Tag: smackdown live results

WWE SmackDown live results: The 2024 draft begins

Posted on by Colin McGuire

The 2024 WWE Draft kicks off on tonight’s SmackDown at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Both brands will draft twice per round for a total of 16 picks between SmackDown and Raw.

NXT wrestlers will be eligible while WWE’s champions (except for the Women’s Tag Team Champions) cannot be drafted and will remain on their respective brands. The second night of the event is slated for Monday on Raw.

Plus, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles will sign the contract for their Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match that’s taking place at Backlash. Styles defeated LA Knight last week to earn the shot at Rhodes.

The LWO’s Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Legado del Fantasma’s Angel & Humberto is also set. It’s Lee’s first televised match since suffering a backstage attack the night before WrestleMania 40.

We are also slated to find out what’s next for Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga after they attacked Kevin Owens on last week’s episode.

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

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– The show began with video of Cody signing weight belts backstage. Shots of AJ Styles walking outside the building followed that. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair walking backstage was shown. From there, the show went to the arena, where a draft podium was set up. Corey Graves then went over the draft rules. 

– Kayla Braxton was backstage with Paul Heyman, who said Roman Reigns has withdrawn from eligibility from the 2024 draft. Heyman said it’s not a negative; it’s a positive. Heyman then ran down all of Reigns’s accomplishments and asked why he would hog the No. 1 draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future. Heyman said the pressure is now on Nick Aldis and Heyman is intrigued. 

– From there, the show went to Jackie Redmond, who was in Orlando at the WWE Performance Center. The crowd in Orlando was loud as NXT wrestlers sat in chairs. Redmond asked “Who’s next?” and threw it back to SmackDown. Corey Graves was in the ring. 

The Cody Rhodes/AJ Styles contract signing

This was refreshing. No fighting. No nonsense. The trash talk was a little weak, but at least it didn’t follow the tired pro wrestling contract signing formula. It didn’t heat up the match, but it didn’t damage it, either. The Cody/Carmelo match set for later in the show was a fun surprise and it should be a good way to showcase Hayes to an audience that might not know him all that well. This was a solid first half-hour of SmackDown, and that’s not always promised. 

Cody and AJ sat at different tables. In the middle was a mantle with the Undisputed WWE Championship. The crowd was hot. Styles stood up and said before he signs the contract, he wanted to point out that two Georgia boys will be mixing it up for the first time for the biggest prize in the game. Styles talked about how he got his composure back after WrestleMania and he earned the right to face Cody. Styles then said he respects Cody because they’ve been down the same roads and they had to prove themselves outside WWE. The crowd gave Styles the “What?” treatment.

Styles mentioned Dusty Rhodes and the crowd broke into a “Dusty!” chant. Styles said he learned a lot from Dusty and that Dusty was a good man. Styles said Dusty taught him how to carry himself and how to carry the weight of being a champion. Styles said the weight of the title isn’t just leather and gold and at Backlash, he wants to see if Cody can carry it. Styles then signed the contract. Graves picked up the contract and placed it in front of Cody at Cody’s table. 

Cody started by saying, “Cincinnati, what do we want to talk about?” Cody noted how he said Styles is the modern day excellence of execution. Cody said all their respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. Cody said Styles implied that Cody couldn’t carry the weight of the championship. Cody said it isn’t about winning the title; it’s about keeping it. Cody said he respects Styles’s familiarity with his last name, but at Backlash, it will be a level playing field and it won’t be a dream match for Cody. Rather, Cody said it will be a must-win. The crowd chanted “Cody!” and Cody stuck out his hand to shake. 

Styles said it was a beautiful thing to see Cody finish his story and win the title, but it will be a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles then shook Cody’s hand and Styles left the ring. Cody picked up his title and raised it as his music played. Cody left the ring to end the segment. As Cody walked up the walkway, Triple H’s music hit and Triple H walked out.

Round 1 of the 2024 draft

– Triple H welcomed everyone into the first round of the 2024 draft. Hunter was flanked by Cody at the podium. Hunter talked about the GMs for Raw and SmackDown and said Cody will be staying on SmackDown. From there, Cody announced the first SmackDown pick, which was Bianca Belair. 

– Triple H announced that the second pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Main Event Jey Uso. The crowd chanted “Yeet!”

– Cody announced the third pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Carmelo Hayes. 

– Triple H announced the fourth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone. Hayes said when they talk about who’s next up and who’s the hottest out, they call him Carmelo Hayes. “Whoop that trick” chants broke out. Hayes spoke to Cody and said when Hayes shoots, he doesn’t miss and as a first-round draft pick, he couldn’t think of a better way to shoot his shot than to shoot it against Cody. Hayes set his microphone down. Cody picked the microphone up and played with the crowd about the possibility of him wrestling tonight. Cody accepted the challenge for later in the show. 

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LWO (Dragon Lee & Rey Mysterio) defeated Legado Del Fantasma (Humberto & Angel) [5:25]

A five-minute match with a two-minute commercial break in the middle of it. Perhaps those first couple segments ran a bit longer than anticipated. Either way, this was just a vehicle to close the loop on the Dragon Lee attack from a few weeks ago, but with the draft happening this weekend, I see this as being little more than a way to set up Dragon Lee vs. Carlito at Backlash. I could be wrong. That happens a lot. Anyway, the match was fine enough while it lasted for what we saw. As I said last week about these performers, here’s hoping the draft gives everyone involved here something else to do coming out of it.

Humberto and Dragon Lee started the match. Lee had control early and landed a suicide dive on Humberto, who was on the outside. Back in the ring, Lee hit a cross-body and worked a head-lock. Lee was running the ropes and Angel held the top rope, spilling Lee to the outside. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from break, Lee got a hot tag to Mysterio. Angel tagged in as well. Mysterio hit a sitting Senton and Code Red for a two count. Angel lifted Mysterio, but Mysterio countered into a 619. Lee then tagged in to hit Project Dragon for the win.

After the match, Santos Escobar walked out and said he didn’t lie when he said he didn’t attack Dragon Lee before WrestleMania. Escobar cued up tape as to whom attacked Lee. The footage revealed it was Carlito who attacked Lee. In the ring, Carlito attacked Dragon Lee again and ran out of the ring, through the crowd, looking weirdly unsure of himself. 

**********

Bron Breakker defeated Cedric Alexander [0:16]

Bron ran at Alexander and Alexander countered briefly because Alexander went for a back springboard move and Breakker caught him with a spear for the win.

**********

– A video chronicling last week’s Bayley/Naomi/Tiffany Stratton developments aired. 

– Nick Aldis was shown walking out of his office and he was stopped by Stratton, who asked for a title match. Aldis said that tonight, Stratton will face Naomi again and the winner will face Bayley at Backlash for the WWE Women’s Championship. Stratton asked whose idea that was and Bayley walked into the frame, saying it was her idea. Stratton then invited Bayley to sit at ringside during the match later. 

– Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson were shown coming out of separate rooms, walking to the ring to make the next draft announcements with Wilson representing Raw and McCool representing SmackDown. 

Round 2 of the 2024 draft

– Michelle McCool announced that the fifth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Randy Orton. 

– Torrie Wilson announced that the sixth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Bron Breakker.

– McCool announced that the seventh pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Nia Jax.

– Wilson announced that the eighth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Liv Morgan.

**********

– A video recapping the Bloodline attack on Kevin Owens last week aired. 

– Heyman was shown backstage waiting and a car pulled up. Heyman opened the door and Solo Sikoa exited the vehicle. Sikoa asked Heyman if the Bloodline got drafted yet and Heyman said no. Sikoa asked for all the details. Heyman said Reigns withdrew from the draft and nobody knows what they’re getting if they draft the Bloodline now. Tama Tonga appeared from the other side of the car. Sikoa told Heyman to repeat what he said. Kevin Owens ran in out of nowhere and attacked Tonga. Officials instantly rushed in to break things up. 

– Kayla Braxton was standing in the entrance way to the ring and brought out Bianca Belair. Braxton asked Belair about the tag match at Backlash between Belair/Cargill and the Kabuki Warriors. Belair said she’s had a lot of history with Damage CTRL and Jade Cargill is the perfect person to help her deal with Damage CTRL. Belair said the Kabuki Warriors won’t have a reason to show up to SmackDown after they win the women’s tag team titles at Backlash. Asuka and Kairi Sane made their entrance and held up their titles. Cargill’s music then hit and Cargill walked out to stand next to Belair. The teams jawed at each other. 

In the background, Owens and Tonga brawled out of the entrance way and into the ring. Owens was pummeling Tonga but Sikoa ran out and attacked Owens to give the Bloodline the upper hand. Tonga beat up random security people. Randy Orton’s music hit and Orton walked out to save the day. Orton went for an RKO on Sikoa but Sikoa got out of it. Orton and Owens stood together in the ring and Owens hugged Orton. 

– Bubba Ray Dudley was shown coming out of the SmackDown draft room, walking to the ring. D-Von was shown coming out of the Raw draft room, walking to the ring. 

Round 3 of the 2024 draft

– Bubba announced that the ninth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was LA Knight.

– D-Von announced that the tenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Ricochet. 

– Bubba announced that the eleventh pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Solo Sikoa, MFT Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman, AKA, The Bloodline. 

– D-Von announced that the twelfth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Sheamus. 

**********

Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton via DQ [6:22]

The finish was trash. I really thought we were destined to get Stratton vs. Bayley locked up for Backlash, but maybe a tag match is in the works for the PLE. Either way, it’s a good way to reintroduce Jax to the SmackDown audience and she looked as dominant as ever, which is a good thing. I’m just not a fan of these lazy finishes that does nothing for any of the wrestlers who actually compete in the actual match. Still, the women worked hard and the match, short as it was, was better than expected and probably the best these two looked together in the ring.

Bayley was on commentary for the match. Naomi hit a Thez Press to begin the match. Naomi sent Stratton to the ropes and Stratton stopped herself, going to the outside. Naomi landed a dropkick to the outside and rolled Stratton back into the ring. Naomi went to the top, but Stratton moved and draped Naomi over the second rope, hitting a hip attack. Naomi came right back and landed a modified piledriver and a split takedown on the floor. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, Stratton had control until Naomi hit a back kick and drove Stratton’s head into the mat for a two count. Before long, the two landed the same move on each other, slamming each other down. Naomi came out of it with the upper hand and hit an enziguri. Out of nowhere, Nia Jax showed up and attacked Bayley at ringside. Naomi went to help and Jax attacked Naomi, giving Naomi the DQ win. 

After the match ended, Stratton set Naomi and Bayley up, went to the top and for the second week hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Naomi and Bayley. Stratton posed to end the segment. 

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed the Street Profits and B-Fab backstage. Next week, the Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the tag team titles. B-Fab said they are going to take the heels down and Austin Theory and Grayson Waller appeared, talking trash. Bobby Lashley showed up and scared Theory and Waller off. 

– Teddy Long was shown coming out of the SmackDown draft room, walking to the ring. JBL was shown coming out of the Raw draft room, walking to the ring.

– Karrion Kross was shown backstage and Kross dragged the camera man to show the Final Testament beating up Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne.  

Round 4 of the 2024 draft

– Long announced that the thirteenth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was AJ Styles.

– JBL announced that the fourteenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Chad Gable, Otis, Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri, AKA Alpha Academy. 

– Long announced that the fifteenth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Andrade. 

– JBL announced that the sixteenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Kiana James. 

