Bryan Alvarez notes that, the way the situation was described to him, there was an issue in the match and a discussion afterwards, but you couldn’t even really classify it as an argument.
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A backstage argument reportedly took place after the conclusion of Monday night’s episode of Raw.
PWInsider reports that an argument involving members of the Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio) main event took place backstage after Raw. The report states that the argument was “borne out of the frustration over how the match went but was never in danger of getting physical.”
Judgment Day defeated Rollins, Owens & Zayn in their six-man tag match last night. The finish of the match was Balor pinning Zayn.
The report notes that there were apparently spots in the match that didn’t go as planned and were clunky. Two sources that PWInsider spoke to placed the blame on the fact that aspects of the match were changed at the last second. Another source that PWInsider spoke to placed the blame on one wrestler who the source didn’t want to name to “not make the internet go insane.”
PWInsider wrote that it was seen as “one of those nights” where things just didn’t click and emotions ran high.
It was originally announced that a singles match between Rollins and Dominik would take place on Raw last night. There was an angle during the show where Judgment Day attacked Rollins before the match could get started. Owens and Zayn made the save for Rollins, leading to the six-man tag being announced for the main event.
After recent dissension, Judgment Day were back on the same page following their victory. All four Judgment Day members (Balor, Priest, Dominik & Rhea Ripley) will be appearing on NXT tonight.
On the eve of Money in the Bank, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returns to SmackDown for the first time since being superkicked by The Usos two weeks ago.
Reigns will team with Solo Sikoa on Saturday against Jimmy & Jey Uso in what’s being billed as the Bloodline Civil War.
Also slated for tonight are two title matches. Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens defend against Pretty Deadly, while Asuka defends her WWE Women’s Championship against Charlotte Flair.
Also on tonight’s show: Logan Paul appears on The Grayson Waller Effect, Bayley puts her Money in the Bank spot on the line against Shotzi, LA Knight, Santos Escobar & Butch collide in a triple threat match, and Ridge Holland faces Austin Theory. If Holland wins, he’ll be in contention for a shot at Theory’s United States title.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– The show opened with a graphic remembering Droz, who died Friday.
– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in to open the show. We then got a recap of the what happened with the Bloodline two weeks ago. Wade Barrett and Cole ran down the card for the evening.
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) [11:07]
This was a very fun opener that was taken to a higher level thanks to the hot London crowd, which was both welcome and expected. It still feels like Zayn & Owens don’t have any legitimate contenders to take the tag straps off them, but we’ll see how the rest of the summer plays out. Owens selling his leg was interesting and I wonder if that means he’ll be selling it moving forward and it will put the team’s matches in doubt. For now, these four worked really well together and Pretty Deadly have come a long way in a short amount of time on WWE’s main roster.
Zayn and Wilson started the match with Zayn getting the best of things at first before Wilson worked a side head-lock. Zayn came right back with an arm-drag and took back control. Prince got in a cheap shot on Zayn, which gave Wilson control. Prince tagged in and took Zayn to the outside, where Prince slammed Zayn off the commentary table. The show then went to a commercial break.
Back from break, Wilson covered Zayn for a two-count. Wilson worked a side head-lock on Zayn. Prince tagged in, but Zayn almost instantly got the hot tag to Owens, who came in and stomped Prince. The action spilled to the outside and Owens landed clotheslines on both members of Pretty Deadly. Back in the ring, Owens hit a cannonball on Prince. Owens went to the top and landed a Swanton and pinned Prince until Wilson broke it up.
Owens went for a Stunner, but Prince pushed Owens away and Owens was selling a leg injury. Prince worked Owens’s leg and Wilson tagged in to land a Dirty Martini for a two-count. Prince tagged in and landed a double-team move for a two-count. Zayn broke up the pin and Owens suplexed Prince to get the hot tag to Zayn, who landed a Blue Thunder Bomb on Wilson for a two-count. Wilson was the recipient of an Exploder and a Helluva Kick and Zayn pinned Wilson for the win.
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– Adam Pearce was talking backstage until Sheamus interrupted him. Ridge Holland spoke up and Pearce told Holland he can face Austin Theory later tonight. If Holland wins, he’ll get a shot at the U.S. Title. Austin Theory’s music then hit and we went back to the ring.
Austin Theory defeated Ridge Holland [2:56]
The story here was Holland had a bad throat and Theory’s dropkick hit Holland in the throat for a win. But … three minutes? Really? The finish felt like it came out of nowhere and it was even more bizarre considering how hot the crowd was for Holland and the Brutes. So the match was fine for what it was, but it didn’t last long enough to leave much of an impression.
The two locked up to begin the match. Holland had control early. Holland landed a long-stalling suplex for a one-count. Theory got control with a kick to Holland’s leg. Holland fired up and hit a series of suplexes on Theory. Eventually, Theory found his way onto the apron and that led to Theory hitting a roll-through dropkick for the win.
After the match, Theory attacked Holland until Sheamus ran out for the save.
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– A Karrion Kross vignette aired with Kross calling AJ Styles out. Kross said he beat Styles in only three moves. Kross said next week will be checkmate for Styles.
– A video recapping the Bloodline saga aired.
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Bayley defeated Shotzi to keep her spot in the Money In The Bank match [3:31]
In a weird way, it was easy to think this could go either way because SKY was the one to accept the challenge for Bayley, but in hindsight, of course Bayley was going to keep her spot in the MITB match because my guess is we see the implosion of Damage CTRL Saturday afternoon. Still, Shotzi didn’t look like she might suffer a catastrophic injury here, so that’s a win all around.
Shotzi had control early. Bayley rolled to the outside and Shotzi dove to the outside, taking out IYO SKY, who accompanied Bayley. Back in the ring, Bayley it a Bayley-to-Belly for a two-count. Shotzi hit a DDT as the crowd, two minutes into the match, was still doing the Bayley chant. Shotzi hit a step-up enziguri. Shotzi tweaked her knee while doing it and Bayley came back with a roll up and a two-count. Shotzi hit a reverse bulldog and went for a pin, but SKY put Bayley’s foot on the rope for the break. Bayley then landed the Rose Plant for the win.
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– Shotzi confronted Bayley backstage after a commercial break and Bayley, along with SKY, suplexed Shotzi onto a table before cutting Shotzi’s hair.
The Grayson Waller Effect with Logan Paul
The crowd booed both guys to begin the segment. Paul said his dreams won’t end until the WWE Champion is “gold around my belt.” So, there’s that. Paul said he might not even ever cash in the briefcase if he wins it and almost instantly, LA Knight’s music hit. Knight received a massive pop had a microphone in his hand. Knight said Paul was given a lot while wasn’t given anything. Knight said Paul was standing in his ring. Paul was booed as soon as he started talking. Paul made fun of Knight for wrestling for 20 years in a lackluster career. Paul told the crowd they were drunk and to go home after they chanted for LA Knight.
