Zayn pinned Braun Strowman tonight at Elimination Chamber in a 3 on 1 handicap match for the Intercontinental title that also included Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro. After being posted, Strowman was held up by Nakamura and Cesaro in the suplex position. Zayn then finished off Strowman with the helluva kick.
Strowman only held the championship for 37 days, defeating Nakamura on the January 31 edition of SmackDown. This is Zayn’s first championship win on the main roster.
Originally scheduled to be a rematch between Nakamura and Strowman, it was changed to a handicap match during a contract signing on SmackDown last week. After saying he might as well face all three men in the same match, Zayn challenged him to a handicap match. Strowman ended up agreeing.
Zayn has only wrestled sporadically in recent months, positioning himself more as a manager for Cesaro and Nakamura. He last wrestled on television back in December, teaming with Cesaro and Nakamura in a losing effort to The New Day and Strowman.
More than a month after he won his first WWE Intercontinental title, Braun Strowman will defend his title against the man he won it from as well as his two stablemates.
On Friday’s SmackDown during a contract signing segment for a one-on-one Elimination Chamber match between Strowman and former champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Strowman said in passing that he would be fighting all three men anyway. Zayn picked up on that line and forced Strowman’s hand into a three-on-one match.
Strowman agreed and went on the attack, only to be beat down by the trio and eventually suplexed through a table.
Strowman defeated Nakamura for the I-C belt on the Friday, January 31st edition of SmackDown, ending a 201-day run as champion for the Japanese star.
Elimination Chamber will be on Sunday, March 8th from Philadelphia, PA, with the card still taking shape. Thus far, a women’s Chamber match featuring Natalya, Liv Morgan, Shayna Baszler, Asuka, Ruby Riott, and Sarah Logan will be for a show at Becky Lynch’s Raw title is official with the I-C title match as the only other official match as of now.
We’ve got a WrestleMania update with new matches, an updated card, details on the women’s aspect of the show with new bouts and stars from the past who are scheduled and who are not scheduled.
Also covered in the new issue:
Ticket sales for all the WWE shows that week, as well as how the secondary market is doing right now for the WWE & AEW major events.
More on both the Super Showdown and Elimination Chamber shows.
How the Coronavirus has affected some major shows that were scheduled. We look at the Stardom cancellations, the empty arena show on YouTube, another promotion with a worldwide audience doing an empty arena show, as well a how New Japan is handling the situation.
Complete coverage of NXT Takeover Portland, with business notes, update on Matt Riddle, match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results on the show.
Update WWE talks regarding how WrestleMania will be broadcast this year, what AEW should be looking for, XFL ratings and analysis, NXT Japan update, Tito Ortiz training with WWE, Bill Goldberg’s dates, former WWE star tells story about Trump, new WWE documentary, Matt Hardy update, Injury updates, foreign ratings, return of John Cena, WWE bans former star from getting talent for their podcast and why, debut of former top star in Mexico, update on MSG, stock price update, most-watched shows on the WWE Network as well as a look at all the NXT and WWE arena events held over the past week.
Complete coverage of the UFC show from Rio Rancho, NM this past week, with business notes.
Update on the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.
A note on the biggest Wednesday night ratings movers.
Revolution Pro High Stakes headlined by Will Ospreay vs. Zack Sabre Jr., and how Ospreay’s in-ring style has changed so much over the past year. We look at how pro wrestling handles weight classes as compared to real sports, why going back in time may provide a more updated view than what we have now about weight classes and pro wrestling.
2019 stats on WWE performers including who won this year’s Iron Man award, a well as wins and losses.
Our 2019 Awards ballot.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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SUNDAY NEWS UPDATE
We’re looking for reports from tonight’s NXT show in St. Paul, MN to [email protected].
Our weekend show is up, talking Wilder vs. Fury, changes at WrestleMania, Wednesday ratings in detail, WWE stock rise and many other topics.
For the weekend, the only thing from combat sports that trended on Google was the Fury-Wilder fight with 5.2 million searches, which is huge, but still well under half of McGregor-Cerrone which is quite the sign of the times. Paul Felder was No. 12 earlier today with 20,000, but that doesn’t mean he’ll crack top 20 today when the day is over.
Regarding yesterday’s fight, Deontay Wilder did not suffer a broken jaw or a ruptured eardrum, but he did have bleeding in the ear which wouldn’t have helped his balance. According to Kevin Iole, he did need seven stitches to close the cut in his ear.
Go out of your way to see the Manabu Nakanishi retirement ceremony from yesterday in Tokyo. Lots of tears flowing backstage as well after it was over.
Shinsuke Nakamura needed nine staples on the back of his head from when he was powerslammed on the piano on Smackdown on Friday night.
Dave Bautista is scheduled to appear Thursday night on the Late Late Show with James Cordon on CBS. (thanks to Jon Southerland)
WWE
No WWE events today. Raw is in Winnipeg tomorrow. Brock Lesnar is on the show.
Jordan Devlin was pulled from today’s Progress show due to elbow bursitis.
Brady Roberts was one of the security guards during the Braun Strowman segment and an EMT in the Matt Hardy segment. He produced the wrestling TV series Paper Champions on Amazon Prime and did the World of Hurt TV show with Roddy Piper. He was trained by Lance Storm.
UFC
Karolina Kowalkiewicz was injured early in the first round of her fight with Yan Xiaonan on yesterday’s show in Australia. She was hospitalized and will need surgery on her right eye. She had a small broken bone and couldn’t see out of the right eye, but continued fighting.
The main event with Paul Felder vs. Dan Hooker was great. Hooker won a split decision but I had it 48-47 for Felder, but it was close. Of media scores, they were 71 percent in favor of Felder. Judge Barry Foley gave Felder the last three rounds. Judge Howard Hughes gave Hooker rounds one, three and five. Judge David Leathaby gave Hooker the first three rounds.
Ag Fight and MMA Fighting reported Ariane Lipski vs. Luana Carolina for a 5/16 show in San Diego.
MISCELLANEOUS
Evolve is opening a wrestling school in Queens, NY. There will be an open house on Friday from 6-10 p.m. The location is the Coliseum Gym 2.0 at 98-31 Jamaica, Ave., in Woodhaven. Evolve also announced a 3/14 Tommaso Ciampa seminar/tryout in Livonia, MD or $149 and a 3/15 seminar/tryout with Terry Taylor in Chicago for $199, or both for $299. There will also be seminars in late March with WWE’s William Regal, Robbie Brookside, Christopher Guy (Ace Steel), Sean Hayes (training), Ryan Katz (writing promos and character development), James Long (promos and character development), Daryl Sharma (refereeing) and Gabe Sapolsky involved.
