Ludwig Kaiser has shared details on what led to the end of his pairing with Gunther on WWE programming.
Kaiser and Gunther had been teaming together since their days as members of Ringkampf on the European independent scene. The pair quietly disbanded late last year, no longer appearing together on WWE programming but never officially broken up either.
Kaiser recently spoke with Kennt jeder about the end of his pairing with Gunther and Imperium, noting that it was his and Gunther’s idea and that the structure of the faction had changed over time and across promotions.
“I don’t think I’ve ever said this anywhere but that was also wanted by me and also by Gunther,” Kaiser said (translated from German) about the breakup of the group.
“Imperium actually originally comes from wXw, back then it was Ringkampf. And that was structured differently. I would say everyone was more on the same level, because everyone had different roles. Back then, it was with Timothy Thatcher, he was the bruiser type, responsible for the dirty work. I was the arrogant snob, the young kid. And WALTER was the enforcer, the guy who comes in and wipes everybody out. But when WWE did Imperium again, me and my former partner were the tag team, and he was the main guy out in front. That just created a different dynamic. So Ringkampf, or even Imperium, my side of Imperium was always different from Gunther’s.“
Kaiser and Gunther were both members of the Ringkampf faction from 2016 to 2019 alongside Timothy Thatcher and Christian Michael Jakobi, wrestling for promotions such as Germany’s wXw and Progress Wrestling out of London. Along with Alexander Wolfe and Giovanni Vinci, they debuted as Imperium in NXT UK in May 2019.
Kaiser’s full interview is available below. His comments about the breakup of Imperium begin around the 32-minute and 30-second mark. English translations are available in the video’s Closed Captions settings.
Gunther is happy to see Ludwig Kaiser break out on his own in WWE.
We’ve seen more of Kaiser as a singles wrestler lately, though he’s out of action right now after suffering broken ribs during his match against Bron Breakker on the June 24 episode of Raw. A video package aired last week with Kaiser vowing to get revenge on Sheamus for interfering in the match.
In an interview with Gorilla Position, Gunther — Kaiser’s friend and Imperium stablemate — was asked how proud he is of Kaiser for taking advantage of these recent opportunities.
“Oh, very,” Gunther responded. “And to me it’s no surprise because I always saw that in him. I think what it took was that kind of like he saw that in himself a little bit. I think that was the biggest step for him. And now he has the chance to do his own thing and go out there and make a name for himself just on his own. And I’m very pleased to be able to witness that first-hand. I think he’s just getting started. The next years are going to be very exciting when it comes to the things he’s going to do.”
Though they aren’t always together on television, Gunther says Imperium still exists as a duo with him and Kaiser. They will be there for each other if the storyline calls for it.
“I mean, it’s a duo right now. But I think it’s important now that he does things on his own,” Gunther said. “We’ll always have that bond and always stick together when it’s necessary. That won’t change, but that also doesn’t mean we always have to be seen together every minute on television. I think everybody is aware that there’s a connection. And there’s no reason to assume that it’s not there anymore. But I’ve always been big about handling my matches myself without wanting or needing help. He’s going to do the same now, and I think that’s a very good experience to make and it’s a very good path to follow. If things get dangerous or difficult for me or for him, we always know we can rely on each other.”
Giovanni Vinci was a member of Imperium previously but got kicked out of the group when Kaiser turned against him earlier this year.
At SummerSlam next month, Gunther will challenge Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship. He earned the title shot by winning WWE’s King of the Ring tournament.
After their loss to the New Day on Monday’s Raw, Ludwig Kaiser consoled Vinci as they recovered in the ring. Kaiser helped Vinci to the outside where suddenly he drove Vinci into the side of the ring, attacking him. Kaiser set up Vinci on the ring steps as officials came to ringside to try and break up the fight. At first, Kaiser complied, walking to the back. However, he did an about-face and bolted back to ringside, hitting a running dropkick to Vinci’s head over the steel steps.
Following the assault, Kaiser entered the gorilla position where he met with Gunther, who had left the two following their loss. Gunther seemed pleased by Kaiser’s actions.
Gunther, Kaiser, and Vinci have been associated with one another on the main roster since Vinci returned as part of Imperium at Clash at the Castle 2022. In recent months, Gunther at times had been displeased by Kaiser & Vinci’s losses.
On Monday, Gunther declared for the upcoming King of the Ring tournament, with the finals taking place in Saudi Arabia on May 25.
A street fight is set for the February 26 edition of WWE Raw.
As announced on Monday, the issues between The New Day and Imperium will come to a head on next week’s Raw in a street fight, with New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods facing Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci.
Kingston & Woods laid out the challenge for next week in a backstage promo segment on Monday’s Raw, both wielding kendo sticks. The match was officially announced later on Monday’s program.
A singles rematch from the February 12 Raw main event is also set for the February 26 episode, as Sami Zayn will again face Shinsuke Nakamura.
Zayn’s WrestleMania season storyline quest of making it to Mania and becoming a champion continued on Raw with a promo, as he looks to be a potential Intercontinental Championship program for Gunther for WrestleMania. Gunther retained the IC title on Monday’s Raw with a win over Jey Uso after Jimmy Uso provided a distraction, also hinting at an Uso vs. Uso match for WrestleMania 40.
Next week’s Raw will also feature fallout from Saturday’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
The announced card for the Monday, February 26 WWE Raw episode:
Street fight: The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
Date: February 12, 2024 Location: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
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Show Recap —
Cody Rhodes was shown arriving at the arena earlier today as they announced he will indeed face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania.
A rare occurrence: Raw is starting with a wrestling match.
Six-man tag team match: Jey Uso, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci (19:44)
Gunther avoided getting physical with Jey Uso until he was sure his team was in control — or until he could get in a cheap shot. Jey tagged out after a break and New Day ran wild on Vinci until a distraction allowed Kaiser to drive Kingston into the ring steps. Gunther put Kingston in a Boston Crab, so Jey straight-up slapped him in the face. The referee separated them ahead of another break.