Santos Escobar’s music hit and Escobar came to the ring in an LWO shirt (London World Order). Escobar said they have to get one thing straight, there’s going to be two MITB winners in the LWO. Butch’s music hit and Butch ran to the ring and took out Paul. Paul and Butch fought over the commentary table as the show went to break.
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Butch defeated LA Knight and Santos Escobar [3:34 of TV time]
This was fine enough, but I have no idea how long the actual match was because it started during the break. As such, this was a triple threat that had a lot of potential on paper, but it was clear this was only going to be used to set up the MITB match. That in mind, it worked. Knight is so gosh darn over that if he doesn’t go over at MITB, I think London burns. Probably not. But, really. At some point, the WWE decision-makers are going to have to take notice and it feels like the most obvious time is Saturday in London.
The match started during the commercial break, and when the show came back, Knight hit a DDT on Escobar as the crowd went nuts for him again. Butch landed a German Suplex on Escobar before Knight hit a wild back suplex on Butch for a two-count. Escobar landed a running knee on Knight. Eventually, Knight hit his leaping elbow for a two-count on Escobar. Knight went to the outside to jaw with Paul. Escobar took out Paul and hit Knight with a knee. Escobar went to the top, but ran into a bunch from Butch. Butch hit the Bitter End for the win.
After the match, Butch set up a ladder, but Knight cut Butch off. Then Paul cut Knight off. Then Butch cut Paul off. Butch then climbed up and grabbed the MITB briefcase to pose for the crowd.
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– AJ Styles spoke backstage. Styles accepted Kross’s challenge from earlier in the show.
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Charlotte defeated Asuka via DQ [7:32]
Ehhh. I want more from these two. You had to know we wouldn’t get a clean finish, but the match itself wasn’t much to write home about. I’m a huge fan of Asuka’s work and while Charlotte seems to be hit or miss, she always seems to show up for Asuka. Throwing a nothing-happening match like this out there is at least a tiny bit disappointing. This must mean we’re working toward a triple threat at SummerSlam between Belair, Asuka and Charlotte for the WWE Women’s Championship. That’s fine. But on our way there, it’d be great if these one-on-one matches ceased. It’s a waste of talent.
Bianca Belair was sitting in the front row with a ticket. The two opened by exchanging strikes. Charlotte tried to pin Asuka a few times, but Asuka was under the ropes. Charlotte hit Asuka in the face with a kick, but Asuka came back with a BackStabber before the show went to a commercial break.
Back from break, Asuka went for the arm bar, but Charlotte got out of it. Asuka rolled up Charlotte for a two-count. Charlotte landed a spear, which was enough for a two-count. Asuka went to the outside and Charlotte climbed to the top rope. Charlotte went for the moonsault from the top and just barely nicked Asuka on the way down, but Asuka sold it. Charlotte hit some chops and tried a boot, but Asuka moved and Charlotte hit Belair, who was in the crowd. Belair regrouped and jumped the rail to attack Asuka and end the match.
After the match, Belair attacked Charlotte and laid her out. Belair hit the KOD on Asuka, slamming her onto the commentary table, but the table didn’t break. Because of that, Belair did the same with Charlotte and the table still didn’t break. Belair stood tall to end the segment.
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The Bloodline Segment
After stalling, Paul Heyman gave Roman Reigns a microphone. Reigns told London to acknowledge him. Reigns said it’s been a long time. Reigns said for two years, he’s allowed his cousins to say “We the ones.” Roman said the truth is they ain’t the ones and only Roman is the one. Roman reiterated he is the head of table. Roman said a family that “betrays you sucks.” Roman talked about giving the Usos a second chance, and he said he will give the Usos an infinite amount of chances. All the Usos have to do, he said, is come out and apologize and move on.
On cue, the Usos’s music hit. Jimmy said they are past apologizing. Jimmy said that now it’s about consequences. Jey said once Roman loses, Roman will be the only one out. Jey said Roman won’t be the Tribal Chief anymore after he loses. Jey and Jimmy said they both don’t want to be Tribal Chief. The Usos said they got someone in mind and the crowd chanted Solo. Roman and Solo had a stare down. Roman told everyone to shut up and the Usos laughed. Jey climbed onto the apron. Roman jawed at Jey. Jey face-palmed Roman and Jimmy super-kicked Roman. The four brawled. Security ran down to break it up and Roman hit Jey with a Super Punch. Roman beat up security … but then Jey hit a splash over the top rope onto Roman and the group to close the show.
Date: June 12, 2023 Location: Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, KS
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Show Recap —
Rhea Ripley entered alone to start the show. Adam Pearce wasted no time in introducing her as the new Women’s World Champion. He unveiled a new title belt and its design is similar to the men’s world title belt but with a white strap. Ripley was pumped to raise the new belt and the crowd applauded her.
Dominik Mysterio excitedly jogged out to place the belt around Ripley’s waist. The crowd booed as Dom put over Ripley.
Cody Rhodes interrupted. Rhodes had nothing but respect for Ripley but what he actually wanted to talk about was Dom. He showed a replay of Dom slapping him last week.
Rhodes wished we were hearing Brock Lesnar accept his challenge but Lesnar didn’t have the balls to do that. Instead, Rhodes challenged Dom to a match at Money in the Bank.
Dom said he wasn’t afraid of anyone in the world. He embarrassed Rhodes just like he would anyone else. The crowd chanted “You suck” and Rhodes encouraged them to continue. Rhodes wanted an answer.
Ripley said her Latino Heat was more of a man than anyone in the arena and certainly more than Rhodes. Rhodes again asked for an answer.
Miz tried to attack Rhodes from behind but Rhodes saw it coming and knocked him out of the ring. This allowed Dom to get in another cheapshot before he bailed from the ring. Ripley laughed and accepted Rhodes’ challenge on Dom’s behalf.
Cody Rhodes defeated The Miz (10:43)
Rhodes wrestled with his arm in a cast and Miz took control by driving him arm-first into the steel steps. Rhodes fought back after a break and hit a Side Effect, clothesline, powerslam, and Disaster Kick for two. Miz kicked his leg out of his leg, hit It Kicks and a DDT for two.
Rhodes blocked a Skull Crushing Finale for a second time and hit a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win. Rhodes signed an autograph for a young fan as he left.
(Not sure where it happened but Rhodes had blood on the back of his head.)
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Becky Lynch walked through the back past Alpha Academy as Chad Gable and Otis appeared to be showing Maxxine Dupri some holds.
Lynch entered to cut a promo before her match. Lynch said she was lucky to do a lot of things in her career but winning the MITB ladder match has alluded her. She had a good feeling about this year.
