WWE has officially added two more title matches to the card for Clash of Champions.
It was confirmed today that The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Revival at Clash of Champions. Shinsuke Nakamura defending his Intercontinental Championship against The Miz has also been confirmed for the pay-per-view.
The matches had been set up by The Revival and Miz issuing challenges to their respective opponents.
The Revival have been aligned with Randy Orton during the build to Clash of Champions. Orton will challenge for Kofi Kingston’s WWE Championship at the PPV.
Earlier this month, it was established that Sami Zayn is now Nakamura’s spokesman on WWE TV. Nakamura has laid out Miz on SmackDown each of the past two weeks.
The Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina is hosting Clash of Champions on September 15. Here’s the updated card for the show:
Universal Champion Seth Rollins defending against Braun Strowman
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Randy Orton
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Charlotte Flair
Raw Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman defending against Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Big E & Xavier Woods defending against The Revival
Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura defending against The Miz
The finals of the King of the Ring tournament
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak defending against Humberto Carrillo
Finn Balor was supposed to face Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura at Smackville tonight, but that match didn’t end up happening.
WWE announced shortly before Smackville started that Balor wouldn’t be able to wrestle tonight: “During the week, @FinnBalor suffered an undisclosed injury. @WWE Medical has unfortunately not cleared him for competition tonight at #SMACKVILLE. It is unknown who or if @ShinsukeN defends his title tonight. Stay tuned as we learn more.”
Nakamura instead retained his title against Ali at tonight’s special. Nakamura entered at the start of the show and wanted to win by forfeit. As the referee was about to count Balor out, Ali came down and cut a promo setting up that Nakamura would be defending the Intercontinental title against him immediately.
Ali hit a satellite DDT for a near fall and went to the top rope near the end of the match, but the finish was Nakamura avoiding the 054, sending Ali face-first into the middle turnbuckle, and retaining with the Kinshasa.
Post Wrestling’s John Pollock tweeted that he was told Balor is dealing with a “24-hour bug type situation” and WWE is hoping he’ll be ready for Tuesday’s SmackDown. Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler has been announced for the episode.
“Smackville” will take place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, July 27 and will air live on the WWE Network. The event was previously scheduled as just being a house show.
Two matches have been confirmed for the special, and it will also feature a musical performance by Elias. Kofi Kingston will defend the WWE Championship against Samoa Joe and Dolph Ziggler in a triple threat match. Plus, Finn Balor will face Intercontinental Champion Shinsuke Nakamura in a rematch from Extreme Rules.
Kingston retained the WWE Championship against Joe at Extreme Rules this Sunday. He also retained against Ziggler at both Super ShowDown and Stomping Grounds.
Nakamura won the Intercontinental title from Balor on the Extreme Rules pre-show.
Smackville will begin on the WWE Network at 9 p.m. Eastern time on July 27. WWE hasn’t announced how long the special will be.
An Intercontinental title match has been added to the card for Extreme Rules.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor will defend his title against Shinsuke Nakamura on tonight’s pre-show. The match was announced on the pre-Extreme Rules edition of WWE Now.
On SmackDown’s go-home show for Extreme Rules, Nakamura defeated Balor in a non-title match. Their program began when Nakamura interrupted a backstage interview with Balor on the June 25 episode of SmackDown and indicated that he wants the Intercontinental title.
Extreme Rules is taking place at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania tonight. The pre-show will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting an hour later.
Here’s the updated lineup for tonight:
The Undertaker & Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre in a no holds barred match
Universal Champion Seth Rollins & Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defending against Baron Corbin & Lacey Evans in an extreme rules match (winners-take-all stipulation with both titles on the line)
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston defending against Samoa Joe
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defending against Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross in a handicap match
United States Champion Ricochet defending against AJ Styles
Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley in a last man standing match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan defending against Big E & Xavier Woods and Heavy Machinery in a triple threat match
Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against The Usos
Aleister Black vs. Cesaro
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Drew Gulak defending against Tony Nese
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor defending against Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
– SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan defeated Heavy Machinery to retain their titles
Bryan was heavily booed, while Heavy Machinery got a good reaction from the fans. There was lots of playing to the crowd to start. Bryan rolled up Otis for the pin.
