The Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship will be on the line on the December 5 episode of WWE Raw.
In a match announced during Monday’s Raw, The Usos are set to defend the Undisputed Tag titles against Matt Riddle and Elias on next week’s show.
WWE continued to tease dissension between Riddle and Elias during this week’s show in a backstage interview with the duo. Elias stated that he sees himself as more of “a solo artist,” while Riddle was enthusiastic about their pairing.
Riddle and Elias’s only match as a team came on the November 21 Raw show, as they defeated Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable and Otis.
The Tag title bout is the only match or segment announced for the December 5 Raw, set to take place at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Here is the announced card:
WWE Raw, Monday, December 5 —
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Matt Riddle & Elias
Date: May 30, 2022 Location: Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA
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Show Recap —
Becky Lynch entered to start the show. She was in good mood despite her claim that the fans were awaiting her downfall. Some people collected stamps, some collected friends, but she collected enemies. She knew she was on track to do just that when she regains her title at Hell in a Cell. The odds were against her but that was always true and she always overcame it.
Lynch recalled Asuka winning Money in the Bank in 2020 before handing her the title the next night on Raw. Even back then, Lynch had a plan. She knew she could beat Asuka and thought Asuka would hold the title until she returned.
Asuka interrupted. Asuka said Lynch was still a big-time baby. Lynch tried to interrupt but Asuka snapped at her in Japanese. Asuka said nobody was ready for her and she would become the new champion.
Bianca Belair entered. Belair didn’t want to complain about having to defend her title in a triple threat because she did her talking in the ring. She had payback ready for Asuka tonight after Asuka kicked her in the face last week. She also threatened to drop Lynch.
Lynch took a cheapshot at Belair which led to a short brawl that ended with Asuka and Belair knocking Lynch out of the ring.
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Lynch joined commentary for the match. She dropped a, “I’m a wizard” line at one point. Perhaps she realized what she said because she quickly followed by calling herself a magician (because she made Belair’s title disappear in seconds at SummerSlam).
Non-title match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Asuka (13:06)
They wrestled back and forth before knocking each other out of the ring ahead of a break. Asuka hit a German suplex and a running hip attack following the break for a two count.
Belair got Asuka up for the KOD but she slipped out. Asuka sold it like she hurt her leg on the fall sp Lynch mocked her and called her a baby. Belair went after her but Asuka caught her with a knee strike for a nearfall.
Belair countered an Asuka Lock and hit a Glam Slam. Asuka tried a cradle but Belair countered into a cradle of her own for the pinfall win.
Lynch hit the ring immediately after the match and laid out both women.
The bulk of this match was good but the finish was awkward.
(During the match, there was a clock counting down to the top of the third hour. It’s not Cody Rhodes this time but rather The Usos vs. Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura.)
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Six-man tag match: Ezekiel, Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio defeated Kevin Owens, Chad Gable & Otis (8:33)
The babyfaces worked together to clear the ring. It took a triple dropkick to knock out Otis. However, Gable shoved Dominik off the middle rope to the outside before driving him into the barricade.
The heels worked over Dominik through a break until Ezekiel made the hot tag. He handed out Stinger splashes to Gable and Owens before giving Gable a spinning powerbomb. Otis broke up the cover so Dominik tried hitting him with a high cross. Otis caught Dominik easily so Rey took him down with a seated senton.
Owens avoided a 619 and tried a superkick but Rey ducked and Gable got superkicked instead. The Mysterios gave Gable a double 619 before Ezekiel hit his finisher (an odd-looking suplex/brainbuster) for the pinfall win.
The announcers pointed out that Owens inadvertently helped Ezekiel win the match and Owens was pissed.
(I know it’s his catchphrase but I think someone in charge told Gable to yell, “thank you!” as often as possible during his matches.)
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Cody Rhodes entered and they went to break.
[SECOND HOUR]
Cody Rhodes promo
Rhodes received a good reaction. He said he’s always been a big fan of Seth Rollins and he always saw potential in him. There was another man who saw potential in Rollins — the man who raised him. The crowd chanted for Dusty Rhodes. Dusty told Cody that Rollins had everything it took to be a generational talent and he lived up to the hype.
Rhodes learned that he would be getting his second chance at WrestleMania and it would be against Rollins. He admitted he was nervous. He couldn’t return with a loss. But he was at the top of his game and he has now defeated Rollins twice. It’s driven Rollins mad.
Rhodes called Rollins a desperate egomaniac — but he was also dangerous. Hell in a Cell would be the biggest challenge of his career and he wanted Rollins to know that any respect or self-control he had would be locked outside of the cell. Rollins would be locked in with someone who wanted to hurt him.
Rollins interrupted. He cut his promo while in the crowd. Rollins said he didn’t like Rhodes. He tried to accept this new version of Rhodes but he couldn’t take the pandering or the “Cody” chants. He can hear it in his sleep.
Rollins said Rhodes left WWE because he wasn’t good enough, then he and his little friends (AEW) tried to tear down what he built. That didn’t work out for him and now he’s back trying to be the hero.
“You don’t get to take a sledgehammer to the throne and then try to take that throne from me.”
Rollins said he would end Rhodes at HIAC and then we could finally wake up from this American nightmare. Rollins cackled.
Rhodes dared Rollins to come to the ring so they could fight right now. Rollins acted like he would but he actually didn’t so Rhodes went after him.
They brawled in the crowd until Rhodes tackled Rollins through the barricade. Rhodes continued the attack until officials ran down to break it up. The crowd chanted “let them fight.”
Rhodes went to the back and Rollins thought it was over but Rhodes sprinted back down and attacked until officials finally broke it up.
There was a “this is awesome” chant but it was probably fake. I did think this was pretty good, though.
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Alexa Bliss defeated Doudrop (w/Nikki ASH) (3:18)
Bliss avoided a splash, kicked Nikki off the apron, and landed Twisted Bliss for the pinfall win.
(Last week and this week, Cory Graves went on about how Bliss doesn’t have the same intensity and ruthlessness that she had before she left. He preemptively told Twitter to leave him alone for saying this because he knows what he’s talking about.)
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They showed a clip of Lacey Evans signalling the start of the NASCAR race over the weekend.
Miz TV with guests The Street Profits
Miz plugged Miz & Mrs but was interrupted by the Street Profits. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins basically took the segment over. They said Miz was talking about his show when she should be talking about HIAC. Dawkins was looking forward to Rhodes vs. Rollins and reminded Miz that he lost to Rhodes. Ford was looking forward to the beautiful Belair retaining her title.
They realized they were being rude to the host so they asked Miz what he thought of HIAC. He was about to answer but they both yelled, “it doesn’t matter what you think!” Dawkins mocked him for still falling for that line after all these years.
Miz put his hand up to make them stop talking but Dawkins gave him a high five instead. Miz tried to explain the gesture but they continued to mock him.
Dana Brooke suddenly ran down through the crowd and into the ring. T-Bar randomly showed up to drop Akira Tozawa. Ford sat up out of his seat, superkicked T-Bar out of the ring, then calmly sat down. Dawkins did the same when he decked Apollo Crews.
Anyway, a bunch of stuff happened before Tamina gave Brooke a Samoan drop to win the 24/7 title. She kissed Tozawa before he used a backslide to win the title.
(The 24/7 stuff is awful but at least the Street Profits were entertaining.)
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Theory joined commentary. Ciampa didn’t get an entrance.
They said Mustafa Ali would earn a US title shot with a win.
Mustafa Ali defeated Ciampa via disqualification (3:28)
Ciampa was in control until Ali fought back and hit an intense suicide dive. As Ali went to the top, Theory yanked him down and attacked for the DQ. Theory also chucked him into the steel steps.
Theory informed Ali that his US title shot was happening right now.
(Ciampa disappeared.)
Theory defeated Mustafa Ali to retain the United States Championship (1:45)
Theory was putting the boots to Ali after a break and the announcers said he was doing that throughout the break. The ref asked Ali if he wanted to start the match and he said yes. (There was a very light chant for CM Punk.)
Theory was in control until Ali nailed a kick and tornado DDT. However, Theory knocked him off the top rope and hit ATL for the pinfall win.
