On the night before the Royal Rumble, the SmackDown women’s division got a big return.
Sasha Banks made her return to SmackDown on last night’s go-home show, declaring that she’s “ready to Rumble.” Banks will be one of the 30 entrants in Saturday’s women’s Royal Rumble match.
Banks had been out of action since the beginning of January with a bruised calcaneus bone. WWE initially stated that she would miss 6-8 weeks.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair kicked off last night’s show until being interrupted by Shayna Baszler, Aliyah, Natalya, Shotzi, and the returning Banks. A brawl ended with Banks throwing Charlotte out of the ring.
Plus, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins went face-to-face one final time ahead of the Royal Rumble, Naomi finally faced off with Sonya Deville in a one-on-one match, and more.
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio to talk about the major stories in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We talk about what’s going on with Ronda Rousey and how long she’s expected to be around. We preview the Royal Rumble and then look at AEW Dynamite ratings and compare the end of the TNT run to the current TBS run.
We hit on a couple of wrestling updates before talking about Jake Paul and Dana White as well as the insane purse bid for Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte. We talk about The Wrld on GCW and then end the show talking about the WON HOF.
Sasha Banks will be in this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match after all.
Banks made her return on tonight’s SmackDown, declaring that she’s “ready to Rumble.” WWE had announced earlier this month that Banks was expected to be out of action for 6-8 weeks due to a bruised calcaneus bone. If that timetable had proved to be accurate, Banks would have missed the Royal Rumble.
Banks suffered the injury while facing Charlotte Flair at a house show in Fayetteville, North Carolina on January 2. After the show, Banks tweeted that she was good and thanked everyone for the love.
Charlotte kicked off tonight’s SmackDown before being interrupted by Shayna Baszler, Aliyah, Natalya, and Shotzi. Banks then made her way out and announced that she’s back. A brawl broke out, ending with Banks throwing Charlotte out of the ring.
Despite being the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Charlotte will be one of the entrants in the women’s Royal Rumble. She’ll choose her own challenger for WrestleMania if she wins.
The Royal Rumble is taking place at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis this Saturday. Here’s the updated list of Royal Rumble entrants:
One of the top wrestlers in WWE will star in ESPN’s opening video for tonight’s college football national championship game.
Variety revealed today that the opening segment for the game features Banks “as a futuristic superhero who sparks the start of the college football national championship using the final piece of confetti from last year’s game in Miami to the teams running out on the field this year in Indianapolis.”
“It’s been such an honor, I feel like everybody who has been working on the set, and the whole team have been so incredible… to walk in and to just feel so welcome, and just to see everything, and I was just like, it was amazing,” Banks said. “I love the outfit, I love the concept, and it just fit me so well.”
WWE announced over the weekend that Banks is expected to be out of action for 6-8 weeks due to a bruised calcaneus bone. The injury happened when Banks was facing Charlotte Flair at a house show in Fayetteville, North Carolina on January 2.
If the timetable for Banks’ injury proves to be accurate, it means that she would miss the Royal Rumble.
Tonight’s college football national championship game between Alabama and Georgia airs on ESPN at 8 p.m. Eastern time and will go head-to-head with WWE Raw.
WWE is saying that Sasha Banks is expected to be out of action for 6-8 weeks after suffering an injury last weekend.
“Sasha Banks suffered a foot injury Sunday evening at a WWE Live! event in Fayetteville, NC. After seeking emergency medical attention, it was determined nothing was broken. Sasha underwent an MRI and it was discovered she has a bruised calcaneus bone. She is at home recovering and undergoing physical therapy. She is expected to be out of action for 6-8 weeks,” WWE announced.
The injury happened during a match where Banks faced SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair at the Fayetteville house show. Banks tweeted after the match that she was good and thanked everyone for the love they showed her.
If the 6-8 weeks timeline proves to be accurate, it means that Banks would miss this year’s women’s Royal Rumble match but would be back in time for WrestleMania.
Banks is part of the SmackDown women’s division.
Nineteen of the 30 entrants for the women’s Rumble match were announced on Friday’s SmackDown. That included Charlotte declaring that she’ll be in the match despite being the SmackDown Women’s Champion. Charlotte said she’ll be the first champion to win the Royal Rumble and choose their own WrestleMania challenger.
Sasha Banks says she’s “good” after she was helped to the back following a house show match against Charlotte Flair tonight in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Video and photos from the match show Banks landing awkwardly on a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, as her left knee appears to buckle. There then appears to be communication with the referee in the match, followed by a pause in the action as Banks looks to be determining whether or not she can make it back to her feet. After Charlotte’s double moonsault spot, Banks reversed a cradle, but Flair then quickly hit Natural Selection for the finish. The referee then threw up the “x” sign, and Banks was helped to the back by a referee and WWE ringside physician Dr. Chris Amann.
Banks has been challenging Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship on house shows, including on five consecutive days during the WWE Holiday Tour last week. In her last televised match, Banks and Toni Storm defeated Flair and Shotzi on the December 17 SmackDown.
Sasha Banks vs. Shotzi and the return of Sheamus will take place on SmackDown next week.
Banks vs. Shotzi was announced prior to tonight’s SmackDown main event. Shotzi started their feud two weeks ago on SmackDown, when Shotzi attacked Banks after she lost a match to Charlotte Flair. On tonight’s show, Shotzi and Banks were involved in a brawl that included the entire women’s SmackDown Survivor Series team, eventually leading to a six-person tag match where Aliyah, Banks, and Naomi defeated Shotzi, Natalya, and Shayna Baszler.