After the match, Heavy Machinery laid out Bryan and Otis gave him the caterpillar.
– Kayla Braxton announced that Shane McMahon had Kevin Owens banned from the building after his actions on SmackDown.
– Ember Moon defeated Liv Morgan
This was all action and better than expected. Moon won with the eclipse.
Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville attacked Moon after, with Asuka and Kairi Sane making the save. That led into the next match.
– Elias did a promo and introduced his partner Sami Zayn. They insulted the crowd and threatened to do a duet but were interrupted by Big E and Xavier Woods.
– Big E & Xavier Woods defeated Elias & Sami Zayn by DQ
Dolph Ziggler interfered to cause the disqualification. Kofi Kingston then came out to even the odds and hit Zayn with Trouble in Paradise. This was Kingston’s only appearance of the night even though he was advertised to face Ziggler. Kingston is dealing with a minor back injury but has said he’ll be fine for Extreme Rules.
New Day got the biggest reaction of the show.
Owens then showed up and stunned Ziggler and Zayn.
– SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley defeated Nikki Cross to retain her title
Bayley was really popular with the ringside kids. Charlotte was originally advertised in TV ads and it was then changed to Alexa Bliss a couple of weeks ago, but neither appeared.
The match was a little clunky early, but they recovered. Bayley won with the Bayley-to-Belly.
– Andrade and Zelina Vega came out to cut a promo but were interrupted by Drake Maverick being chased by Apollo Crews and Buddy Murphy. Crews and Murphy kept screwing up and hitting each other instead of Maverick.
R-Truth and Carmella then came out and Truth had Maverick pinned until Andrade took out Truth. Maverick ran to the back.
– Aleister Black defeated Andrade
Black and Andrade both got good reactions. The match was short, but the action was crisp. Vega interfered several times against Black, but he won with the Black Mass.
– Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor defeated Shinsuke Nakamura and Ali in a triple threat match to retain his title
Balor got the second best reaction of the night. Ali worked hard. For the finish, Balor pinned Nakamura after hitting the Coup de Grace.
SmackDown’s go-home show for Extreme Rules takes place at the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire tonight.
Kevin Owens takes on Dolph Ziggler on the episode. Shane McMahon forced Owens & Ziggler to be a tag team last week, and they lost to Heavy Machinery after Ziggler accidentally superkicked Owens. Owens then gave Ziggler a stunner after the match.
A Tag Team Championship Summit takes place tonight featuring SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Big E & Xavier Woods, and Heavy Machinery. All three teams will square off at Extreme Rules.
Aleister Black’s Extreme Rules opponent is scheduled to be revealed. After Black challenged someone to pick a fight with him, Black finally got a knock on his door two weeks ago.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor faces Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match tonight. Nikki Cross vs. Carmella has also been announced.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Earlier today, Dolph Ziggler arrived at the arena parking lot. Kayla Braxton approached and asked about Kevin Owens. Ziggler ranted about Owens.
Owens showed up in his car and honked his horn. They argued and ended up brawling in the parking lot. Shane McMahon showed up and ordered Ziggler into the arena. He then ordered Owens to get in his car and leave.
Backstage, Shane McMahon addressed the brawl from earlier. He said that Owens instigated the fight, so he’s gone. He’s got a few ideas about a new main event. Owens vs. Ziggler is officially off.
The commentators were running down the lineup for tonight when Kevin Owens interrupted. He walked through the crowd and grabbed a mic. He said that he remembers the McMahons promising change, but the only thing that happened is Shane got more power and TV time. Owens screamed that nobody wants to see more Shane.
Owens jumped on the table and noted he’s sick that Shane calls himself the best in the world. Shane cut his mic twice, so Owens spoke in Byron Saxton’s headset. He complained that Shane takes TV time from Apollo Crews, Buddy Murphy, Ali, Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Security came out, and Owens left through the crowd. On commentary, Corey Graves pushed the idea that Owens just committed career suicide and there’s a better way to do this. The crowd broke into a huge “Kevin Owens” chant.
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor In a Non-Title Match
Nakamura had the early advantage and worked on the neck. Bálor fought back, but Nakamura caught him with a kick to the neck. Nakamura went for the Kinshasa, but Bálor hit the Sling Blade.
