Tag: rusev

Rusev returns to WWE TV on Raw

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Rusev returned to WWE tonight after being gone for several months.

The angle started when Maria Kanellis told Mike Kanellis at their gender reveal party that Ricochet was their baby’s father. An incensed Kanellis challenged Ricochet to an impromptu match, which Ricochet won quickly.

After the match, Maria Kanellis was upset and cut a promo saying that despite what she had said earlier Ricochet was not their baby’s father and had only said that to motivate him. She instead said she was going to reveal the father right now.

Rusev then came out and confronted Mike Kanellis. Lana was not with him, though commentary brought up the question of what she would think of this news. Kanellis said he has had a bad day and that he was okay with Rusev being the father. He tried to leave, but Rusev followed him and laid him out. Kanellis then had another match where he lost quickly to the accolade.

Rusev had been gone from television since taking a sabbatical from WWE following WrestleMania 35. He briefly returned at WWE Super Showdown to compete in the 50 man battle royal, but other than that had not been on television.

SmackDown Tag Team title match official for WWE WrestleMania 35

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A fatal four-way SmackDown Tag Team title match has been made official for WrestleMania 35.

The Usos will defend their titles against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev on Sunday. That was confirmed on tonight’s SmackDown, with Alexa Bliss making the announcement after The Usos, Ricochet & Black defeated Cesaro, Sheamus, Nakamura & Rusev in an eight-man tag match.

Rusev was pinned in the eight-man tag after The Usos gave him a double superkick. After Bliss made her announcement, the four teams brawled, Black laid out Cesaro with Black Mass, and Ricochet hit a dive onto a pile on the outside.

Bliss is the host of WrestleMania 35. In storyline, The Usos having to face four teams is punishment for them forfeiting against Big E & Xavier Woods in last week’s gauntlet match.

Ricochet & Black will also be challenging for War Raiders’ NXT Tag Team titles at TakeOver: New York on Friday night. Ricochet & Black were the winners of this year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting WrestleMania on Sunday. Here’s the updated card:

  • Winner gets both titles: Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch in a triple threat match
  • Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
  • WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against Kofi Kingston
  • Triple H vs. Batista in a no holds barred match (Triple H’s career is on the line as a stipulation of the match)
  • Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Shane McMahon vs. The Miz in a falls count anywhere match
  • AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
  • United States Champion Samoa Joe defending against Rey Mysterio
  • Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)
  • Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev in a fatal four-way match
  • Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley defending against Finn Balor
  • Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
  • WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
  • WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Tony Nese

Tag match added to WWE Fastlane pre-show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Another match has been added to Sunday’s Fastlane pre-show.

WWE announced today that The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) will face Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev on the pre-show for Fastlane. This is the second match to be announced for the pre-show, with Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade also set to take place before the main card gets underway.

New Day’s Kofi Kingston was originally scheduled to challenge for Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship at Fastlane, but Kevin Owens replaced Kingston as Bryan’s challenger. The storyline was Vince McMahon taking Kingston out of the match and saying Kingston isn’t as deserving of getting a title shot.

The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio is hosting Fastlane on Sunday. The pre-show will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting at 7 p.m.

The card for Fastlane is now up to nine matches:

  • WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against Kevin Owens
  • Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (if Lynch wins, she’ll be added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania)
  • The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) vs. Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defending against Shane McMahon & The Miz
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Nia Jax & Tamina
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Mandy Rose
  • Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black and Bobby Roode & Chad Gable in a triple threat match
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (pre-show)
  • The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev (pre-show)

Two matches, contract signing announced for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Two matches and a contract signing segment have been announced for Tuesday’s SmackDown.

Johnny Gargano vs. Cesaro is set for the episode, along with Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev. There will also be a contract signing with WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston on Tuesday’s SmackDown to build up their title match at Fastlane on March 10.

Gargano tweeted about facing Cesaro: “Let’s start checking off all of those ‘dream matches you never knew you needed until right now’.. This Tuesday on #SDLive.. Johnny Wrestling vs Swiss Cyborg”

Tommaso Ciampa will be in Gargano’s corner for the match, while Sheamus will be in Cesaro’s corner.

Gargano, Ciampa, Ricochet, and Black debuted on Raw last week and then wrestled on SmackDown the next night. Gargano & Ciampa defeated Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival in a non-title match on Monday and Cesaro & Sheamus on Tuesday.

Ricochet & Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush on Raw, with Ricochet then defeating Eric Young on SmackDown. Black got wins against Elias and Andrade.

