Kofi Kingston will officially be defending his WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at Money in the Bank.
After Owens turned heel last week, Kingston vs. Owens was announced for Money in the Bank during the opening segment of tonight’s SmackDown. Kingston did an in-ring interview to open the show and challenged Owens to the title match.
Owens had served as an honorary member of The New Day before superkicking Kingston last week. Owens then said he’s coming after the WWE title and laid out Xavier Woods with an apron powerbomb.
On tonight’s show, Owens accepted Kingston’s challenge and cut a promo where he said Kingston gave people a WrestleMania moment no one will ever forget — but no one believes Kingston is actually championship material. Owens said Kingston doesn’t believe it either and is in over his head. Woods tried to attack Owens but was laid out with a superkick.
Money in the Bank is taking place at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut on May 19. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending against AJ Styles
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Kevin Owens
Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending the SmackDown title against Charlotte Flair
Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending the Raw title against Lacey Evans
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Braun Strowman, Ricochet, Drew McIntyre, Baron Corbin, Randy Orton, Andrade, Finn Balor, Ali)
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Natalya, Dana Brooke, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Mandy Rose, TBA, TBA)
Becky Lynch and Bayley are set to face off in their first singles match against each other on the main roster.
WWE has announced Lynch vs. Bayley in a non-title match for Tuesday’s SmackDown. Lynch currently holds both the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships.
Bayley moved to SmackDown in this year’s Superstar Shake-up. On last week’s episode, she lost a number one contender’s match against Charlotte Flair.
Lynch will have two matches at next month’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view, with her defending the SmackDown title against Charlotte and the Raw title against Lacey Evans. The PPV is taking place in Hartford, Connecticut on May 19.
An “exclusive interview” with WWE Championship Kofi Kingston is also set for Tuesday’s SmackDown. Kingston will react to Kevin Owens’ heel turn from last week. Owens superkicked Kingston, said he’s coming after Kingston’s title, and laid out Xavier Woods with an apron powerbomb.
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio is hosting this week’s SmackDown. Raw’s participants for the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank ladder matches will be revealed tomorrow, then SmackDown’s will be confirmed the next night.
Kevin Owens’ short-lived stint as an honorary member of The New Day came to an end last night.
Kofi Kingston’s match against Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event of this week’s SmackDown ended in a disqualification when Rusev interfered. Owens and Xavier Woods laid out Rusev, but Nakamura hit the Kinshasa on Woods.
Kingston helped Owens by pushing him out of the way of Nakamura. Kingston hit Trouble in Paradise on Nakamura, then Owens gave Kingston a superkick. Owens ripped off his New Day T-shirt and said he’s coming after Kingston’s WWE Championship. Owens set Kingston up for an apron powerbomb. Woods tried to fight Owens off, but Owens gave him the powerbomb instead.
Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair took part in a face-to-face segment last night, which set up Charlotte taking on Bayley in a number one contender’s match. Charlotte won and will challenge for Lynch’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Money in the Bank. Lynch is also defending the Raw Women’s title against Lacey Evans at the pay-per-view.
Roman Reigns will face Elias at Money in the Bank after being attacked by Elias and Shane McMahon on SmackDown.
SmackDown takes place tonight from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
There were several new additions to the SmackDown roster as part of the Superstar Shake-up last week, including Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor, Lars Sullivan, Bayley, Kairi Sane, and more.
Vince McMahon announced Elias as the “greatest acquisition in SmackDown Live history.” Roman Reigns then interrupted them and gave McMahon the Superman punch. WWE.com is teasing a storyline where McMahon might fire Reigns tonight for his actions.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston takes on Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match. Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E’s temporary replacement Big O (Kevin Owens) defeated Cesaro, Rusev, and Nakamura last week. Woods and Owens will be in Kingston’s corner as he faces Nakamura.
Raw and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair will meet in a face-to-face segment tonight for the first time since WrestleMania 35.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
***************
Shane McMahon came down to the ring. He forced Greg Hamilton to introduce him as the Best in the World. He noted he wasn’t in a good mood. He’s not out there to talk about himself. He’s here to talk about Roman Reigns. He showed footage from last week of Reigns hitting Vince McMahon with the Superman Punch. Shane said the footage made him sick to his stomach.
