Tag: smackdown live results

WWE SmackDown live results: John Cena-Cody Rhodes contract signing

Posted on by Marc Quill

With their Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam coming up in two weeks, current champion John Cena and challenger Cody Rhodes will put pen to paper to make things official tonight on WWE SmackDown.

The last time Rhodes and Cena were in the same ring was at last month’s Money in the Bank when Rhodes pinned Cena in a tag team match.

Also scheduled for tonight is Fraxiom vs. DIY vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Motor City Machine Guns in a fatal four-way bout to determine the next challengers for new WWE Tag Team Champions, The Wyatt Sicks.

Charlotte Flair is set to face Raquel Rodriguez in singles action tonight. Rodriguez and tag partner Roxanne Perez retained their Women’s Tag Team Championships after surviving a fatal four-way tag match at Evolution this past Sunday.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Alba Fyre is also set for tonight. Plus, Jacob Fatu is slated to appear and will continue his feud with Solo Sikoa.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Following the WWE signature, we abruptly went right to the parking lot as we saw a car accident involving the members of the M.F.T., as Adam Pearce and law enforcement officials tried to sort out what was what. Cody Rhodes walked by and conferred with Pearce about the contract signing he’ll be having with John Cena later tonight for their SummerSlam match. After Rhodes left, we saw Solo Sikoa and his group trying to figure out what the heck just happened.

– Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett discussed Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair’s situation post-Evolution, as we found out that Bliss and Flair will have a Women’s Tag Team Championship match against current champions Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez. Bliss agreed to be in Flair’s corner for her match against Rodriguez, which kicked off tonight’s action.

Charlotte Flair (w/ Alexa Bliss) vs. Raquel Rodriguez (w/ Roxanne Perez)

As the bell rang, Flair and Rodriguez locked up in the middle of the ring before the two exchanged standing switches with no clear advantage for either woman. Rodriguez soon gained momentum with consecutive shoulder blocks, but Flair responded with a rough-looking hurricanrana, followed by a clothesline and a crossbody to the outside. In the background, Kiana James was seen talking with Giulia.

At ringside, Roxanne Perez tried to sneak up on Flair, but Alexa Bliss warded her off. This allowed Rodriguez to take advantage as she tossed Flair onto the ringpost, which sent us to our first break of the evening.

We resumed with Rodriguez lifting up Flair in a modified torture rack submission, but eventually got countered. Rodriguez maintained her advantage with a series of stomps and strikes onto the downed Flair, followed by a twisting Vader Bomb. Flair recovered and began to light up Rodriguez’s chest with her signature chops, followed by a somersault clothesline. Flair delivered a German suplex as she headed up to the top and connected with a crossbody. Rodriguez rolled right through and turned it into a tornado powerslam of her own for the near-fall.

Rodriguez attempted to lift Flair up for the Tejano Bomb, but Flair countered and hit a big boot. Roxanne Perez tried to create a distraction, but this allowed Alexa Bliss to take advantage as she struck Rodriguez with one of her pompoms, as Flair rolled her up for the pin and win.

Charlotte Flair def. Raquel Rodriguez

A decent match to start the show, but the bigger story is how well-received Flair and Bliss’s “Allies of Convenience” tag team has been with fans. Perhaps Flair’s excellent Players’ Tribune article from last week has helped gain her new fans, but in any case, I’m enjoying this storyline so far.

**********

– Adam Pearce was confronted by three police officers, who were seeking Jacob Fatu as a “person of interest”. The cops found Fatu in another area and walked off with him to get some answers from him regarding the hit and run from the start of the broadcast.

– A video package showing Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill talking about their impending WWE Women’s Championship Match at SummerSlam was shown.

– The commentators discussed the ongoing situation with Ron Killings, Aleister Black, and Damian Priest, including Black’s attack on Priest last week. We then went to Earlier Today footage of Priest looking for Black, and being confronted by Carmelo Hayes. Priest said that he didn’t know why he was trying to play peacemaker, because he’s the man who goes into the ring and gets business done. This led to Hayes challenging Priest to a match for tonight.

– We got a vignette for the new Naked Gun movie that focused on Cody Rhodes’ cameo in the film, which releases on August 1st.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest

Hayes got things started with a sneak attack as Priest was playing to the crowd on the top rope. Priest soon recovered with a big boot to the fast, which allowed him to finally take off his entrance jacket. In the corner, Priest worked over Hayes with repeated strikes, as he then sent him out to the ring with an elbow to the face. Outside the ring, Hayes slipped free from Priest’s grasp and dropkicked him against the ringpost, which took us to the break.

Our show continued with Hayes having the advantage over Priest as he trash-talked him. Priest got himself hyped up and took advantage of Hayes’ hubris and struck him with a flurry of offense. Priest targeted Hayes for his clothesline, but got suckered in with an arm guillotine across the top rope. Hayes took over with a springboard clothesline as he tuned up the band for some Sweet Chin Music in Shawn Michaels’ hometown. Priest countered, but Hayes delivered his own version of La Mistica and escaped a Razor’s Edge attempt from his foe.

On the top rope, Hayes couldn’t connect with dive, as he escaped another South of Heaven attempt from Priest. Hayes headed up top once again and hit a frog splash on Priest for the two count. The battle spilled outside as Priest slammed Hayes across the commentary table. Priest tried to go for Old School, but Aleister Black appeared on the apron and tripped him up to cause the disqualification.

Black laid out Priest with the Black Mass kick as Hayes backed out of the ring wisely.

Damian Priest def. Carmelo Hayes via Disqualification

This match was really picking up steam up until the disqualification, but the Black vs. Priest feud should be interesting. Of course, Ron Killings, after his big return at Money in the Bank, seems kind of like an afterthought once he left John Cena’s orbit, which is odd, given how he’s a central figure of this feud.

**********

– We got a creepy video of the Wyatt Sicks where they talked about their plans for the SmackDown tag team division and their quest to strip the division of their vanities and desires one by one.

Solo Sikoa and The M.F.T.s’ frame-up revealed

The United States Champion and his faction headed to the ring to discuss the accident that had happened to them at the start of tonight’s SmackDown.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight is the perfect example of who Jacob Fatu really is,” started off Sikoa. According to Sikoa, without his guidance, Fatu is reckless, doesn’t care about anybody, and all he cares about is himself. Sikoa took credit for giving everything to Fatu, bringing him to WWE, and making him a champion. He said that Fatu didn’t deserve any of this because he was so selfish for betraying his family. “Once a criminal, always a criminal,” said Sikoa.

Backstage, we saw Jacob Fatu arriving at the arena as he was apparently not the person of interest that the police were looking for. Incensed, Fatu headed down to the ring and was ready for a fight with Sikoa and the M.F.T.s. As Fatu was making his way down to the ring, Jimmy Uso got the drop on the group with an ambush. Fatu and Uso laid waste to the M.F.T.s until Tala Tonga pulled Uso out and looked like he was about to chokeslam Uso through the commentary table. Fatu took Tala out with a dive to the outside.

Tala recovered and emerged from the commentary table. He eventually got taken down by a double team superkick party from Uso and Fatu. A Fatu-assisted crossbody by Uso took Tala out over the timekeepers area. Fatu attacked Sikoa inside the ring and was about to hit a hip attack with a chair draped over Sikoa’s neck. J.C. Mateo intercepted Fatu, which gave Sikoa enough time to escape. This was a bad move, as Fatu and Uso proceeded to take out their frustrations on Mateo and Tanga Loa.

The voice of Adam Pearce interrupted, as he announced for SummerSlam that Sikoa will defend his United States Championship against Fatu in a steel cage match. He then called for the cops to arrest Sikoa for framing Fatu for the “accident” earlier. As Sikoa and the M.F.T.s were being taken away by the cops, Fatu and Uso stood tall in the ring.

This was a pretty fun segment, I must say, and the alliance between Jacob Fatu and Jimmy Uso is one I didn’t expect to end up enjoying like I did here tonight.

**********

– We got a recap of a brawl that broke out on Jimmy Kimmel Live as Jelly Roll and Randy Orton got into it with Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, including Jelly Roll chokeslamming Paul through a table.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Alba Fyre (w/ Piper Niven)

Fyre and Vaquer traded offense early on in the match as things kicked off fast and furious. Vaquer headbutted Fyre and looked to hit a dive from the apron, but she was intercepted by a kick from Fyre. Vaquer then got rocked by a dive to the outside by Fyre. In the ring, Vaquer recovered with a kick of her own as she then delivered the Devil’s Kiss to the delight of everyone.

Fyre attempted for a Gory Special, but Vaquer countered and finished things off with the SVB for the victory.

After the match, Piper Niven attacked Vaquer and looked to hit the Viper Bomb, but Vaquer escaped and managed to fend off Niven with a superkick.

Stephanie Vaquer def. Piper Niven

This was honestly tragically short. I think Vaquer and Niven could’ve gone on a bit longer than what they had to work with here, which is a shame because both women are talented and can certainly go in a match that lasts longer than three minutes or so.

**********

– The Street Profits were asked about their loss to the Wyatt Sicks last week. They said that the Wyatts as the WWE Tag Champions is not a reality they want to face, and that they’ll be coming for the tag titles again. #DIY confronted the Profits and mocked them for losing last week as they headed down for the tag team fatal four-way coming up next.

Fatal Four-Way Tag Match: #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Rey Fenix & Andrade vs. Fraxiom (Axiom & Nathan Frazer) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

We kicked off with Sabin and Frazer starting off the action as the two traded acrobatics with one another until #DIY snuck in and attacked both men. This prompted Andrade and Rey Fenix to enter the fray as things broke down. Fraxiom intercepted the two with superkicks as they tried for a dive of their own. The Machine Guns pulled Frazer and Axiom out of the ring and ended up getting their dives in on Gargano and Ciampa to the outside, as we took a break in the action.

SmackDown returned with Shelley and Sabin fending off the #DIY duo, as Axiom tagged himself into the match. The masked Axiom and Frazer proceeded to get their moments in with a bonanza of dives on all their opponents. A modified Total Elimination nearly brought Fraxiom the win, but Andrade interrupted and got himself into the match with a tag.

Andrade and Fenix united with amazing chemistry as Fenix nailed Axiom with the spinning kick in the corner, followed by the Three Amigos on Frazer. A frog splash by Fenix saw the pin get interrupted by the Machine Guns. Things broke down briefly between all four teams as they brawled it out in the ring. It turned into total chaos as Andrade and Fenix took advantage of the situation.

#DIY tagged themselves in and took out Fenix and Andrade as a Project Ciampa from Tommaso Ciampa on Axiom was unable to put this one in the books. We got another break at this point of the match.

Our main event match trucked along with Sabin and Shelley on a roll and having Axiom at their mercy for Skull and Bones. Andrade and Fenix broke things up as the former headed up top. Axiom stopped Andrade’s advance and hit the Spanish Fly to the top rope followed by Frazer’s Phoenix Splash. #DIY attempted to steal the victory, but Andrade and Fenix intervened in the nick of time. In the ensuing chaos, only Andrade and Ciampa were left as Candice LeRae tried to draw the distraction. Ciampa tried to roll up Andrade, but couldn’t get the win.

Gargano and Ciampa attempted a double team, but a malfunction at the junction between the #DIY duo led to the finish, as Fenix took Gargano out with a dive to the outside, which left Ciampa at the mercy of Andrade’s Message and the three.

Andrade & Rey Fenix def. #DIY, Fraxiom, and Motor City Machine Guns via Pinfall

That was a fast and frenetic tag match that I really enjoyed. Just some tremendous action from these four teams from start to finish.

**********

Next Week on SmackDown

  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix
  • Alexa Bliss vs. Roxanne Perez
  • Jelly Roll, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul appear live

Cody Rhodes & John Cena contract signing

Raw GM Adam Pearce — who was filling in for Nick Aldis tonight — was in the ring as he introduced both Cody Rhodes and John Cena for the contract signing for their Undisputed Men’s WWE World Championship match at SummerSlam.

Rhodes entered first and didn’t waste time in signing the match contract before he asked San Antonio what they wanted to talk about. He talked appreciation about being made to feel like a Texan, because his father and brother were Texans. Rhodes talked about a post that was overanalyzed but the message was clear: do not flinch and thanks for coming along for the ride. He discussed about how he didn’t flinch for hsi return, fighting with a torn pec, fighting his best friend, and when the Final Boss came for his spot. However, as Rhodes said, he flinched at WrestleMania when he lost to John Cena. Rhodes said it was an unenviable task to be the one to take it away from one of the most beloved wrestlers in our game, but this was important for him.

At this point, Cena made his way down to the ring. Once inside the ring, Cena said that he had some bad news for Rhodes, that he wasn’t going to be at SummerSlam. This was supposedly because he was filming a movie for Netflix in New York, and advised to not take part in anything physical as a result. Cena claimed that this was a decision only made tonight, and one that was a “tough decision” because it was best for business.

Cena said that the crowd didn’t know how hard it was for him to be here tonight, and that right now, physically and emotionaly, just being here is all he can give the crowd. Cena thanked the crowd for his patience and understanding in this matter. Cena walked out of the ring as Rhodes took off his jacket and started to fight on the ramp.

The fight broke down as Cena got the upper hand. He retrieved the WWE Championship and looked like he was going to blast Rhodes with it, but Cody intercepted him with a kick. The title belt ended up in Rhodes’ hands as he smashed it across Cena’s face. WIth Cena stunned on the table, Rhodes headed up top and crushed Cena with a diving splash. Afterwards, Rhodes used Cena’s hand to sign the contract as he revealed that it was going to be a Street Fight at SummerSlam for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

SmackDown ended with Rhodes holding the WWE Title and standing tall over Cena in the process.

**********

Cena using his Hollywood position for heel heat to beg off defending his title was a nice heel move and a nice twist on the old contract signing trope, and the Street Fight stipulation does add some sauce to the WWE Title rematch at SummerSlam. Hopefully, Travis Scott doesn’t decide to amble back into the proceedings once again.

This was actually a good edition of SmackDown featuring a fantastic tag match and some entertaining in-ring segments with the M.F.T.s/Fatu & Uso stuff, plus the contract signing angle to cap off the show. It was certainly better than last week’s effort, that’s for sure.

WWE SmackDown live results: Tag titles on the line, Jelly Roll appears

Posted on by Marc Quill

Tonight’s live WWE SmackDown from Nashville will serve as the go-home show for both Saturday Night’s Main Event and Evolution.

The Street Profits are set to once again defend their WWE Tag Team titles against the Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis). The Wyatts went to a no contest with the champions last month, followed by them winning an eight-man tag match against an all-star team representing SmackDown’s tag division.

Grammy-nominated artist Jelly Roll is set to appear tonight on SmackDown — and many believe it will be the start of an angle that will lead to Jelly Roll making his in-ring debut next month at SummerSlam.

Ron Killings, in just his second match since the news of his release and re-signing happened, will take on Aleister Black, who is looking for his first win since May. Killings was last in action against John Cena on the June 20 SmackDown, picking up a DQ win.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– The voice of Joe Tessitore set up the action over shots of the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Shots of the Street Profits were briefly interrupted by the Wyatt Sicks’ graphics as we then saw Jelly Roll arriving and being welcomed by Randy Orton.

LA Knight addresses Saturday Night’s Main Event

LA Knight made his way down to the ring to kick off SmackDown with some words at the ready for his SNME opponent, Seth Rollins.

“Let me talk to ya,” Knight started off in his usual manner. He started talking about predictions and spoilers, two things that came out of Paul Heyman’s mouth an awful lot. Knight called Seth Rollins a desperate man, who made a desperate move by siding with Heyman and forming a crew with “slop house” Bronson Reed and “dog-brained idiot” Bron Breakker. Knight said that Reed and Breakker tried to injure him on the orders of Rollins because he couldn’t do it himself.

Knight said that while he got to drop Rollins on his head this past Monday on Raw, it wasn’t enough because he wanted justice and he wanted to hurt Rollins. Knight declared that Rollins would get his ass kicked because it’s not a prediction or a spoiler, it’s just a fact of life, because he was the spoiler.

Paul Heyman interrupted Knight and admonished the fans for “missing the cue” for his “ladies and gentlemen” introduction. Heyman said that as the Oracle of Seth Rollins, he was gifted with being able to see the future, and that the future of his and Rollins’ group is the future of the entire industry. On the other hand, Knight had no future at all, per Heyman’s claims.

Solo Sikoa and his “M.F.T.” group of JC Mateo, Tala Tonga, and Tanga Loa showed up next. Sikoa said that some things changed, but some things have stayed the same. Sikoa said that when Heyman left to Raw, there was no more Bloodline, no more Tribal Chief, and no more Wiseman. Sikoa threatened Heyman to leave before he and his M.F.T.s put Heyman through a table. On that note, Heyman made his retreat through the crowd.

Sikoa then turned his attention to LA Knight. He said that one thing has changed: he is the new United States Champion. That means the man that beat Knight at WrestleMania, Jacob Fatu? He’s no longer a factor, according to Sikoa. The U.S. Champion issued the same ultimatum to Knight that he did to Heyman, otherwise the M.F.T.s would make sure he’d never be able to walk again. Knight refused to acquiesce to Sikoa’s group as he got ready for a fight.

The M.F.T.s surrounded the ring as a chair got slid into the ring by Jimmy Uso. The two then teed off on Sikoa’s group with chairs before Tala Tonga looked like he wanted to fight. Sikoa managed to get Tala to back down in a strategic retreat.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis interrupted and said that he still ran the show even though Sikoa had his new friends. He said that it seemed like Sikoa wanted a fight and he was going to oblige that wish with a tag match between Sikoa and JC Mateo versus LA Knight and Jimmy Uso.

I liked this opening segment and I did enjoy the continuity being acknowledged with Solo threatening Paul Heyman.

**********

– Alexa Bliss approached Charlotte Flair backstage and asked her to be in her corner for the fatal-four way match coming up next, since her opponents would have their partners. Charlotte agreed and mocked the idea of being a “cheerleader”, stating that she’d be a cheerleader for herself.

Fatal Four-Way Match: Alexa Bliss (w/ Charlotte Flair) vs. Roxanne Perez (w/ Raquel Rodriguez) vs. Sol Ruca (w/ Zaria) vs. Kairi Sane (w/ Asuka)

Ruca and Bliss mixed it up while Sane and Perez fought it out in the corner. As Ruca went for an early pin, Sane broke it up and went on the attack. Sane sent Ruca to the outside and looked for a dive, but Perez intercepted her with a Thesz Press. As Perez had Sane set up for a move, Ruca took both out with a double drop kick. Ruca wasn’t done yet as she somersaulted and launched herself onto Bliss, Perez, and Sane on the outside, which took us to the break.

We resumed with Perez and Sane fighting on the top turnbuckle as the former looked to an attempt a superplex. Bliss and Ruca rushed towards the corner and we got the Tower of Doom superplex/powerbomb spot that seemed to knock the wind out of everyone. Bliss and Ruca recovered and began to mix it up with Bliss connecting with the flipping neckbreaker for a near-fall. Bliss’s attempt at a DDT was met with a superkick by Perez, followed by the running European uppercut to the back. DIving moonsault and pin was interrupted by Ruca. The NXT Women’s North American Champion pounced and hit a running knee on Perez for the two-count. Scoop slam by Ruca didn’t lead to anything as Sane met her at the top rope and trapped her in a Tree of Woe position for a double stomp. One, two… Bliss and Perez simultanuously broke up the pin.

Bliss attempted the Sister Abigail DDT on Perez, but got countered out of it. Ruca ran to the corner and connected with a double Sol Snatcher on Perez and Bliss. The cover, but Raquel Rodriguez put Perez’s rope to break the count. A melee outside the ring led to Rodriguez tossing Zarya as she then found herself thrown over the commentary table by Flair (and right into Joe Tessitore in the process).

In the ring, Sane’s Insane Elbow was blocked by Bliss’s foot as this match then came to an end with a Sister Abigail DDT and the three.

Alexa Bliss def. Kairi Sane, Sol Ruca, and Roxanne Perez via pinfall

Fun opener that got really chaotic towards the end. It’s always nice to see Sol Ruca break out another variation of her finisher, especially on a main roster show. This was great stuff.

**********

WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Street Profits (c) (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis; w/ Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, and Nikki Cross)

Dawkins and Gacy got things going to start this match off. Both men attempted a lockup, but neither man could get an upper hand. Dawkins eventually managed to throw Gacy down as he worked him over in the corner with some hard strikes. Ford entered the match with a tag and looked for a dive, as Lumis pulled Gacy out of the ring. Ford mocked Lumis’ taunt just as we went to a break.

SmackDown returned from break with Lumis attempting to hit a superplex on Ford, but being unable to, on the account of Ford fighting back. Lumis tried again, but got blocked by Ford, who instead hit a sunset flip powerbomb that created needed separation. Dawkins got the hot tag and went to work right away on Gacy with a running shoulder charge, spinning clothesline, and a neckbreaker. With both Wyatt Sicks members outside, Dawkins flew over the rope with a dive to both Gacy and Lumis.

Inside the ring, Dawkins connected with a gigantic Swanton Bomb, but Gacy managed to kick out. Gacy then connected with his handspring clothesline, as he and Lumis nailed a double team combination neckbreaker on Dawkins that wasn’t unable to put an end to this match. Lumis threw Dawkins hard into the corner, as he then sent him outside and we got another break.

SmackDown returned from break with Gacy continuing the punishment on Dawkins, up until Ford got the blind tag, which gave the Street Profits a chance to connect with a double team move, but that wasn’t enough to put the match away. With Gacy in no man’s land, he fell victim to a double team blockbuster by the Profits. One, two… Gacy somehow kicked out at two.

As Ford ran at Gacy, he got thrown to the outside, but Dawkins connected with a pounce, as he then connceted with a diving splash on Lumis inside the ring. Erick Rowan headed up to the ring and pulled Ford out of the ring with the referee distracted by Gacy. Dawkins ran into Rowan and sent him over the timekeeper’s area, which took him out in the process.

Ford headed up top and looked for another frog splash, but he missed thanks to the distraction from Gacy at ringside. This left him at the mercy of the Wyatt Sicks’ double team powerbomb/neckbreaker, and that’s it, over. We have new WWE Tag Team Champions.

The Wyatt Sicks def. The Street Profits via pinfall to win the WWE Tag Team Championships

A really solid tag match and seeing a title change here is quite interesting. Having the Wyatts as the monsters running the SmackDown tag division with teams stepping up to them in the hopes of wresting the tag titles away from them should make this run one to watch, at the very least.

**********

– The SmackDown tag division discussed the fallout of the Wyatts’ tag team title win, as Andrade and Fenix announced themselves as part of the SmackDown tag team division officially based on their recent successes.

– Crews were getting a stage set up for Jelly Roll’s performance coming up next.

Jelly Roll performs

After being introduced as “Nashville’s own hometown hero”, Jelly Roll began to perform a song for the live crowd. Before he could continue on, he was rudely interrupted by Logan Paul.

Paul said that everyone was here to see real WWE superstars, not music by for people who had tattoos of their children, but don’t have custody of them. Paul said that Jelly Roll belonged on the stage, not a WWE ring. Paul got upset about celebrities, clout chasers, and influencers thinking they could hang in the WWE ring. Paul said that the WWE didn’t need a Jelly Roll, but they “needed” a Logan Paul. He said that the WWE loved him so much, his podcast just inked a long-term deal.

Jelly Roll interrupted and said that this was his hometown, and nobody gave a damn about Paul’s podcast in Nashville. The two got in each other’s face before Randy Orton walked down to the ring and took exception to Paul’s dismissal of Jelly Roll.

Orton called Paul a “whiny, entiitled bitch” because everyone moved heaven and earth just to make Logan Paul look good. Before Orton could go on, McIntyre blasted him with a Claymore Kick. Paul attacked the fallen Orton with repeated strikes but Jelly Roll grabbed him from behind and threw him down. Jelly Roll then helped Orton up as Paul wanted a piece of him. Security got Paul to back away

Paul snapped and wrecked the music set on the stage to end the segment.

Well, this was certainly a segment. I can’t say I’m excited at the idea of a Jelly Roll versus Logan Paul feud leading to a match at SummerSlam potentially. Whatever the intent of doing this segment was had the total opposite effect on me, if we’re being honest. In short, I did not like this at all and the hint of potentially roping Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre in this silliness does nothing for me.

**********

– Backstage, Randy Orton thanked Jelly Roll for his help moments ago. Jelly offered to be in Orton’s corner for his match with Drew McIntyre tomorrow for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Ron Killings vs. Aleister Black

Killings avoided a Black clothesline and hit him with a single-legged dropkick to start. Black recovered and swept Killings with a leg as he transitioned into striking attacks to the former R-Truth. Killings fought back and sent Black to the outside. He was looking to line up a dive, but got kicked by Black. Outside the ring, Black tried for a moonsault, but Killings got out of the way. Killings grabbed a chair from the timekeepers area and wanted to use it as a weapon. Black stopped him with a kick as he looked to use the chair. Black was about to take a swing, but the referee stopped him, which allowed Killings to roll him up for the win.

Ron Killings def. Aleister Black via pinfall

There’s really not much to say about this match since it honestly ended before it could really get going.

**********

– Aleister Black saw Ron Killings walking and made a beeline for him, but Damian Priest stopped him from going further. Black seemed like he was going to back off at Priest’s urging, but he hit him with a knee to the face, followed by a Black Mass kick.

Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus speak before Evolution

Wade Barrett was in the ring with the WWE Women’s Champion and her opponent for Evolution to moderate this segment.

Stratton started off by saying that she already beat Charlotte Flair, Bayley, and Nia Jax, and the reason that she chose Stratus was because beating her would put her into consideration for being one of the greats.

Stratus answered by saying that the pressure is on Stratton because she needs the championship and while she’ll leave on Sunday as champion, Tiffany will leave with nothing. Stratus said that she helped solidify the women’s division and that she was still delivering for this division. She said that she loves Tiffany, but she’ll be leaving as an eight-time champion.

Naomi interrupted proceedings, but got clocked from behind by Jade Cargill, her opponent in a No-Holds Barred Match at Evolution this Sunday. Security officials stormed into the scene to keep the two hated rivals separated.

**********

Saturday Night’s Main Event card

  • World Heavyweight Championship: Gunther (c) vs. Goldberg
  • LA Knight vs. Seth Rollins
  • Randy Orton (w/ Jelly Roll) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • United States Championship: Solo Sikoa (c) vs. Jimmy Uso

– Both Cody Rhodes and John Cena were adveritsed to appear on next week’s SmackDown.

LA Knight & Jimmy Uso vs. Solo Sikoa & JC Mateo (w/ Tala Tonga & Tanga Loa)

Sikoa and Knight got our main event started, as the U.S. Champion went on the offensive briefly before getting rocked by a neckbreaker. Knight stomped away on Sikoa as Uso tagged in and hit Sikoa with a running hip drop in the corner. Sikoa recovered and hit Uso with a strike to back him in the M.F.T. corner. Mateo entered the match and tried to continue the momentum, but he fell victim to a superkick, followed by a Samoan drop from Uso for a two-count.

Mateo woke up and hit Uso with an elbow to the face to force him back to his corner. Sikoa tagged himself in and pulled Uso out of the ring, as he delivered a Samoan drop onto the reinforced commentary table to take us to the final commercial break of the night.

Our main event returned with Mateo attempting a backdrop, but Uso escaped and kicked him, which allowed for a hot tag to Knight. The Megastar was on fire as he felled Mateo with a jumping neckbreaker. He attempted a BFT, but got blocked. Roll-up pin by Mateo was unable to put this match away. Knight hit yet another neckbreaker on Mateo, which left him open for a diving elbow, followed by the big Uso splash by Jimmy. Sikoa ran into the ring and broke up the pin at the last second.

Sikoa dragged Mateo back into his corner so he could make the tag. Sikoa attempted a Samoan Spike, but got blocked. He did, however, managed to connect with the Spinning Solo. Knight entered and attacked Mateo on the outside, and was interrupted by the sight of Paul Heyman in the timekeepers’ area. This distracted Knight long enough to get kicked by Tala Tonga.

In the ring, Sikoa found himself rolled up by Uso for the shock one, two, three win.

Post-match, the M.F.T.s chased after Uso in the ring, as Knight took out Sikoa with the BFT. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed caught Knight by surprise with a Spear and a Tsunami. The show ended with Seth Rollins’ vanguard being led away from the ring by a group of referees.

Jimmy Uso & LA Knight def. Solo Sikoa & JC Mateo via pinfall

**********

Again a pretty standard TV main event to end the night. Really not much else to say about the tag match other than that.

Overall, tonight’s SmackDown fell kinda flat, with only the Tag Team Championship match being a standout highlight of the night. The Jelly Roll/Logan Paul segment was the big disappointment and it seemed like the rest of the show kind of petered out after that segment.

WWE SmackDown live results: Night of Champions fallout

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE SmackDown makes its return to two hours tonight with the fallout from Night of Champions, where a new King & Queen of the Ring were crowned.

Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in the King of the Ring finals to earn himself an Undisputed WWE Championship rematch against John Cena, while Jade Cargill bested Asuka to become Queen of the Ring and Tiffany Stratton’s SummerSlam challenger for the WWE Women’s Championship. Both Rhodes and Cargill are set to appear tonight.

Also scheduled for tonight is Stratton herself as she selects who she will defend the title against at Evolution.

A new United States Champion was also decided at Night of Champions with Solo Sikoa capturing the belt from Jacob Fatu with the help of Tala Tonga, the former Hikuleo and newest member of Sikoa’s faction. Fatu will certainly be looking to get even on tonight’s broadcast.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Following the WWE signature, we saw Solo Sikoa arriving to the arena with J.C. Mateo and the United States Championship in tow. As Sikoa noted that it was time to celebrate, Jacob Fatu jumped into the scene and attacked both Sikoa and Mateo in an ambush. Fatu took Mateo out of the car and threw him against the door as security led by SmackDown GM Nick Aldis appeared to get Fatu to back off.

Cody Rhodes opens SmackDown

The 2025 King of the Ring, Cody Rhodes, made his way to the ring to a huge ovation from the crowd, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett recapped Rhodes’ victory over Randy Orton at Night of Champions to ssecure the crown.

With his crown in one hand and a microphone in the other, Rhodes asked the Pittsburgh crowd, ‘what do you wanna talk about?” Before starting, Rhodes gave a shout out to Cam, a young fan sat in Club 66, who was battling Leukemia. Once that was done, Rhodes said that the King of the Ring crown represented where we’ve been, mentioning past King of the Ring winners like Bret Hart, Booker T, and Stone Cold Steve Austin. He said it also stood for where we were going: the Main Event of SummerSlam in the form of a WrestleMania rematch against John Cena.

Before Rhodes could go on any further, “Voices” signalled the arrival of Randy Orton, the man who Rhodes defeated at Night of Champions. Orton started by reminding his friend that for weeks and weeks, he told Rhodes that he wouldn’t hesitate. But, at Night of Champions, he had Rhodes “dead to rights” and ready to rearrange his skull with a punt, but he hesitated. However, Rhodes pulled the trigger instead, something that Orton respected. Orton told Rhodes to promise him that he not squander the opportunity earn to go on to SummerSlam and kick John Cena’s ass.

Drew McIntyre made a shocking return for the first time since Saturday Night’s Main Event a couple of months ago. With mic in hand, McIntyre mocked Orton and Rhodes for having “beta male energy”, stating that “the alpha” — as in himself — has returned. McIntyre said Orton lost the psychological battle due to Rhodes supposedly “buttering him up” for months and stabbing him right in the back. He then turned his attention to Orton’s surgically repaired back, and pointing out how Rhodes targeted that surgically-repaired back.

McIntyre lambasted Orton for losing his edge as the Legend Killer, because that legend of Randy Orton was “dead”, as far he was concerned. McIntyre then turned his attention to “Super Cody”, stating that he wanted him to win at SummerSlam, because this was a match he was looking forward to, and because he wanted to be the one to rip that title off of Rhodes’ hands. As McIntyre turned, Orton delivered an RKO to him out of nowhere. Orton and Rhodes shared a tense staredown as the segment ended.

Very interesting opening segment, with Drew McIntyre’s big return and the gears being turned for a potential Randy Orton heel turn, which is kind of hitting the same beats as the Kevin Owens’ turn against Cody Rhodes last year. Still, when that turn does happen, it should be a good story, nonetheless.

**********

– Earlier Today footage showed Charlotte Flair talking to Nick Aldis, learning that she’ll be in a Women’s Tag Title qualifier match against the Secret Hervice and Michin & B-Fab, with the winner going on to Evolution II. Alexa Bliss appeared and revealed that she was going to be Flair’s partner for the match.

– Backstage, Drew McIntyre walked up and demanded a match against Randy Orton, but was informed by Aldis that Orton had left. However, McIntyre will get his shot at Orton next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event, which worked for him. McIntyre turned to see Jacob Fatu, and then left. Aldis informed Fatu that if he wanted a shot at Solo’s Bloodline, he could find a partner to take on two of them in tag team action. Jimmy Uso appeared and stepped up to be Fatu’s partner.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Qualifier Triple Threat: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Secret Hervice (Alba Fyre & Piper Niven) vs. Michin & B-Fab

The match got underway with Bliss, Michin, and Niven starting off for their respective teams. Before Bliss could do anything, Flair blind tagged herself in as she then kicked B-Fab off the apron. Flair chopped away at Niven, but got hit with some chops by Michin. It was a kick frenzy by Michin that got stopped short, at least until Michin took out Flair outside the ring. Niven then took flight to take down Michin & B-Fab. Fyre then got her turn as she leapt from the top to wipe out Flair and B-Fab with a dive to the outside, which took us to a break.

We returned from break with Niven landing on Flair with a senton, but only getting a two count. A missed senton on Michin allowed B-Fab to enter the match with a tag. B-Fab took down Flair and Niven with kicks galore on both. Flair countered a neckbreaker attempt and tried for a Figure-Eight. B-Fab shoved Flair into her corner, which allowed Bliss to get the hot tag. Bliss was on fire and almost had B-Fab set up for Sister Abigail, but Michin made the save with a kick. Fyre caught B-Fab offguard with a Canadian (or Scottish?) Destroyer, as Niven then connected with the Black Hole Slam.

The Secret Hervice’s attempted double team was intercepted by Flair and Bliss. Flair condescendingly tapped Bliss on the head, which was counted as a tag by the referee. This allowed Bliss to enter as the legal woman and hit Twisted Bliss on Fyre to get the pin and win, qualifying for the Women’s Tag Title match at Evolution II.

Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss def. The Secret Hervice and Michin & B-Fab via pinfall

A decent match, but the finish with Charlotte’s attempt at being condescending towards Alexa Bliss kind of backfiring on her was a nice touch.

**********

– Earlier Today footage showed Nick Aldis admonishing the SmackDown tag division for causing chaos in the Wyatt Sicks vs. Street Profits WWE Tag Title match last week. This would end up with Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. FrAxiom booked for tonight, as well as an eight-man tag match being booked with the Wyatt Sicks against four stars from the SmackDown tag division.

Eight-Man Tag Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, & Dexter Lumis) vs. Berto, Johnny Gargano, Chris Sabin, & Montez Ford

Berto and Gacy got things going, as the latter blasted the former with a clothesline from the corner, followed by a running senton. Gacy looked to continue the momentum, but Berto caught him with a springboard elbow strike. Lumis got the tag and threw Berto around before Gargano entered the match. Gargano tried to make “peace” with Lumis, but ate a punch, followed by a slam for the two-count.

Uncle Howdy stepped into the ring, which led to all competitors stepping into the ring as things descended into chaos. Rowan tried to chokeslam Gargano and Berto, but got a stereo superkick from Sabin and Ford for his troubles. The SmackDown tag division stalwarts then kicked Rowan to the outside as Ford looked to get some momentum going. Rowan recovered and caught Ford before he threw him into a superkick by Lumis, leading to a commercial break.

We returned with the Wyatt Sicks working over Ford in their corner, as Lumis and Gacy did their “powerbomb into the opponent” spot. Lumis held Ford in a submission, but couldn’t maintain it. Chris Sabin got the tag and floored Lumis with a missile dropkick. Sabin used his speed to take out the entirety of the Wyatt Sicks in their corner, as he then unexpectedly teamed up with Gargano for a double kick on Gacy.

More chaos unfolded as we saw Ford take flight to wipe out Gacy and Lumis just near the entrance ramp outside the ring. Berto looked to soar, but got taken out by Uncle Howdy, who threw him over the ropes. In the ring, Howdy had Sabin right where he wanted him with the uranage as he then tagged in Rowan. The former Bludgeon Brother did what he does best and went on the attack, but Sabin dropped him with a slam. As Sabin looked to get a tag, Gargano had second thoughts and backed away from the apron as he locked eyes with Rowan. This left Sabin at the mercy of Rowan’s Iron Claw Slam to give the Wyatt Sicks the win here.

The Wyatt Sicks def. Chris Sabin, Johnny Gargano, Berto, and Montez Ford via pinfall

This was an alright tag match, though I enjoyed the concept of #DIY’s attempts of marshalling the SmackDown tag division to unite against the Wyatts unraveling because of the two (or at least Johnny Gargano in this particular match) actually being afraid of the Sicks.

**********

– We got a vignette from Giulia as she talked about her Women’s United States Championship victory last week on SmackDown. She stated that we were about to witness her beautiful madness as the Women’s U.S. Champion.

Tiffany Stratton chooses her Evolution II opponent

The WWE Women’s Champion made her way down to the ring to make an important decision regarding her opponent for Evolution II. Stratton said that since she became the Women’s Champion, she’s had a target on her back, but Nia Jax’s revenge wasn’t enough to stop her from becoming the Last Woman Standing. She turned her attention to Jade Cargill, the woman she’ll face at SummerSlam… but only after she defeats the opponent that she’l choose to face at Evolution II.

Stratton was interrupted by the 2025 Queen of the Ring herself, Jade Cargill. With a mic in hand, Cargill talked about how she was crowned Queen of the Ring by beating one of the best in Asuka. Cargill warned Stratton that she had a choice to make, and that if she chose wrong, Stratton might not make it to SummerSlam. But, it didn’t matter to Cargill, because she’d beat whoever she’d end up facing at SummerSlam. Stratton interrupted and revealed she a surprise for everyone… in the form of the WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus.