**********

– A video package on Kiana James aired. Jackie Redmond interviewed James in Orlando. James said being drafted meant the world to her, but she’s ready to show Raw why James is the One Percent. Shawn Michaels appeared and whispered things into James’s ear. Michaels and James hugged. 

– A package recapping Trick Williams winning the NXT Championship on Tuesday aired. 

– Braxton interviewed Nick Aldis backstage. Aldis said he felt good about his draft selections. Aldis then announced that Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship will take place at Backlash. Teddy Long then announced that Owens and Orton will take on Sikoa and Tonga at Backlash as well. 

– Next week’s SmackDown will feature Cody and AJ going face to face. New Catch Republic will take on AOP. The Street Profits vs. A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championship will also go down. Finally, The RKO Show will commence for the first time ever. 

Cody Rhodes defeated Carmelo Hayes [8:41]

Good for Hayes, holding his own after being thrown into the fire on his first SmackDown as an official member of the roster. There wasn’t any mystery when it came to the outcome, but that didn’t mean both guys dropped the ball on their performances. It’s clear WWE is high on Hayes – and rightfully so – and as such, I’m curious to see how his main roster will begin in earnest after this loss. A fine TV main event, if nothing else. 

The two locked up to begin things as the crowd chanted “Cody!” Cody landed the dropdown punch early and Hayes came back with a springboard takedown. Cody responded with a clothesline The show then went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Cody had control until Hayes stopped Cody with a chop. The two eventually traded a bunch of chops and Cody back-dropped Hayes, but Hayes came back with a Facebuster and a springboard fadeaway DDT for a two-count. 

Before long, Cody hit a Disaster Kick for a two-count. The two, on their knees, traded blows until Cody lifted Hayes and hit a running powerslam for another two-count. Cody landed a Cody Cutter after that for a nice near-fall. Out of nowhere, Hayes landed the First 48 before heading to the top rope. Cody moved and hit a super-lkick. The two attempted springboard moves, but both missed. Cody sold shoulder pain as a result of the missed move, but hit CrossRhodes for the win.

Cody was posing after the win and AJ Styles showed up in the ring out of nowhere. Cody and AJ engaged in a stare down and shook hands to close the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes and Bayley appear

Posted on by Marc Quill

After winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes will make his first SmackDown appearance as the company’s top champion tonight.

Rhodes won the title from Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 night two. Reigns’ loss put an end to his dominant 1,316-day run as champion.

Tonight, WWE will begin determining Rhodes’ first challenger.

Two triple threat matches will take place on tonight’s SmackDown: Bobby Lashley vs. Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight and AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Kevin Owens. The winners advance to face off in a number one contender’s match next Friday to determine who’s first in line for a shot at Rhodes.

An appearance by new WWE Women’s Champion Bayley has also been announced for SmackDown. Bayley defeated her former Damage CTRL stablemate IYO SKY for the title at WrestleMania.

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

– A recap of WrestleMania XL Night Two’s main event kicked off the show, as Cody Rhodes finished the story and became the Undisputed WWE Champion by defeating Roman Reigns.

Cody Rhodes opens the show

Corey Graves and Wade Barrett welcomed us from inside the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan for SmackDown.

The new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a great ovation from the Detroit crowd.

Rhodes talked about how the Rock’s appearance on Raw made him think of a particular Detroit native and a particular line they’re known for, “who the hell told you it was open mic night, bitch?” (in reference to Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes)

He addressed how Rock’s confrontation on Monday felt like a “wartime overture” and that he’d be waiting for the Rock once he returned to Hollywood. He switched gears to the upcoming Backlash Premium Live Event in France, as he sized up the competition he could potentially face, pending the results of the two Triple Threat matches this evening.

Rhodes said that he was no longer the hunter, but the hunted, and that if the six men vying for the a shot at him, “they’d best not miss,” as he reintroduced himself as “once undesirable, undeniable, and now the Undisputed WWE Champion.” Rhodes posed with his championship as the crowd cheered him on.

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– Bayley and Rey Mysterio were shown walking backstage.

– Backstage, the Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso were shown standing in front of Cody Rhodes’ locker room, which was formerly the Bloodline’s locker room. Kevin Owens walked into the room as Sikoa said he’d take care of it. Paul Heyman told Sikoa that Rhodes was the champion and that winning and losing mattered, carrying consequences with it. He said that by orders of the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Championship needed to return to the Bloodline.

– A promo for Raw from Montreal this coming Monday hyped Sami Zayn versus Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Title and Sheamus’ return.

Number One Contender’s Triple Threat Match: LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley

Once the bell rang, Escobar ran at Knight before he got double-teamed by Knight and Lashley. Knight tried to roll up Lashley, but to no avail.

Lashley was pulled out of the ring by Knight as they brawled for a bit before Escobar dove onto the two of them. SmackDown went to commercial at this point of the match.

We returned from break with Lashley and Escobar fighting in the ring. Both men were on the top turnbuckle as Escobar desperately tried to escape. Knight jumped up the top rope and tried to go for a superplex, but Lashley powerbombed both Knight and Escobar for the near-fall.

Knight fought out of a Phantom Driver attempt by Escobar, as he hit his Megastar Elbow on him. Escobar was in the crosshairs of Knight before Legado Del Fantasma attacked Knight and flattened him with the triple powerbomb. They laid waste to Lashley before the Street Profits ran in to fend off Angel and Berto.

Lashley took Escobar down with a Flatliner and looked to have him finished off with a Spear. Escobar dodged it, which caused Lashley to crash into the ringpost. Knight snuck up behind Escobar and got the win with the B.F.T.

A fun triple threat opener to kick off SmackDown, and LA Knight as the winner is the right call. Whether or not he goes on to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship remains to be seen, but it could be an interesting match if it somehow happened.

**********

– Backstage, the LWO were interviewed. Rey Mysterio said that whether it was Santos Escobar or Ridge Holland, karma was going to bite them. Kayla Braxton told Mysterio that Escobar denied attacking Dragon Lee last week, but Mysterio switched topics by saying that he was going to win the No. 1 Contenders’ Triple Threat Match later on and that although he was a WWE Hall of Famer, he might have one more championship run in him.

– Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring, as we’d hear from them up next on SmackDown.

The Bloodline address the fallout of WrestleMania

Paul Heyman started off by saying that the Bloodline offered no excuses for what happened at WrestleMania. He said by orders of Roman Reigns, the Bloodline needed to accept accountability. Heyman said that Cody Rhodes ‘flipped the script’ on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 before he pointed out that Seth Rollins stayed true to the word of being Rhodes “Shield”.

Heyman talked about how Reigns gave into temptation and got distracted by the lust of revenge on Rollins for the Shield’s destruction, and that Rhodes took advantage of it to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

Before Heyman could continue, Solo Sikoa grabbed the mic and said that winning and losing mattered, and that “consequences needed change”. Sikoa stared down Jimmy Uso and gave him an embrace. “You’re my brother, I love you,” said Sikoa.

Suddenly, a man in a black hoodie appeared and attacked Jimmy from behind, revealed to be Tama Tonga. As Tonga continued the attack, he held him up for Sikoa to hit multiple Samoan Spikes on Jimmy. In the corner, Heyman begged for his life, but Sikoa just grabbed him so he could join in the Bloodline salute. Heyman tried to call for Roman Reigns on his phone, but Sikoa smashed it before he went to ringside and grabbed a steel chair.

Sikoa placed the chair around Jimmy’s neck as he once again said, “I love you, brother”. Heyman shouted “this is not what the Tribal Chief wants!” as Sikoa ran right into the prone Jimmy Uso on the corner.

Sikoa and Tonga left the ring, while Heyman looked nervous about what went down in the ring. 

Very effective introduction for Tama Tonga as a new Bloodline member, showing up to punish Jimmy Uso for his failures. Tonga being brought by Sikoa and seemingly not under orders of Roman Reigns creates a very interesting divide within the Bloodline, and there’s a very good chance that a certain Final Boss may have carried out this edict. All in all, a good way to keep the Bloodline story going with Reigns and The Rock looking like they’ll be absent for the foreseeable future.

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Bron Breakker defeated Cameron Grimes

Breakker got started right away with two suplexes until Grimes fought out of it. Breakker recovered and got a full head of speed to hit a hard-hitting clothesline on Grimes. 

Grimes escaped and tried to leap at Breakker, who planted him with a slam. Breakker pulled down the straps and ran through Grimes with a vicious Spear for the easy victory.

Short, but sweet squash to keep Breakker in focus after his recent farewell to NXT. Nothing much more to say.

– The Progressive Insurance Match Flo was a recap of some of WrestleMania XL’s moments, including Bayley winning the WWE Women’s Championship, which segued into Bayley herself walking backstage, as we’d hear from her up next.

– AJ Styles spoke backstage about the upcoming Triple Threat Match that’s main eventing SmackDown. He said that Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens were in the way of something bigger, and that tonight would be a taste of what LA Knight would feel next week.

Bayley speaks about her WWE Women’s Championship victory

The new WWE Women’s Champion Bayley entered to a massive reaction from the Detroit crowd. She took time to high five some of the fans on her way to the ring.

The crowd chanted “you deserve it!” at Bayley as she entered the ring. She said that it felt good to hear the crowd chanting that.

Bayley said that she felt damn proud to be called the new WWE Women’s Champion. She said that her win at WrestleMania felt so special because it was different. She said that it felt different because she got to be the champion of a new, exciting era, which represented the best women’s locker room in memory. Bayley gave thanks for the fans who have been there for her for 11 years, thanking them for never giving up on her.

Before she could continue, Bayley was interrupted by Tiffany Stratton, who started by saying how rude it was that she never got her opportunity at WrestleMania. She said that she accepted Bayley’s supposed open challenge, because it was Tiffy Time.

Bayley said that there wasn’t an open challenge and that she had someone in mind for her next challenger, namely Naomi. Stratton protested, which prompted Naomi herself to enter the scene.

Stratton bragged about having already beaten Naomi, which prompted an immediate response. Naomi said that she couldn’t accept Bayley’s challenge just yet, because she wanted to take on Tiffany Stratton right here and right now. 

– Kayla Braxton stood in front of the doctor’s office, as she discussed about what happened with Jimmy Uso and Tama Tonga earlier. Paul Heyman stepped out of the room with a concerned look on his face and was confronted by Tonga, who said “by orders of the Tribal Chief.” Sikoa appeared next to Tonga as the two left the scene. Heyman wondered what it all meant.

Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton

Back in the ring, the match started during the commercial break. Naomi hit a nice leg drop on Stratton for a two-count. She continued the attack on Stratton’s arm afterwards. Bayley was at ringside, encouraging Naomi.

Stratton recovered and began to attack Naomi in the corner with repeated shoulder thrusts. Stratton tripped up Naomi and then hit a running hip strike to her prone opponent along the middle rope. 

Naomi fought back with a dropkick as she hit Stratton with a kick from the apron. Stratton shoved Naomi into the ring post to send her crashing outside, which sent us to a mid-match commercial.

SmackDown resumed with Naomi hitting a flying crossbody, then a springboard kick on Stratton. She followed this up with a running dropkick in the corner on Stratton. With her foe in position, Naomi got the splash, which Stratton barely kicked out of.

Stratton with the O’Connor Roll, followed by the double stomp. Naomi kicked out at two. Stratton countered Naomi in the corner to flatten her with a nice Alabama Slam. Naomi avoided the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and got the jackknife pin for the surprise victory. The win earned Naomi a future shot at Bayley’s WWE Women’s Championship.