McMahon called the footage horrific. He wondered what kind of man puts his hands on another man’s father. He called Vince a national treasure and said it was like disgracing the flag. He was upset that Reigns hit his father and promised consequences. He wondered if he should fine, suspend or fire Reigns.
McMahon said they’re going to do things a little different. They’re going to settle this in the ring. He ordered Reigns to come down to the ring. The fans gave Reigns a positive reaction and chanted “Roman”. Reigns went to speak but threw the mic down instead. McMahon then threw his mic down too.
Elias ran out and distracted Reigns. McMahon jumped Reigns from behind and attacked him in the corner. Reigns fought back but Elias jumped him. The fans broke into another “Roman” chant. Reigns briefly fought back but the heels took over. Elias hit the Drift Away on Reigns.
In the back, Shane McMahon and Elias discussed their attack on Roman Reigns. McMahon bragged about hitting Reigns and said his father would be proud.
Kayla Braxton interviewed WWE Champion Kofi Kingston backstage. He talked about winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Xavier Woods and Big O showed up. Kevin Owens was certain that Kingston was going to beat Shinsuke Nakamura because New Day Rocks.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor defeated Andrade (w/Zelina Vega)
Before the match, Zelina Vega noted that Bálor tried to run away from Andrade in the Superstar Shake-up but they came to SmackDown. Andrade promised to fulfill his legacy and end the myth of Finn Bálor.
Bálor had the early advantage. He tried to pull Andrade to the center of the ring but Vega grabbed Andrade. This caused a distraction and Andrade took over. He hit a dive to the floor taking out Bálor.
Andrade was firmly in control and slowed the pace down. He attempted a powerbomb but Bálor reversed into a DDT. He followed up with a double foot stomp. He climbed to the top but Andrade cut him off. Andrade hit a hurricanrana but Bálor rolled through and scored a near fall. He sent Andrade to the floor and followed up with a dive.
Bálor attempted the Sling Blade but Andrade countered with a back elbow. He hit the running double knees in the corner for near fall. Andrade attempted the Hammerlock DDT but Balor countered.
Vega attempted a cross body on Bálor but he moved and Andrade caught her. He put her down and Bálor hit the running dropkick. Bálor hit the coup de grace for the win.
In the back, Elias sang a song about Roman Reigns and challenged him to a match at Money In The Bank. It was a pretty good song. Shane McMahon jumped in and praised the song. McMahon asked if he was sure about the challenge. Elias confirmed he wants the match. They jumped in the limo and drove off.
Earlier today, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose confronted Paige. They mocked her for forming her new team of Asuka & Kairi Sane. They told her they’re not going to reform Absolution when her new team blows up in her face.
The Women’s tag team champions The IIconics made their way to the ring. They mocked Asuka and Sane. Peyton Royce said the only reason Sane pinned her last week was because she wasn’t ready. This week she’s ready and hydrated.
Sane was firmly in control and dominated the whole match. She nailed Royce with a spear and hit the Insane Elbow for the win.
After the match, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose walked out on the stage. They mocked the faces with applause.
Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers made their way out to the ring. Tom Philips noted the Superstar Shake-up continues with their return to SmackDown.
In the back, Aleister Black noted the fans know who he is. He said he couldn’t explain the complex tragedy of his character.
Chad Gable vs. Jinder Mahal (w/The Singh Brothers) Didn’t Happen Because Lars Sullivan Interfered
Lars Sullivan jumped Gable as he made his way to the ring. Sullivan jumped in the ring and went after the Singh Brothers. Mahal left the ring. Sullivan gave Samir the Freak Accident and Sunil the running sit out powerbomb.
R-Truth ran down to the ring and attacked Sullivan. Sullivan fought back and gave Truth the running sit out powerbomb as well.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Roman Reigns in the locker room. She asked about the challenge Elias made earlier. Reigns promised to break his jaw and accepted the challenge for Money In The Bank.
Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring. She talked about the WrestleMania 35 main event. She pointed out that Becky Lynch pinned Ronda Rousey to win the match. Flair did not get pinned or submit. She noted that Lynch did not beat her for the SmackDown Championship. She demanded Lynch come down to the ring.
Lynch admitted she didn’t beat Flair because she was too busy beating Rousey. She wanted to prove she could beat Rousey because she already knew she could beat Flair. Flair said it was an injustice that Lynch is the champion. She believes she’s in Lynch’s head.
