The Raw Tag Team titles will be on the line on Monday night.
WWE has announced that Monday’s Raw will feature a Raw Tag Team title match with RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle) defending against Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis).
The match comes after Alpha Academy defeated RK-Bro in a non-title bout on Raw earlier this week. Gable & Otis attacked Riddle & Orton before the match started.
RK-Bro have held the Raw Tag Team titles since winning them from AJ Styles & Omos at SummerSlam 2021. At Day 1 last Saturday, Orton & Riddle retained against The Street Profits .
Monday’s Raw is being held at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Here’s the updated lineup for the show:
Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop (winner challenges for Becky Lynch’s Raw Women’s Championship at the Royal Rumble)
Alexa Bliss’ “journey back to Raw”
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro defend against Alpha Academy
The Wells Fargo Center is also advertising that WWE Champion Brock Lesnar will be appearing at Monday’s show.
The final SmackDown from the WWE ThunderDome takes place tonight and features two Money in the Bank qualifying matches.
Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin will determine the final two participants for this year’s men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, and Kevin Owens have already qualified for the match.
Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Zelina Vega have been announced for the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match thus far.
Carmella and Vega were announced for the women’s MITB match by Sonya Deville on SmackDown over the past two weeks. Liv Morgan, who is trying to get her own Money in the Bank spot, confronted Carmella and Vega after those announcements and defeated them in matches. WWE has yet to confirm if Morgan will be in Money in the Bank.
Plus, the build to Roman Reigns and Edge’s Universal Championship match at Money in the Bank will continue tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Edge returning two weeks ago and attacking Roman Reigns. It also included Jimmy Uso calling out Edge last week.
Jimmy Uso tried to enter Roman Reigns locker room, but Paul Heyman stopped him. Heyman noted Reigns is getting ready to go to the ring, but he’ll deal with Uso later. Heyman promised him that Reigns is going to give him the attention he deserves. Uso walked off, and Heyman gave him an evil grin.
After the opening video, Reigns was standing behind the curtain. Heyman approached and told him it’s time. They headed towards the ring.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee noted it’s the final SmackDown from the ThunderDome. They pushed that Reigns vs. Edge at Money in the Bank is their first singles match.
Roman Reigns Segment
They piped in fake boos and loud “Roman sucks” chants. Roman noted there’s a lot of stuff he didn’t like about last week. He’s furious that Edge claimed he’s scared of him. Reigns mentioned he had a few seconds of fear when Edge had him in the cross face with the bar. Reigns said to ask any fighter and mentioned Brock Lesnar.
Reigns said he used the few seconds of fear to beat Edge and Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Reigns then turned his attention to Jimmy Uso.
Uso made his way to the ring. Uso pointed out that he called out Edge for him, but he was on vacation. Reigns noted he didn’t ask Uso to call out Edge. Reigns wasn’t there last week because he was busy talking to Jey Uso.
Jey Uso’s music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He said he returned for all three of them. Jey told Reigns that his right-hand man is back, but he also came back for Jimmy. He’s here for Jimmy during these dark times. Jey’s ready to be tag team champions again.
Reigns said that’s all he ever wanted. He wants the Usos to be tag team champions and to be the Universal Champion for as long as he wants. Reigns pointed out they just have to do things his way, which is together.
Reigns opened his arms and embraced The Usos. They hugged, and Reigns looked in the camera.
Reigns and The Usos were great in the segment. The hug at the end was perfect.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Baron Corbin. He mentioned his recent financial problems. He promised to win the Money In the Bank ladder match to get back on track.
Money In The Bank qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Rick Boogs) defeated Baron Corbin (10:57)
Corbin and Nakamura had a fine match. It was the same match they’ve had for the last few weeks. It did go a bit long and went through two commercial breaks.
They recapped Baron Corbin’s losing streak and string of bad luck. Big E came to ringside to join Michael Cole and Pat McAfee.
Big E invited McAfee to sit with him on his couch. They made a ton of jokes about Corbin’s hairline. Big E pointed out that he’s never had a shot at the World title.
They showed footage from earlier today of Nakamura and Boogs driving around in Corbin’s car.
Corbin jumped Nakamura as he made his entrance. Boogs made the save for Nakamura.
The match started during the commercial break. Corbin was firmly in control as he dropped Nakamura on the top rope. Nakamura fought back and hit an enziguri. He followed up with a running knee in the corner. He then hit a sliding knee for a near fall.
Corbin regained control and hit a back suplex for a near fall. Nakamura knocked Corbin to the floor. Corbin suddenly hit Boogs at ringside. Nakamura rolled out of the ring, but Corbin gave him a brainbuster on the announce table.
Back from the break, Corbin went shoulder-first into the ring post. Nakamura was firmly in control until Corbin hit the deep six for a near fall. Corbin tried to place Nakamura on the top rope. Nakamura fought back and locked on a triangle. Corbin tried to fight back and hit a powerbomb, but Nakamura held on. Corbin made it to the ropes to break the hold.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Corbin countered with a clothesline. The finish came when Nakamura hit a series of knees and the Kinshasa for the win.
