RKOs every night. If anyone deserved this it was her.

The story was beyond him. But it was up to him.

Rhodes said we were in the last inning. Rhodes told Cole that for the first time, he would be able to say that a Rhodes was the Undisputed Universal Champion and that Cody Rhodes finished the story. Rhodes hugged Cole before leaving the ring.

(Rhodes was terrific here.)

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There was a video package for Ricochet and JD McDonagh.

Lynch and Morgan shook hands in the back. They were attacked from behind by Nia Jax who also put Lynch through a table.

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(I wonder if this is the first time Raw has started with three straight women’s matches.)

Asuka & Kairi Sane (w/Dakota Kai & WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky) defeated Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (10:23)

Asuka set up Stark for Sane’s elbow drop but she slipped out and superkicked Asuka. Stark gave Sane a Z-360 and Baszler hit a running knee strike but Asuka broke up the cover. Asuka took out Stark while Baszler put Sane in the Kirifuda Clutch. Dakota Kai grabbed Baszler’s leg from outside the ring and Baszler let go for some reason.

The distraction allowed Sane to hit Baszler with a back fist and Asuka followed with a kick to the head. Sane finished her off with an Insane Elbow for the pinfall win.

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Andrade approached Ripley and Judgment Day. Ripley said Dominik Mysterio wasn’t there tonight but he did speak highly of Andrade. Ripley invited him to talk business when Dom returned. Andrade was on board because he was all about business. After he left, Bálor said he agreed with Dom about Andrade. Priest was fine with that but wanted them to focus on Mania. Priest said he would handle Truth tonight.

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There was a video package for Shinsuke Nakamura and Bronson Reed. They showed pictures of previous Intercontinental Champions and Chris Jericho was among them.

Damian Priest defeated R-Truth (8:02)

Priest decked an unsuspecting Truth with a right hand as he entered the ring with his music still playing. It was so unexpected Cole didn’t even seem to notice because he was in the middle of an ad-read. (The ref then did the dumb thing where she started the match anyway even though one guy was down.)

Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano entered to cheer on Truth who avoided a Razor’s Edge outside the ring and followed with a running clothesline off the apron. Priest hit Truth with a flatliner after a break for two. Truth followed with John Cena’s comeback sequence including an AA for a nearfall. The crowd actually thought Truth might win there.

They also cheered loudly as Truth put Priest in an STF. Truth let go upon seeing McDonagh and Bálor attack DIY. (Second time tonight a wrestler let go of a hold for no good reason.)

Truth went to the top and took out everyone with a dive. However, it was one of those dives where he basically split the group of bodies and planted hard against the mats. The ref checked on him and he continued but Priest hit a clothesline and South of Heaven chokeslam for the pinfall win. (Hopefully, Truth is alright.)

— Bálor and McDonagh laid out DIY after the match.

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[THIRD HOUR]

They showed a picture of Logan Paul with KSI and MrBeast at UFC 299.

Oddly, they also showed Rhea Ripley with Buddy Matthews at the event too.

(Not only did they show an AEW wrestler, but we’re supposed to think Ripley is with Dom and, earlier tonight, they made sure not to mention that Dom was away because of his wedding.)

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Becky Lynch challenged Nia Jax to a last woman standing match next week.

Jey Uso promo

Jey entered to a big reaction. Jey said he came to Raw for a fresh start but the Bloodline wouldn’t let him go. Jimmy wouldn’t let him go. Jey proposed brother vs. brother, twin vs. twin, blood vs. blood, Jey vs. Jimmy at WrestleMania. Jey told Jimmy to accept his challenge so he can knock the Yeet out his ass.

(Jey cuts a promo unlike anyone in WWE and the crowd was into it. He got straight to the point and it was also way shorter than the usual in-ring promo, which is another plus.)

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There was a Gunther video package.

Jackie Redmond interviewed Gunther. She said some think he’s become overconfident and was underestimating tonight’s contenders. Gunther didn’t care if anyone thought that. He was focused on his legacy. He beat Ricochet 640 days ago to become champion and has elevated the title to new levels. The best of the best would lay it all out there tonight just to face him at Mania and that was an affirmation of the work that he’s put in. It took a lot to be in his position and wished good luck to tonight’s winner.

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They announced Muhammad Ali for this year’s Hall of Fame.