Lynch pointed out she’s beaten Flair and is the one in her head. Flair believes Lynch is scared. Flair said she’s next in line and wants to face Lynch after Lacey Evans at Money In the Bank. Lynch told her to shut up and said she wants to clear the way for people like Bayley, Mickie James, and Ember Moon.
Bayley made her way down to the ring. She thanked Lynch for the shout out but noted Lynch has never beaten her. Flair told Bayley to get to the back of the line because this is her show. Bayley challenged Flair to a match to see which one of them deserves a shot at Lynch next. Bayley got in Flair’s face.
Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley to earn a SmackDown Women’s title shot against Becky Lynch at Money in the Bank
The McMahon family made the match official during the commercial break. The winner receives a future title opportunity against SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch.
Flair had the early advantage but Bayley took over. She hit a cross body for a one count. Flair used a neck breaker to regain control. Bayley rolled up Flair for a near fall and used a cross body for a two count. Flair fought back and attacked Bayley’s leg.
Bayley fought back and rocked Flair with a knee. She followed up with a clothesline for a near fall. Bayley avoided a big boot but Flair nailed her with a second one for a two count. Flair attempted a moonsault but Bayley moved. It seemed that Flair tried to land on her feet but couldn’t. She grabbed her knee on the landing.
Bayley hit a sunset flip into the corner for a near fall. She climbed to the top but Flair pushed her off. She went for the Figure Four but Bayley used an inside cradle for a two count. Flair recovered and hit the spear for the win.
Becky Lynch was watching the match in the back. Kayla Braxton interviewed her about having two title challengers. Lynch announced that she’s defending both belts at Money In The Bank in separate matches. First, she defends the Raw Championship against Lacey Evans and then defends the SmackDown Championship against Charlotte Flair.
Bray Wyatt hosted the Firefly Funhouse. He said this is his special place. He introduced two creepy dolls. He said he use to be a bad guy but that part of him is dead now. He then sawed off the head of a Bray Wyatt cardboard cut out.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston (w/ Xavier Woods & Kevin Owens) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Rusev & Lana) by DQ
Tom Phillips pushed that this is Kingston’s first singles match on SmackDown since winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Owens and Woods joined in on commentary at their special announce table.
Nakamura had the early advantage with a side headlock. Kingston fought back with a series of dropkicks. Nakamura regained control and slowed the pace down. Kingston hit a splash off the ropes for a near fall. He hit a huge splash off the top for another two count. Kingston attempted a suicide dive but Nakamura rocked him with a kick.
Nakamura sent Kingston into the steps but he leaped over them. Kingston jumped off the steps but Nakamura nailed him. He then hit a knee on the floor. Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex. He set up for the Kinshasa but Kingston hit a double stomp.
Kingston went for the Trouble in Paradise but Nakamura ducked. Kingston hit the SOS but Rusev jumped in for the disqualification. Woods and Owens made the save for Kingston. Owens back dropped Woods onto Rusev on the floor. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa on Woods.
Owens was checking on Kingston when Nakamura tried to attack. Kingston shoved Owens out of the way and hit the Trouble in Paradise on Nakamura.
Suddenly, Owens turned on Kingston and hit him with a superkick. He ripped off the New Day t-shirt and beat down Kingston. He threw Kingston into the barricade. Owens threw Kingston back in the ring.
Owens grabbed the belt and got in Kingston’s face. Kingston made a brief comeback but Owens beat him back down. Owens attempted the powerbomb on the apron but Woods made the save. Owens beat down Woods and gave him the powerbomb on the apron instead. Kingston and referees checked on Woods.
WWE has made a couple of announcements for the first post-Superstar Shake-up episode of SmackDown.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will face Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match on Tuesday’s show. Xavier Woods and Kevin Owens will be in Kingston’s corner for the match.
Kingston, Woods & Owens defeated Rusev, Nakamura & Cesaro in a six-man tag match on this week’s SmackDown, with Owens being an honorary member of The New Day while Big E is out of action with a torn meniscus.
A face-to-face segment with Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair has also been announced for Tuesday’s SmackDown. It will be the first time they’ve shared the ring together since Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte in the main event of WrestleMania 35.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. WWE is also teasing a storyline of whether or not Roman Reigns will be fired after Superman punching Vince McMahon.