Impact Sacrifice from last night in Louisville: AJ Daniels b D’Mone Solvanio, Max the Impaler b Cali Young, Rohit Raju b Corey Storm, Josh Alexander & Ethan Page b Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz, Kiera Hogan b Ray Lyn, Willie Mack b Jay Bradley, Acey Romero & Larry D b Mad Man Fulton & Dave Crist, Daga b Jake Crist, Joey Ryan b Johnny Swinger, Jordynne Grace b Havok, Rhino b Moose-DQ, Tessa Blanchard b Ace Austin
AAW from Friday night in Chicago before 475 fans: Deonn Rusman & Joseasa b Benjamin Carter & Travis Titan, Karam b Solomon Fatu, The Hyan won three-way over Christi Jaynes & Kenzie Paige, Jake Lander won over Ace Perry, Clayton Gainz, Jason Cade, Nate Webb and Stephen Wolf, Kris Statlander b Jody Threat to keep the AAW women’s title, Mance Warner b Sami Callihan to keep the AAW title, Nick Gage b Matt Justice, Paco b Zicky Dice, Fred Yehi won over Hakim Zane, Jordan Oliver and Josh Briggs, TJ Perkins b ACH, Davey Vega & Mat Fitchett kept AAW tag titles over AR Fox & Myron Reed. (thanks to Leonard Brand)
Next AAW show is the 16th anniversary show on 3/20 in Chicago at the Logan Square Auditorium with Mance Warner vs. Fred Yehi for the AAW title, Curt Stallion vs. Adam Brooks and Kimber Lee vs. Jessicka Havok.
There is an 80s Wrestling Con on 4/48 in Freehold, NJ at iPlay America from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Jim Duggan, Honky Tonk Man, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson, Lex Luger, David Schultz, Teddy Long, Dutch Mantell, Jose Estrada, Jose Luis Rivera, Zeus, Sean Mooney, Larry Zbyszko, Ivan Putski, Tony Garea, Dean Malenko, Bill DeMott, Terri Runnels, Teddy Long, The Ascension and Ted Arcidi.
Femme Fatales from Friday nght in Ottawa, ONT: Maeve O’Farrell b KC Spinelli, Veda Scott won three-way over Ashley Vox and Nevaeh, LuFisto b Priscilla Kelly, Sally & Cecil Nyx b Ava Everett & Davienne, Kimber Lee b Ivelisse, Alexia Nicole b Nicole Savoy. The next show will feature an intergender tag team tournament on 5/2 in Quebec City.
Adrenaline Pro Wrestling from last night in Melbourne, Australia: Matty Wild b Xavier Black, Aria b Vixsin, Jayson Krash b Kris Law, Michael Weaver b Mad Dog, The Inmates b J2, Aiden Miller won over Mike Kaos, Jett Rouka and Tyson Baxter, Zane Zodiac b JXT, Sammy Guevara b Zane Zodiac. Guevara did an impromptu match where he didn’t take any bumps. Zodiac was laid out by JXT before the match started and Guevara hit just one move to get the pin. He will do a return match with Zodiac on 5/30. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Defy from Friday night in Seattle,WA: Super hot crowd. Sonico b Black Danger, Rebel Kel b Danika Della Rouge, Eddie Pearl & Ricky Gibson b Guillermo Rosas & Damian 666 to keep Defy tag titles, Jeff Cobb b Cody Chhun in what was said to be ****+, Judas Icarus won four-way over King Khash, Eli Surge and Travis Williams, Anthony Bowes b Jet Knight, Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf 450 b Mike Santiago & Ethan HD to keep the Crash tag titles, Randy Myers b Schaff to win the Defy title. The main event was said to be awesome with fans storming the ring similar to Dusty Rhodes NWA title win in Tampa and people were crying in the stands. Next show is 3/29 in Seattle at Washington Hall. (thanks to Scott Janicek)
Orange Cassidy was announced for the World Series Wrestling tour in June.
Adam Brooks, who is headed to the U.S., has his last match in Australia on 2/29 in Melbourne for PCW. (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Robbie Eagles headlined a show for PWR in Manila, The Philippines earlier today, losing to local champion Chris Panzer in the main event. Emi Sakura will appear on the next show.
Insane Wrestling Revolution from Friday night in Monroe, MI: Willie Watts b Ben Boone, Chin Strap Jesus & Nate Bock b Mysterious Movado & Ridiculoso, Reggie Collins b Rohit Raju, Joe Coleman b Dread Kdaveing Loga, Beastman b Nick Green, Aaron Orion & Jack Price b Malcolm Monroe III & Jaimy Coxxx, N8 Mattson b Kurt Hendrik, Rhino b Shane Douglas & The DBA( thanks to Leonard Brand)
The Wells Fargo Center is advertising participants for next month’s Elimination Chamber event.
Earlier this afternoon, a tweet posted by the Wells Fargo Center Twitter account said that the headline match would be Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Shinsuke Nakamura, King Corbin, and Robert Roode in an Elimination Chamber match. The winner of the match would go on to face the Universal Champion at WrestleMania. WWE has yet to officially confirm the match.
The current Universal Champion is The Fiend Bray Wyatt. However, he has a title match against Goldberg at Crown Jewel later this month in Saudi Arabia. It is likely that the winner of this match would face the winner of the Elimination Chamber match.
The match would tie a number of feuds together. Braun Strowman defeated Shinsuke Nakamura last week to win the Intercontinental championship on SmackDown. Roman Reigns has been primarily feuding with Baron Corbin over the last several months, though Robert Roode and his tag team partner Dolph Ziggler have also been involved, associating themselves with Corbin.
Elimination Chamber will take place on March 8th in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Braun Strowman’s first singles title reign began on tonight’s episode of SmackDown.
Strowman defeated Shinsuke Nakamura on the show to win the Intercontinental Championship. Sami Zayn and Cesaro got involved in the match, with Zayn exposing one of the top turnbuckles. But Strowman sent Nakamura into the turnbuckle instead and pinned him after hitting a powerslam.
Nakamura and Strowman have been feuding with each other since before the Royal Rumble. Strowman issued a challenge to Nakamura after defeating him in a non-title match earlier this month, but Zayn said Nakamura was focused on the Rumble.
After Nakamura lost the Intercontinental title tonight, there was a segment where Elias playing his guitar in the ring kept interrupting Zayn, Nakamura, and Cesaro’s backstage interview. It led to Elias getting the better of a brawl with Cesaro after Cesaro came down to the ring.
Nakamura had been Intercontinental Champion since winning the title from Finn Balor on the Extreme Rules pre-show in July 2019.
Strowman has previously been a Raw Tag Team Champion twice, briefly holding the titles with Nicholas and Seth Rollins.
SmackDown takes place from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, tonight, and features the fallout from the Royal Rumble. The Super Bowl airs this Sunday on FOX, so tonight’s episode is dubbed “Super SmackDown.”
Roman Reigns & The Usos take on King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in a rematch from last week. Reigns & The Usos were victorious in their first match. Reigns then defeated Corbin in a falls count anywhere match at the Royal Rumble, with The Usos, Ziggler, and Roode all getting involved.
The Miz & John Morrison, The Lucha House Party, Heavy Machinery, and The Revival will face off in a fatal four-way tag team match. The winning team challenges The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia.
Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura puts his title on the line against Braun Strowman tonight. Strowman demanded a title shot after defeating Nakamura in a non-title match. Sami Zayn and Nakamura turned down the challenge because they wanted to focus on the Royal Rumble.
Plus, Sheamus goes one-on-one with Shorty G in a Royal Rumble rematch. Sheamus defeated Gable on Sunday’s pre-show.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Roman Reigns and The Usos made their way down to the ring to start SmackDown. Reigns pointed out he defeated King Corbin in the falls count anywhere match at the Royal Rumble. He had a tough time admitting that he lost the Rumble match. Reigns promised to move forward with The Usos’ help.
King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode interrupted. Corbin noted that Reigns needed The Usos help to get the win. He believes he would have won the Rumble match if they didn’t attack him.