Bálor climbed to the top, but Nakamura cut him off. Nakamura hit a knee off the second turnbuckle on the apron. They fought around ringside and just barely broke the ten count.
Nakamura sent Bálor back to the floor and hit the Kinshasa. He tried to win by count out, but Bálor made it back in.
Nakamura threw Bálor back out and beat him around ringside. Bálor just barely beat the count again. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa for the win.
In the back, Shane McMahon spoke with Drew McIntyre and Elias. They discussed Roman Reigns and Cedric Alexander from last night. Elias noted he wrote a funeral song for Undertaker.
Dolph Ziggler approached and was mad about not facing Kevin Owens in the main event. Instead, McMahon announced Ziggler vs. Roman Reigns in the main event. McMahon noted they would all be at ringside for the match.
They recapped the Samoa Joe vs. Kofi Kingston feud. Joe cut an awesome promo backstage. He promised to defeat Kingston for the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules.
Kayla Braxton hosted the contract signing for SmackDown Woman’s champion Bayley vs. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross. Cross is representing Bliss. Bayley’s happy that Bliss isn’t out there.
Bayley pointed out they’re the same. She was star struck when she first came to the WWE and let people take advantage of her. Bayley pointed out that Bliss would blame Cross when she loses on Sunday.
Cross noted that Bliss promised her they’d be Smackdown Co-Woman’s Champion. Cross wants Bayley to pay close attention to her match with Carmella.
Nikki Cross defeated Carmella
Bayley watched the match from ringside. Cross jumped Carmella to start the match. She was firmly in control and used a suplex for a near fall. She slowed the pace down and locked on a submission. Carmella made a comeback after Cross missed a cross body. Carmella used an inside cradle for a near fall. Cross fought back and hit the spinning neck breaker for the win.
They recapped The Kabuki Warriors defeating SmackDown Women’s Tag Team Champions the IIconics in a non-title match in Tokyo, Japan two weeks ago.
Backstage, Paige and The Kabuki Warriors approached The IIconics. They demanded a tag title shot tonight but Peyton Royce said Billie Kay’s sick with mad cow-bird flu disease. Paige slapped Kay and promised they’d win the titles.
They recapped the angle involving Cedric Alexander from last night. In the back, Roman Reigns discussed his upcoming match against Dolph Ziggler and tagging with Undertaker Sunday night. He said Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre would Rest In Peace.
Big E and Xavier Woods came out to address their match Sunday night. Woods talked about the triple threat tonight and the three-way at Extreme Rules. Big E said he thought it was a different kind of three-way. He said their championship tips would touch at Extreme Rules.
SmackDown tag team champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan interrupted. Bryan noted New Day’s a joke and nobody takes them as champions seriously. Woods pointed about that Rowan took orders from Bryan Wyatt, Luke Harper and now Bryan. He wondered who Rowan’s daddy is. Rowan became furious.
Bryan said this is what New Day does. He pointed out New Day is some of the best athletes, but all they do is make jokes. Bryan said New Day winning the titles is the worst thing that can happen. He corrected himself and said the worst thing is Heavy Machinery winning.
Heavy Machinery interrupted. They mocked Bryan and promised to win the titles Sunday night. They intimated New Day as well.
Otis (w/Tucker) defeated Daniel Bryan (w/Rowan) and Xavier Woods (w/Big E)
Otis had the early advantage after hitting a double suplex on Bryan and Woods. Rowan interfered and rocked Otis with a clothesline.
Big E and Tucker went after Rowan on the floor. Rowan attempted a double Iron Claw, but they countered. The referee then threw all three out of the match.
Back from the break, Woods caught Bryan with a missile dropkick for a near fall. Woods attempted the Honor Roll, but Bryan applied the Labelle Lock.
Otis broke up the submission. Bryan then rocked Otis with kicks, but Otis caught him and slammed him. Otis splashed Bryan in the corner and hit the Caterpillar.
Woods caught Otis with a superkick and hit a press slam into a gut buster on Bryan. The finish came when Otis caught Woods with a pop-up slam for the win.
