Two matches have been announced for tonight’s Hell in a Cell go-home edition of SmackDown.
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line as The Usos defend against Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura tonight. Riddle & Nakamura earned the title shot by defeating The Usos by disqualification on Raw this Monday.
The Usos got themselves disqualified in Monday’s non-title match when they attacked Riddle with his own scooter.
The Usos became the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions when they defeated Riddle & Randy Orton in a title unification match on SmackDown two weeks ago. Following that match, there was an angle where Roman Reigns and The Usos attacked Riddle and Orton. Orton hasn’t appeared on WWE television since then.
It’s also been announced that there will be a six-pack challenge on SmackDown tonight. The winner will become the number one contender to Ronda Rousey’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya, Shayna Baszler, Xia Li, Shotzi, and Aliyah will be the participants in the six-pack challenge.
WWE’s announcement didn’t confirm when the winner will be getting their title shot against Rousey.
The Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio is hosting tonight’s SmackDown. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Riddle & Shinsuke Nakamura
Number one contender’s six-pack challenge: Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Xia Li vs. Shotzi vs. Aliyah
Naomi and Sasha Banks will be defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles in two weeks on SmackDown.
Tonight’s show announced that they will defend the titles against Shayna Baszler and Natalya on the May 13th edition of SmackDown. Naomi defeated Baszler on tonight’s show, but Natalya attacked Naomi right after the match. Banks came in for the save, but Natalya got the advantage while Baszler recovered and attacked Naomi, stomping on Naomi’s arm.
Baszler & Natalya interrupted an interview with Naomi & Banks on last week’s SmackDown, saying they have never been beaten for the titles, mentioning the four-way from WrestleMania 38. Natalya ended up pushing Banks down, with Naomi holding Banks back as Baszler & Natalya made their exit.
Banks and Naomi won the titles on the second night of WrestleMania 38 in a four-way match that involved then-champions Carmella & Queen Zelina, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan, and Natalya & Baszler.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania will now be a four-way.
Natalya and Shayna Baszler have been added to the title match on night two of WrestleMania on Sunday, April 3 after an angle on tonight’s SmackDown episode.
Natalya and Baszler interfered in a tag match on SmackDown featuring Sasha Banks and Naomi taking on Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan with Tag title holders Queen Zelina and Carmella at ringside. After laying out all for competitors in the match, Natalya and Baszler then had a staredown with Zelina and Carmella.
Later in the show, Sonya Deville congratulated Natalya and Baszler on their interference and announced that they would be added to the WrestleMania bout.
Five matches are set for each night of WrestleMania. Here is the announced lineup so far:
WWE WrestleMania 38 night one, Saturday, April 2 —
WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Bianca Belair
The KO Show with Kevin Owens & “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship: The Usos (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
WWE WrestleMania 38 night two, Sunday, April 3 —
Title unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Edge vs. AJ Styles
Anything goes match: Johnny Knoxville vs. Sami Zayn
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Queen Zelina & Carmella (c) vs. Sasha Banks & Naomi vs. Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan vs. Natalya & Shayna Baszler
A pair of announcements have been made for tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
WWE has announced that Universal Champion Roman Reigns will be making an appearance on SmackDown tonight. Naomi vs. Shayna Baszler has also been confirmed for the show.
Reigns didn’t appear on television on last week’s SmackDown. His cousins, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos, lost a non-title match to The New Day’s Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston in the main event of the show. Reigns did take part in a dark match after last Friday’s SmackDown went off the air, teaming with The Usos in a loss to Drew McIntyre & The Street Profits.
WWE wrote about Reigns’ appearance on tonight’s SmackDown:
After taking last week off, Universal Champion Roman Reigns will bring SmackDown back to The Island of Relevancy.
Naomi has been feuding with WWE authority figure Sonya Deville on SmackDown. Last week, Deville made herself the special guest referee for a match where Baszler defeated Naomi.
Last week’s SmackDown aired on FS1 due to a World Series game being on Fox.
Tonight’s show is taking place at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana.
Zelina Vega, Carmella, Shayna Baszler, and Doudrop are the final four wrestlers in WWE’s Queen’s Crown tournament.
Baszler and Doudrop advanced to the Queen’s Crown semifinals with first-round wins on Raw tonight. Baszler defeated Dana Brooke, while Doudrop defeated Natalya. Baszler and Doudrop’s semifinal match will take place on Raw next Monday.
Vega will face Carmella in their Queen’s Crown semifinal match on this Friday’s SmackDown. Vega defeated Toni Storm and Carmella defeated Liv Morgan in first-round matches last week.