She said we’ve all been conditioned to believe that the best person is the person who holds the championship. The irony of it was that the number one person was the person who held the power and that was the person who held the briefcase.
They had a power to make the champion scared and that scared people did dangerous things. She liked it when people did dangerous things because it made her better. You didn’t have to look any further than Trish Stratus as an example. Stratus was so scared that she got herself an insurance policy in Zoey Stark.
Stark interrupted. Stark said Lynch had a lot of accomplishments but she’ll never be able to say that she beat Trish Stratus. Losing to Stark at MITB would be her next failure.
Lynch knew that Stark was a pit bull but she had no personality. Stark told Lynch to look in the mirror because the only reason she only got popular was because someone else broke her face. Lynch was desperately holding onto her fame and was now using Stratus to stay relevant. Stark threatened to break her face at MITB and make her famous.
Stratus invited her to the ring but Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville entered. (Stark tried to psych them out by stepping toward them but they didn’t flinch. They told her to relax and moved on.) They made excuses for Deville’s loss last week before Lynch cut them off and told Green to get in the ring.
Becky Lynch defeated Chelsea Green (w/Sonya Deville) (7:17)
A distraction from Deville allowed Green to take control during a break but Lynch fought back and repeatedly drove her into the barricade. Lynch applied a Disarmer moments later and Green tapped out.
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There was a recap of Seth Rollins beating Damian Priest to retain the world title.
In the back, Priest, Ripley and Dom were all in a good mood but Finn Bálor was not. Ripley asked if Bálor was alright and he said he had a lot on his mind. Priest said he would beat Matt Riddle in his MITB qualifier and would go to the ring alone. Bálor didn’t look pleased.
[SECOND HOUR]
Money in the Bank qualifier: Damian Priest defeated Matt Riddle (14:20)
There was a spot where Riddle ducked a charge and Priest flew onto the announce desk. Riddle grabbed him and yelled “Stupid!” which was perhaps a reference to Randy Orton.
Riddle held control for the first part of the match. After a Riddle German suplex, they traded strikes until Priest cut him off with a falcon arrow.
Riddle applied an ankle lock following a break and transitioned into a sleeper hold. Priest countered it and dropped him with a clothesline. Priest charged at Riddle in the corner but Riddle grabbed him in a triangle between the ropes. Priest came back with a headlock driver for two.
Priest set up for a top rope Razor’s Edge but Riddle slipped out and hit an avalanche fisherman suplex for a nearfall. Priest grabbed Riddle off the middle rope and hit a Razor’s Edge for the (somewhat abrupt) pinfall win. Priest qualifies for the final men’s MITB slot.
This was really good and Riddle looked particularly impressive.
— Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser marched out after the match. Priest faced off with Gunther before telling him to go pick the bones. Gunther smacked around Riddle and dropped him with a chop. (This was payback for Riddle beating up Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci last week.)
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhodes. Rhodes said Dom was getting gassed up by Ripley and Judgment Day and that would eventually get Dom hurt. He spoke passionately about finishing the story and said Lesnar and Dom were not knocking him off the path. He wished “Dom-Dom” luck at MITB.
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Byron Saxton interviewed Natalya. Saxton said people are suggesting that Natalya hasn’t been the same since losing to Ripley. Natalya said maybe that wasn’t a bad thing considering being her hasn’t worked out well lately. She said she may not even know how to be herself anymore. She marched off.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn walked by so Saxton interviewed them too. Owens (who wore a Gene Okerlund t-shirt) looked forward to getting payback after coming so close against Gunther last week. Saxton left as Imperium approached.
Kaiser reminded Owens that he lost to Gunther. Zayn asked Owens to calm down before he could freak out again. Zayn said it took three of them to beat Owens last week and he wondered where their bald friend was this week.
Pearce showed up and wanted everyone to settle down. Kaiser challenged them to put the tag titles on the line tonight. Owens freaked out and accepted. He said he needed to change his t-shirt and shorts into a different t-shirt and shorts. He left.
Kaiser and Gunther were amused by Owens’ antics so Zayn confidently reminded them that they were the undisputed tag champs. Gunther told Pearce to make the title match official. Pearce said he’d think about it.
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Jinder Mahal said Indus Sher were not satisfied because Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander were still standing so the job was not done. He offered them a proper match.
Bronson Reed defeated Ricochet via disqualification (7:39)
Shinsuke Nakamura sauntered out to watch at ringside.
Ricochet fought back after a break with a dropkick, suicide dive, springboard crossbody and lionsault for two. Reed caught Ricochet and lawn-darted him into Nakamura, so Nakamura attacked Reed for the DQ. (Samantha Irvin, Ricochet’s partner, very excitedly announced Reed as the winner via DQ.)
— Ricochet argued with Nakamura until Reed ran them both over. Ricochet saved Nakamura from a Reed Tsunami and they worked together to bring Reed down with a superplex. Ricochet and Nakamura stared each other down as the segment ended.
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Zayn asked Owens about his constant blow-ups lately. Owens admitted there’s been months of stress dealing with the Bloodline and now Imperium were constantly showing up around them. Owens spoke frantically until Zayn asked if he’d be ok in the ring. Owens settled down and said he’d be just fine.
Elsewhere, Pearce was on the phone with someone and made the tag title match official for tonight. Ricochet approached him and requested a rematch against Reed next week. Pearce said Reed already had a match scheduled against Nakamura next week.
Nakamura showed up and Ricochet wanted to know what his problem was. Ricochet warned him not to get involved again. Nakamura said he would succeed where Ricochet failed and Ricochet could have Reed when he was done with him.
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Finn Bálor / Seth Rollins segment
Bálor entered and called out Seth Rollins. He didn’t want any jokes or singalongs. He wanted Rollins now.
Rollins entered. Despite Bálor’s request, the crowd sang Rollins’ theme. Bálor said, “I’ve been waiting seven years to say this and I’m not waiting another second so you people better shut up.” The crowd kept singing.
Bálor recalled being the first draft pick on Raw seven years ago, beating Roman Reigns on his first night and beating Rollins to become the first ever Universal Champion. The crowd kept singing. Rollins spoke which stopped the crowd’s singing for a moment but they started again once Bálor spoke again. Rollins wanted to hear what Bálor had to say after seven years.
Bálor said it should have been the highest of highs for him seven years ago but it was the lowest of lows because of Rollins. Bálor ran down the list of injuries he suffered because of him.
Bálor wouldn’t complain about the injuries because that happens in this industry. The crowd was still singing. The injuries didn’t bother him and said the fans can sing along all they want but they didn’t really know Seth Rollins.
Bálor said Rollins took everything from him. Rollins took his momentum, his title, and a year of his career. “You took everything.” Bálor said it was his turn — he would take Rollins’ momentum, title and a year from his career. Bálor would take it all at Money in the Bank.