The SmackDown after WrestleMania takes place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York tonight.
The New Day will celebrate Kofi Kingston winning the WWE Championship. Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan for the title at WrestleMania 35.
A Tag Team title match is also set for tonight, with The Usos defending against The Hardys. The Usos retained in a fatal four-way match against Cesaro & Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev, and Ricochet & Aleister Black at WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair to win the Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships on Sunday. Last night on Raw, Lacey Evans confronted Lynch. WWE.com is teasing that a SmackDown competitor might confront the new double champion tonight as well.
The IIconics captured the Women’s Tag Team titles at WrestleMania. The new champs are scheduled to appear tonight. The Miz is also set to appear after losing a falls count anywhere match to Shane McMahon at the PPV.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston and The New Day came down to the ring for the celebration. Kingston’s kids are sitting at ringside. The fans love Kingston and gave him a huge reaction. The fans erupted in a huge “Kofi” chant. There are Kofi-Mania signs all over the arena.
Big E called Kingston an A-plus player and the fans broke into an “A Plus” chant. He pointed out they showed up on Raw to make history. Xavier Woods asked if it was when he did the splits. The fans chanted “One More” time. Big E did the splits again to a huge reaction.
Big E noted Kingston almost made history by becoming a double champion last night like Becky Lynch. The fans broke into a “Becky” chant. He liked being on Raw but nothing compares to the blue brand. They’re going to celebrate the career of Kingston.
Woods talked about the first time he met Kingston. It felt like he met his hero. Woods congratulated Kingston and told him they love him. The fans broke into another huge “Kofi” chant.
Kingston noted this wasn’t supposed to happen. It wasn’t in the script for him to be WWE Champion. He pointed out his family at ringside. They inspire him to be the best possible father and husband. He thanked them for supporting him.
The Bar interrupted the celebration. The fans hated them for interrupting. They took credit for Kingston still being champion. They claim he almost lost the title to Seth Rollins last night. The Bar then challenged The New Day to a six-man tag match for later tonight. The Bar noted they made a friend on Raw. They then introduced their partner Drew McIntyre.
The New Day vs. The Bar & Drew McIntyre is official for later.
The heels isolated Ricochet in their corner to gain control of the match. Ricochet hit a neckbreaker and the faces took over. Black nailed Rusev with a knee and Ricochet caught him with a dropkick. The heels rolled to the floor. Black teased a dive but instead did a backflip and did his cross-legged pose with Ricochet and Ali.
Back from break, Rusev slowed the pace down with a bear hug on Ali. Ali fought back and hit a tornado DDT. Black got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a moonsault on Andrade but Nakamura and Rusev broke up the pin.
Ricochet hit a moonsault on the floor off the barricade on Rusev. In the ring, Vega distracted Black and Andrade rolled him up for a near fall. The finish came when Ali hit a reverse hurricanrana on Andrade and hit a 450 splash for the win.
After the match, Randy Orton suddenly hit the RKO on Ali. Orton left. Suddenly, Kevin Owens appeared and hit the stunner on Rusev.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed The Usos. They congratulated Kofi Kingston for winning the WWE Championship. They said they have to win tonight and promised to defeat The Hardy Boyz.
R-Truth and Carmella were in the ring. Truth mentioned that Becky Lynch is the Raw and SmackDown Woman’s champions. Carmella pointed out that Kofi Kingston is the WWE Champion. Truth then said that Carmella defeated Andre The Giant in the battle royal. Carmella tried to correct him but Truth didn’t understand.
Carmella pointed out that a year ago she won the SmackDown Woman’s Championship. She lost the title but Truth helped her have fun again. She said winning the battle royal was just the beginning.
Samoa Joe ran out and brawled with Truth. Truth had the brief advantage but Joe took over and locked on the Coquina Clutch. Joe bragged about beating Rey Mysterio in record time. He promised to defeat any superstar.
Braun Strowman’s music hit and he ran down to a big pop. Strowman and Joe brawled. Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch but Strowman fought back. He picked up Joe for a power slam but Joe slipped out and escaped the ring.
As Strowman posed on the stage the new Women’s tag team champions The IIconics came out. They tried to shake Strowman’s hand but he just walked off.
A video aired of a puppet popping out of a box with sinister laughter.