On Raw last week, Baszler and Doudrop had a confrontation when Doudrop saved Brooke from an attack by Baszler. Baszler gave Doudrop a cheap shot when she turned away, but Doudrop wasn’t intimidated by Baszler.
This is the inaugural edition of the Queen’s Crown tournament. The finals are being held at Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, October 21.
The finals of this year’s King of the Ring tournament will also take place at Crown Jewel. Finn Balor vs. Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods vs. Jinder Mahal are the King of the Ring semifinal matches.
A match between Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler has been made for next week’s episode of Raw.
The match was announced prior to tonight’s main event. This follows an angle on the show where Nia Jax got on the apron during a match between Baszler and Charlotte Flair. This distracted Baszler long enough for Flair to strike Baszler with a big boot for the win.
On last week’s episode of Raw, a distraction from Baszler cost Jax a match against Flair. After Baszler distracted Jax on the apron, Flair jumped off the ring post and connected with natural selection to pin Jax.
Baszler and Jax, despite being unfriendly towards one another, began teaming last summer, quickly winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles, The two won the titles for a second time at this year’s Royal Rumble kickoff event, but lost the titles to Natalya and Tamina on the May 14, 2021 edition of SmackDown.
Two segments have been announced for Monday’s episode of Raw.
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and MVP are set to appear on Monday’s show. They’ll be addressing Lashley’s WWE Championship defense against Goldberg at SummerSlam.
WWE has also announced that Charlotte Flair will “speak to the WWE Universe” on Monday’s Raw. Charlotte will respond to her loss against Raw Women’s Champion Nikki A.S.H. from this past Monday. Charlotte lost to Nikki A.S.H. in a non-title no holds barred match on that show.
Lashley vs. Goldberg became official for SummerSlam following a confrontation between them on this week’s Raw. After Goldberg had gone to the back, Lashley and MVP taunted Goldberg’s son Gage at ringside. Goldberg then came back out and gave MVP a spear. Later in the show, Lashley accepted Goldberg’s challenge for SummerSlam. Lashley told Goldberg to bring Gage to SummerSlam so that he can see Lashley annihilate his father.
SummerSlam is taking place on Saturday, August 21. Nikki A.S.H. will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Charlotte and Rhea Ripley in a triple threat match at the pay-per-view.
The Amway Center in Orlando, Florida is hosting Monday’s Raw. It’s the second-to-last episode of the show before SummerSlam.
The card for Sunday’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view has a new addition.
It was announced on tonight’s episode of Raw that Alexa Bliss vs. Shayna Baszler will take place at Hell in a Cell this Sunday. The match comes after a storyline where supernatural occurrences have caused Baszler to lose matches over the last several weeks.
During an Alexa’s Playground segment last Monday, Bliss denied that she was responsible for what had been happening during Baszler’s matches. Bliss wanted Baszler to apologize for calling Bliss’ doll Lilly “just a stupid doll,” but Baszler doubled down and stomped on Lilly.
After Baszler stomped on Lilly, the video screens at the ThunderDome started to go out and fire pyro went off as Baszler headed to the back. When Baszler got to the back, no one else was there. Baszler ended up in a room where she could see in a mirror that Lilly was behind her. But when Baszler would turn around, Lilly wasn’t there. Baszler kicked the mirror but could still see Lilly in its broken pieces. The lights then went out and we heard Baszler screaming as the show went off the air.
Tonight’s Raw opened with Bliss saying that she had received a lot of “strongly worded complaints” for what Lilly did last week. Bliss said that even she was taken aback by how far it went. Bliss said that she had put Lilly in timeout. Baszler’s tag team partner Nia Jax then confronted Bliss and told her that she’d be seeing Baszler at Hell in a Cell.
Jax asked Bliss what happened to her and said they used to be friends. Jax told Bliss that she needed to stop interfering with her career and messing with her friends. Bliss said she didn’t appreciate Jax coming to her playground with these vicious and disgusting allegations. Jax then challenged Bliss to face her on tonight’s Raw.
Bliss vs. Jax ended with Bliss winning by disqualification when Reginald broke up a pin after Bliss hit Twisted Bliss. Following the match, Bliss appeared to hypnotize Reginald.
Here’s the updated card for Hell in a Cell:
Hell in a Cell match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Drew McIntyre (if McIntyre loses, he can’t challenge for the WWE Championship again while Lashley is still champion)
Hell in a Cell match: Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Rey Mysterio
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Charlotte Flair
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defends against Bayley
In the main event angle of last night’s Raw, Shayna Baszler was tormented by Alexa Bliss’ doll Lilly.