A good match between Naomi and Stratton, and while some might be disheartened by Stratton losing this match, it’s probably too soon for her to be competing for the title in a match she’d probably lose. A loss against Naomi certainly won’t hurt her future stock. And as far as a first challenger goes for Bayley, Naomi isn’t a bad option.

**********

– An A-Town Down Under vignette was shown before we went to the office of SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who had the Street Profits & New Catch Republic with him. Aldis said that they’d find a challenger for Austin Theory & Grayson Waller next week.

– United States Champion Logan Paul was at his house, as he cut a promo about his successful WrestleMania weekend defending his title. He boasted about how he had a hand at WrestleMania’s success.

– Earlier Today footage showed Chelsea Green and Piper Niven talking to Nick Aldis, who told them that he had some opponents in mind for them.

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defeated Chelsea Green and Piper Niven

Cargill and Belair were revealed as Green and Niven’s mystery opponents that Nick Aldis lined up for them.

Belair started off with a standing spinebuster on Green, who quickly tagged Niven in. As Belair tried to tag Cargill, Niven grabbed her hair and then hit a sitdown powerbomb. Belair avoided the diving splash, which gave her time to tag Cargill in.

During the match, part of the screen glitched briefly to display a cryptic message of “you forgot about us”.

WIth Green as the legal woman, Cargill made short work of her, as she put this match to a quick end with Jaded.

It’s clear that Cargill and Belair are being set up as the team that will defeat the Kabuki Warriors, and it’s not a bad place for them, to be honest. This helps Cargill get her reps in and a nice set up for a potential feud between the two when the time comes for it. Cargill’s presence is as impressive as ever, with her grand, superhero-like entrance and it’s always a treat to see every week.

**********

– Kevin Owens was with Byron Saxton backstage. Owens wondered about the cool camera shots they’ve been doing recently, as he grabbed Saxton’s mic and began to talk about his upcoming match with Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles. The camera followed Owens as he made his entrance with a custom Detroit Tigers championship belt.

– Next Week on Smackdown: WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley versus Naomi; Tag Team Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contenders’ Match: Street Profits versus Authors of Pain versus New Catch Republic versus Legado Del Fantasma; LA Knight versus AJ Styles (winner faces Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash)

Number One Contender’s Triple Threat Match: AJ Styles defeated Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens

The match started with Mysterio and Styles mixing it up, as Owens clotheslined Styles to the outside. Owens threw Styles against the barricade and rammed into him for the Cannonball. Mysterio flattened Owens with a splash, which sent us to the last commercial break for the evening.

We returned to live action with Styles, Owens, and Mysterio all in the ring. Mysterio countered an attempted Owens powerslam into a DDT, as he then reversed Styles’ attempt at a piledriver into a move of his own for the near-fall.

Mysterio had Styles set up for the 619, but Styles grabbed Mysterio’s legs and lifted him up for the ushigoroshi. Styles then began to fight Owens in the corner until Mysterio sent him outside the ring. Mysterio met Owens in the corner and got hit with a nasty superplex from the top rope. Mysterio managed to kick out at two.

Owens avoided a standing moonsault from Styles and hit a superkick. Pop-up Powerbomb countered into a Pele Kick. Mysterio kicked Styles to stop a Styles Clash attempt. Owens hit a powerful double-stack German suplex on both Styles and Mysterio.

Owens flipped Mysterio into Styles, who got sent into the ropes for another 619 attempt. Mysterio connected, but couldn’t capitalize because Owens got him with the Stunner on the apron.

Swanton by Owens blocked by Styles, as Mysterio fought Styles on the top rope. Styles got the upper hand and hit an Avalanche Styles Clash on Mysterio right on the prone Kevin Owens to get the victory. Styles will now face LA Knight next week for a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash.

After the match, Knight appeared in the ring to talk trash with Styles to end the show.

**********

A very solid main event between three excellent competitors, and I enjoyed the chemistry that Styles, Mysterio, and Owens had. Obviously, Styles versus Knight for a shot at Cody Rhodes’ title was the call, and it seems like they’re going to have Styles be Rhodes’ first title challenger. I’m interested in how they get there next week.

Speaking of Cody Rhodes, I would’ve liked to see at least another segment with Rhodes, because it seemed odd that he just appeared in the opening segment and not anywhere else. I did like the implication that as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, he now gets the locker room formerly belonging to the Bloodline.

Tama Tonga’s introduction and the implications for the Bloodline was the night’s strongest segment. The intrigue of where Tonga’s loyalties truly lie and whether or not Solo Sikoa has taken over the Bloodline or acting on the orders of a new Tribal Chief is a great story thread to develop over the next little while with The Rock off shooting his new movies and Roman Reigns on a well-deserved break.

All in all, I enjoyed this SmackDown and it was a good post-WrestleMania show that sets up a very interesting new chapter for the Bloodline, while setting the stage for challengers to the new champions of the blue brand.

WWE SmackDown live results: Final stop before WrestleMania 40

Posted on by Colin McGuire

On the eve of WrestleMania 40, SmackDown takes place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia tonight.

The 2024 Andre the Giant Battle Royal is part of the SmackDown lineup. Andrade, Ricochet, Chad Gable, Bronson Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Omos are among those advertised to compete in the match.

One day before he’s set to take on his twin brother at WrestleMania, Jey Uso will battle Solo Sikoa tonight.

A KO Show segment with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton is also set. Owens and Orton are both challenging Logan Paul for the United States title in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 40 night two this Sunday.

Zelina Vega will go one-on-one with Elektra Lopez after the two were part of the brawl between the LWO and Legado Del Fantasma last week. And New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) will face Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson). 

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

**********

– A video hyping WrestleMania began the show. The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal statue was shown. The building was set up without the big video screen and instead, a simple walk way. Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out for the first segment. 19,833 was the announced attendance. The Spanish Announce Team was also present for commentary. 

The KO Show

Really not a lot to say about the first 20 minutes of the show. Owens and Orton chasing Paul up and down the side of I-95 is a fun hook for the rest of the show. WWE packed a lot of people into that arena and the crowd is hot. Philadelphia is a great wrestling town. Let’s see if that holds up until after midnight when, presumably, the Hall of Fame will conclude. 

Owens soaked in the cheers as he stared at the WrestleMania sign and the crowd chanted “KO!” Owens eventually welcomed everyone into “a special edition of The Kevin Owens Show.” Randy Orton was officially introduced and out, Orton walked. The two sat in separate chairs and Owens outlined their WrestleMania match and noted how both Orton and Owens hate Logan Paul. The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!” Owens asked Orton to rate how awful Paul is and Paul started to talk into a microphone – from the WrestleMania stage across the street at Lincoln Financial Field. 

Paul said he’s two steps ahead of Owens and Orton. Owens said the stadium is, in fact, right across the street. As a result, Owens and Orton threw their microphones down and left through the crowd to get to the Link. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller climbed out from under the ring and ran after Owens and Orton through the crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Owens and Orton grabbed a golf cart and started the ride across the street. Waller and Theory chased them through the parking lot. The show went back inside the arena. 

**********

– A video package set up the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Big Bronson Reed won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal [10:10]

I’m sorry, but 10 minutes for a battle royal just isn’t enough. I have all the love and respect for Andre The Giant and I’m all for a way to keep his name alive all these years later, but I’m not sure this is it anymore. Not only is it relegated to the SmackDown before Actual WrestleMania, but it’s usually nothing but comedy (and to be fair, this felt like more comedy than usual). Reed getting the win made sense as WWE seems to always want to do something with him, but they never appear to want to do it enough to, you know, actually do something with him. This might be the first step in a post-Mania push and that could be a lot of fun. As for this battle royal, I’m not even sure “fun” is an accurate word. 

Pretty Deadly tried to go after Omos to start things off while everyone else stood around and watched. Omos eliminated Kit Wilson. Elton Prince then eliminated himself. The match started in earnest and Angel and Berto were immediately eliminated via Del Cruz and Wilde. Cameron Grimes was quickly eliminated. This was all within the first minute of the thing. Jinder Mahal and Apollo Crews were eliminated. The Creed Brothers got rid of Indus Sher. Omos slammed JD McDonagh and the show went to a commercial break. All of this happened before the three-minute mark. 

Back form that break, a replay showed Omos accidentally eliminating himself while eliminating the Creeds. Ivar tossed out Cedric Alexander. Ivar eliminated Shante Thee Adonis. The final five were Otis, Bronson Reed, Ivar, Ricochet and Tozawa. The three big men squared off and Ivar and Reed hit dual cross body-blocks on each other. Ricochet jumped at Reed, but Reed caught him and placed Ricochet on the apron. McDonagh (who I did not see what still alive when I noted the final five) pulled Ricochet off the apron to eliminate him. Tozawa eliminated McDonagh and the final four was set at Otis, Ivar, Reed and Tozawa. 

Otis did The Worm on Reed, but Ivar instantly eliminated Otis. Ivar lifted Tozawa and threw him onto Otis, but Otis didn’t catch him and Tozawa took a nasty bump. The final two were Reed and Ivar. Ivar executed a cartwheel at one point. He followed that up with a spinning back kick and things looked good for the viking. Ivar went to the top and missed a moonsault. Reed popped up and clotheslined Ivar over the top for the win. 

**********

– Logan Paul was shown walking backstage at Wells Fargo instead of the Link. He was smiling. 

– A video from The Final Testament aired. Karrion Kross mocked Lashley for having little to nothing to do at least year’s WrestleMania. Kross said he carried their conflict to a must-see fight and that got them both a match at ‘Mania. Kross was overly angry as the vignette finished up. 

– Logan Paul’s music hit and Paul walked out of the entrance at Wells Fargo to a bunch of boos from the crowd.  

The Logan Paul segment

A lot of nothing here. Paul is good at playing a heel who isn’t as smart as he thinks he is. Owens and Orton are a lot of fun in buddy mode. And while Paul got his comeuppance this time around, it’s hard to think he loses that U.S. title at ‘Mania considering how thick they are laying it on with Paul constantly being outnumbered by Orton and Owens. We’ll see. 

Paul said Philly is trash as he spoke on the way to the ring. Paul kept saying mean things about the city. He said all he saw in the crowd was idiots. Paul said he will be wrestling two of the dumbest dudes in WWE. Paul said Orton has a brain the size of a peanut while Owens uses all his brainpower to digest his latest meal. Paul said he’s playing chess, a game of cat and mouse. The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment, but Paul kind of laughed it off. Paul said Waller and Theory will ambush Orton and Owens at the site of WrestleMania. 

Video from inside Lincoln Financial Field was shown. Waller and Theory said they looked everywhere and they couldn’t find Owens and Orton. Paul was talking to them, but the lights came up and Orton and Owens were surrounding Paul at ringside. Paul tried to run away, but Owens caught him and rolled Paul into the ring. Paul took a Stunner. The crowd chanted “RKO” and Orton set up for it. Naturally, Orton landed the RKO on Paul and that ended the segment. 

**********

– Dragon Lee was shown on the ground backstage, a victim of a recent attack. The LWO music hit and Rey Mysterio walked towards the ring with Zelina Vega. Dirty Dom and Andrade accompanied Elektra Lopez and Santos Escobar to the ring for the next match. 

Elektra Lopez defeated Zelina Vega [2:35 of TV time]

Umpf. This was rough. Lopez never quite came along as far as some thought she might in NXT when it came to her in-ring work. And Vega just doesn’t wrestle all that much anymore. I’m not a fan of joining matches in progress, but perhaps that was on purpose here and it was for the best. The Andrade turn after the match felt inevitable, and here’s my two-cent guess that he replaces Dragon Lee on the ‘Mania card. Poor Dragon Lee. I really thought the WWE decision-makers were putting some fire behind him. Maybe after this weekend?