Next week on Raw in Raleigh, NC:

Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax in a last woman standing match
New Day vs. Otis & Akira Tozawa – WM40 ladder match qualifier
DIY vs. The Creed Brothers – WM40 ladder match qualifier
R-Truth & The Miz vs. Idus Sher – WM40 ladder match qualifier

They also plugged CM Punk’s return to Raw in Chicago in two weeks.

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Sami Zayn won a Gauntlet Match to earn an Intercontinental Championship match at WrestleMania 40 (41:36)

– Ricochet defeated JD McDonagh

Ricochet tried a flying crossbody but McDonagh caught him mid-air with a gutbuster. Ricochet tried a comeback minutes later but McDonagh got his knees up on a lionsault attempt. McDonagh followed with a brainbuster for two. Ricochet fired back and hit a poisonrana but McDonagh followed with a Spanish Fly for two.

Ricochet hit a DVD onto the apron following commercials. McDonagh slid into the ring to break the ten count but Ricochet hit him with a lionsault. Ricochet followed that with a Northern Lights Suplex and floated over into a vertical suplex for two. McDonagh raked Ricochet’s eyes and chucked him into the ring post for two.

Ricochet shoved McDonagh off the top and hit a shooting star press for the pinfall elimination.

(They gave these guys a lot and they had a fun first match as a result.)

– Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet

Ricochet took the fight to Reed and instantly attacked with consecutive dives. Ricochet tried something fancy but Reed slammed him and hit a senton. Reed followed with a Tsunami for the pinfall elimination.

– Sami Zayn defeated Bronson Reed

Zayn hit a moonsault off the barricade which led to break but Reed was in control after the break. Reed had Zayn on his shoulders while standing on the middle rope but Zayn slipped out and hit a sunset flip powerbomb for the pinfall elimination.

As Nakamura entered for the next match, Reed decked Zayn from behind and hit a Tsunami.

– Sami Zayn defeated Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura tried to take advantage and immediately went for Kinshasa but Zayn countered into a cradle for two. Nakamura used kicks to take over and kicked Zayn over the announce table. Nakamura was in control after a break but Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Nakamura went for something off the ropes but Zayn ducked and immediately hit a Helluva Kick for the pinfall elimination.

– Sami Zayn defeated Chad Gable

Zayn was down as Gable entered but Gable stopped himself from taking advantage. He urged Zayn to get up and helped him to his feet. Zayn fired up and they went at it but Gable immediately hit consecutive German suplexes. Gable applied an ankle lock outside the ring but Zayn kicked him into the steel steps and he sold it like he was dead.

After a break, Gable hit an exploder suplex off the top for two. Gable went for a moonsault but Zayn got his knees up and caught him in a rollup for two. Gable hit forearms and a slap so Zayn slapped him back. They traded slaps and forearms until Zayn booted Gable. Gable reversed a Blue Thunder Bomb into an ankle lock but Zayn got a rope break.

Zayn blocked a Chaos Theory attempt and hit an exploder. He limped (because of his bad ankle) while trying the Helluva Kick so Gable was able to avoid the kick and apply the ankle lock again. Zayn couldn’t get a rope break because Gable pulled him to the middle of the ring. Zayn tried kicking him off but Gable held on. Zayn tried getting to his feet so Gable hit a German suplex.

Gable went for a moonsault but Zayn dodged it and hit a Helluva Kick (while limping). Zayn took too long to make a cover which allowed Gable to reverse his cover into a crucifix pin for a nearfall.

Gable dropped his straps and hit a bridging German suplex for two. As soon as Zayn kicked out, Gable applied the ankle lock again but Zayn reversed into a cradle for the pinfall win.

Zayn wins the gauntlet and will face Gunther for the IC title at Mania. This was really good. Gable sold the loss well.

The ref raised the hand of Zayn who couldn’t even get to his feet. Gable helped Zayn to his feet and was about to leave but Zayn hugged him.

Gunther walked out to pose on the stage as the show ended.

Number one contender’s gauntlet match set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on August 5, 2022 by Joseph Currier

The SmackDown Women’s Championship challenger for Clash at the Castle will be determined tonight.

WWE has announced that a number one contender’s gauntlet match will take place on tonight’s episode of SmackDown. The winner will challenge Liv Morgan for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Clash at the Castle in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday, September 3.

The participants for the gauntlet match are: Raquel Rodriguez, Aliyah, Shotzi, Xia Li, Shayna Baszler, Natalya, and Sonya Deville.