Once Stratus entered the ring, Stratton talked about how she invited her to the ring, stating “what would Evolution be without some Stratusfaction?”, as she then issued a challenge to the Canadian for title match at Evoltuion. Stratus talked about how the women had to fight just to have a single match on the card, but now at Evolution II, we’re going to have a card of incredibly talented women. Stratus gave thanks to Stratton for letting her kids see her in the ring, but those kids of hers haven’t seen their mom as a champion.

Stratton said that this wouldn’t be easy because this isn’t the Attitude Era anymore, and that whether it was Stratus at Evolution or Cargill at SummerSlam, the WWE would still run on Tiffy Time at the end of it all.

Trish returning as Stratton’s Evolution opponent borne out of a respect the two had when they teamed up at Elimination Chamber is at least a nice thread to follow up on for this match.

**********

– Solo Sikoa spoke from his “office” as he introduced the newest member of his family, Tala Tonga (the former Hikuleo), Sikoa said that this group was nothing like a bloodline, but it was now stronger than ever. Sikoa said that he and JC Mateo would join forces in their tag match later tonight, as he concluded that “his” family was now complete.

– Backstage, Trish Stratus was met by Jade Cargill, who warned her that if she defeated Tiffany Stratton at Evolution II, she’d be facing her at SummerSlam. As Stratus left, Naomi snuck up on Cargill with a shot using her Money in the Bank briefcase. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who’s had quite the busy night, checked up on Cargill afterwards.

FrAxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix

We got started with Andrade and Frazer mixing it up in the middle of the ring and neither getting a n advantage. Frazer dodged Andrade before he made the tag to Axiom as Fenix leapt into battle with a dive. Fenix landed on his feet after an attempted DDT from Axiom. All four men began to trade blows in the ring as Andrade got sent to the outside. Frazer and Axiom blasted Andrade and Fenix with repeated dives to the outside, which took us to the break.]

SmackDown resumed with Frazer having Fenix caught in a submission hold. FrAxiom used their unorthodox tag team offense to keep Fenix grounded at the moment. Fenix escaped out of an Axiom hold as he kicked Frazer off the apron. Fenix then took down Axiom with a flipping DDT before Andrade got the hot tag.

El Idolo was a house of fire against both Frazer and Axiom, as he then paid tribute to Eddie Guerrerro with the Three Amigos suplexes. Fenix followed up the homage to Eddie with a Frog Splash that only got a two-count. With a cry of “Animo!”, Fenix headed up top, but was intercepted by Frazer. A dogfight at the top rope saw Frazer floor Fenix with the superplex, followed by a supkerick. Cover by Axiom was broken up by Andrade, who shoved Frazer into the pin.

After another commercial break, we resumed with Frazer’s Phoenix Splash being adeptly dodged by Fenix as Andrade entered the match. With Frazer stunned in the corner, Andrade crushed him with the corner Meteora for the two-count. Andrade had Frazer in his sights for a high-risk maneuver and connected with the double moonsault. Axiom broke up the pin just in time as he then took Fenix out from the apron.

FrAxiom had Andrade caught with the Spanish Fly & Phoenix Splash combination maneuver. Rey Fenix made the last-second save by leaping onto Frazer followed by a codebreaker on Axiom. The makeshift team of Andrade and Fenix soon took advantage with the latterr hitting an Adios Amigo kick on Axiom, and the former blasting Frazer with a vicious spinning elbow. The finish came when Fenix leapt over a prone Frazer in the ring right into Axiom at ringside. This gave Andrade the opening needed to deliver The Message to Frazer for the three.

Andrade & Rey Fenix def. FrAxiom via pinfall

Just some fun and fast tag team action between two high-flying teams. I really enjoyed this one from start to finish. Just a lovely showcase for the SmackDown tag division.

**********

– Damian Priest confronted Aleister Black, wanting to talk to him about Ron Killings, as he revealed to Black that he’d be facing Killings next week on SmackDown. We also learned that at Evolution II, it’ll be Tiffany Stratton vs. Trish Stratus for the WWE Women’s Championship, as well as Jade Cargill vs. Naomi.

Next Week on SmackDown

  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Street Profits vs. The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis
  • Ron Killings vs. Aleister Black

Solo Sikoa & J.C. Mateo vs. Jacob Fatu & Jimmy Uso

Sikoa tagged in Mateo to avoid Fatu’s wrath early on. Mateo took the brunt of the punishment from Fatu and Uso up until a thump brought Jimmy down to the ground. Sikoa entered the match and felt brazen enough to mock Fatu’s signature dance while he had Uso grounded with the Spinning Solo, which led to one final break in the action.

Our main event resumed from the commercial with Sikoa and Mateo having the advantrage over Jimmy Uso. Mateo got the tag and flattened Uso with a standing moonsault. In the corner, a prone Uso was squashed by a splash from Mateo. Another attempt at a splash by Mateo was missed, as Uso dodged and then delivered a Samoan Drop, which created some needed separation. Fatu got the hot tag as he unleashed an assault on Sikoa with the senton, followed by a splash in the corner.

Fatu cracked Sikoa with ten headbutts in the cornered, as he then caught his foe with a spinning elbow. Fatu blasted both Mateo and Sikoa with superkicks, which left them stunned in separate corners. Fatu took both men out with consecutive hip attacks. Uso and Fatu flew through the ropes with dives that ook out Mateo and Sikoa.

In the ring, Sikoa kicked Fatu with a superkick, as he had the Samoan Spike loaded. Fatu countered and planted Sikoa with the Impaler DDT. Fatu then brought an end to this match with the jumping moonsault from the top and the three to get the pin on the new U.S. Champion.

Post-match, Fatu wanted to continue his revenge on Sikoa as he cleared away the commentary table before he kicked Sikoa onto it. Fatu headed up to the top, but got intercepted by Tala Tonga, who emerged from the ring. Tala slammed Fatu from the top rope, as Tanga Loa soon joined in on the attack against Jimmy Uso. Tala crushed Uso with a superkick, as Mateo hit the Tour of the Islands afterwards.

This “family” soon turned their attention on Fatu, as Sikoa dropped him with the Samoan Spike. Sikoa ordered his men to drag Fatu towards the commentary table as they delivered the Shield Triple Powerbomb through the reinforced announce table. The Paul Levesque & Lee Fitting producer credits popped as SmackDown ended with Sikoa’s “family” standing tall.

**********

Pretty much a standard main event and big beatdown segment from Solo’s not-quite Bloodline group to end this two-hour SmackDown.

All in all, just a run-of-the mill episode of SmackDown, but the FrAxiom vs. Andrade & Fenix match was at least exciting and it’s always nice to see Drew McIntyre back in the fray, as well as the teasing towards a Randy Orton heel turn.

WWE SmackDown live results: John Cena vs. Ron Killings, King & Queen of the Ring semifinals

Posted on by Marc Quill

John Cena’s appearance on SmackDown last week was not a happy one for the Undisputed WWE Champion as he was twice attacked by Ron Killings. Cena also had to contend with his Night of Champions opponent CM Punk having some harsh words for him.

Tonight on SmackDown, Killings gets his hands on Cena when they face off inside Van Andel Arena, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The first two King & Queen of the Ring tournament semifinal matches will go down tonight as Randy Orton faces Sami Zayn in the men’s match and Alexa Bliss takes on the returning Asuka in the women’s match.

United States Champion Jacob Fatu was given an ultimatum by Solo Sikoa last week: pledge his love to Solo or face the consequences. We’ll see how WWE follows up on that tonight.

Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega announced that she plans to call out Giulia after being attacked by the former NXT Women’s Champion several weeks ago.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– After a live shot of the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, we were welcomed by shots of Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, Alexa Bliss, Asuka, plus Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo arriving to the arena. We then saw Ron “The Truth” Killings before we got LA Knight making his way down to the ring to open SmackDown proper. Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett talked about Knight’s involvement in the King of the Ring fatal-four way qualifier from Raw this past Monday.

LA Knight opens SmackDown

“Let me talk to ya,” Knight started off the proceedings in his usual manner. He circled back to Money in the Bank where Seth Rollins and his faction screwed him over, something he couldn’t let slide, so he decided to pay it back by screwing one of them (Bron Breakker) out of the King of the Ring. When Rollins’ faction took out Knight last week in his King of the Ring qualifier, Knight decided to screw over the other member of the group (Bronson Reed) in response. Knight then said that there was only one way this would end: with Seth Rollins himself facing off against him right here and now.

The voice of Paul Heyman signaled the arrival of Rollins’ Wise Man to the arena. Heyman admonished the crowd for booing Rollins’ name and “screwing up the cue”, so he did the introduction again. Knight told Heyman to shut up and get to the point by asking why he was here. Heyman entered the ring and siad that there was indeed a lot of bad blood between Knight and Rollins. However, with all due respect to the Grand Rapids crowd, Heyman said that he was the “biggest” LA Knight fan in all of WWE. As such, Seth Rollins, according to Heyman, has allowed him to say that Knight needs to get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan because something bad will happen to him before the end of the night.

Knight responded by saying that he’s heard Heyman make that threat before because he’s a swindler and someone who leeches on to someone “hot” to leech on their popularity. Knight said that if Heyman couldn’t bring Seth Rollins to him, then there was only one thing that they could do instead: LA Knight versus Paul Heyman right now. Knight said he was going to take his stuff off and turn his back on Heyman to give him the first shot, stating to make it count otherwise he’d make it hurt.

Heyman rolled out of the ring and said that his threat to Knight wasn’t a prediction, it was a spoiler. On cue, Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed walked down the stage and made their way to go after Knight in a two-on-one assault. Rollins’ vanguard had their way with Knight as the announce table was ripped apart in the melee. Before the two could do any more damage, Knight emerged from the timekeeper area with a steel chair and used it wisely in warding off Breakker and Reed. Heyman returned to ringside and got the two to back off for now.

********************

– Backstage, Heyman talked with Breakker and Reed, stating that they’d have everything in control. Byron Saxton showed up to inform the group that Nick Aldis has made Bronson Reed versus LA Knight official for later tonight.

Queen of the Ring Semifinal: Alexa Bliss versus Asuka

Asuka and Bliss circled the ring as the bell rang before they got into a lockup. Asuka blocked a Bliss shoulder blcok, but got felled by a dropkick instead. The recently-returned Empress answered with a shoulder block of her own as she then followed with a hip attack that sent Bliss out of the ring to take us into a break in the action.

We returned with Asuka having her way with Bliss by way of a submission hold. Bliss escaped and launched into Asuka with a flip neckbreaker, followed by a senton for the two-count. Asuka recovered and answered with a flurry of strikes, followed by a snap German suplex and a knee to the face of Bliss. One, two… not enough. Bliss dodged a big kick from Asuka for the roll-up, but found herself in a roll-up of her own after a failed Sister Abigal attempt.

With Bliss still recovering, Asuka headed up top for the missile dropkick, but Bliss blocked it as she hit her signature DDT for the close near fall. Bliss went up to the top rope and had Asuka in position for Twisted Bliss, but hesitated as she dropped down. Asuka took advantage and locked in her Asuka Lock armbar hold on Bliss, who escaped in desperation by rolling towards the rope. Hangman’s neckbreaker by Asuka kept Bliss grounded momentary. Bliss intercepted an attempted running attack from Asuka and placed her in a tree-of-woe position for the dropkick. She headed up top to look for the Twisted Bliss once more, but Asuka blocked it with her knees, which stunned Bliss long enough for Asuka’s Empress Impact knee for the one, two, three. Asuka wins to earn a berth in the Queen of the Ring finals.

Asuka def. Alexa Bliss via pinfall to advance to the Queen of the Ring Finals

Solid opening bout between two talented women wrestlers. It’s great to see Asuka back in the fold and looking as good as ever in the ring, and she and Bliss had themselves a great match right here..

**********

– Backstage, Jade Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin were seen watching the previous match. B-Fab and Michin said that it was maybe time to make their own impact in the women’s tag division and headed off to talk to Nick Aldis about it. Byron Saxton then interviewed Cargill about facing Roxanne Perez on Raw next Monday and the possibility of facing Asuka in the Queen of the Ring Finals.

– Alexa Bliss was confronted by Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice, but then soon found themselves joined by Charlotte Flair. Which led to Charlotte challenging Green to a match later tonight. Green got upset Bliss stated that she didn’t need Flair’s help, to which Flair said that she wasn’t there to help Bliss at all.

Aleister Black versus Kit Wilson

Before the match could even get started, Kit Wilson was attacked by Ron Killings in the ring. Killings locked in the STF before he took the microphone. Killings angrily demanded that John Cena get out here now to face him right now.

The usual gaggle of security officials and road agents showed up to calm Killings down, as Jamie Noble in particular got Killings to leave the ring peacefully, and the scheduled Black vs. Wilson match apparently called off on the account of Killings’ pre-match attack.

Aleister Black versus Kit Wilson never took place

**********

– We got a Papa Johns’ sponsored recap of Goldberg’s return and subsequent challenge to Gunther for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

– Jamie Noble continued to talk to Ron Killings, who was angry about John Cena not showing up. Aleister Black then confronted Killings for interrupting his match, but Damian Priest appeared to to keep the peace. As Black left, Priest called out Killings for his anger and told him to focus that rage on John Cena later tonight instead. Priest promised that he and Killings would go out for a night downtown later once Cena was taken care of.

Cody Rhodes addresses King of the Ring

Before Rhodes could even utter a single word, the theme of his King of the Ring semifinals opponent, Jey Uso, interrupted. Out came the “Yeet Man” himself to a loud reaction from the Grand Rapids crowd. The crowd continued to do the Yeet dance and chants as Uso made his way down to the ring. Once everything calmed down somewhat, Uso called for another encore as his theme music played once more.

After that was done with, Uso started by telling Rhodes that he didn’t even have to say anything because they’ve both been in the trenches together. From fighting one another, to fighting together as tag champions, to finishing their respective stories at WrestleMania. However, on Monday, there’s only room for one of them. Uso said he knows that Rhodes is going to bring it, and that it’s nothing personal, but it’s only business. At the end of it all, though, Uso said that there’d be only four letters, one word, uh-uh… Yeet.

As Rhodes and Uso showed respect, Sami Zayn entered the ring and joined in. As he took the microphone, Zayn said that he got to share the ring with two great friends, who are also two of the greatest that the business has to offer. He said that between the three of them standing in the ring, there was only one who wasn’t a World Champion. Zayn said he was proud of Jey Uso for winning at WrestleMania, and that he was the first one to congratulate Cody Rhodes for finishing his story at WrestleMania. With that, Zayn said he hoped Rhodes and Uso understood that it was time to finish his own story.

“Voices” rang through the Van Andel Arena, which brought out Zayn’s King of the Ring semifinal foe, Randy Orton to the ring. Orton reiterated to Rhodes what he said last week about doing whatever it takes to get to John Cena and win his 15th World Championship. He turned his attention to Uso and said while he had respect for him, it’d be “three letters and one move” if he faced off with Jey in the King of the Ring Finals. Orton then said that he meant every word that one day, Sami Zayn will be a World Champion, but SummerSlam won’t be that day. That’s because of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R-K-O. The segment ended with Cody Rhodes not even getting a chance to say a single word.

**********

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton versus Sami Zayn

The match started after the commercial break with Zayn having Orton caught in an arm submission that eventually got countered into a classic Orton resthold. After that submission exchange, Zayn cornered Orton with repeated chops that sent him out of the ring. Zayn looked like he was going for a dive to the outside, but Orton backed off, which caused Zayn to backtrack at the last second. Orton took his time to get himself back in the ring and trapped Zayn in the corner, which led to the referee breaking it up. Orton gave Zayn a poke in the eye in the scuffle.

The fight moved to the outside, with Orton nailing his trademark announce table back suplex on Zayn. Amidst the crowd’s chants of “one more time”, Orton obliged and hit another announce table back suplex on Zayn, which took us to a break mid-match.

SmackDown returned with Orton teeing off on Zayn with a punch to the head. Zayn did a springboard dodge to leap behind Orton as he then floored him with a clothesline. Zayn connected with a big elbow followed by the axe handle. Zayn’s Blue Thunder Bomb attempt was countered by Orton, who unloaded with his clotheslines, followed by a vintage scoop powerslam. Orton kept up momentum with the draped DDT on the ropes.

Orton had Zayn in his sights for an RKO, but Zayn rolled out of the ring to avoid calamity. Orton stepped out of the ring and slammed Zayn’s face against the announce table. Orton tried for yet another table back suplex, but Zayn countered and gave Orton a taste of his own medicine instead. In the ring, Zayn avoided a shoulder charge from Orton, which sent the Viper into the ringpost instead.

Zayn targeted Orton for a Helluva Kick, but got intercepted into a snap powerslam for his troubles. One, two… Zayn just barely kicked out! Orton dodged a Helluva Kick at the last second, as he looked to connect with the RKO. Zayn turned that around and turned it into a Blue Thunder Bomb. Orton just somehow kicked out at the last possible second. Zayn headed up top and missed on a dive. Orton’s first RKO was blocked, but one last attempt sealed the deal for the Viper as the pin and win put him in the King of the Ring finals.

Randy Orton def. Sami Zayn via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Finals

Some really good stuff from Orton and Zayn here, and there were a few moments throughout where I though Zayn would pull off the upset win. That said, while Orton’s win moves us to (likely) a showdown with Cody Rhodes at King of the Ring, what happens now with Zayn after this loss — and especially with Karrion Kross being a thorn in his side will be interesting to see. In any case, Orton vs. Zayn delivered a fantastic match.

**********

Nia Jax addresses her attack on Tiffany Stratton

Jax started by saying that Tiffany Stratton approached her to get some guidance, and that she repaid that help by supposedly betraying her. The WWE Women’s Champion herself interrupted and called Jax the “toxic ex she couldn’t get away from”, and told her to admit that she’s so jsut so much better than her. Jax said that Stratton should prove it by facing her again without a kicking a chair in her face. Stratton said that she agreed, and that next week… she will face Jax for the WWE Women’s Title in a Last Woman Standing match. Jax and Stratton brawled for a bit, with Jax getting the better of Stratton and flooring her with a series of leg drops.

Naomi ran down to the ring and tried to cash in Money in the Bank on the fallen Stratton, but Jax pulled her out of the ring repeatedly to prevent it. Stratton recovered and kicked Naomi off the apron, which sent her crashing onto Jax. Stratton took this time to make her escape while Naomi and Jax were left laying in front of the announce table.

**********

– A video package of CM Punk and John Cena’s rivalry was shown.

Charlotte Flair versus Chelsea Green (w/ Piper Niven & Alba Fyre)

Green wrestled with her face mask covering her broken nose.

The match started off with Green cheapshotting Flair and getting the advantage early on. Flair rolled over the turnbuckle and landed on her feet on the apron to create some separation between her and Green. Flair fended off Piper Niven and Alba Fyre at ringside before she headed up top with a diving fist strike on Green. With the referee distracted by Niven at ringside, this allowed Fyre to get on the apron to grab at Flair, which gave Green the opening to hit a neckbreaker on the former WWE Women’s Champion. That took us to a break in the action.

We returned with Flair attempting to mount a comeback as she fired away with chops on Green’s chest before she took her down with suplex. Flair gave Green a mocking salute before tried to set up for the Figure-Eight. Alba Fyre got on the apron to cross a distraction, as Green nailed a Rough Ryder.

Green took off her mask and looked to put Flair away with the Un-Pretty-Her, but couldn’t connect. Flair hit a Spear, but Green kicked out. In the ensuing chaos, Flair applied the Figure-Eight on Green, who tapped out.

Flair didn’t have time to celebrate as Piper Niven stormed the ring and delivered a Senton. Alba Fyre and Green joined in on the attack of Flair before Alexa Bliss made the save. Bliss hit the Sister Abigail on Green as the Secret Hervice were forced into a retreat. Bliss tried to offer a hand to Flair, but she got rebuked instead.

Charlotte Flair def. Chelsea Green via submission.

Not much to write home about in terms of this match, and its main purpose was to largely continue the weird sorta-alliance/frenemy situation that’s unfolding with Charlotte and Alexa Bliss.

**********

– JC Mateo was seen taping himself up as he asked Solo Sikoa what the plan would be for Jacob Fatu. Sikoa said that there wouldn’t be a need for anything physical as tonight would be the night Fatu “comes home”.

Will Jacob Fatu rejoin Solo Sikoa?

Solo Sikoa got into the ring and said that he was out here alone and ready to welcome Jacob Fatu with open arms, as he then called out the United States Champion so they could talk things over. Fatu entered the scene with his U.S. Title in tow and the crowd cheering him on.

Once Fatu entered the ring, he and Sikoa stared one another down. Sikoa said that he wasn’t here to fight Fatu, because he wanted it to be known that he always loved Fatu, no matter what. Sikoa said that one thing he learned about being Tribal Chief was learning to love family, even when they fight and argue. He pledged Fatu to move forward and do things together as one.

Sikoa insisted that nobody wanted Fatu here, except him. Which is why he brought him into WWE to help change his life and to put food on the table for his family. And he did all that because Sikoa claimed to love Fatu, and that he didn’t have anybody else to turn to. Sikoa said that Fatu was all he got and all he needed. Even if Fatu didn’t say those four words, Solo was willing to say those four words for everybody to hear. “I love you, Jacob,” said Sikoa.

Fatu got his chance to respond, asking if it comes down to “loving” him. Fatu said that Sikoa was using him to gain power, fight his battles, and to stay Tribal Chief. “Hell, you brought me in, so I could bring you fame? So I could bring you gold?” asked Fatu. The U.S. Champion said that Sikoa was the one who was acting different ever since Fatu won. Maybe, the problem, as Fatu said, was the U.S. Title itself. Fatu laid it down on the mat and asked Sikoa to fight him for the title.

Fatu then threatened Sikoa, stating that if he ever came his way, then he knows what’s coming. Sikoa tried to attack Fatu with the Samoan Spike, but he got caught instead. JC Mateo entered the ring and helped Sikoa take down Fatu. The two Neo-Bloodline members attacked Fatu in a two-on-one assault until Jimmy Uso attempted to make the save. Mateo and and Sikoa got the better of Jimmy until Fatu recovered and made short work of the two. Fatu and Jimmy shared a tense staredown as the former tried to hit his jumping moonsault on Sikoa, who rolled out of harm’s way.

**********

Bronson Reed (w/ Paul Heyman & Bron Breakker) versus LA Knight

Knight snuck up on Breakker from the crowd to throw him into the ring post, which angered him greatly. Reed got Breakker to calm down as the match became officially underway.

Reed blocked an Irish whip attempt, but missed on a shoulder charge into the corner, which gave Knight the opening to stomp away on him. Reed recovered and wanted to slam Knight, but got countered into a kick to the face instead. On the apron, Knight tried to leap at Reed, but got caught. A jumping neckbreaker by Knight was subsequently countered by Reed through the use of his size.

Knight avoided a senton from Reed as he headed up top and caught him with a diving neckbreaker. Reed rolled out of the ring and blocked Knight’s baseball slide dropkick. Knight tried again for a high-risk move and connected with the dive onto Reed to the outside, which took us to a break.

We returned from break with Reed attempting a superplex on Knight from the top rope. Knight battled to break free and won out, as he shoved Reed down to the mat. Knight had him in position for his jumping leaping elbow. One, two… Reed kicked out! Knight’s BFT attempt was countered by Reed, who landed a Death Valley Driver for the near-fall.

Reed lifted Knight up and delivered a thumbs down as he looked for a powerbomb. Knight reversed that into a DDT. Breakker got on the apron but got smacked down by Knight for his troubles. Reed got sent to the outside as Knight looked for a dive… but Breakker hit a Spear on Knight to cause the DQ finish.

As Reed held Knight in position, Breakker hit his super Spear with brutal force. Reed then followed that up with consecutive Tsunamis. As referees got shooed away, Reed headed up top and hit a final devastating Tsunami on Knight. The vanguard of Seth Rollins’ faction stood tall as it appeared that Paul Heyman’s threat was quite accurate.

LA Knight def. Bron Breakker via DQ

Just a standard match, but the post-match angle does give the muscle of Seth Rollins’ as-of-yet nameless group some neeeded menace.

**********

Next Week on SmackDown

  • Women’s United States Championship Match: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Giulia
  • WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Street Profits (c) vs. The Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match (Last Woman Standing): Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax

– We learned from Jacob Fatu that he will defend the United States Championship against Solo Sikoa next Saturday at Night of Champions.

Ron Killings versus John Cena

Killings started off hot by tackling Cena and forcing him to the outside as he aggressively went after the Undisputed WWE Champion at ringside. Back in the ring, Killings threw Cena into the corner with force as we headed to a picture-in-picture break. Killings performed Cena’s own shoulder tackles and then the spin-out powerbomb as seen in picture-in-picture.

SmackDown returned from picture-in-picture with Cena nailing the Five-Knuckle Shuffle on Killings. Attitude Adjustment attempted, but Killings escaped and hit a Lou Thesz Press in response. Cena rolled out of the ring and took his WWE Championship, seemingly walking out on the match. Killings tried to go after Cena, but got blasted with the WWE Title, causing a DQ.

Ron Killings def. John Cena via Disqualification

CM Punk ran down and started to scuffle with Cena. Punk attempted to hit Cena with the WWE Title, but got blasted with a kick to the groin. Cena answered with a belt shot of his own before he took the Slim Jim-branded table from underneath the ring.

Cena struck Punk with the WWE Title once more as he delivered an Attitude Adjustment through the Slim Jim table. Cena grabbed a microphone and started his own version of the Pipe Bomb promo.

Cena said that he hopes Punk can listen and digest, because before he can leave in six months with the WWE Title, there’s a lot of things he has to get off his chest. Cena said that he doesn’t hate Punk, but he hates the idea that Punk is the best in the world. Cena called himself as the Greatest of All Time, and that Punk is the “greatest bullshitter of all time”.

Cena said that he’s jealous of Punk because of how he’s conned everyone into believing in the myth that he’s the best in the world, but they don’t believe a goddamn thing he says, because Punk changes his values as much as Cena changes his shirts. Cena gave a Punk-like shoutout to Nick Nemeth, Matt Cardona, and Claudio Castagnoli. Cena accused Punk of regurgitating the same “five microphone moves of doom”, stating that Punk is no longer the “voice of the voiceless”, but a capitalist. Cena said that Punk isn’t against TKO, but he’s “Mr. TKO”.

Cena said that at Saudi Arabia, Punk is going to face some loud music in the form of the fact that it’s been Cena who’s been the greatest of all time for over 25 years. He said that Punk was “best in the world” for 7 minutes and 14 years ago. And after at Night of Champions, if Punk does prove he’s the best in the world, then it’s a small world after all. “You’re welcome, Grand Rapids,” said Cena.

Cena demanded that Punk better bring his A-Game to Night of Champions because if Grand Rapids is any indication, the mood is starting to change. Cena told Punk to rest up because at Night of Champions, it would be the Greatest of All Time versus Best in the World, and that it would The Champ would be here. “I just ripped off your own promo to make you look foolish,” Cena concluded his promo.

As iffy as the idea of using CM Punk’s history of refusing to work in Saudi Arabia as part of this build is, this Cena promo was at least a decent inversion of the Pipebomb. That said, the committment to this evil John Cena gimmick continues to face resistance from a crowd that just wants to cheer the guy regardless, so the moment he turns face is essentially just now on a ticking clock. I don’t begrudge Cena for having fun being the bad guy, but it’s quite clear that the crowd would just rather cheer him.

SmackDown this week was kind of middle of the road, with nothing really sticking out for me personally, other than the excellent Orton vs. Zayn and Asuka vs. Bliss matches, as well as Cena’s Pipebomb parody Everything else felt just kinda there, and I do wonder what the impending move to two hours in two week’s time will mean for the overall flow of the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before Money in the Bank takes place, all of the MITB participants — as well as the four wrestlers competing in the PLE’s star-studded tag team main event — will be in the building for WWE SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, and Logan Paul are all set to make an appearance on tonight’s show. Cena will team with Paul to face Rhodes & Uso at Money in the Bank on Saturday night.

Additionally, the men and women competing in the respective MITB ladder matches will be on the show. On the men’s side, that includes Solo Sikoa, Seth Rollins, El Grande Americano, LA Knight, Penta, and Andrade.

On the women’s side, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Alexa Bliss, and Naomi will appear ahead of their ladder match.

Ripley, Bliss & Vaquer are teaming up tonight to face Naomi, Perez & Giulia in a six-woman tag. Plus, Knight will go one-on-one with Aleister Black.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as shots of outside the Intuit Dome aired. The scene then transferred to Bakersfield, where SmackDown was happening.

– Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie Vaquer, Naomi, Giulia, Roxanne Perez and all four members of the new Paul Heyman group were shown walking backstage, outside and everywhere in between. The Heyman group, led by Seth Rollins, made their way to the ring for the first segment.

The Paul Heyman group segment

Rollins soaked in the fans singing his song briefly after the four of them entered the ring. The crowd turning to barking in the key of Bron Breakker. “CM Punk!” chants then broke out. These people just could not make up their minds. Anyway, Rollins eventually just said “Bakersfield,” and ran through his introduction. Rollins said he will take everything at Money In The Bank and then have control over the entire industry. “OTC!” chants began. Rollins said Roman could hear them because he’s off on the island of irrelevancy.

Rollins said they were there to deliver a message – anyone who stands in their way will suffer the same fate as anyone who has already stood in their way. Rollins referenced Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns and CM Punk as people who stood in their way and noted how they are all out of commission. Rollins said Reigns has never cared about the fans while Rollins, indeed, has cared about the fans. Rollins said there is nobody who can stop him. On cue, Solo Sikoa’s music hit and Sikoa walked out with Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo.

Sikoa and his group took their time entering the ring. Sikoa asked Rollins about what he previously said and Rollins reiterated everything. Sikoa said if nobody was going to stop Rollins … well, Sikoa and his group were standing there and they could, in theory, stop them. Sikoa said Rollins had his own Bloodline going on. Sikoa asked if Bron was supposed to be Jey Uso and if Bronson Reed was Sami Zayn. Sikoa looked at Heyman and said, “Long time, no see.” Rollins stepped in and told Sikoa to choose his words carefully. Sikoa said he would win the MITB contract and all the power will be Sikoa’s.

Rollins called Breakker the future of the industry while Sikoa was not. Rollins said Reed could snap Sikoa with his fingers. Rollins said Sikoa’s family would rather stab him in the back than have his back and turned his attention to Fatu. Rollins said it looked like Fatu wanted to say something and Sikoa told Rollins to shut his mouth. Rollins then called Fatu “Solo’s bitch.” Rollins said it took a lot of guts for Sikoa to come out and talk to them. Rollins said he felt a little threatened by one Fatu in the ring, but it wasn’t Sikoa. Sikoa took off his suit jacket and Breakker stepped up. Fatu then stepped up to Breakker. Rollins then stepped to Fatu. The Heyman group left the ring and that ended the segment.

As Rollins and his group left, Jimmy Uso ran in and took out Sikoa and his group. Uso will face Mateo in the first match of the night.

This was fun. I was a little surprised the crowd didn’t side a little more with Sikoa and his boys because there really were a lot of layers attached to the fact that Sikoa led his people out there to confront a group put together by Paul Heyman. They only touched on it briefly, but it was enough to remind some of us that there are a lot of different ways a story like that could go. In the meantime, the Fatu/Breakker stare down was really well done and boy, it was kind of a trip to see Jonah and Jeff Cobb face off on the far side of the ring. We aren’t in New Japan anymore, Dorothy. Good stuff all around and a hot start to a go-home show that appears to have a hot crowd behind it. You can’t ask for much more than that.

**********

Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo

The match was joined in progress and Uso had the upper hand. Uso came off the top and hit a cross-body for a one-count. Uso came off the ropes and Mateo suplexed Uso before going to Uso’s chin and mouth. Sikoa told Uso it wasn’t too late for him to come back to Sikoa’s group. Mateo kicked Uso and slowed things down. Uso fired up, but eventually ran into a back elbow from Mateo. Mateo chopped Uso repeatedly before he ran at Uso and Uso moved, sending Mateo to the outside. Uso hit Mateo with a shoulder block through the ropes and onto the floor. Uso went to the top, but Mateo dropkicked Uso off the top and to the outside of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Uso was rallying until Mateo clotheslined Uso and landed a standing moonsault on Uso. Mateo hit a running elbow in a corner, but Uso came back with a Samoan Drop to reset the match. Uso hit a fury of strikes on Mateo, including a step-up enziguri. Uso came off the top with an Uso In The Wind, and got a two-count out of it. Uso ran at Mateo, but Mateo caught him and hit a spinning back suplex for a nice near-fall. Mateo ran at Uso, but Uso got an elbow up and followed that with a pair of super-kicks and a spear. Uso went to the top, but Sikoa hopped up on the apron. Uso and Fatu then engaged in a stare down, btu Fatu on the apron. Mateo leapt at Uso and Uso moved, so Mateo hit Fatu off the apron. Uso rolled Mateo up for the win. After the match, Fatu left on his own while Mateo yelled at Fatu.

Match result: JImmy Uso defeated JC Mateo (11:23 of TV time)

An OK television match (and that might even be sort of kind). Like it or don’t like it, it’s hard to deny that there was no real reason it should dragged on as long as it did – and through two commercial breaks, to boot. The long walk towards Fatu breaking out on his own continues, but this felt like a significant development because it was Mateo who was fired up after the match and it was the first real time we saw him show any type of emotion since showing up in WWE. Back to the match: Jimmy needed that win, so I’m glad he got it. On the other end of things, we can probably all agree that Mateo will survive even though he now has a loss on his WWE record. The showdown between Mateo and Fatu can’t come soon enough, though, because these Bloodline angles have no problem dragging out much longer than they actually should.

**********

– Zelina (no Vega, according to the graphic listed on the television screen) ran into Giulia backstage and told Giulia would have to pry the U.S. title from her lifeless body. Giulia said Zelina was confident and Zelina walked away while Giulia looked on.

– Fatu ran into Damian Priest backstage. Priest told Fatu he’s been where Fatu currently is and he doesn’t envy that. Priest said at some point, he’ll be coming for the U.S. title. Fatu said if Priest doesn’t take care of business, Priest will be at the back of the line like everyone else.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven in a Bakersfield Brawl

Good news. Vega got her last name back in the graphic that popped up on her way to the ring. Niven threw Vega to the mat repeatedly to begin the match. Eventually, Vega grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring and worked Niven over with it. For reasons impossible to explain, Vega threw the stick to the outside of the ring and went for a pin, but Niven kicked out right away. “We want tables!” chants inevitably began. The action spilled outside and Niven caught Vega before slamming Vega’s head down on the ede of the apron. Niven followed up with a basement cross-body against the LED screen on the side of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and a chain had been introduced during the break. Niven choked Vega with it before kneeing Vega into the bottom turnbuckle. Niven set up a chair and attempted to slam Vega, but Vega turned it into a DDT on the chair. Niven sold it by rolling outside, where Vega hit a moonsault on everyone, including Fyre, Green and Niven. Vega went to the top, but Niven cut her off. Vega fought back and landed a Super Code Red from the top, but Fyre pulled Vega off Niven. Green then beat down Vega as Niven came to. Niven yelled for Fyre to get a table and Green and Fyre did just that.

Niven slammed Vega on the floor as her crew set up the table inside the ring. With Vega on the table, Niven went to the second rope, but Giulia appeared and attacked Green and Fyre. Giulia hit Niven with the kendo stick and Vega powerbombed Niven through the table. That was enough to get Vega the win.

Match result: Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven (10:44)

After the match, Giulia entered the ring and raised Vega’s hand before, wouldn’t you know it, attacking Vega. Giulia then picked up the U.S. title and stood tall over Vega.

Vega receives slightly better responses from the live crowd each week and this was no exception. Good for her on that. This was a fairly PG brawl, as one would expect, but the final sequence with Niven going through the table looked like it might leave Niven with an ache or two tomorrow morning. I like the insertion of Giulia into the Vega/Green program and we have to think this leads to Giulia eventually holding that U.S. title, which will instantly give it some much-needed credibility. My only request? Can we get to that point sooner than later? My impatience, these days, knows no bounds.

**********

– Jey Uso was shown in the locker room and Cody Rhodes came up to talk to him. Jimmy Uso walked into the frame. Jey said they’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow, after Cody and Jimmy asked Jey if he was OK.

– An Aleister Black vignette aired. Black recalled how LA Knight stole his victory in the MITB qualifying match. Black said he wants to take away Knight’s security and he wants things to be Knight and Black to see what’s left of Knight. Black said if Knight beats him, he will shake Knight’s hand and admit defeat.

LA Knight vs. Aleister Black

Before the match, Knight obtained a microphone and held it out as the crowd chanted his name. Knight said it was that time of the year (yeah!) and it’s Money In The Bank season (yeah!). Knight said if you do a little bit of math, this is his third year in a row being in MITB. Knight asked the crowd if they thought the third time will be a charm. Knight said he’s not satisfied with that. He ran down the other participants in the ladder match, including Seth Rollins, with whom Knight noted he hasn’t had a lot of interaction. Knight said Rollins isn’t going to burn anything down because instead, Rollins will get burned by Knight. Before long, Knight capped his minutes off with the catchphrase. Mercifully, the lights went out and Black’s music hit in an attempt to move things towards actually starting the match. Before that could happen, though, the show went to a commercial break.

The two locked up when the show returned, so maybe they just stood there and looked at each other during that two-and-a-half minute commercial break? Some mysteries might never be solved. More locking-up continued all around the ring continuously until the crowd … well, the crowd never really responded to it. Black took Knight down and worked a side head-lock. Knight came back with an elbow and a vertical suplex for a one-count. Knight went for a DDT but Black didn’t comply and instead kicked Knight in the head. Knight came back with a tough clothesline that was good enough for a two-count.

Black landed a jaw-breaker and a step-up knee for a two-count. Black followed up with a snap-suplex, which was good enough for a two-count. Black landed a series of strikes, complete with a leg-sweep. Black went for a springboard move, but Knight charged Black and both wrestlers went over the top and to the outside. The show went to another commercial break as Black and Knight sold the spill.

Back to the action and Black successfully executed the springboard moonsault on Knight inside the ring. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Black went for Black Mass, but Knight ducked it and Knight hit his jumping neck-breaker into his modified powerslam. From there, it was the top-rope elbow attempt, but Black got a boot up. The two went back and forth with punches and kicks. Black went for the moonsault again, but Knight caught Black and hit a Burning Hammer. Black then rolled to the outside. Seth Rollins ran in and gave Knight the Stomp, which was enough to end the match.