Women’s tag team champions The IIconics defeated The Brooklyn Belles
Before the match, The IIconics talked about winning the belts at WrestleMania. They promised to be fighting champions and introduced Karrisa and Kristen The Brooklyn Belles. They claimed the Belles are undefeated. On commentary, Corey Graves kept getting the Belles’ names wrong. The IIconics dominated the match and won easily.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Paige who was watching the match. She mocked The IIconics and promised to bring a tag team to SmackDown next week.
Shane McMahon came down to the ring. The Best in the World trophy’s set up in the ring. He appeared to have a black eye. McMahon pointed out that next week is the Superstar shake-up.
McMahon then talked about all the big WrestleMania moments. He claimed that everyone watched WrestleMania to see him defeat The Miz. He said that Miz isn’t here tonight because he’s tending to his father.
McMahon noted that Mr. Miz came in the ring and punched him. He claimed the black eye was a result of the punch. He bragged about attacking him and beating Miz. He called himself the Best in the World and the fans broke into a huge “CM Punk” chant.
McMahon brought announcer Greg Hamilton in the ring and wondered why the intro wasn’t as good as Sunday night. Hamilton claimed that several fans threatened him if he introduced McMahon as the best in the world. McMahon told him not to worry about the fans and grabbed him by the collar.
McMahon forced Hamilton to do the intro over and over. McMahon pulled him by the tie and dragged him out of the ring. He took Hamilton up to the top of the stage. Hamilton did the intro again and McMahon finally liked it.
The Hardy Boyz defeated The Usos to win the SmackDown tag team championship
The Usos sent Matt to the floor and whipped him into the barricade. They isolated Matt on their side of the ring. Back from break, Jeff was firmly in control but Jey fought back. Jimmy missed a whisper in the wind and Jeff hit his own for a close near fall.
The Hardys hit poetry in motion and Matt hit the side effect for a two count. Matt went for the twist of fate but Jimmy countered with a superkick. Jey hit a huge splash on Jeff for a near fall.
The Usos missed the double splash. Matt hit the twist of fate on Jimmy and Jeff hit the Swanton Bomb to win the SmackDown tag team titles.
After the match, Kayla Braxton tried to interview The Hardys but Lars Sullivan interrupted. Sullivan attacked both Matt and Jeff. He beat them down and hit a diving head butt on Matt.
Raw and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch made her way to the ring. The fans sang her theme music and broke into a huge “Becky” chant. She talked about winning at WrestleMania and called herself the Champ-Champ and Becky Two Belts. The fans broke into a “Becky Two Belts” chant.
Lynch showed footage of Lacey Evans confronting her last night. Lynch noted that she has two huge targets and will be pulling double duty. She walked through hell to win the titles. She will take on all challengers. Suddenly, Evans jumped Lynch as she posed with the belts on the stage.
The New Day defeated The Bar & Drew McIntyre
Before the match, Sami Zayn walked out onto the ramp. He said the fans weren’t worth it and walked off.
The New Day had the early advantage and worked over Sheamus. Cesaro attacked Xavier Woods behind the referees back to gain control. McIntyre dropped Woods face first on the announce table.
Back from break, Big E got the hot tag and caught Cesaro with a suplex. Big E went for the spear but got caught with a knee. Sheamus made the blind tag. He set up for the Brogue kick but Big E rocked him with a clothesline.
Kingston hit a splash on Sheamus and followed up with a dive on Cesaro. Kingston went for the trouble in paradise but Sheamus caught him. Kingston fought back and hit the trouble in paradise for the win.
After the match, Kingston celebrated in the ring with his wife, kids, Woods and Big E.
Next Week: The Superstar shake-up starts Monday on Raw and continues Tuesday night on SmackDown.
For the first time in his 11-year career on the main roster, Kofi Kingston is the WWE Champion.
Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan by at the midway point of WrestleMania Sunday, ending Bryan’s near 200-day run as champion.
Bryan had the LaBell Lock on for the third time, but Kingston worked his way out of it and started hitting big elbows from the top, transitioning into Bryan’s own signature stomps. He then hit Trouble In Paradise for the pin and win.
Following the win, Kingston’s two sons and The New Day joined him in the ring with the traditional version of the belt.