Jimmy Uso mocked Corbin and discussed the beating they gave Corbin.
Corbin noted they were all laughing when The Usos embarrassed their family. Corbin then showed footage of Corbin and Ziggler covering Reigns in dog food a few weeks ago.
Reigns pointed out that Corbin has a dog food fetish.
Reigns then added a stipulation to the six-man tag team match later. The loser eats dog food. Corbin agreed to the stipulations.
Reigns and The Usos were happy to hear that. They then brought out a table of dog food, which remained on the stage for the rest of the night.
The Miz & John Morrison defeated Lucha House Party, Heavy Machinery and The Revival
Gran Meatlik and Morrison had an excellent exchange. Metalik caught Morrison with a hurricanrana and sent him to the floor. Lince Dorado took out The Revival with a flying crossbody. Dorado attempted a dive, but The Revival caught him and tossed him into the ring post.
Morrison hit a twisting cross body onto Heavy Machinery. Miz teased a dive, but Scott Dawson cut him off.
Metalik jumped over the top rope and caught Morrison on the apron with a hurricanrana, which sent Morrison into Heavy Machinery and The Revival on the floor.
Back from the break, Morrison knocked Metalik off the apron. Dorado fought back and hit double stunners on Morrison and Miz.
Otis got the hot tag and ran wild.
Otis gave Miz and Morrison a double splash in the corner. He followed up with a double caterpillar and scored a near fall on Miz.
Metalik hit a crossbody on Dawson, and Dorado hit a splash for a near fall. Dawson hit DDT on Otis. Dorado and Dawson had a great exchange. Dorado hit two moonsaults, but Dash Wilder prevented the third.
The Revival hit the superplex/splash combo on Metalik.
The finish came when Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale on Dawson, and Morrison hit Starship Pain for the win.
Miz and Morrison challenge The New Day for the SmackDown Tag Team titles at Super Showdown.
In the back, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville approached Heavy Machinery. Rose thanked Otis for helping her out at the Royal Rumble.
Otis asked Rose out on a date for next Friday.
The fans cheered when he asked her out. Rose noted she’s busy next Friday, which the fans booed. She then said she’s free the following Friday, and the fans popped big.
Tucker did the math and informed Otis that his first date with Rose in on Valentine’s Day.
They recapped “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Daniel Bryan in a strap match at the Royal Rumble. They showed Bryan taking a shower after the match. His back was bruised and battered from the strap.
On This Week In WWE History, they aired footage from The Rock vs. Mankind Halftime Heat match from January 31, 1999.
Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross defeated Fire & Desire
They recapped Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville’s eliminations from the Royal Rumble match.
Fire and Desire jumped the faces to start the match. The heels isolated Bliss in their corner and cut her off from Cross.
Deville slowed the pace down and applied a chin lock. Rose made the blind tag and rocked Bliss with a knee for a near fall.
Cross got the hot tag and ran wild. She hit a running bulldog on Rose and followed up with a cross body, but Deville broke up the pin attempt.
The finish came when Cross hit the neck breaker on Rose, and Bliss hit Twisted Bliss for the win.
They showed an employee stirring up the dog food and getting it ready for the main event later.
Braun Strowman defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Sami Zayn & Cesaro) to win the Intercontinental Championship
On commentary, Michael Cole pointed out that Strowman has yet to win a singles championship.
Strowman had the early advantage but missed a splash in the corner. Zayn interfered in the match three times to help Nakamura take over.
Nakamura slowed the pace down with a front face lock. Strowman powered out, but Nakamura rocked him with a kick.
Strowman regained control and nailed Nakamura with a clothesline. Strowman rocked Nakamura with a shoulder tackle on the floor.
Strowman attempted the power slam, but Nakamura slipped out the back. Nakamura hit a knee for a near fall.
Cesaro distracted the referee, and Zayn exposed the turnbuckle.
Nakamura attempted to send Storwman into the turnbuckle, but Strowman sent Nakamura into the turnbuckle instead.
Strowman then hit the power slam to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Strowman celebrated his win after the match. They tried to treat this like a big deal.
In the back, Sami Zayn, Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura were furious about losing the title. Zayn went on a rant when Elias playing interrupted.
In the ring, Elias noted he has to perform, and nobody wants to hear Zayn talk. He’s just trying to move on.
Zayn tells Elias that nobody cares and to put his guitar down.
Zayn tried talking, but Elias interrupted him again. Zayn yelled at Elias and told him to shut up. Elias apologized but interrupted Zayn again.
Zayn turned to Cesaro and asked him to take care of this situation.
Elias tried to perform, but Cesaro interrupted and made his way down to the ring.
Cesaro and Elias started brawling. Cesaro had a brief advantage until Elias took over, and Cesaro ran off.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Graves’s podcast and his interview with Ronda Rousey. Graves pointed out that Rousey misses the WWE and plans to return at some point.
They recapped Sheamus and Shorty G’s feud.
Sheamus defeated Shorty G
As Sheamus entered, Shorty G ran out and jumped Sheamus from behind.
Back from the break, Sheamus had Shorty G in a chin lock. He tried to push Shorty G to the floor, but Shorty countered and pulled Sheamus out.
Sheamus regained control and dominated Shorty G. He placed Shorty G in the Torture Rack but than just dropped him face first.
Shorty G fought back and rocked Sheamus with a head butt. He followed up with a missile dropkick and cannonball in the corner.
Shorty G then hit a moonsault for very close two count. He rolled up Sheamus for a near fall.
Sheamus caught Shorty G and hit the Irish Curse backbreaker. He then hit the Brogue Kick for the win.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley made her way down to the ring. She bragged about retaining the title this past Sunday over Lacey Evans. The fans gave her the What treatment. Bayley noted she got revenge for Sasha Banks after Evans injured her.
Bayley pointed out the best part was beating down Evans in front of her daughter. She bragged about beating everyone. Bayley said she knows Charlotte Flair is going to choose her to face at WrestleMania. She demanded Flair to come out and issue the challenge.
Naomi’s music hit and she made her way to the ring instead. She pointed out that Bayley never beat her. Naomi wants the title back and wants a match with Bayley.
Bayley jumped Naomi and attempted to hit her with the belt. Naomi ducked and caught Bayley with a springboard kick.
Loser Eats Dog Food: Roman Reigns & The Usos defeated King Corbin, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
They brought the dog food down to ringside next to the announcers.
The heels took over when Roode pulled down the top rope and gave Jey a spine buster on the floor.
Back from the break, Roode was firmly in control of Jey. Ziggler tagged in but missed a splash in the corner.
Corbin knocked Reigns off the apron.
Jey fought out of the corner. Reigns got the hot tag and ran wild.
Reigns rocked Corbin with clotheslines in the corner and followed up with a big boot.
Reigns attempted the superman punch, but Ziggler made the save.
Corbin caught Reigns with a chokeslam for a near fall. He followed up with Deep Six for a very close two count.
Jimmy took out Roode with a suicide dive. Jey followed up with a suicide dive on Ziggler. Roode and Ziggler ended up trapped under the announce table.
The finish came when Reigns rolled up Corbin for the win.
Corbin tried to run off, but The Usos caught him and handcuffed him.
Corbin tried to escape, but Reigns hit the spear. They tied up Corbin to the ring post and poured dog food all over him.