In the back, Ember Moon was in the line for catering. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville approached. They said the loss last week brought them closer. Rose challenged Moon to find a tag team partner to face them next week. It appeared that Drake Maverick was hiding underneath the table.
Ali cut another excellent promo on the street. He talked about his time as a police officer. He said evil only wins when you don’t show up to fight.
Tom Philips interviewed Aleister Black on a split screen. It was supposed to be Black and his opponent, but he didn’t show up. Black started speaking when Cesaro showed up. He said he’s the one that knocked on the door because he wants to pick a fight with Black. Black was happy and is looking forward to fighting Cesaro.
In the back, the interviewer asked Shelton Benjamin if Ziggler beat Roman Reigns would it finally be him. Benjamin looked around and smiled.
In the back, Kayla Braxton was about to interview WWE Champion Kofi Kingston. Paul Heyman showed up and walked pass Braxton. He never spoke a word.
Kingston talked about the controversy from last week when he flipped off Samoa Joe. He welcomes the challenge because by defeating guys like Joe, he’s going to become the greatest WWE Champion of all time.
Roman Reigns defeated Dolph Ziggler
Shane McMahon, Drew McIntyre, and Elias came down to ringside. McMahon joined in on commentary and told Elias and McIntyre they can get a closer look if they want.
Ziggler took over with a standing dropkick and elbow drop for a near fall. Reigns fought back and hit the drive-by. Elias distracted Reigns, and McIntyre pushed him into the ring post.
Ziggler slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Reigns made a comeback and hit a Samoan drop.
Reigns rocked Ziggler with clotheslines in the corner. He then hit the Superman punch on Elias, but Ziggler hit the Zig Zag on Reigns for a close near fall.
Ziggler set up for the superkick, but Reigns hit the Superman punch for another close near fall. McIntyre pulled Ziggler out of the ring. Reigns hit a huge dive over the top rope onto McIntyre and Elias.
McMahon jumped in the ring and distracted Reigns on the floor. Ziggler rocked Reigns with a superkick.
Suddenly, Kevin Owens ran through the crowd and hit the Stunner on McMahon. Ziggler attempted the Zig Zag again, but Reigns countered and hit the spear for the win.
WWE has made a few announcements for Tuesday’s SmackDown.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor will face Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match on the episode, which is the go-home show for Extreme Rules. Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler is also set.
Nakamura interrupted a backstage interview with Balor on the June 25 edition of SmackDown and indicated that he wants Balor’s Intercontinental title.
Owens & Ziggler teamed against Heavy Machinery in the main event of this past Tuesday’s show. The stipulation was that the winning team would get added to the SmackDown Tag Team title match at Extreme Rules. Ziggler accidentally hit a superkick on Owens near the end of the match, then Owens gave Ziggler a stunner after Heavy Machinery won.
Ahead of their triple threat title match at Extreme Rules, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan, Big E & Xavier Woods, and Heavy Machinery will take part in a Tag Team Championship summit on Tuesday.
WWE is also advertising that Aleister Black’s opponent for Extreme Rules will be revealed on Tuesday’s episode. Weeks of videos where Black challenged someone to pick a fight with him led to Black getting a knock on his door, but Black revealed that there was no one there when he went to answer. Black applauded the person who knocked, said they’re now fighting on a spiritual level, and challenged them to face him at Extreme Rules.
The SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire is hosting Tuesday’s SmackDown.
WWE was back at Sumo Hall on Saturday to close out two straight nights of house shows in Tokyo, Japan.
– Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defeated Alexa Bliss and Asuka in a triple threat match to retain her title
WWE set up Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. The IIconics in a non-title match for later.
– Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson defeated Zack Ryder & Curt Hawkins
Gallows & Anderson got a Tag Team title shot against The Revival after this.
– Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) defeated Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson to retain their titles
– Triple H & Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Robert Roode & Samoa Joe
Triple H was originally only advertised for night one but ended up teaming with Nakamura here. He gave Joe a Pedigree, then Nakamura hit the Kinshasa on Roode for the win.
– The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions The IIconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay) in a non-title match
Asuka & Sane defeated The IIconics in non-title matches on both nights in Tokyo and will get a Women’s Tag Team title shot in the future.