Kingston vs. Bryan was confirmed for Fastlane after Kingston pinned Bryan in a six-man tag main event on last week’s SmackDown.

Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

WWE SmackDown live results: Gauntlet match

Posted on by Josiah MacDonald

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

The show opened with a graphic for Pedro Morales,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Miz came out with Shane McMahon for McMiz TV.

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

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

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

I enjoyed this.

A nice video aired for Black History Month.

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

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

The Gauntlet Match:

Kofi Kingston defeated Daniel Bryan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kofi Kingston defeated Jeff Hardy

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

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

Kofi Kingston defeated Samoa Joe

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

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

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

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

AJ Styles defeated Kofi Kingston

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

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

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

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

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

Three matches set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has announced three matches for Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown.

Two of those involve wrestlers who are going to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy in a non-title match and Mustafa Ali vs. Randy Orton are both set for Tuesday’s SmackDown.

Bryan will defend his title against Hardy, Ali, Orton, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe in an Elimination Chamber match at the February 17 pay-per-view in Houston, Texas.

Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev has also been confirmed for Tuesday’s SmackDown. The tag match was set up when Anderson & Gallows issued a challenge to Nakamura & Rusev after Nakamura & Rusev laid out R-Truth this week. Rusev said he’d team with Nakamura one time and told Nakamura not to screw him over.

R-Truth had won the United States title from Nakamura and then retained it against Rusev before being attacked by them in a post-match angle.

Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington.

Two title matches airing on WWE Royal Rumble pre-show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has confirmed two title matches for Sunday’s Royal Rumble pre-show.

On SmackDown’s go-home show for the PPV, it was announced that Rusev’s United States Championship defense against Shinsuke Nakamura will be airing on the Royal Rumble pre-show. Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy will also defend his title against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match on the pre-show.

Both matches had already been announced for the Royal Rumble before being confirmed for the kickoff show.

The two-hour pre-show will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday. The panel for the first hour will be Jonathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler, with Shawn Michaels and David Otunga replacing Booker T and Lawler in the second hour. There will also be another panel with JBL and Charly Caruso.

Sunday’s PPV is taking place at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Here’s the updated card:

  • Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Finn Balor
  • WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
  • Men’s Royal Rumble match
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match
  • Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Sasha Banks
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Becky Lynch
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The Miz & Shane McMahon
  • United States Champion Rusev defending against Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
  • Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match (pre-show)

United States title match set for WWE Royal Rumble

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A United States Championship match has been made official for the Royal Rumble.

During Tuesday’s SmackDown, it was announced that United States Champion Rusev will defend his title against Shinsuke Nakamura at the Royal Rumble. Rusev won the title from Nakamura on the SmackDown episode that aired on Christmas Day.

Rusev and Nakamura’s feud has continued since Rusev won the title. Nakamura interrupted Rusev’s celebration two weeks ago, with the angle leading to Lana jumping on Nakamura’s back to try and stop him from attacking Rusev. Rusev gave Nakamura the Machka Kick, Lana crashed to the mat, and Nakamura laid out Rusev while he was distracted by checking on Lana.

On last week’s SmackDown, Nakamura told Rusev that what happened to Lana was Rusev’s fault. Rusev went after Nakamura backstage, but Nakamura ambushed him.

This year’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view is taking place at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on January 27. Here’s the updated card:

  • Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Finn Balor
  • WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
  • Men’s Royal Rumble match
  • Women’s Royal Rumble match
  • Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Sasha Banks
  • SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Becky Lynch
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against Shane McMahon & The Miz
  • United States Champion Rusev defending against Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match

WWE SmackDown video highlights: Rusev wins United States title

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Rusev became a three-time United States Champion by defeating Shinsuke Nakamura on the Christmas Day edition of SmackDown.

Rusev won the title after hitting Nakamura with his second Machka Kick of the match. But while Nakamura vs. Rusev was the main event, there was another segment after that. Vince McMahon and AJ Styles met backstage, with the storyline being that Vince was trying to get a reaction out of Styles.

Vince said he wants to see the real Styles. He said he and Styles are a lot alike, and Styles has a black hole in his heart and an animal inside of him begging to get out. Vince slapped Styles, then Styles responded by punching Vince in the face. The episode ended by showing Vince on the floor smiling.

Daniel Bryan interrupted R-Truth and Carmella in the opening segment and later attacked Mustafa Ali after Ali had defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas.