Nakamura qualifies for the Money in the Bank ladder match. After the match, McAfee and Big E rocked out to Nakamura’s music.
In the back, Jimmy apologized to Jey for everything he said before. Jey accepted the apology because they’re family. Jey wondered if they should try to take out Edge before Reigns does.
Non-title match: Shotzi & Nox defeated WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina (3:14)
Before the match, Tamina and Natalya noted they were told they’re taking on a mystery team. They demanded the mystery team come to the ring. Shotzi and Nox from NXT made their debuts.
They referred to Shotzi Blackheart and Tegan Nox as Shotzi & Nox throughout the match. They didn’t mention the mystery team until right before the break.
This was a fine tag team match. They didn’t get a lot of time.
Nox and Shotzi had the early advantage, but the champions took over. Tamina rocked Shotzi with a hard clothesline and elbow drop for a near fall.
Natalya went for a pin, but Nox broke up the pin attempt. She followed up with a cannonball on Tamina in the corner. Natalya rocked Nox with the discuss clothesline to take her out of the match.
Shotzi took over on Natalya and hit the ball pit for the win.
In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Edge. He promised to call out Roman Reigns later tonight. He wondered if Reigns had the guts to answer his challenge without The Usos.
Sonya Deville Announces Bayley’s Replacement
Sonya Deville came out and announced that Bayley suffered an injury during training. She’ll be out for nine months. Earlier today, Bayley discussed her injury and not being able to take on Bianca Belair at Money In The Bank. She was wearing a huge knee brace and blamed the fans for her injury.
Deville wished Bayley luck and hopes she recovers soon. She noted that Bayley’s out of the title match at the pay-per-view.
Deville announced that Belair would no longer defend the title that night. Instead, she defends the title next Friday on SmackDown. Deville introduced Belair’s opponent Carmella.
Carmella came to the ring and noted she’s the most beautiful woman in the WWE. Liv Morgan interrupted.
She was furious that Carmella’s getting the title shot. Morgan got in Deville’s face and accused her of favoritism.
Deville yelled at Morgan to shut her mouth and listen. She announced that Morgan takes Carmella’s place in the ladder match. Morgan hopes Carmella wins the title so she can cash in on her.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair came out. Belair doesn’t know if Bayley’s faking her injury or not. Belair can wait to settle their problems when she heals. Belair then told Carmella that she’d see her next week.
In the back, Paul Heyman told Roman Reigns that Edge is going to call him out and that he questioned his manhood.
They aired a vignette hyping Toni Storm’s upcoming debut.
Money In The Bank qualifier: Seth Rollins defeated Cesaro (18:17)
Cesaro and Rollins had a good match. They both worked hard and told a good story.
Kevin Owens joined Pat McAfee and Michael Cole on commentary.
Cesaro caught Rollins in mid-air and hit a backbreaker to gain the early advantage. Cesaro followed up with a flying cross body for a two-count. Rollins rolled out of the ring and was furious.
Back from the break, Rollins slammed Cesaro face-first on the announce table to take over. He then shoved Cesaro into the stairs. Rollins slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Cesaro escaped, and they fought over a backslide. Rollins landed on his feet and rocked Cesaro with a kick to the back of the head. Cesaro fought back with uppercuts, but Rollins cut him off.
In a crazy sequence, Cesaro climbed to the top rope, but Rollins cut him off. Rollins hit a superplex and rolled through. He went for the falcon’s arrow, but Cesaro counted with a suplex over the top rope to the floor.
Back from the break, Cesaro had Rollins in the giant swing. Rollins escaped the sharpshooter, but Cesaro came back with an uppercut. Cesaro pulled Rollins out of the corner into a sit-out powerbomb. Rollins pulled out the turnbuckle pad, and the referee just looked at the pad instead of making the count.
Cesaro attempted the uppercut off the second rope, but Rollins countered. Rollins then dropped Cesaro on the exposed turnbuckle, which busted him open. Rollins tried to win by count-out, but Cesaro made it back in the ring. Rollins then knocked Cesaro back to the ringside and gave him a DDT on the ramp.
Rollins jumped back in the ring and tried to win by count-out, but Cesaro made it back in the ring. Rollins went for the curb stomp, but Cesaro countered with the sharpshooter. Rollins slipped out, but Cesaro hit an uppercut. Cesaro fell to the mat, and Rollins hit the curb stomp for the win.
Rollins qualifies for the Money in the Bank ladder match.
In the back, The Usos approached Edge’s locker room door. Jimmy went to knock on the door, but Jey told him to wait until Edge leaves.