Ridge Holland announced tonight that Sheamus would be returning on next week’s show. Sheamus has been off television since undergoing surgery for a broken nose in September. Holland in recent weeks has praised Sheamus in backstage promos. Cesaro walked up to Holland during tonight’s promo and told Holland to be careful around Sheamus. Holland brushed him off, saying that he and Sheamus would make a far better team than The Bar.
An appearance by Sasha Banks is set for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Banks will return to SmackDown tonight after not appearing on last Friday’s show. Two weeks ago, Banks was beaten down by Shotzi after Shotzi lost a non-title match against SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair.
Shotzi blamed Banks for her loss to Charlotte. After Shotzi was accidentally distracted by Banks, Charlotte got the win by hitting Natural Selection. Shotzi then turned heel by attacking Banks and beating her down.
Shotzi cut a promo last week where she said Banks’ patronizing attitude was her breaking point. Shotzi said Banks is her target, and she’s going to run over Banks and anyone else who gets in her way.
Banks and Shotzi will both be members of SmackDown’s women’s team at Survivor Series on Sunday, November 21. Banks, Shotzi, Shayna Baszler, Natalya & Aliyah will face Raw’s Bianca Belair, Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Carmella & Zelina Vega in a traditional five-on-five Survivor Series elimination tag match.
Tonight’s SmackDown is being held at Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. A non-title match between Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Xavier Woods is also set for the show.
Tonight’s Supersized SmackDown is a special two-and-a-half-hour episode airing on FS1 from the Toyota Center in Ontario, California. The last half-hour will be commercial-free.
Brock Lesnar returns to confront Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. Reigns is set to defend his title against Lesnar at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia next Thursday. Last week, Heyman swore his loyalty to Reigns and gave Lesnar a warning.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch goes one-on-one with Sasha Banks in a non-title match tonight. At Crown Jewel, Lynch will put her title on the line against Banks and Bianca Belair in a triple threat match.
In a King of the Ring semifinal match, Finn Balor goes one-on-one with Sami Zayn. The winner advances to the finals at Crown Jewel and takes on the winner of Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal from Raw.
Carmella takes on Zelina Vega in the Queen’s Crown tournament semifinals. The winner also advances to the finals at Crown Jewel and will face the winner of Doudrop vs. Shayna Baszler from Raw.
Plus, Naomi goes one-on-one with the returning Sonya Deville. And The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Street Profits.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Michael Cole and Pat McAfee opened up the show running down tonight’s lineup featuring a Roman Reigns-Brock Lesnar contract signing.
Edge Segment
This was a good opening segment.
Edge made his entrance to a huge pop. They recapped Edge attacking Seth Rollins last week and challenging him to a Hell in a Cell match. They showed Rollins watching the interview in the back several times during the segment.
Edge grabbed a chair and sat in the middle of the ring. The fans erupted in cheers when his music ended. He noted their feud started seven years ago when Rollins tried to use him as a stepping stone. Edge pointed out that Rollins knew he wasn’t medically cleared but kept calling him out.
Edge recapped Rollins breaking into his home. He became emotional and angry talking about his family. Edge admitted Rollins took a page out of his book, and he mentioned the time he slapped John Cena’s dad. The fans cheered.
Edge admitted that Rollins isn’t Edge lite. He’s Seth Freakin’ Rollins. The fans erupted in a loud “Seth, you suck” chant. Edge said he has to finish this because it’s affecting their families. Edge noted he could go to Rollins’s house and have an encounter with Becks. The fans booed.
Edge promised not to hesitate this time and said it’s appropriate that their trilogy ends in Hell in a Cell. He promised to scar Rollins soul and noted that’s a scar he’ll never heal from.
Cole and McAfee recapped Sami Zayn beating Rey Mysterio and Finn Balor defeating Cesaro in King of the Ring matches last week.
King of the Ring semifinal: Finn Balor defeated Sami Zayn (11:24)
Balor and Zayn had a really good fast-paced, and hard-hitting match.
Earlier today, Balor noted winning the tournament is a great achievement, but he’s going to accomplish an even greater feat, which is shutting up Zayn.
Balor had the early advantage, but Zayn fought back with a back elbow. The fans broke into a “Sami sucks” chant. Zayn caught Balor with a sunset flip, but Balor rolled through and hit a dropkick. Balor followed up with an arm drag, but Zayn broke free with a clothesline. The fans broke into a “Let’s go Balor” chant.
Zayn slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Balor broke free and sent Zayn to the floor and followed up with a huge flip dive.
Back from the break, Zayn was firmly in control, but Balor fought back. They traded shots in the middle of the ring, ending with a Pele kick from Balor. Zayn ended up on the apron, and Balor sent him into the ring post.
Zayn hung Balor on the top rope and climbed the corner. Balor recovered and attempted a superplex, but Zayn knocked him off. Zayn went for a crossbody, but Balor hit a dropkick in mid-air for a close near fall. Zayn fought back and hit a blue thunder bomb for another close near fall.
Zayn hit an exploder suplex in the corner. He went for the helluva kick, but Balor avoided it. Balor caught Zayn with a kick, but Zayn recovered. He rolled up Balor with feet on the ropes, but the referee caught him.
Balor recovered and hit a shotgun dropkick in the corner. Zayn avoided the coup de grace and rolled up Balor for a close near fall. Balor fought back with the sling blade. The finish came when Balor hit two shotgun dropkicks and the coup de grace for the win.
Balor advances to the King of the Ring finals at Crown Jewel against the winner of Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal.
Cole and McAfee discussed the Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns contract signing later. McAfee called Reigns the best in the world.
They promoted Drew McIntrye debuting next Friday and recapped his big moments, including winning the 2020 Royal Rumble and the WWE Championship.