Supernatural occurrences have caused Baszler to lose matches in recent weeks. When Baszler was facing Reginald last week, fire shot up from the ring post as she had Reginald in the Kirifuda Clutch. Reginald then pinned Baszler to get the win. Reginald appeared on Alexa’s Playground later in last week’s show but was attacked by Baszler. That set up an Alexa’s Playground segment with Baszler on last night’s Raw.
Bliss offered Baszler the chance to be her and Lilly’s new friend, but she said Baszler would have to apologize for calling Lilly a “stupid doll” first. Baszler refused and blamed Bliss for Reginald’s accidents and Baszler & Nia Jax no longer being WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bliss laughed at that and said she’d never do such a thing.
Bliss urged Baszler that it would be in her best interest to apologize to Lilly. Baszler mockingly apologized and said she’s sorry that Lilly is just a stupid doll. Bliss attacked Baszler but was sent out of the ring. Baszler then stomped on Lilly as Bliss watched on.
After Baszler stomped on Lilly, the video screens at the ThunderDome started to go out and fire pyro went off as Baszler headed to the back.
When Baszler got backstage, no one else was there. Baszler tried to leave, but none of the doors would open. Baszler found an open room, locked the door, and barricaded herself in. Baszler reassured herself that Lilly is just a stupid doll, but the lights started to flicker and Baszler could see in a mirror that Lilly was behind her.
Baszler couldn’t see Lilly when she turned around but still saw her in the mirror when she looked at it again. Baszler kicked the mirror but could still see Lilly in its broken pieces. The lights then went out and we heard Baszler screaming as the show went off the air.
The end of tonight’s Raw saw Shayna Baszler challenge Reginald to a match for next week’s show.
Prior to tonight’s main event, Baszler told Reginald not to interfere in her and Nia Jax’s match against Natalya and Tamina for the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles. Reginald appeared at ringside anyway. When Baszler found out, she sent Reginald to the back. However, flames burst on the stage, blinding Reginald. Baszler was distracted long enough to be pinned by Natalya. After the match, Baszler appeared as she was helping Reginald up, but then grabbed him challenged him to a match for next week.
In recent weeks, Alexa Bliss has been using supposed magic powers to interfere in matches that involve Reginald, Jax, and Baszler. Pyro set up on the ring post caused eye damage to Reginald last week, leading him to wear glasses on tonight’s show.
Also scheduled for next week is a match between Drew McIntyre and Kofi Kingston. The winner will face Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship at Hell in a Cell. WWE official Adam Pearce told Lashley tonight that if he were to interfere in that match, he would be suspended from WWE without pay for 90 days.
Date: May 24, 2021 Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
The Big Takeaway —
After Asuka beat Charlotte last week, Charlotte beat Asuka this week and, as a result, Charlotte earned a title match against Rhea Ripley at Hell in a Cell.
Kofi Kingston and Drew McIntyre fought to a double DQ, so they will have a rematch next week to determine Bobby Lashley’s title opponent at Hell in a Cell. If Lashley or MVP get involved next week, Lashley will be suspended without pay for 90 days.
Natalya and Tamina successfully retained their titles in the main event after fire almost exploded Reginald again. Shayna Baszler challenged Reginald to a match next week.
Show Recap —
MVP introduced WWE Champion Bobby Lashley to start the show. Lashley was once again accompanied to the ring by five women dressed mostly in black. They aired a long recap video of what happened last week and all five women booed the video.
MVP mentioned that WWE was leaving the Thunderdome in July and that meant fans would get to see Lashley in person. MVP mentioned Drew McIntyre who was a black cloud that continued to follow them around.
Lashley said he beat McIntyre at WrestleMania before beating both McIntyre and Braun Strowman at Backlash. MVP said they tried to move on from McIntyre which is why Lashley issued an open challenge last week. The scrawny cartoon character Kofi Kingston accepted and the black cloud had to show up again.
McIntyre interrupted. He said nobody should be surprised to see him. He wanted to regain the title. If it weren’t for MVP, he would have won it at Mania, and if it weren’t for Strowman, he would have won it at Backlash.
McIntyre said Lashley couldn’t beat him on his own and wondered if he even had the balls to face him. McIntyre asked the women if Lashley had any balls. They seemed offended by the question.
Lashley and McIntyre argued until the New Day interrupted. Kingston reminded everyone that he pinned Lashley. Lashley said he should thank McIntyre. McIntyre said, “you’re welcome.” Kingston seemed offended by his insinuation that he couldn’t win without him. Kingston said he didn’t ask for his help and didn’t want his help.