Also on SmackDown, Shane McMahon appeared on Miz TV and agreed to become Miz’s tag team partner, Jeff Hardy got disqualified against Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson teamed with The Usos against Cesaro, Sheamus & SAnitY, and Mandy Rose taunted Naomi by unsuccessfully attempting to flirt with Jimmy Uso.

More coverage from last night —

WWE SmackDown video highlights —

Daniel Bryan interrupts Truthy Claus and Carmelfa

Mustafa Ali vs. Andrade “Cien” Almas

The Usos, Gallows & Anderson vs. The Bar & SAnitY

Daniel Bryan attacks Mustafa Ali backstage

Shane McMahon agrees to team with The Miz

Jeff Hardy vs. Samoa Joe

Mandy Rose taunts Naomi by trying to flirt with Jimmy Uso

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev for the United States Championship

Vince McMahon gets a reaction out of AJ Styles

SmackDown fallout: Rusev thanks his mother after winning the US title

SmackDown fallout: Rusev and Lana react to Rusev’s US title win

SmackDown fallout: It’s a whole new year for Gallows & Anderson

WWE SmackDown live results: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rusev

Posted on by Dave Bath

After being taped in Fresno last week, the Christmas Day edition of SmackDown will air tonight.

United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends against Rusev. A few weeks ago, Rusev pinned Nakamura in a tag match to earn this title shot. Last week, Nakamura showed embarrassing clips of Rusev from Total Divas to prove he doesn’t need to be afraid of him. Rusev promises to win the championship on the greatest day of the year — Rusev Day.

Shane McMahon will appear on a special Christmas edition of Miz TV. Miz has tried to convince McMahon to form a tag team. He even asked for Vince McMahon’s blessings last week but didn’t get it.

Jeff Hardy goes one-on-one with Samoa Joe. Joe has been taunting Hardy about his personal struggles. He even held a public service announcement a few weeks ago. Tonight, Hardy looks to gain some revenge.

SAnitY attacked Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson and The Usos as SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Bar watched on last week. The tag champs then attacked the already beaten babyfaces. Tonight, SAnitY continues on their path of rampage.

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

**********

R-Truth and Carmella came out to start SmackDown. Truth was dressed as Santa Claus and Carmella as an Elf. The entrance is decorated with Christmas Trees and presents. There are also Christmas trees and presents around ringside. Truth welcomed everyone to a special Christmas edition of SmackDown. Truth started naming the reindeer but then started naming members of the Jackson Family. Truth and Carmella broke into a carol break.

WWE Champion Daniel Bryan came out and was upset that he’s here and not with his family. He revealed that this isn’t the real Santa Claus. He started yelling “Fickle” at Truth and Carmella. He’s here to expose the real Santa Claus. He noted the people’s obsession with materialistic products damaged the environment. He said in 20 years there would be no North Pole and no Santa Claus.

Truth called Bryan an angry little elf. Bryan called Truth’s career a joke. Truth said it might be but he’s going to be number 30 in the Royal Rumble. He noted he might be the one to beat Bryan for the belt if he’s still champion at WrestleMania. Bryan asked how Truth could win the Rumble if he’s can’t count to 30. Truth started counting to prove he can. He got to 7 and they broke into a dance break.

Bryan jumped Truth and attacked his leg. He rammed Truth’s leg against the ring post. Bryan then locked on the heel hook and continued the beat down.

Mustafa Ali defeated Andrade “Cien” Almas (w/Zelina Vega)

Almas jumped Ali with a drop kick to start to match. Almas had the early advantage until he missed a charge in the corner. Ali fought back and caught Almas with a hurricanrana.

Almas shoved Ali off the second turnbuckle to the floor to take over. During the commercial break, Almas was firmly in control and scored a near fall. They traded chops in the center of the ring.

Ali hit the rolling DDT for a near fall. He missed a super kick and Almas took over with a back elbow. Almas caught Ali in the tree of woe and hit a double foot stomp off the top for a near fall. Ali and Almas fought on the top turnbuckle. Ali attempted a sunset flip powerbomb but Almas landed on his feet. Almas missed the double knees in the corner and Ali hit a tornado DDT. He then hit the 054 for the win.

In the locker room, Samoa Joe discussed his upcoming match with Jeff Hardy. He continued to taunt Hardy. Joe believes he’s Hardy’s new addiction. He promised that everything around Hardy will fade away.

The Usos and Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows defeated The Bar and SAnitY (w/Eric Young)

The New Day joined on commentary for the match. They had their own Christmas themed announce table.