Rollins laughed. He said this was the Finn Bálor he’s been waiting to see for the past seven years. Rollins said they went on different paths after that SummerSlam match because one of them got bitter while the other got better.
Rollins admitted he’s done some bad things over those seven years but he’s also made history, memories and moments that the fans will never forget. Rollins did that because he adapted and got better every day and now he was the best version of Seth freakin’ Rollins. The proof was in the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins accepted Bálor’s challenge at MITB.
Rollins wondered which version of Bálor would show up in London. The bitter shell of a former champion didn’t stand a chance but the Bálor that beat him with one arm had a shot. Rollins wondered if we’d get that Bálor or the one that’s been walking around for seven years acting like a little bitch.
(The match was made official after a break.)
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Tag Team Champion Shayna Baszler (w/Ronda Rousey) defeated Raquel Rodriguez (2:12)
Rodriguez fought off Baszler’s attack and set up for her finisher but she stopped what she was doing to go after Rousey on the apron. Rodriguez grabbed Rousey which allowed Baszler to roll her up for the pinfall win — with Rousey assisting on the cover. This was silly.
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They aired the Iron Sheik tribute video and the crowd gave a big ovation.
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Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) defeated Erik (w/Ivar & Valhalla) (1:49)
Gable hit a diving headbutt and Otis was happy to see “coach” using his head.
Valhalla sprinted at Dupri who sidestepped her and brought her down with a hip toss. (This is what Gable was teaching her earlier tonight.) Gable used a sunset flip into a cradle moments later for the pinfall win. The crowd liked Gable.
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Bálor spoke with JD McDonagh in the back. McDonagh left after Priest approached. Priest said Bálor seemed to be in a better mood now that he had his championship opportunity. Bálor congratulated Priest on qualifying for MITB and asked if he would cash the briefcase in on him.
Priest said of course not and seemed surprised that Bálor would ask him that. Priest said there was tension between them and blamed it on Rollins. Priest told Bálor to make it worth it and end it at MITB.
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Kelley interviewed Rollins. She asked if he was prepared for a bitter Finn Bálor. Rollins was as prepared and confident as someone can be. He wondered if Bálor was prepared for him. If Bálor lost, not only would he lose his mind, it seemed like he might lose Priest as well.
Rollins was feeling good so he issued an open challenge for his world title next week on Raw.
(He didn’t acknowledge Bron Breakker or NXT here but there was a commercial teasing that Rollins would appear on NXT tomorrow.)
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Next week on Raw in Cleveland:
Logan Paul returns
Seth Rollins world title open challenge
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed
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Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defeated Intercontinental Champion Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser to retain the Tag Team Championships (18:17)
Zayn fought off both opponents but Gunther had tagged himself in and leveled Zayn with a boot before also booting Owens off the apron. Gunther dropped Zayn onto the apron which led to the match’s second commercial break.
Zayn hit a sunset flip sitout powerbomb immediately after the break. (The crowd was red hot now.) Owens made the hot tag and he hammered away on Gunther. Owens dropped him after a few clotheslines and followed with a senton, exploder suplex, superkick, cannonball, and senton bomb for two. Gunther blocked a stunner and hit a big boot.
Each man tagged out and Zayn gave Kaiser an exploder in the corner. Zayn ducked a chop from Gunther outside the ring and Gunther chopped the ring post.
Kaiser blocked a Blue Thunder Bomb and hit a rolling fireman’s carry. Kaiser also wiped out Owens with a suicide dive.
Gunther killed Zayn with a clothesline for a close nearfall. Gunther hit another big clothesline for another nearfall. Imperium hit the Imperial Bomb but Owens broke up the cover by pushing Gunther into Kaiser.
Kaiser posted Owens which led to Riddle marching out. Gunther knocked out Riddle before Owens took out Gunther with a DDT on the ramp.
Zayn nailed Kaiser with Blue Thunder Bomb for the pinfall win. Zayn and Owens retained. They celebrated as the show ended.
The crowd was super into the final moments and popped big for the win.
(The Denver Nuggets won the NBA Championship about a minute or two after Raw went off the air.)
Sami Zayn has opened up about the hero’s welcome he received in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions.
Before the main event that night, Zayn spoke to the live crowd in Arabic to express pride in his Arabic heritage. It was his first time wrestling in Saudi Arabia since 2014 and his first time performing in the region since a pair of shows from Dubai in 2016.
Zayn told Corey Graves on After the Bell recently that he had been waiting for a while to perform in front of his people.
Zayn said:
I’m Arabic, I’m Muslim, all this stuff and that’s my part of the world. I understand those people, those are my people.
When I went there, I got to go to Mecca, which was just a surreal, surreal experience.And then I also saw my Uncles that I hadn’t seen in 25 years, I had cousins I hadn’t seen in 25 years. I met my Great Uncle I didn’t even know who existed.
So, it was pretty heavy in a lot of ways, it had a lot of weight. And then the actual event itself and the reception from the audience, it’s kind of what I’ve been waiting for for a while in a way because, again, I always felt I would have been the natural representative for those shows and I just wasn’t. So, it was good to finally be put in that position.
Zayn’s parents are from Syria but immigrated to Canada in the 1970s before he was born. Our own Dave Meltzer reported in 2019 that Zayn was not permitted to perform on WWE shows in the country due to his Syrian heritage but that changed earlier this year following Syria being welcomed back into the Arab League.
The final SmackDown before Night of Champions ended with Roman Reigns standing tall with the WWE Tag Team title belts.
Though cracks within The Bloodline only continue to get deeper, they got the better of a brawl with Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn to close last night’s show. Jey Uso handed over Owens & Zayn’s title belts so Reigns could pose with them ahead of Night of Champions.
Reigns & Solo Sikoa were supposed to be guests on The KO Show last night, but The Usos ended up appearing instead. Owens tried to talk sense into The Usos and convince them to break away from Reigns. When Jimmy Uso called himself the “Tribal Chief,” Reigns made his way out to the ring and stared his cousins down.
Zayn told Reigns that The Bloodline is collapsing — and it’s all Reigns’ fault. Owens then dropped Reigns with a stunner.
The Bloodline were able to get the advantage in the brawl after Sikoa got involved. Jey gave one set of Tag Team title belts to Sikoa. Reigns then wanted the other set of belts. Jimmy hesitated to hand them over until Jey grabbed the belts and gave them to Reigns.
Reigns & Sikoa are challenging Owens & Zayn for the titles at Saturday’s Night of Champions pay-per-view in Saudi Arabia.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa will appear on The KO Show as part of tonight’s taped episode of WWE SmackDown from Columbia, South Carolina.
Reigns, Sikoa, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn will have their final face-to-face encounter before squaring off for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles at Saturday’s Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
SmackDown will also feature United States Champion Austin Theory defending his title against Sheamus after he confronted Theory last week.