Kingston answered the challenge last week because he never got a rematch after losing the WWE title. Kingston said McIntyre has received rematch after rematch after rematch and now it was his turn to step to the back of the line because Kingston did something he couldn’t do over many months.
Adam Pearce interrupted. He announced a match between Kingston and McIntyre, with the winner facing Lashley for the title at Hell in a Cell. MVP liked the idea.
There was a video by Strowman plugging WWE’s upcoming return to the road.
Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) vs. Drew McIntyre ended in a double DQ (21:52)
MVP, Lashley and their five friends watched on couches set up on the stage.
Kingston was doing well until McIntyre caught him on the outside and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam into the edge of the ring. McIntyre taunted Lashley as they went to break. McIntyre remained in control after the break and hit a snap suplex for two. McIntyre followed with an overhead suplex before dropping Kingston over the barricade.
Adnan Virk asked the other announcers, “How wild was KofiMania back in the day?”
McIntyre hit a delayed vertical suplex as he pointed at Lashley. Kingston came back with a dropkick, chops and another dropkick. Kingston tried a guillotine choke but McIntyre countered into a vertical suplex for two.
Kingston fought back but McIntyre caught his flying crossbody attempt, rolled through and hit a Michinoku Driver for two. McIntyre taunted Lashley again which was enough to convince Lashley to march to ringside, leading to another break.
Back from break, McIntyre hit a back suplex off the top for two. Kingston countered a DDT into a cradle for two, then McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two. McIntyre followed with a crazy deadlift sit-out powerbomb for two. Kingston dodged a charge and McIntyre went into the post. Kingston followed with a frog splash onto McIntyre’s back for two.
Kingston sent McIntyre to the outside, so McIntyre got in Lashley’s face. Kingston hit a trust dive on McIntyre, which also knocked over Lashley. Kingston followed with an SOS for two.
Predictably, Lashley jumped in and attacked McIntyre while MVP also attacked Kingston. The referee called for the bell.
Woods saved Kingston from MVP before Lashley knocked down Woods. Kingston gave Lashley a Trouble in Paradise before McIntyre knocked down Lashley with a Claymore.
This was a really good match until the unfortunate finish.
A graphic popped up during the match advertising Asuka against Charlotte Flair tonight.
They aired an exchange from earlier today between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Nikki Cross jumped in and said she could beat either of them. Charlotte said she could beat Cross in two minutes if she didn’t already have a match scheduled tonight. Ripley told Charlotte that she’s unlikeable because she talks down to people. Charlotte told Ripley to beat Cross in two minutes if she could. Ripley said she’d be happy to.
An Eva Marie video aired.
Nikki Cross defeated Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley in a non-title Beat the Clock challenge (2:00 time limit)
They billed this as a Beat the Clock challenge with two minutes on a timer. Cross would be considered the winner if she could last two minutes.
With a minute left, Cross hit a jawbreaker and a flying crossbody for two. Ripley responded with a dropkick, shoulder tackles and strikes in the corner. As Ripley continued the attack, the timer ran down to zero and the bell rang.
Ripley acted shocked as Cross was announced the winner of the challenge. Cross celebrated like she won the title. Charlotte entered to laugh at Ripley as Cross did a weird dance in celebration. This wasn’t good.
[Second hour]
There was a Damian Priest video plugging WWE’s return to the road and a video plugging ticket on-sale dates.
McIntyre barged into Pearce’s office. Kingston conveniently entered one second later, even though their match ended 20 minutes ago. Pearce told them they’d get a rematch next week. They were happy with that even though Pearce gave them no assurance that the Hurt Business wouldn’t get involved again. Kingston and McIntyre were both confident in their chances.
There was a commercial for Mick Foley’s A&E documentary.
Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka (21:23)
After 12 minutes mostly of Charlotte working over Asuka’s leg, Asuka came back with German suplexes and a hip attack for two. Charlotte drove Asuka’s leg into the post but Asuka fought back and hit a sliding knee on the apron. Charlotte pushed Asuka into the announce table which led to the match’s second commercial break.
They fought back-and-forth the rest of the way until Asuka tried an Asuka Lock but Charlotte rolled through into a cradle for the pinfall win.
A stagehand approached Lashley, MVP and their pals in the back. MVP wanted him to address Lashley as the All Mighty. He let the All Mighty know that Adam Pearce wanted to see him.
Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke plugged WWE’s return to live crowds.
MVP and Lashley approached Pearce, who asked Lashley what kind of champion he wanted to be. Lashley said he was the only one who could represent Raw as champ and was certainly better for it than Kingston and McIntyre. Pearce told them that if either of them got involved in the Kingston-McIntyre match next week, or even appeared at ringside, Lashley would be suspended without pay for 90 days. Lashley was not happy. (Why isn’t this always the rule?)