— Adam Pearce entered after the match. He informed Theory that Mr. McMahon wanted to see a fair fight so he booked a title rematch at HIAC.
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Riddle cut a backstage promo. He thanked everyone for their kind words about Randy Orton. He warned the Usos that he didn’t come to Raw alone. Shinsuke Nakamura said he had Riddle had a common purpose: to bleed the Bloodline dry.
The Usos entered.
[THIRD HOUR]
Non-title match: Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Undisputed Tag Team Champions The Usos via disqualification (12:24)
The Usos worked over Riddle until Nakamura made a tag and got a nearfall on a flying knee strike to Jimmy Uso. Jey Uso distracted him which allowed Jimmy to hit a superkick. Jey followed with a splash but Riddle broke up the cover.
Riddle made a hot tag after a break and he hit Jey with a suplex and senton. Nakamura made a blind tag as Riddle fell out of the ring and he crushed Jey with a Kinshasa as he was setting up for a dive but Jimmy broke up the cover. That was a great spot.
Riddle hit a few Orton-esque powerslams before Jimmy hit Riddle with his scooter for the blatant DQ.
After the match, the Usos were going to splash Riddle but Nakamura kicked Jimmy off one turnbuckle before Riddle brought down Jey with an avalanche RKO.
This was a “championship contender’s” match so Riddle/Nakamura earned a title shot with this result.
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They showed a clip of Titus O’Neil at the Indy 500.
Kevin Patrick approached Ali in the back. Ali said he was hurting and he knew the odds were against him but he planned on walking out of his hometown of Chicago as US champion. Theory attacked him from behind and laid him out.
The announcers ran down the HIAC card. Among the matches is a 6-person match with Liv Morgan, AJ Styles and Finn Bálor against Rhea Ripley, Edge and Damian Priest.
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There was a Memorial Day video.
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Morgan entered at 10:15pm and her match began 20 minutes later.
Liv Morgan defeated Rhea Ripley (10:14)
Ripley has new music. Styles and Priest came to ringside during a break.
Morgan fired up at one point and hit a flying crossbody to the outside. She went for Oblivion but Priest held Ripley against the ropes by her pants (like Edge did last week) so Styles went after him. Morgan kicked out of Ripley’s pin attempt and countered a Rip-tide into a cradle for the pinfall win.
— After the match, Priest attacked Styles and turned his attention to Morgan. Finn Bálor ran down and tackled Priest. Styles gave him a Phenomenal forearm and Bálor followed with Coup de Grace. Morgan also wiped out Ripley with a missile dropkick. Styles, Bálor and Morgan stood tall.
(Graves referred to Ripley and Priest as Edge’s “Saints of Fate.”)
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Contract signing with Bobby Lashley, MVP and Omos
The main event was a contract signing that began with 6 minutes left in the show. (Lashley is facing MVP and Omos in a handicap match at HIAC.)
MVP and Lashley exchanged words before everyone signed the contract. MVP didn’t want to wait for Sunday and Lashley was fine with that. Lashley chucked the table aside before he and Omos both cleared the ring of security guards. Omos and Lashley were about to go at it before Cedric Alexander chop-blocked Lashley.
Omos set up a table in the corner of the ring but Lashley speared him through it.
Wrestling Observer Live Saturday with Jim Valley talks about the new Undisputed Raw and Smackdown Tag Team Champions as The Usos beat RKBro on Smackdown.
Plus, Sasha and Naomi are officially suspended and stripped of their titles. With all of these happenings, it’s a good time to talk about winning and losing and the things that are real in wrestling. Jim Valley says there’s no need to be upset with any of the happenings this week, they’ll all work out.
Jim also talks about Max Dupri, AEW Rampage, Double or Nothing, Super Juniors and more. Check it out.
The Bloodline have added more gold to their collection.
In the main event of last night’s SmackDown, The Usos defeated RK-Bro to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles. The Usos and their cousin Roman Reigns are now both undisputed champions in WWE.
As Paul Heyman had the referee distracted, Reigns interfered and stopped Riddle from being able to hit an RKO from the top rope. Jey Uso then hit a splash from the top on Riddle to win the match.
Reigns and The Usos attacked Riddle and Randy Orton following the match. After Reigns beat down Riddle, Jey Uso hit a splash on Riddle from the top rope through the announce table. Reigns also put Orton in a guillotine.
SmackDown ended with Reigns and The Usos posing with all of their title belts.
WWE announced a storyline injury update on Riddle and Orton after the show: “As a result of a vicious attack by The Bloodline in the wake of SmackDown’s Tag Team Title Unification Match, Riddle has suffered a bruised hip and lower back and both he and Randy Orton are undergoing a medical evaluation. Check back with WWE.com for more updates as they become available.”
A Tag Team title unification match headlines tonight’s SmackDown from the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos will face off in a winner-take-all unification match. This bout was originally announced for WrestleMania Backlash but turned into a six-man tag with Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre added.
Last week, RK-Bro showed up on SmackDown to challenge The Usos. Instead, Sami Zayn interrupted and claimed to represent The Bloodline. That led to Riddle defeating Zayn in a singles match. After the match, Zayn was worried that Reigns might be mad at him. Paul Heyman assured Zayn that Reigns respects him.
Later that night, RK-Bro confronted The Bloodline. Eventually, The Usos accepted the challenge. Riddle then took out Reigns with a jumping knee before RK-Bro walked off.
Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura is also set for tonight, along with Xavier Woods vs. Butch.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They showed a video package hyping tonight’s winner-take-all unification match.
Bloodline Segment
This was a good but typical opening segment.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos slowly made their way to the ring. They recapped RK-Bro confronting The Bloodline last week.
Reigns took the mic and demanded the fans acknowledge him. They got a mixed reaction. Some fans cheered, but others broke into a brief “You suck” chant. However, Reigns noted the fans would also acknowledge The Usos tonight.
Heyman said tonight is the biggest night in tag team wrestling history. Heyman claimed that Reigns could smash and stack Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He added that Reigns is the greatest of all time.
Heyman discussed The Usos becoming the greatest tag team of all time. He mentioned Afa and Sika, The Wild Samoans are the greatest team. The Usos must unify the titles to prove they’re the greatest team and better than The Wild Samoans. He added that The Usos must win the titles tonight, or they’re not coming home to the Island of relevancy. Heyman promised that The Usos would win the titles. He added it’s not a prediction but a spoiler.
Reigns took the mic back and addressed his cousins. He demanded they win the titles tonight. Reigns noted he has high expectations because he loves them. Reigns then gave them both a hug.
In the back, Sami Zayn was watching the promo on the monitor. Zayn was wearing a Bloodline t-shirt and started walking to the ring.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Sami Zayn (10:36)
Zayn and Nakamura had a great match with a good finish.
Zayn grabbed a headlock at the bell, but Nakamura broke free. Nakamura avoided a leapfrog and rocked Zayn with a kick to the chest. Nakamura was firmly in control until Zayn yanked him down by the hair. He followed up with a clothesline for a near fall.
Zayn climbed to the top rope, but Nakamura cut him off. Zayn blocked a superplex attempt. They fought on the top rope until Nakamura knocked Zayn down. Zayn avoided the Kinshasa and threw Nakamura out of the ring.
Back from the break, Zayn had Nakamura in a chin lock, but he broke free. Nakamura followed up with a sliding German Suplex in the ropes.
Nakamura hit a knee off the middle rope for a close near fall. He set up for the Kinshasa, but Zayn rolled out of the ring. Nakamura went after Zayn on the floor. Zayn fought back and hit a Michinoku Driver. Zayn almost won by countout, but Nakamura barely beat the ten count. The fans broke into a “Rusty” chant.
Nakamura and Zayn brawled around ringside. Nakamura tossed Zayn over the barricade. Nakamura almost won by countout, but Zayn barely beat the ten count. However, Nakamura hit the Kinshasa as Zayn got back in the ring.
They aired an Usos video package.
Happy Talk
This was a fine segment. The fans seemed dead until Corbin destroyed the Andre the Giant trophy.