He joins an illustriious list of talents in the WWE Triple Crown club, those who have won a WWE world title, a secondary title, and the tag team titles. Kingston is a former four-time Intercontinental champion, three-time U.S. champion, four-time Raw tag team champion, three-time SmackDown tag team champion, and the World tag team titles once with CM Punk.
WWE actually spoiled the win on their own WWE Shop page. If you searched for ‘The New Day’, a shirt that says “There’s A New Champ” came up immediately. After the match, the group pulled the new shirts out of a box.
The win culminates a storyline that began back in February when he got an opportunity in the Elimination Chamber match following an impressive run in a SmackDown gauntlet match, replacing the injured Ali. Fans got into Kingston as an underdog challenger and the storyline for him getting the Mania title shot was born, even including Vince McMahon as a foil. During the match, they cut backstage several times to show Kingston’s fellow SmackDown wrestlers cheering Kingston on.
The build to WrestleMania 35 came to an end on last night’s SmackDown.
The contract signing for Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania closed the episode. Bryan accused Kingston of being complacent in his career and said this is going to be the best it’s ever going to get for him.
Kingston rejected comparisons between him and Bryan, pointing out that Bryan became World Heavyweight Champion within two years of coming to WWE. Kingston said he’s had to wait 11 years for a singles match for the World title.
Kingston said he’s ready, and he can see that Bryan knows it. Kingston told Bryan that the one common thread between them is that Bryan knows what comes next — him defeating Bryan and becoming WWE Champion.
Becky Lynch made an appearance last night and vowed to become a double champion at WrestleMania, a fatal four-way SmackDown Tag Team title match was announced for Sunday, and AJ Styles and Randy Orton’s appearance on the Kevin Owens Show led to Orton giving Styles an RKO.
SmackDown’s go-home show for WrestleMania takes place from the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland tonight.
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan is set to defend his title against Kofi Kingston on Sunday. Kingston finally earned the title shot after Xavier Woods and Big E won a tag team gauntlet match last week. Tonight, Kingston and Bryan meet face-to-face for the official contract signing.
Raw Woman’s Champion Ronda Rousey takes on SmackDown Woman’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch in the main event of WrestleMania 35. Last night on Raw, all three women were “arrested” in a chaotic scene. WWE.com is teasing that Flair and Lynch will appear tonight to address the incident.
Randy Orton and AJ Styles are set to clash at WrestleMania. Tonight, they’ll both be guests on The Kevin Owens Show. Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade was originally announced for tonight, but their match has been pulled due to what WWE said is an ankle injury Mysterio suffered against Baron Corbin on Raw.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
********
Kevin Owens was already in the ring to host The Kevin Owens Show. He wasted no time and brought out his guests Randy Orton and AJ Styles. Owens pointed out that Orton ruined Kurt Angle’s last match on SmackDown against Styles. Orton said he saved the WWE universe from watching a broken down Olympian. He also saved the WWE Universe from watching the match.
Styles mocked Orton for only knowing one wrestling move. Orton only needs one move when it’s as deadly as the RKO. He mocked Styles for working the independent scene and wrestling in high school gyms. He said while Styles was wrestling in front of dozens of fans he was headlining WrestleMania. Styles admitted that Orton was in the WWE while he was on the independent scene. Styles noted Orton was failing drugs tests during that time. This got a huge reaction from the fans.
Orton said since John Cena left Styles became a corporate bitch. Owens immediately stood up and left the ring. Styles and Orton started brawling. Styles went for the phenomenal forearm but Orton countered into the RKO. This was a good segment and the RKO spot looked great.
SmackDown tag team champions The Usos, Ricochet & Aleister Black defeated The Bar, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev (w/Lana)
Ricochet and Cesaro started the match and had a great exchange. Cesaro rocked Ricochet with an uppercut. Black got the tag and scored a near fall on Sheamus. The heels took over and isolated Jey Uso in their corner.
Rusev threw Jey into the ring steps and then the barricade. Jey hit a Samoan drop and tagged Jimmy. Jimmy hit a superkick on Rusev for a close two count. Cesaro rocked Ricochet with another huge uppercut. The Usos hit a double superkick on Rusev for the win.
After the match, Alexa Bliss made her way out on the ramp. Bliss brought up The Usos forfeiting their match against New Day last week. Bliss announced that as punishment The Usos defend the SmackDown tag team titles against The Bar, Ricochet & Aleister Black and Rusev & Nakamura in a four-way match at WrestleMania. All four teams started brawling. Black rocked Cesaro with Black Mass and Ricochet hit a dive to the floor.