There was a video package for the Shelton Benjamin/Cedric Alexander feud.
Alexander cut a promo on Benjamin before their match as Benjamin impatiently paced around. Basically, Alexander wasn’t worried about being kicked out of the Hurt Business because he was still in his prime, unlike Benjamin.
After the promo, Corey Graves said Alexander had the charisma of a cinder block.
Cedric Alexander defeated Shelton Benjamin (11:53)
Alexander left the ring as soon as the bell rang which led to break 10 seconds into the match. Benjamin was in control after the break until Alexander brought him down from the top with a hurricanrana. Alexander was in control but his strikes just pissed off Benjamin who no-sold a few kicks and followed with a clothesline and spinebuster.
Benjamin hit German suplexes but Alexander poked him in the eye, which the ref didn’t see, and Alexander followed with a Neuralyzer for the pinfall win.
There were commercials for NXT plugging Karrion Kross defending his title against Finn Bálor, as well as the Cameron Grimes/Ted DiBiase face-off.
John Morrison plugged the return to live crowds.
Riddle defeated Xavier Woods (12:49)
They grappled until Riddle showed off his strength with consecutive suplexes. Woods showed off his own strength with a series of vertical suplexes. They traded strikes and dropped each other with a double clothesline spot. Woods gave Riddle an AA on the apron which led to break.
Woods fired up after the break and hit a missile dropkick for two. Riddle came back with a knee strike but Woods countered a Bro Derek attempt and dropkicked Riddle in the corner. Woods followed with a press slam into a gutbuster for two. Riddle then did a deadlift German suplex off the middle rope and Woods basically landed right on his head for a nearfall.
After a brief exchange, Riddle suddenly hit an RKO for the pinfall win. Riddle did Randy Orton’s pose after the match.
Strong match. It was a first-time ever match and it certainly felt like something different, especially with both guys working as babyfaces.
They announced that Rhea Ripley will defend her title against Charlotte at Hell in a Cell.
Jaxson Ryker defeated Raw Tag Team Champion AJ Styles (2:03)
Styles was in complete control but Elias suddenly appeared at ringside and nailed him with a knee strike behind the ref’s back. Ryker followed with a Black Hole Slam for the pinfall win. Ryker pinned Styles.
Omos ran out after the match to go after Elias who hid behind the barricade. Elias and Ryker ran away but Elias tripped on the ramp so Omos tackled him into the video boards. Omos checked on Styles.
(Unless I missed something, there was no explanation for Omos not being in Styles’ corner in the first place, other than they wanted to do this finish.)
Jeff Hardy plugged the return to live crowds.
US Champion Sheamus defeated Humberto Carrillo (3:44)
Carrillo got a brief chance to shine but Sheamus pinned him with a handful of tights for the win.
Sheamus attacked Carrillo after the match but Ricochet made the save. They each gave Sheamus moonsaults and Ricochet finished him off with a 450 splash. Ricochet wore his own clothes this week.
Sarah Schrieber interviewed Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Baszler said they lost last week because Jax was once again distracted by Reginald. Jax told her not to be a bully and explained what happened to him during the match. Baszler didn’t care and said they were an unstoppable force until she started getting distracted by him. She wanted them to go out there without him tonight. Baszler told Reginald to stay in the back or else.
There was a new Eva Marie video. This one focused more on her training.
(I missed it earlier, but I believe the Riddle/Woods match was the top-of-the-hour segment for the third hour.)
Natalya & Tamina defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (11:42)
Natalya and Baszler were having a back-and-forth exchange when Reginald sauntered out about three minutes into the match. Baszler was about to stomp Natalya’s arm, but Reginald walking out caused her to stop for some reason. This allowed Natalya to escape and hit a German suplex which led to break.
Baszler was randomly back in control after the break until Natalya slammed her and tagged in Tamina. Tamina hit Jax with an uppercut and superkick for two. Jax avoided a superkick and smothered Tamina with a cover for two. Baszler tagged in but Tamina gave her a powerslam and tagged in Natalya.
Tamina and Jax brawled on the outside until Jax backdropped her over the barricade. Graves figured Tamina was out of the match now because of that.
Natalya gave Baszler a discus clothesline but Reginald distracted the referee as Natalya tried a sharpshooter. Baszler reversed into a small package but the ref was still distracted so Natalya was able to kick out.
Baszler demanded that Reginald leave. As Reginald walked up the ramp, fire pyro went off on the stage which caused him to fall back. Natalya used the distraction to apply a small package for the pinfall win. The champs retain.