The babyfaces were in control early. The heels took over when Eric Young distracted Jimmy and Killen Dain nailed him with a cross body. The heels isolated Jimmy on their side of the ring. Gallows got the hot tag and ran wild. The Usos took out SAnitY with super kicks. Finish came when Gallows and Anderson hit the Magic Killer on Cesaro for the win.

A video aired for the upcoming debuts of some new faces. This included Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, Nikki Cross and EC3.

Backstage, Mustafa Ali was walking in the back. Brian Kendrick, Akira Tozawa and Cedric Alexander congratulated him. Shelton Benjamin officially welcomed Ali to SmackDown. Daniel Bryan then jumped Ali from behind. He kept yelling that Ali doesn’t deserve to be on SmackDown as he beat him down.

The Miz hosted Miz TV with guest Shane McMahon. The Best In The World Trophy was in the middle of the ring with a Santa hat. He asked if McMahon saw his match last week. McMahon didn’t want to talk about that. Miz asked about the new changes. McMahon noted his family is running both shows now. He said they’re listening to the fans and they’ll decide the narrative.

Miz noted that since there are four people running SmackDown now then McMahon should be his tag team partner. McMahon’s not out here to talk about that. Miz pointed out that he and Mandy Rose defeated Truth and Carmella last week.

Miz revealed why he wants to be McMahon’s partner. He said this isn’t about him but his dad. Miz ran down his accomplishments but he never heard his dad say he was proud of him. Miz said his father was impressed with McMahon in the Best in the World tournament. Miz wants to be McMahon’s partner for his father.

Miz said the fans should make the decision if they should be partners. Miz asked the fans and they broke into a “Yes” chant. McMahon noted Miz’s story resonated with him. McMahon finally agreed to be Miz’s partner. Miz did the Yes chant. They held up the trophy and hugged.

In the back, Rusev noted today his birthday. He promised to win the belt tonight. He said it’s not going to just be the greatest birthday or Christmas day. It’s going to be the greatest Rusev Day.

Samoa Joe defeated Jeff Hardy

Joe had early advantage and worked over Hardy. Hardy fought back and scored a two count. Joe slowed the pace down and locked on an abdominal stretch. Hardy fought back and hit a drop kick for a two count. Hardy hit the whisper in the wind for a near fall but Joe grabbed the bottom rope. Hardy hit the twist of fate and went up for the Swanton Bomb.

Joe rolled out of the ring to the floor. Hardy caught Joe with a clothesline off the apron. Hardy attacked Joe with knees on the floor. He wouldn’t stop so the referee stopped the match. Hardy threw Joe over the announce table. Joe fought back and choked out Hardy with the Coquina Clutch.

In the back, Shinsuke Nakamura said Rusev’s been naughty this year. The only thing he’s going to get is a knee to the face.

The Usos were walking backstage discussing their win. Jimmy went looking for Naomi. Instead he found Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Rose pointed out he was standing under mistletoe. Rose flirted with Jimmy when Naomi ran in. The heels ran off and Jimmy held Naomi back. Jimmy and Naomi ended up kissing under the mistletoe.

Rusev (w/Lana) defeated United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura to win the title

Rusev was in control early and went for a slam. Nakamura countered into an armbar but Rusev slipped out. Back from commercial, Nakamura was firmly in control. Nakamura missed a knee and Rusev took over. Rusev hit a back suplex for a near fall. Nakamura regained control with a kick to the back of the head. He followed up with a running knee for a near fall. Rusev tried to suplex Nakamura to the floor. Nakamura fought out and drop kicked Rusev to the floor instead.

Nakamura rocked Rusev with a series of knees. He slowed the pace down with a front face lock. Rusev fought out and tossed Nakamura across the ring. Nakamura fired back with stiff kicks. Rusev fired up and made a comeback. He hit a fall away slam, splash in the corner and spinning heel kick for a near fall. He rocked Nakamura with a kick to the side of the head for a two count.

Nakamura regained control on the floor. He sent Rusev into the steps and announce table. Nakamura set up for the Kinshasa but Rusev hit the Machka kick for a very close near fall. Rusev went for the Accolade but Nakamura reversed into the triangle submission. Rusev powered out and slammed Nakamura down.

Nakamura regained control and set up for the Kinshasa. Rusev missed the Machka kick. He rocked Nakamura with a clothesline and then hit the Machka kick to win the United States Championship.