Happy Corbin talked in front of the Andre the Giant trophy. He bragged about injuring Madcap Moss last week. They showed clips of Corbin attacking Moss with the trophy.
Corbin got back in the ring and called the attack a work of art. He decided to look at the work of art again. They showed the attack over and over.
Corbin pointed out that Moss had it good. Corbin even paid for Moss to fly first class. He claimed that Moss wanted to get out of his shadow.
Corbin mentioned that Moss would make jokes and called him the big bald wolf. He might be the big bald wolf because he huffed and puffed and put Moss down. Corbin jumped out of the ring and destroyed the Andre the Giant trophy.
They recapped Ricochet encouraging Drew Gulak to confront Gunther last week.
Gunther (w/Ludwig Kaiser) defeated Drew Gulak (1:06)
This was a quick squash match. It was more about setting up a Ricochet vs. Gunther feud.
Ludwig Kaiser introduced Gunther, and they went to a commercial.
Back from the break, the match was already in progress. Gulak didn’t even get an entrance.
Gunther took over with a boot to the face. He rocked Gulak with a series of hard chops. He then hit a powerbomb for the win. After the match, Gunther attacked Gulak and put him in the Boston Crab. Ricochet then ran out of the save.
L.A. Knight debuted as Max Dupri. He approached Adam Pearce in his office. Dupri is the CEO of the hottest new agency. He’s looking for superstars that can headline Fashion week in Paris and headline WrestleMania.
Pearce was confused. Dupri noted Sonya Deville hired him a few weeks ago. Pearce pointed out that she’s no longer in management. Dupri noted his agency has a signed contract. Pearce tried to pronounce Max Dupri, but he was saying it wrong. Dupri tried to correct him.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed RK-Bro. They heard The Usos earlier tonight. Riddle pointed out that he beat The Usos one by one every week. Orton promised to defeat The Usos and unify the titles.
They recapped Ronda Rousey vs. Raquel Rodriguez from last week. In the back, Shotzi claimed she was about to accept Rousey’s challenge, but Rodriguez pushed her out of the way.
Aliyah approached and claimed Shotzi locked her in the locker room last week. Rodriguez showed up and got in Shotzi’s face. Shotzi called Rodriguez an absurd amazon and six feet of disappointment. She promised to defeat her next.
Raquel Rodriguez defeated Shotzi (2:57)
Rodriguez and Shotzi had an okay match. Rodriguez dominated and looked good.
Los Lotharios, Xia Li, Aliyah, and more watched the match backstage on the monitor.
Rodriguez backed Shotzi into the corner for the early advantage. She worked over the arm, but Shotzi fought back. Rodriguez then tossed Shotzi into the corner. Shotzi locked on a sleeper, but Rodriguez broke free.
Shotzi attempted a hurricanrana, but Rodriguez caught her. She transitioned into a fallaway slam and hit a corkscrew splash. She followed up with the one-arm powerbomb for the win.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Xavier Woods in the back. They recapped Butch defeating Kofi Kingston last week.
Woods admitted it was a big win for Butch. He wondered if Butch could beat him without Sheamus and Ridge Holland. Woods pointed out that Kingston’s on New Day business. He challenged Butch to face him without Sheamus and Holland.
Xavier Woods defeated Butch (3:44)
Woods and Butch had a good match while it lasted.
Sheamus and Holland pumped up Butch before he made his entrance. Butch came out without Sheamus and Holland. Their team name appears to be The Brawling Brutes.
They started fast with Woods rocking Butch with a forearm. He followed up with a sliding dropkick through the ropes. Butch fought back and took Woods down with elbows.
Woods rolled up Butch for a near fall. Butch briefly regained control, but Woods hit a rolling DDT for a two-count. Butch took over with kicks to the head. Woods rocked Butch with a kick and went for a DDT off the middle rope. Butch recovered and hit a stiff forearm. Suddenly, Woods caught Butch with the Backwoods for the win.
After the match, Butch ran out through the crowd and disappeared. As Woods walked back, Sheamus and Holland walked out. Suddenly, Butch reappeared and attacked Woods.
They showed a RK-Bro video package.
Back from the break, Megan Morant approached Woods backstage. Woods was furious about the attack. He noted that Kingston is back next week, but Big E is still out with an injury. He promised to have a partner to even the odds.
Michael Cole addressed the Sasha Banks and Naomi situation from Monday night. He described the events from Raw that ended with Banks and Naomi leaving the arena. He said, “Sasha and Naomi let us all down.” He explained that they were supposed to participate in the six-pack challenge.
Instead, Banks and Naomi left the tag team titles with the head of talent relations and walked out of the building. He announced that Banks and Naomi had been suspended indefinitely. He also announced they’ll have a tournament to crown new champions in the future.
Winner-Take-All Tag Team Title Unification match: The Usos defeated RK-Bro to unify the SmackDown and Raw titles (11:52)
The Usos and RK-Bro had a really good match. The fans were into it, and the post-match beat down. There was even a shot of a young boy in the crowd crying.
Paul Heyman joined Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary.
RK-Bro had the early advantage. The fans broke into a loud “Randy” chant. The Usos took over, but Riddle appeared to suffer an injury. The action stopped as the doctor and referee checked on Riddle. They quickly went to a break.
Back from the break, The Usos isolated Riddle on their side of the ring. Cole noted Riddle suffered a bruised hip before the break. Jimmy attacked the bruised hip and hit a back suplex. Riddle rocked Jey with a jumping knee. Orton got the hot tag and ran wild on the heels.
Orton hit the draping DDT on Jimmy and followed up with the RKO. Jey broke up the pin attempt. Riddle tagged back in and hit a series of forearms. He went for the Bro-ton, but Jey got his knees up. He followed up with a pop-up neck breaker for a close near fall.
Riddle and Jey fought on the top rope. Riddle went for the Super RKO, but Heyman distracted the referee. Suddenly, Roman Reigns ran out from the crowd. He grabbed Jey and Riddle crashed into the ring. Jey then hit the splash for the win to become the Unified Tag Team Champions.
After the match, The Bloodline attacked RK-Bro at ringside. The Usos beat down Orton with the steps as Reigns locked on the guillotine on Riddle. Jey then hit a splash off the top rope onto Riddle on the announce table.
The Bloodline celebrated with all the titles to end SmackDown.
Last night’s SmackDown set the stage for RK-Bro and The Usos’ Tag Team title unification match to finally take place.
RK-Bro showed up on SmackDown last night to confront The Bloodline and demand an answer to their unification match challenge. The Usos accepted the challenge — but they weren’t willing to face RK-Bro last night. The match will instead take place on next Friday’s SmackDown.
The Usos vowed that every member of The Bloodline will have two title belts after next week’s SmackDown. As Reigns was posing with the WWE Championship and Universal Championship belts, Riddle stunned him with a knee strike. RK-Bro then fled the ring before The Bloodline could retaliate.
The Tag Team title unification match had originally been announced for WrestleMania Backlash, but that was changed to a six-man tag where Reigns & The Usos defeated Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro.
After defeating Charlotte Flair in an “I Quit” match to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania Backlash, Ronda Rousey didn’t wait long to make her first title defense. Rousey retained the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Raquel Rodriguez last night after Rodriguez answered her open challenge.
The Women’s Tag Team titles were also on the line last night. Sasha Banks & Naomi defeated Natalya & Shayna Baszler to remain champions.
A title unification match for both the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles has been set for next week’s SmackDown.
The end of tonight’s show saw The Usos accept the demand from RKO that they accept a title unification match. The show closed with Riddle striking Roman Reigns with a knee to the face, then retreating to the back.
The two teams were originally set to unify the titles at WWE WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday. However, during the contract signing, Roman Reigns came out and destroyed the contract, helping the Usos in beating down RK-Bro. Drew McIntyre made the save, setting up a six-man match in place of the title unification match. Reigns defeated Riddle to pick up the win for the Bloodline.
On Raw the following Monday, RK-Bro said they would be at SmackDown on Friday. When they arrived to the show tonight, Sami Zayn came out and told them to go back to Raw. Eventually, a match between Zayn and Riddle was made, with Riddle picking up the win.
Tonight’s SmackDown takes place from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and features the fallout from WrestleMania Backlash.