Ronda Rousey isn’t included in the gauntlet match due to currently being suspended in storyline. WWE announced after last weekend’s SummerSlam pay-per-view that Rousey had been both fined and suspended for attacking a referee.

Rousey attacked the referee after her SmackDown Women’s Championship match against Morgan ended in a controversial finish. While Rousey had Morgan in an armbar, the referee counted a pin and declared Morgan the winner. But the referee missed that Morgan had tapped out while he was counting.

Clash at the Castle will also see Roman Reigns defend his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Drew McIntyre. On SmackDown tonight, Reigns will address McIntyre.

WWE has also announced that Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ludwig Kaiser will take place on SmackDown tonight. If Nakamura wins, he’ll earn an Intercontinental title shot against Gunther.

WWE SmackDown (Friday, August 5) —

Number one contender’s gauntlet match (Raquel Rodriguez, Aliyah, Shotzi, Xia Li, Shayna Baszler, Natalya, and Sonya Deville)
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns addresses Drew McIntyre
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ludwig Kaiser (if Nakamura wins, he becomes the number one contender to Gunther’s Intercontinental title)

Gauntlet match, Miz TV with Drew McIntyre announced for WWE Raw

Posted on February 13, 2021 by Bryan Rose

A gauntlet match and Miz TV with Drew McIntyre has been announced for Raw.

The gauntlet match will consist of those competing in the Raw Elimination Chamber match taking place at the pay-per-view on February 21. Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Randy Orton, Sheamus, and The Miz will all compete in the gauntlet. The winner of the match will be able to enter the Elimination Chamber last.

Also announced for Raw is a new episode of Miz TV. Miz will interview Drew McIntyre after Sheamus laid out McIntyre with a brogue kick back on the February 1 edition of Raw, effectively ending their friendship.

Shemus got involved in the finish of this week’s Raw main event, looking for a brogue kick on Drew McIntyre. However, Sheamus instead hit Orton with the kick, causing Orton to win the match by DQ. McIntyre responded to Sheamus’ attack by nailing him with the Claymore kick.

Tag team gauntlet match announced for WWE SmackDown

Posted on March 5, 2020 by Joseph Currier

As has become tradition, a gauntlet match will be part of WWE’s final build to Elimination Chamber.

WWE has announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Miz & John Morrison, The New Day, The Usos, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, The Lucha House Party, and Heavy Machinery will face off in a gauntlet match on SmackDown tomorrow night. Those are the teams that will face off for the SmackDown Tag Team titles in an Elimination Chamber match at Sunday’s pay-per-view.

The team that wins the gauntlet match will enter the Elimination Chamber last on Sunday.

Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins starred in pre-Elimination Chamber gauntlet matches over the last two years, though those respective gauntlet matches were won by Randy Orton and Braun Strowman.

Miz & Morrison won the SmackDown Tag Team titles from The New Day at Super ShowDown last week.

Tomorrow’s SmackDown is taking place at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley & Sasha Banks will face Naomi & Lacey Evans in a rematch from last week. WWE has also announced that Bray Wyatt will host a Firefly Fun House segment on the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: Kofi Kingston’s gauntlet match

Posted on March 19, 2019 by Dave Bath

The road to WrestleMania continues as SmackDown takes place from Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana tonight.

Kofi Kingston competes in a gauntlet match for a WWE Championship shot at WrestleMania 35. Kingston was set to challenge for the title at Fastlane, but Vince McMahon took the title shot away in storyline. Last week, Kingston and The New Day demanded another chance. In order to get the title shot, Kingston must defeat Randy Orton, Samoa Joe, The Bar, and Rowan in the gauntlet match.

The gauntlet match will take place at the start of tonight’s show.

At Fastlane, Shane McMahon turned against The Miz and gave him a brutal beatdown in front of his father. The Miz returns to address McMahon and the attack. Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley are also coming to SmackDown to face Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a non-title match.

Plus, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair are both scheduled to appear tonight.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair will be guests on The KO Show hosted by Kevin Owens later tonight.

The Miz made his way to the ring to address Shane McMahon. He talked about the sacrifices he made and his friendship with McMahon. His greatest moment was when his father stood in the ring and told him he was proud of him. Miz noted McMahon helped make that happen.