Back from the break, Jimmy got impatient waiting, so they ran into Edge’s locker room, but he wasn’t there. Jey noted Edge’s lucky they didn’t find him.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Seth Rollins. He celebrated qualifying for the ladder match. Rollins noted he cashed in on Roman Reigns once before. He still thinks he should be getting the title shot at Money In The Bank. Rollins said he might cash in at Money In the Bank this time.
Edge showed up to confront Rollins. Edge noted while Rollins complained; he went and took the title shot. Edge promised to call out Reigns. Rollins was furious as Edge walked away.
They recapped Otis destroying the Street Profits. In the back, Chad Gable noted it doesn’t matter if it’s the Street Profits, Edge, or Roman Reigns. Otis added they’ll destroy everyone.
Edge Calls Out Roman Reigns
Edge mocked Roman Reigns and The Usos for reuniting earlier in the night. Edge showed still shots of Reigns and Jimmy in the cross face.
Reigns, Paul Heyman, and The Usos watched backstage. Edge demanded Reigns come to the ring right now. Reigns stood up and told The Usos to stay in the back. He wants to handle this one on his own.
Reigns gave Heyman the title and told him to stay in the back too.
Reigns slowly walked to the ring. In the back, Jey thinks it’s a trap, so The Usos headed to the ring.
The Usos made their way to ringside. Reigns was unhappy they showed up and said he wants to handle this without them. Reigns slowly entered the ring and faced off with Edge.
Edge and Reigns started brawling in the ring. Suddenly, Rey Mysterio’s music hit. Rey and Dominik ran out and attacked The Usos. The Usos recovered and beat down The Mysterios.
Edge hit a DDT on Reigns and set up for the spear. Jey grabbed Edge’s leg, and Jimmy hit a superkick. The Mysterio’s jumped back in the ring and hit double 619 on The Usos. Edge then hit the spear on Jey.
Edge broke off a piece of the chair and gave Uso the cross face with the bar. Reigns ran away and watched from the ramp. Edge also applied the cross face on Jimmy. Reigns slowly walked away to end the last SmackDown from the ThunderDome.
Next Week: SmakDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Carmella. In a fatal four-way, Kevin Owens takes on Shinsuke Nakamura, Big E, and Seth Rollins.
WWE has made a new match announcement for SmackDown’s Hell in a Cell go-home show.
During this morning’s episode of WWE’s The Bump, it was announced that Angelo Dawkins vs. Otis will take place on SmackDown this Friday. The match comes after an injury angle that took place involving Dawkins’ tag team partner Montez Ford on SmackDown last week.
The Street Profits vs. Otis & Chad Gable had originally been announced for last week’s SmackDown, but Gable told Dawkins and Ford that he had the match canceled. After Ford threatened to slap Otis back to the Jurassic Period if he ever steps to The Street Profits again, Gable challenged Dawkins or Ford to face him in a singles match. Dawkins volunteered to face Gable, but Ford insisted on being in the match. Gable said he wouldn’t have Otis at ringside with him — but only if Dawkins wouldn’t be at ringside with Ford.
Otis attacked Dawkins backstage during the Ford vs. Gable match and then caused a disqualification by attacking Ford. Otis beat Ford down, including giving him two splashes from the middle rope. Dawkins tried to make the save for Ford but was sent out of the ring by Otis.
Dawkins came back into the ring after the second splash and covered up Otis. Officials then stopped Otis from continuing the attack.
WWE announced a storyline injury update on Ford after last week’s SmackDown: “Montez Ford suffered a partial rib fracture and torn intercostal cartilage, as a result of the attack by Otis. He’s being evaluated at a local medical center and WWE Digital will follow up with any updates.”
WWE then posted a new update following Bianca Belair’s appearance on The Bump this morning: “In the wake of Otis’ attack on Montez Ford on the blue brand last week, SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair confirmed on WWE’s The Bump that her husband did not suffer a collapsed lung and that he is at home recovering from his rib injuries.”
On SmackDown two weeks ago, Gable offered to help advise The Street Profits but was dismissed by Dawkins and Ford. Otis later approached Dawkins and Ford and wanted them to apologize to Gable, but they declined and told Otis that Gable is holding him back. When Dawkins and Ford said that Otis needs to get out of Gable’s Alpha Academy, Otis attacked both of them.
Here’s the updated lineup for this Friday’s SmackDown:
Kevin Owens & Big E vs. Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews & Commander Azeez
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin in the Battle for the Crown (possession of Corbin’s crown is on the line in the match)
WWE has announced new entrants for both of this year’s Royal Rumble matches.
Bianca Belair and Bayley are the two newest names to be confirmed for the 2021 women’s Royal Rumble match. On SmackDown tonight, Belair did an interview about declaring for the Royal Rumble but was immediately interrupted by Bayley. Bayley also announced that she’ll be in the Royal Rumble match.
Nia Jax, Women’s Tag Team Champion Charlotte Flair, Belair, and Bayley have been announced for the women’s Royal Rumble match thus far.
WWE has also announced that Otis will be in this year’s men’s Royal Rumble match. WWE uploaded a post-SmackDown video with Otis training with Chad Gable for the Royal Rumble.