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro are set to confront The Bloodline tonight. At WrestleMania Backlash, Roman Reigns & The Usos defeated Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro in the six-man tag team main event. The following night on Raw, Randy Orton & Riddle stated that they still want to unify the Tag Team titles. They issued a challenge to SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos and said they were coming to SmackDown tonight to get The Bloodline’s answer.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line tonight, with Sasha Banks & Naomi defending against Natalya & Shayna Baszler.
Plus, Kofi Kingston will take on Butch in singles action. Butch re-emerged last week and helped Sheamus & Ridge Holland defeat Kingston & Xavier Woods in a tables match.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped The Bloodline defeating Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro at WrestleMania Backlash.
RK-Bro Segment
Orton, Riddle, and Zayn were good in the opening segment.
RK-Bro made their way to the ring to start SmackDown. The fans broke into a loud “Randy” chant. Orton noted they’re very excited to be at SmackDown, but they’re tired of the chase. Orton knows that The Usos don’t make any of the decisions. He added that Roman Reigns makes all the decisions for them.
Orton and Riddle demanded that Reigns answer their challenge for the Usos. Instead, Sami Zayn walked out wearing a Bloodline t-shirt. He claimed to be the locker room leader. He added that nobody wanted to see the unification match.
The fans broke into a “Sami sucks” chant. He advised RK-Bro to return to Raw and forget about the SmackDown titles. Riddle called Zayn Rusty because of the color of his hair. The fans broke into a “Rusty” chant. Zayn again said he’s the locker room leader. Zayn mentioned beating Shinsuke Nakamura last week after he insulted Reigns.
Orton thinks Zayn speaks for the Bloodline and is basically a member. They convinced Zayn to agree to take on Riddle tonight. If Riddle wins, then RK-Bro takes on the Usos in a unification match.
Zayn agreed at first but then rolled out of the ring. He walked away and said it would happen another day. Adam Pearce then walked out and made the match official. He added that the match starts now.
Riddle (w/Randy Orton) defeated Sami Zayn (10:23)
Riddle and Zayn had a really good match.
Michael Cole noted that if Zayn loses, it will not result in a unification match despite the previous segment. That pretty much made the entire opening segment pointless.
Riddle had the early advantage, but Zayn quickly took over. He slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Riddle escaped and rocked Zayn with a kick to the face. He followed up with a running forearm in the corner. Riddle hit the PK and went for the Broton, but Zayn got his knees up. Zayn took over and quickly went for the helluva kick, but Riddle got his feet up.
Back from the break, Zayn was firmly in control as he beat down Riddle. The fans broke into a loud “Riddle” chant. Zayn slowly climbed to the top rope, but Riddle recovered. He jumped up and went for a super RKO, but Zayn pushed him off. Zayn jumped off, but Riddle rocked him with a knee for a two-count.
Riddle went for the Bro to Sleep. Zayn broke free and hit the Michinoku Driver for a close near fall. Zayn taunted Orton and went for the Draping DDT. Riddle reversed and dumped Zayn to the floor. He followed up with a kick to the face and a dive.
Riddle hit the power slam and set up for the RKO. Zayn rolled out of the ring. Riddle chased after him, but Zayn posted him. He then dumped Riddle over the barricade and tried to win by countout. McAfee noted that’s how Zayn beat Nakamura last week. Riddle beat the count and quickly hit the Bro Derek for the win.
In the back, Roman Reigns and The Usos were watching the match. Reigns was furious that RK-Bro was on his show. The Usos were angry that RK-Bro implied that they couldn’t make decisions. The Bloodline promised to answer RK-Bro’s challenge later.
Zayn was walking backstage when Nakamura approached him. He made fun of Zayn and walked off
Ronda Rousey Segment
They recapped Ronda Rousey defeating Charlotte Flair in an “I Quit” match a Backlash. Rousey celebrated defeating Flair last Sunday. She admitted that Flair was a tough champion, but now Rousey’s the champion.
Rousey thinks the fans want a fighting champion, so she issued an open challenge. Raquel Rodriguez’s music hit, and she walked to the ring. Rodriguez accepted Rousey’s challenge and promised to make history tonight.
Rousey and Rodriguez had an okay match. Rodriguez dominated Rousey, who struggled to beat the more powerful Rodriguez.
Rodriguez dominated the early part of the match with power moves. She threw Rousey into the corner and followed up with a fallaway slam. Rodriguez then hit a second fallaway slam.
Cole pointed out that the “I Quit” match took a lot out of Rousey. Rousey tried to fight back, but Rodriguez hit a side slam. She missed a splash, and Rousey briefly took over. Rousey locked on the guillotine, but Rodriguez countered into a suplex.
Rousey fought back and hit a series of strikes. She followed up with a knee and a kick to the head. Rousey attempted Piper’s Pit, but Rodriguez escaped. She countered with a torture rack but dropped her down like a Samoan Drop. That looked like it hurt.
Rodgriguez went for her powerbomb, but Rousey broke free. Rousey went for the ankle lock, but Rodriguez escaped. Rodriguez rocked Rousey with a kick to the head. She went for the powerbomb, but Rousey rolled through and pinned Rodriguez.
After the match, Rousey helped Rodriguez up and they shook hands.
In the back, Shotzi approached Adam Pearce. She claimed she was on her way to accept Rousey’s challenge, but Rodriguez pushed her out of the way. Aliyah approached and claimed Shotzi locked her in the dressing room so she couldn’t accept the challenge either.
Madcap Moss Interview
This was a fine segment. They did an injury angle when Corbin attacked Moss and gave him the Pillmanizer with the Andre the Giant trophy.
They recapped Moss defeating Corbin at Backlash. They showed the Andre the Giant trophy at ringside.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Madcap Moss. Braxton claimed Moss defeating Happy Corbin was the biggest moment in his career. Moss mocked Corbin and called him the big bald wolf. Moss has a lot of career goals. He wants to form a mixed tag team with Sasha Banks called “Madcap Boss.” He also promised to win Money in the Bank.
Suddenly, Corbin attacked Moss from behind and beat him down with a chair. Corbin rolled out of the ring and brought the Andre the Giant trophy into the ring. He trapped Moss’s head in the chair and dropped the trophy on the chair. Referees and officials ran out to check on Moss.
Back from the break, they recapped the angle as they took Moss out on a stretcher. Corbin made a bad joke as they put Moss in the ambulance.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Naomi defeated Natalya & Shayna Baszler (8:34)
This was a good tag team match.
They recapped Baszler injuring Naomi’s arm two weeks ago.
The heels were in control early as Baszler worked over Naomi’s arm. Naomi and Banks worked together against Baszler. Banks hit a Meteora on Natalya for a near fall. She followed up with the Bank Statement, but Baszler broke it up.
Back from the break, the heels were firmly in control. They isolated Banks on their side of the ring and cut her off from Naomi. Baszler attacked Naomi in her corner to prevent the tag. She tried to stomp on Naomi’s bad arm. Naomi moved her arm, and Banks caught Baszler with a knee.
Naomi got the hot tag and ran wild on Baszler. Baszler fought back and tried to win with Natalya’s help, but the referee caught them. Naomi took out Baszler. Natalya then rolled up Naomi for another near fall.
Naomi caught Natalya in the full nelson, but she broke free. Natalya slammed down Banks. Naomi then hit the full nelson bomb into a pin for a two count. The finish came when Natalya went for the sharpshooter, but Naomi used a small package for the win.
In the back, Ricochet approched Drew Gulak. He gave Gulak a pep talk and motivated him to confront Gunther. A confident Gulak walked off and ran into Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser. Gunther ripped open Gulak’s shirt and chopped his soul out of him.
They recapped Sheamus and Holland defeating New Day in a tables match.
Kingston started off with a running dropkick at the bell. Butch took Kingston down with a series of forearm shots. Butch then slowed the pace and worked over Kingston’s arm. Kingston missed a sliding dropkick but hit a springboard forearm.
Back from the break, Kingston fought back and hit a standing dropkick. He went for a springboard clothesline, but Butch countered with a forearm. Kingston recovered and hit the SOS for a close near fall. The fans broke into a brief “Let’s go, Kofi” chant.