Reigns and The Usos then posed for a picture with Corbin covered in dog food.
Next Week: Daniel Bryan Returns to SmackDown. The Miz and John Morrison host The Dirt Sheet. Plus, Universal Champion Bray Wyatt and The Firefly Funhouse return as well.
Friday Night SmackDown takes place from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York tonight, and features the fallout from TLC.
Daniel Bryan returned at TLC with a new look and attacked Universal Champion Bray Wyatt. It had been two weeks since Bryan last appeared after Wyatt pulled him into a hole in the ring and proceeded to pull out clumps of Bryan’s hair. Bryan should appear tonight.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day will face Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro in a non-title match. The New Day successfully retained the titles against The Revival in a ladder match at Sunday’s pay-per-view.
A non-title match between SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley and Dana Brooke is also set. Last week, Elias sang a song mocking Bayley and Sasha Banks. Brooke thought the song was hilarious, which offended Bayley. Later, Bayley defeated Brooke, but Brooke went to social media to request a rematch.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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They recapped Daniel Bryan making his return at TLC and attacking Universal Champion Bray Wyatt.
SmackDown starts with Daniel Bryan making his way to the ring. The fans broke into a massive “Daniel Bryan” chant.
He noted for the last few weeks people asked him where he’s been. He can’t remember and isn’t sure.
He remembers “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt pulling out his hair and beard. When Bryan came to, he realized he got rid of the brand.
Bryan’s daughter didn’t recognize him without his long hair and beard. That’s because his daughter knows Daniel Bryan, the brand. However, Bryan recognized the person in the mirror and recounted his achievements.
Bryan noted Wyatt changes the people he faces, but Bryan’s going to change him. He called out Wyatt, but The Miz came out instead.
The Miz pointed out that Wyatt attacked his family. Bryan doesn’t understand Wyatt. Miz noted Wyatt has nothing but the Universal Championship. He promised to beat Wyatt for the title.
King Corbin came out and mocked Miz and Bryan. He called Bryan a failure and baby Yoda. Corbin then ran down all of his accomplishments, including defeating Roman Reigns at TLC.
Corbin doesn’t care about Miz and Bryan’s issues with Wyatt. He only cares about the Universal Championship and demands a title shot. He said Miz and Bryan failed as WWE Superstars and fathers.
Miz and Bryan walked towards Corbin, but Dolph Ziggler jumped them from behind. Ziggler and Corbin beat down the faces, including hitting a superkick and end of days.
The Miz & Daniel Bryan vs. King Corbin & Dolph Ziggler in a tag team match is official for later tonight.
Miracle On 34th Street Fight: Heavy Machinery defeated The Revival
The stage and ringside area had Christmas trees, presents, cookies, and other decorations.
Cathy Kelly interviewed Heavy Machinery behind the curtain. They were both wearing Santa hats.
Mandy Rose approached and gave Otis a ham because she got him in Secret Santa. She then gave him a kiss, which got a big pop. Otis was beyond happy to get the ham and a kiss from Rose.
Otis gave the ham to Corey Graves to watch during the match.
The faces had an early advantage, but The Revival took over. Scott Dawson sent Tucker into the ring steps. The Revival then dropped Tucker on the announce table.
Wilder stuffed the cookies in Otis’ face, and Dawson hit him with a present. Heavy Machinery fought back and set Wilder on the table. Dawson used a fire extinguisher on Otis.
The Revival gave Otis a double powerbomb through a table.
Back from the break, Wilder nailed Tucker with a Chrismas present. Tucker tried to fight back, but The Revival recovered. Tucker gave Dawson a suplex on the ramp.
Wilder hit Tucker with a present and revealed a bowling ball. He hit Tucker with the bowling ball again, but it didn’t look good.
The Revival brought in a tree, but Wilder missed a splash and went into the tree.
The Revival threw Tucker into the announce table, and the ham flew off. Graves and Michael Cole made a massive deal out of the ham falling.
Otis snapped because of the ham falling on the ground. He ran wild on the heels and brought in a bag of legos. He spread them all over the ring.
Otis slammed Dawson onto the legos, which stuck to his back. He then gave Revival an electric chair and fallaway slam at the same time.
Otis hit the caterpillar followed up by the compacter for the win.
In the back, Lacey Evans and her daughter approached Dana Brooke, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross.
Backstage, Otis ran into Mandy Rose. He had the ham with him and apologized for it getting destroyed. Rose said it’s okay and gave Otis a hug, which he loved. Otis’s sweat covered Rose, and she walked off disgusted.
In the ring, The Revival complained about the gimmick matches and the joke being on them. They wondered what happened to tag team wrestling.
Elias came out and sang a song about The Revival. He mocked them and told them to go away.
In the back, Sami Zayn approached Braun Strowman. Zayn got Strowman in Secret Santa and wants to know what he wants. Strowman was upset and pointed out that Zayn mocked the holidays for the last few weeks. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro approached.
Strowman asked for a shot at Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura and the title. Zayn acted like he was disappointed that they couldn’t do the match tonight because they’re taking on the New Day.
Carmella defeated Sonya Deville
Deville nailed Carmella with knees and sliding knee for a near fall. Carmella fought back and caught Deville with an elbow, a boot, and a flying clothesline.
Carmella ducked a kick and hit a superkick. She then locked on the code of silence for the win.
Another Sheamus vignette aired for his upcoming return.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro (w/ Sami Zayn) in a Non-title match
Nakamura knocked Big E off the apron when the bell rang. Cesaro made a blind tag and rocked Kingston with an uppercut. Nakamura followed up with a backstabber.
The heels isolated Kingson on their side of the ring and cut him off from his corner.
Big E got the hot tag and ran wild. He caught Nakamura with a belly-to-belly suplex and big splash.
Kingston used his feet to toss Cesaro to the floor and followed up with a dive.
Cesaro rocked Big E on the floor with a clothesline. Nakamura then threw Big E into the steps.
Back from the break, the heels were in control until Big E sent Cesaro to the floor.
The heels cut Big E off from his corner and isolated him on their side of the ring.
Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Big E rocked him with a massive clothesline.
Kingston got the hot tag and ran wild. He hit the boom drop and set up for the trouble in paradise.
Cesaro countered by lifting Kingston and hit him with an uppercut for a close two count.
Big E threw Kingston over the top rope onto the heels on the floor. Kingston attempted the tag, but Nakamura pulled Big E off the apron.
Cesaro gave Kingston the big swing into the double foot stomp for a very close near fall. Kingston recovered and suddenly rolled up Cesaro from the win.
After the match, the three heels beat down The New Day. Braun Strowman’s music hit, and he walked to the ring. The heels briefly had control until Strowman ran wild and hit a splash on Nakamura.
Zayn pulled Nakamura out of the ring to safety.
In the back, The Miz approached Daniel Bryan. They discussed their upcoming match and argued about who hates the other more.
SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley (w/Sasha Banks) defeated Dana Brooke in a Non-title match
Corey Graves pointed out that Bayley defeated Brooke last week, so it makes no sense that she’s facing Bayley again.
Brooke had an early advantage and scored a close near fall. Bayley slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Brooke made a comeback and hit a Swanton bomb for a near fall. She followed up with a shoulder tackle and a cartwheel into a splash for a two count.
Bayley recovered and dropped Brooke on the top turnbuckle. She then dropped Brooke face first for the win.