Daniel Bryan, United States Champion Bobby Lashley, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Otis are the first five entrants to be announced for the men’s Royal Rumble match.
The Royal Rumble is taking place on Sunday, January 31. Authority figure Adam Pearce is currently in line to challenge for Roman Reigns’ Universal Championship at the pay-per-view after winning a gauntlet match on tonight’s SmackDown.
Eight-man tag team action is set for tonight’s TLC pre-show.
WWE has announced that Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura will be the pre-show match for tonight’s TLC pay-per-view. The one-hour pre-show begins at 6 p.m. Eastern time and will air on the WWE Network and WWE’s social platforms.
Big E and Bryan have both lost to Zayn by countout in non-title matches on SmackDown in recent weeks. On this past Friday’s SmackDown, there was a segment where Big E got back at Zayn by ruining his “first annual Sami Awards.”
After Gable & Otis lost to Cesaro & Nakamura the previous week, Otis defeated Nakamura in a singles match on this past Friday’s SmackDown.
Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler returned to WWE television earlier this month as Corbin’s Knights of The Lone Wolf.
There are now seven matches in total announced for tonight’s TLC event. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends his title against Kevin Owens in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends his title against AJ Styles in a tables, ladders, and chairs match
Randy Orton vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt in a Firefly Inferno match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks defends her title against Carmella
Women’s Tag Team Champions Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax defend their titles against Asuka and a partner of her choosing
Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) defend their titles against The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander)
Big E, Daniel Bryan, Chad Gable & Otis vs. Sami Zayn, Baron Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
Roman Reigns made Jey Uso pay for the consequences of his actions on last night’s SmackDown.
An interview with Reigns took place near the start of last night’s show, but it was interrupted by Kevin Owens. Owens challenged Reigns to fight him then and there. Uso accepted the challenge on behalf of Reigns. Owens said he wasn’t talking to Uso and wanted an answer from Reigns. Owens then challenged Reigns to put the Universal Championship on the line against him in a tables, ladders, and chairs match at TLC.
Reigns said he doesn’t back down from any man or fear anyone. Reigns said if he was the man he used to be, he’d whoop Owens’ ass right now. But Reigns said there’s a time and a place for everything and accepted Owens’ challenge for TLC. As Reigns was leaving, Owens called him a bitch.
In a backstage segment, Reigns said he knows Uso means well but warned him that there’s consequences for everything that we do.
It at first seemed like Reigns was going to make Uso face Kevin Owens & Otis on his own in last night’s main event, but Reigns came out during the match and attacked Otis. He took Otis out of the match by repeatedly hitting him with the steel steps. Reigns & Uso then had a two-on-one advantage against Owens.
Reigns ordered Uso to tag out and let him finish things off when Uso was going for a splash off the top rope toward the end of the match. But Owens fought back and prevented the tag from being made. After Owens hit a stunner on Uso, Reigns broke up the pin and put Owens in a guillotine as the match ended in a disqualification.
Uso got a pair of steel chairs and he and Reigns attacked Owens with them after the match. Uso placed his chair on top of Owens and hit a splash from the top rope. But Reigns then attacked Uso with his chair and laid him out. Reigns yelled at Owens for trying to split his family up. He vowed to take Owens’ manhood, livelihood, and everything Owens loves at TLC. Reigns said Owens will fear him.
The build to TLC continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the WWE ThunderDome.
Kevin Owens attacked Jey Uso with a chair after last week’s main event. Earlier, Universal Champion Roman Reigns yelled at Uso for losing at Survivor Series. Uso took out his frustration on Otis with a chair. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn later defeated Daniel Bryan by countout. Bryan chased Zayn to the back, but Uso jumped Bryan behind the curtain. Owens and several referees pulled Uso off of Bryan.
Owens had enough and confronted Reigns. He got a bit of revenge after the main event when he beat down Uso with a chair. Owens looked into the camera and demanded Reigns come to the ring, but Reigns just watched from the dressing room on the monitor.
Tonight, Reigns & Uso will face off with Owens & Otis in tag team action.
King Corbin also takes on Murphy in a rematch from last week. Rey, Dominik, and Aalyah Mysterio interfered throughout the match to help Murphy. Corbin demanded a rematch due to all the interference and said he would be prepared this week.
Tonight’s show will open with a tribute to Pat Patterson. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Pat Patterson Tribute
SmackDown started with the roster on the stage, including Vince McMahon, Gerald Brisco, Sgt. Slaughter, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, Big E, Sasha Banks, and more.
There was an In Memory of Pat Paterson graphic on the big screen.
At ringside, Michael Cole discussed WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson and his passing this week. He asked for a moment of silence during the traditional ten bell salute.
The fans broke into a “Thank You, Pat” chant after the salute.
Roman Reigns Interview
This another really good Roman Reigns interview.