Rollins set up for another Stomp, but Black stepped into the ring to stop Rollins. Breakker then showed up and speared the hell out of Black. Reed landed a Senton on Knight and then Breakker speared Knight.

Match result: LA Knight defeated Aleister Black via DQ (10:20)

I’m not a fan of the finish, but this was a good match while it lasted. In fact, it was one of Knight’s better television matches in recent memory and you have to think that as a thing or three to do with Black. Knight seemed fired up and Black got the best out of him because of it. I was wondering how they’d get out of the match because I couldn’t imagine Knight losing going into MITB, but it also seems too soon for Black to lie down. Insert Seth Rollins, and the result writes itself. The way the Rollins group is bulldozing everyone, it kind of feels like an NWO-lite feel and I like that. Oddly enough, that idea feels kind of/sort of fresh these days when it’s done right. And right now, Heyman and Rollins and their guys are doing it right.

**********

– Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce announced that next week, the King and Queen Of The Ring tournaments will begin. The winners of the tournaments will receive world title shots later at Summer Slam.

– Byron Saxton interviewed Jade Cargill backstage and Saxton asked Cargill about competing in the Queen Of The Ring tournament. Cargill noted how she is the storm and she can’t wait to tear through the Queen Of The Ring tournament. Saxton asked about Bianca Belair and Cargill was going to respond, but Charlotte walked into the frame. Charlotte told Cargill there is only one queen in WWE. Tiffany Stratton then walked in and started her march to the ring for the next segment.

– A Legado Del Fantasma vignette aired. They talked about competing at Worlds Collide. They put over their opponents in the six-man tag at Saturday’s event.

– American Made were interviewed backstage. Chad Gable said his confident was high going into his match with Vikingo at Worlds Collide. Gable said the AAA Mega Championship will come home with him. Andrade walked into the frame and spoke to Gable in Spanish. Penta then pulled up and made fun of Gable in Spanish. Gable got angry and said El Grande will put them both through a ladder tomorrow night. Aldis showed up and made a match pitting Penta & Andrade against the Creeds for later tonight.

The Tiffy Time segment

Tiffy said everyone on Saturday is going to try and pull a Tiffy from last year and reach for the stars. Stratton said everyone in the match is championship match is great, but after the match, whomever wins will have their world revolve around Tiffy. Tiffy asked everyone what time it was and the crowd shouted “Tiffy Time!” Rhea Ripley’s music hit and Ripley walked out. Ripley grabbed a mic once inside the ring and recalled how she’s never had to be in a MITB match before. Ripley said she knows what it feels like to be a champion and she misses that feeling. Stephanie Vaquer’s music hit and out, she came. As Vaquer made her entrance, introductions for the upcoming match was made. As such, Alexa Bliss’s music hit and Bliss made her entrance for the match as well. The show then went to a commercial break.

**********

Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi, Giulia & Roxanne Perez

Vaquer and Giulia started the match and the pace was fast. They traded a bunch of pin attempts and Vaquer set up for the face-planting viral move (Devil’s Kiss), but Giulia countered and planted Vaquer. Naomi tagged in and went for Devil’s Kiss on Vaquer, but Vaquer worked out of it. Things broke down and all six women brawled, highlighted by Vaquer executing the Devil’s Kiss on Naomi. After the things settled down, Naomi and Vaquer were battling in the ring with Naomi getting the best of it, complete with the other heels interfering. Perez tagged in and worked over Vaquer until Giulia tagged in a short time later. Naomi quickly tagged in, too, and lifted Vaquer, but Vaquer worked out of it and tagged in Bliss.

Bliss whipped Naomi into a corner and then pulled her down by her hair. Bliss hit a basement dropkick on Naomi and a dive on Giulia and Naomi on the outside. Perez reinserted herself and threw Bliss into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Naomi was working over Bliss. Naomi ran at Bliss, but went face-first into a buckle. Still, Naomi lifted Bliss to stop a tag, until Bliss DDT’d Naomi and got the hot tag to Ripley. Perez also tagged in.

Ripley hit a fallaway slam on Perez and took out the rest of the wrestlers as the crowd chanted “Mami!” Ripley landed a Razor’s Edge on Perez. She followed up with a boot to the face, but Naomi broke up a pin attempt. The match broke down and Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Giulia. Ripley then tried a RipTide on Perez, but Perez countered into a spike DDT and everyone was down. There was a chant from the crowd that forced the audio to be spotty. Perez tried to tag Naomi into the match, but Naomi left the match after hopping off the apron. The three babyfaces ganged up on Perez and Ripley hit RipTide on Perez for the win.

Match result: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer defeated Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia (12:01)

The match of the night so far. Perez, especially, as acclimated really well to the main roster, despite the footsie that the bookers have played with her between NXT and the main roster. Vaquer looked good, too, and better yet, it really finally feels like Giulia has arrived in WWE. Her NXT run felt a tiny bit off in a handful of ways, but something clicked in the last couple months and this feels like The Real Giulia – or at least the one we’ve come to love from her work in Japan. The Naomi wrinkle was a fun way to get to the finish and I suspect she wins the ladder match Saturday night. In the meantime, this was a very good preview for what’s on tap for this year’s women’s MITB festivities.

**********

– Sikoa was shown talking to Mateo backstage. Mateo asked Sikoa if he trusted Fatu and Sikoa said as long Fatu follows Sikoa’s lead, everything will be OK. Sikoa said Fatu loves him and Fatu isn’t “all that smart in the head.” Sikoa said all Fatu thinks about is himself and he’s “all gas and no brains.” Sikoa said he has it all under control. As Sikoa and Mateo walked away, it was revealed that Fatu was standing right around the corner, listening to all of it.

– While the Sign Of The Night stuff unfolded, a Bo Dallas/Wyatt Sicks VHS vignette cut in and aired in lieu of it. Dallas/Howdy said he’s watched the tag division and he said they returned not for nostalgia or closure, but to rip open the wound of apathy and take what they are owed. He said the time for repentance has passed and everyone needs to accept their condemnation and they will not be forgotten. The entire SmackDown tag division was shown watching the video backstage together. Montez Ford spoke up and said he knows they are all afraid and they need for forget about the tag title for one moment and instead, need to focus on the Wyatts. Fraxiom said they need to teach the Wyatts a lesson. MCMG told #DIY they want to get their hands on the Wyatts, too. Each team left the scene on their own and left Aldis alone in the room.

Penta & Andrade vs. American Made (Julius Creed & Brutus Creed)

Penta and Andrade jumpstarted the match, landing dives on both Creeds on the outside. Andrade and Brutus started the match, but Julius ran in and Andrade took care of him, too. Andrade hit double-knees on both brothers in separate corners. Penta tagged in and took care of both Creed brothers, too. Penta did the Penta Walk, but the brothers attacked him while doing so and briefly, they took control. Penta quickly recovered and Andrade tagged in, but Julius took out Andrade’s knee. Brutus tagged in and hit a standing moonsault for a one-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Andrade was getting worked over by the brothers until he hit an enziguri on Julius and tagged in Penta, who who unleashed a fury of moves on Julius. With the ref distracted, Gable hopped onto the apron and tried to take Penta’s mask off until Vikingo ran in and took care of Gable. There was some chaos, but Penta hit the Mexican Destroyer on Brutus and got the win.

Match result: Andrade & Penta defeated The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) (7:57)

After the match, Seth Rollins’s music hit and the Heyman group came back down to ringside to face Penta and Andrade. Heyman’s group surrounded the ring and a brawl broke out between Breakker, Rollins, Reed, Penta and Andrade. The crowd booed as the heels got the best of it. Breakker landed a spear on Andrade while Reed hit a Senton on Penta. Rollins then stomped both Penta and Andrade. Reed went to the top and connected with a Tsunami on Penta. Officials ran out to help and the show went to a commercial break.

Again, I really, really, really like this Heyman group takeover stuff. That was a really nice touch to the aftermath of this match. I suspect it won’t continue without the MITB thread after this weekend, but we can appreciate it while it happens. As for the match itself, it was pretty good. I maintain that the women had the match of the night, but this had great action and the crowd was super up for Andrade and Penta, which added to the proceedings. It’s wild to me, watching Vikingo run through GCW talent only a handful of years ago, doing that 720 splash through tables near and far, grabbing a cup of coffee in AEW, and now playing a run-in role in the last match of the night on a SmackDown. This business, man. There’s nothing like it.

**********

– The show returned and Paul Heyman had a microphone and called everyone “Bakers Bitches.” Heyman said his group doesn’t fear the future because they are the future. Heyman said he didn’t understand why anyone would boo that. Heyman said Rollins already told everyone everything that would happen and all the things he said did, in fact, happen. Heyman asked if the crowd understands that Rollins and the group are “the vanguards of the destiny of WWE.” Heyman said everyone can boo all they want, but at MITB, Rollins will become Mr. Money In The Bank. Heyman said after that, whenever Rollins damn well feels like it, will propel the entire industry into a vision all of his own. Heyman said the greatest honor of his professional life will be calling Rollins the reigning, defending … and then Cody Rhodes’s music hit to cut the whole thing off.

The Cody Rhodes/Jey Uso/John Cena/Logan Paul segment

Cody stood in front of the entire Heyman group to start the segment. Rollins stepped forward. Cody stepped forward as well. Jey Uso’s music hit and Uso made his entrance through the crowd. The show went to a commercial break and when it came back, the Heyman group was out of the ring. Cody asked everyone what they wanted to talk about. Cody mentioned John Cena and the crowd launched into “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants. Cody mentioned how seeing Cena stand next to Paul is like seeing “Michael Hayes standing next to the Hardy Boyz.” The problem with the line was that nobody reacted. At all.

Jey took the microphone and everyone yeet’d, but quickly, John Cena’s music hit and Cena made his entrance to the “John Cena sucks” singalong. Cena cut his music and soaked in the chants coming from the crowd. Cody took off his suit jacket. Cena motioned for the ring announcer to reintroduce him as the greatest of all time, as he’s done in past weeks, and Mr. Nash obliged. Out of nowhere Logan Paul showed up and attacked Cdoy and Uso. Cena hit an AA on Uso. Paul landed a Paul-verizor on Cody. Paul went to the top and hit a frog splash on Cody. Paul followed up with a frog splash on Uso.

Cena grabbed a microphone and said nobody will come to save the fans or wrestling. Cena said he’s been telling everyone for half of a year – “your dream of what WWE is will be ruined. This is your future. I take this home. He takes that to the top.” Cena was talking about the championship belts. Cena said the last real champion and the moment maker, the last future face of WWE, Logan Paul … Cena didn’t add anything to that sentence and Paul and Cena held up the respective world titles. Cena rolled Cody into the ring and hit an AA on Cody. Paul rolled Uso into the ring and Paul hit Uso with his right hand.

Cena yelled “You can’t handle the truth!” It was a play on R-Truth (let’s hope, at least). Cena noted how everyone was hypocrites for chanting for “Truth.” “We want Truth” chants kept going. Cena called everyone losers and said it was his last time in Bakersfield. Cena finished by saying winners write the history books. Again, Cena and Paul held up the respective world titles. The show ended with Uso and Cody selling pain.

Good heat for the heels going into what most of us think is a throwaway tag match Saturday night at MITB. If anything, it will probably be designed to make Jey Uso take some damage going into his world title match against Gunther on Monday, but the way this episode ended, it’s hard not to imagine Cody and Jey going over. We’ll see, I suppose. The only real disappointment of the segment was the fact that it started with Cody staring down the entire Heyman group by himself, only to have the show go to a commercial break and come back without any of the Heyman group in the ring. As Keenan Thompson would say, “What up with that?” All told, it was a fine go-home show. People who expect this to be the typical SmackDown should tune in on a random Friday in July because this usually ain’t it (as the kids would say). Tonight was chaos and fun and build and heat and action. If only they could keep that up … .

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank qualifiers begin

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 16, 2025
Location: First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, NC

**********

Show Recap — 

Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax were shown arriving. 

There was a Backlash recap video focusing on the SmackDown matches. 

Opening segment 

Solo Sikoa, Jeff Cobb, and Jacob Fatu entered to kick off SmackDown. They entered to Sikoa’s music and tron. The crowd chanted for Fatu and booed when Sikoa spoke. 

Sikoa said Roman Reigns losing the title at WrestleMania ruined everything and he was here to take it all back. It would start with Sikoa winning Money in the Bank and bringing the title back where it belonged. 

Fatu grabbed the mic from Sikoa. He already told us he was bringing the U.S. title to the family and would step up to anyone who got in their way. Fatu went to do his catchphrase, but Sikoa interrupted him and mocked him in the process. Sikoa wanted to help Fatu, and the title on his shoulder was proof that Sikoa loved Fatu. 

Sikoa wanted to hear Fatu say, “I love you, Solo.” Fatu said it, but not in his usual inflection. Sikoa wanted to hear him say it the way he used to say it. He yanked Fatu by the shoulder to grab his attention, which Fatu didn’t appreciate. 

LA Knight’s music hit. They turned their attention to the stage, but Knight appeared from the crowd. He briefly attacked Cobb, but bailed through the crowd before they could kill him. 

(They kept referring to Jeff Cobb as “J.C.” during this segment. Sikoa said it repeatedly, and Joe Tessitore called him that, too.) 

********

There was a segment backstage with Michin and B-Fab, along with Chelsea Green and her crew. Basically, Green wasn’t happy to learn that the outside parties wouldn’t be at ringside for their triple threat match. Alexa Bliss appeared to wish them luck, and she entered for the opening match. Green threatened to put tariffs on everyone. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Alexa Bliss vs. Michin vs. Chelsea Green

Early on, Bliss and Michin repeatedly and easily disposed of Green from the ring. They tried double baseball slide dropkicks and Bliss’ connected, but Green was already down by the time Michin tried hers. Bliss and Mchin were way too proud of themselves, and the time spent celebrating allowed Green to wipe them out with a dive. That led to a break two minutes in. 

Green worked over Bliss during a break until Michin dropped her with consecutive German suplexes and a sit-out powerbomb. Michin twerked before hitting both women with a cannonball in the corner. There was a somewhat convoluted triple-down spot that led to a light “This is awesome” chant. 

Michin hit Green with Eat Defeat, but Bliss broke up the cover. Bliss hit Michin with Twisted Bliss, but Green yanked Bliss out of the ring. Green hit Michin with Unprettier, so Bliss returned the favour by yanking Michin out of the ring. 

Bliss hit Green with Sister Abigail for the pinfall win, which, so far, easily got the biggest pop of the night. 

Tessitore called this an outstanding match. It wasn’t. 

Match result: Alexa Bliss defeated Chelsea Green and Michin (9:01)

******** 

Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa

Fraxiom hit a series of dives early on, and one of them sent Ciampa into some fans in the front row. However, Gargano pulled the ropes down on Axiom as he went for a springboard move, and DIY took over from there. That led to a break three minutes into the match. 

Believe it or not, the heels maintained control during a break, but Frazer made a hot tag and a comeback as soon as they returned. He hit Gragno with a standing shooting star for two. Gargano avoided a Phoenix splash and hit Frazer out of mid-air with a superkick. DIY hit Frazer with a double-team finisher, but Axiom broke up the cover. Ciampa hit Frazer with Project Ciampa for a nearfall. 

Frazer hit Gargano with a superplex, and Axiom superkicked Gargano as Frazer hit a brainbuster, but Ciampa broke up the cover with a running knee strike on Axiom. The crowd got really into this sequence and chanted, “This is awesome.” 

Ciampa ripped at Axiom’s mask until Frazer took him out. Axiom then caught Gargano in a cradle for the pinfall win. 

— DIY attacked the babyfaces post-match until the Motor City Machine Guns made the save. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin raised Fraxiom’s hands. 

This was fun, and the finish left enough for a potential rematch. 

Match result: Fraxiom defeated DIY (11:19) 

********

Jax was shown warming up. Naomi could be seen lurking in the background. 

The Street Profits congratulated Fraxiom on their win. Montez Ford let them know they earned a tag title match next week. Fraxiom looked forward to it. Angelo Dawkins warned them that they were 100%, and they hoped Fraxiom were too. (Frazer was pumped for the match, while Axiom tried to keep him focused.) 

********

R-Truth sit-down interview 

Wade Barrett sat down with Truth for a sit-down interview earlier today. Barrett asked about John Cena giving him an AA through a table at the press conference. 

Truth said he was under constant pressure—career, family, friends, and bills. But regardless of all that, you could always depend on John Cena. Truth kept spouting Cena’s catchphrases as real-life advice, including “Never give up.” 

Barrett told him he was crazy. Barrett said Truth saved Cena from losing the title, and Cena repaid him by putting him through a table. Truth said that wasn’t the real John at the press conference. Truth didn’t want to fight John, but he would beat him to his senses if he had to. 

The match was set for Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena vs. R-Truth. (Non-title, presumably.) 

Truth knew it seemed impossible, but his hero told him to never give up, and he lived by three words: hustle, loyalty and respect. Barrett wished him luck. 

(I hate Dumb R-Truth, so I thought this was dumb and a waste of a John Cena match.) 

********

Damian Priest challenged Drew McIntyre to a cage match. Priest said the hospital would have to identify McIntyre by his dental records. 

Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz)

Miz pulled Hayes from safety as Black tried a dive. Black looked around like an idiot, acting like he didn’t know where his opponent went, so Hayes wiped him out with a flip dive to take over as they went to break. 

(There appears to be a group of young fans who know that chanting, “This is awesome,” is a thing at wrestling shows, because they randomly started doing it as Hayes had the heat during the break.) 

Black made a comeback as soon as they returned from break and eventually hit a bridging German suplex for two. A Miz distraction allowed Hayes to get back on offence for a couple of two counts. 

Black shoved Hayes into Miz, knocking him off the apron. They did some stuff until Miz attacked Black for the DQ. Stupid. 

— Black dropped Miz with his kick post-match, but Hayes decked Black and laid him out with a diving leg drop. 

Don’t watch this. 

Match result: Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes via disqualification (10:28) 

********

Backstage, Bliss told Byron Saxton she wanted to be the first woman to win MITB twice. She left Saxton to approach Charlotte Flair. Bliss wanted to be friends with Flair and noted that Flair took her under her wing in NXT, but Flair claimed she did not remember that. 

Giulia left Nick Aldis’ office, and Aldis introduced her as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. (Fans cheered.) Aldis invited Flair into her office to discuss MITB. Before she did, Flair told Bliss to stay out of her way because he didn’t need her.

******** 

There was a video package for Stratton vs. Jax tonight. 

Drew McIntyre promo

McIntyre entered to a mixed reaction. It seemed more positive than negative. 

McIntyre addressed Priest’s promo. He said Priest claimed he was in the McIntyre vortex. McIntyre has been stuck in this vortex for over a year, and being stuck there was the only reason Priest was relevant. McIntyre said he beat Priest “clean” in a street fight. Priest was obsessed and jealous. 

McIntyre was everything Priest ever wanted to be, but McIntyre was better in every single way, and he would’ve been a grand slam champion if not for Priest. Priest was trying to take out the competition. That’s why he chokeslammed him off a platform and onto the concrete. 

McIntyre accepted the cage match (for SNME). McIntyre guaranteed that only one man would walk out of the cage, while the other would leave on a stretcher. (Notably, McIntyre didn’t guarantee who would be leaving on a stretcher.) 

As McIntyre left, he crossed paths with Solo Sikoa and crew as Sikoa entered for his match. 

This was a typically good McIntyre promo for a feud that should be over. 

********

The announcers ran down the card for SNME: 

  • Cage match: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest 
  • John Cena vs. R-Truth (non-title) 
  • CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship 

******** 

Jeff Cobb accompanied Sikoa to ringside and was officially referred to as JC Mateo. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo & US Champion Jacob Fatu) vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Fénix

Sikoa wanted to form an alliance with Jimmy Uso, but, of course, he did not comply. Fénix wiped out Uso and Sikoa with a flying crossbody outside the ring, but Sikoa caught him moments later with a Spinning Solo in the ring. Even though that’s his finisher, he did not go for a cover. Instead, Sikoa gave Jimmy a Spinning Solo on the announce table, likely knowing it was time to head to commercial break. 

After a boring heat segment during a break (Sikoa stalking over both guys), things were meant to pick up when they returned, but there was a big mix-up. Fénix waited forever as Sikoa held him up for a Jimmy dive. Jimmy finally went for the dive, but Fénix ducked. Jimmy caught him in a roll-up, but the referee simply did not count. The crowd chanted for tables. 

Twelve minutes into the match, Fatu decided to get involved, but Jimmy superkicked him off the apron. Sikoa gave Jimmy the spike, but Fénix hit Sikoa with a rope-walk punt. Fénix knocked “JC” off the apron, but the distraction allowed Sikoa to hit Fénix with the spike for the pinfall win. 

This was no good. 

— LA Knight attacked the heels post-match. He held a chair as they surrounded him on the announce table. Aldis entered and made a match between Knight and “JC” right now. 

Match result: Solo Sikoa defeated Rey Fénix and Jimmy Uso (13:05)

******** 

LA Knight vs. JC Mateo (w/Sola Sikoa & US Champion Jacob Fatu)

Making his WWE in-ring debut, Jeff Cobb/JC Mateo wrestled in black jeans, black dress shoes, and a black t-shirt. 

This went through a break as the fans watched silently. Knight did not make his comeback immediately after the break. Instead, JC cut him off with an overhead suplex. 

Knight fought out of a long bear hug spot as the Toronto Maple Leafs went up 2-0 against the Florida Panthers and finally made his comeback, but JC responded with a spinning back suplex and a standing moonsault for two. 

Knight took out Sikoa and Fatu with a dive off the middle rope, but JC caught him with Tour of the Islands for the pinfall win. 

Boy, did this ever feel like time-filler. It’s not his fault, but this wasn’t a particularly interesting debut for Cobb, even if he won. 

Match result: JC Mateo defeated LA Knight (15:21) 

********

Angel Garza met with Santos Escobar backstage. Escobar urged him to find Berto and bring him home. Escobar wanted loyalty from Angel. 

Shinsuke Nakamura cut a pre-taped promo on LA Knight and Aleister Black. 

Next week on SmackDown: 

  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 
  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega 
  • The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom for the Tag Team Championships 

********

Jade Cargill warned Tiffany Straatton that she would win her MITB qualifying match and face the winner of tonight’s title match. Stratton said Cargill would never be good enough to cash in on her. 

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

Early in the match, Jax used a hip attack to drive Stratton’s head into the ring post. It was a good spot, and even Tessitore, who often sounds on the verge of sleep, really sold it big. This led to commercial break two minutes into the match. 

Stratton tried fighting back during the break, but Jax hit a middle rope Samoan drop for two. After the break, Jax tried a hip attack again, but Stratton moved, and Jax collided with the ring post. Jax shoved her over the barricade, but Stratton leaped off the barricade and hit a hurricanrana into the post. Stratton followed with a flying crossbody for two. Jax responded with a pop-up Samoan drop and senton for two. 

Stratton hit a back handspring elbow and a spinebuster for two. The crowd chanted for Stratton as Jax hit her with consecutive powerbombs. Jax did not pin her for some reason, but instead hit a running leg drop for two. Jax went for an avalanche body slam, but Stratton countered into a powerslam. 

Naomi entered with a chair to her music, about ten minutes in. Cargill entered to her music and chased Naomi through the crowd. 

Jax missed a tackle and went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Stratton followed with a PME for a close nearfall. The announcers freaked out and said Jax was the first to kick out of Stratton’s finisher. 

Stratton went back to the top, but Jax shoved her off and hit a Samoan drop onto the announce table (which didn’t break). 

Jax went for the Annihilator, but Stratton slipped underneath for a powerbomb attempt. Stratton couldn’t hit the move, and Jax fell on top of her for the Annihilator, but Stratton just barely got a rope break. (This wasn’t a perfect-looking spot, but it looked brutal, which made for a great nearfall.) 

Jax was pissed because she thought she had it won, so she left the ring and grabbed the title belt. Jax gave the belt back to the referee to distract him and grabbed a chair instead. As the ref put the belt away, Stratton dropkicked the chair right into Jax’s face. It was a stiff chair shot, and Jax’s head bled immediately. 

Stratton followed with PME for the pinfall win, and the crowd popped. 

This was pretty good, with lots of nearfalls and an exciting closing sequence. Hopefully, Jax is ok from the dropkick. 

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Nia Jax to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (13:47)

WWE SmackDown live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before John Cena steps up for the first defense of his 17th World title reign, the Undisputed WWE Champion will return to SmackDown tonight.

Cena is set to renew his rivalry with Randy Orton at Backlash on Saturday. Orton appeared on last week’s SmackDown episode and cut a promo on Cena, who did not make an appearance. Tonight, we’ll get Cena’s final words before facing Orton.

Also tonight, Solo Sikoa will team with Jacob Fatu to face the duo of LA Knight & Damian Priest. Knight and Priest will be two of the participants in a fatal four-way for Fatu’s United States title at Backlash. The fourth competitor will be Drew McIntyre.

Jade Cargill and Nia Jax will square off to determine the number one contender to Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Women’s Championship. Cargill teamed with Stratton last week to defeat Jax and her partner Naomi.

Plus, Aleister Black is set for action against Carmelo Hayes.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– The show opened with Damian Priest walking towards the ring. Byron Saxton interrupted his walk and asked him about the Backlash Fatal Four-way. Priest was talking and LA Knight walked up and Knight told Priest that anyone who gets in the way of him and his U.S. title will receive backlash tomorrow night. Priest said he was concerned that Knight wouldn’t have his back in the opening tag match. Knight said if Priest has his back, he’ll have Priest’s back and Knight told someone to hit his music. Knight then made his entrance for the first match.

LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa

Priest and Knight argued about who was going to start the match and Sikoa attacked both of them. Priest ended up officially starting the match for his team. Priest bounced back from the initial attack and took Sikoa down before posing in Fatu’s face. Priest successfully executed Old School on Sikoa and fired up the crowd. Priest went for a clothesline, but Sikoa rolled to the outside. Priest then hit a double axe-handle on Sikoa and jawed at Fatu, who was taken out by Knight’s dropkick through the ropes. With the heels down, Priest and Knight bickered as the show went to its first commercial break.

The show returned and Sikoa was working Priest’s neck back inside the ring. Priest struggled to get the tag to Knight, but Sikoa knocked Knight off the apron once Priest got free. Sikoa capitalized with a Samoan Drop and a two-count. Fatu tagged in and landed a running Senton. Fatu headbutted Priest and followed that up with a hip attack. Sikoa tagged back in and soaked up boos. Sikoa got a running start, but Priest fired out of the corner with a kick to Sikoa’s head. Knight and Fatu tagged into the match.

Knight had the upper hand and hit his spots, including a jumping neck-breaker and a leaping elbow. Knight set up for the jump-up elbow, but Priest tagged himself in and clotheslined the hell out of Fatu. Priest set up for South Of Heaven and Knight tagged himself in. Sikoa took advantage of the babyfaces arguing … until Knight landed the BFT on Sikoa for the win.

Match result: LA Knight & Damian Priest defeated Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa (10:07)

After the match, Knight and Priest threw punches at each other until Fatu broke it up and attacked both babyfaces, ramming them into ring posts and hitting hip attacks. Fatu held up his U.S. title as the crowd cheered … until Drew McIntyre showed up and Claymore Kicked Fatu. McIntyre then held up the U.S. title.

I liked the disruption to the cookie-cutter approach SmackDown has been taking to open its shows. They had a match, a commercial break and a post-match beatdown all within the first 20 minutes whereas we’ve been seeing far too many 20-plus-minute promos to begin Friday nights. Hopping directly into a match was a welcome change of pace. I’m also glad they got this match out of the way early because … well … it didn’t feel like a lot of thought was put into that booking, considering the last few weeks. Anyway, the match was fine. Standard. Inoffensive. Pick any of those words and you wouldn’t be wrong. The “babyfaces arguing for the sake of creating tension” is a tired trick – and especially in WWE – so the Knight/Priest stuff only annoyed me. Perhaps I’m just grumpy. And finally, while Sikoa taking the loss was the expected outcome, do we see him play a part in Saturday’s four-way finish that separates him from Fatu? The crowds love to cheer Jacob. Why not pull the trigger on an official turn?

**********

– R-Truth was standing outside with a “Let’s Go Cena!” sign. Jimmy Uso walked up and told Truth that Cena sucks. Jimmy Yeeted and walked away as Truth kept chanting for Cena.

– McIntyre was walking backstage and Saxton rushed over to talk to him. McIntyre said the U.S. title match should be a one-on-one match between him and Fatu. McIntyre noted how Knight shouldn’t be in the match because he lost at WrestleMania. McIntyre questioned why Priest is in the match, too, because Priest lost at Mania, too. McIntyre said he wants to take the title off Fatu to become a Grand Slam Champion. McIntyre mocked Fatu’s “All gas and no breaks” catchphrase and said he’d be the next U.S. champion.

– The Secret Hervice and Chelsea Green were shown in Nick Aldis’s office and they were mourning losing the Women’s U.S. title. Zelina Vega and Aldis walked in. Green said Vega has no girlfriends, so Vega challenged Green and Niven to a tag match. Vega said she’d bring one of her girlfriends. The show went to a commercial break after Green and the Hervice’s entrance.

– An Aleister Black vignette aired. Black said he buried his former WWE character and what he found six feet under wasn’t death – it was the truth. Black said he came back because he is the consequences the company needs. Black said he’s more than a man who whispers in shadows. Black said it’s bigger than good vs. evil because he’s there to confront everyone mentally and physically. Black said he hasn’t figured Carmelo Hayes out yet and the vignette ended.

– Vega made her entrance for the next match first and then pointed to the entranceway to introduce … Alexa Bliss.

Alexa Bliss & Zelina Vega vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

Niven and Vega started the match and Niven got the best of Vega. Green tagged in and went for a splash, but Vega moved. Vega then went to work on Green, setting up Vega (and Niven) for a dual 619. Vega landed it and got a two-count out of it. Vega teased tagging Bliss into the match, but Green attacked Vega. As a result of all that, the heels got the upper hand and Green tagged in Niven, who put Vega down. The heels saluted the crowd(?) and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Vega was crawling towards Bliss, but Niven cut off Vega. Niven lifted Vega, but Vega countered with a DDT and alas, Bliss received the hot tag. Green tagged in, too, and Bliss worked over Green with a series of strikes and even a dragon-screw leg-whip. Bliss landed a Blockbuster on Green for a two-count. Bliss ran into an elbow and Green climbed to the top, but Bliss cut off Green and dropkicked Green. Bliss hit Twisted Bliss on Green, but Niven broke up a pin attempt. Vega landed a Code Red on Niven. Bliss followed that up with a Sister Abagail DDT on Green for the win.

Match result: Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss defeated Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (8:19)

I’m a little lost on returning Bliss like this (other than the obligatory home state factor). Isn’t the plan for her to work with the Wyatt Sicks? Why waste her return on a throwaway tag match with an ice cold secondary women’s champion … on WWE’s worst weekly television program? I hope there’s a plan for her moving forward. That aside, this was a fine match and it was nice to see Bliss get her greatest hits in. Green and Niven did a really good job putting both Vega and Bliss over and while Vega took the bulk of the match, Bliss hit a nice stride as everything went to the finish. Here’s hoping something big is on the horizon for Bliss, who always packs a punch when she returns.

**********

– Rey Fenix ran into Santos Escobar backstage and Fenix reminded Escobar that he beat him last week. Escobar said he had something to say and Los Garza attacked Fenix, running him into road cases. Andrade showed up and showed concern for Fenix.

– An SUV pulled up to the arena and Charlotte Flair stepped out of it.

– A video package on John Cena and Randy Orton’s history aired.

The Charlotte Flair segment

Charlotte told Dayton that their queen has arrived and some people cheered. Charlotte said she had the greatest match in WrestleMania history and recalled how she was out for two years, but still took Tiffy to her limit. A photo of Tiffy at Mania was shown on the big screen. Charlotte said she was there to announce her path to the WWE Women’s Championship. People booed and Charlotte acted petulant, saying she’s the GOAT of women’s wrestling. Charlotte said if the crowd continued to be disrespectful, she would leave Dayton and never come back. The crowd booed heartily. Charlotte threw the microphone down and left the ring. As Charlotte left, Jade Cargill’s music hit and Cargill made her entrance. Charlotte stood in the entranceway and the two engaged in a stare down.

Cargill got a microphone once she stepped into the ring and told Charlotte to head to the back of line because Charlotte had her chance. I’m not sure if this was scripted because Cargill kept talking over her theme music, so either production got it wrong or Cargill took a chance.

I like this approach for Charlotte. She’s a better heel than she is a babyface anyway, and the story of her playing into the boos each week could have her positioned as the next Dominik Mysterio, heat-wise. Plus, the segments don’t need to be long. Come out. Throw a fit. Soak in the reactions. Storm off. Maybe they’re finally going to get it right with her after all?

**********

– Charlotte and Aldis were walking and talking backstage. Aldis told Charlotte to be a leader, not leave and not throw a temper tantrum. Charlotte got back to her SUV to, in fact, leave, and Alexa Bliss stood there. Bliss told Charlotte that they should chat.

Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

Before the match began, Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and Tiffy walked out to ringside. Stratton sat next to the commentary table, but she did not sit in on commentary. Cargill and Jax locked up to begin the match. Jax jawed at Tiffy and then turned her attention back to Cargill, taking Cargill down repeatedly. Jax mocked Cargill’s pose. Eventually, as the crowd chanted, “You can’t wrestle!” Cargill hit a flying shoulder tackle, which took Jax down. Jax bounced back and hit a Samoan Drop on Cargill before landing a leg drop for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Jax went to sit on Cargill, but Cargill moved. Cargill lifted Jax and delivered a Samoan Drop on Jax. Cargill suplexed Jax and landed a super-kick – plus a spinebuster – for a two-count. Cargill went for a boot, but Jax countered into a powerbomb. Jax stood on the second rope, but Cargill cut her off and pressed Jax to the mat. Cargil climbed to the top and landed a frog splash for a nice near-fall. Cargill tried to set up for Jaded, but Jax threw Cargill across the ring. Cargill came right back with a running kick to Jax’s head.

Out of nowhere, Naomi appeared and attacked Stratton. Cargill saw Naomi and took her attention away from Jax. As a result, Jax attacked Cargill, hit her finish and won the match.

Match result: Nia Jax defeated Jade Cargill to become the No. 1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship (10:03)

This was pretty good. Cargill really has improved her in-ring work and it shows in little ways – the way she fires up, the commitment to selling, etc. – and as such, these two worked hard to put on a good television match. I tend to wonder how this Naomi/Cargill program will eventually be blown off. Does it involve Bianca Belair? A Hell In A Cell? At this point, with the rinse/repeat stagnation in which they appear to be, it’s going to have to be something big. I’m not saying their feud isn’t working; I’m just saying it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out. In the meantime, this was a nice offering from Jax and Cargill, even if I can’t say I’m thrilled to see another Cargill/Stratton match/program.

**********

– The Street Profits were walking backstage and ran into Michin and B-Fab. The women told the Profits that they look banged up, but they still look good. Montez Ford said something brief and the Profits continued their walk to the ring.

– A Becky Lynch vignette aired.

The Street Profits segment

Ford and Dawkins walked out with various parts of their body taped up, selling the impact of the TLC match a couple weeks ago. Ford said the Profits have been the talk of the town and they put on the greatest TLC match of all time a couple weeks ago. Ford said, “That’s right, the guerrilla fears us.” Ford said what happened is what will always happen, and it’s that the Street Profits will come out on top. Fraxiom’s music hit and they walked out with microphones. Nathan Frazer said it feels good to be on Friday Night SmackDown.

Frazer said the Profits could be the best tag team in the game right now. Fraxiom stepped into the ring and said Frazer Shawn Michales told them to take any opportunity they get. Axiom spoke up and said the tag titles would look great on Fraxiom. Dawkins said Fraxiom has one only two matches and he was wonder if they really think they deserve a title shot. Ford yelled about Fraxiom wanting a title shot. Aldis walked out, so you know what that means: Aldis booked a match between Fraxiom and the Profits right now. A referee showed up and the show went to a commercial break.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)

The match was joined in progress and Frazer had the upper hand, working over Dawkins. The action spilled outside and Dawkins ran Frazer into the corner of the commentary table. Axiom checked on Frazer and rolled Frazer back into the ring to beat the count. Ford tagged in and hit a splash on Frazer while selling rib pain. Ford kicked the back of Frazer and tagged in Dawkins, who landed a splash on Frazer for a two-count. Dawkins hit his spinning splash on Frazer in a corner for a two-count. Eventualy, Frazer fired up and kicked Dawkins before tagging Axiom into the match. Fraxiom executed an array of their quick moves, complete with dives to the outside. Frazer and Axiom fired up the crowd and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Frazer and Dawkins were both down in the middle of the ring. Axiom and Ford tagged in and Ford landed a bunch of clotheslines on Axiom. Ford hit a back suplex and continued to sell rib pain before launching into a standing moonsault for a two-count. Axiom kicked Ford and Frazer tagged in. Frazer rolled up Ford quickly, but then ran into a kick to the head from Ford. Ford was perched on the top rope and Frazer went to the top with him. Dawkins tagged himself in and put Frazer on his shoulders. From there, they hit the super-duper Blockbuster on Frazer, but Axiom broke up the pin attempt.

“This is awesome!” chants broke out. Ford went to the top, but jumped into a kick from Axiom. Dawkins then kicked Axiom. The match broke down and Frazer ran into a punch from Dawkins. With Dawkins on the top rope, Axiom hit a Spanish Fly and Frazer followed it up with a Phoenix Splash. At the very last tenth of a second, Ford broke up the pin attempt while attacking Axiom and all four men were down to reset the match.

Dawkins ran into a Golden Ratio from Axiom on the outside of the ring. Ford, meanwhile, went to the top rope inside the ring and missed a frog splash. Fraxiom connected with the Catapulta Infernal and that was enough to get them the win with Axiom pinning Ford.

Match result: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) in a non-title match (13:25 of TV time)

After the match, the teams shook hands inside the ring and they all raised their arms together.