– United States Champion Ricochet defeated Cesaro to retain his title
– Universal Champion Seth Rollins, AJ Styles & Braun Strowman defeated Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley & Drew McIntyre
Rollins pinned Corbin after hitting the Curb Stomp.
SmackDown takes place tonight from the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
There were several new additions to the SmackDown roster as part of the Superstar Shake-up last week, including Intercontinental Champion Finn Balor, Lars Sullivan, Bayley, Kairi Sane, and more.
Vince McMahon announced Elias as the “greatest acquisition in SmackDown Live history.” Roman Reigns then interrupted them and gave McMahon the Superman punch. WWE.com is teasing a storyline where McMahon might fire Reigns tonight for his actions.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston takes on Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match. Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E’s temporary replacement Big O (Kevin Owens) defeated Cesaro, Rusev, and Nakamura last week. Woods and Owens will be in Kingston’s corner as he faces Nakamura.
Raw and SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair will meet in a face-to-face segment tonight for the first time since WrestleMania 35.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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Shane McMahon came down to the ring. He forced Greg Hamilton to introduce him as the Best in the World. He noted he wasn’t in a good mood. He’s not out there to talk about himself. He’s here to talk about Roman Reigns. He showed footage from last week of Reigns hitting Vince McMahon with the Superman Punch. Shane said the footage made him sick to his stomach.
McMahon called the footage horrific. He wondered what kind of man puts his hands on another man’s father. He called Vince a national treasure and said it was like disgracing the flag. He was upset that Reigns hit his father and promised consequences. He wondered if he should fine, suspend or fire Reigns.
McMahon said they’re going to do things a little different. They’re going to settle this in the ring. He ordered Reigns to come down to the ring. The fans gave Reigns a positive reaction and chanted “Roman”. Reigns went to speak but threw the mic down instead. McMahon then threw his mic down too.
Elias ran out and distracted Reigns. McMahon jumped Reigns from behind and attacked him in the corner. Reigns fought back but Elias jumped him. The fans broke into another “Roman” chant. Reigns briefly fought back but the heels took over. Elias hit the Drift Away on Reigns.
In the back, Shane McMahon and Elias discussed their attack on Roman Reigns. McMahon bragged about hitting Reigns and said his father would be proud.
Kayla Braxton interviewed WWE Champion Kofi Kingston backstage. He talked about winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Xavier Woods and Big O showed up. Kevin Owens was certain that Kingston was going to beat Shinsuke Nakamura because New Day Rocks.
Intercontinental Champion Finn Bálor defeated Andrade (w/Zelina Vega)
Before the match, Zelina Vega noted that Bálor tried to run away from Andrade in the Superstar Shake-up but they came to SmackDown. Andrade promised to fulfill his legacy and end the myth of Finn Bálor.
Bálor had the early advantage. He tried to pull Andrade to the center of the ring but Vega grabbed Andrade. This caused a distraction and Andrade took over. He hit a dive to the floor taking out Bálor.
Andrade was firmly in control and slowed the pace down. He attempted a powerbomb but Bálor reversed into a DDT. He followed up with a double foot stomp. He climbed to the top but Andrade cut him off. Andrade hit a hurricanrana but Bálor rolled through and scored a near fall. He sent Andrade to the floor and followed up with a dive.
Bálor attempted the Sling Blade but Andrade countered with a back elbow. He hit the running double knees in the corner for near fall. Andrade attempted the Hammerlock DDT but Balor countered.
Vega attempted a cross body on Bálor but he moved and Andrade caught her. He put her down and Bálor hit the running dropkick. Bálor hit the coup de grace for the win.
In the back, Elias sang a song about Roman Reigns and challenged him to a match at Money In The Bank. It was a pretty good song. Shane McMahon jumped in and praised the song. McMahon asked if he was sure about the challenge. Elias confirmed he wants the match. They jumped in the limo and drove off.
Earlier today, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose confronted Paige. They mocked her for forming her new team of Asuka & Kairi Sane. They told her they’re not going to reform Absolution when her new team blows up in her face.