After the opening theme, Kayla Braxton was standing in the ring. She introduced her guest, the WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. She listed all of his accomplishments and championships.
Reigns made his way to the ring with Paul Heyman and Jey Uso. Reigns didn’t like Braxton’s introduction and had Heyman add to it.
They recapped Reigns’ harsh comments at Uso and Uso’s attacks on Otis and Bryan. The recap included Kevin Owens attacking Uso and telling Reigns that he doesn’t fear him.
Braxton wondered if Reigns is afraid of Owens. Reigns became upset with her for her comments and noted a seasoned veteran like Michael Cole could have done this interview. He told her to move on.
Braxton asked about Regin’s manipulating Uso. Reigns was furious and asked Braxton if she prepared for this interview. He noted they gave her an opportunity, and she blew it. He pointed out that Heyman’s been working with her on Talking Smack. Heyman pushed to give her this chance.
Reigns demanded Heyman handle this amateur. Heyman began praising Reigns. Kevin Owens’ music hit, and he made his way to the ring. He demanded a match with Reigns right now and not later. Uso grabbed the mic and accepted the challenge. Owens noted he’s talking to Reigns.
Owens noted Reigns is the head of the table, so he challenged him to a TLC match at TLC. Reigns noted that Uso accepted the challenge. Reigns confirmed and accepted Owens challenge. They confirmed the match later for the PPV.
Reigns pointed out that he won’t fight now because he’s a gentleman and a woman’s in the ring. Owens mocked Reigns for not fighting now.
They announced a special Pat Patterson tribute match featuring Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn and other former I.C. champions for later.
Natalya defeated Bayley
This was a fine match. They didn’t get a lot of time, and the ending was a bit of a surprise.
Bianca Belair joined commentary for the match. Belair wore a very cool pair of glasses.
Bayley had the early advantage, but she started yelling at Belair. Michael Cole noted Bayley seems distracted by Belair just being on commentary.
Natalya took advantage and sent Bayley into the ring steps to gain control as they went to break.
Back from the break, Bayley was back in control and scored a near fall. Natalya attempted the sharpshooter, but Bayley pushed off. She followed up with a running knee.
Bayley missed a charge in the corner, and Natalya locked on the sharpshooter for the win. Belair got up from the announce table and mocked Bayley.
Celebrating Pat Patterson
They showed various tweets dedicated to Pat Patterson from Vince McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Rey Mysterio, and more. They had the original Intercontinental Championship belt that Patterson won in the fictitious tournament in Rio De Janeiro at ringside.
They showed an incredible Pat Patterson tribute video to Frank Sinatra’s “My Way,” which included Patterson singing. They showed pictures and clips from his career and included Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Dusty Rhodes, and more. This was an incredibly touching and emotional video. Possibly one of the best WWE tribute videos.
Pat Patterson Tribute Match: Daniel Bryan, Big E & Rey Mysterio defeated Dolph Ziggler, Shinsuke Nakamura & Sami Zayn
This was a good match with all six guys working hard.
Mysterio and Nakamura started the match and went back and forth. Mysterio took Nakamura down with a head-scissors, so he tagged out. Big E overpowered Ziggler and gained the advantage for the faces.
Bryan worked over Ziggler’s arm and was firmly in control.
Zayn grabbed Bryan’s leg, which caused a distraction and Ziggler jumped Bryan from behind. Zayn was bragging at ringside when Bryan recovered and hit a suicide dive on Zayn.
Bryan climbed to the top, but Ziggler rocked Bryan with a dropkick, and Bryan fell hard to the floor.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control until Bryan and Ziggler collied in the middle of the ring. Big E got the hot tag and ran wild on Nakamura, who got the tag as well. Big E hit a big splash on Nakamura. Nakamura recovered and rocked Big E with a kick to the head.
Mysterio tagged himself in and hit a springboard sunset flip for a near fall. Zayn fought back and hit the blue thunder bomb for a very close near fall.
Bryan rocked Ziggler with kicks in the corner after tagging in. Bryan hit a hurricanrana off the top turnbuckle, but Ziggler rolled through for a near fall. Bryan and Ziggler went back and forth, trading pin attempts.
Ziggler hit the famouser for another near fall. Zayn made the blind tag. Ziggler attempted the superkick, but Bryan avoided and hit the running knee. Zayn jumped in and rolled up Bryan for a near fall.
Bryan locked on the Yes Lock, but Zayn made it to the ropes. Zayn and Bryan traded pin attempts. The finish came when Bryan used an inside cradle for the win.
After the match, the heels attempted to jump the faces but failed. Ziggler was the only one that didn’t try to attack the faces. The faces ganged up on Ziggler. Bryan used an atomic drop on Ziggler. Mysterio followed up with the 619, and Big E hit the Big Ending.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Kevin Owens. Owens discussed Reigns’ career and his recent attitude change. During the interview, Kalisto walked out from one of the doors behind Owens. Owens complimented Kalisto’s fedora but Kalisto didn’t know what that was. Owens had to explain it’s his hat. Kalitso apologized for interrupting and walked off.