Baszler grabbed Reginald and told him they’d be fighting next week and he’s going to wish he was in that fire.
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler are getting another chance to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
During SmackDown tonight, WWE announced that Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina will defend their titles against Jax & Baszler on Monday’s episode of Raw. Natalya & Tamina became the Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Jax & Baszler on SmackDown last Friday.
On Raw earlier this week, Jax & Baszler got a Women’s Tag Team title rematch against Natalya & Tamina. Alexa Bliss and her doll Lilly came out to the stage during the match and apparently made fire shoot out of the ring post at one point. Reginald, who is aligned with Jax and Baszler, fell off the ring steps and grabbed his face after the fire shot out. It caused a distracted Baszler to let go of the Kirifuda Clutch that she had locked in on Tamina. Natalya and Tamina then hit the Hart Attack on Baszler and Natalya pinned her to get the win.
Jax and Baszler appeared on SmackDown tonight and attacked SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler beat down Belair until Natalya and Tamina tried to make the save. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler fought off Natalya and Tamina, which led to a six-woman tag match being made. Baszler submitted Natalya with the Kirifuda Clutch as Natalya’s attention was turned to Bayley.
Tonight’s SmackDown features the final build to WrestleMania Backlash.
At this Sunday’s pay-per-view, Cesaro will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Cesaro earned the title shot after he defeated Seth Rollins on last week’s Throwback SmackDown.
Jimmy Uso returned last week and reunited with Jey Uso and Reigns. The Usos tried to help Rollins beat Cesaro, but Rollins shoved Jey. Jimmy then hit Rollins with a superkick, and Cesaro won the match.
Reigns was furious and yelled at Jimmy for indirectly helping Cesaro. Jimmy stood up for himself and refused to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief.
Later, Cesaro attacked Reigns at the end of SmackDown. At first, Jimmy stopped Jey from helping. Eventually, The Usos tried to fight off Cesaro, but Cesaro beat down all three by himself.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Tamina & Natalya tonight. Jax & Baszler defeated Tamina & Natalya at WrestleMania 37 night two to retain the titles. Tamina & Natalya then defeated the champions in a non-title match to earn the title shot tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Jimmy Uso Segment
Jey Uso was already standing in the ring to start SmackDown. He noted that his brother Jimmy Uso disrespected the head of the table, Roman Reigns, last week. Jey promised to take care of Jimmy tonight.
Jey then introduced Reigns. Jey also promised that Reigns would defeat Cesaro Sunday night at WrestleMania Backlash.
Reigns and Paul Heyman took their time walking to the ring. They recapped Jimmy Uso’s return last week and Cesaro beating Seth Rollins.
Reigns walked over to Jey. He pointed out that Jimmy is a problem, but he wants to address Cesaro first. Reigns noted that everyone in the back likes Cesaro. He likes him too and called Cesaro one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Reigns noted he’s more than just a wrestler. He doubts Cesaro could take his place in the WWE.
He thinks that not even FOX wants Cesaro to take his place.
Reigns noted Cesaro hasn’t had a title shot before. Heyman informed him that Reigns had 39 title shots.
Reigns turned his attention to Jimmy Uso. Jimmy’s music interrupted, and he made his way to the ring. Jimmy’s got a new t-shirt and has one for Jey in the back when he’s ready to join him.
Jimmy doesn’t think Reigns is going to be champion much longer. Jey was furious and told Jimmy to respect Reigns. Jimmy admitted that he doesn’t think Reigns can beat Cesaro.
Jimmy claimed that if The Usos win the tag team titles, they’ll be the tribal chiefs. Reigns was furious and got in Jimmy’s face. He told Jimmy that he couldn’t do what Reigns does.
Reigns told Jimmy to prove that he can be Reigns. He told Jimmy to try to beat Cesaro tonight. Without hesitating, Jimmy challenged Cesaro to a match tonight. Cesaro walked out and accepted the challenge. He promised to beat Jimmy tonight and win the title from Reigns Sunday night.
This was a good opening segment. Reigns and The Uso were good in their roles.
They recapped Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler attacking Tamina and Natalya last week. They showed Tamina and Natalya warming up for their upcoming match. Michael Cole pointed out that Tamina’s never won a title and could make history next.
Tamina & Natalya defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
This was a fine match with both teams working hard.
Reginald immediately jumped on the apron and distracted Tamina. Jax took advantage and beat down Tamina. Baszler tagged in, and the faces took over.
Natalya had the match won when Reginald jumped on the apron again. The referee then sent Reginald to the back for jumping on the apron the second time. Jax protested, but Tamina attacked her at ringside. Jax fought back and gave Tamina the Samoan Drop into the barricade.