The Women’s tag team champions The IIconics made their way to the ring. They mocked Asuka and Sane. Peyton Royce said the only reason Sane pinned her last week was because she wasn’t ready. This week she’s ready and hydrated.
Sane was firmly in control and dominated the whole match. She nailed Royce with a spear and hit the Insane Elbow for the win.
After the match, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose walked out on the stage. They mocked the faces with applause.
Jinder Mahal and The Singh Brothers made their way out to the ring. Tom Philips noted the Superstar Shake-up continues with their return to SmackDown.
In the back, Aleister Black noted the fans know who he is. He said he couldn’t explain the complex tragedy of his character.
Chad Gable vs. Jinder Mahal (w/The Singh Brothers) Didn’t Happen Because Lars Sullivan Interfered
Lars Sullivan jumped Gable as he made his way to the ring. Sullivan jumped in the ring and went after the Singh Brothers. Mahal left the ring. Sullivan gave Samir the Freak Accident and Sunil the running sit out powerbomb.
R-Truth ran down to the ring and attacked Sullivan. Sullivan fought back and gave Truth the running sit out powerbomb as well.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Roman Reigns in the locker room. She asked about the challenge Elias made earlier. Reigns promised to break his jaw and accepted the challenge for Money In The Bank.
Charlotte Flair made her way to the ring. She talked about the WrestleMania 35 main event. She pointed out that Becky Lynch pinned Ronda Rousey to win the match. Flair did not get pinned or submit. She noted that Lynch did not beat her for the SmackDown Championship. She demanded Lynch come down to the ring.
Lynch admitted she didn’t beat Flair because she was too busy beating Rousey. She wanted to prove she could beat Rousey because she already knew she could beat Flair. Flair said it was an injustice that Lynch is the champion. She believes she’s in Lynch’s head.
Lynch pointed out she’s beaten Flair and is the one in her head. Flair believes Lynch is scared. Flair said she’s next in line and wants to face Lynch after Lacey Evans at Money In the Bank. Lynch told her to shut up and said she wants to clear the way for people like Bayley, Mickie James, and Ember Moon.
Bayley made her way down to the ring. She thanked Lynch for the shout out but noted Lynch has never beaten her. Flair told Bayley to get to the back of the line because this is her show. Bayley challenged Flair to a match to see which one of them deserves a shot at Lynch next. Bayley got in Flair’s face.
Charlotte Flair defeated Bayley to earn a SmackDown Women’s title shot against Becky Lynch at Money in the Bank
The McMahon family made the match official during the commercial break. The winner receives a future title opportunity against SmackDown Woman’s Champion Becky Lynch.
Flair had the early advantage but Bayley took over. She hit a cross body for a one count. Flair used a neck breaker to regain control. Bayley rolled up Flair for a near fall and used a cross body for a two count. Flair fought back and attacked Bayley’s leg.
Bayley fought back and rocked Flair with a knee. She followed up with a clothesline for a near fall. Bayley avoided a big boot but Flair nailed her with a second one for a two count. Flair attempted a moonsault but Bayley moved. It seemed that Flair tried to land on her feet but couldn’t. She grabbed her knee on the landing.
Bayley hit a sunset flip into the corner for a near fall. She climbed to the top but Flair pushed her off. She went for the Figure Four but Bayley used an inside cradle for a two count. Flair recovered and hit the spear for the win.
Becky Lynch was watching the match in the back. Kayla Braxton interviewed her about having two title challengers. Lynch announced that she’s defending both belts at Money In The Bank in separate matches. First, she defends the Raw Championship against Lacey Evans and then defends the SmackDown Championship against Charlotte Flair.
Bray Wyatt hosted the Firefly Funhouse. He said this is his special place. He introduced two creepy dolls. He said he use to be a bad guy but that part of him is dead now. He then sawed off the head of a Bray Wyatt cardboard cut out.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston (w/ Xavier Woods & Kevin Owens) defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (w/Rusev & Lana) by DQ
Tom Phillips pushed that this is Kingston’s first singles match on SmackDown since winning the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. Owens and Woods joined in on commentary at their special announce table.
Nakamura had the early advantage with a side headlock. Kingston fought back with a series of dropkicks. Nakamura regained control and slowed the pace down. Kingston hit a splash off the ropes for a near fall. He hit a huge splash off the top for another two count. Kingston attempted a suicide dive but Nakamura rocked him with a kick.