After the match, the heels yelled at Brooke until Lacey Evans ran down to the ring.
Evans challenged Sasha Banks to a match.
Lacey Evans (w/ Dana Brooke) vs. Sasha Banks (w/ Bayley)
Banks was firmly in control and hit a suplex for a two count. Banks slowed the pace down and worked over the arm. She followed up with the Meteora for a near fall.
Evans fired back with a big knee.
Banks missed a charge in the corner. Evans and Banks fought on the apron.
They fought on the floor, and Bayley distracted Evans. Banks pushed Evans face-first into the ring post. They brawled around ringside and got counted out.
Banks beat down Evans in front of her daughter. Banks and Evans’s daughter had great interactions.
Evans’ daughter was pretty good here for a little kid. She seemed concerned and screamed at Banks. Banks taunted her, and Evans’ daughter took a couple of swings at Banks.
Evans recovered, and the heels ran off.
Daniel Bryan & The Miz defeated King Corbin & Dolph Ziggler
Michael Cole pushed the idea that Miz and Bryan are enemies, and it’s odd for them to team up. They team up because they both want to face Bray Wyatt.
Bryan and Miz argued about who’s going to start the match. The heels jumped the faces to start the match.
Bryan rocked Ziggler with Yes kicks, but Miz made a tag. Miz then hit the It kicks on Ziggler.
Bryan and Miz then hit the Yes, and It kicks on Ziggler and Corbin at the same time.
Back from the break, Bryan rocked Corbin with a running clothesline. He followed up with the running dropkicks in the corner, but Corbin countered with the deep six for a near fall.
The heels took over and isolated Bryan on their side of the ring. Corbin rocked Bryan with hard elbows to the shoulder.
Bryan fought back and hit a missile dropkick on Corbin.
Miz got the tag and ran wild on the heels. He caught Ziggler with a DDT, but Corbin made the save.
Ziggler fought back and hit a DDT for a close near fall. Ziggler attempted the superkick, but Miz caught the leg and applied the figure four leg lock for the win.
After the match, some of the lights turned off, and Bray Wyatt’s evil laugh played in the background.
Next Week: On the final SmackDown of the year, Daniel Bryan takes on King Corbin and The Miz in a triple threat number one contender’s match for a title opportunity against Universal Champion “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt.
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions are set for non-title action tomorrow night.
WWE has announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will face Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro (w/ Sami Zayn) in a non-title match on this week’s SmackDown. The show is taking place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The New Day retained their titles against Nakamura & Cesaro on SmackDown three weeks ago after Nakamura & Cesaro answered an open challenge.
New Day also had a Tag Team title defense at TLC. They defeated The Revival in a ladder match.
It was announced on this week’s episode of WWE Backstage that — along with Kingston — Big E and Xavier Woods have signed new five-year deals with WWE. WWE noted that all three members of The New Day “solidified a pact of identical length and compensation on their contracts to maintain equal status among the team.”
Woods underwent surgery in October after suffering a torn Achilles tendon.
Survivor Series spots will be on the line in two matches that have been added to this week’s SmackDown.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley will face Nikki Cross in a non-title match on Friday’s show. If Cross wins, she’ll get the final spot on SmackDown’s women’s division team for their triple threat elimination tag match against Team Raw and Team NXT at Survivor Series.
Mustafa Ali & Shorty G vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode is also set for this week’s SmackDown. If Ziggler & Roode win, they’ll take Ali & Shorty G’s spots in the men’s triple threat elimination tag match.
The Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois is hosting Survivor Series on November 24.
Roman Reigns, King Corbin, Braun Strowman, Ali & Shorty G have been announced as SmackDown’s team for the men’s elimination match. Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, Ricochet & Drew McIntyre will be on Team Raw. NXT’s team has yet to be revealed.
Sasha Banks, Dana Brooke, Carmella & Lacey Evans have been announced for SmackDown’s women’s team. WWE hasn’t revealed any of the members of Team Raw or Team NXT.
Banks is the captain of Team SmackDown.
This week’s SmackDown is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Big E) will defend their titles against The Revival on the show, and Daniel Bryan will appear on Miz TV.
A third champion vs. champion vs. champion match has been made official for Survivor Series.
It was announced during tonight’s Raw that United States Champion AJ Styles, Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura, and NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong will face off in a non-title triple threat match at Survivor Series. With the theme of the pay-per-view being Raw vs. SmackDown vs. NXT, the match was expected to be added to the card.
Becky Lynch vs. Bayley vs. Shayna Baszler and The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik) vs. The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) vs. The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) are the other two non-title champion vs. champion vs. champion matches that will be taking place at Survivor Series.
The Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois will host Survivor Series on Sunday, November 24. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Rey Mysterio
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley vs. NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler in a non-title match
United States Champion AJ Styles vs. Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura vs. NXT North American Champion Roderick Strong in a non-title match
Raw Tag Team Champions The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik) vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) vs. NXT Tag Team Champions The Undisputed Era (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) in a non-title match
Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown vs. Team NXT five-on-five-on-five men’s elimination tag match
Team Raw vs. Team SmackDown vs. Team NXT five-on-five-on-five women’s elimination tag match
An Intercontinental title match in the opener of last night’s SmackDown set up Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan facing Baron Corbin & Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event.
Reigns challenged for Nakamura’s Intercontinental title, but the match ended in a disqualification when Corbin attacked Reigns as he was about to win. When Bryan made the save, he was laid out by Nakamura after Sami Zayn stopped Bryan from hitting a dive.
Bryan pinned Nakamura in the tag team main event.
One week after fully turning heel, Bayley appeared on Miz TV last night and explained her actions. There was also a six-pack challenge on the show, with Nikki Cross winning it and becoming the number one contender to Bayley’s SmackDown Women’s Championship.
The build to Crown Jewel continues as Friday Night SmackDown takes place from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defends his title against Roman Reigns in tonight’s opening match. The match was set up on Twitter after Reigns and Sami Zayn went back and forth insulting each other.
Bayley defeated Charlotte Flair last week to capture the SmackDown Women’s Championship. She debuted a new look with short hair and destroyed the Bayley Buddies. Tonight, she appears as a guest on Miz TV.
Dana Brooke, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, Lacey Evans, Carmella, and Nikki Cross are set for a six-pack challenge tonight, with the winner becoming the number one contender to Bayley’s title.
The New Day & Heavy Machinery take on The Revival, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode in an eight-man tag match. All four teams are participating in the World Cup tag team turmoil match at Crown Jewel.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Roman Reigns defeated Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Sami Zayn) by DQ
Zayn joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Nakamura rocked Reigns with hard knees to gain an early advantage. Reigns fought back and hit a Samoan drop for a near fall. Zayn jumped up from commentary and saved Nakamura from Reigns’ drive-by.
Back from the break, Nakamura was firmly in control with a side headlock. Reigns fired back and rocked Nakamura with a clothesline. He set up for the superman punch, but Nakamura countered with an armbar. Reigns powered out and hit a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.
Zayn left commentary again and jumped on the apron. The distraction allowed Nakamura to hit a sliding German suplex. He went for the Kinshasa, but Reigns hit the superman punch for a close two count.
Reigns went for the spear, but King Corbin attacked Reigns from behind for the disqualification. On commentary, Graves noted Corbin is going to make Reigns pay for his cousin The Rock embarrassing him a few weeks ago.