When Miz teamed with McMahon everyone in the back warned him. They told him that McMahon’s different behind the scenes. He said McMahon is rotten to the core, just like his father. He said they don’t own him and don’t own Kofi Kingston. Miz wasn’t born rich. People told him he was just average and would never be successful. He proved them all wrong and won the WWE Championship.

Miz did it all on his own. Boo him or cheer him he always had a good work ethic. His father didn’t give him love he had to earn it. The fans didn’t give him respect he had to earn it. He said after 13 years he thinks he finally earned the fans respect. The fans chanted “You Deserve It.” He promised to beat McMahon at WrestleMania. Miz did a good job with this promo.

Before the match, The IIconics noted Sasha Banks and Bayley finally came to SmackDown. They pointed out that Banks and Bayley returned to NXT first. They mocked the champs for their issues with Nia Jax, Tamina, Natalya, and Beth Phoenix. They claimed that Banks and Bayley were avoiding them. They promised to defeat the champs tonight.

The IIconics defeated Women’s tag team champions Sasha Banks & Bayley in a non-title match

The faces were firmly in control when Lacey Evans music hit. She made her way to the ring and walked back. This distracted Bayley and The IIconics took advantage to gain control. The heels isolated Bayley in their corner. Banks got the hot tag and ran wild. Banks pulled Billie Kay to the floor. Peyton Royce went after her but Banks countered.

Banks sent Royce back in the ring. She did a springboard in the ring but Kay tried to grab her leg. Banks kind of landed of Royce and looked at Kay. Bayley ran around the corner but Kay rocked her with a boot. Royce then rolled up Banks and Kay held her down for the win. The finish seemed like a mess.

Kayla Braxton interviewed Rey Mysterio. He brought in his son Dominic because he wanted him there for this announcement. Mysterio announced that he’s challenging United States Champion Samoa Joe at WrestleMania 35 after pinning him last week. Dominic’s proud of his father and is going to sit front row at WrestleMania to watch his father beat the bully.

Kevin Owens made his way to the ring for The KO Show. It’s the new and improved KO Show because of the graphics and his tie. He always calls WrestleMania KOMania but this year it’s all about Kofi Kingston.

Owens then turned his attention to his guests. He brought out his guests Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair. Lynch walked to the ring with a slight limp. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant. They booed Flair when she made her way to the ring. Owens said nobody knows about best friends falling apart better than him. He noted there is nothing more annoying than a best friend.

He read comments made by Ronda Rousey. Owens pointed out that Rousey’s not there. He then read comments made by Flair. He said they’ve done a lot of talking but nobody wants to see Lynch and Flair talk. The fans want to see them fight.

They went face-to-face. Flair promised to beat the holy hell out of Lynch. Owens asked Lynch to wait before responding and stepped out of the ring. Lynch and Flair started brawling in the ring and around ringside. Security ran out to break it up. Flair and Lynch both hit the officials. The fans broke into a loud “Becky” chant.

Kayla Braxton interviewed AJ Styles in the back. He discussed his upcoming WrestleMania match with Randy Orton. Styles pointed out that Orton had advantages that most people don’t have. He promised to tear the house down at WrestleMania. He then wished his good friend Kofi Kingston luck in his match later tonight.

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Rowan entered the ring. Bryan said Kofi Kingston being in the gauntlet match is an injustice because he doesn’t deserve the opportunity. Bryan knows how it feels to be held down. He said Kingston wasn’t held down. He was given the opportunity to replace Mustafa Ali in the Elimination Chamber.

Bryan said that unlike him Kingston is a B plus player. Kofi Kingston interrupted and made his way to the ring for the gauntlet match. The fans broke into a huge “Kofi” chant. Big E and Xavier Woods are banned from ringside. They watched the match from the back.

Kofi Kingston defeated Sheamus (w/Cesaro)

Sheamus locked on a chin lock but Kingston fought out and worked over the arm. Kingston sent Sheamus to the floor and followed up with a huge dive. Sheamus regained control with a knee. Cesaro interfered behind the referee’s back with an uppercut to Kingston.

Back from the break, Kingston fired back with chops. He hit the boom drop and set up for trouble in paradise. Sheamus caught the leg and attempted the Cloverleaf. Kingston hit a cross body for a close near fall. Sheamus hit the Irish Backbreaker for another near fall. He then locked on the Cloverleaf submission.

In a cool spot, Kingston rolled out of the Cloverleaf and rolled up Sheamus with an inside cradle for a near fall. Sheamus attempted the Brogue Kick but Kingston rolled him up for a two count. Kingston then hit the trouble in paradise for the win.