Jey made a hot tag after a break and hit Vinci with strikes as the crowd chanted “Yeet.” Gunther looked on in disgust. Jey handed out running hip attacks and superkicks Kaiser and Vinci. Gunther finally did tag in and chopped Jey down but Jey came back with an enziguri and flying crossbody for two. Jey tried a spear but Gunther blocked it and chopped him before also knocking New Day off the apron. Gunther hit Jey with a Rainmaker for a nearfall.
Gunther mocked Jey’s pose and tried a splash off the ropes but Jey got his knees up. Jey speared Gunther but Kaiser broke up the cover. Vinci tagged in but New Day and Jey laid him out with a 3D. New Day wiped out Kaiser with dives while Jey hit Vinci with an Uso Splash for the pinfall win.
This was what it needed to be.
********
There was a video package recapping the WrestleMania press conference.
There was an Andrade video package. He spoke about winning the NXT and United States Champions when he arrived in WWE. Titles weren’t enough and he had to leave to remember who he was. Now his direction was clear.
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B-Fab and the Street Profits accompanied Lashley to the stage but returned to the back for the match.
Elimination Chamber qualifier: Bobby Lashley defeated Bronson Reed (8:41)
Lashley entered and waited almost ten minutes for the match to start. When it finally did start, they went to break 90 seconds later after Reed drove him over the barricade.
Lashley fought back after the break and hit an impressive vertical suplex for two. Reed hit a Death Valley Driver for two and Lashley hit a spinebuster for two. Reed blocked a spear and hit a uranage and senton. He went up for the Tsunami but Lashley brought him down with a slam and followed with a spear for the pinfall win.
This was fine. The crowd liked Lashley.
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Sami Zayn/Shinsuke Nakamura segment
Like last week, Jackie Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn in the stands before the show. Zayn said there was a feeling of embarrassment in sports when you say you’re going to do something but fail. He’s had that feeling many times in his career but the difference now was that he had an overwhelming feeling of self-belief. His belief last year is what drove him to WrestleMania. He planned on becoming champion and that was a promise.
In the middle of this sit-down interview, Shinsuke Nakamura appeared on the screen with a (pre-taped) promo. Nakamura compared him to Cody Rhodes and said he was swindling people by trying to gain their sympathy to stay in the spotlight. Zayn’s chance was over and Nakamura would continue on his warpath.
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[SECOND HOUR]
They aired the WrestleMania “trailer.”
Cody Rhodes/Seth Rollins segment
(This went more than 18 minutes. Long story short, Rhodes has unfinished business with The Rock and Seth Rollins offered to help.)
Rhodes entered to a big reaction. He said he was facing Roman Reigns in the main event at WrestleMania. It took him a while to be able to say that but the reason he could say it now was because of the fans. He spoke about the social media reaction last week and, right on cue, the crowd chanted, “We want Cody.”
Rhodes wasn’t sure how he could repay them, but maybe there was one way (he looked at the sign). Rhodes admitted he was getting emotional because of how much he cared. He didn’t want to get too emotional though because maybe he’d be a “crybaby.” The crowd booed and chanted “Rocky sucks.”
There was one man who did not want Cody and that man was perhaps the most famous person alive, a potential presidential candidate and the original people’s champion. Rhodes played a clip of Rock on Pat McAfee’s show cutting a promo on Rhodes and his fans. (There was a line where Rock said the fans ate chicken nuggets and shoved them up their ass while complaining online.)
Rhodes said promos were different now than when The Rock was first around and mocked Rock’s line about chicken nuggets. Rhodes said he was a fan of the Rock but one thing Rock did not do well was listen. Rhodes said nothing to defile his ancestors but Rock still took his words personally and slapped him in the face. Rhodes saw malevolence in Rock’s face. Rock put his hands on him and that meant, “I’m going to hit you back.”
Seth Rollins interrupted. Rhodes thanked him for coming to his aid at the press conference. Rollins was looking forward to defending his title against Rhodes at WrestleMania but he understood his decision. Rollins knew that Rhodes and millions of fans wanted him to finish his story.
Rollins told Rhodes that he needed to finish his story. For himself, for his dad, and the fans. If Rhodes does not beat Reigns, the landscape after WrestleMania will be very dark. Reigns would get more power and would defend his title even less. The glass ceiling would get even thicker. This was probably their last chance to get that title back and give it to the people.
Rollins wanted to know what Rhodes’ plan was. Rhodes got screwed last year thanks to the Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Paul Heyman. The deck was stacked again and now he had to deal with the most influential man in the industry, The Rock.
Rollins told him: “You do not have to fight this battle alone.” Rollins really felt it when Rhodes said he wanted to take everything from Reigns. Rollins was sick of people like Reigns always getting away with what they wanted.
Part of who Reigns has become was partially his fault. Rollins spoke about their debut together but said he couldn’t imagine the monster that Reigns would become. Now that monster had two heads because Reigns found the one man who was as entitled and selfish as him.
When it comes to fighting the Bloodline and Roman Reigns, there was only one man on earth who was uniquely suited to be Rhodes’ shield.
(Rollins went on for too long and his dialogue about Reigns was really over the top.)
********
Cathy Kelley informed Jey Uso and the New Day that Jey would be getting an IC title match against Gunther next week. Jey and New Day were all pumped to hear the news.
********
There were pre-taped by Liv Morgan and Zoey Stark ahead of the next match.
Elimination Chamber qualifier: Liv Morgan defeated Zoey Stark (9:12)
Morgan fought back after a break with a Codebreaker off the ropes but Stark kicked out and responded with a powerbomb for two, followed by a missile dropkick for two. Morgan went for Oblivion but Stark hit a superkick for two. Stark tried a Phoenix Splash but Morgan dodged it and hit a Codebreaker and Oblivion for the pinfall win.
********
Backstage, R-Truth tried to accompany Judgment Day to the ring (for his match against JD McDonagh) but Damian Priest made a very clear statement to him: Truth was not a member of Judgment Day and never was. Every beating he received was a beating and not an initiation. Tonight would be his execution.
After a break, Truth was in Gorilla trying to convince The Miz over the phone to get on a plane from LA to Lexington right now. Adam Pearce was there trying to get him to go to the ring.
Truth hit an Attitude Adjustment but Dom helped McDonagh out of the ring ahead of a break 90 seconds into the match. Truth did John Cena’s comeback sequence and set up for another AA but he stopped what he was doing upon seeing Priest ringside and McDonagh applied a cradle for two.