The heels ganged up on Reigns, but Daniel Bryan ran out for the save. Bryan went for the suicide dive, but Zayn grabbed his leg. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa on Bryan. The heels walked off, celebrating.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked about the draft and SmackDown’s roster. They’re both thrilled with SmackDown’s new roster.
In the back, The New Day sang a song. Tucker interrupted and pointed out they’re all competing against each other at Crown Jewel. Tonight they’re a team, and he wants to make Kofi Kingston feel better about losing the WWE Championship. Kingston said he’s feeling good and has the power of positivity. Otis then drank a bunch of protein shake and pancake batter.
Kayla Braxton tried to interview King Corbin, but he put his crown on and just walked off.
Shorty Gable defeated Curtis Axel (w/Bo Dallas)
Before the match, they recapped all the heels mocking Gable’s height and featured him getting beat down.
Axel slowed the pace down with an armbar. Gable rolled up Axel for a near fall.
Gable rocked Dallas with a kick to the face off the apron. Axel attempted the Perfect Plex, but Gable reversed into an ankle lock for the win.
After the match, Kayla Braxton interviewed Gable. He said he thought his height held him back, but that’s not the case. Gable talked about embracing who he is, and everyone has insecurities. He said to overcome them, and he accepts who he is. Gable decided to shorten his name to Shorty G. The fans slowly cheered Gable more by the end of the promo.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves interviewed Hulk Hogan on Skype. They noted Team Hogan had no team captain because Seth Rollins is taking on “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt at Crown Jewel.
Hogan noted he’s looking for a new captain, and the entire roster volunteered. He said the latest members of his team are Shorty G and Ali. He promised big news by the end of the show.
Heavy Machinery & The New Day (w/Kofi Kingston) defeated The Revival, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Tucker caught Ziggler with a dropkick to take over. Heavy Machinery both hit a suplex on Ziggler and Roode. The faces sent Revival to the floor and Woods hit a dive.
Back from the break, the heels were in control, but Woods nailed Dash Wilder with a back suplex. Scott Dawson prevented Woods from making the tag. Woods fired back, but the heels took over. They isolated Woods and cut him off from his corner.
Ziggler attempted a superplex, but Woods pushed him off. He followed up with a missile dropkick. Otis got the hot tag and ran wild. He attempted a splash, but Ziggler caught him with a boot. Dawson made a blind tag.
Otis then hit the caterpillar on Roode. Dawson attempted a cross body, but Otis caught him.
They attempted the compacter, but Ziggler pulled Tucker to the floor.
Dawson got a near fall and attempted a suplex. Otis held up Dawson for a suplex and handed him to Big E. New Day then hit the midnight hour for the win.
They announced Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan against Shinsuke Nakamura & King Corbin later tonight.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Bryan in the back. He doesn’t care about Twitter beef or grown men arguing about the draft. He promised to put the two Kings in their place.
They showed a video on Ali and noted he’s on Team Hogan at Crown Jewel.
Miz TV with SmackDown Woman’s Champion Bayley
Bayley came out to new music and didn’t smile as she walked to the ring. Sasha Banks accompanied Bayley.
Banks is out there to support her best friend. Bayley reminded everyone that she beat Charlotte Flair last week.
Miz pointed out that Twitter exploded after Bayley’s shocking behavior last week. They recapped her defeating Flair and debuting a new look and attitude. Miz asked Bayley why she did what she did. She doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. He said she owes an apology to all the kids that supported her.
She didn’t speak, and he called her Brock Lesnar and wondered if Banks is her Paul Heyman. Miz asked if it’s because the fans didn’t cheer her. He thinks it’s because she’s in Banks’ shadow.
Bayley destroyed the Bayley buddies because she’s sick of the fans. All the fans did was take, and all she was trying to do was be a role model. She was heartbroken when she lost the title at Hell In A Cell. Nobody was there for her, and there was nobody to hug her. Bayley feels she outgrew the fans. She asked the fans if they want some inspiration. She said life sucks, and then you die.
Nikki Cross interrupted and made her way to the ring. She said the time for talking is over, and it’s time for action. She told Bayley to make herself comfortable and promised to hug Bayley after the match.
Dana Brooke then made her way out. She said tonight marks a new beginning and promised to win as well.
Six-pack Challenge: Nikki Cross defeated Dana Brooke, Lacey Evans, Sonya Deville, Mandy Rose, and Carmella To Earn A SmackDown Woman’s Title Shot
Banks and Bayley watched the match from ringside.
Evans rolled out of the ring. Rose and Deville worked together to control the match. They teased going at it but instead went after Carmella on the floor. Brooke took Fire & Desire out, but Evans rocked Brooke with an elbow.
Carmella took out everyone with a cross body off the barricade. Back from the break, Rose and Deville worked over Carmella. Cross took over and hit a cross body off the top to the floor.
Dana Brooke gained control and hit a powerbomb on Evans. She followed up with Swanton Bomb for a near fall.
Carmella and Rose both made the save. Rose and Carmella started trading slaps, and on commentary, Cole told Graves not to get conflicted.
Evans hit the women’s right, but Carmella hit a superkick. Rose caught Carmella with a knee, but Cross hit the neck breaker for the win.
Cross and Bayley had a staredown after the match.
They recapped the Bray Wyatt and Seth Rollins feud, including Rollins burning down the Firefly Funhouse.
Braun Strowman defeated Drew Gulak
Gulak got on the mic and introduced himself to Strowman. He noted it’s his first night. Gulak said he’s a historian and said Tyson Fury will beat Strowman if he does the same thing he always does.
Gulak created a powerpoint presentation and started to walk Strowman through it. Strowman snapped and completely dominated Gulak. He ran around ringside and rocked Gulak with a shoulder block. He then hit a splash in the corner and power slam for the win.
Roman Reigns & Daniel Bryan defeated Shinsuke Nakamura & King Corbin
Roman Reigns was announced at the new team captain for Team Hogan at Crown Jewel.
Daniel Bryan was firmly in control until Sami Zayn interfered. Back from break, the heels were in control. Corbin knocked Reigns off the apron. They isolated Bryan and cut him off from his corner. Bryan fired up and hit a running knee. He tried to make the tag, but Corbin pulled Reigns off the apron again.
Corbin teased hitting Reigns with the steps, but Bryan hit a suicide dive. Bryan then applied the Lebell Lock on Nakamura, but Corbin made the save. Reigns then hit a superman punch on the floor. He followed up by spearing Corbin on the floor through the barricade.
Bryan rocked Nakamura with the Yes Kicks and set up for the running knee. Nakamura avoided the first time, but Bryan hit the running knee on his second attempt for the win.
Bryan and Reigns celebrated and shook hands after the match.
Next Week: SmackDown moves to FS1 because of the World Series.
Roman Reigns is getting an Intercontinental title shot on SmackDown this week.
WWE has announced that Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura (w/ Sami Zayn) will defend his title against Reigns on tomorrow’s SmackDown. The episode is taking place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The match was set up via tweets from Zayn and Reigns. Zayn wrote: “Nakamura-san & I were eligible to be drafted together & got picked in the 3rd round by #Smackdown. Imagine being able to get a generation-defining performer AND the Intercontinental Champion together in one pick & still deciding to pick The Big D Roman Reigns first. Unreal. – SZ”
Reigns then responded: “Don’t concern yourself with the Big D Sami [laughing emoji] but if you and Shin want to go from 3rd round to face #1…you know where to find me. And bring the #ICTitle with you. #BigDog #BigDeal #SmackDown”
Nakamura became Intercontinental Champion by defeating Finn Balor for the title on the Extreme Rules pre-show this July.