The New Day continued to watch in the back. Now The Usos, Mustafa Ali and The Hardys joined them. The Usos had a plate of pancakes.

Kofi Kingston defeated Cesaro

Cesaro jumped Kingston right after he pinned Sheamus. Cesaro was firmly in control but Kingston fought back. Kingston attempted a springboard cross body but Cesaro caught him and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall.

Back from the break, Cesaro was firmly in control and locked on the Cloverleaf submission. In a cool spot, Kingston tried to escape the submission but Cesaro countered with a suplex. Cesaro attempted the Neutralizer but Kingston fought out of the hold. He then hit the SOS for the win.

The New Day and the roster celebrated Kingston’s second win.

Kofi Kingston defeated Rowan by disqualification

Rowan jumped Kingston and dominated the match. They fought on the floor. Rowan then grabbed a chair and attacked Kingston for the disqualification.

Rowan continued to beat Kingston around ringside. Corey Graves pointed out that New Day can’t help or they risk getting Kingston disqualified. Rowan gave Kingston the Iron Claw through the announce table.

Kofi Kingston defeated Samoa Joe

Joe was firmly in control. Kingston tried to fight back but Joe shut his comeback down. Kingston fired back with chops but Joe took back over. Joe rocked Kingston with a clothesline for a close near fall. Joe attempted the Coquina clutch but Kingston hit a jawbreaker. Joe hit an uranage for a two count. The finish came when Joe went for the Muscle Buster but Kingston rolled him up for the win.

After the match, Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch on Kingston in the ropes. In the back, The New Day and the roster started a “Kofi” chant.

Kofi Kingston defeated Randy Orton

Orton beat Kingston around ringside. He held Kingston against the barricade and called him stupid. Kingston fought back and sent Orton into the steps. Orton regained control and slowed the pace down with a chin lock.

Kingston fought back with hard chops. He attempted a dropkick but Orton sidestepped the move. Orton attempted the RKO but Kingston countered with the trouble in paradise. Kingston crawled to Orton but he rolled out of the ring.

Back from break, Orton and Kingston fought on the top turnbuckle. Tom Philips pointed out that Kingston has lasted roughly 50 minutes. Kingston attempted a cross body but Orton rolled through for a near fall.

Orton hit the draping DDT and set up for the RKO. Orton attempted the RKO but Kingston rolled him up for the win.

Big E and Woods ran into the ring to celebrate with Kingston. Suddenly, Vince McMahon’s music hit. Vince came out and congratulated Kingston on his win. He announced that Kingston’s going to WrestleMania as long as he can defeat this last opponent. He then introduced the WWE Champion Daniel Bryan. Woods and Big E must go to the back.

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defeated Kofi Kingston

Bryan attacked Kingston with kicks in the corner. Bryan hit a huge back suplex off the top turnbuckle. He applied the LeBell lock but Kingston made the ropes. Kingston hit the SOS for a close near fall. Kingston pretty much landed on his head.

Bryan hit the running dropkicks in the corner. Kingston rolled up Bryan for a near fall. Kingston attempted a cross body but Bryan avoided the move. The finish came when Bryan hit the running knee for the win.

WWE SmackDown live results: Gauntlet match

Posted on February 13, 2019April 25, 2025 by Josiah MacDonald

SmackDown’s go-home show for Elimination Chamber takes place at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio tonight.

Ahead of the pay-per-view, all six wrestlers in the WWE Championship Elimination Chamber match will face off in a gauntlet match. The winner will get an advantage on Sunday by entering the Chamber last.

WWE has yet to make an announcement about Mustafa Ali’s (who suffered a concussion over the weekend) status for Elimination Chamber. Bryan defending his title against Ali, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, and Samoa Joe inside the Elimination Chamber is scheduled for Sunday.

The SmackDown Tag Team titles will be on the line on Sunday as The Usos challenge Shane McMahon & The Miz. Tonight, The Usos will make an appearance on “McMiz TV.”

We may also get some follow up to last night’s angle on Raw where Vince McMahon announced that Charlotte Flair will challenge for Ronda Rousey’s title at WrestleMania 35.

Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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The show opened with a graphic for Pedro Morales,

A recap of Raw opened the show, where Vince McMahon said that Becky isn’t The Man, but he is. Vince suspended Becky, and announced Charlotte as taking Becky’s place.