Baszler took advantage and attacked Natalya’s leg in the ring.
Back from the break, Jax dropped an elbow on Natalya for a near fall. The heels isolated Natalya in their corner. Tamina was still down due to the attack before the break.
Natalya fought back, and Tamina got the hot tag. Tamina knocked down Baszler and scored a near fall. She climbed to the top rope, but Baszler cut her off.
Jax tagged in and tried to give Tamina a superplex. Tamina fought back and knocked Jax down. Baszler tried to interfere, but Natalya yanked her off the apron. She then gave Baszler a German suplex on the floor.
Jax tried to climb back up, but Natalya prevented her. Jax pulled Natalya into the ring and gave her a Samoan Drop. Jax ended up on her back, and Tamina hit the Superfly splash for the win.
They treated the title change as a huge deal. After the match, Natalya and Tamina gave a passionate speech. Natalya talked about never giving up, and Tamina talked about Natalya believing in her. The new champions celebrated as pyro went off in the background.
Cesaro against Jimmy Uso is official for later tonight. Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman in the back. She startled Heyman, which was hilarious. Heyman doesn’t know if Jimmy Uso will win but promised that Reigns would beat Cesaro Sunday.
Commander Azeez Nigerian Medal of Honor Ceremony
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews held a special ceremony for Azeez. Crews praised Azeez for assisting him and helping win the Intercontinental title. Azeez stood on a huge box-like structure in the ring. Crews then gave Azeez the Nigerian Medal of Honor.
Big E interrupted on the big screen. He mocked the ceremony and said it’s the biggest sham since Macklemore won best rap album. Big E promised to win the title back.
Sami Zayn interrupted and mocked Big E. Zayn noted that he has some unfinished business with Crews since he’s the real I.C. champion. Kevin Owens ran out, and a brawl broke out. Azeez and Crews beat down Owens when Big E ran out for the save.
Sami Zayn ran out and attacked Owens as well. Everyone hit a big move. Big E then went after Crews, but Azeez pulled him out of the ring.
They recapped Dominik Mysterio defeating Dolph Ziggler last week.
Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode)
Ziggler and Mysterio had a good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Ziggler had the early advantage with a side headlock. Mysterio briefly fought back, but Ziggler regained control with a shoulder tackle. Ziggler taunted Mysterio.
Mysterio fought back and sent Ziggler to the floor. He followed up with a sliding dropkick and a sliding splash to the floor.
Back from the break, Mysterio missed a splash off the second rope. Ziggler scored a near fall and slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Mysterio fought out of the chin lock, but Ziggler hit an uppercut for another near fall. Ziggler lifted Mysterio on his shoulder for a power slam, but Mysterio countered with a DDT.
Mysterio climbed to the top rope, but Ziggler cut him off. Ziggler attempted a superplex, but Mysterio held on. Mysterio knocked Ziggler down and hit a senton off the top. He followed up with a kick to the face for a near fall.
Ziggler avoided the 619 and hit the famouser for a very close near fall. Mysterio attempted a second 619, but Ziggler countered with a superkick for a two-count. Ziggler picked up Mysterio for a slam, but Mysterio countered into a small package for the win.
Megan Morant interviewed Cesaro in the back. Cesaro noted he dreamed of winning the title since he was a kid. He’s not like Roman Reigns and doesn’t walk around wanting people to acknowledge him. He knows he can beat Reigns and win the Universal title.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Rey noted they’re ready to win the tag team titles at WrestleMania Backlash. Ziggler and Roode interrupted and mocked Rey and Dominik. Rey and Dominik promised to win the titles Sunday.
Bianca Belair Segment
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her way to the ring. Michael Cole interviewed Belair and discussed her match with Bayley on Sunday.
Belair’s ready to face Baylay and promised to retain the title. She wondered where Bayley’s tonight.
They recapped Bayley attacking Belair last week. Bayley appeared on the big screen and mocked Belair. Belair tried to figure out where Bayley’s hiding.
Bayley laughed and refused to tell her. Bayley kept doing the annoying laugh and promised to win the title at the pay-per-view.
Belair knows why Bayley’s so mad at her. She pointed out that at WrestleMania 37, The Bellas beat up Bayley and threw her down the ramp. Belair noted she won the title that weekend.
Bayley promised to end Belair’s fairy tale and win the title at WrestleMania Backlash. This was a good segment.
King Corbin defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
This was a fine match, although it dragged at times.
Nakamura demanded to face Corbin because Corbin pinned him in the ten-man tag last week. They pushed the match as the battle between the King of Strong-Style and the King of the Ring.