Truth set up for a Scissors Kick but McDonagh kicked his leg out of his leg and hit the Devil Inside (backdrop driver) for the pinfall win. (I’m not sure McDonagh has ever won with that move on the main roster so the crowd seemed surprised that was the finish.)
— Everyone aside from Priest tried to attack Truth after the match but Truth fought them off. Priest decked Truth and all of Judgment Day put the boots to him. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano ran out with chairs and Judgment Day bailed.
********
Rhodes approached Zayn backstage. Rhodes thanked him for coming to his aid last week. Rhodes said he believed in Zayn and the fans did too. Rhodes offered a handshake so Zayn hugged him.
[THIRD HOUR]
Becky Lynch segment
Lynch entered. She pointed out a sign from a young fan who wanted to be her prom date in 2034. Lynch said the road to WrestleMania has been confusing and unpredictable and she loved it. She has loved the business since she stepped into a wrestling ring for the first time at 15 years old.
She has been obsessed with it and that obsession has been great at times. She has traveled the world and that obsession was why a girl who once failed gym class main evented WrestleMania. The obsession is how she met her husband and why she has a daughter.
However, the obsession is also why she has missed birthdays, weddings and her own father’s funeral (she choked up there). Her daughter was only three years old but she already had to explain to her why her mother’s face was busted open, explain that she couldn’t pick her up because she had a separated shoulder, and explain why her dad wanted to fight Maui.
Lynch was going to the Elimination Chamber and her daughter would see her body bruised by steel but she would also see the brutality that her mother was capable of. Lynch was obsessed with getting her title back for the first time in two years and that started with the Chamber. That meant facing the most dominant champion we’ve seen.
Lynch knew the fans loved Mami and that they didn’t think anyone could beat her. But Lynch wasn’t just anyone and Rhea Ripley hasn’t faced anyone like her. Lynch grabbed a drink and had the fans raise their drinks in the air. She toasted to Ripley and suggested she enjoy her last few weeks as champion.
Nia Jax interrupted. The crowd told her that she sucked. Jax tried to act sincere and told Lynch that she respected her. Jax would’ve been lucky if her mom was half the mother that Lynch was. Jax “choked up” and said she wanted to be a mother like Lynch one day. The crowd booed as she spoke. Jax knew that nothing would stop Lynch from winning the Chamber.
Jax got serious and said nothing would stop her from beating Ripley to win the title and Lynch would have to face her at Mania.
Ripley stormed out and tackled Jax. With Lynch leaning against the corner, Jax squashed Ripley into Lynch. Jax dropped Ripley with a right hand before Lynch sent Jax out of the ring with a missile dropkick. Jax tried to get back in but Ripley booted her. Ripley told Jax she’d have to kill her.
Ripley and Lynch looked at each other as the segment ended.
********
Redmond interviewed Drew McIntyre. McIntyre said he has only tried to give the fans what they wanted. McIntyre pushing Rhodes in the right direction was the real reason he was going after Reigns. McIntyre called Rollins selfish, while Rhodes should be thanking him.
McIntyre called himself the underdog. He had to beat AJ Styles, one of the best in the world, just to qualify for the Chamber. Now he had to win one of the most dangerous matches in WWE but he was trying to do things the right way, the Drew way.
McIntyre implored Rhodes to get out of their match next week because Rhodes didn’t need this right now. McIntyre warned Rhodes he may not make it to WrestleMania, just like CM Punk.
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Truth thanked DIY for saving him earlier. They mentioned that Miz called them and asked for their help. Truth never imagined being saved by “DX.” He made some DX references and thanked them.
Elimination Chamber qualifier: LA Knight defeated Ivar (w/Valhalla) (8:37)
They went to break 90 seconds into the match after Ivar squished Knight into the barricade. With Ivar on the top, Knight leaped to the top and hit an impressive superplex. Ivar responded with a powerslam for two, followed by a sit-out powerbomb for two. Knight hit a knee strike, body slam and elbow drop for two.
Knight was distracted by Valhalla which allowed Ivar to hit a spinning kick. Ivar went for the moonsault but Knight ducked and hit BFT for the pinfall win. Knight blew a kiss to Valhalla.
********
Zayn walked through the back and bumped into McIntyre. McIntyre warned Zayn to keep his name out of his mouth and his nose out of his business. Zayn responded, “You’re in my way.” (A line meant more ways than one.) McIntyre politely stepped aside.
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Raw next week in Anaheim, CA:
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre
Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the Intercontinental Championship
DIY, R-Truth & Miz vs. Judgment Day
Last chance battle royal to qualify for the Women’s Chamber
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Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell met with Pearce but were interrupted by Chelsea Green who wanted in the Chamber. Hartwell wanted in so she could get a chance to compete in front of her family. Green wanted a singles match to qualify and not a “loser battle royal.” Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark appeared. Baszler looked forward to tearing Green apart next week.
********
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Sami Zayn (17:06)
They went to break 90 seconds into the match after Zayn chucked Nakamura out of the ring. Zayn was on offence after the break but Nakamura took control with strikes. Zayn countered a reverse exploder and hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Zayn hit a flip dive and they went to break again, less than nine minutes into the match.
Nakamura was in control after the break but they didn’t show us how that happened. The crowd got into it as they exchanged strikes and the match picked up from here. Nakamura blocked Zayn’s Blue Thunder Bomb for a second time and hit an enziguri. Zayn ducked a Kinshasa and hit the Blue Thunder Bomb for two.
Nakamura went outside to avoid a Helluva Kick. Zayn went for his dive-through-the-ropes tornado DDT but Nakamura saw it coming and kicked him in the face. Nakamura responded with a stomp off the ropes for two, followed by a knee off the ropes for two. Zayn fired back with a clothesline and smacked Nakamura repeatedly before hitting an exploder in the corner.
Zayn set up for Helluva Kick but decided to turn his back on his opponent upon seeing McIntyre run down to ringside. Nakamura kicked Zayn in the back of the leg and hit a Kinshasa from behind for the pinfall win.
— McIntyre and Nakamura attacked Zayn so Rhodes ran out to make the save. Rhodes gave McIntyre a Cody Cutter and laid out Nakamura with a Cross Rhodes.