They recapped the Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns feud. It focused on Paul Heyman’s involvement and his warning to Lesnar last week.
They didn’t have a lot of time and rushed through the match. The fans also didn’t react much to the angle.
Earlier today, Naomi discussed finally having a match tonight and is excited to face Deville. They showed Deville in the back, watching Naomi make her entrance.
Back from the break, Deville walked out in a suit and yelled to shut off Naomi’s music. She noted Naomi left her office, before she finished talking. Deville then introduced her partner Shayna Baszler.
Baszler jumped Naomi, but she fought back with a kick to the head. Naomi then chased Deville on the floor and back into the ring. Baszler ran at Naomi, but she hit a dropkick to the legs. Deville then rocked Naomi with a knee to the head, and the heels took over.
Naomi recovered and hit a kick off the middle rope on Baszler. Deville grabbed Naomi’s leg, and Baszler locked on the Kirifuda Clutch. Naomi passed out, and Deville covered her with one foot.
They promoted Hit Row’s upcoming debut.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee ran down the Crown Jewel lineup.
Seth Rollins Segment
Rollins came out to respond to Edge’s comments from earlier. The fans broke into a loud “Seth, you suck” chant. Rollins mocked Edge for convincing the fans that he could beat him at Crown Jewel.
Rollins noted he’s not afraid to face Edge in Hell in a Cell, but hell already froze over. He bragged that Edge admitted to being wrong and that he’s not Edge lite. Rollins screamed that he’s not afraid to face Edge in Hell in a Cell. The fans broke into a “Harley Quinn” chant because of Rollins’s incredible suit.
The fans broke into a loud “We want Edge” chant. Rollins noted he’d had more time in the Cell than Edge has. Rollins claimed he’s the man he is today because of Hell in a Cell.
Rollins added that he’s the visionary, revolutionary, and Seth freakin’ Rollins.
They recapped Carmella beating Liv Morgan last week and Zelina Vega beating Toni Storm in the Queen’s Crown Tournament.
This was a fine match. They tried to tell a story but didn’t get a lot of time.
Vega approached Carmella in the back. They’re happy that Morgan and Storm didn’t make it to the semifinals. Vega told Carmella she didn’t have to wear the mask because they would have a nice clean match. They agreed to no hitting in the face.
Before the match, Carmella told her employees that she didn’t need the mask tonight.
Vega had the early advantage and took Carmella down to the mat, which impressed Carmella. Carmella took over and slowed the pack down with an armbar. Vega then used the ropes to break free and took Carmella down with an arm drag.
Carmella then kicked Vega in the face but claimed it was an accident. Vega was furious because they agreed to no hitting in the face.
Carmella tried to apologize, but Vega didn’t care and took down Carmella with a Thesz press. Carmella freaked out and jumped out of the ring to get her mask. However, Morgan appeared out of nowhere, holding the mask. The finish came when Morgan went after Carmella, so she jumped back in the ring. Vega took advantage and caught Carmella with a small package for the win.
Vega advances to the Queen’s Crown Tournament finals at Crown Jewel and faces the winner of Doudrap vs. Shayna Baszler.
Happy Talk
This was a strange segment. Corbin and Moss came out to tell some bad jokes when Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs interrupted. They never entered the ring, danced around ringside, and the segment abruptly ended.
They recapped last week’s Happy Talk. Happy Corbin introduced his guest, Madcap Moss as the funniest person he knows. Moss told a bad joke, and the fans erupted in boos. Moss mocked Kevin Owens and started to tell a joke about the new SmackDown roster members. Corbin laughed at everything Moss said.
Rick Boogs cut Moss off and noted he doesn’t want to hear bad jokes. Boogs then introduced Shinsuke Nakamura to a big pop. Nakamura, Boogs, and Pat McAfee rocked out to Nakamura’s music. Nakamura and Boogs danced around ringside and went back up the ramp.
Suddenly, The Street Profits, music hit, and Boogs played to their music as well.
In the back, Sasha Banks discussed her upcoming match with Becky Lynch. She promised to beat Lynch tonight and win the title at Crown Jewel.
They announced New Day’s debut for next week.
Street Fight: SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Street Profits to retain the titles (10:58)
The Usos and Street Profits had a really good street fight.
All four guys started brawling at the ring of the bell. Angelo Dawkins caught Jey with a twisting neck breaker. Montez Ford backed Jimmy in the corner, but Jey made the save. The Usos jumped out of the ring and tossed Dawkins into the barricade.
Suddenly, Ford leaped over the corner and hit a huge dive onto the Usos. The Street Profits did the Dudley Boyz spot when Dawkins yelled at Ford to get the tables. The fans popped big and chanted, “We want tables.” They pulled out a table, but The Usos hit a double suicide dive onto the faces holding the table.
Back from the break, The Usos were firmly in control. Jey pulled out kendo sticks to a huge pop from the crowd. The Usos beat down Dawkins with the kendo sticks, and the fans chanted, “One more time.” The Usos snapped and viciously beat down Dawkins.
Ford then hit a flying crossbody onto both Usos to regain control. Ford ran wild and sent Jey out of the ring. He then dropkicked a chair into Jimmy’s head for a near fall. Jey jumped back in and hit a pop-up Samoan Drop for a near fall.
The Street Profits took back over and beat down Jey with the kendo stick. The faces went for the Doomsday Device, but Jimmy made the save. They rocked Ford with a double superkick.
The Usos then hit a double superkick on Dawkins for a close near fall. They went for the double splash, but Ford pulled Jey off the corner. Dawkins hit the spine buster on Jimmy, and Ford hit the frog splash, but Jey broke up the pin.