Otis approached Owens to discuss their match against Reigns and Uso later. Otis wondered if he could trust Owens since Owens has a history of turning on his partners.
They showed more tweets dedicated to Pat Patterson from Roman Reigns, Natalya, Alexa Bliss, The Miz, JBL, and Triple H.
They recapped the Banks and Carmella feud. Banks and Carmella were in separate locations due to the brawl last week. Michael Cole wanted to start the interview with Carmella, but Banks interrupted. Banks noted Carmella got to talk last week.
They talked about knowing each other since the Performance Center. Carmella noted she won the Money In The Bank, but Banks pointed out she needed help.
Carmella claimed that Banks is jealous of her. Banks’ dream is to be a WWE superstar. Carmella walked into the Performance Center and in all came easy to her.
They argued back and forth. Banks accepted Carmella’s challenge and agreed to a match at TLC. Carmella snapped her fingers, and her part of the screen turned off.
King Corbin (w/ Steve Cutler & Wesley Blake) defeated Murphy (w/Rey, Dominik, and Aalyah Mysterio)
This match dragged but picked up towards the end.
They recapped the Murphy and Corbin match from last week, including Corbin promising to be prepared this week. Corbin came to the ring with two guys in black suits to be in his corner. They never identified the guys by name. Later, Graves noted it’s Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake formally of the Forgotten Sons.
Corbin had the early advantage and tossed Murphy across the ring. Murphy recovered and attempted a sunset flip, but Corbin blocked the move. Murphy sent Corbin to the floor and wiped him out with a kick from the apron.
Murphy had a brief staredown with Cutler and Blake.
Corbin took advantage and pushed Murphy into the ring. He then tossed him over the announce table.
Back from the break, Corbin was firmly in control and continued to beat down Murphy. Murphy fought back and applied a chin lock. Corbin broke free, but Murphy hit a missile dropkick.
Corbin attempted the around the ring post clothesline, but Murphy rocked him with a knee. Murphy climbed to the top, but Corbin signaled to Blake and Cutler. They attacked Rey and Dominik at ringside. Murphy helped and chased the heels into the ring.
Murphy walked right into the end of days from Corbin for the win.
In the back, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits discussed the main event feud and Roman Reigns. Robert Roode and Cesaro interrupted. They demanded a title shot for their respective teams.
They showed more Pat Patterson tribute tweets from Drew McIntyre, Ric Flair, Edge, Shawn Michaels, Stephanie McMahon, and Dwayne Johnson.
Kevin Owens & Otis defeated Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Jey Uso (w/Paul Heyman) By Disqualification
This was a good match until the lame DQ finish.
Uso made his entrance and waited for Reigns, but he didn’t come out. Uso then realized he has to do it alone.
Otis had the early advantage and backed Uso into the corner. Uso briefly fought back, but Otis hit a vicious clothesline. Owens got the tag and beat down Uso in the corner.
Uso recovered and hit a Samoan Drop. Reigns music hit, and he finally made his way to the ring. Owens rocked Uso with an enziguri, and both guys went down.
Reigns ran in the ring and hit the Superman punch on Otis on the apron. Reigns viciously beat down Otis around ringside and hit him with the steps several times. Corey Graves justified the attack because neither guy is official in the match.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control as Owens was now on his own. Otis was taken out of the match during the break because of the attack. Uso missed a splash in the corner.
Owens recovered and hit the cannonball.
Owens screamed at Reigns to get in the ring, but Reigns ignored him. Owens then hit a Samona Drop on Uso. Reigns was furious that Owens used that move. Reigns nailed Owens and Uso rocked him with a superkick.
Uso climbed up for the splash but Reigns ordered him to tag out. Uso teased tagging, but Owens knocked Reigns off the apron. Owens then hit a stunner on Uso, but Reigns broke up the pin attempt.
Reigns then locked on the guillotine submission on Owens, and the referee called for the disqualification.
After the match, Reigns and Uso beat down Owens with chair shots. Uso placed his chair on Owens and hit a splash. Reigns then attacked Uso with chair shots. Reigns yelled at Owens for several minutes about Owens trying to divide his family and Reigns being the head of the table.
Reigns held the title in the air and posed over the fallen Owens and Uso.
Tonight’s SmackDown will feature Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens facing off in tag team action.
WWE has announced that Reigns & Jey Uso will face Owens & Otis in a tag team match on SmackDown tonight. It appears that Owens will be the challenger for Reigns’ Universal title at TLC later this month, but that hasn’t been officially announced by WWE.
After Reigns criticized him for his recent failures, Uso attacked Otis with a steel chair on SmackDown last week. Uso later attacked Daniel Bryan. Owens broke up that second attack and told Reigns and Uso that he’s had it with their family issues affecting everyone on SmackDown. Owens said for someone who claims that family is so important to him, Reigns treats his family like trash.