(I really don’t think Zayn has to lose every match to tell a story that he needs to come from behind and he certainly didn’t need to lose to Nakamura here.)
WWE has revealed the teams that will be competing in a fatal four-way tag match on Monday’s Raw.
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) will take place on Raw this Monday. The match is part of a mini-tournament to decide the next challengers for The Judgment Day’s Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles.
The tournament began with Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate winning a fatal four-way match on SmackDown last night. The team that wins Monday’s four-way will advance to face Dunne & Bate in a number one contender’s match on SmackDown next Friday (February 9). The winning team gets their title shot against Damian Priest & Finn Balor at WWE Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia on Saturday, February 24.
Priest & Balor defeated Gargano & Ciampa on Raw earlier this week to retain their belts.
The Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri is hosting Monday’s Raw. The updated lineup for the episode is listed below:
WWE Raw (Monday, February 5) —
Gunther celebrates passing 600 days as Intercontinental Champion
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defend against Katana Chance & Kayden Carter
The Miz vs. JD McDonagh
Mixed tag match: Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri vs. Ivar & Valhalla
Fatal four-way match: DIY vs. The Creed Brothers vs. Imperium vs. New Day
Ludwig Kaiser and Kofi Kingston went to a double count-out on the January 8 episode of Raw. The segment ended with Kaiser throwing a chair at Kingston’s head and dropkicking him into the steel steps, putting him out of action for a week. Kaiser then got disqualified in a singles match against Xavier Woods on last week’s show.
Tonight’s Raw takes place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. 8537 tickets have been distributed to the show, according to WrestleTix.
WWE Raw lineup for Monday, January 22, 2024:
CM Punk & Cody Rhodes face-to-face
Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre
Chad Gable vs. Ivar
Ivy Nile vs. Valhalla
The Miz vs. Dominik Mysterio
Imperium (Giovanni Vinci & Ludwig Kaiser) vs. New Day (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston
Seth Rollins will kick off Raw and address his future as World Heavyweight Champion
Cody Rhodes will respond to Shinsuke Nakamura next week.
Rhodes on Raw this past Monday declared for the Royal Rumble when suddenly, a Shinsuke Nakamura video aired. Nakamura revealed that Rhodes was the person who he has been alluding to in recent weeks regarding a future opponent. Rhodes turned around and walked right into Nakamura giving him the mist.
Imperium will face DIY on Monday in a two-out-of-three falls match. The two teams have been trading wins and losses in recent weeks. This past Monday saw both teams take part in a tag team turmoil match that would determine the next contenders for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles. Both eventually lost to The Creed Brothers, who earned the tag team title match.
Later in the show, Gunther berated both Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, telling them to go to Raw GM Adam Pearce and resolve the DIY situation.
Shayna Baszler will also take on Nia Jax. Baszler had strong words for Jax in a promo backstage on Raw, which led to Baszler’s tag team partner Zoey Stark to challenge Jax to a match, which Jax ultimately won. Stark was also unsuccessful at Survivor Series, losing to Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley.
Here is the lineup for next Monday’s show:
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins defends against Jey Uso
Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn
Two-out-of-three falls: DIY vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci)
Date: June 12, 2023 Location: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS
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Show Recap —
Rhea Ripley entered alone to start the show. Adam Pearce wasted no time in introducing her as the new Women’s World Champion. He unveiled a new title belt and its design is similar to the men’s world title belt but with a white strap. Ripley was pumped to raise the new belt and the crowd applauded her.
Dominik Mysterio excitedly jogged out to place the belt around Ripley’s waist. The crowd booed as Dom put over Ripley.
Cody Rhodes interrupted. Rhodes had nothing but respect for Ripley but what he actually wanted to talk about was Dom. He showed a replay of Dom slapping him last week.
Rhodes wished we were hearing Brock Lesnar accept his challenge but Lesnar didn’t have the balls to do that. Instead, Rhodes challenged Dom to a match at Money in the Bank.
Dom said he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the world. He embarrassed Rhodes just like he would anyone else. The crowd chanted “You suck” and Rhodes encouraged them to continue. Rhodes wanted an answer.
Ripley said her Latino Heat was more of a man than anyone in the arena and certainly more than Rhodes. Rhodes again asked for an answer.
Miz tried to attack Rhodes from behind but Rhodes saw it coming and knocked him out of the ring. This allowed Dom to get in another cheapshot before he bailed from the ring. Ripley laughed and accepted Rhodes’ challenge on Dom’s behalf.
Cody Rhodes defeated The Miz (10:43)
Rhodes wrestled with his arm in a cast and Miz took control by driving him arm-first into the steel steps. Rhodes fought back after a break and hit a Side Effect, clothesline, powerslam, and Disaster Kick for two. Miz kicked his leg out of his leg, hit It Kicks and a DDT for two.
Rhodes blocked a Skull Crushing Finale for a second time and hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes signed an autograph for a young fan as he left.
(Not sure where it happened but Rhodes had blood on the back of his head.)
********
Becky Lynch walked through the back past Alpha Academy as Chad Gable and Otis appeared to be showing Maxxine Dupri some holds.
Lynch entered to cut a promo before her match. Lynch said she was lucky to do a lot of things in her career but winning the MITB ladder match has alluded her. She had a good feeling about this year.
She said we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the best person is the person who holds the championship. The irony of it was that the number one person was the person who held the power and that was the person who held the briefcase.
They had a power to make the champion scared and that scared people did dangerous things. She liked it when people did dangerous things because it made her better. You didn’t have to look any further than Trish Stratus as an example. Stratus was so scared that she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark.
Stark interrupted. Stark said Lynch had a lot of accomplishments but she’ll never be able to say that she beat Trish Stratus. Losing to Stark at MITB would be her next failure.
Lynch knew that Stark was a pit bull but she had no personality. Stark told Lynch to look in the mirror because the only reason she only got popular was because someone else broke her face. Lynch was desperately holding onto her fame and was now using Stratus to stay relevant. Stark threatened to break her face at MITB and make her famous.
Stratus invited her to the ring but Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville entered. (Stark tried to psych them out by stepping toward them but they didn’t flinch. They told her to relax and moved on.) They made excuses for Deville’s loss last week before Lynch cut them off and told Green to get in the ring.