Jey then slammed Ford through a table at ringside. Dawkins briefly ran wild, but The Usos recovered and hit a double superkick. They followed up with two splashes for the win.
In the back, Becky Lynch responded to Sasha Banks from earlier. She promised to beat Banks tonight and retain the title at Crown Jewel.
Cole noted they were about to go to their last commercial break of the night.
Back from the last break, they promoted Charlotte Flair debuting on SmackDown next week.
Banks and Lynch had a really good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up as the match progressed.
They recapped the contract signing between Lynch, Banks, and Bianca Belair from last week. Before the match, Belair made her entrance and joined Cole and McAfee on commentary.
Banks and Lynch traded headlocks as the fans broke into dueling “Let’s go Becky” and “Let’s go Sasha” chants. They then traded pin attempts that ended in a stalemate. They went back and forth going for the Dis-arm-her and Bank Statement.
Banks took over with double knees in the corner. The fans broke into a brief “Becky” chant. Lynch fought back and caught Banks with a leg drop to gain control. Banks fought back and sent Lynch to the apron. Banks went for the double knees, but Lynch moved, and Banks crashed into the ring post.
Lynch scored a near fall and threw Banks out of the ring. Lynch tried to win by a count-out, but Banks barely beat the count. Banks tried to fight back, but Lynch went after the leg and hit a bulldog for a two-count.
Lynch slowed the pace down with a chin lock, but Banks broke free and hit the Three Amigos suplexes for a near fall. The fans broke into a loud “Eddie” chant. Banks ended up on the apron, and Lynch threw her into the ring post. Lynch caught Banks’ arm in the turnbuckle.
Banks was draped across the middle rope and Lynch hit a leg drop off the second turnbuckle. Banks fought back and pulled Lynch into the ring post. She followed up with the double knees on the apron and a second in the ring. Banks then hit the Meteora off the top rope for a close near fall.
Lynch jumped off the second turnbuckle, but Banks avoided and hit the backstabber. Lynch rolled to the floor, but Banks went after her.
Banks attempted a powerbomb off the apron, but Lynch countered with a leg drop. Lynch leaped off the steps, but Banks locked on the Bank Statement on the floor. Lynch tapped, but it didn’t count because they weren’t in the ring.
Banks hit the frog splash for a very close near fall. Lynch took back over and hit a leg drop off the second turnbuckle for a two-count. Lynch attempted the leg drop again, but Banks moved out of the way.
They fought in front of the announce table at ringside. Lynch pushed Banks, and she almost collided with Belair. Banks moved, and Lynch rocked Belair with a forearm. Banks then hit a knee off the announce table, and Lynch hit the barricade.
Banks went for the frog splash again, but Lynch got her knees up. Lynch and Banks traded near falls back and forth until Banks locked on the Bank Statement. Lynch made it to the ropes to break the hold.
The finish came when Belair hit Lynch with her ponytail, which distracted Lynch. She actually appeared more confused than hurt. Banks then hit the backstabber on Lynch for the win.
As Banks celebrated, Adam Pearce ran out and ordered the staff set up for the contract signing.
Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman made their entrance first to a big reaction. McAfee called Reigns the best in the world again as he walked to the ring. Brock Lesnar entered second to a huge pop from the fans. Lesnar sat down at the table but Reigns stood up. Lesnar put his feet up on the desk, and the fans broke into a loud “Suplex City” chant.
Reigns demanded that Paul Heyman read the contract first before he sign. Heyman read it over and advised Reigns to sign.
Lesnar grabbed the contract and signed it without reading it. Reigns laughed and called Lesnar a dumbass for not reading the contract.
Lesnar took the mic and told Reigns he read the contract this morning with his advocate Paul Heyman. Reigns and Heyman were shocked as the fans popped big, and Lesnar walked off laughing.
Cole and McAfee ran down the Crown Jewel lineup.
The last half hour was good mostly because of Lynch and Banks, although the show dragged at times.
Next Week: The new SmackDown roster goes into effect the night after Crown Jewel.
Date: October 11, 2021 Location: Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
The Big Takeaway —
Raw was awful.
Show Recap —
Drew McIntyre entered to start the show. He wore street clothes while also carrying his sword. They advertised that Crown Jewel was “one week from Thursday” instead of telling us the date.
McIntyre thought it was appropriate to be a warrior kicking off Raw in the home of the Warriors. McIntyre mentioned the top matches for Crown Jewel, including his match against Big E where he would once again become WWE Champion. He knew his time on Raw was counting down but was ready to go to Smackdown as the champion.
Big E interrupted. Corey Graves mentioned that Big E did the intros for the Fury-Wilder fight.
Big E understood McIntyre’s desire to be champion because Big E himself felt the sweet nectar of the championship drip down his chin down betwixt his nipples. (McIntyre looked befuddled.) Big E informed McIntyre that he would never win the title from him. He can either get off the train tracks or get run right over.
McIntyre recalled how excited the fans were when Big E won the title. McIntyre himself was the champion for a long time but never got that reaction because of the time he won the title. McIntyre’s time would come at Crown Jewel because he planned on running right through him.
The Usos interrupted. They were excited to see Big E and McIntyre fight. Jey thought Big E would win, Jimmy thought McIntyre would win. Jey said we all knew that Roman Reigns would beat Brock Lesnar to retain the Universal Championship, but they wanted to know who would be next for Reigns at Survivor Series — Big E or McIntyre.
McIntyre and Big E weren’t really getting along but they agreed to the Usos challenge for a match tonight. The slight dissension allowed the Usos to knock them down with superkicks before leaving.