Kingston hit a double foot stomp and set up for trouble in paradise. Holland tried to interfere, but Woods pulled him off the apron. Sheamus took out Woods with the Brogue Kick. Kingston then knocked Sheamus off the apron with a superkick. Butch took advantage of the distraction and hit the Bitter End for the win.
After the match, Butch ran off into the crowd but returned to celebrate with Sheamus and Holland.
In the back, Sami Zayn spoke with Paul Heyman. Zayn wanted to make sure he didn’t overstep. He knows he shouldn’t have made that match with Riddle. He admitted he hopes Reigns isn’t mad at him. Heyman claimed that Reigns respects Zayn.
The Usos Strike Back
This was a good show closing segment. They set up the tag team unification match for next week.
Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman slowly made their way to the ring. The fans broke into a “Roman” chant. Reigns took the mic and demanded the commonwealth of Pennsylvania acknowledge him. Reigns claimed after he smashes someone on Sunday, he usually announces who’s next on Friday. However, this time’s different because there’s nobody left. He listed off everyone he beat, including John Cena and Brock Lesnar.
Reigns noted The Usos are different. They know who’s next. RK-Bro’s music hit, and they walked to the ring. Orton said Reigns didn’t smash Cena because Cena’s ten times the superstar. RK-Bro demanded a unification match and slowly explained it to The Bloodline.
Reigns didn’t seem impressed. The Usos accepted the challenge for a winner takes all unification match next week. The Usos promised to win all the gold. Suddenly, Riddle rocked Reigns with a knee to the face. RK-Bro rolled out of the ring. The Bloodline watched RK-Bro walk-off to end SmackDown.
Next week: Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in a unification match.
Though the feud between Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos is continuing, it may not result in their titles being unified.
“So this is what I was told on this. They are going to do the match [RK-Bro vs. The Usos], but as of right now — and this can change — they are not planning on actually unifying the titles but they are planning on doing the match,” Meltzer said. “So I don’t know if that means another run-in DQ. Obviously they can always change their mind, but they are right now planning on doing the match. And I presume it’s going to be the next pay-per-view. That, I don’t know for sure.”
It was originally announced that RK-Bro and The Usos were going to face off in a title unification match at WrestleMania Backlash, but that was changed to a six-man tag bout with no official stakes. Roman Reigns & The Usos defeated Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro at WrestleMania Backlash, with Reigns pinning Riddle to get the win.
Randy Orton & Riddle appeared on Raw last night and said they still want to unify the titles. RK-Bro announced that they’re going to show up on SmackDown this Friday, confront Roman Reigns and The Usos, and demand the unification match. Riddle said that, if Reigns refuses to let his cousins do the match, it’ll show that he has no confidence in them.
RK-Bro retained their titles against The Street Profits on last night’s Raw.
Randy Orton opened Raw tonight admitting that they lost the battle at Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash, but promised to win the war. He brought up the original Tag Team title unification match originally planned for WrestleMania Backlash. Riddle said they were going on SmackDown on Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania to demand that Reigns give them the unification match.
The title unification match originally planned for last Sunday’s pay-per-view was scrapped after Roman Reigns tore up the contract during a contract signing on SmackDown. Paul Heyman then coerced WWE official Adam Pearce to change the match into a six man tag, with Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro facing Reigns and The Usos. Reigns ended up winning the six-man tag for his team, pinning Riddle with a spear.
Also announced for SmackDown this Friday is a WWE Women’s Tag Team title match, with champions Sasha Banks and Naomi defending against Natalya and Shayna Baszler.
WWE’s first pay-per-view since WrestleMania 38 takes place tonight as the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island hosts WrestleMania Backlash.
Along with several WrestleMania rematches, the show will feature a six-man tag bout between Roman Reigns & The Usos and Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro. What was originally announced as an Usos vs. RK-Bro Tag Team title unification match was changed to a six-man tag with no official stakes.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship will be on the line tonight, with Ronda Rousey challenging her Flair in an “I Quit” match. Charlotte used a ref bump to her advantage to retain the title against Rousey at WrestleMania.
Plus, Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins, AJ Styles vs. Edge, Bobby Lashley vs. Omos, and Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss are set for the PPV.
Edge’s Judgment Day stablemate Damian Priest is banned from ringside for tonight’s Styles vs. Edge match. A distraction by Priest led to Edge defeating Styles at WrestleMania.
Tonight’s main card begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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Kick-off Show
The pre-show panel includes Kayla Braxton, Booker T, Kevin Patrick, JBL, and Pete Rosenberg. They ran down tonight’s card and recapped the Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins feud.
MVP joined the panel. He didn’t realize that Braxton was talking to him. JBL remarked, “we’re live, pal.” They recapped the Bobby Lashley vs. Omos feud, including MVP turning on Lashley and the arm-wrestling challenge. MVP noted that Omos promises to break Lashley in half tonight.
The panel discussed Edge vs. AJ Styles with Damien Priest barred from ringside. They turned their attention to the Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey feud.
They recapped Happy Corbin vs. Madcap Moss. Moss joined the panel to discuss the match. Booker wanted him to tell a joke, but Moss is serious tonight. He tried to start a “Big Bald Wolf” chant, but it didn’t catch on. The fans did break into a brief “Madcap Moss” chant.
In the back, Sara Schreiber interviewed Paul Heyman and The Usos. Heyman wished a Happy Mother’s Day to Roman Reigns’ mother. He also wished a Happy Mother’s Day to The Usos’ mother. Heyman added that RK-Bro’s mother’s failed raising them. He also thinks Drew McIntyre has serious psychological issues because he named his sword after his mother. The panel discussed the Reigns & The Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro main event to end the kick-off show.
Rollins and Rhodes had a great match, but the WrestleMania match was slightly better. They both worked hard and told a good story.
They showed a Cody Rhodes-Seth Rollins video package.
The fans sang Rollins’ music during his entrance but booed when it was over. They broke into a loud “Cody” chant before his music played.
The story of the match was that Rollins is more prepared for Rhodes this time. Rollins quickly went for a back suplex. Rhodes slipped out and dropped down, but Rollins blocked the punch. Rhodes then went for a scoop slam, but Rollins avoided it.
Rollins took over after rocking Rhodes with a vicious clothesline at ringside. Rhodes fought back, dropped down, and hit the punch this time. He followed up with the disaster kick for a near fall. Rhodes went for the disaster kick again, but Rollins pushed him out of the ring.
Rollins whipped Rhodes into the corner. Rhodes countered with a sunset flip, but Rollins held onto the rope for a two-count. Rhodes regained control and gave Rollins a superplex. They then traded hard chops and slaps. Rhodes caught Rollins with a scoop slam and sent him to the floor.
Rhodes ran up the corner and hit a crossbody to the floor, but Rollins avoided it. Rollins went for a suicide dive, but Rhodes cut him off. Rhodes then hit a Cody Cutter for a close near fall. Rollins fought back and went for a pedigree. Rhodes escaped, but Rollins hit a superkick for another close near fall.
Rollins went for the stomp. Rhodes moved and attempted the Cross Rhodes, but Rollins escaped. Rhodes went for the pedigree, but Rollins hit a forearm to the back of the head. He followed up with a falcon arrow for a near fall. Rhodes went for the disaster kick again. Rollins caught him and hit a buckle bomb. He followed up with a frog splash for a close two-count. The fans broke into a “This is awesome” chant.
Rollins went for the phoenix splash, but Rhodes moved out of the way. Rollins landed on his feet, but Rhodes responded with a superkick. Rollins recovered and hit a superplex into an attempted falcon arrow. Rhodes escaped and hit Cross Rhodes, but Rollins got his foot on the bottom rope.
Rhodes missed a moonsault, and Rollins hit the pedigree for a very close near fall. Rollins did the Dusty Rhodes flip, flop and fly, but Rhodes countered into the Cross Rhodes. Rollins escaped. Rhodes then attempted the vertebreaker, but Rollins slipped out. Rollins caught Rhodes with the O’Connor roll while holding the tights. Rhodes reversed and pinned Rollins while holding the tights for the win.