Backstage, AJ Styles entered Vince McMahon’s office. McMahon asked him what his name is and who is he. Styles noted he’s a former two-time WWE Champion and SmackDown is the House AJ Styles built. McMahon wondered why he’s walking in the back while Daniel Bryan is raising hell.

McMahon noted some stars make their money and go home. He knows Styles isn’t like that. He’s more like McMahon. He noted Styles has a tortured soul. There’s an animal inside of Styles begging to come out.

McMahon wants to see that animal and he slapped Styles. Styles snapped and he attacked McMahon. He hit him and knocked him to the ground. Referees and officials came in and pulled Styles out. The referee checked on McMahon. He said he’s good as he lay on the floor.

Next Week: John Cena returns on the New Years Day SmackDown. Plus, The New Day hosts a special New Day New Year’s Celebration.

WWE SmackDown TV taping spoilers: United States title match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Here are next week’s SmackDown spoilers from Fresno, California. WWE is taping tonight as they’re now off the road until 12/26.

– Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows and The Usos defeated Sanity and The Bar

The New Day were on commentary wearing Santa outfits during the bout. Anderson and Gallows got the win after hitting the Magic Killer on Cesaro.

R-Truth and Carmella came out. Truth was dressed up like Santa Claus. They are interrupted by Daniel Bryan, who calls the crowd “fickle” for buying into the comedy act and calls Truth’s career a joke. This eventually led to a dance break where Bryan jumped Truth before it could conclude.

– Mustafa Ali defeated Andrade Cien Almas

Ali defeated Almas after hitting the 054.

Shane McMahon was on Miz TV. After asking the WWE Universe (which was said to have gotten a mixed reaction), it appears that they are now a tag team.

– Jeff Hardy defeated Samoa Joe by count out

The finish had Joe escape the Whisper in the Wind by rolling out to the floor. Hardy then attacked him on the outside which eventually led to the cout out. Hardy went for a twist of fate on the announce table after the match but Joe countered with the coquina clutch and choked him out.

– Rusev defeated Shinsuke Nakamura to win the WWE United States title

Rusev won the title after hitting the machka kick. He and Lana celebrated in the ring to close out the show.

US title match, Joe vs. Hardy set for next week’s WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two matches are set for next week’s SmackDown.

Shinsuke Nakamura will face off against Rusev in a United States title defense. Rusev pinned Nakamura in a tag match last week that also had Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe. This week, both men mocked one another, with Rusev comparing Nakamura to Sonic the Hedgehog due to his new blue attire. Nakamura countered later in the show, showing unflattering clips of Rusev on Total Divas.

Jeff Hardy and Samoa Joe will go one-on-one as well. Joe interrupted Jeff Hardy’s 20 year WWE celebration a few weeks ago, bringing up his “demons” from the past. This week, Hardy and Joe got into an altercation that Hardy got the better of, sending Joe reeling.

Also announced for next week is Miz TV with Shane McMahon serving as guest. Miz has been trying to recruit him as a tag team partner ever since McMahon won the World Cup trophy at Crown Jewel.

These segments will be taped tonight in Fresno as WWE will be off the road until 12/26.

United States title match set for WWE Crown Jewel pre-show

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Ahead of the show taking place tomorrow, another match has been added to the card for Crown Jewel.

WWE announced this afternoon that Shinsuke Nakamura will defend his United States Championship against Rusev on the Crown Jewel pre-show. The pre-show will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern time tomorrow morning, with the main card starting at noon Eastern.

Nakamura was supposed to defend the US title against Tye Dillinger on this week’s episode of SmackDown, but Dillinger had to be pulled from the match due to suffering a legitimate hand injury.

On Tuesday’s SmackDown, it was confirmed that the United States Champion will face the Intercontinental Champion in a non-title match at Survivor Series in Los Angeles, California on November 18.

The updated lineup for Crown Jewel is listed below. The show is taking place at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and will feature Hulk Hogan as its host.

  • Triple H & Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker & Kane
  • Braun Strowman vs. Brock Lesnar for the vacant Universal Championship
  • WWE Champion AJ Styles defending against Samoa Joe
  • World Cup tournament finals
  • World Cup tournament semifinals
  • Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins in a World Cup tournament first round match
  • Kurt Angle vs. Dolph Ziggler in a World Cup tournament first round match
  • Jeff Hardy vs. The Miz in a World Cup tournament first round match
  • Rey Mysterio vs. Randy Orton in a World Cup tournament first round match
  • SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The New Day
  • United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defending against Rusev (kickoff match)

WWE Mixed Match Challenge results: Fenomenal Flair vs. Rusev-Lana

Posted on by Chris Aiken

The mixed match tag team tournament continued from Atlanta with two more round-robin matches. Two teams improve their undefeated records in the tournament with three wins each in their respective blocks. Two other teams drop to three losses as their winless streaks continue.