Fantastic stuff all around. I’m even sort of annoyed that I missed the first few minutes because the match started during a commercial break. The Profits told a great story, selling the pain from their TLC match a couple weeks ago and giving them an out for losing to the main roster rookies. Speaking of those main roster rookies, I can’t recall a better tag team debut run for a team in recent WWE memory. Motor City Machine Guns made a splash by winning the tag titles on their debut night, but the live crowds never seemed to buy into them. Fraxiom, however, seem to connect with the live crowds and their flashy, quick, aggressive offense is striking a chord. Run this back on a PLE with five more minutes and a title change and I’ll bet you 5,000 MJF Coins that it’s one of the best WWE matches of 2025.

**********

– Tiffy was looking for people backstage and ran into Jax and Tiffy said she’d save a spot at the loser’s table for Jax and it will be right next to Charlotte Flair.

– A video package on Gunther vs. Pat McAfee aired.

– The Miz was talking to Melo backstage and told him it’s all about him and showing everyone that Melo is the 10th Wonder Of The World. Miz said Melo will run the plays exactly as Miz designed them. Miz kept asking Melo, “Who’s Him?” Melo responded in kind. Miz yelled a lot. Miz and Melo made their entrance for the next match.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

The bell rang and the two stood in their respective corners. About 20 seconds into it, they locked up and traded hold attempts. Melo went for a springboard splash, but Black moved and the two stared at each other for a few seconds. Black kicked Melo and Melo wound up on the outside. Black followed up with a moonsault onto the floor. Black returned to the ring to break the count and ran at Melo, but missed and found himself hung up on the crowd barrier. Melo then dropkicked Black over the barrier and posed as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Black kicked Melo right in the face. Black followed up with a leaping knee, which took Melo down. The two were out on the canvas and the match reset. Back on their feet, the two traded blows. Black eventually got the best of it and hit a springboard moonsault from the second rope for a two-count. The two traded a handful of moves until Black slowed it back down with a Brainbuster. Miz hopped up on the apron and Black went over to him. Melo ran at Black, but Black moved and Melo hit Miz. Black then rolled up Melo for the win. After the match, Black hit Black Mass on Miz and sat in the entranceway.

Match result: Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes (9:14)

This was as good as expected, but if we’re being honest, I was secretly hoping it would be better than expected. Between the finish and the post-match, it’s hard to think Miz, Melo and Black are now moving on from all this, so maybe we’ll soon get a 15-minute TV classic in the vein of the work Melo did with Andrade last year. Melo was great in selling the viciousness of Black’s strikes and Black was much smoother than he was last week against Miz. I like this slight shift in attitude for the Black character. Like he said in the vignette earlier, he’s not all smoke and mirrors and he’s not just a guy who speaks in riddles anymore. He feels like a real fighter now more than ever before. It’s subtle, but it’s needed.

**********

– Sikoa and Fatu were shown talking in a dark area backstage. Sikoa said they need a plan for Backlash and Fatu flipped out. He ended by calming down and saying he’s all gas and no breaks. He asked Sikoa if he knew what he meant and Sikoa said he did. Fatu walked away.

– Fraxiom ran into MCMG backstage and MCMG said it will eventually be Fraxiom vs. MCMG, but wouldn’t you know it – #DIY showed up and attacked both teams. Ciampa and Gargano focused more on Fraxiom and lectured them before storming off into the ether.

Rey Fenix & Andrade vs. Los Garza (Berto & Angel)

Fenix started the match and Los Garza put the boots to him. Berto became the legal man went to work on Fenix, complete with a dropkick for a two-count. Berto lifted Fenix, but Fenix knee’d his way out of it and tagged in Andrade. Angel tagged himself in and Berto knocked Fenix and Andrade to the outside. Berto and Angel went to the top and hit dueling moonsaults on Andrade and Fenix on the ringside floor. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Berto was working Andrade in the ring. Andrade eventually ducked a couple kicks and hit a Poison-Rana. Both guys were down and Andrade got the hot tag to Fenix. Angel tagged in as well and Fenix took care of both heels as Escobar looked annoyed. Angel lifted Fenix and kicked him in the chest. Things broke down and all four wrestlers executed moves on each other and all four were down in the middle of the ring. “This is awesome!” chants began. Angel and Fenix traded chops on their knees. Angel had Fenix in a corner and Berto tagged in to hit a moonsault on Fenix before Andrade broke up the pin attempt.

With Berto in a corner, Fenix hit a spinning animal kick. Escobar hopped onto the apron and distracted the ref as Berto had Fenix pinned. Fenix kicked out eventually and we were back to having all four wrestlers involved in the action. Andrade hit a back spinning elbow on Angel while Fenix landed the Adios Amigo on Berto. Fenix landed a splash on Angel outside the ring as Andrade hit The Message on Berto for the win.

Match result: Andrade & Rey Fenix defeated Los Garza (Angel & Berto) (10:23)

After the match, Escobar entered the ring and scolded Berto, who slapped Escobar’s hand away from his chest. Berto left the ring and Angel looked confused. Berto stormed off to the back and Angel remained in the ring with Escobar.

It’s about time to split up Legado Del Fantasma, don’t we think? Elektra Lopez is out of the company. Los Garza keeps having solid tag team matches, but the faction is as cold as anything else on the show (which, to be fair, is a lot these days when it comes to SmackDown). Escobar, Berto and Angel are all very talented, but outside of these throwaway tag team matches that Berto and Angel are almost guaranteed to lose, they don’t have a lot behind them. As for this match, the four wrestlers delivered well enough, even if it was a bit odd to see Fenix team with someone not named Penta. Everybody worked hard, though, and there are many worse ways to fill 10-and-a-half-minutes on a show like this.

**********

– The commentary team ran down the card for Saturday’s Backlash show.

The John Cena segment

Cena made his entrance to a mixed response. The “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants were loud. Cena called in Ring Announcer Nash to do the introduction bit he’s been doing. Someone threw a Michelob Ultra bottle into the ring and Cena actually picked it up while stopping Nash from speaking. Cena threw the bottle out of the ring and told Nash to keep going. Nash completed his introduction and the crowd cheered as much as they booed. Cena snarled.

Cena said, “Tomorrow, your childhood dies.” He added that the reason they are reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer is because they know how important Backlash is. Cena noted how Randy Orton wasn’t there and Orton was smart for not being there. Cena said Orton is preparing for the biggest moment of his career. Cena said he first wrestled Orton 25 years ago and since then, they have shared almost 100 appearances together. Cena said they are the two names that define what it is to have “Ruthless Aggression.” Cena said if you are of a certain age, you either cheer Cena or Orton and the crowd cheered loudly for Cena.

Cena said at Backlash, it will be Cena vs. Orton for the final time. He reiterated that everyone’s childhood will die at Backlash. Cena said he will prove three things – life isn’t fair, winners write the history books and Randy Orton is a liar. Cena said the person Orton has been lying the most to has been himself. Cena brought up the Hustle, Loyalty and Respect stuff. Cena said Orton has used his stardom and connections to keep him from doing hard work. Cena said Orton is the GOAT of wasting his potential. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am hustle.”

Cena called out Orton for cashing a check and called Orton lazy in clever way that included being a piece of furniture. Cena said Orton is over-celebrated and over-paid. Cena said Orton is the GOAT at doing the bare minimum. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am loyalty.” Cena mocked Orton for reminding everyone that he’s a third-generation superstar. Cena said the only thing Orton has ever done in life is ride Cena’s coattails. Cena said at Backlash, Orton will kill the legend of Randy Orton. Cena said Orton will be “just like his 2006 drug test – a failure.” Cena said Orton is the GOAT at making a mockery of what a WWE superstar shoudl be. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am respect.”

Cena said Saturday is a historic moment for WWE and he held up his belt saying he is what the last world champion looks like. Someone in a Randy Orton hoodie ran into the ring, but Cena gave him an AA. The Real Randy Orton then appeared and RKO’d Cena. Cena stood tall as the crowd cheered loudly for him. Orton picked up Cena’s belt and kissed it. Orton then held it high as his music played. The show ended with Orton looking to the crowd and holding up the title while standing on the second rope.

Cena felt rushed, but damn it if he didn’t memorize a ton of lines for this thing. Kudos to him for that. Turns out being a Hollywood superstar really can help certain aspects of your pro wrestling career. I wasn’t expecting much from this segment and I didn’t get much. It’s Cena ridiculing the fans, whining about everyone around him and giving his now-signature pouty face. It might have been novel when it started a couple months ago, but this is so one-note, it’s almost hard to watch. There’s no way Orton takes the strap off him at Backlash, but I’m already so over this Cena bit that I would actually be happy if they somehow decide to go with Orton in his hometown. Overall, this served as a fine-enough go-home show for Backlash, which is a below-mid PLE, so it doesn’t say much. Either way, below-mid knows below-mid. And I can attest to that.

WWE SmackDown live results: Tag Team title TLC match, John Cena appears

Posted on by Colin McGuire

New Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena is set to appear on tonight’s WrestleMania fallout edition of SmackDown in Fort Worth, Texas.

Cena defeated Cody Rhodes in the WrestleMania 41 night two main event to win the title. Since then, Cena showed up on Monday’s Raw after WrestleMania, where he was the victim of an RKO from Randy Orton.

Also tonight, the WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line in a TLC match as The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defend their titles against DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) and Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley). All three teams have held the titles in recent months and the match was made official last week after Gargano & Ciampa interfered in a title match between the Profits and Machine Guns.

The Women’s United States Championship will be on the line tonight as well as Chelsea Green is set to defend her belt against Zelina Vega. The two met last Friday with Vega coming away with a pinfall victory.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show while shots of Texas aired. Participants in the upcoming tag title TLC match were shown walking backstage. Ditto for Jacob Fatu and Tiffany Stratton. A video package recapping WrestleMania week was then shown. After that, John Cena’s music hit inside the arena and Cena made his entrance.

The John Cena/Randy Orton segment

This felt a tiny bit more focused than Cena’s work with Cody, but it’s still so much of the same to me. The fans are abusive, manipulative. It’s an untenable relationship. Blah. And blah. It’s so repetitive now that in some ways, I’m almost finding more entertainment in it because it’s so over the top, it’s kind of/sort of funny. Orton was better than Cody in that Orton at least initially tried to talk sense into Cena rather than browbeat him for beating him up previously. Plus, Orton is better at chuckling at things in a real way as when Cody smirks, he just looks unintentionally smug. But the two showed good fire by the time it all wrapped up (no one told me the first half hour this week was commercial free?!). The family stuff was mildly fun and I suspect Orton’s family will play a role in the match at Backlash, even if it only leads to heartbreak. The segment overstayed its welcome to this viewer, but this was a step forward for Cena.

Cena held up his title to cheers from the live crowd. He then did the same bit he did on Monday, calling ring announcer Mark Nash into the ring, giving him a piece of paper to read and telling him to read it while the crowd went nuts with “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants. Nash said he apologized for being disrespectful and reintroduced Cena as the Greatest Of All Time, among other things, and as Nash yelled Cena’s name, most of the crowd cheered with approval.

As soon as Cena raised the microphone to speak, Randy Orton’s music played and Orton walked out through the entranceway. Orton milked the entrance for all it was worth and was given a microphone once inside the ring. “Randy!” chants broke out. The crowd was hot for both wrestlers. Orton said in a couple months, it will be 25 years to the day he and Cena first shook hands. Orton said he’s known Cena for 25 years and up until a few months ago, Cena had never changed. Orton recalled how Hustle, Loyalty and Respect was Cena’s mantra for every day of his life.

Orton said there is a void in Cena and he had been thinking about all the fans and kids that looked up to Cena for so long. Orton said Cena generations and generations of kids looked up to Cena and that should mean something to Cena. Orton referenced Cena’s history with the Make A Wish Foundation. Orton said Cena couldn’t tell him that all those children were just a number and as such, Orton has figured out how to fill Cena’s void: Cena needs to have kids.

Orton said Cena needs to become a father and grow up because it will make Cena a better human being. Cena smirked and slowly responded with a dire, “How dare you?” Cena asked Orton how he could parent-shame him in front of the whole world. Cena, “Congratulations, Randy Orton. You have children and you love them. Good for you.” Cena said the real reason he doesn’t have kids is because he’s spent the last 25 years “raising yours,” which meant the crowd. Cena said the real truth is that for the last 25 years, he has been a better parent to everyone’s children than the parents ever could be. Cena pointed out how a six year old in the crowd gave him the finger and called it classy, which was funny.

Cena said he had been policing brats like that kid for a quarter of a century. Cena told the kid to never bring a knife to a gunfight. Cena followed that up with “I bet your loser dad didn’t teach you that one.” Orton interjected and said the fans are the reason Cena is in the ring and the reason Cena made it to Hollywood. Orton said without the WWE Universe, there would be no WWE and the fans are the biggest reason Cena is still around. Orton said he’s made a lot of mistakes throughout his career, but he can go in the locker room and hold his head up high because he gets respect from his peers. Orton said he’s “here to stay” while Cena is “just a guest.”

Cena said he used to believe Orton’s perspective in that without the fans there would be no WWE. He said he used to think everyone won together, but wasn’t everyone; it was only Cena who won. Cena referenced the “Let’s Go Cena/Cena sucks” chant and the crowd, on cue, launched into another round of it. Cena called everyone hypocrites. Cena said once they get tired of Cena, they can put their energy into any other superstar, but if the roles are reversed, he’s labeled an outcast. Because of all this, Cena said his relationship with the fans is not functional. Cena said fans are manipulating the truth and called out someone else in the crowd for dressing like Jack Black. Cena said he is labeled as an outcast and guest for simply trying to do something different.

Orton responded by saying he was so stupid for thinking he could go out there and Cena would listen to what Orton had to say. Orton noted how he is part of one of wrestling’s royal families. Orton said wrestling will provide for him and his family until he’s six feet in the ground. As Orton went on, Cena told Orton to “Shut your mouth.” Cena said Orton doesn’t understand – Cena has already won 17 while Orton has won 14, but after Cena takes his belt home with him, Orton will be forever frozen at 14. Cena called Orton a babbling moron. Cena said he is going to erase three generations of Orton’s family. Orton got heated and demanded Cena put his title on the line “right here, right now.”

Cena held up his title and smugly said, “No.” Cena said like so many times like he’s done over the last 25 years, Cena is doing it to save Orton’s ass. Cena said, however, there should be a match, but it shouldn’t happen tonight. Cena said it should happen at Backlash because Backlash is in St. Louis and Orton is from St. Louis and Orton can spend the whole day with his family before the match. Cena said he will need Randy Orton at his best and at Backlash, when Orton fails, Orton will have no excuses. Cena told everyone to look at Cena because that’s what the last real champion looks like.

Cena held the title and said that was as close as Orton would ever get to the title and threw the title at Orton. Cena then stomped Orton out and lined up to hit Orton with the belt, but Orton ducked and gave Cena an RKO. Loud “Randy!”chants broke out. Orton grabbed the title and held it over his head while posing on the second rope. Orton’s music hit to end the segment and it was already half past the show’s first hour.

**********

– A video package on Fraxiom aired.

Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) vs. Los Garzas (Berto & Angel)

Boy, Fraxiom is so good and I’m happy they got a chance to shine on the big stage like this. Because of how long the first segment went, I was a bit worried they’d get their time cut, but eight-and-a-half minutes was probably about right. Frazer is just so fast and Axiom is so innovative when it comes to incorporating this stuff into the WWE style. Actually, they both are. Anyway, this instantly made the SmackDown tag division better/more interesting and while the bar was low, Fraxiom’s debut was the kick in the pants the division needed. Now if only that TLC match later on delivers … .

Axiom started the match with Berto and hit a dropkick before Frazer tagged in and kicked Berto in the head. Angel entered the match and instantly found himself on the outside of the ring. Fazer and Axiom hit dual dives on the heels before Axiom followed those up with a moonsault onto Berto and Angel on the outside of the ring. Back inside the ring, Axiom tagged in and worked a headlock on Berto. Axiom ran the ropes and Angel held up the ropes so Axiom fell through them and to the floor. The show then went to a commercial break as Angel ripped off his pants.

The show returned and Berto was working over Axiom until Axiom kicked Angel and got the hot tag to Frazer, who showed his speed on the ropes and hit an elbow and Slingblade on Berto. Frazer followed up with a running moonsault for a two-count. Berto kicked Frazer and tagged in Angel, who kicked Frazer as he attempted a springboard moonsault from the second rope. Berto tagged in and Los Garza want to the second rope to hit their finisher. Axiom broke up Los Garza’s pin attempt. “This is awesome!” chants began.

Axiom tagged in and traded blows with Angel. Angel went to the top, but Axiom cut him off. Frazer tagged himself in and Axiom hit a Spanish Fly off the top while Frazer followed it up with a Phoenix Splash to get his team the win.

Match Result: Fraxiom defeated Los Garzas (8:25)

The Tiffany Stratton/Jade Cargill segment

Cargill came off a bit as a heel here, so I wonder if a full turn is imminent. I always thought she was better as a heel in AEW than she was a babyface, so I can’t complain. Meanwhile, this felt rushed (thanks, Cena), and it kind of/sort of feels like they are trying to re-create what happened on Monday between Stephanie Vaquer and IYO SKY. To that, I say … we’ll see … .

Stratton made her entrance in her wrestling gear. Stratton started by asking the crowd what time it was and everyone loudly yelled “Tiffy tiime!” Stratton said she went toe-to-toe with one of the greatest of all time, Charlotte Flair. Stratton said in the end, she prevailed and she’s still the WWE Women’s Champion. Stratton said she was always told she was the next Charlotte Flair, but that was wrong because there is only one Tiffany Stratton. Jade Cargill’s music then hit and Cargill walked out in her wrestling gear, microphone in hand.

Cargill said she was there to give credit where it was due. Cargill said Tiffy’s match with Charlotte created a bigger target on Tiffy’s back. Since her business is over with Naomi, Cargill said she has nothing but time and Cargill said it was time for everyone to see how she got to WWE to become a champion. Cargill told Tiffy that just because she beat Charlotte, she’s not the best. In order to be the best, Cargill said Tiffy had to beat Cargill. Tiffy said that’s fine and she’d wrestle Cargill now if that’s what she wanted. A referee ran down and the match looked like it was going to start as the show went to a commercial break.

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill

Umpf. This was a rough match. Wade Barrett had a point – I’m not sure I’ve ever seen Tiffy stumble on a Prettiest Moonsault Ever attempt, even dating back to NXT. I’m sure I’ve missed a lot along the way, so that means little to nothing, but it was jarring to see, for me at least. While I liked the grit of the match, things just seemed so out of sorts at times that I began to feel bad for the wrestlers. Cue the questions on if Cargill can stay afloat in singles WWE waters. As for the Jax return … meh. I can’t say I’m inspired by another Jax/Stratton program. If this was the beginning of a Jax/Naomi alliance, however, you have my attention.

Well, it turned out, they stood there (just staring at each other?) for a long commercial break before starting the match. The show returned and the bell rang. The two worked a slow pace to start things out and Tiffy extended her hand for a handshake. Cargill went for it, but Tiffy used it to whip Cargill into the ropes. After what appeared to be a tiny miscommunication, Cargill landed a backbreaker. Cargill ran at Tiffy and Tiffy tripped Cargill into the ropes. Tiffy followed that with a hip attack, but Cargill came right back with a spinebuster for a two count.

Cargill slammed Tiffy again in a weird spot, but it was only good enough for a one-and-a-half count. Tiffy hit a spinebuster of her own for a two-count. Tiffy hit her gymnastic-springboard splash in a corner for a two-count. Tiffy executed a second one for another two-count. Tiffy looked frustrated as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Tiffy hit a rolling Senton. Tiffy went for a Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but she stumbled and Cargill moved. Cargill caught Tiffy after that and hit a powerbomb for a near-fall that woke up the crowd. Cargill went for a splash, but Tiffy moved and went for the gymanstics routine, but Cargill caught her. It didn’t matter because Tiffy came back with a basement dropkick for a nice near-fall. Tiffy went to the top, but Cargill cut her off and landed a super-plex from the second rope. Both wrestlers were down.

Tiffy rolled to the apron and Naomi ran out to attack Cargill to end the match. Naomi ran Cargill into the ring post repeatedly. Tiffy returned to the ring and Naomi rolled out of the ring. Nia Jax then attacked Stratton from behind and ragdolled Tiffy. Jax landed a leg drop on Tiffy and the crowd wanted another one. Instead, Jax dragged Tiffy to a corner and hit the A-Nia-Lator on Stratton. Jax held up the title to end the segment.

Match Result: WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill wrestled to a no contest [10:12]

The Jacob Fatu/LA Knight/Drew McIntyre segment

Will this match later on be where one, Mr. Black makes his triumphant return to WWE? We’ll see. As for this segment, I prefer Drew vs. Fatu if only because it’s so much fresher than Fatu vs. Knight. The verbal jabs here were fun, if not a little kids gloves-ish. Knight and McIntyre can go a lot harder on the mic and they just opted not to here for whatever reason. My only hope is that Fatu doesn’t just drop the U.S. belt in his first defense out of the gate, whenever that comes.

Fatu made his entrance with Solo Sikoa. Fatu wore the U.S. title around his neck and received a hell of a reaction from the live crowd. Fatu soaked in “Fatu!” chants. Sikoa asked the crowd to show love and respect for their new United States Champion, Jacob Fatu. Sikoa said everyone saw what he already at WrestleMania – that Jacob Fatu is the future of the company. Sikoa said nobody in his family wanted Fatu in WWE except for Sikoa.

Sikoa said everyone thought Fatu was too much of a risk, but Sikoa was the only reason Fatu was there and he was a champion. Fatu glared at Sikoa. Sikoa ranted and Fatu grabbed the microphone from Sikoa. The crowd cheered. Fatu told Sikoa to not get it twisted because he told Sikoa he would win the U.S. title. Fatu said he told Sikoa the U.S. title was coming home to the family and he’d do it with or without Sikoa. Fatu said that’s exactly what he did and he told Texas to look at their new U.S. champ. Fatu said he knows that the title makes him a menace to society and at the end of the day, Sikoa better “get in where he fit in.” Fatu said he’s all gas and no breaks and LA Knight’s music hit.

Knight walked out with a microphone. Knight said at Mania, Fatu ate a BFT. Knight recalled how Fatu grabbed the rope to get out of a pin attempt and capitalized on the opportunity and beat Knight in the middle of the ring. Knight said everyone told him he had a hell of a match at WrestleMania. Knight said he didn’t care about that, because he wanted his rematch, and he wanted it right now. Drew McIntyre’s music then hit and McIntyre made his entrance.

McIntyre stood in the entranceway with a microphone and said it wasn’t always easy being Drew McIntyre. McIntyre that much like Texas he has “some big guns.” McIntyre said at Mania, he beat Damian Priest in one of the most violent matches in Mania history. McIntyre looked into the camera and thanked Priest for allowed him to embarrass him in front of Priest’s family. McIntyre said the next plan was to challenge Cena for his world title, but Orton jumped the line. McIntyre wondered if it was Nepo Wrestling Entertainment.

McIntyre said he wants to fight the baddest dog in the yard, Jacob Fatu, as he stepped onto the apron. Knight mocked McIntyre speaking and McIntyre said Knight always has jokes, but the only joke around here was Knight’s last title run. Knight said he’d say McIntyre’s last title run was a joke, but he couldn’t remember it. Knight said if McIntyre thinks he deserves a title shot, McIntyre should step into the ring and show Knight. Nick Aldis walked out and told everyone to put on their tights in the back and later tonight, Knight will face McIntyre to determine the next No. 1 contender for the U.S. Championship.

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– Zelina Vega ran into Byron Saxton backstage and Saxton said Vega could become the new Women’s U.S. Champion tonight. Vega said tonight, she’s speechless because she’s wanted this for so long. Vega said in Texas, you go big or go home and she’ll leave with the U.S. title around her waist.

WWE Women’s U.S. Champion Chelsea Green defends against Zelina Vega

That’s a surprise. A double-edged one, too. I like Green’s act a lot and thought she brought a lot to the women’s secondary SmackDown belt. I also tend to like Vega and I don’t think she gets a fair shake from these live crowds who sit on their hands whenever she appears. It’s all so odd if it’s true that the first match that resulted in a count-out wasn’t supposed to end in a count-count. If that doesn’t happen, does that mean Vega never gets this title? Either way, this was a nice surprise and I’m looking forward to Green being in chase/brat mode because that’s what she does best.

Green ran at Vega to start the match, but Vega ultimately took control early. Vega was on the apron and Green dropkicked her off the apron to the outside. Fyre threw Vega into the LED board and Niven followed that up with a Senton on the outside while Green distracted the referee. Green posed on the second rope and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the two were battling on the top rope. The sequence ended with a German Suplex from Vega to Green off the middle rope. Vega clotheslined Green repeatedly before hitting a spinning back elbow. Vega went to the second rope and landed a Meteora for a two-count. Fyre hopped onto the apron and Vega hit Fyre. Vega turned her attention back with Green with a Backstabber and set up for a 619, but Niven tripped Vega. The referee then kicked Niven and Fyre out of ringside and to the back. Green tried to take advantage of Vega’s attention being elsewhere, but Vega countered with a Code Red and got the win.

Match Result: Zelina Vega defeated Chelsea Green to win the WWE Women’s United States Championship (7:15)

– Melo was shown backstage with the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal winning trophy. He was with The Miz, who said he sacrificed himself for Melo because he has a vision for Melo. Miz then presented Melo with a chain that had Andrade’s head on it. Melo said the chain represents the chip that is on his shoulder. Melo said he’s larger than life and is the 10th wonder of the world. Melo said he is Him. Miz said he Melo inspired him and because of that, he is going to make his moment in the ring.

The Miz/Aleister Black segment

If this was how Black was going to be reintroduced, there wasn’t much else you could ask for here. It was a Miz segment and it was predictable on every level because of that. I’m happy to see Black back. I’d be lying if I said I don’t wonder about how both he and Rusev will fare in their return from what I guess was the depths of whatever their definition of hell was in AEW. I put little stock in rumors and rumblings and all that, so I’m willing to think that maybe they both simply just weren’t good fits in AEW’s structural approach and we can all move on. If these returns to WWE don’t work, though, and neither wrestler gets over to the degree they might seem to think they should be over, my eyebrow will be raised.

Miz stood in the ring coming out of commercial and he said since 2007, he’s been an integral part of WrestleMania, but this year, he had no match or no mention. He reminded everyone how he main-evented Maina once and beat John Cena, which is something Cody Rhodes couldn’t even do. Miz noted how he’s been there for 20 years. He asked what he has to do – wear a lucha mask and call himself Rey? Miz referenced how Randy Orton needed an opponent but instead, Joe Hendry got the opportunity.

Miz reminded everyone that he is the A-Lister and the most must-see superstar of all time. The lights went out and we saw candles lit near the entrance. Lo and behold, rising up from the floor was Aleister Black, who looked in great shape and made his entrance. Black executed his former WWE entrance to a T, beat for beat. “Welcome back!” chants broke out. Black looked around and soaked in the cheers. Miz walked towards Black and Black hit Black Mass on Miz. Black then sat down next to Miz to end the segment.

**********

– Saxton interviewed Bianca Belair backstage and brought up how Belair broke a couple fingers. Belair said even though things didn’t go her way, she was very proud of their match at Mania. Belair said it won’t be the last time she sees Rhea Ripley because Ripley inserted herself into a match she didn’t deserve. Belair said when she returns, she will have some business she will need to address.

– Naomi was shown walking backstage and she ran into Jax, who told Naomi to stay out of her way when it comes to Tiffy and Tiffy’s title. Naomi said she will as long as Jax proceeds with caution.

Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight

This was fun while it lasted, but I fear that the U.S. title picture is becoming the tag team title picture on SmackDown, what with all these different storylines overlapping. So, to get this straight, LA Knight, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest are involved in wanting Jacob Fatu’s U.S. title – but that’s only because McIntyre and Priest’s blood feud spilled into this section of the program … and perhaps Solo Sikoa is one Friday away from putting his name in the hat as well? Too many cooks, maybe? Too many cooks. Still, this match was fine while it lasted. I wasn’t anticipating a clean winner and I did not get a clean winner. At some point, SmackDown is going to need to be more creative; I just don’t know when that some point is going to come.

The two locked up to start the match and McIntyre slammed Knight before posing. The pace was slow. Knight came back, took McIntyre down and posed as well. Knight worked a side head-lock until McIntyre shot him off and took Knight down with a clothesline. Knight responded with a back suplex and the two traded chops after that. McIntyre was thrown outside and Knight followed him. McIntyre rolled back into the ring and Knight tried to follow, but McIntyre shoulder-blocked Knight off the apron and into the crowd barrier.

Knight rolled back into the ring and McIntyre pounded on Knight before hitting a Brainbuster for a two-count. McIntyre kicked Knight in the midsection as Knight tried to avoid McIntyre in a corner. McIntyre chopped Knight. Knight chopped McIntyre and then McIntyre stomped on Knight repeatedly. McIntyre taunted Knight and set up for a vertical suplex, but Knight blocked it. McIntyre still came away from things with the upper hand as he beat Knight down … until Knight suplexed McIntyre out of nowhere to reset the match.

Knight hit a leaping clothesline and a Russian Leg Sweep after firing up. Knight followed that up with a jumping neck-breaker for a two-count. McIntyre landed a Glasglow Kiss and set up for a Future Shock DDT, but Knight countered and it ended up with Knight’s second-rope leaping elbow for a two-count. Knight went for a BFT, but McIntyre worked out of it and got to the outside, where Knight hit a dropkick through the ropes. Knight repeatedly slammed McIntyre’s head on the announce desk.

Knight rolled McIntyre back into the ring and the referee was tending to McIntyre as Solo Sikoa appeared out of nowhere gave the Samoan Spike to Knight. Sikoa rolled Knight into the ring and McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick, but Damian Priest showed up and pulled McIntyre out of the ring. Priest attacked McIntyre and hit a South Of Heaven on McIntyre through the announce desk. Priest tried to leave and ran into Knight, who jawed at Priest. Jacob Fatu came out of nowhere and wiped both Knight and Priest out with a splash.

Fatu rolled Priest and Knight into the ring and landed a hip attack on Knight. Fatu followed that up with a jump-up moonsault on Knight and a hip attack on Priest. Fatu gave Priest the jump-up moonsault treatment as well. “Fatu!” chants filled the building and Fatu held his title high to end the segment.

Match Result: Drew McIntyre defeated LA Knight via DQ (9:25)

– John Cena was shown walking backstage and ran into R-Truth, who said if Cena ever needed him, Cena could give him a call. Jimmy Uso walked into the frame and Truth told Jimmy he still wants to be like Cena when he grows up. Jimmy said Truth is already grown up, though. There was no real need for this.

– Next week, Aleister Black will face The Miz. That was the only match advertised. From there, we went to the introductions for the TLC match.

WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits vs. #DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns in a TLC title match

This was really, really good. Look. It’s not a Ladder War. It’s not GCW. It’s not even AEW. It was the traditional WWE TLC match with the spots you expect to look for, but these guys executed those spots (save for Dawkins’s spear off the ladder, which was definitely not as good-looking as Edge’s from a million years ago) well and they even added some new wrinkles to the WWE TLC cannon. It’s all to say, these six guys worked safe and hard and they should be applauded for that. Would I have rather seen this match on the Maina card than, say, AJ Styles vs. Logan Paul? As a matter of fact, I would. Everyone went out there with something to prove and they proved it (ish). Two standouts were Ciampa, who volunteered to take the worst of the punishment, and Tessitore, who put over this match like he was actually calling a WrestleMania bout. Good, hard work all around and if “The SmackDown After WrestleMania” is a thing (like the commentary team referenced many times throughout the night), this was a solid way to end the festivities.

Ciampa and Gargano had the upper hand to start things and they grabbed a ladder, but MCMG dropkicked the ladder into #DIY. MCMG pounded on the Profits until #DIY broke it up. A minute-and-a-half into the match, MCMG started pointed at the titles. Sabin went for a five-hole dive on Gargano, but Gargano held up a chair and Sabin wound up diving into a chair. Dawkins inserted himself and ran Gargano’s head into the ring post. Dawkins was the first to set up a ladder in the middle of the ring, but Sabin hopped on Dawkins’s back. Shelley helped and hit a Dragon Screw Leg Whip on Dawkins’s leg to get him off the ladder.

MCMG went to work on #DIY and Shelley teased climbing the ladder until Ford popped up. Dawkins returned to theh ring and got the ladder out of the way to land 360 splashes on MCMG. Sabin then knocked Dawkins off the top rope and MCMG went to work on Dawkins. Sabin grabbed a chair and Shelley hit a basement dropkick to the head of Dawkins with the chair assist. Sabin followed that with a missile dropkick on Ford from the top – with the chair assist as well. Shelley sold arm pain in a way that made it look like he may have well had some serious arm pain.

Ciampa and Gargano rammed the ladder into Dawkins’s head before Ford hit a dive over the ring post onto all the teams. Ford put another ladder in the ring and Ciampa and Gargano cut Ford off. Gargano came off one ladder and hit a twisted Flatline on Ford, ladder to ladder. Ciampa looked like he was going to win the match, but Dawkins showed up and pulled Ciampa off the ladder. The titles were swinging and Dawkins slammed Gargano from high on the ladder.

Ciampa climbed the ladder and Sabin cut Ciampa off, but Dawkins pushed the ladder over. Shelley returned to the action, so he turns out he was OK, which was good. A chair was placed around Shelley’s neck and Gargano swung a chair into the chair around Shelley’s neck. Gargano suplexed Sabin onto a chair and #DIY worked over Dawkins with chairs. Dawkins came back and hit a twisted double-arm DDT on Gargano onto two chairs. The Profits fired up and grabbed a table from the outside. Ciampa was on Dawkins’s shoulders and Ford landed a running Blockbuster from the inside onto the outside and all six men were down.

“This is awesome!” chants broke out. Ford grabbed a fan’s prosthetic leg and beat Gargano with it. Ford draped a ladder outside the ring, but Ciampa ran Ford into it. The action slowed down briefly as furniture was set up all around the ring. Dawkins was sprawled out on a table. Sabin hit a splash onto Dawkins while on the table from the top on the outside. Ford set Ciampa up on a table and flipped himself onto Ciampa through a table on the outside. Again, “This is awesome!” chants began to emanate from the crowd.

Ford super-kicked Ciampa on the apron as the two fought. Ciampa returned the favor. Ciampa then hit White Noise on Ford through the ladder that was draped on the outside of the ring. Inside the ring, Gargano climbed the ladder, but was cut off via Shelley. Sabin and Gargano fought on the apron. Sabin and Shelley hit Skull and Bones on Gargano through a table on the outside of the ring. More “This is awesome!” chants broke out.

Back inside the ring, Ciampa fired himself up to climb up the ladder. Ciampa got to the top and it looked like he could have taken the titles, but MCMG removed the ladder from Ciampa, who hung from the belt holder. Dawkins got on top of a ladder and a table was placed below Ciampa. Dawkins speared Ciampa from the top of the ladder through a table. It wasn’t the cleanest spear ever. Shelley and Sabin took their time to set up a ladder and Gargano showed up to throw a chair at the head of Shelley.

Gargano climbed the ladder, but Sabin met him at the top. The two traded blows at the top of the ladder. Sabin knocked Gargano off the top but out of nowhere, Ford leapt onto the ladder and knocked Sabin down. Just when it looked like Ford would win Gargano pulled him down. Then, just when it looked like Gargano would win, Sabin showed up. Ford, Gargano and Sabin battled at the top of the ladder in a wild spot. Ford got the best of them all and unhooked the belts for the win.

Tez and Dawkins posed on top of the ladder after the match before replays aired. The Profits celebrated in the ring and got the crowd to celebrate with them. The Profits went out into the crowd and celebrated with them as the show ended.

Match Result: WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) and Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) in a TLC match to retain (22:52)

WWE SmackDown live results: WrestleMania go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Cody Rhodes and John Cena will come face-to-face on the final SmackDown before WrestleMania 41.

Ahead of their Undisputed WWE Championship match, the two have been trading barbs since Cena turned against Rhodes at Elimination Chamber. Tonight will mark the final promo opportunity for both before their Sunday night main event..

Also tonight, Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair will be the subject of two sit-down interviews. They are set to wrestle for the WWE Women’s Championship on night one of WrestleMania.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) are defending their WWE Tag Team titles against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) tonight. A six-woman tag bout is also set with Chelsea Green, Piper Niven & Alba Fyre taking on Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.

Plus, the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal will take place on SmackDown as well.

Tonight’s show is being held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time — with the first hour of SmackDown airing commercial-free on USA Network.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as shots of Las Vegas aired. Cody Rhodes, the Motor City Machine Guns, The Street Profits, Solo Sikoa, and Tama Tonga were shown backstage. LA Knight appeared out of nowhere and slammed Tonga’s arm into a car door.

– Seth Rollins’s music hit and Rollins walked out for the first segment.

The Seth Rollins segment

… Because all I wanted for my birthday was watching Seth Rollins cosplay as CM Punk with a promo that didn’t quite hit as hard as everyone hoped it would. Don’t get me wrong. Rollins was good here and his efforts were appreciated, but I simply can’t buy into these “the most important triple threat in the history of wrestling” superlatives. Maybe you can, and if you can, that’s great. I’m jealous. I’d love for this match and this story to grip my attention – and I’ve even tried to play along at various spots in its development – but I can’t get there. I hope they have something bombastic planned for how it all plays out Saturday night. Until then, this just felt like a rehashing of things we’ve all heard Rollins say multiple times already. The AEW reference got him a few cheap gasps from the live crowd, but anyone who’s been paying attention to Rollins both on and off TV has heard all of this before. On to tomorrow.

Rollins stood in the middle of the ring holding a microphone as the crowd sang his song. Rollins welcomed everyone to “Friday Night Rollins,” which doesn’t quite work as well as “Monday Night Rollins,” but so it goes. “CM Punk!” chants began and Rollins sat cross-legged in the middle of the ring, a la Punk. “OTC!” chants broke out. Rollins took the SmackDown cube off the microphone and said he wanted to start by talking about Punk.

Rollins said the reason Punk came back to wrestling was because everyone chanted his name for 10 years. Rollins said when Punk came back to the ring, “it wasn’t a WWE ring.” Rollins asked if Punk came back because everyone chanted his name or if someone else “wrote a big, fat check.” Rollins noted how Punk burned that bridge and came back to WWE and asked again if it was because the fans chanted Punk’s name. Rollins said no because Punk came back to WWE because WWE wrote him a “big, fat check,” and the crowd chanted “Big fat check!” Rollins said, “Tell me when I’m telling lies.”