Becky Lynch defeated Chelsea Green (w/Sonya Deville) (7:17)
A distraction from Deville allowed Green to take control during a break but Lynch fought back and repeatedly drove her into the barricade. Lynch applied a Disarmer moments later and Green tapped out.
********
There was a recap of Seth Rollins beating Damian Priest to retain the world title.
In the back, Priest, Ripley and Dom were all in a good mood but Finn Bálor was not. Ripley asked if Bálor was alright and he said he had a lot on his mind. Priest said he would beat Matt Riddle in his MITB qualifier and would go to the ring alone. Bálor didn’t look pleased.
[SECOND HOUR]
Money in the Bank qualifier: Damian Priest defeated Matt Riddle (14:20)
There was a spot where Riddle ducked a charge and Priest flew onto the announce desk. Riddle grabbed him and yelled “Stupid!” which was perhaps a reference to Randy Orton.
Riddle held control for the first part of the match. After a Riddle German suplex, they traded strikes until Priest cut him off with a falcon arrow.
Riddle applied an ankle lock following a break and transitioned into a sleeper hold. Priest countered it and dropped him with a clothesline. Priest charged at Riddle in the corner but Riddle grabbed him in a triangle between the ropes. Priest came back with a headlock driver for two.
Priest set up for a top rope Razor’s Edge but Riddle slipped out and hit an avalanche fisherman suplex for a nearfall. Priest grabbed Riddle off the middle rope and hit a Razor’s Edge for the (somewhat abrupt) pinfall win. Priest qualifies for the final men’s MITB slot.
This was really good and Riddle looked particularly impressive.
— Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser marched out after the match. Priest faced off with Gunther before telling him to go pick the bones. Gunther smacked around Riddle and dropped him with a chop. (This was payback for Riddle beating up Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci last week.)
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhodes. Rhodes said Dom was getting gassed up by Ripley and Judgment Day and that would eventually get Dom hurt. He spoke passionately about finishing the story and said Lesnar and Dom were not knocking him off the path. He wished “Dom-Dom” luck at MITB.
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Byron Saxton interviewed Natalya. Saxton said people are suggesting that Natalya hasn’t been the same since losing to Ripley. Natalya said maybe that wasn’t a bad thing considering being her hasn’t worked out well lately. She said she may not even know how to be herself anymore. She marched off.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walked by so Saxton interviewed them too. Owens (who wore a Gene Okerlund t-shirt) looked forward to getting payback after coming so close against Gunther last week. Saxton left as Imperium approached.
Kaiser reminded Owens that he lost to Gunther. Zayn asked Owens to calm down before he could freak out again. Zayn said it took three of them to beat Owens last week and he wondered where their bald friend was this week.
Pearce showed up and wanted everyone to settle down. Kaiser challenged them to put the tag titles on the line tonight. Owens freaked out and accepted. He said he needed to change his t-shirt and shorts into a different t-shirt and shorts. He left.
Kaiser and Gunther were amused by Owens’ antics so Zayn confidently reminded them that they were the undisputed tag champs. Gunther told Pearce to make the title match official. Pearce said he’d think about it.
********
Jinder Mahal said Indus Sher were not satisfied because Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were still standing so the job was not done. He offered them a proper match.
Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet via disqualification (7:39)
Shinsuke Nakamura sauntered out to watch at ringside.
Ricochet fought back after a break with a dropkick, suicide dive, springboard crossbody and lionsault for two. Reed caught Ricochet and lawn-darted him into Nakamura, so Nakamura attacked Reed for the DQ. (Samantha Irvin, Ricochet’s partner, very excitedly announced Reed as the winner via DQ.)
— Ricochet argued with Nakamura until Reed ran them both over. Ricochet saved Nakamura from a Reed Tsunami and they worked together to bring Reed down with a superplex. Ricochet and Nakamura stared each other down as the segment ended.
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Zayn asked Owens about his constant blow-ups lately. Owens admitted there’s been months of stress dealing with the Bloodline and now Imperium were constantly showing up around them. Owens spoke frantically until Zayn asked if he’d be ok in the ring. Owens settled down and said he’d be just fine.
Elsewhere, Pearce was on the phone with someone and made the tag title match official for tonight. Ricochet approached him and requested a rematch against Reed next week. Pearce said Reed already had a match scheduled against Nakamura next week.
Nakamura showed up and Ricochet wanted to know what his problem was. Ricochet warned him not to get involved again. Nakamura said he would succeed where Ricochet failed and Ricochet could have Reed when he was done with him.
********
Finn Bálor / Seth Rollins segment
Bálor entered and called out Seth Rollins. He didn’t want any jokes or singalongs. He wanted Rollins now.
Rollins entered. Despite Bálor’s request, the crowd sang Rollins’ theme. Bálor said, “I’ve been waiting seven years to say this and I’m not waiting another second so you people better shut up.” The crowd kept singing.
Bálor recalled being the first draft pick on Raw seven years ago, beating Roman Reigns on his first night and beating Rollins to become the first ever Universal Champion. The crowd kept singing. Rollins spoke which stopped the crowd’s singing for a moment but they started again once Bálor spoke again. Rollins wanted to hear what Bálor had to say after seven years.
Bálor said it should have been the highest of highs for him seven years ago but it was the lowest of lows because of Rollins. Bálor ran down the list of injuries he suffered because of him.
Bálor wouldn’t complain about the injuries because that happens in this industry. The crowd was still singing. The injuries didn’t bother him and said the fans can sing along all they want but they didn’t really know Seth Rollins.
Bálor said Rollins took everything from him. Rollins took his momentum, his title, and a year of his career. “You took everything.” Bálor said it was his turn — he would take Rollins’ momentum, title and a year from his career. Bálor would take it all at Money in the Bank.
Rollins laughed. He said this was the Finn Bálor he’s been waiting to see for the past seven years. Rollins said they went on different paths after that SummerSlam match because one of them got bitter while the other got better.
Rollins admitted he’s done some bad things over those seven years but he’s also made history, memories and moments that the fans will never forget. Rollins did that because he adapted and got better every day and now he was the best version of Seth freakin’ Rollins. The proof was in the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins accepted Bálor’s challenge at MITB.