Charlotte made her entrance to a massive amount of boos. She said main eventing WrestleMania was her destiny. She said she wanted to say that her heart breaks for Becky, but it doesn’t. Charlotte said she thought she taught Becky better than to get suspended. She called herself the backbone and franchise of the women’s division to a large amount of heat.

She said Mr. McMahon didn’t choose her because she was his favourite, but because she is the best in the world, and she’s a future hall of famer, while Becky is a flash in the pan. Charlotte promised that WrestleMania was going to be like every other pay-per-view with the fans cheering her on and chanting “This is awesome.” She then dedicated the main event victory over Ronda at WrestleMania to Becky Lynch. The fans chanted “you suck”, and Charlotte said she was going to be front row at Elimination Chamber when Ronda faces Ruby Riott. This was a very good promo.

Carmella & Naomi defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya DeVille & The Iiconics

Before the match, all three teams cut a promo. Peyton Royce tagged out right away to Mandy Rose and so her and Carmella started the match. Rose tagged in to DeVille, but it didn’t work well for her, as Carmella and Naomi hit a double suplex on DeVille. Sonya drove Naomi back to the corner with shoulder thrusts. Naomi got thrown over the top rope and almost fell off the apron, but caught herself and kicked DeVille. Naomi hit a flying splits leg drop, and got a near fall.

Carmella got tagged back in, and she dodged some of Sonya’s attacks before hitting a flying headscissors and tagging out to Naomi mid move. Mandy Rose was tagged in and she tried to escape, but Naomi chased her down and hit a tope when they went to an ad break.

When they came back from the break with Sonya getting the heat on Carmella. Carmella started to fight out, hit the ropes, and both women hit a very ugly crossbody leaving both of them on the mat. Carmella managed to tag out, and Naomi and Carmella cleared the ring before Naomi hit a split legged moonsault on Mandy Rose for the pinfall. Rose & DeVille will be starting the Elimination Chamber tag match.

The Iiconics came in afterwards and took out Carmella and Naomi, beating both women down.

Mustafa Ali cut a promo, saying he wasn’t medically cleared to compete at Elimination Chamber.

The Miz came out with Shane McMahon for McMiz TV.

Miz said his teamwork with Shane is why they’re the best in the world and tag team champions. Miz announced that Shane was going to be a guest star on NCIS. Shane said “What did I say?” Miz said, “You said to only tell family, and we’re all family!” I kind of love babyface Miz.

They welcomed the Usos to the show to discuss their upcoming match against each other. The Usos said that Miz and Shane were trying to be the Usos. Shane said they weren’t trying to be the Usos, but that they were the best in the world. Jimmy and Jay said they knew each other better. They listed several things they did better, and even said they occasionally bathe together because they’re twins. What?

Miz asked Shane what his favourite colour was and whispered it to Shane, which was funny. They did this a few times, saying that Miz’s favourite minor league baseball team was the Toeldo Mudhens, and said “Holy Toledo.” This was great. Miz and Shane got a massive pop for this, and then it got a little personal as Miz asked them about Mandy Rose. It ended when the Usos superkicked Shane and Miz.

I enjoyed this.

A nice video aired for Black History Month.

Daniel Bryan cut a promo about how there were a lot of people that wanted him to lose the WWE Championship which got a somewhat mixed reaction until a few people got everyone chanting yes. Bryan said they were lying to himself and they were fickle, because they needed Bryan to show them how to live their lives. Bryan said he doesn’t want to be in Elimination Chamber because it’s painful, horrible, and career shortening, but he’s doing it so he can sacrifice himself to lead the people.

The New Day interupted, and cut him off and they went to a break as Big E carried a massive tube of meat down to the ring. Okay.

The Gauntlet Match:

Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan

Bryan started the match with Kingston, having some chain wrestling to open the match. Bryan and Kofi had a very nice exchange of ground moves that saw Bryan tie Kofi up with a bow and arrow stretch before Kofi kicked on and chased Bryan to the floor. Kofi is no slouch, and once it went back to the ring we saw another great exchange, but Bryan stayed on top of him with hard strikes and an uppercut.

Kofi hit two armdrags and then floated into a pinfall attempt, and as Bryan kicked out, he transitioned into attacking the arm. Bryan hit a kitchen sink knee twice, bringing Kofi to the mat. Bryan stayed on top of Kofi, but Kofi managed to pick up the pace, skin the cat, and hit a huge flying dive over the top rope when they went to break.