Omos (w/MVP) defeated Bobby Lashley (8:50)
Lashley and Omos had an okay match. They had a tough time following Rhodes vs. Rollins and seemed on different pages at times. It was pretty much what you’d expect from them.
They aired a Lashley-Omos video package.
Lashley backed Omos against the ropes, but MVP caused a distraction. Omos took advantage and rocked Lashley with a boot to the face. Lashley fought back, but Omos tossed him to ringside.
Back in the ring, Omos gave Lashley the snake eyes on the turnbuckle and followed up with another big boot to the face. He picked up Lashley again, but he slipped out. They seemed to be on different pages for a moment. Lashley then jumped on Omos’ back with a sleeper.
Lashley was firmly in control and tied Omos in the ropes. MVP tried to break Omos free, but Lashley chased him. He caught MVP in the Hurt Lock, but Omos broke it up. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock on Omos. He was almost out, but he recovered and broke free.
Lashley rocked Omos with boots to the face and attempted a suplex. Omos escaped, but Lashley hit a spinebuster. The fans popped for the spinebuster. Omos sent Lashley into the ring post and argued with the referee. MVP hit Lashley with his cane, and Omos hit the tree slam to win.
Edge defeated AJ Styles (15:24)
Damien Priest is banned from ringside.
Edge and Styles had a good match that started slowly but picked up towards the end. The big surprise was Rhea Ripely joining Judgement Day and helping Edge win.
They showed an Edge vs. AJ Styles video package.
The commentators noted Styles is at a disadvantage because of his shoulder injury.
They ran at each other at the bell and traded shots in the middle of the ring. Styles had the early advantage as he drove Edge’s head into the announce table. He followed up with a sliding dropkick and an Asai moonsault. He set up for the Phenomenal forearm, but Edge cut him off.
Edge slowed the pace down with a shoulder lock. Styles broke free and hit the Pele Kick. They fought on the top turnbuckle until Styles hit a hurricanrana for another near fall.
Styles worked over Edge’s leg and chopped him down. Edge fought back and went after the shoulder again. Styles recovered and locked on the Calf Crusher, but Edge broke free. Edge grabbed the middle turnbuckle pad and ripped it off as Styles gave him a German suplex. Edge missed a spear and hit the middle turnbuckle. Styles rolled him up for a two-count.
Edge regained control and speared Styles for a very close near fall. Styles fought back and hit the Styles Clash for a close two-count. Styles couldn’t do the Phenomenal forearm because of his injured shoulder. He slowly climbed to the top rope, but Damien Priest walked down the aisle to cause a distraction.
Priest pointed out that he was in the aisle and not at ringside, which seemed like a weak explanation. Finn Balor ran down and attacked Priest. Styles watched from the corner as they fought into the ring and to the other side. Suddenly, a person in a hood jumped on the apron and tripped up Styles. Edge then caught Styles in the cross face, and he passed out.
After the match, Byron Saxton wanted to know who the “guy” was that interfered. The hooded person got in the ring and posed in front of Edge. They took off the hood to reveal Rhea Ripley. The fans popped big for the reveal.
They showed a Bianca Belair video package.
“I Quit” match: Ronda Rousey defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship (16:33)
Flair and Rousey had a really good “I Quit” match. They worked hard and told a good story. The fans were into the match and popped for the finish. Rousey got a good reaction as well.
They aired a Flair-Rousey video package.
The bell rang, and they charged at each other. Rousey worked over Flair’s arm and went for Piper’s pit, but Flair fought back. Flair hit a high-angle German suplex with Rousey landing on her head. Flair backed Rousey against the barricade and rocked her with hard chops. Rousey refused to quit.
Flair pulled out a kendo stick from under the ring. Rousey grabbed the kendo stick, so Flair ran to the back. She returned with two kendo sticks. Rousey grabbed those kendo sticks too and beat down Flair. Flair wouldn’t give up.
Flair grabbed the camera off the cameraman’s shoulder. She threw it at Rousey but missed. Rousey and Flair brawled through the crowd. Flair took over after throwing a drink in Rousey’s eyes. She then tossed Rousey into the hockey board.
Flair wrapped Rousey around the railing, but she refused to quit. Flair tried to hit Rousey with a chair. Rousey blocked the chair shot, and Flair ran back to the ring. Flair kicked the chair out of Rousey’s hands and drove her into the announce table. The fans broke into a loud “We want tables” chant.
Flair took over after giving Rousey a powerbomb into the barricade. Rousey went for Piper’s Pit, but Flair escaped and pushed her into the ring post. The fans broke into another loud “We want tables ” chant.
Flair climbed to the top rope, but Rousey cut her off. Rousey locked on an armbar from the apron as Flair was upside down. They then took a nasty fall to the floor. The fans chanted “We want tables” a third time. Pat McAfee pointed out a fan in the front row wearing a Fiend mask.
Flair hit Natural Selection on the chair back in the ring, but Rousey refused to quit. Flair locked on the Figure Eight, but Rousey broke free using the chair. Flair regained control and set up the chair.
Flair grabbed the mic and told Rousey this was her last chance. She then wished Rousey a Happy Mother’s Day. A furious Rousey caught Flair in the armbar using the chair. Flair refused to give up, so Rousey extended the arm until Flair finally screamed, “I quit.”
They aired a Money In The Bank commercial featuring Cody Rhodes.
Madcap Moss defeated Happy Corbin (9:39)
Moss and Corbin had a bad match that dragged at times. Moss looked good, but Corbin dominated most of the way. This would have been a fine TV match.
They showed a Corbin-Moss video package.
Moss had the early advantage until Corbin took over with a chokeslam. Corbin continued to beat down Moss and whipped him into the corner. Corbin slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Corbin then hit the around-the-ring post clothesline for a near fall. He slammed down Moss and hit a senton for another near fall. Moss bounced off the ropes and knocked Corbin to ringside. He tackled Corbin and threw him into the ring post.
Moss caught Corbin and hit a fallaway slam for a near fall. He set up for the punchline, but Corbin countered into a back suplex. Moss fought back, but Corbin hit Deep Six for a two-count.
The finish came when Corbin went for the around-the-ring-post clothesline again, but Moss countered with a sunset flip for the win.
They showed a Drew McIntyre video package.
They aired a Hell In The Cell commercial.
They recapped Ronda Rousey defeating Charlotte Flair in the “I Quit” match earlier. Kayla Braxton gave an update on Flair and announced she broke her arm.
Roman Reigns & The Usos (w/Paul Heyman) defeated Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro (22:09)
This was a good main event. They started slowly, but the fans were into it from the beginning. It picked up towards the end and turned into a really good match.
They recapped the Reigns & Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro feud.
Michael Cole, Pat McAfee, and Corey Graves were the commentators for the main event. Cole pointed out that Reigns has been champion for 616 days. The fans broke into a “Randy” chant before the match.
Jimmy backed Orton into the corner. Orton broke free by poking Jimmy in the eyes. McIntyre tagged and caught Jimmy with a belly-to-belly suplex. He then pointed at Reigns to get in the ring. Heyman begged Reigns not to tag in because he has nothing to prove.
Reigns tagged in, and the fans popped. McIntyre and Reigns faced off to another pop. Reigns then walked back to his corner and tagged out to thunderous boos.
The heels took over and isolated Riddle on their side of the ring. Reigns finally tagged in when Riddle was in trouble. Riddle tried to fight back, but Reigns rocked him with a back elbow. He slammed down Riddle with a Rock bottom for a two-count.
Jimmy missed a splash in the corner, but Jey cut Riddle off. Jey then knocked Orton off the apron with a superkick. He went for the Rikishi splash, but Riddle countered with a knee. Reigns threw Jey back in the ring and tagged himself. At the same time, Riddle tagged in McIntyre. Cole noted Reigns couldn’t avoid McIntyre this time because The Usos were down.
McIntyre and Reigns faced off in the middle of the ring. McIntyre caught Reigns with a belly-to-belly suplex. He then took out Jimmy and Jey with neck breakers. Reigns recovered and hit the Superman punch on McIntyre. The fans broke into a “Randy” chant.