The match was joined in progress. The two traded blows. Vega gained momentum with some clotheslines. Vega hit a double knees and that was enough to get a two-count. Vega went to the second rope, but Lopez caught Vegan and landed Elektra-Fire for a two-count. Lopez went to the second rope, but Vega cut her off and hit the first part of a 619. Vega then hit the Hammerlock DDT, but Dom got on the apron to distract the referee. Rey pulled Dom off the apron and Lopez hit the Elektra Shock for the win.

After the match, Dominik attacked Mysterio and things seemed to be going the heels’ way, but Andrade fought back for Rey and cleared house. Andrade shook Rey’s hand and hugged him and Vega. Looks like Andrade and Vega might finally be back together. 

**********

The Bianca Belair/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

Boy, WWE is doing all they can to limit Cargill’s time on the mic, in the ring, and so forth and so on. At some point, someone is going to have to ask her to swim. Maybe that’s this weekend?

Belair and Naomi came to the ring first and Belair began by saying she has been fighting Damage CTRL longer than anyone. Belair said then Naomi showed up and reminded Belair why she was fighting in the first place. Naomi noted how Belair was “getting dragged every week.” Naomi then said they are going to WrestleMania, they pointed to the sign and everyone cheered. Belair said Damage CTRL’s problem is that they’ve been at the top for so long, they weren’t expecting anyone else to come through. Cue Cargill’s entrance. 

Cargill began by thanking Belair and Naomi once she got in the ring. Cargill said Damage CTRL “stepped up and got stepped on” and now Cargill will get to show the WWE Universe what she is all about. Cargill said they will show why there’s “no damage control.” Cargill told Damage CTRL they are now “in the eye of the storm.” Cargill’s music then hit and the three women pointed at the WrestleMania sign to end things.

**********

– Jey Uso was shown backstage saying he will whoop up on his brother Solo Sikoa later. Jey said “yeet” and the crowd responded in kind with their own “yeet.” The show then returned back to the main stage, where Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate made their entrance. 

– Backstage, Mysterio was told Dragon Lee won’t be cleared to wrestle this weekend. Andrade chimed in and said he would be his partner at ‘Mania. Carlito popped up and told them to take down Santos and Dominik (and don’t tell me this doesn’t have Zelina and Andrade turning heel all over it because if you do, I will not believe or agree with you). 

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Grayson Waller & Austin Theory [7:27]

This was pretty good while it lasted. The commercial break didn’t do it any favors, but the four men worked hard and it felt like the first real match of the night (about an hour and 15 minutes into the program, mind you). I continue to believe that Dunne and Bate are darkhorses to win at least one set of those tag titles that we all seem to believe will be split up this weekend. Fingers crossed. As for Theory and Waller? It’s about time for something new, don’t you think?

Dunne and Theory started the match and Dunne quickly had control. Bate tagged in and landed a Senton. Waller tagged in, but Bate kept control with a head-scissors takedown. Bate then spun Waller and hit a flip dive onto Theory on the outside. When Bate tried to return to the ring, Waller caught him and hit a Tornado DDT on Bate on the apron. The heels posed as the show went to a commercial break. 

The show returned and Waller hit a rolling Blockbuster on Bate for a two-count. Bate powered up and landed a vertical suplex to even things out. Bate got the hot tag to Dunne, who ran in and took out the heels with a series of enziguris. Dunne stomped on Waller’s hands and fired up the crowd. Dunne did the the fingers spot on Waller until Theory broke it up with a rolling dropkick. Things broke down and Waller punched Bate on the outside before going for a rolling … something … on Dunne inside the ring, and Dunne punched Waller. Bate tagged in and the duo did the Birming-Hammer on the heels for the win. 

After the match, Judgment Day ran out and attacked both teams. This included Rhea Ripley, who watched as each member performed their finisher on members of both teams. 

**********

– A Bayley/IYO SKY vignette aired. 

The LA Knight segment

This guy is still getting massive pops and good for him. Video of last week’s angle with AJ Styles aired. Knight stood in the ring and the crowd chanted his name. Knight gave the “Let me talk to ya” line and everyone erupted. Knight kept saying “Yeah!” and the crowd ate it up. Knight took off his sunglasses and said he thinks Styles is phenomenal – “at not showing up and running away.” Knight stumbled and the crowd helped him along. Knight told Styles to grab his crying towel because all Styles has been doing is crying about Knight. Knight said he makes Styles interesting and he’s going to give Styles “three the hard way” as he boots him through the field goal posts. Knight closed with the “LA Knight, yeah!” catchphrase and that was it. No shenanigans. 

**********

– Bobby Lashley’s group cut a vignette promo. B-Fab said there will be nowhere for the Final Testament to hide. Lashley chimed in and said this weekend, they will finish the Final Testament. Jey Uso then made his entrance and the crowd was way, way, way into it. 

Jey Uso defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [6:30]

An expected match from everything to the finish to whatever we saw. For only six-and-a-half minutes, this was as predictable as anyone could think it would be. Cody giving a go-home speech didn’t pack as much of a punch as the go-home angle on Raw did, but we’re already pretty much there. So, it’s hard to complain. At this point, it’s simply time to turn it up on all ends. 

The match started with some back and forth. Sikoa was on the outside and Jey ran at him, but Solo cut him off with a strike. Sikoa then slammed Jey onto the ring apron. The show then went to the final commercial break of the night. When the show returned, Sikoa had the upper hand until Jey punched his way out of it. Sikoa eventually caught him and slammed Jey to take control. Sikoa ran at Jey, but Jey moved and Sikoa ran into the corner. Jey got the better of things with an enziguri and a hip attack. 

Jey ran at Sikoa and Sikoa countered into a Samoan Drop. Sikoa set up for the spike, but Jey countered into a bunch of super-kicks. Jey hit a splash from the top and Jimmy ran down to attack Jey. Sikoa gave Jey the Spike. Cody’s music and Cody with Seth ran to the ring to take care of Jimmy and Solo. Cody took off his weight belt and whipped up on Jimmy and Solo. Cody gave Jimmy a Cross Rhodes. Seth had Cody’s belt and the crowd sand Seth’s theme song. Seth then hit Jimmy with the belt and Jey hit the Uso Splash on Jimmy. 

Cody grabbed a microphone and said that tomorrow night, Seth Rollins and him are going to slap the Rock so hard, they will move his body from his soul. Cody finished up by saying on Sunday he’s going to dethrone Roman Reigns. Cody said he will finish the story and after that, a better one will begin. Cody pointed to the WrestleMania sign and the show ended. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Jade Cargill arrives

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After having her WWE in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble, Jade Cargill is set to make her first appearance as a member of the SmackDown roster tonight.

During her Rumble appearance, Cargill eliminated Nia Jax and Becky Lynch, in addition to having a memorable staredown with Bianca Belair. Cargill had been a free agent in storyline until a video package last week revealed that she’s signed with SmackDown.

Belair is taking on Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai in singles action tonight.

Also on tap for tonight’s show, the last two teams for the Undisputed Tag Team title ladder match at WrestleMania 40 will be determined. The Street Profits vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller and Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Angel & Humberto will decide the final participants for the ladder match.

Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. Pretty Deadly is also set. Owens and Orton are challenging for Logan Paul’s United States title in a triple threat match at WrestleMania.

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

**********

– The show opened with a shot of Philadelphia and Corey Graves hyping up WrestleMania. Graves then set up a video package recapping what happened between The Rock and Cody Rhodes on Raw. 

– The Bloodline was shown walking backstage. Bianca Belair and Damage CTRL were shown arriving to the building earlier in the day as well. Randy Orton then made his entrance for the first match. 

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) defeated Kevin Owens & Randy Orton [7:02]

This had angle alert written all over it, but good for Pretty Deadly being the ones to get the rub as a result of the shenanigans. I keep wondering about how they initially seemed to get a push once they got to the main roster, but then the injury happened, and they just kind of/sort of went away. Perhaps they’ll get some love coming out of WrestleMania. Anyway, the match wasn’t much. Seven minutes and two of those were lost to commercial. Does Orton or Owens turn at ‘Mania? It feels like Paul retains the U.S. title, doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to the match, but here’s hoping they find a way to heat this program up beyond “Logan Paul is a chicken-s%@ heel against two badasses” on next week’s go-home episode. 

Owens and Wilson started the match, but Orton tagged in quickly. Prince tagged in as well. Orton handled Prince with ease. Before long, Orton hit Wilson off the apron, but that led to the Pretty Deadly guys gaining control. Prince then suplexed Orton onto the commentary table and the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Orton was firing up and before long, Owens got the hot tag. Owens worked over Prince with a fury of moves before going to the top rope. Owens went for a Swanton, but Prince got his knees up. 

Meanwhile, on the outside, Wilson and Orton brawled. Orton cleaned off the commentary table, but Prince made the save for Wilson. As that happened, Logan Paul ran in and hit Owens with brass knuckles as the referee wasn’t looking. Prince ran in the ring as Owens was laid out and pinned him for the win. After the match, Orton saw the replay on the big screen and Orton looked for Paul, who apparently disappeared underneath the ring. 

Orton found Paul and pulled Paul out from under the ring. From there, Orton set up Paul on the commentary table, but Pretty Deadly ran back down for the save. That save didn’t last long as Orton and Owens hit a Stunner and RKO on Pretty Deadly respectively. Orton and Owens then chased Paul to the back and all the way out of the building. 

**********

– A video package featuring IYO SKY aired. She talked in Japanese about Bayley as subtitles ran. SKY called Bayley a narcissist and a hypocrite. SKY said she made Bayley relevant and Damage CTRL felt obligated to keep Bayley around until they outgrew Bayley. SKY said she did what needed to be done. SKY called Bayley an “embarrassment and a tragedy to this company.” Yikes. The SKY package wrapped and then Bayley appeared out of nowhere and the two brawled on the interview set until they were pulled apart by cameramen. 

The Jade Cargill segment

Not much to this at all. I wonder if even WWE is getting to the point where they’re like, “Hey, we signed this person. We made a big deal out of that. She worked the Rumble and looked good, but nothing else has happened. We need to make something happen.” So they threw her out there to cut a 45 second promo and on, the world goes. It feels more bizarre (and/or lazy, and/or confusing) by the minute. 

GM Nick Aldis stood in the ring, which was carpeted, and said he had only one goal – to make SmackDown the No. 1 show in all of pro wrestling and sports entertainment. Aldis said the acquisition of Jade Cargill has helped him do that. He then introduced Cargill, who came out smiling, slapping hands and signing autographs. Wade Barrett called Cargill “the best human being I have ever seen.” Aldis gave Cargill a microphone. Cargill said, “It’s about damn time.” She went on by saying WWE has the best female roster in the world, but the other women aren’t Jade Cargill or a “once in a lifetime superstar.” Cargill then said, “the storm has arrived” and that was the end of that. 

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Damage CTRL backstage. Dakota Kai said Bayley will be embarrassed at WrestleMania. Kai mocked Bianca Belair for calling herself the EST of WWE. Kai left annoyed and the show went to a commercial break. 

– Nick Aldis was walking backstage and he ran into Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, who quickly went away. AJ Styles then ran into him asking Aldis if he was sure LA Knight wasn’t going to be there tonight. Aldis said he asked Knight not to be there and Styles said, “You should have told him.”