Rollins wondered which version of Bálor would show up in London. The bitter shell of a former champion didn’t stand a chance but the Bálor that beat him with one arm had a shot. Rollins wondered if we’d get that Bálor or the one that’s been walking around for seven years acting like a little bitch.
(The match was made official after a break.)
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Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) defeated Raquel Rodriguez (2:12)
Rodriguez fought off Baszler’s attack and set up for her finisher but she stopped what she was doing to go after Rousey on the apron. Rodriguez grabbed Rousey which allowed Baszler to roll her up for the pinfall win — with Rousey assisting on the cover. This was silly.
********
They aired the Iron Sheik tribute video and the crowd gave a big ovation.
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Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Erik (w/Ivar & Valhalla) (1:49)
Gable hit a diving headbutt and Otis was happy to see “coach” using his head.
Valhalla sprinted at Dupri who sidestepped her and brought her down with a hip toss. (This is what Gable was teaching her earlier tonight.) Gable used a sunset flip into a cradle moments later for the pinfall win. The crowd liked Gable.
********
Bálor spoke with JD McDonagh in the back. McDonagh left after Priest approached. Priest said Bálor seemed to be in a better mood now that he had his championship opportunity. Bálor congratulated Priest on qualifying for MITB and asked if he would cash the briefcase in on him.
Priest said of course not and seemed surprised that Bálor would ask him that. Priest said there was tension between them and blamed it on Rollins. Priest told Bálor to make it worth it and end it at MITB.
********
Kelley interviewed Rollins. She asked if he was prepared for a bitter Finn Bálor. Rollins was as prepared and confident as someone can be. He wondered if Bálor was prepared for him. If Bálor lost, not only would he lose his mind, it seemed like he might lose Priest as well.
Rollins was feeling good so he issued an open challenge for his world title next week on Raw.
(He didn’t acknowledge Bron Breakker or NXT here but there was a commercial teasing that Rollins would appear on NXT tomorrow.)
********
Next week on Raw in Cleveland:
Logan Paul returns
Seth Rollins world title open challenge
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed
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Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Intercontinental Champion Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser to retain the Tag Team Championships (18:17)
Zayn fought off both opponents but Gunther had tagged himself in and leveled Zayn with a boot before also booting Owens off the apron. Gunther dropped Zayn onto the apron which led to the match’s second commercial break.
Zayn hit a sunset flip sitout powerbomb immediately after the break. (The crowd was red hot now.) Owens made the hot tag and he hammered away on Gunther. Owens dropped him after a few clotheslines and followed with a senton, exploder suplex, superkick, cannonball, and senton bomb for two. Gunther blocked a stunner and hit a big boot.
Each man tagged out and Zayn gave Kaiser an exploder in the corner. Zayn ducked a chop from Gunther outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post.
Kaiser blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb and hit a rolling fireman’s carry. Kaiser also wiped out Owens with a suicide dive.
Gunther killed Zayn with a clothesline for a close nearfall. Gunther hit another big clothesline for another nearfall. Imperium hit the Imperial Bomb but Owens broke up the cover by pushing Gunther into Kaiser.
Kaiser posted Owens which led to Riddle marching out. Gunther knocked out Riddle before Owens took out Gunther with a DDT on the ramp.
Zayn nailed Kaiser with Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win. Zayn and Owens retained. They celebrated as the show ended.
The crowd was super into the final moments and popped big for the win.
(The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship about a minute or two after Raw went off the air.)
WWE has announced that Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) will face Braun Strowman, Ricochet & Madcap Moss on SmackDown tonight. The match comes after Gunther retained his Intercontinental title against Moss last Friday.
After last week’s Intercontinental title match, WWE uploaded a post-show video teasing a heel turn for Moss and Emma. Moss agreed with Emma when Emma said he only lost because the crowd turned on him.
Strowman & Ricochet defeated Kaiser & Vinci in the finals of SmackDown’s Tag Team title number one contender’s tournament earlier this month. Strowman & Ricochet went on to unsuccessfully challenge The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Tonight’s SmackDown is being held at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. It’s the first episode of the show since Elimination Chamber.
Here’s the updated card for tonight:
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair goes face-to-face with her WrestleMania 39 challenger Rhea Ripley
Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House returns
Rey Mysterio vs. Karrion Kross
Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) vs. Braun Strowman, Ricochet & Madcap Moss
Another Tag Team title contender’s tournament match has been made official for tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE announced this afternoon that The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland & Butch) will take on Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) on SmackDown tonight. It will be a first-round match in the tournament to decide the next challengers for The Usos’ SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Tonight is the beginning of the contender’s tournament. A first-round match with Sheamus & Drew McIntyre facing The Viking Raiders will also take place on the episode.
While The Usos have defended their Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles as one undisputed championship, that has changed in recent weeks. The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest) will challenge The Usos for the Raw Tag Team titles on Raw’s 30th anniversary episode this coming Monday.
SmackDown is being held at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan tonight. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:
Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens will sign the contract for their Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble
SmackDown Tag Team title contender’s tournament first-round match: Sheamus & Drew McIntyre vs. The Viking Raiders
SmackDown Tag Team title contender’s tournament first-round match: Ridge Holland & Butch vs. Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
Tonight’s pre-taped edition of SmackDown takes place from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois.
Ricochet & Braun Strowman will team up to take on Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Last week, Intercontinental Champion Gunther retained his title with a win over Ricochet. After the match, Strowman saved Ricochet from an Imperium beatdown.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos look to continue their historic reign with a title defense against Hit Row. Hit Row won a triple threat number one contender’s match last week to earn the title shot.
Plus, there will be a number one contender’s gauntlet match featuring Liv Morgan, Tegan Nox, Raquel Rodriguez, Xia Li, Sonya Deville, and Emma. The winner will earn a future shot at Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Tonight is the second-to-last SmackDown of 2022. On next Friday’s show, John Cena makes his return as he and Kevin Owens face Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn. WWE will finish building to that match tonight.
Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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The Bloodline Segment
It started out like a basic Bloodline segment, but Sami Zayn cut a passionate and killer promo by the end.
WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, The Usos, Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn entered the ring. Heyman promised that the Usos would successfully defend their titles against Hit Row tonight. Heyman turned his attention to next week’s SmackDown. He guaranteed that Sikoa would take out Sheamus.