Reigns has held the Intercontinental title once in his career. He won it in November 2017 and lost it in January 2018.
Date: September 23, 2019 Location: Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
The Big Takeaway —
Rey Mysterio won a 5-way elimination match to earn a Universal title match against Seth Rollins on next week’s “season premiere” of Raw. It was the highlight of what was otherwise a lameduck show.
Rollins was once again frozen in fear at the mere sight of Bray Wyatt, who appeared in the main event to take out Braun Strowman. Strowman actually tried to fight back, but Wyatt put him down a second time as Rollins just sat there and watched.
Next week’s show will also include MizTV with guests Hulk Hogan (whose name was booed tonight) and Ric Flair. Brock Lesnar will also appear.
Show Recap —
The signature video that airs before the show was altered by Bray Wyatt, which then bled into a recap of what happened between Wyatt and Seth Rollins.
Rollins came out to start the show. Rollins said he has seen a lot over the last seven years that he’s been here, but has never felt what he felt like last week before. After getting attacked by five guys, he had the living embodiment of a nightmare in front of his face. All he could do is close his eyes and hope it was a bad dream he could wake up from.
But it wasn’t a dream and it gets worse because, at Hell in a Cell, he has to defend the title against Wyatt. Rollins said he would do what he always does — survive and prevail. Rollins spoke about surviving and prevailing against both Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman recently.
Strowman interrupted. He wanted Rollins to say that to his face. He also blamed Rollins for losing the tag titles and accused him of being afraid to fight him again. Rollins basically said he wasn’t afraid of Strowman, he just had a lot of his plate with two upcoming title defenses, both against Wyatt at HIAC and on Raw next week. This eventually led to Rollins challenging Strowman to a match, and he accepted. (The match was made official after a break.)
This wasn’t good. I don’t care that Rollins flubbed a couple of lines, he had a long script, but he basically admitted he was afraid of the Fiend.
The Viking Raiders defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/US Champion AJ Styles) (10:44)
Michael Cole said, “Are you guys ready to join the raid?!” as the Viking Raiders entered (the way he yells “It’s boss time” when Sasha Banks enters). The OC have new music.
The Raiders were in control until Ivar got distracted by Styles. The referee kicked Styles from ringside. As he left, Cedric Alexander attacked him on the stage and chased him to the back.
After a break, the OC were in control. Ivar used a senton on Gallows, then tagged in Erik who ran wild on Anderson before tagging Ivar back in. Erik slammed Ivar into Anderson for a nearfall. Gallows pulled Ivar from the ring, then Anderson gave Erik a spinebuster for two. The OC followed with the Boot of Doom but Erik kicked out.
Erik fought out of a Magic Killer, then Ivar tagged in and they gave Anderson a Viking Experience. Erik took out Gallows with a dive and Ivar pinned Anderson for the win. The crowd got more into the Viking Raiders as the match went on and popped for the win.
Charly Caruso asked Robert Roode why he thought he could win tonight’s match. Roode was mad at the question and noted that he already beat Rollins when they won the tag titles. He said tonight’s result would be glorious.
During the previous match, there was a commercial in Canada for Smackdown moving to Fridays and they use a voiceover of Byron Saxton calling it the premiere show in WWE.
There was a commercial later for Total Divas with Ronda Rousey. Among the clips they used was Sonya Deville calling herself the first openly gay woman in WWE.
Becky Lynch sit-down interview
Cole interviewed Lynch. Lynch said she wanted Banks at her best. She said she left Smackdown’s women’s division in good shape before moving to Raw, where the division was in shambles after Rousey ran through everyone. Lynch knew she couldn’t make history on her own which is why she called out everyone, especially Banks.
Cole told her that there has only been one women’s HIAC match and Banks was in it. Lynch said Banks didn’t win that match and couldn’t wait to be in the cell with her. Lynch said Banks wasn’t just trying to fight her when she came back, she was trying to end her with all those chair shots. Lynch said Banks will get her chance at HIAC and she better take it. This was good.
Rusev defeated EC3 (1:41)
The match started with a “we want Lana” chant, which Corey Graves acknowledged. Rusev won quickly by submission after a superkick and Accolade.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio said this business has been his entire life and he overcame a moment of serious doubt thanks to his son Dominick. Mysterio dedicated the match to him.
Sasha Banks (w/SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley) defeated Women’s Tag Team Champion Nikki Cross (w/Alexa Bliss) (15:36)
They kept calling this a big match for Cross and a win would be perhaps the biggest of her career. Cross was in control for the first few minutes. She applied a sleeper on the outside but Banks dropped her back-first against the mats and they went to break.
[Second hour]
Banks was in control after the break and hit a double knee strike for a two count. Cross came back with forearm strikes, a running charge and bulldog for two. Banks again used a double knee strike again for two. Banks worked over the leg but Cross fought back and launched her into the turnbuckle. Cross then gave Banks a crossbody off the apron to the outside.
Cross yanked Banks over the middle rope, then used a neckbreaker for two. Banks used a baseball slide, but Cross then caught her between the ring and the skirt and clubbed away at her. Cross nailed her with the swinging neckbreaker but Bayley hopped on the apron as a distraction. Bliss then took out Bayley.
Cross went for a flying crossbody but Banks rolled through into the crossface for the submission win. Banks kicked Cross after the match, then attacked Bliss before she could make the save. The crowd was quiet for most of the match but got into the finish. The story was that Cross was Banks’ equal and should have won.
The OC had a meeting backstage. I guess Styles escaped Alexander at some point.
WWE congratulated themselves on having a lot of Facebook followers.
They announced that Lesnar will appear on Raw’s season premiere next week. Looks like there’s a new Raw logo too.
The Street Profits spoke backstage until they were interrupted by The Miz. Miz announced the birth of his and Marye’s second child, which the crowd cheered. He also announced MizTV next week with Hulk Hogan (who was booed) and Ric Flair.
They aired a clip of Lesnar attacking Kofi Kingston and plugged their Smackdown match on October 4th. On Smackdown tomorrow, Daniel Bryan speaks to Roman Reigns face-to-face.
Lacey Evans defeated Ember Moon (5:32)
Enemy number one in Canada Lacey Evans taunted Moon at the start so Moon kicked her in the neck. Evans took over by simply shoving Moon against the mat and kicking her out of the ring. Moon fought out of a rest hold and hit a Samoan drop. Moon then ducked a “women’s right” and hit a series of strikes.
With Evans on the outside, there was a cool spot where Moon was hanging upside down, using her feet to hold on to the bottom rope, then grabbed Evans and gave her a stunner. However, she only got a two count in the ring. Moon went to the top but Evans caught her with the “women’s right.” Evans then applied a Sharpshooter for the submission win.
Natalya told Sarah Schrieber that if Evans wanted to fight, she better be prepared to tap out.
Firefly Fun House
Wyatt hanged an empty picture frame on his wall to go with the pictures of Rollins, Kane, Kurt Angle, Jerry Lawler, Finn Bálor and Mick Foley. He said there’s always room for one more. The pig and rabbit puppets fought over a Rollins toy figure.