Rollins called Punk a liar, a fraud and a coward. Rollins said say what you will about Roman Reigns, but Reigns doesn’t even pretend to care about the fans whereas Punk claims to care about the fans. Rollins said Reigns only cares about Reigns and Reigns is in the Reigns business. The crowd did the sing-songy “Roman, Roman Reigns!” bit. Rollins said Reigns knows nothing about sacrifice while Rollins knows everything about sacrifice. Rollins said the story between he, Reigns and Punk started 12 years ago and it started with Paul Heyman.

Rollins said Heyman brought Reigns, Rollins and Dean Ambrose into WWE to be a Shield for CM Punk. Rollins said every single night, he sacrificed everything he had in the ring to be that shield. Rollins said he didn’t get credit for that because everyone in the back wanted all the cameras on Reigns. Rollins said everyone said Reigns would be the next cash cow for WWE, he would be the “next John Cena.” Rollins said Punk took his ball and went home and Rollins heard some Punk chants while Rollins was making every show and sacrificing everything he had every night.

Rollins said it all came to a head last year at WrestleMania, when his knee was shredded and his stepdad was dying of cancer. Still, Rollins said he made it to Mania last year to be a shield to make sure Roman Reigns lost. “Thank you Seth!” chants broke out and the crowd sang Rollins’s song. Rollins said the story started 12 years ago and it will end tomorrow night “in the most important triple threat match in the history of this industry.” Rollins promised everybody he will lay everything on the line to make sure the business moves forward in the right direction. Rollins ended by saying, “That’s not a prediction; that’s a spoiler.”

**********

– Rey Fenix received a televised entrance for the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal. A video package on Andre then aired. When the show came back to the ring, Nakamura received a televised entrance as well.

Andre The Giant memorial battle royal

There really isn’t much to say about this because you can take every single Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal ever, say whatever there is to say about that, cut, paste, and use it right here. I was pleasantly surprised to see Melo and Andrade work as the final two left because I loved that best-of-seven series they had (save for whatever the ending to it was supposed to be). Melo going over makes sense, though I’d really love to see the creative minds come up with something meaningful for Andrade to do after Mania. Considering the Gable/Fenix stuff … does this mean Fenix plays a role in Americano’s match vs. Mysterio this weekend? We shall see.

Carlito and R-Truth had a fun bit where Truth took a bite out of Carlito’s apple. Truth then eliminated Carlito and threw his apple at him. The Miz then eliminated Truth as a means to help Melo. Karrion Kross attacked Miz and Melo stepped in to break it up. Los Garza went to work on Fenix, but that led to Fenix eliminating both Berto and Angel. Santos Escobar looked angry about the whole thing. Grayson Waller and Austin Theory eliminated both members of Pretty Deadly.

Kaiser eliminated Tyler Bate with a shotgun dropkick to Bate’s midsection. As a result, Pete Dunne went to work on Kaiser. Santos Escobar proposed working with Fenix to eliminate Andrade, but instead, Fenix eliminated Escobar. The Creed Brothers eliminated Tozawa and Otis then clotheslined the Creed Brothers over the top to dispose of them. Otis was then eliminated. Otis attacked the Creeds outside of the ring. Andrade threw Waller to the floor. Andrade did the same to Theory. Andrade and Chad Gable had a moment and all the luchadores in the match attacked Gable and Fenix eliminated him.

Fenix and Kross exchanged chops and Dragon Lee eliminated Kross, which got some boos, considering how it’s Kross’s hometown (and people seem to like that guy these days). Lee ran into a knee from Nakamura and Nakamura eliminated Lee. Kaiser and Dunne fought on the apron and both safely returned to the ring before Dunne eliminated Kaiser. Miz and Melo were on the apron and Dunne did the finger spot on Melo. Miz saved Melo, but Dunne eliminated Miz.

The final five were Fenix, Dunne, Melo, Nakamura and Andrade. Melo eliminated Dunne and the final four stared at each other. They then brawled. Nakamura fired up, but missed a running knee. From there, Andrade dropkicked Nakamura off the top rope and out of the match. Melo and Andrade fought on the middle rope and Fenix tried to eliminate both of them to no avail. Melo then attacked Fenix. Fenix ran at Melo, but Melo placed Fenix on the apron. Fenix walked the ropes, but El Grande Americano appeared out of nowhere and eliminated Fenix.

The final two were Andrade and Melo. Tessitore referenced their seven-match series. Melo and Andrade countered each other’s moves and landed some clotheslines on each other. Andrade hit his spinning back elbow and both guys were down at about the 15 minute mark. Andrade set up for Three Amigos, but Melo blocked it and hit a cutter. The two battled on the second rope and Melo got the best of it, sending Andrade over the top for the win. The Miz came back to ringside to celebrate with Melo.

Match Result: Carmelo Hayes won the Andre The Giant memorial battle royal (15:30)

**********

– Wade Barrett interviewed Charlotte and asked why she thinks things got so ugly between her and Stratton. Charlotte took her time to respond and said she doesn’t love it and both she and Tiffy have chips on their shoulders. Now, though, people are invested in the Charlotte/Tiffy match and what matters most to Charlotte is that people now want to see Tiffy and Charlotte go at it. Charlotte said at the end of the day, that’s what the business is about. This was all they showed and I’m not sure if that means we’ll see more later or they just edited the hell out of the sit-down.

– Tama Tonga has been taken to a “local medical facility” after Knight’s attack in the parking lot earlier.

– Rhea Ripley was shown walking backstage and with about 10 minutes before the top of the hour, the show went to a commercial break, which I thought was not the plan? You stiffed us on 10 minutes, WWE. Keep your promises.

The Rhea Ripley/IYO SKY/Bianca Belair/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

This was fun. Naomi is doing fantastic work as this unhinged friend scorned. I maintain that she plays a role in helping Belair win the title this weekend and then aligns with a heel Bianca Belair (first defense for Belair being … of course … Jade Cargill). Ripley is such a star, it’s great to watch her become more and more comfortable in that role. SKY, meanwhile, has played her role in this program perfectly along the way. I could be in the minority, but even if we all agree that this doesn’t need to be a triple threat and the money match was actually Ripley/Belair, SKY has made the most of her part. As she just sort of stood around while everyone brawled here, I couldn’t help but chuckle. I liked this segment a bit. Fast-moving. Wavering in and out of intensity. This was good.

Ripley took in a bunch of cheers once in the ring. She said this will be her sixth WrestleMania and each time, she’s walked into some sort of championship match. That said, this year’s is probably the most important to her, she argued. Ripley noted how she lost her women’s title before Mania and let Bianca Belair get the best of her. Ripley said she could make excuses and complain, but there’s no point in talking about the past. Ripley said she will do what she has to do to get back what she wants – that Women’s World Championship. Ripley said she will walk out of Mania a three-time champ. IYO SKY’s music hit and SKY made her entrance.

SKY went to talk and Bianca Belair’s music hit. Belair made her entrance. Belair entered the ring and started talking, but the crowd booed her. Belair asked SKY and Ripley if they really thought she wouldn’t show up. The boos got louder. Belair said tonight might be her last time on SmackDown for a while because at Mania, she will walk out as champion. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi stepped into the entranceway. Naomi confronted Belair about not talking to her. Naomi said she’s been calling and texting Belair, but she’s heard nothing in return. Naomi asked if their friendship means so little to Belair. Naomi said she wanted to handle things in private, but … and then Belair and Naomi talked over each other.

Naomi entered the ring and Belair said they weren’t going to do this right now. Naomi said tomorrow, she will finish what she started with Jade Cargill. On cue, Cargill’s music hit and Cargill walked to the ring with purpose. Cargill entered the ring and yelled at Belair off-mic. Naomi rolled out of the ring. Ripley stepped in and said it wasn’t about Cargill, but Naomi returned to the ring and everyone except SKY brawled. SKY just sort of stood there while the crowd chanted “IYO!” SKY then went to the top and landed an Over The Moonsault onto everyone in the floor to end the segment.

**********

– Rey Fenix was shown backstage and Chad Gable walked up and made fun of him for losing the battle royal. Dragon Lee walked in and told Gabe to shut up. Rey Mysterio showed up and told Gable Americano will learn some real lucha libre at WrestleMania. Mysterio challenged Gable and the Creeds to a six-man tag later in the show.

WWE World Tag Team Champions The Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns

What a stupid finish. The Profits, #DIY, MCMG … they all deserve better. Not only did they not make it on to the actual Mania card, but they were straddled with this waste of time. The action was good while it lasted, and I actually thought the pace was picking up nicely as the teams were finally starting to get the crowd behind them, but it was all for nothing. If there was ever a scenario for a justified multi-person tag match for the biggest PPV, it was the SmackDown tag division. Instead, nobody gets anything. It’s a shame.

MCMG jumpstarted the match as the Profits were posing during their entrance. When the match officially started, Shelley and Sabin worked a series of double-team moves on Ford until Ford powered out of everything and clotheslined Shelley and Sabin separately. Dawkins tagged in and landed his spinning splash on Sabin before tagging in Ford, who hit the assisted Blockbuster on Sabin, but Shelley broke up the pin attempt. Shelley went to fly, but Dawkins punched Shelley in the teeth. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Shelley tagged in Sabin, who fired up and took out both Profits, complete with a running apron kick to Dawkins. Sabin then hit a missile dropkick onto Ford. Shelley tagged in and worked a pair of double-team moves, including a dropkick Flatliner combo. Dawkins tagged in and threw Sabin, who was the legal man, for a two-count. Ford quickly tagged in and went to the top, but MCMG worked him over with a series of tandem moves again. Shelley went to the top, but Dawkins broke things up. Ford then hit a super-kick on Sabin and landed a dive on everyone over a ring post. #DIY then showed up and interfered, ending the match. Gargano and Ciampa got hold of the tag titles, stole them, and walked to the back.

Match Results: Street Profits vs. Motor City Machine Guns went to a no contest (8:35)

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– Nick Aldis ran into Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice. Green’s ladies served Aldis with papers, which addressed last week’s count-out loss. Aldis made a Green vs. Vega match for later with the Hervice barred from ringside.

– Ciampa and Gargano were shown trying to leave the arena with the tag titles, but Aldis stepped in and stopped them. The Profits showed up. Everybody shouted at each other. Aldis took the titles away from Ciampa and Gargano and Aldis made the match for SmackDown next week – a TLC match for the tag titles between the three teams.

The Randy Orton segment

Good fire from Orton. Short and sweet, which isn’t common for Randy Orton segments in the year 2025. The open challenge is probably the best way to go, but I was still holding out hope for an Aldis vs. Orton showdown. Either way, who you got? Rusev? Black? Mariah May? The speculation should be fun over the next 48 hours.

Orton reminded everyone that he doesn’t have an opponent for WrestleMania 41. Orton said he’s been around town all week and there is an excitement about WrestleMania everywhere. Orton referenced his dad being in the first Mania and said there’s no way in hell he will sit out this year’s Mania. Orton noted how this would be the 20th time he would compete at a WrestleMania. Orton said he will show up on Sunday, boots tied, baby oil on his skin, and he will be ready to deliver for the WWE Universe. He said he’ll do it for the fans, himself and the boys in the back.

Orton said if anyone wants to test their meddle, he dares them to step up. Orton said if anyone on the strip owns a pair of wrestling boots, he challenges them to step up. Orton said whomever it will be will fall victim to the three most dangerous letters in wrestling: R.K.O. Orton’s music hit to end the segment.

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– Footage from the McIntyre/Priest brawl at the Mania kickoff show aired.

– Byron Saxton interviewed Priest and Priest cut Saxton off, saying he wanted to send a message to McIntyre. Priest said McIntyre is not a victim – not yet. Priest said Drew isn’t ready for their fight this weekend. Priest said he will beat Drew so bad, “he will wish he was future-endeavored again.” Priest said he will bury McIntyre on Sunday.

WWE Women’s U.S. Champion vs. Zelina Vega in a non-title match

I’m glad they made this a one-on-one match instead of what had earlier been advertised as a six-woman tag and the pinfall victory caught me by surprise. So, all of that was good. The thing that bugs me is that this must mean Green won’t be featured on Mania at all (there have been rumors of a segment featuring her, but …). Chelsea Green deserves a WrestleMania moment. We can all agree on that, right? There would be lots of options for a mystery/impromptu opponent. Why not set aside some time for her? She’s earned it. Anyway, I suspect this means we’ll get Vega vs. Green for the women’s U.S. title sooner than later. This match was sort of meaningless outside of the fun the Vega and Green had with the count out situation from last week.

Green ran at Vega to jumpstart the match and kept up her offense in the early part of the match. Vega eventually kicked Green in the face, but Green came right back and landed a series of strikes on Vega before saluting the crowd. The action spilled outside and and Green sent Vega into the crowd barrier. Green instantly scolded the referee for counting her out, which was funny. Green ran at Vega and Vega backdropped Green into the timekeeper’s area. The women nearly missed the 10 count again and rolled into the ring at the same time to break it.

The two traded blows and the crowd cheered Green, booed Vega. Eventually, Vega fired up and took control, setting up for the 619, but Vega instead ran into a kick from Green, which earned Green a two-count. Green placed Vega on the top rope, but Vega fought back and hit a super Code Red from the top rope for a surprising win. Turns out, it was a non-title match, so … .

Match Result: Zelina Vega defeated Chelsea Green in a non-title match (3:34)

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– LA Knight made his entrance and started his promo by saying, “Let me talk to ya!” Knight said what happened last week was inspiration. This was why he attacked Tonga earlier. He now plans to take out Solo Sikoa so he can’t interfere at Mania this weekend in his match against Jacob Fatu. Knight said he walked into WWE and turned the world upside down. Knight said Fatu hasn’t seen anything like him and his U.S. title is the title of titles. Knight said someday, somewhere, Fatu will be a champion in WWE, but at Mania, Fatu will eat a BFT courtesy of LA Knight. Sikoa’s music then hit for the next match.

WWE U.S. Champion LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa

I was a little disappointed this ended up being nothing more than a conduit to set up a tag match. Weirdly, I was kind of/sort of into the idea that Knight would take out Sikoa and Tonga before Mania so he could be assured there will be no interference for his bout against Fatu if only because it added a tiny wrinkle to Knight and Fatu’s story. Either way, this was all right for what it was. Knight and Sikoa aren’t lighting the world on fire with their in-ring work, so this served its purpose.

Knight jumpstarted the match and attacked Sikoa as he made his entrance. Sikoa fought back and ran Knight into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Sikoa was working over Knight on the outside of the ring, complete with a suplex onto the apron. Back inside the ring, Sikoa lifted Knight, but Knight countered with a neck-breaker. Knight ran the ropes and Sikoa hit a knee to Knight’s midsection. Sikoa followed that up with a headbutt to Knight’s midsection.

Knight came off the middle rope, but Knight got the knees up to telegraph Sikoa. Knight fired up and landed a DDT. Knight went to the second rope, but Jacob Fatu showed up out of nowhere and attacked Knight. Braun Strowman’s music hit and Strowman hit the ring with a double cross-body on Sikoa and Fatu. Knight and Strowman cleared the ring. Nick Aldis walked out and made a tag team match on the spot – Knight and Strowman vs. Fatu and Sikoa.

Match Result: WWE U.S. Champion LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ (6:55)

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LA Knight & Braun Strowman vs. Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu

So much of this felt like it was lost to the picture-in-picture break – on top of that, the whole idea of a tag match here between these people felt useless in terms of heating anything up – but this got Strowman on the SmackDown before WrestleMania, at least. I continue to wonder if pairing Sikoa with Cody coming out of last year’s Mania was nothing more than a test to see how effective Cody can be in making a star out of nowhere. Considering how Sikoa isn’t on this year’s Mania card … perhaps the answer to that question isn’t all that flattering for either Cody or Solo. Either way, here we are. I just thank the wrestling gods that Kevin Owens wasn’t replaced with Solo Sikoa when it comes to what Randy Orton is doing this weekend … I hope?

The match started during a picture-in-picture and Fatu was working over Strowman as the show returned from break. Sikoa tagged in and kicked Strowman before he went into a head-lock. Fatu tagged in and kicked Strowman in the head and went to a modified chin-lock until Strowman lifted Faty and slammed Fatu. Knight received the hot tag and Sikoa tagged in as well. Knight went to the middle rope and hit his pop-up elbow from the top. Fatu broke up a pin attempt.

Strowman threw Fatu to the outside and went for the Strowman Express, but Fatu threw Strowman over the commentary table. Back inside the ring, Knight hit a BFT on Sikoa and got the win for his team.

Match Result: LA Knight & Braun Strowman defeated Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu (7:50)

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– A clip of the Wade Barrett/Tiffany Stratton sit-down interview aried. Barrett asked Stratton how and why her interview with Charlotte went off the rails. Stratton said she felt bullied and during the split-screen interview earlier this year, she wondered if she was up for the challenge. Tiffy said she gave Charlotte a taste of her own medicine and Charlotte doesn’t have to life Tiffy, but she has to respect her. Barrett asked Tiffy what will happen if Tiffy Time ends at Mania. Tiffy said that won’t happen and she’s aware it’s going to be a fight and she’s going to stand up to Charlotte, a bully. Tiffy said she will walk out of Mania as champion.

Rey Fenix, Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Brutus Creed, Julius Creed & Chad Gable

Oh, no. Mysterio went down before the mid-match break and we didn’t see him again. Not on the apron. Not involved in the action. Not anything. Then, to see how Fenix and Lee went directly to him on the outside of the ring after the match ended … let’s hope Mysterio still get his Mania spot (if not, it better be El Generico who steps in for him, but I digress). The match had some good action and innovation in a very basic WWE way, and as such, it was fine for what it was. I just hope Mysterio walked away from it feeling OK.

Fenix and Brutus started the match. They traded offense and Fenix hit a leaping elbow until he tagged in Dragon Lee, who dropkicked Brutus. Julius tagged in shortly thereafter. Lee worked over Julius and sent him to the outside, where Lee landed a dive. Back inside the ring, Lee hit a cross-body on Julius, but Chad Gable broke up the pin attempt. Rey Mysterio entered the ring and chased Gable around the ring. American Made ran over everyone and the three heels hit flying headbutts from the top rope on Lee at the same time. The show went to a commercial break after that.

Back from the break, Dragon Lee was taking punishment from American Made, complete with a Brutus Ball. Lee was perched on the top, but all three heels ended up hanging by their legs on the top rope. Lee hit a double stomp on all three of them. Fenix received the hot tag from Lee and hit a spinning kick on Julius. Fenix’s run was cut off via a Julius knee to the stomach. Julius followed that up with a belly to belly suplex. Julius ran into a super-kick from Fenix and things broke down as Fenix took out all of American Made.

Fenix went to the top and walked the top rope to kick Gable in the head. Lee landed Operation Dragon on Julius. Fenix followed that up with a Meteora from the top for the victory. Almost immediately after the bell rang, Fenix and Lee checked on Mysterio, who had been out of the match for a while and seemingly had a trainer checking on him.

Match Result: Rey Fenix, Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee defeated Brutus Creed, Julius Creed & Chad Gable (10:11)

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The Cody Rhodes/John Cena segment

The tension here was fabulous, even if that tension came from the fans and not necessarily from the wrestlers. It was clear that Cody (and/or the WWE writers) were prepared for crowds to turn on Cody and this was the first time during the build to Mania that it was so pronounced. Because of all this, Cody had some good rounds left in the chamber to fire and he landed those parting shots as good as he ever has or ever could. This was a nice go-home segment for the weekend’s biggest match. They left nothing on the table. My only problem: Wait … what’s up with The Rock?

Cody made his entrance first and received a mixed reaction from the fans. When it appeared Cody was going to talk, Cena’s music hit and the crowd kind of/sort of erupted. Loud “John Cena sucks!” chants broke out in tune with Cena’s music. Cena did the pouty face entrance thing. The crowd was up for all of it. “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants broke out and the crowd was hotter than they had been all night. Cody went to speak and Cena said, “Shut your mouth, kid.”

Cena said it will be his 20th Mania and 12th title match. Cena said Sunday will be the last time he ever competes in a WrestleMania ring. Cena said nobody has ever had the courage to end a career the way he is ending his career. Cena said what he is doing is so unprecedented, people don’t believe it. Cena said there is no such thing as a wrestling retirement because wrestlers are all scared, insecure losers. Cena said the second wrestlers get away from wrestling, they’re left with themselves and they come crawling back a shell of themselves. As such, Cena said he doesn’t need a single, damn one of the fans.

Cena said the only reason he wants Cody’s title is that he wants to take it away from Cody and all the fans forever. Cena said he didn’t tell Cody, “Good job, champ” at last year’s Mania and he will lose at this year’s Mania because Cody cares too much about the fans. Cena said he was out there to share one more thing before their match – when he won the Elimination Chamber, he knew it’d be impossible to beat Cody at Mania. In one moment, Cena said, Cody changed that with what he said to The Rock. Cena said he realized at Chamber that Cody doesn’t stand a chance. Cena said he will prove to the fans that they don’t matter.

Cena constantly used “them” and said Cody could accomplish anything he wants in life if he didn’t listen to “them,” but Cody is too weak too do that. Cena asked Cody if he’s going to “do what he thinks is right,” or does he win. Cena called Cody scared, insecure and naive. Cena said on Sunday, he will make Cody “someday who finally realizes that to become a winner, you have to sever ties with all the losers in your life.” Cena said Cody will realize he’s not the captain or quarterback; instead, he’s a kid in a man’s world who doesn’t have the balls of the last real champion.

Cody started to talk and the fans drowned him out with boos. Cody tried again and they booed louder. Cena said, “This is what you fight for?” Cody started up again and the crowd got louder. Cody asked Cena if he knew the guy who usually hands Cena a microphone. Cody said it’s a different WWE and Cena is overrated, overbearing and out of touch and out of time and Cena’s face is melting wax. Cody said Cena is “paler than Sting at Starrcade 97” and wow. Cody said it’s 2025 and Cena “still can’t wrestle.” The crowd loved all of this.

“You can’t wrestle!” chants broke out. The crowd went into the sing-songy Cody Rhodes chant. Cena called the crowd idiots. Cena said the fans are just like Cody – they don’t know what they want. Cena said on Sunday, he won’t have to wrestle and hit (patted?) Cody on the head. Cena lifted Cody, but Cody worked out of it and landed a CrossRhodes on Cena. Cody held up his title, again to mixed reactions from the live crowd, and pointed at the Mania sign. Cody’s music hit and Cody walked to the back. The show ended as the commentary crew ran down the Mania card and then Cody held his title in the air by the LED screens in the entranceway.

WWE SmackDown live results: Fenix debuts

Posted on by Marc Quill

After spending a few weeks in Europe, WWE is back in the United States for tonight’s SmackDown.

Former AEW star Fenix will make his WWE debut. No word on what Fenix’s plans are for tonight, but it’s expected that his first WWE program will be against Andrade.

Two weeks from tomorrow, CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins will headline night one of WrestleMania 41. All three competitors are set to appear live tonight. It’ll be a favorable environment for Punk with SmackDown being held in his hometown of Chicago.

A pair of number one contender’s matches are scheduled. Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY will decide the next challengers for WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits — and Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman will clash with a shot at LA Knight’s United States title on the line.

Plus, there will be a grudge match with B-Fab taking on Naomi.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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– Following the WWE signature open, we opened with shots of the Chicago skyline, Allegiant Stadium (WrestleMania 41 in 15 days), and subsequent clips of Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, #DIY, The Motor City Machine Guns, B-Fab, and Naomi at the arena.

– As always, the dynamic duo of Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett welcomed us to SmackDown, as we got a recap of last week’s CM Punk/Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns contract signing. Following that, it was back live to the arena as CM Punk himself arrived to a great ovation from his hometown Chicago crowd.

CM Punk opens SmackDown

Punk started by putting over the Chicago crowd for being loud as he took a TV camera to let the fans cheer as loud as they can for the whole world to see. He said that his goal was to make new fans, but tonight, he was here to thank the 16,000 strong hometown crowd that was here to see him tonight. Punk pointed towards the WrestleMania sign as he reminded everyone that he was in the main event of WrestleMania 41 (one of them, at the very least). Punk said that he earned that opportunity and that through all his life, he was told “you were not supposed to be here” and that he had to work hard to be here. He said that now, the hard work begins.

Punk thanked everyone, starting with his wife April and his puppy Larry first. He said that he would not be who he was without the city of Chicago as he once again thanked everyone. Punk promised that he would whoop Seth Rollins’ ass, put a beating to Roman Reigns at the main event of WrestleMania.

Paul Heyman interrupted proceedings with his trademark “ladies and gentlemen” spiel. Heyman apologized for being late and that there was not disrespect intended to his “best friend” Punk by interrupting him. Punk welcomed Heyman into the ring, stating that he was just getting to him. Heyman said, “ask not what Chicago can do for you, but what your Wiseman can do for you.” He said that Punk belonged in the ring and in the main event of WrestleMania.

Heyman reminisced about the time he begged Punk to take him the last time both were in Chicago as he then talked about the WarGames offer to Punk. He thanked Punk for helping save the Bloodline before he said that he had one more favor to ask of Punk. Heyman asked Punk to tell him what the favor that he owed him.

Punk found out from Heyman that Roman Reigns wasn’t in the building yet, as he then told Heyman that he was going to talk about this favor once Reigns arrived in the arena at some point in the evening, and it was one that would have a direct effect on Reigns himself.

A fine opening salvo from Punk to help set up what’s sure to be an interesting payoff for the favor that Heyman owes him.

**********

Rey Fenix def. Nathan Frazer

Frazer was already in the ring ahead of Fenix’s entrance, as the newest arrival to WWE got a great ovation from the Chicago crowd.

Fenix and Frazer opened with dueling flips as we got an early standoff amidst the chain wrestling action. Fenix hit an impressive dodge between the ropes before he hit Frazer with a side kick. Frazer sent Fenix to the outside as he tried for a dive between the ropes, but he clipped the middle rope and didn’t get all of it. Fenix went up top and soared for a dive onto Frazer at ringside as the action went to a commercial break.

SmackDown returned with Frazer and Fenix battling it out on the top rope. Frazer leapt up from the canvas up top for a springboard superplex and a Final Cut neckbreaker for the two. Frazer went up top and looked for a Phoenix Splash on Fenix, but couldn’t get it.

Fenix had Frazer trapped across the top rope and ran across it for an impressive leaping kick. Fire Driver by Fenix on Frazer got an incredibly close two-count. Frazer nailed Fenix with an enzuigiri to the head, but found himself hit with a superkick. Fenix hit Frazer with the Goodbye Amigo kick, as he then hoisted him on his shoulders to finish this off with the Mexican Muscle Buster for the 1, 2, 3 and the win in his WWE debut.

After the match, Byron Saxton interviewed the victorious Fenix in the ring. Fenix said he had a lot of history in Chicago (he competed in a trios match with Rey Mysterio and Bandido against the Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi at the original All In event in 2018) and that tonight was the rebirth of Rey Fenix. He said he was reborn with rage and animo, as he concluded with “I am WWE! Animo!”

A fun debut match for Fenix, and seeing Nathan Frazer from NXT be his first opponent was a pleasant surprise, especially as someone who watches a lot of NXT for the purpose of keeping abreast for their PLEs. I enjoyed Fenix’s time in AEW, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in his WWE career.

**********

– Backstage, Legado Del Fantasma were seen watching Fenix, as Berto said that he was better than Fenix. Santos Escobar told Berto that he was going to talk to Nick Aldis to make that match between Berto and Fenix happen.

– An eyepatch-wearing Drew McIntyre addressed Damian Priest, stating that nobody cared about him unless he was “feasting upon his scraps”. McIntyre talked about how Priest lurked in the shadows last week to ambush him. He said that he was going to pray, as “whenever Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happen.”

– Saxton interviewed Braun Strowman ahead of his Last Man Standing against Jacob Fatu before Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga interrupted. LA Knight barged in and told Strowman to save his energy for Fatu, which led to him trashing Tama as his match against him was up next.

LA Knight def. Tama Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa)

Knight started off strong with strikes against Tonga, who answered with a dropkick. That wasn’t enough to deter Knight, who dropped Tonga with a suplex. Tonga responded by tripping Knight up, which allowed him to seize advantage, but it didn’t last long. Knight had Tonga trapped in the corner for a series of stomps, followed by a running knee to the face. Knight sent Tonga out of the ring and threw his head repeatedly against the announce table. Solo Sikoa got on the apron to briefly distract the referee, which allowed Tonga to send Knight crasing to the floor below. That took us to a break in the action.

SmackDown returned from break with Knight fighting out of a Tonga resthold as he regained momentum with a victory roll and a two-count. Tonga maintained command with a fierce clothesline that nearly took Knight’s head off, much to the approval of Sikoa at ringside. Tonga got up on the middle turnbuckle and attempted a diving elbow after mocking Knight’s taunt, but he missed big time. Knight fought back and got his second wind with multiple strikes and a neckbreaker. After he slammed Tonga in the middle of the ring, he dropped his signature elbow on Tonga.

Knight had Tonga in position for the BFT, but couldn’t connect. Sikoa tried to hit Knight with the Samoan Spike with the ref distracted. Knight managed to dodge it, however. Rollup by Tonga is reversed as Knight finished this match off with the BFT and the win.

Pretty much a standard match for the U.S. Champion, though Tama Tonga continues to be an entertaining presence.

**********

– Paul Heyman was interviewed as he addressed the camera that whatever the favor was that he owed CM Punk, the answer was “yes”. A car slowly pulled up behind Heyman, which he assumed was Roman Reigns. Unfortunately for Heyman, it was Seth Rollins, who said that he had a plan for Punk and that he also wanted to be present for when the favor would be revealed later.

– Another smoke-filled teaser aired, giving us a glimpse of someone, as well as a symbol of some sort. Is this Aleister Black? Stay tuned…

Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton Face-Off

Wade Barrett was in the ring to moderate this face-off between challenger Flair and Women’s Champion Stratton.

Flair responded to the fans booing her by saying it was “power” before Barrett asked her why she chose Stratton as her WrestleMania opponent. Flair maintained her claim that Stratton was desperate and that her choice was to show the “smartest fans in the world” that there was no comparison.

Stratton said Flair’s biggest battle wasn’t in the ring, but with the crowd, and it was a battle that Flair would never win. She said that no matter how many titles Flair wins, she’d always come second to her dad Ric Flair, and at WrestleMania, she’d come second to Tiffany Stratton.

The crowd booed Flair loudly, which prompted Stratton to respond by throwing back “it’s power” to her face. Flair tried to talk, but couldn’t get in a complete sentence as the Chicago crowd continued to jeer loudly. Stratton mocked Flair for not being able to say anything, with the fans continuing to boo her. Flair conceded and said that Stratton could have the last word.

Stratton said that at age 25, Flair was failing to get into volleyball and “drinking in daddy’s basement”, while at this age, she was heading into WrestleMania as the World Champion. Stratton said that outside the ring, Flair was the Queen of Shit. Stratton capped off her promo by stating that at WrestleMania, Flair would end up alone, just like outside the ring, as she brought up Flair’s previous failed relationships (“0 for 3”). Stratton walked off and headed up the ramp with her WWE Women’s Title held high above her head.

For better or worse, that segment was memorable. That being said, I wasn’t a fan of it at all. The Stratton vs. Flair WrestleMania feud has felt kind of weak, and I’m not sure if Stratton throwing out zingers about Flair’s failed relationships is the way to heat things up.

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– Nick Aldis was backstage and announced a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet would happen next week on SmackDown, with the winners going on to face Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Titles at WrestleMania.

WWE Tag Team Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) def. #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)

Sabin & Gargano started things off in the ring with chain wrestling. Sabin got the upper hand with arm drags as Ciampa tagged in. Shelley entered the match and hit a nice double team move on Ciampa with Sabin’s help. The Machine Guns’ took advantage as they teed off on both Ciampa & Gargano. As a chase took place at ringside, Gargano got the blind tag and hit Shelley with a slingshot spear, which led to a picture-in-picture break.

We returned to live action with Sabin naling a double crossbody on #DIY as he held his own impressively. Shelley re-entered the fray while Sabin hit a suicide dive on Gargano & Ciampa. The MCMGs had Ciampa isolated and hit him with their array of double team moves for a near-fall. As Ciampa had the referee distracted, Gargano caused Sabin to drop down, which allowed for the top rope turnbuckle to be exposed.

Back in the ring, Ciampa got the near fall on Project Ciampa, as #DIY went to work on Sabin. Shelley made the save and got thrown out for his troubles. Ciampa and Gargano had Sabin in their sights for Meet in the Middle, but Sabin avoided calamity.

Another Skull & Bones attempt is foiled by Gargano as Ciampa tried to use a leverage pin to take advantage, but the referee caught Ciampa in the act. In the end, Sabin sent Ciampa into the exposed turnbuckle, which led to the roll up and the victory for the Machine Guns. Sabin and Shelley are now the number one contenders to the Street Profits’ WWE Tag Team Titles.

The SmackDown tag division is entertaining ring-wise, yes, but I think the biggest flaw plaguing them is the lack of promo time or anything substantial to get us to care about most of these teams. It was mentioned on commentary that the MCMGs and DIY had some shared history, but it would’ve been better if we got that history laid out in promos or segments. That said, I did enjoy this match regardless.

**********

– The Miz & Carmelo Hayes confronted Pretty Deadly backstage, as they insulted the two for being losers. Elton Prince & Kit Wilson responded by mocking Miz’s role in The Marine movies, as they called him the “Leonardo DiCaprio of tag team wrestling”. They said that Hayes was wasting his time being Miz’s partner, to which Miz replied by citing his past as a nine-time champion.

Naomi def. B-Fab

As Naomi made her entrance, Jade Cargill ambushed her from behind and got in some good shots before security broke it up. Naomi stumbled her way to the ring as the match proper then got underway.

B-Fab held the advantage on Naomi as she was still left shell-shocked by Cargill’s surprise attack. B-Fab hit a nice slam on Naomi that got a count of two. Naomi managed to regain some semblance of control as she dodged a kick from B-Fab and hung her in a tree-of-woe position. Naomi then got the victory with a modified kneeling lungblower on B-Fab.

After the match, Naomi tried to call out Cargill, but was met with a pump kick from the target of her enmity. Cargill tried to hit Naomi with Jaded, but security separated the two. Nick Aldis appeared on stage and announced that Cargill and Naomi would face each other at WrestleMania.

The match itself was what it was, a short affair and meant more to set up the Naomi vs. Jade match at WrestleMania. In that regard, job well done. The match itself should be great and it’s always nice to see a women’s feud culminate at WrestleMania and not revolve around a title.

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– Damian Priest addressed Drew McIntyre and his failures to remain focused on his goals, as he claimed McIntyre repeatedly screwed himself. He called McIntyre a hypocrite and a “junkie” that gets a high from making cheap-ass jokes every week. Priest challenged McIntyre to face him next week in the ring, as he promised to make McIntyre his victim for WrestleMania.

– Kevin Owens was seen walking backstage in casual clothes and a forlorn expression on his face. We’d hear from him coming up next.

Kevin Owens announces injury

Nick Aldis was in the ring and talked about how that this was the part of his job that he didn’t like, and that there was a fine line of being fine and never coming back again. He introduced Kevin Owens as he wanted the fans to hear from the man himself.

Owens entered without his usual pomp and circumstance and took the microphone. He talked about how in the 25 years he’s spent in the ring, he’s gotten to do amazing things and take care of his family as his result. He said that there was a toll that everyone in the locker room had to pay and that it was time for him to pay that toll. Owens said that he’s been wrestling for the past four months with a severe neck injury, to a point that he needs to take time off for surgery.

Owens said that it was an unfortunate timing as he was looking forward to facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Owens sincerely said that he was sorry and that he didn’t know when he’d ever return to the ring.

Randy Orton’s music interrupted as the Viper walked out just as Owens was getting ready to leave. Owens left the ring afterwards. Aldis broke the bad news to Orton that with Owens’ injury, he no longer has a match for WrestleMania. Orton looked devastated as he hit an RKO on Aldis in response to this news.

It’s been reported that Kevin Owens’ neck injury is indeed a legitimate one and obviously, it’s terrible news. We wish KO a speedy recovery and we can’t wait to see him return fully healthy in the future.

**********

Last Man Standing: Jacob Fatu def. Braun Strowman (Winner Faces LA Knight for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania)

These two monsters didn’t waste any time as Fatu went after Strowman outside the ring to start us off. In the ring, Fatu dropped Strowman with a running neckbreaker and looked to head up top. Strowman intercepted and tried for a Running Powerslam. Fatu fought out of it and hit running elbow. He went up top once again and hit consecutive jumping moonsaults on Strowman. The referee began her count as Strowman was forced to roll out from the ring just to stay on his feet, which led to a commercial break.

We returned to the match with Fatu in firm control as Strowman responded with a spinebuster that sent Fatu crashing to the canvas. As Fatu tried to roll himself back up, Strowman pulled out a table from under the ring. Strowman set the table against a corner of the ring. Strowman tried to run towards Fatu, but got sent outside the ring. Fatu charged from inside the ring right into Strowman, which sent him over the commentary table.

Fatu sent Strowman into the ringpost and had him in position for a charge into the barricade. Instead, he was met with a chair to the face courtesy of Strowman. With a full head of speed, Strowman ran all around ringside and barreled right into Fatu for a trainwreck-like crash through the barricade. Both men struggled as they barely got themselves back up on their feet. We then went to yet another break in the action.

Things picked up from the break with Strowman and Fatu fighting in the production area within the crowd. Strowman lifted Fatu and hit a mighty suplex onto a set of tables. Both Fatu and Strowman once again struggled to stand up, but they made it before the count of ten. As both Fatu and Strowman made their way back to ringside, both of them could barely remain standing. Strowman got himself back in the ring, but was right in the line of fire for a Fatu running hip attack through the table set up in the ring. Fatu managed to get himself to a vertical base as Strowman failed to stand up, which brough this Last Man Standing match to an end.

Just a fun little Last Man Standing match between two big men. With the victory, we now get Jacob Fatu versus LA Knight for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania, and it should be a good one. With Fatu getting increasingly over with fans, could this match be the time to give him a title? We’ll soon find out in two weeks.

**********

– We got a recap of Cody Rhodes & John Cena’s confrontation from Raw this past Monday.