Heyman talked about next week when Reigns and Zayn take on John Cena and Kevin Owens. Reigns took the mic, and the fans broke into a loud “Sami” chant. Reigns pointed out that he made millions whipping Cena and Owens. Reigns felt that Zayn has something to get off his chest.
Zayn just wanted a place to belong, and then he found The Bloodline. He loves the Bloodline and considers them his family. He loves the city too, which got a big pop. The fans broke into another loud “Sami” chant. Zayn should be happy, but he’s not. He’s unhappy because he’s tired of Owens. He’s mad at Owens for existing and is furious he brought back Cena. Zayn fired up, looked into the hard cam, and promised to smash Owens and Cena next week. Reigns and Zayn hugged to end the segment.
*******
Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos (w/Sami Zayn) defeated Hit Row (w/B-Fab) to retain (9:04)
As Hit Row made their entrance, Micheal Cole suggested Hit Row’s strategy should be to stay grounded.
Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Top Dolla gained the early advantage as they isolated Jey on their side of the ring. The Usos took over as Jey caught Top Dolla with a superkick. Top Dolla tried to fight back, but Jey attacked the leg as they went to a break.
The Usos continued to target Top Dolla’s left knee. Top Dolla responded with a spine buster and tagged Adonis. Adonis ran wild on Jimmy and hit a DDT. He followed with a flying crossbody for a close near fall. Top Dolla pulled out Jimmy and sent him into the ring steps.
Hit Row went for the Heavy Hitter in the ring, but Jey broke it up. The Usos took over and rocked Top Dollar with a double-superkick. They then hit the 1-D for the win.
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In the match Flo of the week, Gunther defeated Ricochet to retain the Intercontinental title.
Kayla Braxton spoke with Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci. They promised to defeat Ricochet and Braun Strowman later tonight.
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Raquel Rodriguez Won The Number One Contender’s Gauntlet Match (23:29)
Typical WWE gauntlet match with a lot of quick falls and bad matches. Rodriguez vs. Morgan got the most time and was the best gauntlet match.
Xia Li defeated Emma
They finally addressed Xia Li costing Liv Morgan and Tegan Nox the tag team titles last week. They showed footage of Adam Pearce taking off Li’s hood.
Emma rocked Li with a running forearm and a crossbody tackle in the corner. Li recovered with a series of kicks. She then hit the cyclone kick for the win. They went about a minute before Li picked up the win.
Xia Li defeated Tegan Nox
Nox ran wild on Li and hit a flying crossbody for a near fall. They fought on the apron, with Li getting the better of Nox. Li then hit the cyclone kick for the win. Another quick minute of action and win for Li.
Raquel Rodriguez defeated Xia Li
They went to a commercial as Rodriguez made her entrance. After the break, Li sent Rodriguez to ringside and targeted her injured arm. Li followed up with a jumping knee.
Rodriguez recovered and hit a one-arm fallaway slam. She followed with the Vader Bomb elbow for a two-count. Li briefly took over. Rodriguez avoided the cyclone kick and hit the Texana bomb for the win.
Raquel Rodriguez defeated Liv Morgan
Morgan attempted the codebreaker, but Rodriguez blocked it. Morgan went for a hurricanrana, but Rodriguez stopped it mid-move. She tried countering with a powerbomb, but Morgan used a victory roll for a near fall.
Morgan caught Rodriguez with a sleeper hold. Rodriguez broke free as they went to a break.
Rodriguez gave Morgan a superplex to keep the momentum. After a splash in the corner, Morgan again attacked Rodriguez’s bad arm. She followed with a missile dropkick for a near fall. Morgan locked on the rings of Saturn, but Rodriguez stood up. Morgan held on and hit a codebreaker.
Morgan tried to fire up, but Rodriguez cut her off. She hit a fallaway slam and the Vader bomb elbow for a two-count. They traded shots in the middle of the ring until Rodriguez hit a boot to the face. Morgan took over, but Rodrigeuz blocked oblivion and hit the Texana bomb for the win.
Raquel Rodriguez defeated Sonya Deville
Deville attacked Rodriguez’s injured arm and hit a running knee for a near fall. Deville continued to target the arm. Rodriguez fought back and dropped Deville face-first. However, Deville recovered and went after the arm again. Rodriguez fought through the pain and hit the Texana bomb for the win.
Raquel Rodriguez defeated Shayna Baszler
Ronda Rousey came out and noted Rodriguez hadn’t won yet. She then introduced Shayna Baszler as the final entrant. Baszler went after Rodriguez’s bad arm and pulled off the brace. Rodriguez fought through the pain again and rolled up Baszler for the quick win.
Rodriguez gets a shot at Rousey’s title next week.
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Bray Wyatt Segment
They recapped the Bray Wyett-LA Knight feud. Micheal Cole noted Wyatt insisted that he’s not Uncle Howdy.
Bray Wyatt entered the ring and admitted it’s nerve-wracking to be out in front of the fans. He turned his attention to LA Knight and felt he deserved an apology. Wyatt pointed out that he’s not Uncle Howdy. He knows that everyone thought he was Uncle Howdy.
Suddenly, Wyatt lost his train of thought. He dropped the mic and attacked the cameraman. All the other cameramen zoomed in on the action instead of helping their fellow cameraman. Wyatt locked on the mandible claw on the cameraman until officials pulled him out. Wyatt sat in the corner in a trance.
After the break, Cole noted Adam Pearce removed Wyatt from the arena
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Rey Mysterio defeated Angel Garza (w/Humberto Carillo) (3:59)
Mysterio and Garza had a fun match while it lasted. They worked a Lucha style and got in a lot in 3 minutes.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett watched the match from the crowd.
Garza mocked Mysterio’s size, so Mysterio slapped him in the face. Mysterio picked up the pace but missed a springboard crossbody. Garza took advantage and hit a dropkick to the face. He slowed the pace and rocked him with a shot to the back. However, Mysterio fired up and hit a top rope senton.
Mysterio went for the 619, but Humberto pulled out Garza. Instead, Mysterio took out Carillo with a dive. Garza teased a 619, but Mysterio countered with a hurricanrana. Mysterio hit the 619 and a slingshot DDT for the win
Mysterio and Kross had a stare-down to end the segment.