Raquel Rodriguez will team with Shotzi to square off against Damage CTRL’s Bayley and IYO SKY. Shotzi is replacing Liv Morgan as Rodriguez’s partner due to an an injury Morgan suffered that forced she and Rodriguez to relinquish the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
AJ Styles takes on Karrion Kross after Scarlett was shown with a tarot card featuring Styles on it last week. Styles takes on Seth Rollins Saturday to determine the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in, reminding viewers that Night of Champions is Saturday. Wade Barrett hopped in and, along with Cole, ran down some of the card for the night. Sheamus’s music hit and we went to the ring.
Austin Theory defeated Sheamus to retain the United States Championship [12:12]
This was a good opening match that packed more of a punch than I thought it would, considering the live crowd had already sat through an entire SmackDown before this. It looks like the Pretty Deadly/Brawling Brutes match from last week kicked off a program between the teams, which could end up being a nice little tag story. Meanwhile, this gave Sheamus an out for the loss, so my guess is they run this back sooner than later. All around, a good effort from both guys here. Sheamus still has it after all these years.
The two locked up to begin the match with Sheamus getting the best of Theory at first. Things turned around after Theory hit a rolling dropkick and went for 10 Beats, but Sheamus fought out of it until Theory ran Sheamus into the ring post and slammed Sheamus on the apron. The show then went to its first commercial break of the night.
Back from break, Theory was pounding on Sheamus’s back inside the ring. Theory went for a couple pin attempts, but Sheamus kicked out both times at one. Theory landed a rolling Blockbuster for a two-count. Theory toyed with Sheamus, which only fired Sheamus up. Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two-count. Sheamus landed a wild powerslam for another two-count.
Sheamus had theory on his back and climbed to the second rope, but Theory fought out and pounded on Sheamus’s back again. Theory lifted Sheamus and slammed Sheamus for a two-count. Theory went for a rolling Blockbuster, but was met with a knee from Sheamus. Sheamus teased 10 beats, but Theory kicked his way out of it and picked up a chair for the DQ, but Ridge Holland took the chair away from him. Sheamus then commenced the 10 Beats, which turned into 25 Beats.
Out of nowhere, Pretty Deadly showed up and attacked the Brawling Brutes on the outside of the ring. They climbed onto the apron and got Sheamus’s attention, which amounted in Theory rolling Sheamus up for the win.
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– We got a backstage segment with the Bloodline. It turns out, Roman Reigns is going to celebrate 1,000 days as champion next week, and he wants the whole family there. Jimmy Uso was told to sit down via Roman and Jimmy didn’t obey him. As a result, the two had a tense moment. Roman dared Jimmy to do something, but the two simply had a stare down. Roman then kicked him out of the locker room and Jay followed his brother.
The story of friction in Damage CTRL continues and you have to wonder how long Sky and Bayley have, considering Dakota Kai’s injury, which will keep her out for quite a while. It feels like the faction’s days are numbered and the last thing I thought might happen was those two losing to the makeshift tag team of Raquel and Shotzi here. The match itself was little more than just OK. The final sequence felt more confusing than anything, but perhaps this means Raquel and Shotzi have momentum going into the women’s tag title match. And perhaps that means they’ll lose.
Raquel and Bayley began the match but Sky tagged in quickly. Before long, all four women brawled in the ring with the action spilling outside, where Shotzi landed a suicide dive on both Sky and Bayley. Back in the ring, Shotzi covered Sky for a two-count. Raquel tagged in and went for a chokeslam on Sky, but Bayley had tagged in and took back control for Damage CTRL.
Both Sky and Bayley tried to control Raquel, but Raquel ultimately got the hot tag to Shotzi, who worked over Bayley with a bulldog, a right hand and a kick. Shotzi suplexed Bayley and hit a splash on Bayley, who was draped over the second rope, for a two-count. Sky tagged in and, along with Bayley, kicked Shotzi’s head. Shotzi came back with a suplex and pinned Sky, but Bayley broke it up.
Raquel tagged in and lifted Sky, who worked out of it and drove Raquel’s head into the turnbuckle. Raquel came back to drive Sky into a corner. Bayley tagged in, and in a weird sequence, Sky came off the top to take out Shotzi, but Raquel sat down on Bayley for the pinfall.
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– A condensed version of the Seth Rollins interviews on Raw aired in a package. An AJ Styles video package aired as well to even things out.
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– A Grayson Waller highlight package aired after Hit Row made their entrance.
A pretty basic, predictable match. We haven’t seen Hit Row in a little bit and Grimes is going … well … to the moon. At least for now. It appears he’ll be working with Baron Corbin in the immediate future, and there are worse heels he could work with as he gets acquainted with the main roster. As for this match, it was fine for what it was, which wasn’t much.
Grimes had a picture-in-picture promo from backstage before the match started. Grimes came out firing on all cylinders to start the match. Top Dolla stopped Grimes’s momentum by grabbing Grimes’s foot. Ashante took advantage of that interference and hit Grimes with a series of moves. Grimes eventually yelled “To the moon” and hit the Cave In for the win. After the match, Baron Corbin briefly attacked Grimes in the entrance way.
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– Bianca Belair made her entrance and had a microphone with her in the ring. Belair talked about how she’s going to defend her title against Asuka at Night of Champions. Belair spoke about “how good it feels to be your Raw Women’s Champion” … on SmackDown. Anyway, Belair talked about how Asuka humiliated Belair in Belair’s hometown a couple weeks ago. Belair said she’s going to give Asuka a fight, which was enough to cue Asuka’s music. Asuka attacked Belair from behind and sunk in an arm-bar on Belair until officials broke it up. Those same officials broke up an attempted KOD from Belair.
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LA Knight defeated Rick Boogs [3:19]
It’s good to see Knight finally get some TV time. It’s not much, but the crowd continues to be behind him and maybe this will lead to something more. The match was basic, but Boogs showed impressive strength. I mean, lean into the gimmick, right? Perhaps we’ll get something between Knight and the Profits at Night of Champions this weekend.
The Street Profits made their entrance before the match began and joined on commentary. The action in the match quickly spilled outside, where Boogs had control and dropped Knight on the commentary table. The Profits were pumped. Back inside the ring, Knight worked over Boogs until Boogs threw Knight into a corner. Knight came right back with a bunch of kicks and a running knee on Boogs.
Knight worked a front face-lock, but Boogs threw Knight away. Boogs fired up, but Knight hit some right hands and kicks to the midsection. It didn’t really matter because Boogs manhandled Knight and tossed him across the ring. Boogs lifted Knight, but Knight raked the eyes and hit the BFT for the win. After the match, Knight got a microphone and confronted the Street Profits, calling them “five dollar asses.” Knight ended the segment by throwing the microphone at the Profits.