When they came back from break, Bryan was getting the heat on Kofi. During the break, he launched Kofi into the stairs. Bryan hit a dropkick while Kofi was tied up in the ropes, and continued to work over Kofi. Bryan tried to suplex him from the apron into the ring, but Kofi countered and drove Bryan into the corner.

Bryan hit a knee and suplexed Kofi onto the top rope before hitting a series of kicks and climbing the top rope and hit hitting a flying knee. Kingston kicked out. Bryan went for a flying headbutt, but Kofi rolled out of the way, and Bryan crashed to the mat. Kofi hit a series of clotheslines and a dropkick to make his comeback. Kofi hit the boom drop, and then a flipping senton, but Bryan kicked out.

Bryan ran up the top rope and flipped over Kofi’s head, but Kofi stunned him, ran up the ropes himself and hit a flying crossbody. Very nice. Bryan hit a drop toe hold, driving Kofi face first into the corner. Byan set Kofi in the tree of woe before hitting a series of kicks and a dropkick to the face. Bryan went for a back suplex, but Kofi twisted and crashed right onto Bryan’s face as they went to break.

When they came back, Kofi just escaped a submission from Bryan. Bryan hit a series of headbutts and a hard kicks, but Kofi kicked out. Kingston hit a hurricanrana, but Bryan rolled through and both men started to exchange pinfall attempts. Bryan managed to take Kofi down and lock on the LeBell lock, but Kofi refused to tap and made the ropes. Bryan hit a knee off the apron on Kofi.

Bryan went to the top rope and as Bryan went for a dive, Kofi stood and dropkicked him in the head. As the ref was checking on Bryan, Rowan tripped Kofi. Woods and Big E attacked Rowan, and the ref didn’t see Rowan doing anything so he kicked Woods and E out. Bryan rolled up Kofi, but Kofi kicked out.

Bryan sent Kofi into the corner, and Kofi kicked Bryan. Rowan grabbed Kingston and and threw him into the timekeeper’s area. The ref threw Rowan out, and Bryan went for his running knee on Kingston. Kingston countered and hit teh Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall! Kofi Kingston has eliminated Bryan!

Kofi Kingston defeated Jeff Hardy

They came back from break and Hardy and Kingston were wrestling. Kofi Kingston went for a dive off the steps, but crashed and burned into the barricade. Hardy hit a corner kick, and went for the Swanton back in the ring. Hardy hit his low blow dropkick that I have no idea what he’s allowed to use, but Kofi countered into a pinfall attempt.

Hardy kicked out, and went for his corner dropkick, but Kofi dodged and climbed the top rope. Hardy tried to knock him off the top rope, but Kofi pushed him off the ropes and hit a flying crossbody. Hardy rolled through and tried to pin him, but Kofi kicked out. Kofi hit the SOS and got the pinfall!

Kofi Kingston defeated Samoa Joe

Back from break, and Joe was murdering Kofi in the ring. Kofi tried to make a comeback, but Joe hit his enziguri and dropped Kofi. Joe gave Kofi the look of death and smashed him with some knees before locking on an abdominal stretch and a killer clothesline that turned Kofi inside and out.

Joe worked over Kofi with strikes and submissions for a little bit, but Kofi tried to fight out with some elbows. Kofi sent Joe to the floor and hit a massive flying cross body that almost saw both men killed. Joe and Kofi both made it back into the ring, and Joe killed Kofi with a clothesline, but Kofi kicked out.

Joe kept working Kofi over here, but Kofi hit a rolling kick to get out. Joe killed him with a senton, but Kofi kicked out again. Kofi blocked a strike from the apron and went for a springboard attack, but Joe pushed him to the floor. Kofi made it back in, and Joe started to “twist his skull off his head” according to Corey Graves. That’s impressive.

Kofi fought back up from his skull being twisted off his head and hit a dropkick. He went for a diving clothesline, but Joe countered and locked on the rear naked choke, but Kofi ran up the ropes and they did the Bret Hart/Roddy Piper finish, and Kofi Kingston pinned Joe! Joe killed Kofi with a uranage and choked Kofi out on the floor as the refs tried to break it up. AJ Styles ran down and started brawling with Joe, and sent Joe backstage.