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Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came out for the next segment. (They seemed unconcerned by their friend getting laid out by their long-time rivals. This had more to do with poor production/timing than storytelling.)
(During commercial break in Canada, they announced a house show in Montreal on December 30, which would be the first show in Canada in a long while.)
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King of the Ring Round 1: Xavier Woods defeated Ricochet (10:55)
Ricochet hit an impressive superplex which led to break about three minutes into the match.
Ricochet was in control until Woods dropped him over the top rope, hit a double foot stomp and diving leg drop for two, followed by a gutbuster for two. Woods rolled to the outside after Ricochet hit a Death Valley Driver, so Ricochet followed with consecutive dives. Ricochet tried another dive but Woods drove him into the barricade.
Woods followed with a diving elbow drop for the pinfall win. Woods will face either Kingston or Jinder Mahal in the next round.
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Backstage, Riddle wanted Randy Orton to guess who challenged Omos to a match tonight. Orton didn’t take long to figure out it was Riddle himself, but Riddle acted like Orton didn’t know. Riddle had a plan for tonight but Orton basically let him know that the plan last week wouldn’t work a second time. Orton told him that he was on his own tonight. Riddle didn’t believe him.
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Jimmy Smith said Raw has been quieter than usual tonight. I thought he was referring to the dead crowd but he was actually referencing the Miz being absent. They plugged Dancing With The Stars. (The crowds have been pretty good lately but not so far tonight.)
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Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin defeated Mustafa Ali & Mansoor (1:25)
Alexander won quickly with a Michinoku Driver on Ali. I’m just happy someone won with the Michinoku Driver.
Ali was not happy, however. He shoved Mansoor to the ground after the match. He’s tired of this.
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Queen’s Crown Round 1: Shayna Baszler defeated Dana Brooke (1:24)
Baszler won quickly with a knee strike. Nothing to this.
Baszler attacked Brooke after the match as they were showing a replay but the referee quickly broke it up.
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Charlotte Flair did a backstage promo. She wanted to win both title belts and meld them together.
[Second Hour]
They gave Omos his own music a few weeks ago but they still came to AJ Styles’ music here.
Riddle tried distracting Omos and Styles before the match with his ramblings before trying to summon Orton to attack but he never showed. The crowd did laugh when Riddle sang Orton theme, thinking that would bring him out. Styles said even the dumb people of San Fran knew that Orton wouldn’t show. Styles told the ref to start the match.
Omos (w/AJ Styles) defeated Riddle (2:32)
Omos had the match won in under a minute after a chokeslam but Styles told him not to make the cover. Styles encouraged Omos to try some karate on Riddle, specifically a roundhouse kick. Omos kicked Riddle in the head and Styles had them show a replay. The crowd chanted “we want Randy.” Omos finally hit a tree slam for the pinfall win. (They played Omos’ music.)
Styles was going to give Riddle a Styles Clash but he stopped upon hearing Orton’s music. Orton didn’t appear so Styles told Omos to watch his back. Orton still appeared out of nowhere and laid out Styles with an RKO.
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McIntyre confronted Big E in the back and blamed what happened earlier on him. Big E said they’d beat each other up at Crown Jewel but they needed to worry about the Usos tonight. McIntyre agreed they should work together. He figured Reigns must be worried about them because the Usos can’t wipe their own asses without his permission. Big E and McIntyre mimicked the Mega Powers handshake before laughing about it.
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Bobby Lashley promo
Lashley noted that Goldberg literally threatened to kill him and that behaviour was not befitting of a WWE superstar, hall of famer, or father. Lashley mentioned that he was a well-dressed champion who defended his title all year while Goldberg showed up in cut-off sleeves, frothing at the mouth and making death threats.
Lashley said Goldberg was a dog that needed to be put down and he planned on ending Goldberg’s career. “You can’t kill the All Mighty.”
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Sasha Banks did a backstage promo. She wasn’t worried about anyone and planned on winning the Smackdown title next week.
(There was a commercial for Chucky where he actually complained about how often they go to commercial during Raw. Maybe he should be doing the Raw report.)
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Austin Theory defeated Jeff Hardy (2:04)
Theory had a rest hold on Hardy as Reginald ran into the ring while trying to escape the 24/7 crew. Reginald did a flip over Theory even though he could have easily walked around him. The 24/7 shenanigans distracted Theory, so Hardy gave him a Twist of Fate.
None of that mattered at all though, because Theory avoided a Swanton Bomb and applied a schoolboy holding the tights for the pinfall win.
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Bianca Belair did a backstage promo. Belair said she didn’t have to cheat to win and planned on knocking Lynch down to Becky No-Belts.
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Kevin Patrick asked New Day who would win if Kingston and Woods had to face off next week. Kingston said “who” over and over as he backed away through the curtain to head to the ring.
King of the Ring Round 1: Jinder Mahal (w/Veer & Shanky) defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) (8:55)
After a commercial break and some outside distractions that meant nothing, Mahal gave Kinston a Khallas for the pinfall win. Mahal posed with the crown post-match.
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Becky Lynch did a backstage promo. She said she didn’t have much more to say despite being someone who talks a lot. She has already beaten them all and was five steps ahead of everyone. Lynch compared Charlotte to the smell of stale piss and said Banks went home and cried every time she lost.
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(A Toronto house show was announced for December 29 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.)
They plugged John Cena’s appearance on SNL.
[Third Hour]
Belair and Banks got into what was basically a fight trying to determine who would start the match. That bled into a brawl with their opponents as officials tried to get things under control. Charlotte also attacked Lynch and as the two of them fought, Belair grabbed Banks and chucked her on top of them.