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AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross [9:27]
Kross worked hard here and you have to admire that. He seems to be in WWE purgatory, which depending on your perspective can be a great thing or a not-so-great thing. There was little debate about who would come out on top, if only because Styles is wrestling for the World Heavyweight Title on Saturday, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t a good match. The wrestlers did good with the cards they had (pun intended, Mr. Kross), and I’m curious to see if we’ll get a Michin/Scarlett story here sooner than later. Either way, this was as good as it could be, considering the circumstances.
Kross had control early on in what would have been a great match in Impact at some point, had it been possible. These days, the hair is much longer. Styles tried to fight back at one point, but Scarlett cut Styles off by grabbing his foot when Styles was on the apron and therefore, Kross kicked Styles off the apron. Michin responded by coming to ringside to even the score and she ultimately chased Scarlett to the back.
Kross kept control and worked a chin-lock on Styles until Styles fought his way out with chops, punches and an enziguri. Styles lifted Kross, but Kross got out of it. No matter because Styles hit a running forearm and a makeshift backbreaker for a two-count. Styles went for a tornado DDT, but Kross countered with a pair of suplexes for a two-count. Kross went for a KrossHammer, but Styles ducked it and went for a Styles Clash, but Kross pushed Styles away. Styles settled for a Phenomenal Forearm, which got him the win. Styles was interviewed after the match backstage and Styles said Seth Rollins can’t beat Phenomenal, referring to his match at Night of Champions.
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Next week, Roman Reigns will celebrate 1,000 days as champion. Also, Zelina Vega and Lacey Evans will face off in a women’s Money In The Bank qualifying match. Also, Montez Ford and LA Knight will compete in a men’s Money In The Bank qualifying match.
The KO Show segment
Owens began the segment by welcoming in Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. From there, we heard Paul Heyman’s voice and Heyman walked out to tell everyone that the Tribal Chief just doesn’t come out when people say he comes out. Heyman also said there is no booing when Heyman has the microphone, which was pretty funny. As Heyman was talking, the Usos music hit and the Usos came out, walking past Heyman toward the ring.
Jey yelled at Sami, and Sami tried to respond, but Owens cut Zayn off, saying Owens knew Reigns wouldn’t come out anyway. Owens said he wanted to talk to the Usos anyway. Owens explained that Zayn still cares about the Usos, but Owens doesn’t get it. Owens said he he hopes to get through to the Usos, and Zayn has been right about everything the whole time. Owens said the Usos are the heart of the table, whereas Reigns is the head of the table. Owens said Reigns treats the Usos like they are expendable.
Owens called the Usos the greatest tag team in the history of WWE. He then said they are Reigns’s errand boys. Jimmy responded by saying he is the tribal chief and Heyman sold the hell out of that. Wouldn’t you know it … Roman Reigns’s music hit and Heyman looked concerned. Reigns walked out alone and with purpose. Reigns took the mic from Jey and threw it. He then confronted Jimmy with a long stare and threw his microphone, too.
Zayn interrupted and told Roman it’s over. Zayn said the Bloodline is collapsing and it’s all Roman’s fault. Roman then slapped the microphone out of Zayn’s hand. Owens responded by giving Reigns a Stunner. The Usos and Zayn/Owens then brawled. Solo Sikoa ran to the ring and laid out Zayn and Owens. Reigns flipped out and speared Zayn. The Usos climbed back into the ring and held the tag belts. Jey gave the belts to Sikoa while Jimmy held his longer than expected. Jey took them and gave the belts to Roman. Roman held both sets of tag belts as the family posed … except for Jimmy, who took exception in a corner. While holding both sets of tag belts, Roman talked to the camera as the show ended.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa will come face-to-face with undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Columbia, South Carolina.
The two teams will square off at next weekend’s Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
The show will also feature Jimmy & Jey Uso returning to the ring for the first time since they failed to regain the tag titles at Backlash as they take on Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar following a confrontation last week.
Two recent NXT call-ups will make their presence felt as Grayson Waller will welcome AJ Styles to The Grayson Waller Effect. Styles will face Seth Rollins to determine the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion next weekend at the PPV.
Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) will step into the ring against Ridge Holland & Butch after the teams confronted each other backstage on last week’s SmackDown.
Plus, Asuka takes on Zelina Vega. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in as the show opened and Roman Reigns’s theme music hit. Reigns made his entrance with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
The Bloodline/Zayn & Owens segment
Before Reigns began talking, the crowd chanted “You suck!” Reigns responded by telling the crowd that’s not they start things. After Reigns hit the “Acknowledge me!” line, the crowd cheered, but things quickly turned as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn’s respective music hit. Owens and Zayn made their way to the ring. The crowd sang Zayn’s music even after production cut it off.
Reigns said it was perfect because he was going to bring Owens and Zayn out anyway. Reigns demanded Zayn and Owens acknowledge him. After that, Reigns said they could drop off their titles and see their way out. Owens threw a mic down with his belts and stepped to Sikoa. Reigns settled the situation down and turned his attention to Zayn. Reigns said he only had one regret throughout his career and that was wasting his life on Zayn.
Zayn responded by saying he only had one regret, too, and that was not blasting him with a chair sooner. Zayn said Reigns’s greed has led them to this moment. Zayn said Reigns has received everything he’s wanted in life, but at Night of Champions, Reigns isn’t going to get the tag titles, even though that’s what Reigns wants now. Zayn said Reigns just isn’t as good as Zayn, Owens and even the Usos.
Reigns started to speak, but Jey Uso came through the crowd and attacked Zayn. Jimmy soon followed and attacked Owens. The Usos celebrated, but Reigns stifled their celebration and said it was Reigns’s ring and Reigns had a plan. Reigns threw a fit and left the ring. On his way out, he accidentally ran into Sikoa and the show cut to a commercial break.
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– When the show returned, the Usos were pleading their case to Reigns in the back. Reigns asked them why they ran “random stuff out there.” Reigns screamed that he had something to say to Zayn, but he wasn’t able to say it because the Usos interfered. Reigns kicked the Usos out of his room.
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Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated Butch and Ridge Holland [8:06]
Pretty Deadly didn’t quite connect with the crowd the way I think a lot of people thought they would in their debut. Something felt like it was missing, but the duo has time to adjust. On the other side, Butch and Holland could stand to use some wins. Crowds seem to like them (along with Sheamus), but for whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like WWE decision-makers necessarily agree. WWE’s tag division is in a weird place because there’s the top – whomever from the Bloodline, Zayn, Owens – and then there’s everyone else. Imperium might be up soon and there’s always the Street Profits and the New Day, but as far as Butch/Holland and Pretty Deadly go … this just felt inconsequential.