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) to advance to the six-pack challenge at WrestleMania [6:21]

The Profits had all the shine here, but you had to know The Final Testament would somehow cost them their ticket to WrestleMania. That said, maybe this will lead to a six-man at ‘Mania between the factions, but something tells me that match might be relegated to the SmackDown before ‘Mania next week. Still, I can’t help but be reminded of how stupid WWE was to try and force-turn the Profits heels. It felt like almost immediately, everyone knew nobody was booing Lashley or the Profits and the booking minds rightfully changed pace. Here’s hoping something different is in store for both factions coming out of next weekend. 

Waller and Ford began the match and Waller gained the upper hand before tagging in Theory. The action spilled outside and Dawkins essentially shoulder-blocked Waller over the commentary table. The show then took a commercial break. Back from that break, the heels had control and worked over Dawkins inside the ring, until Dawkins caught Waller and hit a T-Bone Suplex. Ford received the hot tag while Theory tagged in and Ford cleaned house. 

Ford landed a standing moonsault for a two-count on Theory. Ford hit a Blockbuster on an elevated Theory, but Waller broke a pin attempt up. Theory tried a rolling move on Dawkins, but Dawkins caught him and hit a powerbomb. On the big screen, it showed that Karrion Kross beat up Bobby Lashley and B-Fab backstage and the Profits were distracted. Dawkins left ringside and Ford went for the frog-splash, but Theory got the knees up, rolled up Ford and got the win. 

After the match, AOP ran out and attacked the Profits. The rest of The Final Testament came out and helped. Lashley walked to the ring, but Lashley was ultimately outnumbered by the heels. Kross took Lashley down and yelled at Lashley, saying Lashley failed the Profits. 

**********

The Legado Del Fantasma/LWO segment

This was a nice, if not unexpected, segment and development. I can’t say I think they’re getting the full potential out of everyone involved, having them work a tag match, but I also think the match has potential to have some of the most heat of the night when it comes to singular matches (hey, Dom’s boos travel well, you know). That in mind, as I’ve said a few other times tonight, my curiosity is aimed at what happens to both factions after ‘Mania. It’s time for them both to move in different directions. 

Santos Escobar began by telling everyone he told them so. Escobar pointed to kids wearing Rey Mysterio masks in the crowd and mocked them. Escobar gloated for putting Rey on the shelf for months. The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment. Escobar said Mysterio used to be the greatest luchador of all time, but he isn’t anymore. Escobar said he outsmarted Rey because of one phone call – a phone call to Dirty Dom. On cue, Dom’s music hit and the crowd launched into their requisite boos. 

Dom got a microphone and the crowd booed the hell out of him. Escobar apologized for the crowd booing him. Escobar then said Dom was always right and the two hugged. Dom tried to talk, but the boos drowned him out. Dom yelled through them and said he will do everything in his power to make Rey’s life a living hell. Escobar started to talk and Rey’s music hit. The LWO walked out with Rey. 

The LWO and Legado had a stare down in the ring. Rey said it was a shame while speaking to Dominik. Rey said he believed he was done fighting Dom. The crowd broke out an LWO chant. Rey said the two men he despises the most is a divine intervention. Rey challenged Escobar and Dom to a tag match with a partner of Rey’s choosing at WrestleMania. Rey then introduced Dragon Lee as the newest member of the LWO and as his mystery partner for ‘Mania. Dragon Lee then made his entrance. Zelina Vega slapped Elektra Lopez and that started a brawl between the factions. The babyfaces stood tall to end the segment. 

**********

– Naomi and Belair were shown talking backstage. Naomi said she has Belair’s back tonight. Belair said she can’t be mad at Naomi. They hyped each other up and Naomi had “EST” in her hair. 

– The Judgment Day were shown talking backstage. The group seemed angry that Dom went out to the ring. Finn Balor asked Dom if there’s anything he needs to tell them and Finn seemed annoyed. Priest and Rhea seemed to be on different pages from each other and the show went back to the ring, where the tag match was joined in progress.

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Legado Del Fantasma (Berto & Angel) to advance to the six-pack challenge at WrestleMania [7:17 of TV time]

The right team went over in my opinion, but that’s just one guy’s opinion. In fact, I could be convinced that Bate and Dunne have a legit shot at walking out of ‘Mania with those tag team titles. And good on them (and WWE) for that. They’ve come up through the system and been involved with the company for more years than most probably even realize by now. In the meantime, Fantasma has an out for the brawl that happened before the match, which I think is smart. WWE needs credible tag teams and it feels like the company is building toward that very idea. The match, in terms of TV presentation, was discombobulated, considering how it was joined in progress and then a commercial break happened in the middle of it. So it goes. 

Berto and Angel had control once the match got on the screen. It wasn’t long until Bate and Dunne took control. Bate hit a splash on Berto and Angel on the outside and the show went back to a quick commercial. Back from that commercial, Bate got the hot tag to Dunne. Bate and Dunne landed stereo kicks on Berto. Angel got a blind tag and kicked Bate. The heels took control, complete with a power-bomb and a second-rope moonsault from Angel onto Bate for a two-count. 

With Bate on the top, Berto and Angel hit a double press slam, but Dunne broke up a pin attempt. Dunne then DDT’d Berto. Angel tried to slam Bate, but Bate got out of it, tagged Dunne and then New Catch Republic landed their finisher for the win. 

**********

– Paul Heyman spoke backstage. Heyman said Rock took out Cody on Monday by orders of the Tribal Chief. Jimmy Uso chimed in and said Jey won’t make it to WrestleMania. Solo Sikoa said, “Jey, I’ll see you next week,” and followed that up by saying by orders of the Tribal Chief, Sikoa will take out Jey. 

The AJ Styles/LA Knight segment

Despite WWE’s best efforts, it doesn’t appear that LA Knight has cooled off all that much since being drawn into this program with Styles. It’s a weird one. Styles has all the respect in the world as a great wrestler. Knight organically made himself one of the hottest names in all of pro wrestling. Something between the two feels secondary to everything else happening. I hope they overachieve at ‘Mania because I pull for both guys. At the very least, it should be fun to see how Knight’s Big Stage entrance goes. 

Styles started out by saying it’s been a little over a week … but then stopped talking. Styles blamed the crowd for Knight coming to his house and assaulting him. Styles said he will expose Knight for the “overachieving under-talented piece of trash that he is.” Styles said he knew Knight was in the building. Styles asked if Knight would walk down the aisle. Styles speculated that the cameraman was Knight and hit the cameraman. The cameraman was, in fact, not LA Knight. 

The crowd began an “LA Knight!” chant. Someone ran out of the crowd, but security stopped him. Turned out, the guy also was not LA Knight. Styles asked if everyone was done with the games. As Styles stood on the outside of the ring, Knight was dressed in a WWE security outfit, complete with wig, and Knight took it off to attack Styles. Knight grabbed a chair and went after Styles, but Styles retreated through the crowd. Knight grabbed a microphone and stood on the commentary table. Knight said Styles was trash and eventually did the catchphrase, which the crowd helped him complete. 

**********

– A Tiffany Stratton vignette aired. She said she vowed to always look hot and spare viewers “from the uggos,” which, let’s be honest, was a great line. 

– Next week, The KO Show will feature Randy Orton. Zelina Vega vs. Elektra Lopez will happen. Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa is also on tap. Grayson Waller & Austin Theory will wrestle New Catch Republic. And, of course, the Andre The Giant battle royal will go down. 

Bianca Belair defeated Dakota Kai [9:12]

I can’t be the only one who looks at Dakota and hold my breath each time I see any part of any of her legs hit anything hard. That aside, this was a fine match and main event worthy, especially when it comes to establishing Jade Cargill as a major player in the women’s division. In fact, I’ll take that a step further and say even though this SmackDown didn’t look important on paper, it was a very nice change of pace. Cargill was featured in two segments, we tied up some loose ends for WrestleMania and the women worked the main event slot. Lots of good here, even if the episode wasn’t as flashy as other episodes have been in recent memory. I’m all about a Naomi/Jade/Bianca faction, but time will tell if WWE sticks with it. Here’s hoping.

Belair had control early. That control included a series of suplexes. The action spilled outside and Kai landed a knee to Belair’s head. The show then went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Belair suplexed Kai. Belair punched Kai until Kai grabbed Belair’s braid. It didn’t much matter because Belair hit a gut-buster and repeatedly threw Kai to the mat. Kai went for the braid again, but Belair landed a modified version of Jaded followed by a moonsault for a two-count. 

Belair lifted Kai in a Jaded manner again, but Kai rolled out of it and slammed Belair into the second turnbuckle. Kai toyed with Belair until Belair caught Kai. From there, the two traded elbow shots. Kai went for a running knee on the apron, but Belair moved and Kai’s knee ran into the ring post. The two brawled a little and Belair went to the second rope to hit a deadlift super-plex. Belair followed it up with a spear and KOD for the win. 

Instantly after the match, the Kabuki Warriors ran out and attacked Belair. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi ran to the ring and evened things out. It was an ugly brawl between everybody with the heels getting the upper hand … until Jade Cargill’s music hit and out walked Cargill. Cargill hit Jaded on Kairi Sane and pinned her as the crowd counted. Cargill stared at Asuka as Belair and Naomi flanked Cargill to end the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock appears

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After enduring a slap from Cody Rhodes last Friday, The Rock is set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Memphis, Tennessee.

The Rock offered his first response to the slap in a social media promo earlier today. We’ll hear more from Rock when he shows up on SmackDown tonight.

Also set is a grudge match between Bayley and Dakota Kai. It comes after Kai betrayed Bayley two weeks ago to rejoin her stablemates in Damage CTRL. Kai has claimed that she was always the brains in Damage CTRL, not Bayley.

Qualifying matches for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title six-pack ladder match at WrestleMania 40 will begin tonight. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) and The LWO (Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Angel & Humberto) are tonight’s qualifiers.

Randy Orton vs. Grayson Waller and Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar have been announced for tonight as well. Plus, Rey Mysterio will make an appearance.

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

**********

– The show opened with a video package recapping what happened between the Bloodline, Cody and Seth Rollins last week. 

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show. He was joined by Wade Barrett on commentary. The Rock’s music hit and and out, The Great One came. 

The Rock Concert Segment

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that perhaps some of us expected more from the return of the Rock Concert. In all, this was a lot of what The Rock said on social media in his now-traditional Friday social media promos, one of which was posted earlier today. The belt. Cody’s mom. Cody’s blood. We get it. Still, the first half of this was a blast and the crowd ate it up. Once Rock got serious, the crowd … well, the crowd didn’t really appear to want to get serious with him (it also might be telling that the biggest response he got came from a shot at Ja Morant, which still makes me laugh). At the end of the day, this was pedestrian by Rock’s standards. Started like a shooting star; ended with a puff of smoke. 

The crowd cheered at first, but those cheers turned to boos before Rock started to speak. Then “Rocky!” chants broke out. Rock said he usually scorches every city he’s in, but tonight, it’ll be different because Memphis is different. The Rock reminded everyone that he started his wrestling career in Memphis. The crowd erupted in “Rocky!” chants again. The Rock did the “Finally, The Rock has come back …” bit and the crowd ate it up. 

The Rock Introduced Yella P and someone from The War & Treaty, who were set to help him perform. The musicians launched into the music and The Rock sang. His lines included shots at himself for wearing a fanny pack and shots at Cody for crying to his mama. The Rock went on to say Cody turned out “too weird” and an image of Stardust appeared on the screen, which was funny. The verse ended by Rock reiterating Cody was a mistake. Rock’s attention then turned to Rollins. 