As they continued to brawl, Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville demanded they get back in the ring to restart the match. (Pearce called them four of the greatest of all time.)
Even though Belair is the only clearly defined babyface of the four, it was Lynch and Charlotte who were in the usual “babyface” corner of the ring.
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair & Smackdown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair & Sasha Banks ended via ??? (4:33)
This sucked.
Neither team got along and they kept tagging each other in and out. It randomly ended via referee stoppage/disqualification/no contest/referee boredom when Belair attacked Banks. They attacked each other until Lynch was left standing after knocking out Banks.
This was bad.
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The Usos discussed strategy for tonight.
The announcers congratulated Stephanie McMahon on winning some award.
Doudrop is a caricature who said the words “yas queen” in a pre-match promo.
Natalya controlled the match until Doudrop used a rollup for the win. Doudrop faces Baszler next week. Another short women’s match.
********
John Morrison was peacefully meditating in the back when he was rudely interrupted by Rhea Ripley and Nikki ASH. He explained what he was doing and Nikki said she was glad he was following his dreams. Nikki admitted to Ripley that she didn’t know what he was talking about.
Elsewhere, Austin Theory took a selfie with Big E as he prepared for his match. Big E was annoyed but didn’t kill him.
********
Patrick asked Mansoor about Ali. Ali happened to be nearby and he called Mansoor a giant waste of time. Ali, who loses every week, told Mansoor that he was his only lifeline. Ali called Mansoor a worthless loser. Mansoor didn’t react or respond. Ali attacked him and laid him out.
********
WWE Champion Big E & Drew McIntyre vs. Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos ended via ??? (15:13)
The Usos took control and did the New Day spot where they tag in and out and stomp their opponent (Big E) repeatedly in the corner. The crowd briefly chanted for their hometown Usos. The Usos drove Big E into the steps as they went to break.
The Usos remained in control until Jey missed a hip attack and Big E suplexed him before tagging in McIntyre. McIntyre gave Jimmy overhead suplexes and a spinebuster for two. Jey tagged himself in and the Usos hit double superkicks which got a two count.
McIntyre gave them both neckbreakers and set up for a Claymore but Big E tagged himself in. Big E told McIntyre to get out of the ring until Jey gave him two consecutive superkicks for two. Big E countered a move by Jey and incidentally knocked McIntyre off the apron.
Big E gave Jey an STO but McIntyre was being a pissy baby so he pulled Big E out of the ring (and broke up the cover). The two men brawled until the ref called for another boredom stoppage.
The Usos wiped out both men with dives. Big E and McIntyre fought them off but the crowd didn’t care. McIntyre wiped out Big E with a Claymore as the show ended.
Four top stars are set to face off in a tag team match on Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch & Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will team up as they face Sasha Banks & Bianca Belair on Monday’s Raw. The show is taking place at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
A non-title match between Lynch and Banks has also been announced for next Friday’s “Supersized” edition of SmackDown. Lynch will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Banks and Belair in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21.
In the WWE Draft, Lynch was drafted to Raw and Charlotte was selected by SmackDown. The post-draft rosters don’t take effect until the day after Crown Jewel.
A face-to-face segment with WWE Champion Big E and Drew McIntyre has also been announced for Monday’s Raw. Big E will defend his WWE Championship against McIntyre at Crown Jewel.
Plus, Raw’s first matches in the King of the Ring and Queen’s Crown tournaments will take place on Monday’s show. Kofi Kingston vs. Jinder Mahal and Xavier Woods vs. Ricochet are Raw’s first-round matches in King of the Ring. Doudrop vs. Natalya and Dana Brooke vs. Shayna Baszler are Raw’s Queen’s Crown first-round matches.
A match that was originally supposed to take place at SummerSlam is set for tonight’s SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks will take place on SmackDown tonight. The show, which is being held at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, is the first night of the WWE Draft.
Belair defeated Banks to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 37 night one this April. They were scheduled to have a rematch at SummerSlam, but it was announced that Banks wouldn’t be able to compete. Becky Lynch instead made her surprise return and defeated Belair in 26 seconds to win the SmackDown Women’s title.
Banks returned during Lynch and Belair SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules. She attacked Belair, causing the match to end in a disqualification. Banks also beat down Lynch and laid out both Belair and Lynch with backstabbers.
Lynch will defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Belair and Banks in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel on Thursday, October 21.
In addition to Belair vs. Banks and the start of the WWE Draft, tonight’s SmackDown will feature the return of Edge. It will be the first time Edge has appeared since the angle where he was stretchered out after Seth Rollins hit a stomp to his neck during their match on SmackDown three weeks ago. Rollins threatened to go find Edge if he didn’t show up tonight.
The SmackDown Women’s Championship will be on the line in a triple threat match when WWE returns to Saudi Arabia later this month.
WWE has announced that Becky Lynch will defend her SmackDown Women’s Championship against Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks in a triple threat match at Crown Jewel. The show is taking place at Mohammed Abdu Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21. It will air live on Peacock/WWE Network starting at noon Eastern time.
Lynch won the SmackDown Women’s Championship by defeating Belair in 26 seconds at SummerSlam this August. Banks was originally supposed to challenge for Belair’s title at that pay-per-view, but it was announced that she wouldn’t be able to compete.
At Extreme Rules, Banks made her return by causing Lynch and Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship rematch to end in a disqualification. Banks attacked Belair and then beat down Lynch as well. She laid out both Belair and Lynch with backstabbers.
Belair vs. Banks will take place on tonight’s SmackDown.
After women were prohibited from wrestling at the first three events that took place as part of WWE’s 10-year deal with the Saudi General Sports Authority, Natalya vs. Lacey Evans at Crown Jewel 2019 was WWE’s first women’s match in Saudi Arabia. Bayley and Naomi also faced off for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Super ShowDown 2020.