Reigns told Uso that Owens doesn’t look at him with fear and ordered Uso to fix that. Owens and Uso then faced off in last week’s main event. The match ended in a disqualification when Uso attacked Owens with a steel chair, but Owens was able to turn the tables on Uso after hitting a stunner. Owens beat down Uso to close the show. As Reigns was shown watching on backstage, Owens asked where Reigns was and said he would be waiting for him.
A rematch between Murphy and Baron Corbin is also set for SmackDown tonight. Murphy defeated Corbin last week after repeated interference by the Mysterio family. Corbin got on the microphone after the match, challenged Murphy to a rematch, and said he’ll be prepared this time.
Plus, tonight’s show will open with a tribute to Pat Patterson.
Both of SmackDown’s teams for Survivor Series are now fully set.
On tonight’s go-home show for the pay-per-view, Otis was added to SmackDown’s men’s Survivor Series team. He’ll team with Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, Baron Corbin & Seth Rollins against Team Raw (AJ Styles, Keith Lee, Sheamus, Braun Strowman & Riddle) in Sunday’s men’s five-on-five traditional Survivor Series elimination match.
Bayley and Natalya are the final two additions to SmackDown’s women’s Survivor Series team. It will be Bianca Belair, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Bayley & Natalya vs. Team Raw (Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Lana, Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce) in Sunday’s women’s elimination match.
In storyline, Adam Pearce named Otis and Bayley to their respective teams. Pearce told Natalya that she would have to defeat Tamina in a last chance qualifying match if she wanted to be on the women’s team.
Here’s the updated card for Survivor Series:
The Undertaker will appear for his “Final Farewell”
Non-title champion vs. champion match: WWE Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Non-title champion vs. champion match: Raw Women’s Champion Asuka vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks
Non-title champion vs. champion match: Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford)
Non-title champion vs. champion match: United States Champion Bobby Lashley vs. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn
Men’s five-on-five Survivor Series elimination match: Team Raw (AJ Styles, Keith Lee, Sheamus, Braun Strowman & Riddle) vs. Team SmackDown (Kevin Owens, Jey Uso, Baron Corbin, Seth Rollins & Otis)
Women’s five-on-five Survivor Series elimination match: Team Raw (Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Lana, Lacey Evans & Peyton Royce) vs. Team SmackDown (Bianca Belair, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Bayley & Natalya)
This will be Mysterio’s first match since suffering a partially torn triceps this August.
Mysterio’s feud against Rollins moved from Raw to SmackDown as Mysterio, his son Dominik, Rollins, and Murphy were all drafted by SmackDown in the WWE Draft last month. Last week, there was a segment where Aalyah Mysterio confessed that she loves Murphy and kissed him. Rollins also tried to convince Aalyah that her father is controlling her and will never accept her relationship with Murphy.
Otis lost his Money in the Bank contract to The Miz at Hell in a Cell. Tucker, who moved to Raw in the WWE Draft, turned against Otis and cost him the match.
Survivor Series is taking place on Sunday, November 22. Kevin Owens and Jey Uso have already qualified for SmackDown’s men’s Survivor Series team. Team SmackDown will be facing Team Raw in a five-on-five traditional Survivor Series elimination match. AJ Styles, Keith Lee, Sheamus, and Braun Strowman have qualified for Team Raw thus far.
Bianca Belair has qualified for SmackDown’s women’s team for Survivor Series. Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, and Lana are on Team Raw.
Sasha Banks defending her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bayley has also been announced for tonight’s SmackDown.
A new Mr. Money in the Bank was crowned tonight following the breakup of Heavy Machinery.
The Miz gained control of the Money in the Bank contract by defeating Otis at tonight’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. The Miz got the win after Tucker turned against Otis and hit him with the Money in the Bank briefcase.
The Miz and John Morrison were interviewed backstage after tonight’s match. Miz said he’s putting the WWE Champion and Universal Champion on notice. Miz said they won’t know when, how, or where — but he’s going to cash in the contract successfully.
Tucker walked up during the interview and told Miz this isn’t about him. Tucker said he and Otis were supposed to be a team, but Tucker was the workhorse and carried the load. Tucker said he did everything for Otis and treated him like a brother, but Tucker was always an afterthought. Tucker said Otis can’t function without him. Otis then attacked Tucker until he ran away.
Otis putting the Money in the Bank contract on the line against Miz tonight was announced at the conclusion of a series of “Law & Otis” segments on this past Friday’s SmackDown. JBL was the judge for the segments and was initially going to rule in Otis’ favor, but he then changed his mind after being bribed by Miz. In storyline, Miz had filed a lawsuit against Otis to try and take the Money in the Bank contract from him.
Tucker was drafted to Raw in the WWE Draft earlier this month. Otis remained on SmackDown. Miz and Morrison were also drafted by Raw.