The IIconics made their way to the ring to address their opponents on Sunday. They noted they already pinned the current women’s tag team champions, Bayley and Sasha Banks. They promised to win the championship this Sunday and make WrestleMania iconic.
The Miz defeated SAnitY in a 1 on 3 handicap match
Before the match, Miz talked about WrestleMania meaning something different to everyone. For Miz, it’s about retribution. Miz fought to make his father proud but now he fights for his honor. He said McMahon has a father so that makes him a son of a bitch. Shane McMahon came out to watch the match.
Eric Young hit a neck breaker for the early advantage. Miz fought back and sent Killian Dain into the ring post. Miz hit the running knees on Dain and Young. McMahon stopped the match and made it a falls count anywhere match.
SAnitY jumped Miz from behind. Dain missed a charge and hit the barricade. Miz and Alexander Wolfe fought into the crowd. Miz slammed Wolfe through a table for a near fall.
Miz and Young fought into the backstage area. Miz scored a two count on Young but Dain broke up the pin. Miz sent Dain into the wall. Miz and Young then fought outside the arena and Miz scored the pin on Young.
Shane McMahon left the arena in a limo. Suddenly a cop car pulled into the parking lot. Becky Lynch stepped out and walked into the arena.
Corey Graves was in the ring and introduced Becky Lynch. She took the mic from Graves and stood on top of the announce table. She answers to the people, not Graves. The crowd broke into a huge “Becky” chant.
Last year, Lynch and Charlotte Flair were friends and Ronda Rousey was about to debut. She said the stars were aligned for Flair and Rousey to headline WrestleMania this year until she slapped Flair at SummerSlam. She fought to get in the main event. She promised the next time the fans see her she’d be the double champ.
EC3, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Andrade, Zelina Vega, Lana, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Shelton Benjamin vs. Nikki Cross, Heavy Machinery, Naomi, The Hardys, R-Truth, Carmella & Asuka Ended Without A Winner
The commentators pushed that this is the largest mixed tag match in history. Everyone in the match is in either the women’s battle royal or Andre The Giant memorial battle royal.
Vega and Cross started off the match. Lacey Evans music hit. She walked out on the ramp and left. Vega gained control and beat down Cross. EC3 and Otis went back and forth. Otis took over and hit the Caterpillar.
Back from break, Naomi took down Rose and tagged in Truth. Truth and Andrade went back and forth. Truth and Carmella broke into a dance break. Suddenly, everyone started brawling and throwing each other over the ropes.
Otis saw Rose and started flirting with her. Benjamin threw out Otis and Cross threw out Rose. Cross got in Benjamin’s face. He walked away but she jumped on his back. They both fell over the top rope to the floor.
Jeff Hardy hit the Twist of Fate on EC3 and Asuka rocked him with a kick. Jeff threw EC3 to the floor. Asuka and Jeff hugged but Asuka then threw Jeff over the top rope.
United States Champion Samoa Joe defeated Ali in a non-title match
Joe was firmly in control and beat down Ali in the corner. He rocked Ali with a hard chop. Ali fought back with a dropkick sending Joe to the floor. He followed up with a suicide dive.
Ali hit a tornado DDT on Joe for a near fall. He missed the 450 splash and Joe locked on the Coquina Clutch for the win. Ali passed out from the hold.
Michael Cole hosted the WWE Championship contract signing in the ring. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan came out with Rowan. Kofi Kingston came out with Xavier Woods and Big E. The fans broke into a huge “Kofi” chant. Bryan signed the contract but held on to it. The fans broke into a “Kofi rocks” chant.
Bryan’s not going to stop Kingston from signing but he’s he going to educate the masses. The fans broke into a huge “Kofimania” chant. Bryan gave the fans a life lesson. He said not to be complacent like Kingston.
Bryan has another life lesson, which is don’t sit back and be a bystander in your own life. He noted Kingston needed to be pushed. Bryan said the way fans chant “Kofi” is the same when they chanted, “Yes” for him. He said the fans feed off of him because they’re parasites. Bryan told Kingston this is the best it’s going to be.
Kingston heard enough and told Bryan to listen. Bryan doesn’t know Kingston. Kingston promises to educate Bryan. He watched Bryan come into the WWE and win the title in two years. He watched and learned.