Among the issues Rock addressed was Becky Lynch being more popular than Seth and, believe it or not, a shot at NBA star Ja Morant, which led to tons of boos. He then made fun of the Cody Crybabies. Rock repeated his final stanza, which ended with Rock calling himself “The Final Boss.” Once he was done, the crowd went nuts with “Rocky!” chants. 

With the song over, The Rock set up the clip of Cody slapping Rock last week. From there, The Rock set up the clip of Cody crying on Monday while talking about his mother. The Rock actually said, “You gotta be sh—‘in me” when referencing how Cody cried. He followed that up by saying he wanted to talk to Mama Rhodes. Rock spoke to her and said he’s going to make Cody and his family pay by beating Cody and Seth at Night One of Mania. Rock said the belt will stay on Reigns after Mania and as a result, Mama Rhodes will get The Rock’s belt, which turned out to be his weight belt. 

Rock said he’s going to “beat the sh–” out of Cody and whoop him like a dog “over and over again.” He said Cody’s blood will be on that belt. He then said Mama Rhodes will be handed the belt after the match and she’ll be crying just like her son. Rock sang what he said he’s going to say to Mama Rhodes, which is, “What can I say, but you’re welcome.” The thing ended with him saying, “If you smell what the Final Boss is cooking.” The crowd had a hard time finding energy by the time it was over.

********** 

Legado Del Fantasma (Berto & Angel) defeated LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde) to advance in the tournament for the six-pack tag team title match at WrestleMania [9:12]

This exceeded my expectations, which, to be fair, weren’t that high anyway. But the teams worked hard and the action never really settled down, which is a testament to both teams. The LWO team had some nice hope spots and they hit their flashy offense better than they have on main roster TV in recent memory. Berto and Angel, meanwhile, are coming together nicely as a team back in the mix. Both teams looked better coming out of it, which was not an easy task, considering what they had to follow in The Rock’s half-hour opening-show segment. Kudos to everyone involved. 

The LWO didn’t get a televised entrance. Thanks, Rock. Fantasma had control early, taking turns working over Del Toro until Del Toro fired up and tagged in Wilde. From there, the two hit a double super-kick on Berto. With Fantasma on the outside, Del Toro and Wilde hit stereo suicide dives. It felt like the show was headed to commercial, but instead, Berto quickly got back in the ring and LWO kept control. Del Toro landed a long springboard moonsault and got a two count because of it. From there, the show did go to commercial break. 

Back from that break, Berto was working over Del Toro (aside: What happened to the “Hum” part of the guy’s name?). Eventually, Angel and Berto landed a double slam from the second rope for a two count on Del Toro. Berto ran at Del Toro, but Del Toro hit a Spanish Fly before grabbing the hot tag to Wilde, who hit a double dropkick on the heels after he entered the ring. Wilde hit a series of fiery moves, including a Tornado DDT on Angel, for a near-fall. Del Toro tried to enter the proceedings, but Fantasma caught him. From there, Angel and Berto hit their finisher for the win.

**********

The LA Knight segment

This was fine. If anything, it was nice to see Knight get some substantial TV time because watching him roam around backstage, beating up TVs got old quick. Knight is a curious case right now. He was the hottest thing in the world no less than six months ago, but WWE have somehow achieved cooling him off. I’m not sure the Mania match does much for me at this point.

Kayla Braxton welcomed Knight to the entry way. Braxton asked Knight if he’s had any success trying to find AJ Styles. Knight took the microphone from Braxton and delivered his “Let me talk to ya!” line. Knight mentioned how Styles said Knight needs humbled and Knight welcomed Styles to “come out and humble” Knight. Styles didn’t show up and Knight called him out for it. Knight said Styles wasn’t big enough to come out. Knight mentioned how Styles went all the way to Australia, but he couldn’t come to Memphis. 

Knight called Styles a mark and said if Styles won’t show up at SmackDown, he knows Styles will want to show up at WrestleMania. Knight took off his glasses and said he’s going to own Styles’s ass at Mania. Knight closed things with the “LA Knight Yeah!” gimmick, but Styles ran out and attacked Knight with a chair from behind. Styles grabbed the microphone and said he accepted the Mania challenge as officials ran out to pull Styles away. 

**********

– Logan Paul went to talk to Nick Aldis and Paul wanted Aldis to suspend or fine Randy Orton for what Orton did last week. Aldis said he thought Paul should ask Orton for an apology himself. Paul said it’s Aldis’s job to make that happen. Paul teased Aldis for not finding a challenger for Paul for Mania yet and the segment ended. 

– Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa were walking backstage and they were interrupted by Braxton. Jimmy started to yell a lot and long story short, Jimmy answered Jey’s Mania challenge by saying the match is on. 

Randy Orton defeated Grayson Waller [7:34]

Orton comes out and plays the hits each week, and I don’t know that I necessarily have a problem with it. If he’s having fun and the crowds are eating it up, what’s the problem? Waller and Theory have become good fodder for this kind of stuff, but I do have to wonder when A) they’re going to split up and B) when either or both are going to get some actual booking love. That’s for another day. As for this, it was formulaic, but good nonetheless. The triple threat for the U.S. title kind of surprises me and I don’t know why. If anything, it suggests Paul will actually walk out of Mania with that belt, but I don’t think any of us had on our BINGO card. Time will tell. 

The crowd was hot for Orton, who took his time before starting things. Logan Paul’s music then hit and Paul walked out before the bell rang. Waller jumpstarted the match by attacking Orton as Paul walked to the commentary desk. Waller worked Orton over with some punches until Orton turned the tables. The action spilled outside and Orton threw Waller into the timekeeper’s area. Paul stood up and Waller snuck up to slam Orton’s face onto the commentary table. The show took a break after that. 

Coming back, Waller had control until Orton sprung out of a corner and hit a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton set up for the draping DDT, but Waller body-dropped Orton over the top to the outside. Orton came back and slammed Waller onto the commentary table. Orton did it a second time. Back in the ring, Austin Theory hopped onto the apron and Waller accidentally collided with Theory. Orton followed that up by landing the draping DDT on Waller. 

Orton pointed and Paul and the crowd went crazy with “RKO!” chants. Theory pulled Waaller out of the ring, so Orton hit the draping DDT on Theory. Then, wouldn’t you know it, Orton successfully executed the RKO on Waller to get the win. After the match, Theory clipped Orton’s knee and invited Paul into the ring. Paul set up to hit Orton, but Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens ran out to clean house. Orton almost accidentally RKO’d Owens, btu instead, Owens Stunned Theory, who popped into taking an RKO from Orton, which was impressive. Aldis walked out with a microphone and asked Paul if he got that apology. Aldis then said he has determined Paul’s opponents for Mania – Owens and Orton in a triple threat for the U.S. title. 

**********

– Damage CTRL was interviewed by Braxton. Dakota Kai called out Bayley and said she is going to break Bayley. Kai said it’s all Bayley’s doing because Bayley was jealous of IYO SKY. Kai then said Damage CTRL runs the show. 

Santos Escobar defeated Dragon Lee [1:58]

Oh boy. Dragon Lee is getting beat in less than two minutes? Yikes. Thanks, Rock (again). Or, hopefully it’s Thanks, Rock, at least, because if this is a sign of things to come for Dragon Lee, he might want to reconsider that decision to come to WWE in the first place. But I digress. I’m surprised they aren’t holding off on Escobar vs. Mysterio until Mania, but perhaps next week will be more of an angle than a match. Either way, it’s always good to see Rey back in the fold. 

Escobar’s entrance was not televised. Lee came out with some fire and worked over Escobar with a series of strikes. Lee lifted Escobar, but Escobar fought out of it until Lee landed a series of super-kicks. Lee hit a sit-out powerbomb for a two-count. The rest of Fantasma tried to interfere, but Lee took care of them. The result of that, though, was Escobar hitting the Phantom Driver for the win. 

After the match, Fantasma attacked Lee, but Carlito ran out for the save, until Escobar cut Carlito off and ran him into the ring post. Rey Mysterio’s music hit and Rey walked to the ring. Mysterio started pounding away at Escobar until he set up for the 619, but Escobar rolled to the outside to break it up. Mysterio grabbed a microphone and asked Escobar why he ran away. Mysterio said next week, he wants Escobar one-on-one. Mysterio said he will “slap that stupid arrogant smile off” Escobar’s face. 

**********

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) to advance in the tournament for the six-pack tag team title match at WrestleMania [11:13]

This was good even if the outcome felt inevitable. I like that Bate and Dunne are getting a mini push on the main roster and wouldn’t that be something if they actually ended up winning tag team titles at WrestleMania? I wonder what happens to Pretty Deadly from here on out. They can’t even get out of the first round of a tournament that’s held to determine match participants. When they first showed up on SmackDown, it felt like they were a priority. These days – and since the injury – not so much. But these four click very well together and this was the better of the two tag matches of the night (not to say anything discouraging about the first tag match, either, because that was pretty good, too). In all, I’m glad these guys got 11 minutes to shine. 

No entrances were televised. Thanks again, Rock. Dunne had control early and smashed Wilson’s hand. Dunne then kicked Wilson’s arm. Dunne went for the finger spot, but Prince interfered and Pretty Deadly took control. Prince tagged in and ran into some chops from Dunne. Wilson tagged in, but it wasn’t long before Dunne started chopping Wilson. Dunne landed a dragon-screw leg whip and got the tag to Bate. 

Bate hit a series of running forearms on both Pretty Deadly members. Bate then caught Wilson in midair and hit a suplex and standing shooting-star press. Bate then spun Prince around via an airplane spin. After Bate dropped Prince, the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Bate lifted Wilson for a long vertical suplex. Prince tagged in, but Dunne got the hot tag and Dunne landed a series of enziguris. Dunne worked an arm bar on Prince and then stomped on Prince’s fingers. 

Bate tagged in and they hit a double dropkick on Prince. Bate went for a pin, but Wilson broke the pin attempt up. Things broke down a little and all four guys were in the ring. Bate ran into a boot to the face from Wilson and Pretty Deadly ran Bate and Dunne into the ring post. Pretty Deadly hit a double-team bulldog, but Bate kicked out. Dunne tagged in and Bate and Dunne hit the Burning Hammer for the win.

**********

– Next week, we get Mysterio vs. Escobar. Also on tap will be AOP vs. Street Profits and The OC vs. Waller & Theory as part of the tag team tournament. Finally, Cody and Roman Reigns will go face to face. 

Bayley defeated Dakota Kai via DQ [7:34]

I really don’t like these types of finishes. Yes, we knew all of Damage CTRL would be at ringside, and yes, we knew there was probably going to be some shenanigans. But, damn, man. Do you have to be so lazy? SKY just rolled into the ring. Spent a few seconds teasing something. And then actually hit Bayley to actually end the match. Meh. Anyway, it was fine while it lasted, I suppose. Kai looked good for her first real match back and Bayley showed good fire throughout (though I do wonder how Bayley gets to the next level as a babyface because things don’t seem to be connecting the way they should be as a top star currently). Does this mean Bianca Belair will eventually show up to save the day in this program? Or does this mean Bianca Belair will become the newest leader of Damage CTRL? Food for thought.