– Next Week on SmackDown: Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown; Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match (Winners earn Women’s Tag Title Match at WrestleMania 41); Rey Fenix vs. Berto; Damian Priest & Drew McIntyre Face-to-Face

– Paul Heyman was seen waiting for Roman Reigns in the parking lot, and we’re told that Reigns is arriving at “any minute”. After the break, Reigns arrived in his truck and made his way down to the ring without the usual grandeur.

Paul Heyman’s Favor to CM Punk Revealed

Reigns started things off, as per usual, by asking the Chicago crowd to acknowledge him. He asked his Wise Man if CM Punk was in the building. He asked Heyman if Punk was still asking for the favor, and if he should share a secret with Chicago. Reigns said that Punk wouldn’t be back in WWE if it weren’t for him. He took credit for Punk being in the WrestleMania main event, as he called the Chicago crowd “good people, but not very smart.” Reigns said that Punk may have wrestled everywhere, but he wouldn’t have a sniff at the WrestleMania main event if it weren’t for the Tribal Chief. Reigns then called out Punk so that we could finally hear what the favor was.

Instead of the static of “Cult of Personality”, the cry of “BURN IT DOWN!” from Seth Rollins’ theme played, which brought Rollins himself out to these proceedings. Rollins was his usual trollish self as he made his way into the ring with a mic in his hand. After Rollins did his opening spiel, he said that he wasn’t going to miss this for the world as he might’ve not known what the favor was, but he knew it was going to knock Reigns’ socks off. Rollins said that reality has a history of biting Reigns’ in the ass, bringing up The Heist of the Century from WrestleMania 31 and Cody Rhodes beating Reigns last year at WrestleMania 40.

Rollins said that you cannot underestimate or ignore CM Punk, and the reality is that we now have to live with Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 40 as a result. Rollins noted that he took a break and it gave him perspective on two options: you either get left behind or you adapt and control reality.

Reigns responded by calling Rollins untrustworthy and that he was a man of his word, because he made a promise to CM Punk. Rollins said that there was only thing missing: CM Punk himself. That, of course brought out the Chicago Made Punk himself to complete this trifecta.

With a mic already in his hand, Punk said that this was about friendship, legacy, promises made and promises kept. This was about loyalty. He addressed Heyman and that this goes way back to when he took a chance on Punk when nobody did. Punk brought up the time Heyman left the company and how he mistakenly made it about himself, and he asked what he could do for him. Heyman said at the time that when Punk main evented WrestleMania “force them to deal with us”. Punk said that he was going to force Reigns to leave his comfort zone, as he revealed that the favor was that Paul Heyman would be in Punk’s corner at WrestleMania.

Reigns laughed at the idea of Punk’s favor because Heyman would never turn against Heyman because he loves him and is loyal to his Tribal Chief. Reigns asked Heyman to “let this fool down easy”, to which Heyman apparently refused.

Heyman continued to refuse Reigns’ demand, much to the Tribal Chief’s protestations. Reigns threatened Heyman to tell Punk “no”, but Heyman said “no, my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that. As Heyman was being intimidated by Reigns in the corner, Punk got the jump on Reigns and hit a GTS on him. With Reigns out cold, Punk and Rollins stared one another down briefly, as Rollins made his exit. SmackDown closed out with Punk standing tall.

**********

Well, the favor didn’t turn out to be something like a future title match as many were expecting, but I don’t hate the idea of it being Paul Heyman managing CM Punk, especially since this whole thing was kickstarted by Punk doing Heyman a solid by joining the Bloodline WarGames team. In any case, this triple threat match at WrestleMania should be a good one and the intrigue of Heyman cornering Punk should make things interesting.

WWE SmackDown live results: Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Seth Rollins appear

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Roman Reigns will appear on WWE SmackDown for the first time in a long time tonight as he is set to be confronted by Seth Rollins and CM Punk.

Rollins announced the appearance on Raw, which came one week after Reigns got involved in their steel cage match on Raw a week prior to that. It’s expected that WWE will soon announce a triple threat between Reigns, Rollins, and Punk for WrestleMania 41.

Also set for tonight, Jade Cargill will return to in-ring action after a long layoff to face Liv Morgan. The match was set up last week when Morgan taunted Cargill for being attacked by Naomi in an angle that wrote Cargill off TV for months.

Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu will continue their program when they face off one-on-one. Plus, Zelina Vega will take on Piper Niven. Vega made her intentions clear last week when she said she was coming after Chelsea Green’s Women’s United States Championship.

Tonight’s episode will air on same-day tape delay from Bologna, Italy, as it continues WWE’s European tour. Join us for coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as footage of Bologna, Italy was shown. Jade Cargill, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Braun Strowman, CM Punk, Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu walking around previous in the day aired. Randy Orton’s music hit and Orton made his entrance. The crowd was all types of riled up.

The Randy Orton/Kevin Owens segment

A standard opening promo for WWE TV. So much so that there really isn’t much to say about it. We all kind of figured this was where the Orton/Owens story was going, and … well, here we are. I’m kind of surprised there wasn’t another week or two of sneak-attacking, but why delay the inevitable. I get a kick out of Owens doing his fake-sincere bit. He’s such a great actor when it comes to being a bad actor.

The crowd sang along to Orton’s song and then chanted “Randy!” after the song stopped. Before Orton could speak, Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked into the entranceway with a microphone. Owens said he was there to tell Orton that Owens was wrong for attacking Orton and hitting him with a piledriver. Owens said Cody and Sami Zayn deserved everything he did to them, but Orton did not. Owens said his anger made him do something he regretted and Orton should be able to relate to that.

Owens said he’s only human and he proposed a truce with Orton. Owens talked about leaving things in the past and said he pulled Melo out of the ring last week to protect Orton from himself. Owens said Orton didn’t want to go back to the Randy Orton who kicks people in the head. Owens said Orton has changed and grown. Owens said they should look to the future and WrestleMania is in the future. Owens proposed Orton teaming with Owens to become tag team champions. Owens said they should have become tag champions already, but their differences got in the way.

Orton responded by saying he should roll out of the ring and beat Owens’s ass all around the arena. Orton said he had never heard Owens admit he was wrong and said Owens could shove his apology up his ass. Orton said Owens deserves to get kicked in the head hard by Orton. Orton followed that up by saying instead of it being “Fight Owens Fight,” it should be “Bitch Owens Bitch.” Orton said he’s glad Owens dropped him on his head because now he hears voices in his head and at Mania, Orton said he will kick Owens’s head clean off his shoulder. Orton’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

Damian Priest & Jimmy Uso defeated Drew McIntyre & Shinsuske Nakamura [7:44]

This felt oddly short. Maybe it had to do with the commercial break in the middle of it, but these are four of the show’s biggest consistent names (yes, Punk, Roman and Seth are all up later, but these four guys show up on the blue brand each week), so I expected the match to go at least 10 minutes. Alas, it was not to be, and perhaps the whole thing was better off for it. I like Drew getting the best of Priest after the match without Priest really even having a hope spot. I also liked the pre-match brawl if only because that was the only real thing that helped heat up the Priest/McIntyre program as those two march to WrestleMania. In all, though, this was a pretty nothing-happening match.

As McIntyre made his entrance, Priest left the ring and attacked McIntyre in the aisle. Nakamura followed and eventually, hit a splash on all three guys on the outside. The match officially started with Jimmy and Drew and Jimmy getting the best of Drew. Before long, McIntyre came back with a belly-to-belly suplex and the crowd seemed to really be behind Drew, who slowed things down significantly. Nakamura tagged in and tripped Jimmy, throwing him into the commentary table on the outside. Nakamura followed that up with a kick to Big Jim’s head. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Big Jim hit a Samoan Drop on McIntyre and McIntyre tagged in Nakamura. Jimmy continued firing up and kicked Nakamura before getting the hot tag to Priest, who came in and ran Nakamura through the gauntlet. Priest hit his version of Old School on Nakamura, but then ran into a series of kicks from Nakamura. Priest clotheslined Nakamura, but McIntyre broke up a pin attempt. Things broke down and Jimmy kicked McIntyre outside the ring. Nakamura kicked Jimmy and Priest immediately landed South Of Heaven on Nakamura to get the win.

After the match, McIntyre attacked Priest and yelled at him. McIntyre ultimately hit a Claymore Kick on Priest.

**********

– Braun Strowman was shown backstage and LA Knight walked up and said he’d keep his eye out for Strowman in his match later. Strowman said Nick Aldis told him earlier in the day that the winner of Strowman’s match with Fatu later will face Knight for the U.S. title.

– A video recapping the Charlotte/Tiffy program developments from last week aired.

The Tiffany Stratton/Charlotte split-screen interview

WWE does not do these split-screen interviews well and it always feels like the wrestlers struggle to make any of it compelling. At best, you get some heated exchanges that kind of/sort of feel real; at worst, you get two people who feel like they are reading off a teleprompter. Charlotte did her best to shed that assumption by constantly interrupting Stratton, but all it seemed to do was shake Stratton and make Charlotte appear even more annoying than her character probably wanted to be (go-away heat, as the pros say). Two steps forward, one step back for this program. Last week’s brawl between these two was fantastic; this third-rate CNN Crossfire debate was not.

Tessitore conducted the interview and Tiffany started talking, but Charlotte interrupted her, saying the queen speaks first. Charlotte said she always brings out the best in people and that’s why last week was the first time Tiffy looked like a star. Charlotte said she felt sorry for Stratton because she’s delusional in that she thinks she’s on Charlotte’s level. Charlotte said Tiffy can’t compare herself with Charlotte. Stratton said Charlotte used to be one of Stratton’s biggest supporters, but now, Stratton sees the real Charlotte.

Charlotte mocked Stratton saying she almost shed a tear for Tiffy. Charlotte said she’s the only woman in the locker room who will tell Stratton the truth. Stratton said all Charlotte does is find the hottest thing and throw water on it. Charlotte interrupted her and Stratton repeated herself. Stratton said Charlotte is struggling to keep up with the fans that don’t want to take Charlotte back. Stratton said at Mania, she will prove the WWE Universe doesn’t bow to Charlotte anymore and instead, they run on Tiffy Time. That, thankfully, wrapped the interview.

**********

Braun Strowman defeated Jacob Fatu via DQ [9:15]

This probably went longer than it needed to and a finish like that didn’t do the thing any favors. I really hope this isn’t setting up a triple threat between Knight, Fatu and Strowman for the U.S. title at Mania. What’s wrong with a really good one-on-one title fight? WWE seems allergic to that approach anymore. But I digress. The long road towards the Fatu/Sikoa break up seemed to take an accelerated step here and I’m thankful for that. What are the odds those two are still on the same team by the time Mania rolls around?

Strowman backed Fatu into a corner and went for a splash, but Fatu moved and took control. Fatu ran at Strowman and Strowman shoulder-blocked Fatu to the ground. Strowman then ran into a big boot and a back body-drop from Strowman, who followed that up with a clothesline over the top. Strowman rolled Fatu back into the ring and kicked him in the head. The crowd started singing and Strowman conducted the crowd, which was kind of fun. Strowman hit a splash on Fatu and Fatu rolled to the outside. Strowman set up for the Strowman Express, but Fatu threw Strowman into the announce desk. Fatu then hit a leaping clothesline from the apron. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Fatu had control back inside the ring, complete with a super-kick, a Samoan Drop and a Senton for a two-count. Fatu hit a hip attack and a splash in a corner. Fatu set up for another splash, but Strowman followed him and countered. The match then reset. Strowman landed a series of strikes and clotheslines. Fatu slid out of the ring and Strowman hit the Strowman Express on the outside. Strowman rolled Fatu back into the ring and landed a spinebuster.

Tama Tonga showed up and Strowman took care of him, but Solo Sikoa followed and hit a Samoan Spike on Strowman for the DQ finish. After the match, Sikoa and Tonga worked over Strowman and Fatu looked unhappy with his family. Strowman popped up for a second, but Fatu slowed him down with a back elbow. LA Knight’s music hit and Knight ran to the ring, where he briefly got the best of everyone until he lost the numbers game. Ultimately, Strowman got up and helped Knight take care of everybody. Turns out, it’ll be Knight vs. Strowman for the U.S. title next week.

**********

– Cathy Kelley interviewed Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez backstage. Morgan said she was mad that Cargill allowed everyone to believe Morgan and Raquel attacked her. Morgan said she was impressed with what Naomi did, but Naomi couldn’t finish the job, so Liv will finish it for her.

– Fatu was walking backstage and he trashed the place. He appeared angry that he lost the match. Sikoa said it looked like Fatu was about to lose and Sikoa said they were just trying to help. Fatu said it wasn’t any of Sikoa’s business and Fatu will now take care of his own business.

Piper Niven defeated Zelina Vega [12:53]

This absolutely did not need 13 minutes and it is this week’s Exhibit A when it comes to why these SmackDowns do not need to be three hours long. Especially if Vega wasn’t going to get the win to get her U.S. title shot, there is no reason on earth, no matter the country – Italy, America, England, Antarctica, whatever – that it should take Niven 13 minutes to beat Vega, someone we never see wrestle on TV anymore and who suffers from a pronounced size disadvantage. I’m all for women’s wrestling, and even more so for women to get more time on WWE’s main TV shows (NXT has become THE women’s wrestling show in America and it’s great), but this didn’t make sense. And it wasn’t even really a good match to boot.

Vega slapped Niven and Niven ran Vega into a corner. Niven went for an elbow drop while Vega was on the ground, but Zega moved and ran Niven into a corner. Niven came right back with a series of power moves. Vega went outside and tried to trip Niven from the outside in an awkward spot. Vegan then worked a sleeper hold. Niven shook her off and stomped on Vega. Niven went to the second rope, but Vega pulled Niven off the rope and landed a series of strikes on Niven. Vega jawed at Green and Niven took advantage of that by slamming Vega, who sold back pain as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Niven went for a clothesline, but Vega countered into a roll-up for a quick pin attempt. Niven shook that off and ran Vega into a corner. Niven rag-dolled Vega all around the ring. Niven worked a Million Dollar Dream until Vega managed to get out of it. Niven then headbutted Vega. Niven lifted Vega, but Vega elbowed her way out of it. Niven ran into a boot from Vega, but Niven then lifted Vega, who slipped into a choke/sleeper hold. Niven backed into a corner to break it.

Vegan stretched Niven with an Octopus and then rolled Niven up for a two-count. Vega landed a back elbow and followed it up with a Meteora to the back of Niven’s head. Vega landed a double-knees from the second rope for a near-fall. Vega hit a 619 and got a good near-fall out of it. Green stood on the apron and Vega elbowed Green off the apron. Vega went for another 619 and had to kick Fyre out of the way, which allowed Niven to hit a running splash on Vega for the pinfall victory.

**********

– A recap of the John Cena/Cody Rhodes stuff on Raw aired.

– Jade Cargill was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Cargill said after she’s done with Liv Morgan, her eyes will be on Naomi and what she’s going to do to Morgan is only a preview of what she’ll do to Naomi.

– A spooky teaser aired. Do with that what you may.

Liv Morgan defeated Jade Cargill [10:56]

This was really pretty good and probably the best singles match Cargill has had in WWE (not that she’s had a bunch). Morgan is so good as a bratty heel and Cargill seems inspired these days. That combination made for a match that exceeded my expectations. Cargill still doesn’t seem like she wants to fully buy into being a babyface, but it’s easy to see how hard she’s trying to accept it. I don’t know, friends. She just seemed more comfortable and confident in AEW. No, I’m not your resident tribalistic pro wrestling television reviewer; I’m just someone who sees a great talent appear to have trouble adapting to her surroundings. Perhaps I’m misreading the whole thing, but even if I am, I can’t be alone in that observation? Maybe? Either way, this was good and I’m glad to see Naomi get one up on Cargill at this point because the feud felt lopsided with their first couple interactions since Cargill has been back.

The match started with Morgan running into a big boot from Cargill. Morgan rolled to the outside and Cargill followed her out there. Cargill turned her attention to Raquel and Liv tried to take advantage, but Cargill wouldn’t have it. Cargill threw Liv around and rolled her back into the ring where Liv went for her finisher early. Cargill, again, wouldn’t have it. Cargill hit a fallaway slam and Morgan rolled to the outside as Cargill posed. Morgan and Raquel started to walk towards the back, saying the match was over. Cargill chased them up the entranceway and dragged Morgan back to the ring.

Cargill ran at Morgan, but Morgan moved. It didn’t matter much because Cargill rebounded with a powerbomb for a two-count. Raquel hopped on the apron and distracted Cargill. Morgan took advantage and hit a Backstabber on Cargill. Morgan then threw Cargill into a ring post and Cargill found herself on the outside of the ring. From there, the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Morgan had control, working a choke, but Cargill backed Morgan into a corner to try and work out of it. All of this led to Morgan attempting the Three Amigos – and successfully executing it. Morgan then kicked Cargill in the head and went for her finisher, but Cargill caught Liv and just sort of threw her across the ring in a German Suplex manner. Cargill fired up and hit a spinebuster. Cargill slammed Morgan and got a two-count out of it.

Naomi showed up out of nowhere and hopped on the apron to distract Cargill. Morgan tried to take advantage of it, but Cargill hit a back-breaker. Naomi hopped back on the apron and hit Cargill in the head with a tag title as the ref was distracted by Raquel. Morgan followed up with the ObLIVion and got the win. Naomi then entered the ring and beat the hell out of Cargill. Naomi mocked Cargill’s pose and ran Cargill off the apron and onto the commentary table. Naomi taunted Cargill. Naomi kept mocking Cargill’s poses to end the whole ordeal.

**********

– Drew McIntyre was interviewed by Cathy Kelly as he left the building. McIntyre said he didn’t start stuff with Priest, but he “sure as well end it.” McIntyre said Priest was always there to pick Drew’s bones like a vulture every time Drew was knocked down over the last year. Drew said all he does is tell the truth and nobody can poke holes in his logic. Drew said Priest can find him in London next week. Drew kept walking and ran into Seth Rollins, who smirked, giggled and walked away.

– Footage of The Street Profits winning the tag titles last week aired.

The Street Profits segment

“You deserve it!” chants broke out as the Profits stood in the ring with microphones. Montez Ford spoke first and said for the first time in four years, the Profits were WWE tag champs. Dawkins said it was “about damn time.” Dawkins said for the past four years, a lot of doubt was creeping in. More “You deserve it!” chants broke out. Dawkins said holding the titles now made everything worth it. Ford said for the past four years, he’s known he can always count on his brother. The Profits then did their secret handshake.

Legado Del Fantasma’s music hit and Santos Escobar walked out with Los Garza. Escobar said things in a foreign language that really got the crowd pumped up. Escobar said the Profits finally captured gold and their moment on this night was beautiful. Escobar said the title reign would end abruptly. He said Los Garza were “pissed” and they were ready to take their titles. Pretty Deadly’s music then hit and Wilson and Prince walked out. Wilson reminded everyone how his team earned the ability to call themselves No. 1 contenders. Escobar said Los Garza would not step aside for Pretty Deadly.

Escobar yelled at Pretty Deadly to stay out of it. Ford chimed in and told everyone to settle down. Ford said Pretty Deadly already have a tag title shot, but Los Garza looks like they want to get in a fight tonight. As such, Ford said Los Garza can have their tag title match. Ford and Dawkins did their “We want the smoke” catchphrase, a referee ran to the ring and it appears Los Garza vs. The Street Profits will happen after the break.

**********

– A teaser for someone who looks an awful lot like Rey Fenix aired.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated Los Garza (Berto & Angel) to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship [13:11 of TV time]

You know what? Los Garza are really starting to grow on me. They work hard consistently and they seem to mesh with all the teams wrapped up in this SmackDown tag division nonsense in some way or another. This was no exception. It was a good first match as tag champs – even if the notion that Pretty Deadly won their right to get the first tag title shot was essentially thrown away just because. The Profits were over as all get out and I think Ford is onto something with that little pump-arm dance (I have no idea what the technical term for that might be). In all, this was a worthy match on a show where perhaps not all the matches were particularly worthy of what they were given.

The match was joined in progress and Ford had the upper hand on Angel. Berto tagged in and gained control for his team via a couple tough chops. Angel tagged back in and the two hit a pair of double-team moves. Angel did his ripping-his-pants-off gimmick. Berto tagged in and both heels put the boots to Ford. Angel ran at Ford, but Ford moved. Berto tagged in, but it didn’t matter because Dawkins received the hot tag and cleaned house. Dawkins ran the ropes and Escobar pulled down the top rope, so Dawkins flipped over the top. Berto followed that up with a dive through the ropes. Los Garza celebrated as the show went to another commercial break.

The show returned and Angel had control over Dawkins. Berto tagged in and hit a splash on Dawkins before Angel tagged in and kicked Dawkins. Angel lifted Dawkins and tagged in Berto, who completed the Garza Special on Dawkins, but Ford broke up the pin attempt. Dawkins started to fight back and slammed Berto to slow things down. For then received the hot tag. Ford worked over Both Angel and Berto with a series of punches and clotheslines. Ford went to the top, missed a splash attempt, but came back with a spinebuster on Berto for a two-count.

Ford went back to the top, but Angel cut him off. Berto and Angel went to the top, too, and went for a double-team move off the top, but Ford landed on his feet. Berto and Angel looked Shocked. The crowd went nuts. Dawkins reinserted himself into the match and Ford hit a super-plex on Berto for a two-count. Dawkins and Angel tagged in. Dawkins slammed Angel and back-body-dropped Berto over the top, to the outside. Escobar hopped on the apron and Dawkins punched Escobar. Dawkins tagged in Ford and Ford hit a frog splash on Angel for the win.

**********

– A black car pulled up to the arena and Paul Heyman hopped out of it.

– Pretty Deadly ran into #DIY while walking upstairs. Next week, it’ll be Pretty Deadly vs. The Street Profits for the tag titles. Ciampa said next week they will make sure they beat the Profits to become tag champs and in return, Ciampa said, #DIY should get the first shot at Pretty Deadly’s titles. In response, Pretty Deadly said, “No boy!” Motor City Machine Guns showed up and welcomed #DIY to the back of the line and essentially challenged #DIY to a tag match.

– Next week, as previously stated, the Profits will take on Pretty Deadly in London. Braun Strowman will take on LA Knight for the U.S. title. Those were the only two matches advertised for next week. Roman Reigns made his entrance for the final segment alongside Paul Heyman.

The Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins/CM Punk segment

Eh, this does nothing for me. I’d love to say it did, but it just doesn’t. All three guys could be utilized better at WrestleMania and while they’ll try to heat this up in the coming weeks, I can’t buy into the fact that this deserves the attention it’s getting. In some ways, it’s a makeshift program, one thrown together a little late in the Mania Season game, based solely on star power and little else. As for this here tonight, the brawl was fine, but if we’re giving out 25-minute talking segments these days, I would have preferred to see these guys roast each other that way over them all hitting their big moves and periodically pointing at a dumb sign hung in the rafters. We’ll see how it unfolds. For now, I can’t say I’m fully behind this booking decision. Then again … that’s just one person’s opinion. So it goes.

Reigns made his entrance first and the crowd showered him with chants. Reigns soaked them in and there were only 11 minutes left until the top of the hour. Reigns shouted “Bologna” and told the crowd to acknowledge him. The crowd went nuts. Reigns said he loves them and that’s why he wanted to tell everyone what was on his mind. Reigns said CM Punk screwed him at the Royal Rumble and because of that, Reigns screwed Punk on Raw last week. Reigns said Rollins tried to kill Reigns at the Rumble but that was OK because last week at the Garden, Reigns tried to kill Rollins.

Reigns said he came a long way to be there and he’d be there another 15 or 20 minutes and if anyone wanted to confront him, they should let him know. Seth Rollins’s music hit and the crowd went nuts. Out came Rollins and he conducted the crowd as the crowd sang his theme. Rollins told Reigns that he messed up because he doesn’t understand how dangerous CM Punk is and Reigns should have left Rollins finish CM Punk when he had the chance. Rollins said he gets it – it’s never been about him because it’s always been about Rollins and Reigns. Rollins said he and Reigns cannot coexist in the same space at the same time.

Rollins said the story of Roman and Seth has a lot of pages already written and it’s time they write another chapter. Rollins began to take off his jacket and Punk’s music hit. Loud “CM Punk!” chants broke out. Punk made his way to the ring. Reigns looked angry as he stood in the ring. Rollins looked disgusted and turned his back to both guys. Punk winked at Heyman and stared at Rollins and Reigns. Punk picked up a microphone and stood on the top rope. The crowd was really loud.

Punk said Reigns or Rollins has never beaten him without the other one’s help because neither of them can’t. Punk reminded Reigns that in Royal Rumbles, it’s every man for himself, and Punk “saved his family’s ass at War Games.” Punk reminded Heyman that he owes Punk a favor. Punk said Heyman delivered Reigns on a silver platter and Reigns looked confused as he stared at Heyman. Punk attacked Reigns. Rollins hopped in. The three wrestlers brawled. Officials and referees ran out to try and separate everybody. Punk stood on the commentary table and was fired up. Punk pointed at Reigns and Rollins and then the WrestleMania sign. Heyman yelled, “Oh, no!” The brawl then continued. Rollins hit a suicide dive on everyone and pointed at the Mania sign. Reigns bashed everyone with the steel ring steps and pointed at the Mania sign himself. The show went off the air as the brawl continued. It was about three minutes past the top of the hour.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes addresses John Cena’s heel turn

Posted on by Colin McGuire

SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber fallout episode takes place tonight from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Less than a week after John Cena’s shocking heel turn, Cody Rhodes will appear for the first time since rejecting The Rock’s offer to be The Rock’s champion.

Cena laid out Cody last Saturday at the direction of The Rock with help from rap star Travis Scott. Cena won the men’s Elimination Chamber match and is scheduled to challenge Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 for the Undisputed WWE Championship next month.

Both the women’s and men’s United States title will be on the line tonight. Women’s US. Champion Chelsea Green defends her title against Michin in a street fight, while Shinsuke Nakamura will take on LA Knight for the men’s US belt.

Also on tap, Braun Strowman faces off against Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso takes on Drew McIntyre in a rematch from two weeks ago.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********
– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as shots of Philadelphia aired. LA Knight, Nakamura, Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre were all shown walking around backstage and outside the arena until it got to McIntyre, who ran into Damian Priest and McIntyre laid out Priest.

– A video package recapping Elimination Chamber weekend aired.

– Randy Orton’s music hit back inside the arena and Orton made his entrance.

The Randy Orton segment

I’m a fan of them building Orton vs. Owens on the basis on Orton finally connecting with the punt kick on Owens. Owens has been in so many furniture fights over the last months – and we’ve already established the danger of the piledriver – why not take the simple road with this and just return to one of Orton’s most beloved and menacing spots? I also liked the fact that Owens didn’t show up here. Give Orton his reintroduction time; there’s enough space between now and Mania where Owens and Orton can jaw at one another in real time. With Orton’s voices back in his head (THEY TALK TO HIM), it should be a fun build to their presumed Mania showdown.

Orton soaked in a ton of cheers before he started to talk. Orton said a lot of crazy stuff has happened since he’s been gone. Orton mentioned John Cena and the crowd booed loudly. Orton said Cena has always been on the top of their profession and now he’s “just a bottom for The Rock,” and that gives a whole new meaning to the term “Rock Bottom.” I’m not so sure the crowd got it, so Orton fired up and officially welcomed everyone to SmackDown. The crowd cheered.

Orton brought up Kevin Owens and said they have both done vile things to get jobs done. Orton said they always did what they did in the name of business. Orton said he respects Kevin Owens The Wrestler and touted Owens’s journey to WWE. Orton said it’s Kevin Owens The Man who he has a problem with. Orton said never underestimate a jealous man’s ability to destroy another man and he thinks of Owens when he thinks of that cliche.

Orton brought up how Owens tried to ruin Cody’s career because Owens was jealous about the gold around Cody’s waist. Orton noted how Owens tried to drop Sami Zayn on his head at Elimination Chamber because Zayn had become a bigger star than Kevin Owens. Orton said Owens was once his friend, but Owens dropped Orton with a piledriver because Orton was trying to protect his own friend. Orton recalled how Owens main-evented WrestleMania not once, but twice – including his brawl with Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Orton explained how he was told his spinal fusion would be career-ending for him a year and a half ago. Orton said he busted his ass to come back, but once he got back, he wasn’t going to let anyone piss him off … but Kevin Owens pissed Orton off. Orton talked about how he RKO’d Owens at Chamber, but that didn’t satisfy Orton because his voices started talking to Orton again for the first time in a decade. Orton said he wanted to punt kick Owens so hard, his family wouldn’t recognize him. Orton said he will prove that Pat McAfee is only the second-greatest punter in WWE and threw his microphone. Orton’s music hit and that was the end of the segment.

**********

– Footage of Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green in Nick Aldis’s office from earlier today aired. Stratton told Green to shut up and turned her attention to Piper Niven, challenging Niven to a match. Green said Niven couldn’t do that because of Green’s match later. Naturally, Aldis made the match official instead and Stratton’s music hit for the first match of the night.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Piper Niven [7:43]

A fine television match. The outcome was never in doubt, and I’m a little surprised how long it went and how much offense Niven got in, but we got to where we needed to go, complete with the post-match attack from Charlotte. The bigger story is how this highlights how thin the women’s mid-card is on SmackDown. Stratton needed a win against someone to then set up Charlotte’s attack, and instead of giving a new face a chance, they threw Niven, who will most likely be in another segment later on in the show, out there. Nothing against Niven – she’s great! – but this could have been used to elevate someone else. The problem? There really isn’t a someone else to elevate in the SmackDown women’s midcard scene. Maybe that will change after the presumed Draft after Mania.

Niven came to the ring without Green. Niven and Stratton locked up to to begin the match and Niven took Stratton to the mat. Niven went for a running Senton, but Stratton moved and hit a basement dropkick. Stratton followed that up with a springboard splash, but Niven kicked out at two. Niven then caught Stratton and threw Stratton to the outside, where Niven landed a cannonball on Stratton as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Stratton was giving it back to Niven, taking her down and connecting with her gymnastics splash in a corner. Stratton followed that up with a basement dropkick and a two-count. Niven ran at Stratton, but Stratton moved and went to the top. Stratton then connected with a Swanton for a near-fall. Niven came back with a Boss Man Slam and a near-fall of her own. Niven dragged Stratton to a corner and set up for a Vader Bomb, but Stratton moved, hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and that was the end of the match.

As Tiffy was celebrating, Charlotte Flair ran out and chop-blocked Stratton. Charlotte then worked a Figure-Eight as Tiffy screamed in pain. Officials ran out to break it up and Charlotte’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Nick Aldis hosted a segment in his office and the segment was designed to dissect the SmackDown tag team division. Next week, The Street Profits will take on #DIY for the tag titles. Meanwhile, Pretty Deadly, MCMG and Los Garza will compete in a triple threat tonight to determine who gets the next shot at the tag titles after the Profits get their shot. Yeah. I don’t know, either.

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) and Los Garza (Berto & Angel) to become the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship [7:05]

A mild surprise when it comes to the finish, but in the end, none of this really matters. The tag division (on both brands, really) is cold and I understand the “Hey, it’s chaos!” approach to try and heat things up, but it just isn’t working. The truth is, a nuclear bomb needs to fall into the WWE tag division and the whole thing needs reset. It isn’t that I don’t think I’m capable of buying into a serious tag program between any of these teams; it’s just that at this point, so many wins are traded and so little attention is paid to the booking of the division that I could care less about who does what anymore. The MCMG experiment was fun while it lasted, but at this point, even The Dark Profits can’t breathe life into things.

Angel tagged himself in and Angel received a dropkick from Wilson. Angel came back with a dropkcik of his own and then ripped his own pants off. Shelley tagged himself in. Berto did the same. None of it mattered because all six guys ended up brawling from there. Los Garza hit stereo moonsaults on the other wrestlers on the outside and all six guys were down on the outside of the ring as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Shelley fired up, complete with a hot(ish) tag to Sabin, who came and cleaned house. Sabin landed a Tornado DDT on Berto for a two-count. Prince tagged himself in, but things broke down again and Sabin hit his dive to the outside on the other two teams. MCMG lined up for Skull And Bones, but Prince got in a backslide on Sabin and Pretty Deadly stole the win.

**********

– A video package highlighting Jade Cargill’s attack on Naomi at the Chamber aired.

– Members of the Philadelphia 76ers were shown in the front row and boy, they got a storm of boos raining down on them from the live crowd (and rightfully so). Put that on First Take, Stephen A.

The Bianca Belair/Naomi segment

As The SmackDown Turns. Days Of Our SmackDown. The Young And The SmackDown. A tip of the cap to the women, who sold this thing all the way to hell and back, even if the live crowd wasn’t all that kind at times (anyone who shouts “WHAT?” in the year 2025 should be banned from all live wrestling events). WWE people correctly take flak for being bad actors, but I don’t really think Naomi or Bianca were bad actors here. Even if they were reciting lines and they’ve taken “learn how to cry on demand” classes, I think this worked really well. If nothing else, it was leaps and bounds beyond what we usually see from emotionally charged promos on WWE TV. I’m not sure where they go from here because that’s two shows in a row that Cargill just simply appeared and ran through Naomi. But the dynamic between Belair and Cargill should be interesting to watch unfold as the weeks pass, especially considering how it’s WrestleMania season.

Belair made her entrance and was not all smiles. Instead, she was wearing all black and walked to the ring with purpose. The crowd felt a little confused as to how it should react and Belair stood in the ring in silence for a few seconds. Belair said she should feel like she’s on top of the world, but instead, it’s hard to do that when “two of your friends are fighting.” Belair talked about how close she became with Naomi after they formed their tag team. Belair said she doesn’t believe that Naomi would attack Jade Cargill. Belair said she needed answers and asked Naomi to come out and give her some answers. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi walked out in a neck brace.

The crowd booed and Belair asked Naomi, “What in the hell is going on?” Naomi said it’s not what it looks like. Naomi asked Belair who stepped up when Cargill couldn’t compete. Belair told Naomi to stop and asked Naomi if she attacked Cargill. Naomi said “all the outside noise is distraction,” and they need to focus on getting their tag team titles back and Belair getting to WrestleMania. Belair told Naomi to stop talking about everything else and to talk about Jade.

Naomi repeated Cargill’s name and said the truth is the way she sees Cargill, Cargill has been piggybacking off Belair all this time. Naomi said she had been forced to watch someone like Cargill succeed off Belair’s hard work. Naomi said she let Belair and Cargill get their flowers. Naomi got emotional and said she doesn’t give a damn about Cargill because Cargill doesn’t give a damn about Belair. The two talked over each other and started shouting at each other until Belair grabbed Naomi and told her to stop.

Belair said it’s a yes or no. Naomi cried – like, actually cried tears – and said, “I did it.” The announcement drew a huge pop from the live crowd. Naomi said she did it for Belair. Belair cried and yelled at Naomi to not touch her. Belair said it hurt so bad because she loves Naomi. Belair said things between her and Naomi are done and walked out of the ring. Naomi continued to cry and begged Belair not to walk away. Naomi shouted at Belair that she wished she would have pushed Cargill “harder” and “sooner.” Naomi yelled at the crowd that everyone turned on her. Naomi then called Belair an “ungrateful bitch.”

Belair turned around and a car pulled up on the big screen. Jade Cargill stepped out of it and the camera followed her as she marched to the ring. Cargill walked out and stood beside Belair before walking to the ring with purpose. Cargill hopped on the apron and chased Naomi out of the ring. Eventually, Cargill grabbed Naomi and ran Naomi into the announce table. Cargill ran Naomi into a ring post. Cargill hit Jaded on Naomi and stood tall to end the segment.

**********

– Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage and ran into Byron Saxton, who said McIntyre’s attack on Priest earlier in the show was unprovoked. McIntyre noted how Priest stole a pin from Drew at the Chamber and Drew said because of Priest, Drew has nothing to give but violence on the way to WrestleMania.

– Footage of Cody telling Lex Luger he will be inducted into the WWE Fall Of Fame this year aired.

– Saxton interviewed Charlotte backstage. Charlotte said the women’s division has gone soft and every time Charlotte comes back, she has to remind people that there are levels to what they do. B-Fab walked into the frame and Charlotte said no one compares to Charlotte. B-Fab said nobody is interested in bowing down to Charlotte anymore. Charlotte said everyone eventually bows down to the queen. Charlotte challenged B-Fab to a match next week in Spain.

Braun Strowman defeated Solo Sikoa va DQ [6:55]

Strowman and Fatu had a nice WWE-style brawl afterwards … but it was still a WWE-style brawl and it’s hard to see Jacob Fatu in that setting knowing how much harder he’s willing to go. I knew the Philly crowd would side with Fatu (and they pretty much did), because I’ve covered many an MLW tapings in that town, in person, where Fatu absolutely owned the 2300 Arena, so the home-away-from-homecoming was kind of nice to see. As for the match between Sikoa and Strowman … lest we be reminded that Solo Sikoa just main-evented a SummerSlam with the company’s biggest babyface no more than eight months ago. What’s the plan for Sikoa for Mania? Perhaps more apt: Is there a plan for Sikoa for Mania? Hmm.

Sikoa ran into Strowman a couple times, to no avail. Strowman ultimately took Sikoa down and sent him to the outside. Strowman went for his run-around-the-ring spot, but Sikoa ran Strowman into the ring steps and hit a hip attack on Strowman, who was down against the crowd barrier. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Strowman was on the receiving end of a headbutt and an impressive Samoan Drop from Sikoa. From there, Sikoa followed things up with a hip attack in the corner. Sikoa went for another, but he instead ran into a big boot. Strowman followed that up with a cross-body and another boot. Sikoa rolled to the outside, where Strowman successfully hit the Strowman Express. Back inside the ring, Strowman lifted Sikoa, but Sikoa got out of it and ran Strowman into the corner repeatedly. Sikoa ran at Strowman, but Strowman caught him to hit his signature powerslam. It looked like Strowman would win, but Tama Tonga ran in and that was the end of the match.

Strowman attacked Tonga and Jacob Fatu’s music hit. Fatu walked out and Fatu and Strowman engaged in a stare down. Both guys got onto the apron and the crowd went crazy with “Fatu!” chants. Both guys stepped into the ring and started to brawl. Fatu super-kicked Strowman to the outside and went for a dive through the ropes, but kind of/sort of tripped and Strowman threw Fatu over the commentary table. Fatu popped right up and hit a leaping elbow from the commentary table. Fatu threw Strowman into the crowd and the two battled through the crowd. They eventually found their way onto some road cases and Fatu tried to set up a Samoan Drop, but instead, Strowman chokeslammed Fatu through some tables. It wasn’t long until Fatu just simply got up and stumbled his way to the back.