Nakamura sent Kingston into the steps but he leaped over them. Kingston jumped off the steps but Nakamura nailed him. He then hit a knee on the floor. Nakamura hit a sliding German suplex. He set up for the Kinshasa but Kingston hit a double stomp.
Kingston went for the Trouble in Paradise but Nakamura ducked. Kingston hit the SOS but Rusev jumped in for the disqualification. Woods and Owens made the save for Kingston. Owens back dropped Woods onto Rusev on the floor. Nakamura then hit the Kinshasa on Woods.
Owens was checking on Kingston when Nakamura tried to attack. Kingston shoved Owens out of the way and hit the Trouble in Paradise on Nakamura.
Suddenly, Owens turned on Kingston and hit him with a superkick. He ripped off the New Day t-shirt and beat down Kingston. He threw Kingston into the barricade. Owens threw Kingston back in the ring.
Owens grabbed the belt and got in Kingston’s face. Kingston made a brief comeback but Owens beat him back down. Owens attempted the powerbomb on the apron but Woods made the save. Owens beat down Woods and gave him the powerbomb on the apron instead. Kingston and referees checked on Woods.
WWE has made a couple of announcements for the first post-Superstar Shake-up episode of SmackDown.
WWE Champion Kofi Kingston will face Shinsuke Nakamura in a non-title match on Tuesday’s show. Xavier Woods and Kevin Owens will be in Kingston’s corner for the match.
Kingston, Woods & Owens defeated Rusev, Nakamura & Cesaro in a six-man tag match on this week’s SmackDown, with Owens being an honorary member of The New Day while Big E is out of action with a torn meniscus.
A face-to-face segment with Raw & SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair has also been announced for Tuesday’s SmackDown. It will be the first time they’ve shared the ring together since Lynch defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte in the main event of WrestleMania 35.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. WWE is also teasing a storyline of whether or not Roman Reigns will be fired after Superman punching Vince McMahon.
A fatal four-way SmackDown Tag Team title match has been made official for WrestleMania 35.
The Usos will defend their titles against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev on Sunday. That was confirmed on tonight’s SmackDown, with Alexa Bliss making the announcement after The Usos, Ricochet & Black defeated Cesaro, Sheamus, Nakamura & Rusev in an eight-man tag match.
Rusev was pinned in the eight-man tag after The Usos gave him a double superkick. After Bliss made her announcement, the four teams brawled, Black laid out Cesaro with Black Mass, and Ricochet hit a dive onto a pile on the outside.
Bliss is the host of WrestleMania 35. In storyline, The Usos having to face four teams is punishment for them forfeiting against Big E & Xavier Woods in last week’s gauntlet match.
Ricochet & Black will also be challenging for War Raiders’ NXT Tag Team titles at TakeOver: New York on Friday night. Ricochet & Black were the winners of this year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey is hosting WrestleMania on Sunday. Here’s the updated card:
Winner gets both titles: Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Becky Lynch in a triple threat match
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Seth Rollins
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against Kofi Kingston
Triple H vs. Batista in a no holds barred match (Triple H’s career is on the line as a stipulation of the match)
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre
Shane McMahon vs. The Miz in a falls count anywhere match
AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton
United States Champion Samoa Joe defending against Rey Mysterio
Kurt Angle vs. Baron Corbin (Angle’s farewell match)
Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Beth Phoenix & Natalya, Nia Jax & Tamina, and Peyton Royce & Billie Kay in a fatal four-way match
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black, Cesaro & Sheamus, and Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev in a fatal four-way match
Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley defending against Finn Balor
Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
WWE Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Tony Nese
Another match has been added to Sunday’s Fastlane pre-show.
WWE announced today that The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) will face Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev on the pre-show for Fastlane. This is the second match to be announced for the pre-show, with Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade also set to take place before the main card gets underway.
New Day’s Kofi Kingston was originally scheduled to challenge for Daniel Bryan’s WWE Championship at Fastlane, but Kevin Owens replaced Kingston as Bryan’s challenger. The storyline was Vince McMahon taking Kingston out of the match and saying Kingston isn’t as deserving of getting a title shot.
The Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio is hosting Fastlane on Sunday. The pre-show will begin at 6 p.m. Eastern time, with the main card starting at 7 p.m.
The card for Fastlane is now up to nine matches:
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against Kevin Owens
Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair (if Lynch wins, she’ll be added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at WrestleMania)
The Shield (Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) vs. Baron Corbin, Drew McIntyre & Bobby Lashley
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defending against Shane McMahon & The Miz
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Bayley defending against Nia Jax & Tamina
SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Mandy Rose
Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival defending against Ricochet & Aleister Black and Bobby Roode & Chad Gable in a triple threat match
Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade (pre-show)
The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev (pre-show)
Two matches and a contract signing segment have been announced for Tuesday’s SmackDown.
Johnny Gargano vs. Cesaro is set for the episode, along with Ricochet & Aleister Black vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev. There will also be a contract signing with WWE Champion Daniel Bryan and Kofi Kingston on Tuesday’s SmackDown to build up their title match at Fastlane on March 10.
Gargano tweeted about facing Cesaro: “Let’s start checking off all of those ‘dream matches you never knew you needed until right now’.. This Tuesday on #SDLive.. Johnny Wrestling vs Swiss Cyborg”
Tommaso Ciampa will be in Gargano’s corner for the match, while Sheamus will be in Cesaro’s corner.
Gargano, Ciampa, Ricochet, and Black debuted on Raw last week and then wrestled on SmackDown the next night. Gargano & Ciampa defeated Raw Tag Team Champions The Revival in a non-title match on Monday and Cesaro & Sheamus on Tuesday.
Ricochet & Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush on Raw, with Ricochet then defeating Eric Young on SmackDown. Black got wins against Elias and Andrade.
Kingston vs. Bryan was confirmed for Fastlane after Kingston pinned Bryan in a six-man tag main event on last week’s SmackDown.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WWE has announced three matches for Tuesday’s episode of SmackDown.
Two of those involve wrestlers who are going to be in the WWE Championship match at Elimination Chamber. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan vs. Jeff Hardy in a non-title match and Mustafa Ali vs. Randy Orton are both set for Tuesday’s SmackDown.
Bryan will defend his title against Hardy, Ali, Orton, AJ Styles, and Samoa Joe in an Elimination Chamber match at the February 17 pay-per-view in Houston, Texas.
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rusev has also been confirmed for Tuesday’s SmackDown. The tag match was set up when Anderson & Gallows issued a challenge to Nakamura & Rusev after Nakamura & Rusev laid out R-Truth this week. Rusev said he’d team with Nakamura one time and told Nakamura not to screw him over.
R-Truth had won the United States title from Nakamura and then retained it against Rusev before being attacked by them in a post-match angle.
Tuesday’s SmackDown is taking place at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington.
WWE has confirmed two title matches for Sunday’s Royal Rumble pre-show.
On SmackDown’s go-home show for the PPV, it was announced that Rusev’s United States Championship defense against Shinsuke Nakamura will be airing on the Royal Rumble pre-show. Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy will also defend his title against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match on the pre-show.
Both matches had already been announced for the Royal Rumble before being confirmed for the kickoff show.
The two-hour pre-show will begin at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday. The panel for the first hour will be Jonathan Coachman, Beth Phoenix, Booker T, and Jerry Lawler, with Shawn Michaels and David Otunga replacing Booker T and Lawler in the second hour. There will also be another panel with JBL and Charly Caruso.
Sunday’s PPV is taking place at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Here’s the updated card:
Universal Champion Brock Lesnar defending against Finn Balor
WWE Champion Daniel Bryan defending against AJ Styles
Men’s Royal Rumble match
Women’s Royal Rumble match
Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey defending against Sasha Banks
SmackDown Women’s Champion Asuka defending against Becky Lynch
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro & Sheamus defending against The Miz & Shane McMahon
United States Champion Rusev defending against Shinsuke Nakamura (pre-show)
Cruiserweight Champion Buddy Murphy defending against Kalisto, Akira Tozawa, and Hideo Itami in a fatal four-way match (pre-show)