*******
In the locker room, Ricochet and Braun Strowman discussed the upcoming match and promised to defeat Imperium in the street fight.
*******
Emma confronted Scarlett and Karrion Kross backstage. Emma was furious that they disrespected a legend in Rey Mysterio. She was also mad that they mocked Riddick Moss. Emma called him Riddick, not Madcap.
Scarlett mocked Emma. She heard enough and slapped Scarlett in the face. Kross stopped Scarlett from getting revenge. He told Emma she had no idea what she just did.
*******
They showed a John Cena video package.
They showed another Lacey Evans video package. She returns next week.
Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Ricochet & Braun Strowman defeated Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) (11:55)
Ricochet and Strowman won a fun Christmas-themed Street Fight. It included Christmas Trees, candy cane kendo sticks, a ballerina in a gift box, The New Day as Nutcrackers, and Samantha Irvin reviving Ricochet with a kiss under the mistletoe.
As Ricochet and Strowman entered, Cole complained that the cameramen were eating the Christmas cookies at ringside. He called them idiots because the cookies were for the match. Man, those cameramen are taking a beating tonight.
Kaiser and Vinci were disgusted that they were participating in the street fight. Gunther started his vacation early and isn’t at ringside.
Imperium isolated Strowman in the ring and attacked his knee. Strowman fought back and dumped them to ringside. Ricochet ran up the barricade and caught Vinci with a hurricanrana.
Back from the break, Vinci ran Strowman into the ring post and Christmas tree. Ricochet went for a dive, but Kaiser caught him in an armbar.
Vinci grabbed a candy cane kendo stick, and beat down Ricochet. Strowman blocked a chair shot and tossed Vinci into the Christmas trees on the stage.
Imperium recovered and gave Strowman a double suplex on the stage. However, Ricochet recovered and rocked Vinci with a jumping knee. Ricochet went for a springboard, but Kaiser hit him with a vicious chair shot to the back.
Imperium then buried Strowman under a bunch of trees. For some reason, Imperium opened a gift on the stage, and a ballerina danced out. Imperium then opened a second gift and The New Day walked out as Nutcrackers. Since they’re Nutcrackers, New Day gave Imperium low blows. The fans broke into a loud “New Day Rocks” chant.
Strowman recovered and destroyed Imperium. That’s when Strowman realized his partner was still out. He grabbed the mistletoe and convinced ring announcer Samantha Irvin to kiss her boyfriend, Ricochet. Her kiss revived Ricochet, and he fired up. Strowman gave Kaiser a powerbomb through a table. Ricochet ran wild on Vinci, hitting a middle rope moonsault.
In the ring, Ricochet hit the recoil on Vinci into a power slam from Strowman. The finish came when Ricochet hit a splash off Strowman’s shoulders onto Vinci for the win.
Ricochet and Strowman celebrated their win after the match.
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Next Week: John Cena & Kevin Owens take on Roman Reigns & Sami Zayn. Also, SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defends her title against Raquel Rodriguez. Plus, Solo Sikoa goes one-on-one with Sheamus.
It was announced today that Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) and The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch) will meet in a “Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook” six-man tag match at Extreme Rules. The match will be “an absolute free-for-all brawl with numerous weapons at every turn that guarantee a display of all-out mayhem.”
Extreme Rules is taking place on Saturday, October 8. The night before the pay-per-view, Gunther will defend his Intercontinental title against Sheamus on SmackDown’s season premiere episode. That’s a rematch from Clash at the Castle, where Gunther retained against Sheamus in a hard-hitting instant classic.
On SmackDown last week, Holland & Butch challenged The Usos for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles. Imperium got involved in the match and cost The Brawling Brutes a chance to become champions.
Sheamus also wrestled in a Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match this July, losing to Drew McIntyre on an episode of SmackDown.
Extreme Rules is being held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The updated card for the PPV is listed below:
Extreme Rules match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Liv Morgan defends against Ronda Rousey
Ladder match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
Fight Pit match: Matt Riddle vs. Seth Rollins
Strap match: Drew McIntyre vs. Karrion Kross
“I Quit” match: Edge vs. Finn Balor
Good Old Fashioned Donnybrook match: Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) vs. The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland & Butch)
WWE has updated the lineup for tonight’s SmackDown.
Two new matches have been added to the show. The “Honorary Uce” Sami Zayn will be in singles action against Ricochet and Bayley will face Raquel Rodriguez.
Additionally, three of the four teams originally announced for the tag team number one contender’s match have been replaced. The original teams scheduled for the match were The New Day, The Street Profits, Alpha Academy, and Los Lotharios. The match is now listed as Hit Row vs. Imperium vs. The Brawling Brutes vs. The New Day. No reason was given for the change.
Logan Paul is also scheduled for the show.
The September 16 edition of WWE SmackDown takes place from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The announced lineup is as follows:
Logan Paul appears
Sami Zayn vs. Ricochet
Bayley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Tag Team title number one contender’s match: The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) vs. Hit Row (Top Dolla & Ashante “Thee” Adonis) vs. The Brawling Brutes (Butch & Ridge Holland)
At Saturday’s Clash at the Castle pay-per-view, Giovanni Vinci rejoined Imperium and reunited with his stablemates Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser. Vinci had left the faction shortly before Gunther and Kaiser were called up to SmackDown this April.
Vinci and Kaiser brawled with Ridge Holland and Butch as Gunther’s Intercontinental title defense against Sheamus began. Officials broke up the brawl and Vinci, Kaiser, Holland, and Butch were sent to the back, leaving Gunther and Sheamus to go at it one-on-one with no one at ringside.
Despite rejoining Imperium, Vinci is still going by the name “Giovanni Vinci.” He previously went by his real name Fabian Aichner until being repackaged in NXT earlier this year.
Gunther retained the Intercontinental title against Sheamus at Clash at the Castle, pinning him after hitting a powerbomb and a lariat. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick near the finish, but his back gave out following all of the punishment he had taken in the hard-hitting match.
Vinci and Kaiser returned to ringside after the match to celebrate with Gunther. When they left, the crowd gave Sheamus a standing ovation.