Bayley went right at Kai to start things. Kai slapped the hell out of Bayley and Bayley lifted Kai and ran her into a corner. A “Whoop That Trick” chant broke out. Bayley slammed Kai onto the apron and suplexed Kai onto the outside floor. The show went to its final commercial break as the rest of Damage CTRL surrounded Bayley. When things returned, Bayley landed a running knee and the two women were down. 

Asuka tried to interfere, but Bayley avoided it … only to run into a double stomp from Kai. Asuka hit Bayley while Kai distracted the referee and got a two count out of it. Bayley eventually came back with a modified draping neck-breaker/Stunner. Bayley went to the top and connected with a flying elbow drop for a two-count. Kai hit a Pele Kick to gain back control. Bayley and SKY got into it a little, but Kai broke it up with a knee to Bayley’s head. Bayley then caught Kai and hit a powerbomb. 

SKY got into the ring and laid down the women’s title between her and Bayley. SKY then attacked Bayley and that was enough of that. Naomi ran down and attacked Damage CTRL to even things out. SKY landed a strike on Naomi, though, to make sure Damage CTRL kept control. SKY went to the top rope and hit a gnarly Over The Moonsault on Bayley. Damage CTRL stood tall to end the show as it went off the air. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock, Reigns, Rhodes & Rollins appear

Posted on by Marc Quill

The Rock, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins are all in the building for tonight’s SmackDown from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

The main event of WrestleMania 40 night one should become official when Rhodes & Rollins respond to The Rock & Reigns’ challenge tonight. It will be a tag match between Rock & Reigns and Rhodes & Rollins on the opening night of WrestleMania.

If Rhodes & Rollins win, the Rhodes vs. Reigns Universal title match on night two will be Bloodline-free. If they lose, the match will be under Bloodline rules so anything goes — including interference.

United States Champion Logan Paul will be in attendance for the first time since he cost Randy Orton in last month’s men’s Elimination Chamber match after hitting him with brass knuckles.

Orton will team with Kevin Owens to take on Grayson Waller and Austin Theory in tag team action tonight.

Bobby Lashley will face Karrion Kross in a grudge match after Kross injured Lashley before Elimination Chamber.

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

**********

– A recap of The Rock’s challenge for Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes kicked off the show. We then got footage of The Rock arriving at the arena earlier in the day.

– Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins were also shown backstage as Corey Graves welcomed us to the show.

Logan Paul opens the show

The United States Champion entered to loud boos. 

Paul greeted the Dallas crowd, saying that they were about to witness history unfolding. He didn’t want to oblige the crowd’s “What?” chants, before boasting that he was a conqueror. Paul boasted about his many feats in and out of the ring, He took credit for WWE’s successes as of late before announcing that he had a surprise for everyone.

He unveiled that Prime Energy is the new center ring sponsor for WWE’s PLEs starting at WrestleMania, showing off a Prime Energy logo in the ring. Paul then introduced his friend and “Partner in Prime” KSI to a swarm of boos.

Paul called for a cameraman to take photos, but Randy Orton’s music interrupted. Orton didn’t show up at the entryway, but he sneaked out from under the ring. Orton nearly got Paul with an RKO, but the U.S. Champion escaped. KSI wasn’t so lucky, as Orton nailed him with the RKO instead.

Orton took the Prime Energy bottle, drank some of it, admitting that it “was damn good” before spilling it all over KSI.

This was a fun opening segment to kick off the night. Paul not obliging the ‘What’ chants and announcing the Prime Energy partnership made for some nice heel heat, and having KSI around added to it. Orton’s sneak attack RKOs are a highlight. Hitting KSI with the RKO was a surefire way to get the crowd going.

– They showed a video of Triple H marking the milestone of WWE reaching 100 million subscribers on YouTube.

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens defeated Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Owens and Theory started off in the ring as Owens took down Theory and taunted him. Theory fought back for a bit, but Owens got the better of him again.

Waller tagged in as Owens brought Orton into the match with a tag. Orton was in firm control, trapping Waller in the corner with the ten-punch combination. Waller took advantage of a Theory distraction and caught Orton off-guard.

The match went to break with the duo of Theory and Waller with the advantage after Waller attacked Owens on the outside. After the commercial break, Theory and Waller continued to work over Owens in the corner. A double suplex by the duo floored Owens. Waller mocked Orton’s taunt, which gave Owens the opening to hot tag Orton. 

Orton used his signature offense on Waller, but Theory caught him in the ropes. A cannonball by Owens to Theory on the outside was followed by Orton getting Waller with the rope-assisted DDT. 

Theory tried to distract Orton, and Waller got a near-fall with the rollup. Theory and Waller had Orton cornered, but Owens took Waller out with a Stunner. Owens lifted Theory up and Orton finished him off with the RKO for the victory.

Post-match, Logan Paul attacked Owens and Orton from behind, brandishing the brass knuckles in his hands. Orton took the brass knux from Paul and tried to hit him with it. Paul dodged, causing Owens to nearly hit Orton. Owens stopped at the last second. Owens and Orton fist-bumped afterwards as Paul retreated with Waller and Theory.

This was a standard tag match to kick off the in-ring action tonight, but the crowd popped for Orton’s big spots. The chemistry between the four competitors was there. The post-match attack with Paul and Orton nearly hitting Owens is an efficient way of setting up the inevitable triple threat match for the U.S. Title at WrestleMania.

– They showed security backstage, who were there to make sure the Rock/Reigns/Rhodes/Rollins showdown would not fall into chaos.

– The Progressive Match Flo recapped Dakota Kai’s betrayal of Bayley on last week’s SmackDown.

– Backstage, Bayley was interviewed by Kayla Braxton. She lamented about whether or not her former Damage CTRL friends’ loyalty was real. She said that Kai manipulated and used her. Bayley said that she was doing everything for the sake of Damage CTRL and that it’s now backfiring on her, leaving her all alone. Kayla asked Bayley on what her plan for WrestleMania was. Bayley answered that she was going to adapt and do everything in her soul to stop Damage CTRL.

– Elsewhere, Naomi was seen watching Bayley’s interview. Bianca Belair showed up, not exactly showing sympathy for Bayley’s situation, stating that she created this bed and that she was going to lie in it.

Bobby Lashley defeated Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett) by DQ

Kross and Lashley traded blows in the ring before Lashley took over in the corner with repeated strikes and shoulder thrusts. Kross answered with a hard suplex to take control.

Lashley responded with a suplex and a clothesline to the outside. He threw Kross to the barricade and teased throwing Kross against the ring post before Scarlett got in the way, which gave Kross the opening to escape and throw Lashley into the ring post as we headed to a commercial break.

Returning to action, Kross had Lashley in a submission hold. He continued to work over Lashley in the corner, then hitting a suplex for the two-count. Kross sent Lashley out of the ring as the fight continued outside. Lashley recovered and threw Kross into the ring post.

Kross avoided a spear and hit a modified Death Valley Driver for the close two-count. Lashley tried to get the Hurt Lock, but Kross escaped. He set up for the Spear, but AOP showed up and attacked Lashley to cause the DQ.

The Street Profits evened the odds as Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford took down Akam and Rezar. Scarlett tried to save Kross from the Hurt Lock, but B-Fab ran her off. AOP eventually got into the ring and beat down Lashley. Kross finished things off with the Final Prayer. The Final Testament left the ringside area, reveling in the destruction of Lashley and the Street Profits.

Pretty good, hard-hitting match with an expected disqualification finish, pretty much guaranteeing this feud will indeed continue. As it is, I did like what I saw from Lashley and Kross.

– The commentators recapped Rey Mysterio’s return, as we saw footage of Dragon Lee hanging out with the LWO after the show. Backstage, Lee was confronted by Elektra Lopez, who mocked him for thinking he’d be the “next” Rey Mysterio. Legado Del Fantasma appeared and taunted Lee as he got called a “wannabe” by the group.

– They showed a graphic for the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame, featuring Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and the U.S. Express (Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham).

Tiffany Stratton defeated Michin

Stratton aggressively going after Michin to start the match. An impressive cartwheel splash to the corner, followed by a running stomp by Stratton, only got a near fall.

Michin’s back continued to be the target of Stratton with a running splash against the ropes. Michin countered and hit a suplex. A Styles Clash attempt by Michin was reversed into an Alabama Slam by Stratton. The Prettiest Moonsault Ever got the victory for Stratton.

This was a good showcase for Stratton as she continues to get over with fans due to her fantastic in-ring presence. She is a real pleasure to watch in the ring, and her meteoric rise can only get bigger from here. Michin losing continues the angle of the OC being left in disarray by AJ Styles’ recent actions, as well.

– AJ Styles had a promo that explained why he attacked LA Knight at Elimination Chamber. He said that Knight didn’t deserve to be in the same locker room as him. Styles was upset that Knight stole his momentum, calling him an “underachieving, overrated loudmouth” that needed a humbling.

Backstage, Knight had his chair and took a swing at the TV and smashed it to bits, frustrated that Styles wasn’t in the building. He walked off in frustration.

– Tyler Bate was playing WWE 2K24 as Pete Dunne entered the room. Bate paused the game and went to go see Nick Aldis about the unknown Tag Team Title situation. When Bate left, Dunne took the controller and continued to play WWE 2K24.

Dragon Lee defeated Angel

Lee floored Angel with a dropkick as the bell rang. He got Angel with another dropkick in the corner. Lots of fast paced action to start, until Angel faked out Lee with a fake knee injury to take advantage. He sent Lee to the outside to take us into the commercial break.

Back from break with Lee hitting a nice sit-out power bomb on Angel. Lee quickened the pace, hitting a flurry of offense to take advantage. Lee climbed the top rope, but Angel intercepted. Angel trapped and got flattened with a double stop.

Angel rolled outside to Berto and both got taken down by a diving Dragon Lee. Back in the ring, Lee got taken down by a nice superkick on the button. Power bomb attempt by Angel countered into a hurricanrana by Lee for the pinfall win.

Post-match, Legado Del Fantasma attacked Lee, as commentary noted that the LWO was not in the building to help out. Santos, Angel, and Berto slammed Lee with a modified triple power bomb before standing over him in the ring.

A good, fun sprint as Angel and Dragon Lee got to show off their stuff in such a limited time. Lee’s agility and in-ring acumen does help peg him as a future Rey Mysterio successor. The post-match angle with LDF attacking Lee pretty much guarantees that Lee will have a role helping the LWO fighting Santos Escobar and his group.

– We got a promo from Damage CTRL as Dakota Kai declared herself “the brains” of the group. They bragged about how Bayley was never part of their vision as Kai then challenged Bayley for a match next week.

– Backstage, Nick Aldis went to check on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins who are not in their locker room. Frustrated, Aldis took the security with him to go find Rhodes and Rollins.

– Next week on SmackDown: Bayley vs. Dakota Kai and Rey Mysterio’s return.

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins answer The Bloodline’s challenge

Roman Reigns walked out to the ring, accompanied, of course, by Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman.

The Rock was next to enter, with a rather extravagant entrance and a very loud reaction from the Dallas crowd. Roman’s facial expressions continue to tell the story as he shifted from a smile when facing Rock, to a look of concern when not facing him.

“Dallas, Texas… greatness stands before you now,” proclaimed Roman Reigns. He offered a handshake to The Rock, who reciprocated as the cousins shared an embrace. “Acknowledge us!” he then said.

Cody Rhodes’ entrance music hit, seemingly heralding the arrival of “The American Nightmare”. To a great crowd reaction from the crowd, Rhodes entered through the crowd, Shield-style, with Seth Rollins in tow leading to the final commercial break of the evening.