Reigns taunted Orton and Riddle on the apron. He knocked Riddle down and celebrated. McIntyre took advantage and hit the Claymore on Reigns. Orton got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit a power slam on Reigns and the draping DDT on Jimmy.
Orton tossed Jey to ringside. Reigns tried to jump Orton, but he hit the RKO to a massive pop. Orton then hit the RKO on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the pin attempt. McIntyre jumped back in and went for the Claymore. Jey responded with a superkick.
Riddle tagged in and got his chance to run wild. He rocked Reigns with a knee and hit the broton on Jey. He followed up with the floating Bro for a close two-count. The fans broke into a loud “This is awesome” chant. Jey avoided Riddle and hit a pop-up neck breaker, but Orton broke up the pin attempt.
Orton beat down Jey around ringside. Suddenly, Reigns hit the Superman punch on Orton. McIntyre sent Reigns into the ring post and cleared the announce table to a big pop. The fans have been dying for a table spot.
Reigns fought back and gave McIntyre the Rock bottom through the table to a big pop. Riddle then took out the heels with a crossbody. Jey recovered and hit a suicide dive on Riddle. Back in the ring, Riddle and Jey traded knees and superkicks. The finish came when Riddle hit the RKO on Jey from the top rope. Reigns made the blind tag and speared Riddle for the win.
After the match, The Bloodline celebrated to end WrestleMania Backlash.
Before their six-man tag match at WrestleMania Backlash, The Bloodline and Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro met for a face-to-face confrontation on SmackDown.
It was McIntyre & RK-Bro who stood tall heading into Sunday’s pay-per-view. After The Bloodline initially got the better of the brawl, they used their numbers advantage to target McIntyre. But RK-Bro were able to recover and take out The Usos with RKOs. McIntyre then dropped Reigns with a Claymore.
Also on last night’s go-home show, Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey brawled until officials were finally able to keep them apart. Charlotte will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Rousey in an “I Quit” match at WrestleMania Backlash.
The final build to WrestleMania Backlash takes place on tonight’s SmackDown from the Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York.
The go-home show will feature a face-to-face segment with Roman Reigns & The Usos and Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro. A match between the two six-man teams is set for Sunday’s pay-per-view.
It was originally announced that Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos would be facing off in a title unification match at WrestleMania Backlash, but the unification stipulation was dropped last week when Reigns and McIntyre were added to make it a six-man tag.
Two matches have also been announced for tonight’s show. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods will take on Sheamus & Ridge Holland in a tables match, while Sasha Banks will face Shayna Baszler in singles action.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Banks & Naomi are set to defend their titles against Baszler & Natalya on the May 13 episode of SmackDown.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped the “I Quit” Beat the Clock challenge featuring Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair. Flair failed to make Aliyah tap out before the clock ran out.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee ran down tonight’s card.
Non-title match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Aliyah
Flair and Aliyah didn’t end up having a match. Instead, Flair and Rousey had a long, pull-apart brawl. This was a good angle that the fans were into by the end.
Flair got in the ring. She mocked Long Island and the fans. Flair claimed she didn’t lose last week. Instead, she was screwed over and blamed the timekeeper Drew Gulak. Flair promised to force Rousey to quit this Sunday. She’s certain that Rousey will leave the WWE when she loses at WrestleMania Backlash.
Flair turned her attention to Aliyah. She called Aliyah “Ronda” and got in her face. Suddenly, Flair attacked Aliyah with forearm shots and beat her down. Rousey’s music hit, and she ran down to make the save. They brawled around ringside until Flair whipped Rousey into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Rousey went for the armbar, but Flair rocked with a boot to the face. They continued to brawl as referees tried to break it up. They knocked down officials and referees.
They managed to separate them for a brief time, but they started brawling again. The fans chanted, “Let them fight.” Eventually, the referees broke it up.
Banks and Baszler had a good match. Banks, in particular, looked great.
They recapped the Sasha Banks & Naomi vs. Shayna Baszler & Natalya feud. Naomi had her arm wrapped because of Baszler’s attack last week.
Banks had the early advantage and attacked Baszler’s arm. Baszler broke free with a kick to the face and went for an armbar. However, Banks fought back and rolled up Baszler for a close near fall.
Banks briefly regained control, but Natalya caused a distraction. Baszler took advantage and hit a gut-wrench suplex. In an awesome spot, Banks went for the head scissors out of the corner, but Baszler countered into a side slam for a near fall.
Back from the break, Baszler charged at Banks, but she moved. Banks hit a sliding dropkick and slammed Baszler’s arm on the announce table. Banks threw Baszler back into the ring.
Banks was on the apron, rolled backward into the ring, and caught Baszler with a bulldog. She jumped to her feet and caught Natalya with a tilt-a-whirl head scissors from the ring to the floor.
Banks and Baszler traded pinfall attempts. The finish came when Baszler rolled up Banks and held onto the ropes with Natalya’s help for the win.
After the match, Baszler and Natalya jumped Banks and Naomi. Baszler went to stomp on Banks’ arm, but Naomi made the save. Banks and Naomi recovered and cleared the ring.
They recapped the Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro vs. Roman Reigns & The Usos feud.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed The Usos. They mocked RK-Bro and Drew McIntyre. They’re not worried about Sunday and promised to win.
Happy Corbin made his way to the ring.
Back from the break, Braxton interviewed RK-Bro. They responded to The Usos comments from earlier. Orton promised to defeat the Bloodline Sunday at Backlash.
Happy Talk
They kept the segment short, but the fans didn’t seem into it regardless.
They recapped the Corbin-Moss feud.
Corbin discussed Madcap Moss and their upcoming match this Sunday. Moss appeared on the big screen and made fun of Corbin. He made some lame jokes, but McAfee laughed. Corbin noted Moss was hiding in the back.
Moss then made his way to the ring and made more jokes to Corbin’s face. Moss tried starting a “Big Bald Wolf” chant. Corbin was furious, so he walked off.
Gunther (w/Ludwig Kaiser) defeated Drew Gulak (2:03)
This was an awesome squash match. Gunther destroyed poor Gulak and dominated the match.
They recapped Drew Gulak’s audition to be an announcer and a timekeeper. Cole mentioned that Gulak takes on a mystery opponent next.
Gulak stood in the ring, waiting for his mystery opponent. Cole noted Gulak’s back in his happy place.
Back from the break, Ludwig Kaiser introduced Gunther. McAfee and Cole didn’t like Gulak’s odds. The fans broke into a “U.S.A.” chant, but McAfee didn’t think the chant would help.
Gunther went after the arm, but Gulak reversed. Gunther then chopped Gulak so hard that he hit the mat. He rocked Gulak with a boot to the face. Gunther followed up with two more vicious chops that echoed in the arena. He locked on the sleeper, but Gulak tried to fight back. He then power bombed Gulak for the win.
They recapped Rick Boogs injury from WrestleMania 38 and the Bloodline attacking Shinsuke Nakamura a few weeks ago.
In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Nakamura. He promised to gain revenge on Reigns and The Usos. Sami Zayn was hiding behind a truck listening to the interview
Back from the break, Kayla Braxton interviewed Drew McIntyre. She noted the Bloodline’s been talking a lot of trash. McIntyre’s not worried and praised RK-Bro.
McIntyre called his team with Randy Orton and Riddle “RK-McBro.” He wants to give the fans a sneak peak of Sunday later.
Tables match: Sheamus & Ridge Holland defeated New Day (12:31)
New Day and Sheamus & Holland had a good tables match.
They recapped the New Day vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland feud. They also mentioned that Butch is still missing.
Both teams brawled in the ring to start the table’s match. New Day briefly isolated Holland in the ring, but Sheamus pulled Kingston out. Woods caught Sheamus with a crossbody out of nowhere. New Day grabbed a table and knocked down Sheamus.
In the ring, New Day tried to give Holland a double suplex through the table, but Sheamus moved it. Sheamus then set up a table at ringside and went to powerbomb Kingston, but Woods made the save. Sheamus tried to give Woods white noise through the table, but Kingston made the save this time.