Ember Moon & Braun Strowman defeated Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal (w/ The Singh Brothers)

Strowman pinned Mahal after delivering a powerslam. Monster Eclipse remain undefeated, and Mahalicia are still winless in the tournament.

Strowman was overpowering Mahal at every turn when the women tagged in. For some reason, Fox began running the ropes with Moon just watching her do so. Fox gassed out and drank water. The Singhs then caused a distraction that allowed Fox to give Moon a neckbreaker.

The next few minutes were the heat spot, a hope spot, and the babyface comeback. Strowman cleaned house on Mahal. Moon wiped out the Singhs with a tope to the outside. Meanwhile, Strowman was mauling Mahal when Fox confronted him in the ring.

Fox was wearing a hat when she rhetorically asked Strowman, “Who do you think you are?” Fox started chest bumping Strowman while also proclaiming herself as captain. Strowman stole her hat, put it on his head, and proclaimed himself captain. This spot would have been much funnier if it took place on the Jericho cruise — or at least somewhere on water. Here it was just wacky and nonsensical.

Leading into the finish, Moon swooped in to hit Fox with the Eclipse. Strowman then powerslammed Mahal to score the pinfall.

On the next episode in the Raw block, Country Dominance (Mickie James & Bobby Lashley) meet B’N’B (Bayley & Finn Balor) in the tournament.

Raw block standings —

  • Ember Moon & Braun Strowman  (3-0)
  • Mickie James & Bobby Lashley  (2-0)
  • Bayley & Finn Balor  (2-1)
  • Alicia Fox & Jinder Mahal  (0-3)
  • Natalya & Bobby Roode  (0-3)

Charlotte Flair & AJ Styles defeated Lana & Rusev

Flair submitted Lana with the Figure Eight leglock. Fenomenal Flair improves to three wins, and Ravishing Rusev Day dropped to three losses.

The match began with Rusev and Styles grabbing signs from fans at ringside. They held up the signs in a “yay/boo” spot. A chop-off developed next in the match. Rusev earlier in the week had challenged Styles to a chop-off. They all traded chops. Charlotte then challenged Rusev to a chop-off.

Charlotte was chopping Rusev when Lana attacked her from behind for a cheapshot. Lana hit an X-factor for a two count. Lana was mocking Charlotte when she fired up on Lana. Styles was a house of fire when he tagged in. He executed an ushigoroshi on Rusev, but Rusev kicked out at two on a subsequent lateral press.

Lana jumped in at one point for a Russian leg sweep on Styles. Charlotte cut off Lana and climbed the turnbuckles. Rusev sacrificed himself to save his wife by stepping in to take the moonsault from Charlotte. Lana tried for a schoolboy, but Charlotte kicked out. For the finish, Charlotte applied the Figure Eight, and Lana then tapped out.

Next week in the SmackDown block, Fabulous Truth (Carmella & R-Truth) face Day One Glow (Naomi & Jimmy Uso).

SmackDown block standings —

  • Asuka & The Miz  (3-0)
  • Charlotte Flair & AJ Styles  (3-0)
  • Naomi & Jimmy Uso  (1-2)
  • Carmella & R-Truth  (0-2)
  • Lana & Rusev  (0-3)

Miz TV with Rey Mysterio, Rusev vs. English set for WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Joseph Currier

WWE has made their first couple of announcements for Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown.

After making his return this past Tuesday and defeating Shinsuke Nakamura in a World Cup qualifying match, Rey Mysterio will be appearing on Miz TV. Rusev vs. Aiden English will also be taking place on the show.

On SmackDown 1000, English interfered and cost Rusev his World Cup qualifying match against The Miz. There was then a post-match angle where Lana gave English a low blow and Rusev attacked him. Their storyline has included English taunting Rusev and Lana with his “One Night in Milwaukee” video, which was ultimately revealed to be Lana declining an advance from English.

The Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey is hosting Tuesday’s SmackDown. Mustafa Ali vs. Hideo Itami in a falls count anywhere match and Mike Kanellis vs. Lince Dorado are set for the 205 Live tapings, and Natalya & Bobby Roode vs. Bayley & Finn Balor and Asuka & Miz vs. Naomi & Jimmy Uso are scheduled for Mixed Match Challenge.