This is the second time Miz has held the Money in the Bank contract in his career. In 2010, Miz cashed the briefcase in to win his first WWE Championship.
Otis’ Money in the Bank contract will be on the line at Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view.
It was announced on SmackDown tonight that Otis will defend his Money in the Bank contract against The Miz at Hell in a Cell on Sunday. The announcement was made at the end of a series of “Law & Otis” segments where Otis represented himself in court and was trying to stop Miz from taking the Money in the Bank briefcase from him.
JBL was the judge for Law & Otis. He was about to rule in Otis’ favor, but he then announced the match for Sunday after being paid off by The Miz.
In storyline, The Miz filed the lawsuit against Otis last month after Otis attacked Miz & John Morrison during a Dirt Sheet segment and tore off Miz’s suit jacket, pants, and shirt. That came after Miz used his influence with the USA Network and Fox to have Mandy Rose moved to Raw and have her separated from Otis.
Rose, Miz, Morrison, and Otis’ tag team partner Tucker were selected by Raw in the WWE Draft. Otis remained on SmackDown.
There are now five matches announced for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell PPV. Here’s the updated card:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Jey Uso in a Hell in a Cell I Quit match
WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Randy Orton in a Hell in a Cell match
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defends against Sasha Banks in a Hell in a Cell match
Jeff Hardy vs. Elias
Otis defends his Money in the Bank contract against The Miz
Otis will defend his Money in the Bank contract in court on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that there will be a “Law & Otis” segment on SmackDown tonight where Otis will represent himself in court in an attempt to stop The Miz from taking his Money in the Bank contract away from him. In storyline, The Miz filed a lawsuit against Otis after Otis attacked Miz & John Morrison during a Dirt Sheet segment and tore off Miz’s suit jacket, pants, and shirt.
When Mandy Rose was moved to Raw last month, the explanation was that Miz used his influence with the USA Network and Fox to separate Rose and Otis. Rose stayed on Raw in the WWE Draft. Miz, Morrison, and Otis’ tag team partner Tucker were selected by Raw in the draft but Otis remained on SmackDown.
Otis appeared on Raw this Monday as “El Gran Gordo.” He wore a mask and teamed with Tucker to defeat Miz & Morrison.
Tonight’s segment was originally supposed to take place two weeks ago, but it was instead said that Miz’s lawyer filed a continuance to delay the trial.
SmackDown is making a one-week-only shift to FS1 tonight due to game three of the World Series airing on Fox. Tonight’s SmackDown is the go-home show for Hell in a Cell. The episode will feature Roman Reigns revealing the consequences for his Universal Championship Hell in a Cell I Quit match against Jey Uso at this Sunday’s pay-per-view.
It was announced on this week’s episode of Talking Smack that Mandy Rose has been traded to Raw. The Miz and John Morrison made an appearance on Talking Smack and Miz made the announcement, with WWE.com writing that the move “was the latest tactic in The Miz & John Morrison’s ongoing quest to part Otis with his Money in the Bank Contract.”
The explanation given on Talking Smack was that Miz made the pitch for Rose to be moved to the Raw roster. Miz said that — when you’ve been in the entertainment industry as long as he has — you develop relationships with executives and people in power start to trust you. Miz said Fox and USA Network rely on him and listen to any pitch he has.
On SmackDown last night, Otis defeated Morrison in a singles match. Heavy Machinery also defeated Miz & Morrison in a tag match the previous week. After both matches, Miz & Morrison tried to steal Otis’ Money in the Bank contract but Otis outsmarted them. Otis didn’t have the contract in his MITB briefcase the first week and then didn’t have it in his MITB lunchbox.
Miz said he was going to call in a favor after being outsmarted by Otis last night.
Rose hasn’t appeared on SmackDown since defeating Sonya Deville in their “loser leaves WWE” match at SummerSlam last month. That match originally had a hair vs. hair stipulation, but it was changed following the real-life incident where a man was arrested and charged with aggravated stalking, armed burglary of a dwelling, and attempted armed kidnapping after breaking into Deville’s home. Rose was also in the house with Deville at the time.
After being away for several weeks, Otis & Mandy Rose will return to SmackDown next week.
A video package aired tonight showing the ‘love story’ between Otis and Mandy, highlighting a number of segments from the past. The announcers then acknowledged that the storyline couple will appear on the show next week.
Otis last wrestled on the June 12 episode of SmackDown, teaming with tag team partner Tucker & Braun Strowman, defeating Dolph Ziggler, John Morrison, and The Miz. Ziggler has since moved to Raw.
Additionally, Naomi will face Lacey Evans. The two have been at odds in recent weeks after Evans jumped Naomi during a karaoke competition. The two got confrontational again this week, with Naomi slapping Evans as she was applying lipstick, leaving Evan’s face a mess.
Two title matches have been announced for next week’s SmackDown: Bayley vs. Nikki Cross for the SmackDown women’s title, and AJ Styles vs. Gran Metalik for the Intercontinental title.