Kingston knocked Sheamus off the apron, and he almost landed on the table. Kingston then hit a huge crossbody off the corner onto Sheamus, and they both crashed into the barricade.
Back from the break, Sheamus gave Woods the ten beats of the bodhran as Holland did the same to Kingston. Back in the ring, Kingston fought back and hit the SOS on Holland. He sent Sheamus to the apron and hit the tens beat of the New Day. Sheamus fought back and gave Kingston white noise on the apron.
Woods ran wild and rocked Holland with a heel kick. He set up a table in the ring, but Holland caught him with a head butt. Woods regained control and put Holland on the table. He climbed to the top rope, but Sheamus cut him off. Woods appeared to injure his leg on the landing.
Kingston recovered and ran wild on Sheamus at ringside. Kingston caught Sheamus with trouble in paradise and put him on the announce table. Woods climbed to the top rope as Kingston held down Sheamus.
Suddenly, Butch emerged from underneath the ring. He attacked Kingston and helped Sheamus & Holland. Sheamus and Holland then gave Woods a double chokeslam through the table for the win.
After the match, Butch attacked Woods until Holland and Sheamus pulled him off.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman in front of Reigns’ locker room. Braxton noted McIntyre wants to kick the head off the head of the table. Heyman avoided the question and assumed Braxton was trying to flirt.
Sami Zayn approached Heyman and claimed to be a confidant of the Bloodline. He told Heyman about Shinsuke Nakamura wanting to take on Reigns.
Zayn promised to take care of Nakamura for Reigns. Heyman told Zayn that Reigns respects him. They still didn’t seem to trust or like each other.
Back from the break, Zayn entered Adam Pearce’s office. Zayn requested a match with Nakamura for next week. Pearce did Zayn one better and offered him the match right now. Zayn was reluctant but agreed to take on Nakamura.
The Lacey Evans Story Chapter Five
This was a good segment.
Lacey Evans continued to discuss her life story. She noted her father overdosed right before her WWE tryout. Before her first NXT match, another relative attempted suicide and was found nearby in a parking lot.
She had her first match in front of her daughter before going to the hospital. Evans added that it’s her time now and promised to win the SmackDown Women’s championship. The fans gave her a good response at the end.
Samantha Irvin was standing in the ring. She noted Evans’ story is very emotional. Irvin then introduced Evans to the live fans to a good reaction again. Irvin told the fans that Evans wants them to show her respect, which came across heelish. Regardless, the fans popped. Evans walked out, waved, and left.
They recapped Raquel Rodriguez’s debut last week.
Sami Zayn defeated Shinsuke Nakamura via countout (9:14)
Zayn and Nakamura had a good match until the finish.
Zayn yelled at McAfee for dancing to Nakamura’s entrance music on the announce table.
Zayn had the early advantage until Nakamura responded with a knee. He followed up with a sliding German suplex. He set up for the Kinshasa, but Zayn countered with the Michinoku Driver for a near fall.
Back from the break, Zayn was firmly in control with a chin lock. Nakamura broke free, but Zayn hit a forearm off the middle rope for a two-count. Nakamura fought back with a series of kicks to the face. He followed up with a knee off the middle turnbuckle for another near fall. There were very brief duelling chants of “Let’s go Zayn” and “Nakamura”.
Zayn and Nakamura traded shots in the middle of the ring. Nakamura locked on the armbar, but Zayn rolled him up for a near fall. Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa again, but Zayn rolled out of the ring. McAfee said Zayn running away is his new finisher.
Nakamura and Zayn fought at ringside. Zayn recovered and hit the helluva kick against the barricade. Zayn jumped back in the ring to win by countout.
Cold and McAfee ran down the WrestleMania Backlash card.
Face to Face: Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro and Roman Reigns & The Usos
This was a good closing segment heading into WrestleMania Backlash. McIntyre and RK-Bro did a funny “acknowledge me” bit mocking Reigns. They then had a good brawl with Reigns and The Usos to end SmackDown.
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro made their way to the ring before the break.
Back from the break, Drew McIntyre made his entrance to a big pop. Cole referred to McIntyre and RK-Bro as RK-McBro several times. McIntyre got into the ring and was about to ask Long Island to acknowledge him, but Riddle interrupted.
Riddle wanted them to acknowledge a few things first. Riddle acknowledged that Orton’s his best friend. They acknowledged. Orton acknowledged that he still has McIntyre’s handprint on his chest when he beat him for the title. They acknowledged.
McIntyre acknowledged that he won the title back. They acknowledged. Riddle acknowledged that Orton has the best legs in the WWE. They acknowledged. Eventually, they turned their attention to Reigns and The Usos.
The Bloodline heard enough. Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman made their entrance. Both teams faced off in the middle of the ring.
A brawl broke out between both teams. RK-McBro had the brief advantage until the heels dumped out RK-Bro. Reigns then rocked McIntyre with the Superman punch.
The heels were about to beat down McIntyre when Riddle and Orton hit RKO’s on The Usos. McIntyre then hit the Claymore Kick on Reigns. McIntyre and RK-Bro watched Reigns and The Usos walk off to end a good segment.
Next Week: WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Naomi defend against Shayna Baszler & Natalya.
Ahead of WrestleMania Backlash, The Bloodline and Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro are set to meet face-to-face.
WWE has announced that a face-to-face segment with Roman Reigns & The Usos and McIntyre & RK-Bro will take place on SmackDown tonight. The episode is the go-home show for Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.
Reigns & The Usos are facing McIntyre & RK-Bro in a six-man tag match at WrestleMania Backlash. There currently aren’t any official stakes announced for the match.
“Last week, all-out chaos on the blue brand led to both Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre being added to the WrestleMania Backlash showdown between Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos to make it a Six-Man Tag Team Match,” WWE wrote.
“Don’t miss when these dominant trios confront each other in the ring two days before they throw down [at] Sunday’s Premium Live Event, tonight at 8/7 C on FOX.”
A brawl between the two six-man teams also took place on Raw this Monday after Randy Orton and Riddle blindsided The Usos with RKOs.
A title unification match between Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos was originally announced for WrestleMania Backlash, but Dave Meltzer reports that the six-man tag was always the plan.
Reigns is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion.
The Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York is hosting SmackDown tonight. Here’s what’s been announced for the show:
Roman Reigns & The Usos will go face-to-face with Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro
Tables match: Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods vs. Sheamus & Ridge Holland
Though a Tag Team title unification match was originally advertised, a six-man tag was always the plan for this Sunday’s WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view.
It was originally announced that Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro would be facing SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in a title unification match at WrestleMania Backlash. Last week, that was changed to The Bloodline (Roman Reigns & The Usos) vs. Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro. The six-man tag currently has no official stakes.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that, despite the unification match being heavily promoted, Reigns & The Usos vs. McIntyre & RK-Bro was always the plan for WrestleMania Backlash:
The WWE WrestleMania Backlash show on 5/8 had a major change on the 4/29 Smackdown show.
The most heavily promoted match on the show was Randy Orton & Riddle vs. The Usos to unify the tag titles. On the show there was an angle where the two teams were in the ring brawling. Then Roman Reigns and Drew McIntyre joined in and the belief was that would lead to a Universal title match at the show.
However, in things that were not taped in front of the crowd in Albany on 4/22, the night the show was taped, they changed the tag title unification match with a six-man tag match. At press time, it was just a six-man tag match with no championships at stake. Some thought maybe there would be stipulations added to put Reigns titles or the tag titles at stake.
The little bit we do know is that the six-man tag match was always the planned match. There was never a plan to do the unification match. So while most feel this was the usual weekly plans changed, it was not. That also explains why last week nobody would confirm Reigns vs. McIntyre to me, only that Reigns would be in the main event.
What we were told is that the decision was made to save Reigns vs. McIntyre for the bigger summer shows. The idea is with the smaller building and coming four weeks after WrestleMania, the interest level wasn’t going to be that high, and they need big matches for the bigger shows.
Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island is hosting WrestleMania Backlash this Sunday. Here’s the announced card for the show:
Roman Reigns & The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) vs. Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro (Randy Orton & Riddle)
“I Quit” match: SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins
AJ Styles vs. Edge (Damian Priest is barred from ringside)