This year’s Crown Jewel will be the first time WWE has been to Saudi Arabia since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Brock Lesnar
SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair and Sasha Banks in a triple threat match
For the first time since having to miss SummerSlam, Sasha Banks is back on WWE programming.
Banks made her return by getting involved in Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship match at tonight’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view. As Belair was going to hit the KOD on Lynch, Banks interfered and attacked Belair to cause the match to end in a disqualification.
Banks continued to attack Belair after causing the DQ. When Banks and Lynch then went face-to-face, Banks started to beat her down too. Belair recovered and went after Banks, but Banks slapped her and hit a backstabber. Banks then laid out Lynch with a backstabber as well.
As she was heading up the ramp, Banks said she’ll see Lynch and Belair on SmackDown this Friday night.
Banks was scheduled to challenge for Belair’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at SummerSlam last month, but it was announced just before the match was supposed to start that Banks wouldn’t be able to compete at the show. Lynch made her surprise return and defeated Belair in 26 seconds to win the SmackDown Women’s title.
Banks and Belair both missed two house shows the weekend before SummerSlam due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Belair returned on the pre-SummerSlam episode of SmackDown.
TripleMania coverage including the story behind the AAA title finish
Update on one of the biggest weekends in years, updated ticket sales, secondary market tickets, lineups, Punk teases, updates on All Out, WWE in MSG, Extreme Rules, Ashe Stadium
Wrestler and Match of the week and major show polls for the week
WWE settles nine lawsuits out of court
Coverage of New Japan Resurgence, story behind stars not being in G1 this year
CMLL Anniversary and the ridiculous machinations over the National heavyweight title
New Japan business updates
Numerous stories regarding COVID and pro wrestlers infected, and major Japanese figure from the past battling for his life
UFC business updates, lots of fighters talk pay
Nick Khan talks the TV sports business going forward
Detailed look at ratings for the past two weeks, quarterly breakdowns, demo numbers and the why behind the numbers
How WWE & AEW are doing internationally in ratings
Results of the major pro wrestling events of the past week
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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
Garrett Gonzalez and I will be doing our show tomorrow. Mick Foley and Pat Laprade will be guests and we’ll be talking about Dominic DeNucci as well as tonight’s show, SummerSlam and more.
We’re doing polls this weekend on both SummerSlam and Takeover, thumbs up, down or middle along with a best and worst match to [email protected]
Nick Khan’s mention about WWE up for listening to offers about buying yesterday got some news. He didn’t say anything that hasn’t been said multiple times since 2016. In fact he used almost the exact words George Barrios, in the same position, had used. But it did help the stock price which rose to $48.51 per share, up $1.26.
As noted in the current issue, we’ve received conflicting reports on whether the Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks match would take place at SummerSlam. WWE is still advertising it and there were reports both were cleared. PWInsider reported Banks was not in Phoenix tonight for the Smackdown tapings. Bianca Belair was in Phoenix. Their matches this past week were canceled due to a medical issue.
Something is happening at Rampage at the United Center in Chicago. C.M. Punk is not advertised but it’s a virtual certainty he makes his first televised appearance in seven years. Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia, Jade Cargill vs. Kiera Hogan and Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus vs. Private Party in the four-team tournament first round are scheduled for the show.
For those in Canada, Rampage will air on TSN on a one-hour delay at 11 p.m.
Smackdown tonight has Rey Mysterio vs. Jey Uso and John Cena and Roman Reigns will talk, plus Edge is on the show.
A woman who was there for the accident where former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub saved three children, mad at people thinking he made it up, talked about the situation.
UFC tomorrow night from the Apex in Las Vegas:
On ESPN at 10 p.m. Eastern
Jared Cannonier (185) vs. Kelvin Gastelum (186)
Clay Guida (155) vs. Mark O. Madsen (156)
Parker Porter (262) vs. Chase Sherman (256)
Trevin Jones (135) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (138.5)
Vinc Pichel (155.5) vs. Austin Hubbard (156)
Alexandre Pantoja (126) vs. Brandon Royval (125.5)
On ESPN 2 and ESPN+ at 7 p.m. Eastern
Austin Lingo (145.5) vs. Luis Saldana (146)
Brian Kelleher (136) vs. Domingo Pilarte (136)
Bea Malecki (135) vs. Josiane Nunes (136)
William Knight (206) vs. Fabio Cherant (205)
Roosevelt Roberts (154.5) vs. Ignacio Bahamondes (154)
Sasha Palatnikov (170) vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (171)
Kakhramonov missed weight and forfeits 20 percent of his purse to opponent Trevin Jones.
Bellator tonight on Showtime at 9 p.m. Eastern:
Jomel Lugo (137.4) vs. Keith Lee (140)
Marcelo Golm (252) vs. Billy Swanson (265.6)
Logan Storley (170.4) vs. Dante Schiro (170)
Cheick Kongo (247) vs. Sergei Kharitonov (264.8)
The scheduled Adam Borics vs. Jay Jay Wilson semifinal is off because Wilson missed weight by 4.4 pounds.
Kayla Harrison vs. Taylor Guardado will be the women’s 155 pound final for the PFL on 10/27 for $1 million as both won last night. Harrison beat Genah Fabian via first round TKO in 4:01 to move to 11-0 while Guardado beat Marina Morais by close split decision in last night’s semifinals on ESPN. In the heavyweight tournament, Bruno Cappelozza vs. Ante Delija will be the heavyweight final. Cappelozza beat Jamelle Jones via second round TKO and Delija beat Denis Goltsov via straight 29-28 scores. The winner of that fight on 10/27 also gets $1 million.