**********

– Saxton interviewed LA Knight backstage. Knight talked about Fatu going through the table and said there will be no distractions for his match later with Nakamura. Knight called Philly the birthplace of the United States and said they are standing in the place that will be the rebirth of his U.S. title reign. Knight said everyone will pledge allegiance to the United States Champion with everybody saying “L.A. Knight. Yeah.”

– Chelsea Green was talking to Piper Niven backstage and Zelina Vega walked into the frame, saying she will challenge whomever wins the women’s U.S. title. Green then made her entrance dressed as Cactus Jack. Niven was behind her, stumbling, selling pain from her earlier match.

Chelsea Green defeated Michin in a Street Fight to retain the United States Championship [10:01]

This was really fun. I don’t quite know why Alba Fyre got to stick around and do this while Isla Dawn had to hit the road, but I kind of like the wrinkle of adding Fyre to the Green/Niven mix (perhaps this was the part Blair Davenport was at one point rumored to take in Green’s faction?). It didn’t feel like it was quite right to take the belt off Green so soon, so the outcome was hardly in doubt, but they had me wondering after Niven and B-Fab brawled to the back. All women worked hard here and I’m a fan of this mid-card title feud, assuming it’s not over now that Green stole another win from Michin. Good stuff from everyone here.

The two jumpstarted the match and Michin broke out a baking sheet early. Michin then emptied her trash can and threw a bunch of weapons into the ring, including a crowbar, a chain, a chair, a kendo stick and the trash can itself. Michin hit a drop-toe-hold onto a chair and posed with chains in her hands. Green came back with a trash can shot, but Michin back-dropped Green onto the chains. Michin then bit Green’s fingers. Michin went under the ring and pulled out a table, but Green stopped her and pushed the table back under the ring. The crowd booed and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Green was selling pain inside the ring. Michin grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed Green. Michin then successfully grabbed a table from under the ring. Niven then attacked Michin and slammed Michin on the commentary table. Green went to the top and Niven held Michin’s head against the trash can. Green then hit a Coast To Coast for a good near fall. B-Fab walked out and picked up a Kendo Stick. B-Fab worked over Niven with said stick. The two ran through the crowd and to the back.

Back in the ring, Michin had her own Kendo Stick and worked Green over with it. Michin threw a trash can at Green and then hit a Cannonball in the corner with said trash can on Green. Michin got a two-count out of it. Michin made a pile of chairs in the middle of the ring. Michin then got the table into the ring. Out of nowhere, Green slammed Michin on the bottom of the table and then set it up properly. All of this ended with Michin giving Green an Eat Defeat, which left Green on the table. It looked like Michin was going to win, but Alba Fyre showed up, gave Michin a Canadian Destroyer onto the pile of chairs and placed Green on Michin. Green got the win. After the match, Fyre presented Green with her U.S. title and saluted Green.

**********
– Backstage, Santos Escobar was shown yelling at Los Garza. Escobar said things have to start changing for Legado Del Fantasma. Escobar said he won’t expect it; he’ll demand it. Andrade walked in and spoke to Berto individually. Andrade told Berto that he deserves better.

The Cody Rhodes segment

Cody showed great fire, but man, that black eye is gnarly. You have to think Travis Scott is going to get a receipt someday. Cody has such a weird body in that when it gets hurt, he almost as a secret power to make his injury look worse than the same injury on anybody else’s body. Case in point: That HIAC torn bicep. I maintain that this program will suffer the more Cena doesn’t come around. There are only so many “Ra! Ra!” promos Cody can cut between now and Mania without having an adversary around to talk about it with, but we’re only a week into the build, so we’ll see. For now, this was a solid follow-up to one of WWE’s biggest moments in recent memory.

Cody was subdued in his entrance and had a massive black eye. He even sat out on the “Whoa!” His music cut and the crowd chanted his name loudly. Cody looked around, took his time, and the crowd eventually launched into “Cena sucks!” chants. Cody asked Philadelphia what they wanted to talk about, but he was forlorn. Cody said it was obvious because what happened on Saturday was the most-watched moment in WWE history. Cody talked about how his daughter asked him what happened to his face. Cody said he lied to his daughter and said he ran into a wall.

Cody said it wasn’t entirely untrue, because he ran into a wall designed by the Final Boss, his associate, Travis Scott, and, of course, John Cena. The crowd booed loudly. Cody said he drove John around for two years, trying to get all the knowledge he could. Cody said he thought Cena was a hero. Cody said one day, he’ll tell his daughter what actually happened: A great man who did great things and said he’d never give up … gave up. Cody apologized for the language he used on Saturday. Cody said if Cena doesn’t owe it to Cody, he owes it to his fans, to know why he did what he did.

Cody said Cena will have a well-crafted retort and Cena will feel bullet-proof and justified, but there is no justification for John Cena. Cody said he was aware he was talking to the whole world, but for those in the room in Philadelphia, Cody wanted to remind everyone that Philly was the one place Dusty was always afraid to perform in. Cody referenced how he finished his story last year at WrestleMania. Loud “Cody!” chants broke out.

Cody said speaking of WreslteMania 40, you could see John Cena celebrate with Cody in the ring after his match. Cody noted how Cena told Cody that “it gets heavier every day” while referencing his title. Cody said he was holding his championship and it’s not heavy enough. Cody said he’s been holding his championship for 300-something days. Cody said Cena is convinced he is the last of his kind, but he is not and at Mania, Cody screamed at John Cena to “come and get some,” and threw the mic down. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– The Miz was talking to Melo backstage and Nick Aldis was around. Miz pitched “Melo Don’t Mizz TV.” Melo said if the Final Boss came to him, he would have done what Cena did and referenced Fortnite. Randy Orton walked into the frame and also talked about Fortnite. Aldis said it looked like Orton is itching to get back into the ring and Aldis made the match for next week: Melo vs. Orton.

Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso [7:17]

I think literally – literally! – half this match was lost to a commercial break. So, there’s that. It was all about Drew getting the win back that he lost a couple weeks ago and then doing everything they can to heat up this McIntyre/Priest program that seems destined for WrestleMania. I’m not sure it’ll get to the temperature they want, but that’s another story for another day. In the meantime, I can’t help but think about this: Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso and the entire Bloodline is essentially MIA these days when it comes to important stories in WWE. That’s kind of wild when you consider the past three or four years and how their story has carried the company. Jimmy goes from accompanying Roman Reigns down the aisle for every single Most Important Match Of The Night on every Important Show for years to losing to Drew McIntyre in a seven-minute TV match that’s lost to commercial time. It’s a cold business.

Jimmy jumpstarted the match and attacked Drew. Jimmy went for a suicide dive on Drew, who was on the outside of the ring, but Jimmy ran into an elbow. McIntyre kicked Jimmy in the gut and rolled to the outside, where he hit a forearm onto Jimmy, who was draped over the apron. McIntyre lifted Jimmy, but Jimmy fought out of it and slammed McIntyre into the commentary table. Jimmy tackled Drew over the table and the show went to a commercial break about 1:45 into the match.

The show returned and Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop on McIntyre for a two-count. Drew went for a high-risk move from the top, but it resulted in a super-kick from Jimmy for a nice near-fall. Drew sold knee pain and Jimmy went to the top for a splash, but Drew moved and ultimately hit a Claymore Kick for the win. Drew teased walking to the back, but turned around and started walking back towards the ring, but Damian Priest showed up and attacked McIntyre outside the ring. Officials ran out and pulled Priest off McIntyre, who said he would kill McIntyre. Priest said every week, he will be coming after McIntyre.

**********

– A Street Profits vignette aired.

– #DIY were interviewed by Saxton backstage. Gargano said the tag division is on fire, and there is a lot of great teams, but the best team in the world is #DIY. Ciampa said all the teams want what #DIY has. Ciampa talked about the Profits’ new attitude and Gargano chimed in saying hope is a dangerous thing and the Profits have hope – but their dream is already dead. Ciampa then did his Moment Of Silence bit, this time for the Profits’ dream of becoming tag champs.

– Next week in Barcelona, #DIY will take on The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Also, Charlotte vs. B-Fab will happen, Melo vs. Randy Orton will go down and Miz TV will feature Cody as Miz’s guest.

LA Knight defeated Shinsuske Nakamura to win the United States Championship [11:09]

I liked the finish a lot more than I thought I would. Having the thought that it was very possible Knight would win his title back tonight, I was hoping for anything but the boilerplate finishes that Knight matches have these days. Instead, I was going back and forth in the last minute, wondering who actually might pull the victory out. Good on both guys for that. The questions remain: Why did Knight drop the title to begin with? Why did Nakamura get this run without ever really defending the belt? What happens to Nakamura, who we barely see anyway, now that he is beltless? Those answers may never come, but for now, this was a good title change with a creative finish. I’m not sure where either guy goes from here, but perhaps something for one (or both) can heat up between now and Mania.

Knight came out with some quick offense, but Nakamura rolled to the outside. Knight followed him and Nakamura kicked Knight in the gut before hitting a running knee. Nakamura then hit a cartwheel elbow on Knight. Nakamura ran at Knight and hit a sliding German Suplex on Knight. Nakamura ran into a boot, which turned into a bulldog from Knight from the second rope. Nakamura rolled to the outside and Knight hit his modified baseball slide/basement dropkick on Nakamura. The show then went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Knight clotheslined Nakamura. Knight followed up with a cutter and a pop-up powerslam. Knight then dropped an elbow for a two-count. The two battled on the top rope, but it resulted in Knight going for his pop-up super-plex. Nakamura countered and worked over Knight with some back elbows and a back suplex from the second rope. That resulted in a two-count for Nakamura. Knight hit Nakamura with a clothesline as Nakamura went for a Kinshasa. Both guys were down to reset the match.

Nakamura kicked Knight in the back of the head and went to the top, and it was here where Knight hit his pop-up super-plex. Knight went to the top and hit his step-up leaping elbow. Knight called for the BFT, but Nakamura pushed Knight away and rolled to the outside. Knight went to the outside and stopped Nakamura from hitting him with a chair and then stoped himself from hitting Nakamura with a chair. Nakamura took advantage of that and hit a back elbow. Back in the ring, Nakamura had a chair, but referee Charles Robinson grabbed the chair and threw it away. Nakamura went for the mist, but accidentally misted Robinson. Knight tried to roll up Nakamura, but there was no ref for Knight. From there Nakamura hit a Scorpio Rising, but the ref was still down.

Nakamura grabbed the chair, but Knight kicked it out of Nakamura’s hands and then landed a BFT on the steel chair. A referee ran down and counted to three for Knight to get the win. Fireworks went off as Knight posed on the second rope with his U.S. title and the show quickly ended.






WWE SmackDown live results: Elimination Chamber go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before he is scheduled to give a response to The Rock, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Toronto.

The Rock told Cody last week that he wants his soul and wants Cody to be his champion. Cody will give Rock his answer at Saturday night’s Elimination Chamber PLE, and tonight we’ll hear Cody’s final remarks before he makes that decision.

A United States title match between Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight was supposed to go down tonight, but there will instead be a mini-tournament to decide a definitive number one contender to Nakamura’s title. Knight vs. Santos Escobar, Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman, and Andrade vs. Solo Sikoa will all happen tonight with the winners advancing to a triple threat later in the show to determine Nakamura’s next challenger.

Trish Stratus is set to make an appearance in advance of teaming with Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax & Candice LeRae at Elimination Chamber.

Finally, Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green will be in action against a mystery opponent.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as scenes from Toronto aired. A video recapping last week’s Rock appearance followed that.

– Cody was shown walking backstage and a couple dudes came up to guide Cody to his new locker room “courtesy of the Final Boss.” Trish Stratus was then introduced and Stratus made her way to the ring.

The Trish Stratus segment

This was fun, and it was nice to see Trish get her flowers in her home country. Stratton continues to come off as weirdly uncomfortable in a babyface role – almost as if she really, really, really doesn’t want to work as a face, but she’s trying because that’s the direction in which they are going … but she’d just rather … well … not. Pairing her with Stratus was a good idea in terms of moving that transition a step forward and throwing them out there on a SmackDown in Toronto couldn’t and didn’t hurt. Green, meanwhile, is straight box office, no matter what she does. Heeling on the crowd with the Matthews jab was perfect. There just aren’t a lot of wrestlers anywhere who can walk out to deafening cheers and get those cheers to become boos in a matter of seconds, but Chelsea never disappoints. Green is one of the best in the world these days, full stop.

“Thank you, Trish!” chants broke out as she stood in the middle of the ring. Stratus appeared to get emotional and the crowd cheered her, complete with another round of “Thank you, Trish!” chants. Stratus thanked Lilian Garcia for introducing her and asked the crowd what year it was considering how she was back, the Rock was back and Garcia was introducing her. Stratus pointed out a little girl in the crowd and said that her dad probably had a poster of Stratus on his wall. The line got some laughs.

Stratus noted how Saturday night will be the first time her kids will see her wrestle live. Stratus said she was beyond excited to be teaming up with Tiffany Stratton and that in mind, Stratus introduced Stratton, who then made her entrance to a loud ovation. Stratton was wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. Stratus set them up to say, “It’s Trishy Time and it’s Tiffy Time!” Stratus and Stratton removed their Maple Leafs jerseys, kissed them and threw them into the crowd. Stratton said they were going to beat Jax and LeRae tomorrow. Chelsea Green’s music then hit and Green walked out.

Green said, “Nobody wants dumb and dumber hogging the air time,” and loud “Chelsea!” chants broke out. Green said she’s the best thing to step in the arena tonight. She also took a shot at Auston Matthews. Green said once she left Canada, everything got better for her because the people are better in America. Stratton said she’s from America, and Green doesn’t represent her as a U.S. title. Stratton challenged Green to a match tonight, but Green said she couldn’t because she had plans. Nick Aldis sent a referee to the ring and the match was set to kick off.

**********

Tiffany Stratton defeated Chelsea Green via DQ [3:12 of TV time]

Not much to this. Just an angle to further the story of tomorrow’s tag match involving Stratus and Stratton. It’s a shame, too, because I would have loved at least five more minutes of Green and Stratton in a straight up singles match. It was not to be on this night. I hope Stratton is OK. Jax and LeRae didn’t catch her during that flip dive to the outside and Stratton came up favoring her arm. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

The match was joined in progress and Stratton quickly gained the upper hand. Stratton landed her gymnastics flip routine splash in a corner and went for a double stomp, but Green moved and came back with a leaping leg drop for a two-count. Stratton came right back with a tough double stomp and set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Piper Niven pulled Green to the outside. Stratton then hit a dive onto NIven and Green on the outside and Stratton landed hard. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae then showed up and attacked Stratus and Stratton to end the match.

Jax set up for her finisher on Tiffy, but Stratus interfered and saved the day. Stratton set up for her moonsault on LeRae, but Jax pulled LeRae out of the ring to safety. Jax and LeRae backed up the entranceway.

**********

– Solo Sikoa was walking backstage and ran into Jacob Fatu, who said what happened last week was an accident. Sikoa said what happened last week made him realize his family needs to make a statement. Sikoa said he wants Fatu to bring home the U.S. title to their family. Sikoa said everything he’s doing is to show Fatu how much he loves Fatu.

– Cody was shown in his fancy locker room and there was fancy food and fancy wine and a bunch of fanciness … including R-Truth, who popped up and said maybe Cody should think about teaming with The Rock. Truth told Cody not to be “shell fish,” and Cody invited Truth to eat more. Truth also asked for Cody to ask Rock for some jelly rolls.

Jacob Fatu defeated Andrade to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [8:21]

This might end up being the best match of the night after all is said and done. Andrade is so good. So, so good, and they really don’t use him all that much, which is wild considering how we now have 83-hour episodes of SmackDown each week. Jacob Fatu, for his part, is Jacob Fatu, and boy, these live crowds continue to shower him with more love each week. You have to wonder if that type of crowd support will alter WWE’s plans for him as a heel. Either way, this match had a ton of energy, some really tough-hitting spots and an outcome that might have felt predictable, but never suffered because of it. Really good work from both guys.

Loud “Fatu!” cheers came from the crowd to begin the match. Fatu shoulder-blocked Andrade to the canvas. Fatu went for a splash, but Andrade moved and eventually went to the top, where he connected with a cross-body. The action spilled to the outside and Andrade hit a moonsault onto Fatu as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Fatu was the victim of a poison-rana to reset the match as both guys were down. They got to their feet and Andrade hit a series of clotheslines and a flying forearm. Andrade set up for a double-knees, but Fatu threw his body at Andrade and took him out. “Fatu!” chants began. Fatu went for a hip attack, but Andrade moved and kicked Fatu in the head. Andrade finally did connect with the running double-knees. He followed that up with the double moonsault spot for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out.

Andrade set up for his finisher, but Fatu countered and sat on Andrade. Fatu followed that up with a pair of hip attacks and an Impaler DDT. Fatu hit his jump-up moonsault after that and got the win, much to the delight of the live crowd.

**********

– Footage from earlier today aired where the Street Profits spoke with Nick Aldis and the Profits said they won’t stop what they are doing until they get a tag title shot. Legado Del Fantasma showed up and Santos Escobar wanted an apology for falsely accusing them of attacking the Profits. Dawkins said they won’t apologize for anything. Aldis made the Profits vs. Los Garza match for later in the night.

– The Street Profits were making their entrance for their match and Gargano and Ciampa ran out to attack them. Los Garza got in on things and the Profits bounced back and stomped mud holes in #DIY. Pretty Deadly ran out and attacked the Profits. Gargano and Ciampa came back to life and attacked Pretty Deadly. Motor City Machine Guns ran out and they worked over Gargano and Ciampa. MCMG and the Profits faced off in the ring, but Los Garza and Pretty Deadly cut both teams off and it was bedlam. Eventually, MCMG and the Profits got their hands on each other, but only briefly. WWE officials weirdly stood around, not doing much to intervene for a very long time … until they did. Even so, various brawls continued to break out until the show cut to Drew McIntyre walking backstage. Drew ran into Cody and said he doesn’t know what he’d do if he was in Cody’s position regarding the Rock. Drew told Cody that Rock will find out that Cody actually sold his soul a long time ago. Drew then walked away.

– A John Cena Elimination Chamber vignette aired. Drew McIntyre interrupted the vignette while walking through the live crowd. McIntyre made his way to the ring and called Cena a hypocrite. McIntyre stood on the commentary table and called out everyone for not talking about Cena over the past handful of weeks. McIntyre sat on the table in the way CM Punk sat during his pipe bomb promo.

The Drew McIntyre/Damian Priest/Seth Rollins/CM Punk/Logan Paul segment

You really have to feel for the fans who you know really wanted to see Cena pop up, but I’m a sucker for the “play someone else’s music” heel trick and I got a kick out of it here. It wasn’t as good as Kevin Owens punking everyone out with Stone Cold’s theme, but Paul’s arrival here did pack a punch. This felt needlessly long – not unlike last week’s Cody/Rock talking segment, which landed at the same spot in the show last week. Punk showed good fire, McIntyre did a great job leaning into what he wants people to perceive him as, Priest (kind of) held his own (but came off cooler than some others out there), Rollins still hates Punk and Paul worked an SNL Weekend Update segment with his one-liners that didn’t come nearly as close to landing as I’m sure whoever wrote them thought they would. It wasn’t a bad segment; it just could have actually used Cena to distract from its length and tie a bow on all of it.

McIntyre said Cena only returns for ego trips and he called Cena out for Cena’s bald spot. McIntyre talked about how Cena could politically end a career anytime he wants. McIntyre said he will bury Cena at the Elimination Chamber. McIntyre brought up a Toronto Screw Job and Damian Priest’s music hit. Priest walked into the ring and told McIntyre it was enough and McIntyre was delusional. McIntyre all he does is tell the truth and Priest said R-Truth tells more truth than McIntyre.

Priest talked about how because Drew had a weird obsession with Punk, Drew lost his WWE Championship. Priest called Drew out for looking like Punk in the way he sat and Drew said he drops the pipe bombs now. “CM Punk!” chants broke out. Drew stood up and Priest said he once dropped McIntyre in the arena they were in and he would do it again if Drew just stepped through the ropes. From there, Seth Rollins’s music hit and Seth walked out.

The crowd sang Rollins’s song as Rollins stepped into the ring. Rollins thanked Toronto and said he wanted to join the party as Priest and McIntyre were talking about Elimination Chamber. Rollins called McIntyre’s MITB cash-in the worst of all time and said it won’t be the same Seth Rollins that hobbled into WrestleMania last year. Rollins said nobody stands a chance against him in the Elimination Chamber match. Naturally, CM Punk’s music hit and out, Punk came.

Punk stood at ringside and said, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday in Toronto or what?!” Very loud “CM Punk!” chants broke out. Punk started with Rollins and told him he looked like an oven mitt. Punk said he has no personal issue with Priest, but Priest could be collateral damage in the Chamber. Punk said Drew and Seth are obsessed with him, but Punk is obsessed with having his WrestleMania main event. Punk said Drew doesn’t have a soul to sell while referencing the Rock/Cody stuff. Punk called out how Cena hasn’t shown up for dates on his retirement tour and God bless him for that.

Rollins said Punk will not main event Mania over his dead body. Drew said he owes Seth one and he owes Punk and Priest chimed in saying after the Chamber, all Drew will do is complain on the internet. Seth said all of Punk’s chants will die along with Punk’s Mania dreams. John Cena’s music then hit and instead of Cena, Logan Paul walked out to massive boos. Paul said John Cena doesn’t care about Canada as he stood in the entranceway.

Paul turned said Cena can’t show up because he’s a “classic celebrity wrestler,” which was kind of funny. Paul called out Punk and then went to Rollins, calling him the peacock of WWE. Paul said Rollins was wearing curtains. Paul went to Drew and said he can’t win a championship just like the Toronto Maple Leafs. Paul flat out called Priest irrelevant. Paul went back to Punk and talked about how he slapped Punk on Monday. Punk ran up and chased Paul away to end the segment.

**********

– Footage from the women fighting at the Chamber kickoff show aired to set up a six-woman tag match.

LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [11:14]

I enjoyed the fact that this didn’t end up being the regular LA Knight match, which has really become a thing over the last few months. He kind of plays the hits, does what you expect, and hits the BFT for the win. Here, he took a top-rope Frankensteiner and the BFT came out of nowhere (which, all told, is something I’ve been waiting for, for a long time now. the BFT is so similar to the RKO, I’ve been wondering why they haven’t figured out a way to make the move pop up in a surprising way to end a match and they finally did it here). Escobar needs a shake up. He’s talented, but LDF just hasn’t clicked on the main roster and now that Elektra Lopez is gone, it might be an idea to see how everyone does in a singles setting. He got a lot of offense here, which was good, but he never felt like a threat to win.

Escobar and Knight traded control for the first two minutes. Knight went for his jump-up elbow-drop early, but Escobar moved and eventually found his way to the outside of the ring, where Knight went for his sliding dropkick, but Escobar moved and threw Knight into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back to the show, Escobar chopped Knight inside the ring. Knight came back with a slap of his own. The two traded blows until Escobar kicked Knight’s leg and followed that up with a headbutt. Knight came back with a leaping neck-breaker for a two-count. Escobar ran Knight’s head into the middle turnbuckle and worked on Knight’s arm. Knight fired up and slammed Escobar. Knight followed that up with an elbow and set up for a BFT, but Escobar countered and eventually tripped Knight.

Escobar placed Knight on the top and Escobar hit a Frankensteiner from the top rope for a near-fall. Escobar kicked Knight in the head a couple times and went to the top, and jumped at Knight, but Knight caught him for a BFT and got the win.

**********

The Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens segment

I want to have a lot of fire for this match, but it said a lot that these two sort of took the lazy way out in this go-home promo. To be fair, they both know they’ve already said and done it all with one another, so it will forever be hard to really get people to believe these two actually aren’t BFFs in real life, but this just felt boilerplate. The wrinkle that Owens spoke from the Chamber venue was a fine touch, but it ultimately meant nothing. I have no doubt that they’ll have a great match; there just isn’t much either could say to the other that would move the needle at this point.

Zayn took his time to speak and soaked in some cheers. Zayn said that it’d be an understatement to say he and Kevin Owens has been through a lot together. Zayn said he knows for a fact that Owens is in Toronto tonight and as such, he wanted to invite Owens into the ring to stand in front of all their countrymen and say his final peace. Owens’s voice popped up, but Owens was in the Rogers Centre, where the Chamber will be on Saturday.

Owens said tomorrow night will be the biggest match they have ever had against each other. Owens said he is not the bad guy and everything that happens to Zayn on Saturday will be something Zayn deserves. Owens said after Saturday, when Zayn is stuck to a wheelchair, Zayn needs to know Owens will not help Zayn’s family and Owens will watch Zayn’s family suffer. Zayn said he’s been nervous all week – but not about what might happen to him, but what he’s going to do to Owens. Zayn said he’s nervous that Owens’s parents and wife and kids won’t be able to forgive him after their match. Zayn said if they don’t forgive him, he can live with that because he’s prepared to end Owens. Owens said he’d see Zayn tomorrow night and ended the segment.

**********

– The Miz and Melo were talking backstage and Melo told Miz to stay back for his match. Melo left and Cody walked into the frame. Miz asked Cody what he was going to do. Miz said Rock runs Hollywood. Miz said the audience doesn’t get it because they see Cody as the face of the company, but they both know that there is so much more Cody can accomplish. Miz said the only way Cody can get it is if he takes Rock’s offer. Miz introduced the idea that someone else could take the Rock’s offer if Cody doesn’t.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Braun Strowman via DQ to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [1:28]

Eh. All right, then.

Strowman threw Melo around to start things out. Melo rolled to the outside, where Strowman hit his running shoulder-block and tore off his shirt. Tama Tonga ran to ringside and Solo Sikoa hit Strowman in the back with a chair. Strowman took the chair and hit Sikoa. Strowman then threw Tonga over the commentary table. Back in the ring, Melo had the chair and did the Eddie Guerrero spot, throwing the chair so Strowman would hold it as Melo fell down. The ref called for the bell and DQ’d Strowman. After the match, Strowman powerbombed Tonga in the middle of the ring.

**********

– Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi were shown talking in the locker room. Belair said may the best woman win at the Chamber. The three walked towards the ring for the next match.

Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi [8:53]

I’m a big fan of Perez getting the pin over Bayley. It makes me wonder if the blow-off for Bayley and Perez will be at Stand & Deliver or WreslteMania. Or, maybe, neither. Either way, I’ve really grown to like their program and kudos to Bayley for clearly going out of her way to elevate Perez. The Bliss appearance after the match was fun because I, for once, really was not planning on seeing her tonight, so the surprise made it a worthwhile layer for this viewer. The match itself was lost a little to the commercial break, though that is expected anymore with a lot of these SmackDown bouts (they’ve just become way too formulaic). At the end of the day, good work from everyone involved.

Morgan and Naomi brawled to start things. Naomi dropkicked Morgan in the corner and Morgan rolled to the outside. Ultimately, all six women got into the ring and a fight broke out. Morgan and Naomi were still the legal women and Morgan rolled to the outside and Bayley tagged in to hit a splash on Morgan on the outside. Bayley did the same to Perez on the outside and Rodriguez on the outside. Bayley pointed to the WrestleMania sign and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Rodriguez was working Bayley, who ultimately got the tag to Belair, who flew into the ring from the top and worked over Rodriguez. Belair suplexed Rodriguez and fired the crowd up with a handspring moonsault for a two-count. Naomi tagged in and Belair hit some type of odd back-breaker on Morgan, who ran in. Rodriguez lifted Naomi and slammed Naomi on the top rope. Perez tagged herself in and threw Naomi into a corner, where Naomi kicked Perez in the head.

Bayley tagged in and landed an elbow drop from the top on Perez, but Morgan broke up a pin attempt. Things broke down and Rodriguez and Naomi fought to the outside. Perez and Bayley were alone in the ring and Perez hit Pop Rocks on Bayley for the win. After the match, Perez pointed at the Mania sign and Alex a Bliss popped up out of nowhere to give Perez the Sister Abigail DDT.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Charlotte Flair backstage. Saxton asked about Tiffy’s tag match at Chamber and Charlotte said her team is cute, but once the smoke clears, Tiffy will have a bigger problem to deal with, and that problem will be Charlotte. We got a “Woooo!!!” to end the brief segment.

– A Nakamura vignette aired with subtitles. He said he will humiliate whomever his next challenger ends up being. “The other dogs will see what happens when you bit my hand,” was a line he used. It was menacing.

– Jacob Fatu cut a promo while walking towards the ring and said the U.S. title is coming to him. Fatu yelled “Hit my music!” as he made his way through guerilla. Fatu made his entrance – alone – for the final match of the night.

LA Knight defeated Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu to become the No. 1 contender for the U.S. title [12:23]

Knight winning felt obvious, but the surprise came (to me, at least) in the form of Fatu not coming away the winner and Solo Sikoa not having anything to do with that loss somehow, even if it would have been by mistake. Melo was always going to take the pin – there’s nothing wrong with that – but Knight winning by pulling Fatu out of the ring and Fatu selling that like he was actually hurt after no-selling everything else in the match felt curious. So it goes. This was a fine-enough way to get Knight his U.S. title shot if they weren’t going to do it this week. I know it hasn’t been all that long, but Fatu already feels like he needs a push-through moment, where he gets a big win in one of these situations. Mania, maybe?

Knight hit Fatu into Melo near the beginning of the match. Knight hit a Bulldog on Fatu from the second rope, but Fatu popped right back up. Knight threw Fatu to the outside and slammed Melo. Knight then hit the jump-up elbow on Melo. Fatu got involved again and threw Knight to the outside, where Fatu headbutted Knight and slammed Melo against the apron. Melo fought back against Fatu until Fatu punched the hell out of Melo. Knight reinserted himself into the proceedings and was ultimately thrown into the crowd barrier via Fatu. Fatu then tried to tackle Knight and Melo through the crowd barrier, but they both moved and Fatu went flying. The show went to a commercial break after that.

Back to the action, Fatu had complete control over both Melo and Knight. Fatu threw Melo everywhere and draped Knight across the top rope. Knight ran into a stiff flying elbow from Fatu and Fatu then super-kicked Melo. The crowd cheered him … and then he missed a Senton on Melo, who followed up with a DDT. It didn’t matter because Fatu popped right up and hit a pop-up Samoan Drop on Melo. Knight came at Fatu and hit a neck-breaker for a two-count.

Knight and Melo teamed up on Fatu, but Fatu wasn’t having that. Knight hit a BFT on Fatu, but at the same time, Melo landed a First 48 on Knight for a nice near-fall on Knight. Melo went to the top, but Knight pushed Melo onto Fatu, who was on the outside. All of this resulted in Knight hitting a springboard splash on Fatu into the commentary table. Melo rolled Knight back into the ring and went to the top. Melo hit Nothing But Net on Knight and should have won, but Fatu broke it up late. From there, Fatu hit his moonsault on Melo and was going to win, but Knight pulled Fatu out of the ring and covered Melo to steal the win.

**********

– Cody was walking backstage and ran into CM Punk, who asked Cody what Rock wanting Cody’s soul actually meant. Punk said if he was younger, he would have taken it, but now, he’s happy that offer didn’t come to him. Punk told Cody to take Rock’s offer … shine it up real good, turn it sideways, and shove it up Rock’s ass. Punk then told Cody he will win the Chamber and see Cody in the main event at Mania.

The Cody Rhodes segment

My favorite part of this was WWE constantly promoting how SmackDown would feature Cody’s “final words before Elimination Chamber” or something of the sort … only to have Cody almost literally say nothing during this segment between Michael Cole interrupting him and The Rock sending in a loud video from a tarmac. I’m probably in the minority, but I actually believe that Cody has done a very good job being a Capital-A Actor in these segments, both last week and this week. He does a good “I’m conflicted” face and I’m not so sure he could have done that, say, five years ago. Or, for that matter, at any point in his AEW run. The Rock gets a lot of criticism for being The Rock these days, but you’d be lying if you said you think this whole pop-up angle for Elimination Chamber isn’t making the event more interesting. On to Saturday, I suppose.

Michael Cole stood in the ring and introduced Cody. Cody shook Cole’s hand and hugged him. By the time the talking began, it was 10:53 p.m. EST. Cole said there was a lot to talk about. “Cody!” chants broke out. Cole said Cody will have to make a decision on if he will sell out to The Rock. Cole said the Cody Rhodes he knew would never take the offer and talked about how Cody finished his story last year. Cole said Cody was living up to the legacy of his father. Cody started to talk and Cole said Cody was trying to deflect. Cole said Cody could be the Corporate Champion and Rock could give Cody a seat on the TKO board. Cole said “no more live events in small towns,” and Cody could get rid of his bus and be home with his wife and daughter.

Cole stopped himself from talking and said he was being told there was a special gift for Cody. A Ford truck tricked out in Cody Rhodes insignia drove its way into the entranceway. A video of The Rock in his similar truck aired on the big screen. The Rock, in the video, told Cody he will make the decision of a lifetime. Rock said Cody will do the right thing. Rock told Cody should enjoy his gift because he knows Cody likes driving in the open, dangerous, beautiful and dusty road. Rock said he’s been talking to Cody’s daddy all week and he referenced Sturgill Simpson, which was most definitely not on my BINGO card for anything Rock or WWE ever in the history of ever.

Rock said he and Cody will embrace as brothers and Cody will give Rock his soul at the Chamber. Rock reiterated that all of Cody’s dreams can come true. Rock revealed a weight belt that had “Cody’s Soul” written on it with the date of Dusty’s death written on it as well. Rock said he wants Cody to make Rock embrace him as his champion. Rock said, “I love you brother.” and Rock’s video ended. Cody looked conflicted and the credits ran to end the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

The road to WrestleMania could take a turn with The Rock appearing on tonight’s WWE SmackDown in New Orleans.

The Rock will be on WWE programming for the first time since January. In a social media post, he teased that he’ll have a “big beautiful gift” for the city of New Orleans. Rock also stated that he has someone in his sights, but he did not declare who that might be.

Also tonight, the WWE Tag Team Titles will be on the line when champions DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defend against Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince). Pretty Deadly defeated DIY last week in a non-title match.

A six-man tag team match has been advertised with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teaming with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman to take on Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga.

Plus, after a backstage confrontation last week, Drew McIntyre will go one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone to the show as a skyline shot of New Orleans aired. From there, Tiffany Stratton was shown walking around the arena. Ditto for Naomi, Bianca Belair and Cody Rhodes, who ran into Nick Aldis, who told Cody that he was removing Cody from the six-man tag later. Cody wasn’t happy about that, but Aldis told Cody it came from the Final Boss, who wanted to see Cody later in the ring. Drew McIntyre then made his entrance for the first match. Jimmy Uso, meanwhile, cut a promo while walking backstage towards the ring for the first match.

Jimmy Uso defeated Drew McIntyre [11:17]

I’m a fan of starting the show with a wrestling match, especially in WWE because so often, we get a long promo from one of the program’s main stories and it becomes grating after a while. This was a good match to open the show with, especially considering the upset win Jimmy pulled out. McIntyre acting a little too comfortable and cocky before and throughout the match kind of tipped off the finish, but it still packed a punch when Jimmy finally got the 1-2-3. As for Sikoa and Fatu teaming later in the main event … you have to wonder if this is part of a pivot because of The Rock’s return, if this was always the plan Rock or no Rock, or if they are stalling because the creative minds are scrambling to rewrite their plans. Chaos in pro wrestling both in front of and behind the scenes is just the best.

McIntyre teased Yeeting to start the match and then mimicked flipping Jimmy off. As a result, Jimmy fired up and had the upper hand early. Jimmy’s momentum ended when McIntyre caught Jimmy and hit a pair of belly-to-belly suplexes. The action spilled outside, where McIntyre threw Jimmy into the crowd barrier. Back inside the ring, Drew yelled “No Mania for you,” and promptly received an enziguri, who knocked McIntyre back outside, where Jimmy hit a dive. Drew came back and hit an Alabama Slam on Jimmy into the ring steps. McIntyre posed on the commentary desk as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and McIntyre was working on Jimmy with a series of punches on the second rope. Jimmy worked his way out and connected with a splash from the top to reset the match. Jimmy followed up with a Samoan Drop and a two-count. Jimmy set up for a super-kick, but McIntyre cut him off with a flying headbutt and a spinebuster for a two-count. McIntyre set up for a Future Shock DDT, but Jimmy countered and eventually threw McIntyre onto the apron. McIntyre went to the top, but jumped into a super-kick. Jimmy followed that up with a spear, which led to a near-fall.

Jimmy went to the top for a splash, but Drew countered and set up for a Claymore, but Drew ran into a super-kick. McIntyre jawed at Jimmy and tried another Alabama Slam, but Jimmy rolled through and rolled McIntyre up for the win. Right after the match, McIntyre attacked Jimmy inside the ring and jawed at Jimmy. Drew set Jimmy’s head against the ring post and was going to kick him, but officials ran out to pull Drew away. Drew eventually got away from the officials, ran back into the ring and Claymore’d Jimmy.

**********

– Footage from last week’s main event aired. A vehicle was shown pulling up outside the building and Solo Sikoa exited said vehicle. Sikoa ran into Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. Sikoa said what happened to Tonga last week was an accident. Fatu said if it wasn’t an accident, Sikoa wouldn’t be standing there right now. Sikoa said he’d be in Fatu and Tonga’s corner later and Fatu corrected him and said it will be Sikoa and Fatu teaming in the main event.

– A video package highlighting the Elimination Chamber participants aired.

– Footage from earlier aired and it featured Carmelo Hayes running into R-Truth. Truth said they have a tag match later tonight. The Miz was revealed as the person who made the match. Turns out, it will be Miz & Melo (Miz kept saying “Melo don’t Mizz” in an attempt to sell Melo on all this) vs. Truth and a mystery partner.

– A Zelina Vega vignette aired. It looks like she’s getting a reboot.

– R-Truth made his entrance and said his partner is a local legend. Truth then introduced LA Knight as Louisiana Knight. Knight walked out and looked confused. Truth then gave Knight some beads and a Po’boy. Knight ate the sandwich and gave away the beads on his way to the ring.