Wyatt said you shouldn’t get too attached to anything and he knew what it was like to be abandoned by those he cared about most. Wyatt said Rollins doesn’t like to share but thought his puppet friends could share. He ripped the Rollins toy in half. “See you in hell.”
The announcers put over last week’s NXT show.
R-Truth and Carmella sprinted to the ring and the usual losers ran after them. Before the group could attack, Carmella begged them to stop. She said this was consuming her life as she couldn’t eat or sleep. She then rolled up Truth to win the title, which got a good reaction.
Truth raised her hand as the others looked on. Sarah Logan, Billie Kay, Dana Brooke and Tamina ran out, so Carmella and Truth ran away through the crowd.
Backstage, Sami Zayn hyped up Shinsuke Nakamura until Nakamura cut him off in Japanese. Zayn apologized and settled down.
Chad Gable defeated Baron Corbin via DQ (14:52)
Corbin came out wearing custom king gear — a black crown, black scepter, and black leather cape with fur. He still wrestled in slacks and a tank top. Corbin told Gable that tonight’s match would be short and after tonight, he will no longer be facing anyone under 5’5”.
Corbin launched Gable over the barricade into two plants (people) and they went to break three minutes into the match.
[Third hour]
After the break, Gable seemed to be mounting a comeback until Corbin cut him off with a running elbow. Gable came back later with a springboard crossbody and strikes, but Corbin cut him off again, this time with a boot.
Gable fired back with three consecutive rolling back kicks and went to the top, but Corbin grabbed him and slammed him down. Gable countered a chokeslam into a sunset flip cover for two, then Corbin hit the chokeslam for a nearfall. The crowd got into it and began chanting “Chad, Chad, Chad.”
Gable avoided a double axe handle, then hit a German suplex and moonsault for a nearfall. The crowd chanted for Gable who countered an End of Days into an ankle lock. Corbin fought for the ropes, then grabbed his scepter and clocked Gable with it for the DQ.
Corbin continued the attack as the crowd booed (Gable was bleeding from the mouth a bit, which made it look better). The crowd really got into Gable here and it’s the loudest they’ve been all night.
There was a new AOP promo. This was different. It began with AOP sitting down and speaking as they did last week, then they got up in the middle of it, left the locker room and went down the hallway where they found and attacked Heath Slater and one other person (I didn’t notice who it was). The camera went black for a moment, then came back on and AOP were back in their seats. AOP said they just showed why nobody wants to face them.
Rey Mysterio defeated Ricochet, Robert Roode, US Champion AJ Styles and Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Sami Zayn) in a 5-way elimination match to become number one contender for the Universal Championship
It was randomly announced as the wrestlers entered that this was an elimination match. Ricochet did a lame interview before the match. Graves wondered where Ziggler was.
Ricochet and Mysterio had a brief staredown but were interrupted before they could interact. Mysterio dove on Styles and Ricochet dove on Namakura, then they went to break one minute into the match.
Styles and Roode stared each other down which led to a brief “TNA” chant. They worked together for a moment until Roode tried to attack Styles, but Styles gave him a Pelé kick. Nakamura kicked away at Ricochet until Ricochet caught him with an enziguri. Mysterio took out Nakamura with a seated senton.
Mysterio and Ricochet finally went at it and the crowd buzzed somewhat. Ricochet countered a DDT into a suplex for two. Styles attacked Ricochet but Ricochet caught him with a dropkick. Ricochet gave Roode a springboard clothesline and Recoil, but Nakamura flew in and gave Ricochet a Kinsasha for the pinfall. Nakamura eliminates Ricochet (9:43).
The crowd seemed surprised that Ricochet was out first. After a break, there was a tower of doom spot where Roode powerbombed Styles and Nakamura as they suplexed Mysterio. Roode tried for covers on each guy but they all kicked out. Nakamura caught Roode with a kick and a knee strike off the middle rope for a nearfall.
Styles and Nakamura tried strikes, which Namakura got the better of, leading to a two count. Mysterio gave Nakamura a 619 but Styles gave Mysterio a brainbuster on the apron. Styles then gave Nakamura a Phenomenal forearm for the pinfall. Styles eliminates Nakamura (17:47).
Roode then flew in and gave Styles a Glorious DDT for the pinfall. Roode eliminates Styles (18:03).
The crowd really got behind Mysterio as Roode sized him up. Mysterio went for a 619 but Roode caught him with a spinebuster for a nearfall. Mysterio countered a DDT and hit a 619 followed by a frog splash for the pinfall win. Mysterio eliminates Roode and wins the match (20:21).
This was fun. The crowd was very happy that Mysterio won. It’s Mysterio vs. Rollins for the title next week.
Backstage, Rollins told Caruso that facing Mysterio was a dream match. He knew he still had to also face Wyatt and face Strowman tonight. It sounded like he was complaining about having to wrestle too many matches. He said he would beat them all and burn it down.
They plugged next week’s show and announced Bliss vs. Banks.
Non-title match: Universal Champion Seth Rollins vs. Braun Strowman
Strowman was in full control and they went to break 90 seconds into the match. After the break, Rollins avoided a running charge but still ate a headbutt. Rollins avoided a charge again and sent Strowman shoulder-first into the post. Rollins then chop-blocked him and drove his leg into the post. Rollins followed with a flying knee and superkick but barely got a one count.
Rollins nailed a blockbuster off the top for two. Rollins followed with consecutive frog splashes for a nearfall. Rollins slipped out of a powerslam attempt and hit consecutive dives. He went for a third (and almost tripped) but Strowman caught him and slammed him against the edge of the ring. Strowman then ran over Rollins with running shoulder tackles.
Strowman gave Rollins a powerslam on the floor and rolled him into the ring. Instead of going for a cover, Strowman just stared at him for a while. He picked him up for another powerslam attempt when the lights began to go out.
Wyatt appeared and put Strowman down with the mandible claw. Wyatt turned his attention to Rollins who once again backed into the corner and yelled as he became frozen. Strowman actually got to his knees and tried to attack but Wyatt put him down again with the mandible claw.
Rollins had ample opportunity to get up and attack, or maybe leave, but instead, he just looked on, frozen in fear. The lights went out, Wyatt’s laugh played over the speakers, and the show ended.
A fatal five-way number one contender’s match is set for tomorrow’s episode of Raw.
WWE has announced that AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, Rey Mysterio, and Robert Roode will face off in the number one contender’s match. The winner will challenge for Seth Rollins’ Universal Championship on what’s being billed as Raw’s season premiere next week (September 30).
Rollins defending his Universal title against The Fiend in a Hell in a Cell match has been announced for WWE’s Hell in a Cell pay-per-view. The PPV is taking place in Sacramento, California on October 6.
The Chase Center in San Francisco, California is hosting both Raw and SmackDown this week. A new edition of Bray Wyatt’s Firefly Fun House, Sasha Banks vs. Nikki Cross, and Baron Corbin vs. Chad Gable have also been made official for Raw.
Bayley will be in Banks’ corner tomorrow, while Cross will have Alexa Bliss in her corner.
Corbin vs. Gable is a rematch of last week’s King of the Ring finals, where Corbin defeated Gable to win the tournament. Gable then ruined Corbin’s coronation on SmackDown the next night.