Odds on the first opponent for Bryan Danielson in AEW: C.M. Punk +175, Kenny Omega +450, Darby Allin +500, Sting +500, MJF +600, Chris Jericho +700, Sammy Guevera +700, Orange Cassidy +800, Cody Rhodes +900
Odds for C.M. Punk’s first opponent: Darby Allin -200, Bryan Danielson +275, Christian Cage +375, Orange Cassidy +600, Matt Hardy +700, Chris Jericho +800, Cody Rhodes +800, Jungle Boy +900, Sting +1000
Over/under star ratings for SummerSlam from Kambi:
Alexa Bliss vs. Eva Marie was not put on the boards
Drew McIntyre vs. Jinder Mahal **
Edge vs. Seth Rollins ****1/4
Styles & Omos vs. Orton & Riddle **3/4
Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley vs. Nikki ASH ***1/2
Usos vs. Mysterios ***1/2
Bianca Belair vs. Sasha Banks ****
Sheamus vs. Damien Priest ***1/2
Roman Reigns vs. John Cena ****1/4
Bobby Lashley vs. Bill Goldberg **
For results:
Eva Marie +250 vs. Alexa Bliss -400
Jinder Mahal +225 vs. Drew McIntyre -350
Seth Rollins +175 vs. Edge -250
Riddle & Orton -455 vs. Styles & Omos +280
Nikki Ash -118 vs. Charlotte Flair +130 vs. Rhea Ripley +400
Usos -500 vs. Mysterios +300
Bianca Belair -182 vs. Sasha Banks +130
Sheamus +175 vs. Damien Priest -250
Roman Reigns -650 vs. John Cena +350
Bobby Lashley -800 vs. Bill Goldberg +400
ROH Glory by Honor tonight from Philadelphia on Honor Club:
Bandido vs. Flip Gordon for ROH title
Jonathan Gresham vs. Rhett Titus for Pure title
Homicide & Brody King & Chris Dickinson & Tony Deppen vs. Rush & Dragon Lee & Kenny King & Bestia del Ring
Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. The Righteous
Danhausen vs. PJ Black vs. Mike Bennett vs. Demonic Flamita vs. Eli Isom & Dak Draper
Brian Johnson vs. EC 3
Rey Horus vs. Silas Young
Mandy Leon & Angelina Love vs. Vita Vonstarr & ?
Impact has a taped Emergence PPV on Impact+ and Fite TV tonight:
No Way & Fallah Bahh & Tasha Steelz & Savannah Evans vs. Crazzy Steve & Black Taurus & Rosemary & Havok
Madison Rayne vs. Taylor Wilde
Matt Cardona & Chelsea Green vs. Mahabali Shera & Rohit Raju
Petey Williams vs. Steve Maclin
Sami Callihan vs. Moose vs. Chris Sabin vs. Ace Austin for the No. 1 contender to the title
Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. Rich Swann & Willie Mack vs. Rhino & Joe Doering
Deonna Purrazzo & Matthew Rehwoldt vs. Melina & Trey Miguel
Josh Alexander vs. Jake Something for X title
Christian Cage vs. Brian Myers for the Impact title
A correction from Monday. While the Rock Concert segment with The Rock running down Vickie Guerrero on the January 14, 2013 Raw was cut out, it was a musical rights issue and not a content issue and was off the WWE Network version as well.
UFC
Nina Nunes vs. Amanda Lemos has been added to the 12/18 show.
Rick Martel is doing his first private signing in 15 years for signedbysuperstars.com They are accepting mail order questions contact them at Facebook.com/signedbysuperstars.
If you ever want to see a legitimate women’s six person tornado match, here one is.
In a SlamWrestling.net column, Australian women’s wrestling star Shazza McKenzie shares her personal story, her struggles with body image, and the discovery that lipedema was the root cause of many of her issues. It’s a riveting read.
Full Impact Pro on 8/29 in Clearwater, FL at the OCC Road House with Jon Davis vs. JD Drake in the main event.
LFA on 9/24 in Oshkosh, WI at the Menominee Nation Arena with a light heavyweight title match as the main event. Josh Silveira (5-0) will be one of the participants. The opponent hasn’t been named yet.
Bare Knuckle Fighting on 9/10 in Omaha, NE at the Ralston Arena has Dakota Cochrane vs. Mike Richman as the main event plus Houston Alexander vs. Wes Combs.
Bellator on 10/1 at the SSE Arena in London has Douglas Lima (32-9) vs Michael Venom Page (19-1) and Leah McCourt (5-1) vs. Jessica Borga (3-3) as the top two fights. The show will air live on Showtime in the U.S.
AAW on 9/2 in Chicago at the Logan Square Arena, which is the Thursday of the week AEW is in town. Masks are required for all in attendance. Myron Reed defends the Heritage title against Ace Austin, Allysin Kay defends the women’s title against Jody Threat and Laredo Kid vs.Arez are announced, plus Fred Yehi, Juice Robinson, Josh Alexander, Davey Vega, Jake Something, Daniel Garcia and more.
Pro Wrestling Eve returns on 8/27 in London at The Venue on Great Portland Street with a 30 woman Rumble.
ICW in Scotland has its first event back with fans on 8/29 in Glasgow, Scotland at The Asylum.
90s AAA woman star Martha Villalobos is hospitalized currently due to COVID.
Trey Miguel has a seminar in Cleveland on Sunday at 1 p.m. For more info you can email [email protected]
Premier Championship Wrestling on Sunday at 5 p.m. At Turners Hall in Cleveland.