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes defeated LA Knight and R-Truth [10:03]

This was kind of fun for what it was. I still can’t get past not figuring out who the hell LA Knight angered to get to where he is on the card some weeks. If he doesn’t end up regaining that U.S. title, my guess is we’ll see him in the Impact Zone by Memorial Day. Truth’s schtick can be entertaining; I find it more of a “Am I in the mood to laugh at this right now” situation each time he appears, but I understand the appeal to the masses. Melo and Miz, meanwhile, might actually have something as partners in a situation where one is really into it and the other kind of/sort of isn’t … until he actually is. Will that happen with Melo? We’ll have to see.

The crowd chanted Knight’s name as Melo and Truth started the match. Truth hip-tossed Melo and counted to two … even though nobody had Melo covered, which earned a laugh from the live crowd. Knight tagged in briefly before Truth came back into the fold. Melo and Truth ran into each other and Truth tagged Miz, who was not his partner, into the match. Melo then sent Truth to the outside. The show then went to a break.

The show returned and Melo had control, working on Truth. Melo went for a suplex, but Truth countered into a Stunner. Truth then got the hot tag to Knight, who came in and cleaned house. Knight eventually tried something with Miz, but it didn’t quite work and Melo tagged in. Melo went for a First 48 on Knight, but Knight countered and Truth tagged himself in. Truth then did his Cena spots on Melo, which fired the live crowd up. Truth worked and STFU on Melo, but Miz broke it up. Knight took care of Miz and they fought to the outside, where Nakamura appeared and attacked Knight. Inside the ring Miz tagged in and Melo and Miz hit a First 48/Skull-Crushing Finale combo at the same time on Truth for the win.

**********
– A Charlotte Flair vignette aired, and that was two women’s vignettes in the first hour of the show, so someone in the back must have read those reports regarding some of the women in WWE earlier this week.

– Tiffany Stratton stood in the ring after making her entrance. She had a microphone. “Tiffy Time!” chants began. Tiffany said everybody has been obsessed with her since she won the WWE Women’s Title. Tiffy said at the Chamber, she will make the Unstoppable Force come to a Definitive End. Tiffy then pivoted to Charlotte and said talked about the angle with her last week. Tiffy said nobody loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair does. Tiffy said she’s coming for Charlotte’s spot as the “top girl in the WWE.” Nia Jax’s music hit and Jax walked out with a microphone, Candice LeRae by her side. Jax said it was cute to think Tiffy could have beat Jax last week. Jax said Tiffy won’t even see WrestleMania because Jax will be coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy told Nia to give it up because the title isn’t her’s. Jax and LeRae stepped into the ring and said they’d both take Tiffy out now. A referee popped into the ring and didn’t let that happen. The show then went to a commercial break.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Candice LeRae [9:57 of TV time]

LeRae got a ton of shine here, but it didn’t feel like it because of the long break in the middle of the match along with the mere presence of Charlotte. Speaking of that, something felt off with Charlotte. Maybe it was how unnatural it felt to hear Wade Barrett asking Charlotte questions while Tessitore seemed to want no part of it. Maybe it was because Charlotte sounded more annoyed than usual and didn’t care to say much when she was asked to say anything at all. I don’t know. Either way, her presence didn’t fit. The match itself was fine, but Tiffy still doesn’t fully commit to being a babyface, and that hurts her more each week. Crowds want to love her, but the crowds feel like they are becoming less vocal each time she appears and I think she’s complicit in that. Maybe tagging alongside Trish Stratus at the Chamber will help all of this.

The match was joined in progress and LeRae had control. Tiffy quickly fired up and dropkicked LeRae. Charlotte Flair’s music then hit and Charlotte walked out in the middle of the match. LeRae took control of Tiffy losing her focus and went to work on Tiffy’s neck. Charlotte put on a headset and joined the commentary team. Charlotte told the commentary team she is the top woman in WWE. Inside the ring, LeRae kept control until she was the victim of a dropkick. LeRae went to the outside and Tiffy went to the top to attempt a moonsault on both Jax and LeRae, but she almost entirely missed, despite the heels selling contact. Tiffy smiled, got up, and yelled “Tiffy Time!” Tiffy returned to the ring and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Tiffy hit a series of clotheslines on LeRae. Tiffy followed that up with a spinebuster, which was good enough for a two-count. The two battled on the top until Tiffy knocked LeRae off and went for a Swanton, but LeRae moved and rolled Tiffy up for a near-fall. Stratton rebounded quickly and set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Jax pulled Stratton to the outside. Stratton took out Jax and LeRae and looked at Charlotte while pointing at the Mania sign. Back in the ring, Tiffy connected with the PMS for the win. After the match, Jax immediately attacked Tiffy. Trish Stratus’s music hit and Trish ran out for the save, taking care of Jax and LeRae … until the heels fought back. Ultimately, Jax hit her finisher on Stratus and Tiffy while Charlotte looked on from commentary.

Everybody but Tiffy left the ring and Charlotte walked into it. Charlotte then stood over Tiffy and pointed at the Mania sign.

**********

– Cody ran into Damian Priest backstage and Priest asked Cody why The Rock was there. Cody said he didn’t know, but he was sure it’d be interesting. Priest said after Chamber, he will be coming for Cody’s title. Cody said he wouldn’t have it any other way. Braun Strowman walked in after Cody walked out. Strowman said if it wasn’t for Solo Sikoa, the Chamber would look a lot different. They joked for a second and Priest asked Strowman if they would handle business later. Strowman said they would because it’s the only thing he cares about.

– A vignette highlighting the women’s Chamber participants aired.

– Naomi and Bianca Belair were interviewed in the back by Byron Saxton. Naomi said she knows Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were the ones responsible for attacking Jade Cargill. Belair said they are going to get revenge on Liv and Raquel and move on to Chamber next weekend. Naomi said Liv, especially, will feel it later tonight.

– An Alexa Bliss vignette aired. Bliss felt kind of like a heel in it and said she’s going to turn the Chamber into a playground of her own.

– Naomi made her entrance alongside Belair, but Liv and Raquel attacked them before a match could start. Liv hit Oblivion on Naomi and the heels then left. As such, the match between Morgan and Naomi was called off. Thanks, Rock.

– Speaking of Dwayne, a truck pulled up outside the arena. Tessitore said the Final Boss was up next.

– Aldis was talking to Liv and Raquel backstage and told them to get the hell out of the building. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven then walked in and Green said she and Niven were ready to take Belair and Naomi’s places in the Chamber. Aldis said Naomi and Belair will still be in the Chamber and Green pouted. Aldis said Green will have an opponent not at the Chamber, but at SmackDown next week.

The Rock segment

This was sort of interesting, even if the ambiguity of it all turned me away from it on some level. Rock wants a brother, a champion. Cody put on his best “I’m shook” face in response to Rock’s proposition. In a lot of ways, I’m ready to say to hell with it all, pull the trigger on a Cody heel turn and let’s see him and Rock run through all of WWE until next year’s WrestleMania. That’s probably not going to happen, but it sure would be a lot of fun. With Rock turning up at next weekend’s Chamber, one has to think that he’s going to be around a little more often now, right? Or, if not, and Cody turns and works as a heel against a presumed John Cena at Mania, perhaps … ahh, there’s no use in fantasy booking. Anyway, the segment was good and packed a lot of punch. I’m awfully intrigued to see what happens next and that was obviously the point.

The Rock made his entrance. Once he got to the ring, loud “Rocky!” chants broke out. Someone threw a microphone at Rock from outside the ring and he caught it. He teased talking, but his music kept playing and more “Rocky!” chants rose up. Rock asked the crowd if they felt it and everyone yelled. Rock said he was going to drop some … whatever it was, the language was blanked out, and the crowd cheered. The Rock did his “Finally …” schtick. The crowd loved it. Rock then added, “And finally, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans.” Everyone responded accordingly. Pyro went off and next year’s Mania graphic appeared on the video screens. The event will happen on April 11 and April 12. “Holy sh@#” chants broke out.

The Rock started to sing “When The Saints Go Marching In,” and Ricky … no I’m kidding. Rock told the crowd to shut up so he could sing and Rock sang the rest of the refrain with the crowd and then called the crowd “STD-havin trailer-park trash.” Oh, Dwayne, it’s so fun to have you back. Everyone turned on him quickly and the boos started. The Rock then said he was also there to call somebody out – someone who he respects and admires: Cody Rhodes. Cody’s music hit and the champ made his entrance.

The two embraced in the middle of the ring while Cody’s music was still playing and Rock kissed Cody. The crowd was hot for Cody. Rock said, “They love you, man,” and Cody turned to the crowd to say, “I love you, too.” Cody was extra smile-y. Rock said since last year’s Mania, the two have become good friends. Rock referenced the first Raw on Netflix. Rock thanked Cody again for being an incredible champion. Rock noted how they drank some tequila together at that Raw. Rock said their moms have become good friends and Rock showed a picture of Mama Rhodes and Mama Rock together at last year’s Mania.

Rock said he called Cody out to tell him he’s been a great champion, but the Rock is on the board of TKO and TKO owns WWE. Rock reminded everyone he is the director of the Board of TKO. Rock talked about how he’s the most powerful man in WWE. Rock said Cody is a great champion, but he wants Cody to be something more than a great champion; he wants Cody to be Rock’s champion. Cody said he didn’t expect they’d be friends, but he was wondering about what Rock meant because he’s not Rock’s champion; he’s “their” champion, and turned toward the crowd. The crowd chanted Cody’s name.

Rock said he was talking about something “bigger than just this.” Rock said he knows Cody’s No. 1 goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to as many people around the world. Rock rattled off Cody’s social media statistics and said The Rock has half a billion social followers. Rock said if Cody becomes Rock’s champion, Rock can open up possibilities for Cody that he never knew existed. Rock said if he becomes Rock’s champion, he could make all Cody’s dreams come true. Rock said he could make his baby’s dreams come true – he just needs Cody to be his champion.

Rock said he’s a lucky man and he has it all. Rock told a crowd member to shut their mouth and everyone popped. Rock said the one thing he’s always wanted that he’s never had is a brother. The crowd booed. Rock said that’s what Cody could be. Rock said last year, Rock’s goal was to face Roman Reigns for the WWE title, but when he came back, he tried to demand a match with Roman and Cody “f@#” it up (I think that’s what Rock said; the audio was cut). Rock said Cody slapped him and that’s why Cody is special. These are the reasons Rock said Cody should be Rock’s champion. Rock said Cody could think about it and talk to his wife about it. Rock said he’d meet Cody at Elimination Chamber and he wants Cody’s answer at that event next weekend.

Rock thanked the crowd for being “hot ass.” Rock said the one thing he wants more than anything in the world is “that,” and he pointed at the title. Cody asked Rock if all he wanted was the title. Rock said that wasn’t the title; instead, the Rock wants Cody’s soul. “Sell your soul!” chants broke out. Rock said he’d see Cody at the Chamber on March 1 in Toronto and threw the microphone out of the ring. Rock stepped out of the ring to boos and Cody looked confused inside the ring. Rock turned back after walking away and took his glasses off. Rock grinned as he walked to the back. Cody looked distraught in the ring and the segment ended.

**********

– #DIY made their entrance and had microphones with them. Ciampa said tonight has been electrifying, but he wants everyone to be somber for a second. Two weeks ago, he said, Pretty Deadly embarrassed them and tonight, #DIY will return that favor tonight. Ciampa asked everyone to rise to their feet and remove their baseball caps and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly. The crowd booed and Ciampa shook his head. Pretty Deadly’s music then hit and out, they came for the tag title match. Pretty Deadly attacked #DIY and their music kept playing. Pretty Deadly posed underneath the big disco ball and the match weirdly started soon thereafter.

#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles via DQ [6:16]

I don’t know why, but I keep forgetting that the Street Profits are back and out there, ready to wreak havoc on everybody. Because of that, I’m constantly surprised and impressed whenever they reappear to take everyone out. This feels like it’s going to be one, big, get-everyone-on-the-card tag title match at Mania featuring, literally, all of the tag teams on SmackDown, but maybe it’ll be turn out all right. As for this match, there isn’t much to say because it never had a chance to find a groove. Pretty Deadly have been showing good fire, though, and that pre-match bit about everyone bowing their heads that Ciampa has worked in seems to be gaining traction. There is something to be said for that.

#DIY took immediate control and Gargano super-kicked the hell out of Prince on the floor. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Gargano was working over Prince in the middle of the ring and eventually tagged in Ciampa. Prince fired up a little and Prince and Ciampa hit a cross-body on each other, resetting the match. Wilson and Gargano tagged in and Wilson took care of Gargano and Ciampa. Wilson clotheslined both Ciampa and Gargano and tagged in Prince.

Things broke down and Wilson landed a Codebreaker on Gargano. Prince went for a pin and got a two-count. Prince hit a wild back suplex on Ciampa and out of nowhere, the Street Profits showed up and took Pretty Deadly out, causing a DQ win for #DIY. Montez Ford hit a high frog splash on Ciampa. Motor City Machine Guns’ music hit and MCMG ran out to help, but the Profits did away with them fairly easily.

**********

– A John Cena vignette aired. It involved old Elimination Chamber footage.

– Footage from Sami Zayn’s promo on Raw aired. From there, the Kevin Owens promo from X earlier today aired. You know the one – it involved Owens speaking from outside Zayn’s house.

– Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu were shown walking through backstage towards the ring and Fatu cut off Sikoa’s promo in favor of his own. Fatu told them to “play his music” and Fatu and Sikoa – alongside Tama Tonga – walked to the ring for the main event.

Braun Strowman & Damian Priest defeated Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu [12:32]

A fine TV main event, but this isn’t going to be what anyone is talking about coming out of this edition of SmackDown. In that way, I feel bad for the wrestlers involved because they worked hard and they are clearly trying to tell a story with Sikoa and Fatu, but it’s just not getting the spotlight they probably thought they’d get, say, four weeks ago. Still, it’s another step towards what has to be a Fatu/Sikoa breakup, which I’m all for because it sure does feel like the fans want to get behind Fatu in a big way, and I’m all for giving him a top tier opportunity. If nothing else, this week proved the following reality: When The Rock decides to come around, SmackDown instantly becomes must-see. When The Rock doesn’t bother, the show moves from an A-to-B grade to a C-to-B grade. Thankfully, he showed up this week to breathe some life into the Blue Brand, if only for a night.

Sikoa and Priest began the match. The two traded blows and Sikoa briefly had the upper hand, but Priest came right back with some strikes and tagged in Strowman, who walked over and had a few staredowns with Fatu. Strowman ran into an elbow from Sikoa and Fatu tagged in. Strowman ran over Fatu and the action spilled outside. Strowman tried his run-around-the-ring thing, but Tonga interrupted him and Fatu capitalized by tackling Strowman into the timekeeper’s area. The show then went to its final commercial break.

Back to the action, Fatu was working over Strowman in the ring. Sikoa tagged in and the crowd booed loudly. Sikoa hit a hip attack on Strowman in a corner. Fatu tagged in and the crowd cheered loudly. Fatu went for a hip attack and hit it. He went for a second one, but Strowman got a boot up. Strowman followed it up with a Spinebuster and got the hot tag to Priest. Sikoa also tagged in.

Priest went to work on Sikoa, complete with a back elbow in a corner. Priest hit a spinning back kick on Fatu. Priest ran into a super-kick from Sikoa, but Priest came back with a kick and a Flatliner for a two-count. Priest took Sikoa’s hand and walked the top rope into a splash, ala Undertaker’s Old School. Priest set Sikoa up for a Razor’s Edge, but Tonga distracted Priest. Fatu interfered and Sikoa hit a Spinning Solo for a nice near-fall. Sikoa set up for a Samoan Spike, but Priest countered and Fatu accidentally super-kicked Sikoa. Strowman took out Fatu and Tonga on the outside. Inside the ring, Priest hit South Of Heaven on Sikoa and got the win. The show ended with Priest looking at the WrestleMania sign.

WWE SmackDown live results: Three Elimination Chamber qualifiers

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Six days after winning their respective Royal Rumbles, Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair will appear on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Memphis, Tennessee.

Uso eliminated John Cena to walk away victorious from the men’s Rumble last weekend while Flair upended Roxanne Perez to win a title shot at WrestleMania.

Both appeared on Monday’s Raw; Charlotte followed that up by popping up on Tuesday’s episode of NXT. Uso is expected to speak with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes tonight while Flair is set to confront WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.

Three Elimination Chamber qualifying matches will also take place tonight. On the men’s side, Drew McIntyre — the newest addition to the SmackDown roster — faces LA Knight and Jimmy Uso in a triple threat.

The two women’s qualifiers for tonight are Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven and Alexa Bliss vs. Candice LeRae. Bliss returned in the women’s Rumble and is now wrestling her first one-on-one match since 2023.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as imagery of Memphis aired. LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Jimmy Uso and Charlotte Flair were shown walking backstage (separately, of course). A video recapping the Royal Rumble then aired. Jey Uso was shown out in the concessions area and made his entrance through the crowd for the first segment.

The Jey Uso segment

Boy, I think Jey’s entrance might take up an entire third hour of this show one day. I enjoyed the exchange between Cody and Jey despite it feeling inevitable that Jey will not choose Cody. Adding Fatu into the mix was logical, but I’d hate to see Fatu get a title shot sometime between now and Mania, only to lose and move his way back down from the top of the card. I admit I’m biased towards him, but keeping him strong for as long as possible is probably best for everyone involved – and not just Fatu himself. Only time will tell how that plays out, but as for tonight … do we have a tag match main event on our hands with Cody taking a pin due to his Rumble injuries?

After Jey’s very prolonged entrance, the crowd chanted “One more time!” and they hit his music one more time so everyone could Yeet again. It was 11 minutes past the hour when Jey actually started talking. Jey said he had a hell of a week and he got a lot of love from his family and fans and everyone in between throughout the week. “You deserve it!” chants broke out. Jey said he was there to pick a champion to main event WrestleMania with. He went to say he wanted to stand face to face with the WWE Champion and welcomed Cody Rhodes to the ring.

Cody made his entrance and hugged Jey in the ring. Cody was kind of/sort of limping, selling pain from his ladder match last weekend. The crowd chanted Cody’s name and Cody asked Memphis and Jey Uso what they wanted to talk about … but not really because Cody said he thought he knew what they wanted to talk about. Jey reminded Cody that he has two choices to make (actually, it’s one, but … you get it).

Cody said his hip is out of alignment and he needs fluid drained from his elbow and doctors told him that this week. Cody noted that his heart is full, though, because Jey won the Royal Rumble. Cody said this is going to be Jey’s WrestleMania and he referenced how he and Jey have had some drinks together in the past. Cody mentioned how they could go party on Beale Street later. Cody got on with it and said he’s going to have to win at WrestleMania, so if Jey chooses Cody, they should have some fun tonight because it’ll be the last time they have fun. Jey and Cody shook hands, but out of nowhere, Jacob Fatu’s music hit. Fatu walked out with Tama Tonga.

Tonga shushed the crowd and mumble into the microphone. Fatu then began talking and said last year, Cody took his title from his family. As of now, Fatu said, his family needs that title back. Fatu said that took him to Jey Uso, “Mr. Yeet Man.” Fatu said if there was anybody to bring back to the title to the family, it sure as hell wouldn’t be Jey. Uso hit Tonga with a super-kick and Fatu hit Jey with a super-kick. Fatu then attacked Cody and all his injuries. Fatu went for a hip attack, but Jey cut Fatu off with a super-kick. Jey and Cody then clotheslined Fatu over the top to end the segment.

**********

– My aforementioned potential tag match main event prognostication was officially announced for later in the night.

Bianca Belair defeated Piper Niven to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [8:04]

The story of the match was predictable but effective in its simplistic way: Belair wanted to get Niven up for the KOD and couldn’t do it for eight minutes until … well … she could. And did. And won. I might be in the minority, but WWE needs to do something to freshen up Belair. We forget it at this point, but she was a damn good heel and we all think she had something to do with that attack on Jade Cargill, right? Maybe pull the trigger on whatever is going to happen with that sooner than later? Anymore, Belair feels like she’s spinning her wheels. But Belair is a star and stars shouldn’t spin their wheels. Bah. OK. Sorry. Rant over.

Belair went for a KOD early, but Niven countered. That didn’t stop Belair from having control early in the match. Eventually, Niven clotheslined Belair with assistance from Belair’s braid. Niven ran at Belair, but Belair moved and Niven stumbled to the outside. With Belair against the LED board, Niven hit a splash on her before landing a Senton. Niven posed as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Belair cross-bodied Niven from the top rope for a near-fall. Belair went for a KOD again, but Niven headbutted her way out of it. Niven followed up with a Boss Man Slam for a two-count. Niven went for a Senton, but Belair moved and Belair speared Niven. With Belair in a corner, Niven came at her with a Cannonball and connected with it. Niven went to the top, but Belair cut her off. Still, Niven slammed Belair again and followed up with a Vader Bomb for a two-count.

Niven ran at Belair, but Belair moved and Niven ran into a ring post. From there, Belair got Niven up for a KOD and this time finally hit it. The move was good enough to earn Belair the win.

**********

– Carmelo Hayes and Nick Aldis were shown talking backstage. Aldis said Hayes will face a Raw superstar later in the show. Someone knocked on the door and Tozawa walked in. Hayes smiled and said he’d love to wrestle Tozawa later.

The #DIY segment

Johnny Gargano led things off and told the crowd to give it up for he and Ciampa. The crowd, in turn, booed. Gargano said they are the best tag team in the world. Ciampa said the chances of Motor City Machine Guns ever holding their titles are officially dead. Ciampa said it’s a shame because they respect MCMG and 11 years ago, MCMG were their favorite tag team. Gargano and Ciampa told everyone to stand up and surprisingly, a lot of people in the crowd did. Ciampa asked for a moment of silence and Pretty Deadly’s music hit.

Elton Prince started talking in the entranceway and said it was important to remind #DIY of the help Pretty Deadly gave them in recent months. Nick Aldis walked out with a microphone and said #DIY is in no position to make demands. Aldis said Pretty Deadly will face #DIY and if Pretty Deadly wins, they will receive a title shot. Aldis booked the match for “right now” even though the show instantly went to a commercial break, so maybe “right now” was actually “in a couple minutes.” Also of note: #DIY were in street clothes.

**********

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) to earn a tag team title shot [2:57 of TV time]

Not much to this, other than between the #DIY promo and the subsequent match, all I could think about was when, how or why MCMG were eventually going to show up. But they didn’t. So this was just kind of there. This tag division needs more than just a shot in the arm; it needs a full-on overhaul.

Turned out “right now” actually meant “right now” because the match was joined in progress. As such, Kit Wilson received a hot tag from Elton Prince. Wilson stomped on Ciampa and sidewalk-slammed Gargano. Prince tagged in and the Pretty Deadly duo hit a springboard Codebreaker on Gargano for a two-count. Eventually, Ciampa and Prince were the only ones left inside the ring and Ciampa landed a lot of strikes on Prince. Gargano pulled on Prince’s hair and Ciampa rolled Prince up, but Prince rolled through and rolled Ciampa up for the win.

**********

– The Miz was shown talking to Andrade backstage. Andrade said he learned how to beat him last week and walked away. Cody Rhodes walked in and Miz asked Cody if he could believe the new crop of talent, being disrespectful and all. Miz said he’d always have Cody’s back and Cody said he didn’t need Miz to have his back. Miz asked Cody if he’d still be Jey Uso’s friend if Jey chooses Cody. Miz said ht’d be a hell of a story and Cody looked concerned as the segment ended.

– Footage of John Cena’s appearance at the post-Rumble press conference aired.

The Drew McIntyre/Jimmy Uso/LA Knight promo

The best 15 minutes of the program so far. You had to know Knight would address the McIntyre rumors coming out of the Rumble because that’s the era of WWE we are in these days and, as expected, it was a lot of fun. Better yet was Drew’s smirk at the “gotta get my stuff in” line. Knight’s speaking range was really on display here because when he turned serious for about 20 seconds, going into the mental health stuff, he had that crowd in the palm of his hands. It was really good stuff – and a worthy sentiment. Jimmy didn’t feel out of place, either, as a talker here, even though we aren’t really used to seeing him swim in solo waters when it comes to top-of-card promos. Everything everyone said worked here and that’s not common.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance and stood in the ring with a microphone. McIntyre said he was officially back on Friday Night SmackDown. McIntyre noted how he went backstage and tore some things up after being eliminated and then drove home. McIntyre said he woke up the next day and asked himself why he was so angry all the time.

Drew said it was because he was the victim of a toxic workplace, which was Raw. McIntyre said he can see clearly now because Aldis called him and told him “Drew will be allowed to be Drew 100 percent” on SmackDown. McIntyre said he was there for Cody and what he has – the WWE Championship. McIntyre was interrupted by Jimmy Uso’s theme music. Jimmy walked out with a microphone.

Jimmy said every single week, McIntyre keeps living in the past. Jimmy said nobody ever stole anything from McIntyre and tonight, Jimmy was there to earn a spot in the Chamber. McIntyre said a couple weeks ago, he’d be angry about what he said, but he’s “cool now, Jey,” which was funny. McIntyre said Jimmy and Jey are similar in every way and perhaps Jimmy would be where Jey is if he just said “Yeet” first. Jimmy said tonight, he needs to punch his ticket to WrestleMania and he’s ready to kick Drew’s ass. Jimmy said, “I’m going to WrestleMania, Uce.”

LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out with a microphone. Knight cut his own music and said he doesn’t have any love for Jimmy because he’s the reason he’s not the WWE Champion. Knight spoke into the camera about mental health and it’s OK to cry. Knight turned that into saying three promises in life: Death, taxes and Drew McIntyre crying like a damn baby. Knight used the phrase “Drew McIncryer.” Knight said he’s going to give Jimmy and Drew something to cry about – dashing their WrestleMania hopes. Knight said, “Oh wait. I forgot to get my stuff in,” and Drew rightly snickered. Knight stepped in the ring for their triple threat.

Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso and LA Knight to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [12:40 of TV time]

This exceeded my expectations, even if they weren’t all that high. Some of the near-falls towards the end had me wondering how this thing was going to turn out and the finish ended up being pretty clever. I wonder where this leaves both Knight and Uso going forward because one feels to be in a purgatory after recently losing a title (Knight), while the other feels like he’s supposed to be on his way up the card, but has no real program to sink his teeth into … yet. As for this match, all three guys showed up to work and the result was a very good WWE television match. This could have main evented the show and I wouldn’t have complained.

The match was joined in progress and all three were going after one another. McIntyre chopped Jimmy and went to work on him while Knight was down in a corner. Jimmy came back with a Samoan Drop, but Knight broke up a pin attempt. Jimmy hopped up and chopped Knight, but Knight came back with a pop-up slam. Knight ran into a headbutt from McIntyre. McIntyre threw Knight and went back to Jimmy and suplexed him. McIntyre whipped Jimmy into a corner and belly-to-belly’d Knight across the ring. McIntyre then smiled.

Jimmy came back and threw McIntyre to the outside, where Jimmy followed up with a dive. Knight joined the two outside and rammed McIntyre’s head onto the commentary desk. Knight did the same to Jimmy. Knight stood on top of the table and posed for the crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from that break, McIntyre chopped Jimmy, who was perched on the top rope. Jimmy essentially crotched McIntyre, but Knight returned and cut Jimmy off while stomping on McIntyre.

Knight leapt to the top for a super-plex, but McInture pulled himself up and hit a German Suplex on Knight, who super-plexed Jimmy in a fun spot. Everyone was down and the crowd chanted “This is awesome!” Knight and McIntyre traded chops and Knight DDT’d McIntyre before going to the top and connecting with an elbow, but Jimmy broke up Knight’s pin attempt. Jimmy lifted Knight, but things ended up with Knight being Spinebuster’d via McIntyre for a near-fall that Knight barely kicked out of.

McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick, but Jimmy super-kicked McIntyre and clotheslined McIntyre over the top, to the outside. Jimmy super-kicked Knight and landed an Uso Splash on Knight from the top. The referee counted to two, but then McIntyre pulled the ref outside of the ring. McIntyre was laid out on the commentary table and Jimmy went for another splash on Knight, but Knight rolled Jimmy up for a two count. Knight set up for a BFT on Jimmy and McIntyre Claymore’d Knight for the win.

**********

– Damian Priest was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage in a hallway. Braun Strowman walked into the frame and told Priest he has to qualify for the Chamber and next week, it sounds like it’ll be Strowman vs. Priest vs. Fatu in another Chamber qualifying match. Strowman said Priest will be in the ring with a wild animal and a monster next week. Priest said he wasn’t overlooking anyone.

– Video of what happened between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on Raw aired. Owens cut a promo from his car and talked about how much he and Zayn have been through. Owens said the pain he suffered from his match at the Rumble might never go away and it’s all Zayn’s fault. Owens said Zayn watched as Cody tried to end Owens’s career and did nothing. Owens noted how Zayn rushed to the aid of Roman Reigns later that night while he did nothing for Owens earlier. Owens said Zayn is a horrible friend and a disgusting human being and he will never forgive him. Owens said he will make Zayn pay.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone in hand. In the entranceway, Melo said Tozawa looks like “Cody Rhodes got left in the dryer too long.” Melo said when in Memphis, they call Melo Ja Morant. The only difference between he and Morant, he said, was that Melo would make the all-star team.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Akira Tozawa [7:32]

This was probably a bit overly competitive, considering how Tozawa has been designated as The Guy Who Loses All Of The Matches for quite a while now. And if we are trying to get Melo over as someone who shouldn’t take as many losses as he does, why are we going seven-and-a-half minutes again? Just a question. The opposite side of that? It’s nice to see Tozawa get some TV time and he held his own against one of WWE’s rising stars. That should mean something, right?

Tozawa jumpstarted the match and eventually hit a cross-body onto Melo, who was on the outside. About 30 seconds into the match, the show went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Melo was working on Tozawa’s arm. It wasn’t long before Tozawa fired up and hit a DDT for a two-count. Tozawa went to the top, but Melo moved and beat down Tozawa down. Tozawa tore his shirt off and went to the top, but Melo cut him off. Even so, Tozawa landed a Sunset Flip from the top for a near-fall. The two traded roll-up attempts until Melo hit a clothesline, a springboard DDT and a Nothing But Net for the win.

**********

– Tessitore said they reached out to Paul Heyman for an update on Roman Reigns’s condition after what happened at the Royal Rumble (Seth Rollins’s two-foot stomp), but weirdly enough, they couldn’t get a hold of the Wise Man. As such, Roman’s health status is up in the air.

– Jerry “The King” Lawler was shown in the crowd. Lawlor received a hero’s welcome, as one would expect in Memphis.

– R-Truth was shown with Tozawa backstage and left him once he saw Jey Uso. Truth called Jey “King Of The Ring” and said Tozawa “Yeeted on himself” before leaving. Cody walked up and asked Jey what he’s thinking about when it comes to WrestleMania. Jey said he’s undecided and walked away.

The Charlotte Flair segment

I sort of thought we’d get Jax vs. Stratton at Elimination Chamber, but hell, Valentine’s Day is just as well. Charlotte, man. I don’t know what to do with her and I don’t think the crowds know what to do with her. The heartfelt speech she gave on Monday didn’t go as planned and this felt like it wanted to land somewhere in between acknowledging the backlash she received on Monday and re-establishing her character, but it didn’t quite work. Or in other words … goodness, this felt rehearsed. I feel bad for her at this point. WWE can’t figure out how to book her in anything other than “I’m Charlotte Flair. Respect me because I am Charlotte Flair!” But it’s just not working anymore. Hopefully, they can heat her up by the time Mania comes around.

Charlotte soaked in some “Woooos!” before saying “Hi, Memphis,” to a mixed reaction. She asked the crowd if they loved her or hated her. The crowd cheered the love and booed the hate. Charlotte said when people boo, she sees money and it’s OK because she lives rent-free in fans’ lives. Charlotte said everyone is obsessed with “everything Charlotte Flair.” She said she knows everyone thinks she thinks she’s better than everyone. She asked if people thought she’d actually be gone for 14 months and not win the Rumble. Charlotte called the other women in the Rumble “unserious” and said there was no way she was going over the top rope.

Charlotte reminded everyone that she became the first two-time women’s Royal Rumble winner. She followed that up by talking about how she went to Raw and NXT earlier this week and tonight, she wanted to see if Tiffy … on cue, Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and out, Stratton walked. In the ring, the crowd chanted “Tiffy Time.” Stratton began by congratulating Charlotte and saying nobody is a bigger Charlotte fan than herself. Tiffy said she wasn’t sure if WWE could survive without Charlotte.

Stratton said she came along and ticket sales went up and WWE is hotter than it’s ever been. Charlotte paused and asked Stratton if she said something. Charlotte then said, “Sweetheart, you speak when I say you can speak.” Stratton came back and said she’s always been compared to Charlotte as a “Charlotte Flair wannabe.” Stratton asked Charlotte to pick her for her Mania match because then she’ll be The One And Only Tiffany Stratton. “Tiffy Time!” chants broke out again. Charlotte said she views Stratton as a child begging her to make her a star at WrestleMania. Charlotte said if Tiffy wants Charlotte to choose her, she’s going to have to beg. Nia Jax’s music then hit.

Jax walked out with Candace LeRae and said the “blondie back and forth was cute and all” because Jax is going to be champion by the time WrestleMania. Turns out, next week, it will be Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Champion. Jax said if Charlotte wants to be a champion at Mania, she’s going to have to go through Jax. Alexa Bliss’s music then hit and Bliss made her entrance. The women watched as Bliss got to the ring for the next match.

**********

Alexa Bliss defeated Candace LeRae to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [10:36]

Bliss is still getting her legs under her in terms of getting back in the ring, so any awkward spots here aren’t even worth noting. The win makes sense as she is one of the company’s biggest stars and the pop she received at the Rumble cemented that. As for tonight, this crowd hasn’t been kind to a lot of people, so I’ll reserve judgment on any continuous excitement for her return. LeRae was the right wrestler to put Bliss in the ring with as she gets back into the mix because LeRae did a very good job making Bliss look as seasoned as she could, considering the layoff. It should also be noted that some Wyatt Sicks distortion things happened for a second or three at one point in the match. Here’s hoping they have something solid in mind for Bliss and that faction.

Things were slow early. Bliss ultimately took control and teased a Sister Abigail, but LeRae turned it around and gained the upper hand. LeRae went to work on Bliss’s neck and back. Bliss eventually tripped LeRae into a turnbuckle and went to the top, but LeRae cut off Bliss. LeRae tried to set up a super-plex, but Bliss knocked LeRae off. LeRae went to the apron and Bliss followed. It was there where LeRae planted Bliss, face-first. LeRae posed a little and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and LeRae was working on Bliss’s back. LeRae ragdolled Bliss until Bliss showed anger and slapped LeRae a couple of times. LeRae rolled to the apron and LeRae landed a neck-breaker on Bliss before heading to the top. From there, she hit a missile dropkick for a two-count. LeRae rolled up Bliss and the two rolled around to no avail for a little. LeRae ran at Bliss and Bliss hit what Tessitore called the Abigail DDT, which looked pretty much how it sounded. That got Bliss the win.

**********

– Backstage, Chelsea Green was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Next week, Green will face Naomi in a Chamber qualifying match. B-Fab and Michin walked into the frame. Michin said Chelsea might not be champion soon. Zelina Vega then came through and said it might be time she gets a shot at Green’s title, too.

– A Street Profits vignette aired and footage from their interference at the Royal Rumble was shown. Dawkins said #DIY’s days are numbered. Dawkins was all types of fired up. Montez Ford said they didn’t like all these strangers coming in and people essentially just teaming up for the hell of it. Ford said they want the smoke. This was great.

– The Machine Guns were interviewed in the locker room and Alex Shelley challenged the Profits the step up. Los Garza walked into the frame and Berto said it’s time for new teams to step up. Shelley started firing back and Santos Escobar walked in. Escobar said the Street Profits started everything by attacking them for no reason. Escobar said next week, it will be Los Garza vs. MCMG.

– A Damian Priest vignette aired. A Braun Strowman vignette aired. A Facob Fatu vignette aired. This all combined for one big vignette chronicling next week’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso defeated Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga [11:05]

I love the return of Sikoa. I had already been thinking of what to say about him not being around after saying nothing a week or two ago, but this was the best way to reintroduce him into the fold. Does this mean we get Cody vs. Sikoa at Elimination Chamber One Last Time? Maybe. In the meantime, this was a fine-enough main event. I still would have gone with the triple threat from a wrestling standpoint, but it makes sense that this would close the show now that we know Sikoa was on his way back. Cody did a very good job selling the effects of his ladder match at the Royal Rumble and Jey Uso continues to get over as Just A Fun Guy (not to be confused with Just Five Guys … wait, wrong promotion). Sikoa’s return leaves us with a nice hook for next week’s show.

Cody and Tonga started the match. Fifteen seconds later, Fatu tagged himself in to challenge Cody. Fatu immediately hit Cody a few times to establish control. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Fatu still had the upper hand on Cody. Tonga tagged in and Cody instantly fought back. Tonga went for a splash in a corner, but Cody moved and ultimately got the hot tag to Jey Uso.

Jey came in and worked Tonga over, complete with a hip attack on Tonga in a corner for a two-count. Jey hit a pop-up neck-breaker/cutter and things briefly broke down with Fatu super-kicking Jey. Tonga was still the legal man and hit a sliding clothesline for a two-count. Fatu tagged in and knocked Cody off the apron. Fatu lifted Jey and tagged in Tonga, who laned a springboard splash on Jey. Before long, Tonga and Jey clotheslined each other to reset the match with about four minutes to go toward the top of the hour.

Cody received the hot tag and Fatu tagged in, too. Cody hit a Disaster Kick and a drop-down punch. Cody landed a Cody Cutter on Fatu for a one-count. Cody set up for a Cross-Rhodes, but Fatu worked out of it and tagged in Tonga, who planted Cody with a weird Flatliner for a two-count. Cody went to the top, but Fatu pushed Cody off the top and Tonga executed his jumping DDT for a two-count. Fatu super-kicked Cody and ran the ropes, but Jey cut Fatu off and super-kicked him on the outside. Inside the ring, Cody hit a Cross-Rhodes on Tonga for the win.

As Cody has his hand raised, Solo Sikoa ran in with a hoodie covering his face and gave Cody the Samoan Spike. Sikoa stood tall to end the show.