Sheamus sat in on commentary as Butch and Wilson began the match. Prince quickly tagged in and Butch stomped on Pretty Deadly’s fingers. Holland tagged in and Prince received a shotgun dropkick from Butch on Butch’s way out of the ring. Holland suplexed Prince. Wilson got a blind tag and the two took Holland down. Prince came up from the sequence with blood running from his nose.
Prince and Wilson landed a combination leg-drop and splash on Holland for a two-count. Holland eventually got the hot tag to Butch with Wilson perched on Holland’s back. Butch took out both Prince and Wilson. Butch hit Wilson with a kick to the ear and Holland tagged in. Holland had both Prince and Wilson on his back and dropped them both. Holland and Butch landed stereo 10 Beats on both Pretty Deadly members. Almost immediately, Pretty Deadly hit Spilled Milk for the win.
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– Michael Cole threw to a “Superstar” Billy Graham tribute video. Graham died earlier this week.
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Asuka defeated Zelina Vega [6:08]
This was fine for what we saw of it (at least two minutes of the match was lost to a commercial break), but there was little doubt that Asuka would get the win, considering how she’s the one with a title match in a week. Still, it’s nice to see Vega get some shine and outside of a few awkward finishing seconds when the women appeared to be on separate pages as they traded pin attempts, it was a standard television match. Not great. Not terrible.
Asuka came at Vega quick, but Vega countered with a roll-through and dropkick. Vega went for a 619, but Asuka moved and dropped Vega on the announce table. Back in the ring, Asuka toyed with Vega by kicking Vega in the head. Vega fired up and landed a basement dropkick before getting Asuka in position for a 619 and got in the first part before heading to the top rope. Vega hit a Meteora for a two-count. The two traded some clunky pinning attempts, but Asuka sank in the Asuka Lock for the win. After the match, Bianca Belair ran to the ring to break the Asuka Lock, but Asuka got the best of it after spraying some mist in Belair’s face.
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The Grayson Waller Effect
Waller started the segment about reminding everyone about their history in NXT. Waller said Styles is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and asked Styles what winning the World Heavyweight Title would mean to him. Styles recalled that his latest injury put him on the shelf for longer than he’s ever been in his career and he’s been training harder than ever for his comeback. Styles said he wants the World Heavyweight Title more than air to breathe. Styles talked about Seth Rollins being on a movie set. Waller predicted that Rollins would win the title and Styles stood up. The two shared a stare down to end the segment.
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– The LWO was shown talking backstage. Santos Escobar said Latinos all around the world need to know what the LWO is about. Rey Mysterio said the Usos will find out what happens when they mess with the LWO and everyone traded handshakes.
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The Street Profits defeated LA Knight and Rick Boogs [3:56]
So, this was the segment that was cut last week, eh? Here’s hoping this gets the popular Knight on television more, though it’s not like a program with Rick Boogs is probably going to set the world on fire. The match was secondary to the Knight/Boogs angle, but it was fairly standard for what could be expected. Actually, if the point was to kickstart Knight, it’s odd that Boogs got more of the spotlight with the weightlifting tricks. So it goes. It’ll be interesting to see if WWE missed the mark on Knight and waited too long to give him a chance.
The crowd popped for Knight during his entrance. Knight cut a promo in the entry way saying he can beat the Profits with anybody and thus introduced Boogs. Montez Ford mocked Boogs to start the match and tried to clothesline the big guy. Boogs sold nothing. Boogs bench-pressed Ford over his head 10 times to little response from the crowd. Angelo Dawkins tagged in, but Boogs landed a shoulder tackle to take Dawkins down. Boogs then curled Dawkins as the crowd chanted. Knight tagged himself in and took Dawkins down with a double shoulder-tackle.
Knight slammed Dawkins and landed a leaping elbow on Dawkins for a two-count. Boogs tagged in, but Dawkins slipped away and tagged in Ford, who hit a cross-body on both Boogs and Knight. Ford landed a series of kicks on Boogs. With Boogs and Knight on the outside, Ford landed a Senton on them both. Back inside the ring, Ford hit a frog-splash on Boogs for the win. After the match, Knight got Boogs to his feet, only to attack Boogs and leave the ring.
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– Cameron Grimes was interviewed backstage by Megan Morant. Grimes said being on SmackDown feels like he’s living the dream. Grimes said he is determined to go straight to the top and, well, of course, to the moon.
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– Karrion Kross was shown speaking to nobody in particular. Scarlett pulled out one of her cards with AJ Styles on it, so it looks like we’re heading toward a Styles/Kross match, which begs the question … why the hell did the Grayson Waller Effect happen?
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Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn defeated Valentina Feroz and Yulisa Leon [1:16]
A basic squash coming to you directly from the hallowed halls of NXT. Dawn beat up everyone in sight to open the match. Fyre and Dawn ultimately made quick work out of Leon and Feroz by hitting their finisher for the win.
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– With Liv Morgan hurt, it was announced that Raquel Rodriguez will have to relinquish the women’s tag titles. A fatal four-way will happen and Raquel will have a mystery partner on her side to compete in said fatal four-way. Raquel then cut a promo backstage and was interrupted by Bayley and Iyo Sky. Bayley said next week, her and Iyo would like to face Rodriguez and a partner of Rodriguez’s choice.
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The Austin Theory Segment
Austin Theory stood in the ring with a microphone and said everyone knows who he is. Theory said last week, he was ganged up on by Bobby Lashley and Sheamus. The crowd gave him the “What?!” treatment. Theory said Lashley has a weird obsession with him, but he didn’t understand why Sheamus had a problem with him. Theory said he has things in common with Sheamus, like the fact that they both beat John Cena. Naturally, Sheamus’s music hit and Sheamus walked to the ring. Sheamus grabbed a microphone, but then instantly hit a Brogue Kick on Theory, dropped the mic and left the ring to end the segment.
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– Backstage, Paul Heyman spoke to the Usos and said Roman Reigns forgave them. The Usos asked Heyman if Reigns would be out to support them during their match, but Heyman said Reigns wouldn’t be out there. Heyman said the Usos are only facing the LWO, so it should be an easy win. The Usos walked out of the frame as Heyman grabbed his phone.
– Next week, The KO Show returns with guests Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns. Karrion Kross will face off against AJ Styles. Sheamus will take on Austin Theory for the United States Championship. And Raquel Rodriguez, with a mystery partner, will step in the ring with Bayley and Iyo Sky.
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The LWO (Rey Mysterio Jr. & Santos Escobar) defeated Jimmy & Jey Uso [14:21]
This was a worthy main event that had some exceptional false finishes, especially when it comes to what we normally see on weekly WWE television. The story of the Usos being drowned in disappointment continues, and it sure does feel like the powder keg will finally blow things to smithereens at Night Of Champions, but we’ll see. In the meantime, it’s fun to see the LWO get so much booking love, being put in meaningful matches and in this case, landing a meaningful win. This match had great action and it benefited from the mystery of who might come out on top. Good stuff from everyone involved.