AJ Styles defeated Kofi Kingston

Styles gave Kofi the chance to get back in the ring, and he did. Styles said he didn’t have to do this. Kofi refused to give and and slapped Styles. Styles hit a big forearm and then started taking it to Kofi. Styles hit a back breaker, and he kicked out. Styles worked over Kofi’s knee as Tom Phillips said that this might be the longest time that someone has ever competed in one match on SmackDown at 52 minutes. Clearly he has forgotten about Angle vs. Lesnar in their 60 minute iron man match.

Styles hit a snap suplex, but Kofi kicked out. Styles went for a suplex, but Kofi and Styles started to exchange pinfall attempts. Styles killed Kingston with a backbreaker, and Kofi let out a horrifying yell as he hit. Kofi hit a dropkick to Styles’ knee as AJ went to the apron, and both men were standing out there. Kofi went for a pair of flying knees, but Styles dodged, and Kofi hit the ring post. Yikes.

Kofi managed to beat the 10 count, and Styles can’t believe it. Styles hit a flying clothesline in the corner and then went for a hurricanrana, but Kofi hung on and hit a giant splash to the back of Styles, who barely kicked out. Kofi went for the SOS, but Styles rolled through into the Calf Crusher and Kofi Kingston tapped out. That was fantastic.

Randy Orton defeated AJ Styles
Orton’s music hit, and he ran into the ring from behind Styles and hit the RKO for the pinfall. The show closed with Orton posing.

That was a very good episode of SmackDown, and now we know that Randy Orton will enter the Elimination Chamber last. Asuka was nowhere to be found on this week’s show.

Gauntlet match for Chamber advantage set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on February 10, 2019 by Joseph Currier

For the second straight year, there will be a gauntlet match on WWE television on the go-home week for Elimination Chamber.

WWE has announced that WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, Mustafa Ali, Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy will face off in a gauntlet match on Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown. Those are the six wrestlers who will be in next Sunday’s Elimination Chamber match for the WWE title.

The winner of the gauntlet match will enter the Elimination Chamber last during their match at the pay-per-view.

There was also a gauntlet match with Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Elias, Finn Balor, The Miz, and Braun Strowman on Raw’s go-home show for Elimination Chamber last year. Strowman won it, and Rollins defeated Reigns and Cena and was in the gauntlet for more than an hour.

The Usos will appear on “McMiz TV” with Shane McMahon and The Miz on Tuesday’s SmackDown, which is taking place at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. Shane & Miz defending their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Usos has been announced for Elimination Chamber.

Gauntlet match teams for Wrestle Kingdom 13 pre-show set

Posted on December 17, 2018 by Bryan Rose

The trios gauntlet match now has a list of participants.

The match, which will take place on the pre-show, will determine the number one contenders for the NEVER six man tag team titles which are currently held by Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Taiji Ishimori. The participants are:

Hirooki Goto, Beretta and Chucky T
Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano
Michael Elgin, Jeff Cobb and David Finlay
Marty Scurll, Hangman Page and Yujiro Takahashi

Also announced were matches that will take place during the Wrestle Kingdom 13 Fan Festa event on January 3. These are being billed as Lions Gate Special bouts:

Tiger Mask & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Ren Narita & Yuya Uemura
Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare
Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino

The current NEVER six man champions already have high profile matches at the event. The Guerrillas of Destiny will take on The Young Bucks and EVIL & SANADA in a triple threat match for the IWGP tag team titles while Taiji Ishimori will challenge KUSHIDA for the IWGP Jr. title.

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Rusev wins gauntlet match

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Joseph Currier

Rusev was confirmed as AJ Styles’ next challenger as he won the number one contender’s gauntlet match on SmackDown last night.

Rusev came into the gauntlet last, submitting The Miz and winning a title shot against AJ Styles at Extreme Rules. He shook hands with Styles after the match, but Styles punched Aiden English when English pulled his hand back and mocked him.

Daniel Bryan defeated Big E and Samoa Joe in the gauntlet but was pinned by Miz. Bryan’s entrance had interrupted The Bludgeon Brothers as they were heading to the back after retaining their titles against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, and Harper & Rowan came back out to attack Bryan before he lost to Miz.

Also on SmackDown, Carmella and James Ellsworth gloated after Money in the Bank and were confronted by Asuka, Becky Lynch got a win against Billie Kay, and Shinsuke Nakamura and Jeff Hardy continued to feud following their match from last week.