Corbin attempted a suplex, but Nakamura countered with a knee. Corbin took over and hit Nakamura with a series of elbows.
Nakamura recovered and rocked Corbin with a dropkick. Corbin fought back and attempted the around-the-ring post clothesline.
Nakamura avoided the clothesline and locked on an armbar.
Corbin couldn’t break free from the hold. He then leaned forward and rolled up Nakamura for the win.
After the match, Corbin put his crown on, and Nakamura attacked him. He then gave Corbin the Kinshasa. Nakamura picked up the crown and put it on. Pat McAfee was shocked Nakamura took the crown.
In the back, Apollo Crews and Commandor Azeez approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. Crews was furious about the attack early. Pearce said he’s still trying to figure out which one of them he’s going to face.
Crews became even more upset. Deville warned Crews to be careful because Pearce might make him face all three. Pearce liked the idea. He announced Crews defending against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way for next week. Pearce seemed unhappy with Deville.
In the back, Shinsuke Nakamura admired himself wearing Corbin’s crown in the mirror.
Aleister Black read another chapter from the Tales of the Dark Father. He read the chapter The Lesson, which included animated scenes. Black could teach you this lesson, but he won’t.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Jimmy Uso behind the curtain. Jimmy didn’t think his first match back would be a singles match. He thought The Usos would reunite and win the tag team titles.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee ran down the WrestleMania Backlash lineup.
Cesaro defeated Jimmy Uso via DQ
Cesaro and Jimmy Uso had a good match until the weak finish.
They pushed this as Jimmy Uso’s first match back since he suffered an injury in the ladder match at WrestleMania 36.
Cesaro caught Uso with a dropkick to gain the early advantage. Uso played possum and responded with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Cesaro fought back and rocked Uso with an uppercut.
Cesaro missed a charge in the corner. Uso sent Cesaro to the floor with a clothesline and followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Cesaro hit a discus clothesline for a close near fall. Uso avoided the Neutralizer and caught Cesaro with a superkick.
Uso climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. He followed up with a superplex for a close near fall.
Cesaro hit a cannonball off the apron. He rocked Jimmy with a series of uppercuts and threw him back in the ring.
Suddenly, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso attacked Cesaro and beat him down for a disqualification.
After the match, Jimmy yelled at Reigns that he was about to win. He yelled that Reigns makes everything about himself.
Jimmy walked off, and Reigns chased after him. Jimmy and Reigns argued at ringside.
Cesaro attacked Jey in the ring. Reigns ran back in the ring, but Cesaro fought him off. Cesaro beat down Jey and Jimmy.
Reigns then ran off and watched from the ramp. Cesaro taunted Reigns and hit the Neutralizer twice on Jey while staring at Reigns.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way.
Two title matches took place on last night’s episode of NXT.
Both of those matches saw champions retain their titles. In the main event of the episode, Kushida defeated Santos Escobar in a two-out-of-three falls match to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Raquel Gonzalez also made her first NXT Women’s Championship defense, defeating Mercedes Martinez.
Escobar scored the first fall in last night’s Cruiserweight title match, but Kushida won the next two to retain. Kushida tweeted after the show: “Has this title ever been in the limelight so much before? This is the moment when this title is shining the most in history. Title match in the main event. I feel very confident tonight @WWE @WWENXT”
WWE uploaded a post-show video where Gonzalez showed respect to Martinez backstage following their match. Dakota Kai wasn’t happy with Gonzalez doing that.
Plus, NXT Champion Karrion Kross and NXT Tag Team Champions MSK were in action in non-title matches, Isaiah “Swerve” Scott introduced his new Hit Row group, Bobby Fish made his return, and more.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler have their challengers for WrestleMania 37 night two.
Jax & Baszler will defend their titles against Natalya & Tamina at WrestleMania 37 night two on Sunday night. Natalya & Tamina became the number one contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles by winning a Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania 37 night one.
Natalya & Tamina were the final team to enter the Tag Team Turmoil match. They defeated The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan) to get the win, with Tamina pinning Riott after hitting a top rope splash.
Naomi & Lana were the first team eliminated from the Tag Team Turmoil match, Carmella & Billie Kay were the second team eliminated, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke were the third team eliminated, and The Riott Squad were the final team eliminated.
Night two of WrestleMania 37 will stream live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. No matches have been announced for the pre-show.
Here’s the updated card for night two:
WrestleMania 37 night two (Sunday, April 11) —
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight
United States Champion Riddle defends against Sheamus
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Natalya & Tamina