Mysterio and Jey started the match, but Jimmy quickly tagged in and the two Usos worked over Rey. Mysterio fought back and Escobar tagged himself in as the LWO took control, ran the Usos out of the ring and posed as the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned from break, the Usos had the upper-hand on Escobar inside the ring. Reigns and Sikoa were shown watching the match on a television backstage.
Escobar eventually dropkicked Jimmy to slow things down and tease a hot tag, but Jey tagged in and kept the Usos in control. Jimmy tagged in and landed some strikes on Escobar in a corner. Escobar got some life when he kneed Jimmy and landed the hot tag to Mysterio. Jey tagged in and Mysterio hit a springboard cross-body for a two-count. Jey kicked Mysterio in the midsection, but Mysterio responded with a Destroyer and a two-count.
Jimmy interfered and kicked Mysterio in the back of the head. Jey then landed a neck-breaker for a good near-fall. Jimmy tagged in and lifted Rey, but Rey kicked his way out. Rey then took the Usos over the top to the outside. Escobar tagged in and hit a splash onto the Usos on the outside. Back inside the ring, Jimmy and Santos traded blows. Mysterio tagged in and went to the top, where he landed a leg-drop on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the pin attempt. Jey super-kicked Escobar and Rey threw Jey to the outside. Rey went for the 619, but Jey broke it up and hit an Uso Splash for a very good near-fall. The Usos went to the top, but Kevin Owens showed up and distracted the Usos while Samy Zayn interfered. Rey hit the 619 on Jimmy, Escobar hit a splash from the top and that was enough for the win. The show ended with a shot of a disappointed Roman Reigns in the back.
Wrestling Observer Live with Bryan Alvarez and Mike Sempervive is back with tons to talk about including AEW, RAW and NXT previews, Superstar Billy Graham health update, a fun edition of Smackdown, Sammy and Kevin returning to Saudi Arabia for a match with Roman and Solo, and more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
For the first time since 2014, Sami Zayn is set to wrestle in Saudi Arabia.
Zayn and Kevin Owens are scheduled to defend the WWE tag titles against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa at Night of Champions from Jeddah on May 27.
In 2019, our own Dave Meltzer reported that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requested Zayn not be on WWE shows from the country due to his Syrian heritage. Zayn’s parents immigrated to Canada from Syria in the 1970s before he was born.
Diplomatic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia broke down in 2011 following the Arab Spring movement and the Syrian civil war. The Arab League suspended Syria’s membership on November 16, 2011 and Syrians were prevented from traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Sami took part in a house show tour from the region in 2014 but has not performed in the country since WWE and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia entered a multi-year agreement in 2018.
Earlier this month, The Arab League voted to reinstate the Syria’s membership. Syrians, including Zayn, are once again permitted to travel to Saudi Arabia, opening the door for him to perform on WWE shows from the region.
Kevin and Sami are wrestling Roman and Solo Sikoa and that’s going to be one of the two main events for the Saudi show on the 27th. And what basically happened there was, I guess, Saudi Arabia has opened up to where Syrians can come in, so, Sami can come in and decided that he would go and when Sami decided he would go, Kevin decided that if Sami is going to go he’ll go too.
Owens was entered into 2018’s Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia but hasn’t performed in the country since.
Meltzer continued:
When the thing started, women weren’t allowed to go. It’s not just WWE but it’s with other products as well. As more western products have gone to Saudi Arabia, they have allowed them to be what they are and WWE being no different.
A rematch of the main event of night one of WrestleMania 39 is set for the April 28 WWE SmackDown.
As announced on this week’s episode, Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens will defend the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship against The Usos on next week’s SmackDown.
The Usos addressed the match in a promo on Friday’s show, promising to bring gold back to The Bloodline. Zayn and Owens defeated The Usos on night one of WrestleMania 39 to win the Undisputed Tag titles.
Next week’s SmackDown also kicks off the 2023 WWE Draft, which begins next Friday, April 28, then continues on the Monday, May 1 edition of Raw.
The Usos and Solo Sikoa vs. Zayn, Owens, and Matt Riddle has been announced for WWE Backlash on Saturday, May 6. Sikoa defeated Riddle in a no DQ match on Friday’s SmackDown in the show’s main event.
Next week’s SmackDown lineup:
WWE SmackDown, Friday, April 28 —
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship: Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens defend against The Usos
A new six-man tag team match has been added to Backlash.
New Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will team with Matt Riddle to take on The Usos and Solo Sikoa.
The Usos, Owens, and Zayn have continued their feud following WrestleMania, with Paul Heyman indicating to The Usos that Roman Reigns hasn’t been happy with them following their loss. Riddle made his return to WWE on the Raw following WrestleMania, and since then has set his sights on getting revenge against Solo Sikoa, who put him out of action late last year.
On Friday’s SmackDown, Riddle had the chance to take on Solo Sikoa in a singles match. Sikoa was able to put away Riddle with the samoan spike. After the match, Sikoa continued the attack on Riddle as The Usos and Zayn & Owens brawled around ringside. Sikoa delivered a uranage to Riddle on top of the table then pushed the table on top of him before Owens & Zayn could make the save.
Here is the card so far for Backlash in Puerto Rico on May 6:
The Usos & Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Matt Riddle
Denise Salcedo returns on this FRIYAY night for another episode of Speak Now Pro Wrestling! Today she runs down the April 14, 2023 edition of WWE Smackdown!
WWE has revealed the date for the Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens vs. The Usos Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship rematch.
As announced by Paul Heyman prior to the main event on Friday’s SmackDown episode, Zayn & Owens will defend the Undisputed Tag titles against The Usos on the Friday, April 28 WWE SmackDown show, the same night that the 2023 WWE Draft will begin.
Zayn & Owens defeated The Usos on night one of WrestleMania 39 to capture the Undisputed Tag Team titles. The Usos held the SmackDown Tag Team titles for 622 days, and unified those belts with the Raw Tag Team titles in May 2022. The Usos Undisputed reign lasted a total of 316 days.
The rematch will be the first title defense for Zayn & Owens since winning the Undisputed Tag titles.
The storyline between Zayn & Owens and The Bloodline continued on Friday’s SmackDown show, with Matt Riddle further cementing his alliance with Zayn & Owens. Riddle faced The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa in the main event of Friday’s show in a losing effort.
Welcome to another Friday night edition of Speak Now Pro Wrestling.
On tonight’s show, the focus is Friday’s WrestleMania fallout edition of WWE SmackDown that saw the announcement of the WWE Draft returning, a main event of Sami Zayn vs. Jey Uso, and plenty more.