Kingston hasn’t got a singles title shot at the WWE championship in eleven years but that’s okay because he has it now. Kingston promised to defeat Bryan and become the WWE Champion at WrestleMania. Kingston signed the contract and stared down Bryan.
A contract signing will be part of the final build to Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.
WWE has announced that Bryan and Kingston will take part in a contract signing on Tuesday’s go-home episode of SmackDown. The segment was set up by a tweet from Kingston, who wrote that he wanted Vince McMahon to put something in writing to make the title match official.
Kingston tweeted: “One week from today, I will be on the cusp of achieving my childhood dream, wrestling for the WWE title…(crazy to say that) Since a certain someone has made it impossible to trust him at his word, I’m gonna need to see something in writing. No more games.”
Kingston’s road to WrestleMania storyline led to him being confirmed as Bryan’s WWE title challenger after Big E & Xavier Woods won a tag team gauntlet match on last week’s SmackDown.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
Submitted by Andrew Cinalli from Saturday night’s dual-brand house show in Wheeling, West Virginia
– Elias started the show with a performance knocking “Country Roads” by John Denver, which brought out Kofi Kingston and Big E and set up Kingston vs. Elias for the main event.
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev and Cesaro & Sheamus in a triple threat match to retain their titles
The Usos pinned Nakamura after a double superkick.
– WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defeated Tony Nese to retain his title
Murphy hit a knee to the head after a referee distraction. Murphy kicked out of a 450 splash from Nese at one point.
– Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Finn Balor ended in a double countout
– Elias was out again but was interrupted by Becky Lynch. She made fun of him before he left.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defeated Becky Lynch to retain her title
Charlotte won with a roll-up while using the ropes. As Charlotte left, Asuka came out and threw her back into the ring. Lynch laid out Charlotte with a stunner.
– AJ Styles defeated United States Champion Samoa Joe by DQ
Joe hit Styles with a chair to cause the disqualification. Styles then stood tall after hitting a Phenomenal Forearm.
– Asuka & Naomi defeated Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville
WWE set things up for WrestleMania 35 with a couple of developments on last night’s SmackDown.
Kofi Kingston will officially challenge for Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship at WrestleMania after Big E & Xavier Woods won his way into the match. Big E & Woods took part in a tag team gauntlet match, defeating Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev, Cesaro & Sheamus, The Usos, and Daniel Bryan & Rowan.
The Usos forfeited their match and cut a promo wishing New Day luck.
Charlotte Flair will be the SmackDown Women’s Champion heading into her WrestleMania main event triple threat match against Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey and Becky Lynch. Charlotte submitted Asuka with the Figure Eight last night to win the title.
After a number of twists and turns, Kofi Kingston is finally going to WrestleMania.
The New Day came out to start SmackDown tonight, hinting that they were thinking about quitting after Kofi Kingston lost to Daniel Bryan in an impromptu match last week after winning a gauntlet match that was for a shot at the WWE title at WrestleMania. Vince McMahon came out and didn’t buy that the New Day were quitting and instead questioned if Big E and Xavier Woods were a B+ team. He put them in a gauntlet match where if they won, Kofi Kingston would get the title shot.
Most of the final hour of SmackDown was dedicated to the gauntlet match. The New Day easily dispatched Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, but had a tougher time defeating Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev and The Bar, who put Big E through a table after their loss. The Usos followed, but showed respect to the team by forfeiting.
The final team was Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan. After a back and forth match, Big E turned over the announce table on Rowan and was able to get a count out victory, securing Kofi Kingston’s WWE title shot.
WrestleMania 35 will take place on April 7 at Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Kofi Kingston defeated the five other wrestlers he was scheduled to face in last night’s gauntlet match, but the deck still continued to be stacked against him.
After Kingston made it through Sheamus, Cesaro, Rowan, Samoa Joe, and Randy Orton, Vince McMahon came out and added Daniel Bryan to the match. And with Bryan pinning Kingston, Kingston’s road to WrestleMania storyline will continue into next week.
Also on SmackDown, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair’s appearance on the KO Show led to a brawl, Peyton Royce & Billie Kay defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley in a non-title match, and The Miz responded to Shane McMahon ahead of their match at WrestleMania.
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.
**********
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.