Back from the commercial break, Rhodes and Rollins finally made their way to the ring, with the security detail at ringside. The crowd began to sing Rollins’ theme song acapella as the four men stared down in the ring.

Rhodes took the mic and said that even with the bad blood, he was feeling lucky to be standing in this ring, saying that they should all take in this moment standing in a sold-out crowd in Dallas.

He said that he heard The Rock’s challenge and the stipulations attached to this massive tag team match. He asks if Rock has the authority to make this match, saying that he saw that Rock acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief.

As Rhodes was about to give an answer, The Rock interrupted and told him to shut up. Rock said that he acknowledged Roman as the Tribal Chief because that’s what family does, before repeating the stipulations of the tag match at WrestleMania: if Rhodes/Rollins wins, then the Undisputed Universal Title Match will have no Bloodline presence; if Reigns/Rock win, the Undisputed niversal Title Match will be contested under “Bloodline Rules” (no disqualifications).

The crowd chanted “diarrhea” at The Rock, acknowledging Rollins’ “Diarrhea Dwayne” nickname for him.

Rollins shouted at Rock to “shut the hell up”. He said that Rock had his time, and that he can’t have theirs, before officially accepting The Rock’s challenge.

Reigns mocked Rhodes for letting Rollins accept the challenge on his behalf, saying that the future for Rhodes will be that the story will be over at WrestleMania.

Rock said that he will do everything in his power to stop Rhodes from winning the Undisputed Universal Championship, and make sure that he will never get a championship opportunity if he fails to beat Roman. Rock continued his tirade, declaring that of the three kids of Dusty Rhodes, Cody was a mistake. This fired up Rhodes as he gave The Rock a hard slap to the face, bringing the show to an abrupt end.

Hot finish to close out SmackDown as the big Rhodes/Rollins vs. Reigns/Rock tag team match was finally made official. The Rock’s vow of making sure Cody Rhodes never finishes his story only adds fuel to the fire and could be seen as WWE making it all the more clear that Cody will indeed win. SmackDown ending with Cody paying back Rock with a slap of his own is a nice precursor for what’s to come in the coming weeks, with both Rock and Rhodes advertised for next week’s SmackDown.

I do wish that we had at least one more women’s match, as a two minutes or so of match time wasn’t enough. Keeping that in mind, we did get some nice continuation for the Bayley vs. Damage CTRL story, as they are playing up that Bayley’s past actions are coming back to haunt her with nobody stepping up to help out.

All in all, a very fun SmackDown with some good in-ring action and a wild ending to the show to set up a massive WrestleMania weekend. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After posting a lengthy promo on social media addressing Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and WrestleMania, among other things, The Rock is scheduled to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Glendale, Arizona.

The Rock will likely respond to the challenge Rhodes issued during the Grayson Waller Effect at last weekend’s Elimination Chamber. Rhodes said he wants to face The Rock in a singles match, but Seth Rollins told Rhodes that there’s no such thing as one-on-one against The Bloodline.

Rhodes is slated to wrestle Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40. Reigns will be appearing alongside The Rock tonight.

Dakota Kai returns to the ring for the first time since May 2023 when she teams with Bayley against The Kabuki Warriors tonight. Kai was apparently the victim of an attack by Damage CTRL last Friday.

After weeks of feuding, Legado del Fantasma’s Santos Escobar and the LWO’s Carlito will square off in a street fight tonight. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton is also set.

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

**********

– The show began with a video package recapping what happened at Elimination Chamber last weekend. 

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show and Roman Reigns’s music hit. Reigns walked out with Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman and Jimmy Uso. 

The Bloodline segment

Ladies and gentlemen, the first 39 minutes of WWE SmackDown on Friday, March 1, 2024. Wow, that was a lot. Did anyone else have issues with the show cutting out, both with audio and visual elements? Anyway, this was fantastic. I love the stipulation that if Cody and Seth lose the tag match on night one, we have a no-rules match between Roman and Cody on night two. It all but promises that Seth and Cody will lose, but I’m here for it because that means the ending of WrestleMania 40 will be pure anarchy. The Rock continues to walk a very tiny line, but this time out was probably the best of his talking segments since he’s been back. You can tell he has a fun time playing into the cheers when they come and getting the boos back when he has to. Plus, the Solo Sikoa line really was kind of funny, when you think about it. Watch him mess around and find out Sikoa has the voice of an angel. Either way, this took up 3/8ths of the show, but I’m OK with saying it was worth it. The star power from everyone involved kept it must-see TV. This is getting more fun by the week.

Roman soaked in the crowd noise for quite a while until he asked Glendale, Arizona, to acknowledge him. As is custom, the crowd did just that. Reigns said things used to be louder and blamed the fans for it. Reigns came back by saying “Phoenix, Arizona, acknowledge me,” which was kind of funny. Either way, it worked and the crowd response was a little louder. Reigns still wasn’t happy with it and said he’d try it one more time and if the crowd didn’t step up, he’d leave. Reigns went back to Glendale and the crowd popped louder than before. Reigns wasn’t having it and said he was done. 

Heyman stepped in and said they can’t leave yet because “he’s coming out.” The crowd started the “Hey, hey, goodbye” song. Heyman said in just a moment, The People’s Champ would be out there live. Reigns looked nonplussed. Heyman said The Rock would be out “after this commercial break,” and in a wild twist, the show actually went to a commercial break. When the proceedings returned from said break, The Rock’s music hit instantly and out, he came. The Rock toyed with a sleeve on his jacket, but couldn’t seen to unbutton something and thus the goosebumps spot was left out despite Rock still patting his forearm under the jacket. 

Roman looked less than thrilled as Rock stood across the ring. The crowd chanted “Rocky!” so it looks like not all of the wrestling world is against the guy these days. Rock teased speaking and paused as the crowd turned to boos. The Rock asked the crowd if it was sure it wanted to boo The Rock. The Rock said he had good news to share and he said Glendale is 10 miles away from Phoenix. The Rock said the No. 1 city in America for cocaine and meth use is Phoenix and the crowd got all types of fired up. The Rock grinned. 

The Rock said “finally, your life has meaning because you cactus-loving crack-heads have something worth shooting in your veins.” He followed that gem up with the whole “The Rock has come back to Arizona” bit. The Rock said he was in a good mood and everyone in the Bloodline is in a good mood. The Rock said they were in a good mood because professional wrestling is cool, exciting and electrifying once again. The Rock touted how all the shows have been sold out. Roman still looked annoyed. 

The Rock asked everyone who isn’t cool. He answered by saying Cody Rhodes. The Rock said he heard Cody’s challenge and The Rock declined the challenge. The Rock said “every women in this arena” wants to go one-on-one with the rock and some shrieks were heard. Rock called the ladies “crack-head Karens” and claimed he had “22 inches of heaven” and the Attitude Era has never been more back. The Rock said Cody can’t go one-on-one with The Rock. Eventually, The Rock counter-offered Cody’s challenge by saying on Night 1 of WrestleMania, it could be Cody & Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Roman Reigns. The Rock followed that up by saying if Cody & Seth win on Night 1, the Bloodline will be barred from ringside on Night 2. 

From there, on the other hand, if Roman & Rock beat them, on Night 2, it will be Bloodline rules, which means anything goes. Rock said perhaps Jimmy would be the referee and Solo would sing the National Anthem under Bloodline rules. The crowd, funnily, started a loud “Solo” chant after Rock harped on solo potentially singing the National Anthem. Rock said Cody and Seth need to meet them next week in Dallas to give them their answer. 

Rock said if they don’t accept their challenge, The Rock will do everything in his power to make sure Cody doesn’t win Roman’s title. The Rock pulled the whole “nobody can stop me because I’m on the board and I’m the boss” card. The crowd, predictably, chanted “Triple H.” The Rock tried to do the “If you smell …” line, but Roman stopped him. Roman was given a microphone from Heyman and Roman said he needed something from Rock. Roman said he’d do anything for his family, but he needs one thing. Roman looked at Rock in the eyes and said, “Acknowledge me.” 

The Rock took off his sunglasses. Rock said, “Roman Reigns, my family, I acknowledge you as my Tribal Chief.” The Rock stuck out his hand and Reigns grasped it. The two then hugged. A “You sold out!” chant began. The Rock said they were family and everyone should go home and smoke more crack before starting the “If you smell …” line. Rock gave the microphone to Roman, who said, “What the Bloodline is cooking.” Mercifully, the segment ended. 

**********

– Austin Theory and Grayson Waller were talking backstage and LA Knight walked into the frame to ask them where AJ Styles was. Knight left and Randy Orton appeared in the background. Waller and Theory were watching video of Logan Paul using the brass knuckles on Orton. Orton mocked Waller and Theory for thinking it was funny. Orton challenged Waller or Theory for a match later tonight. Waller said Theory would do it and Theory wasn’t particularly happy about that. 

Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi [8:11]

Hey there! I’ve been whining about Stratton missing that finishing moonsault the last few weeks, but this one tonight was almost perfect. Good on her. And good on Naomi. She’s in a position to help elevate Stratton and it’s working. In the meantime, this was a pretty good television match, with good action back and forth that was unfortunately lost to about two minutes of commercials. Such is life in the era of Live TV With The Rock. Still, the women worked hard and had nice chemistry. I wouldn’t mind seeing this turn into a longer program. Also of note: Outside of the Chamber match, this is the best Stratton has looked on the main roster and the crowds aren’t showing any signs of stopping their adulation for Tiffy Time. 

Naomi’s entrance was not televised, which was surprising, so let the “Bloodline segment ran way too long” reports surface in the next few days. A “Tiffy Time” chant broke out early on. Stratton and Naomi traded gymnastic spots before Naomi had control and landed a low dropkick for a two-count. Naomi hit a face-buster for a two-count and Stratton rolled to the outside. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Stratton landed a double-stomp for a two-count. Naomi fought back and planted Stratton for a two-count. The two women exchanged strikes until Stratton hit a spine-buster for a two-count. Stratton raked Naomi’s eyes as the ref looked the other way. From there, Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.

**********

– A video package recalling the Damage CTRL drama aired.

Bayley & Dakota Kai fought Asuka & Kairi Sane to an apparent no-contest [4:30]

You know, they’re really trying to heat up this Bayley/Damage CTRL thing, so I’m not mad at the predictable Dakota Kai turn here. But I also can’t figure out why it’s not quite working. On one side of the WrestleMania card, you have arguably the two biggest women stars in the company in Ripley and Lynch. On this side, though, you have the potential for a really good match that culminates a really good story. Why there doesn’t appear to be any heat on it is baffling. Anyway, the match was less a match than an angle, but it was fine while it lasted. Kai, SKY, Asuka and Sane are a very good faction; here’s hoping they are presented as such as all of this continues to unfold. 

Asuka and Sane attacked Bayley to start the match after Kai and Bayley ran to the ring fired up. Bayley went to the top early, but Sane hit Bayley from behind, sending Bayley to the mat. Bayley tried to fight back, but Asuka threw Bayley into Kai and that sent Kai to the ground on the outside of the ring. Bayley tried to fire up as the crowd got behind her. Sane tagged in a worked a couple tag team moves on Bayley. Asuka tagged back in, but Bayley ran the two into each other. Bayley cleaned house on the Warriors and Kai returned to the apron, but as Bayley tried to tag out, Kai jumped off the apron. 

Bayley was left alone against the Warriors and Bayley took them down before attacking Kai on the outside. Asuka and Sane rescued Kai and rolled Bayley back into the ring. The crowd loudly chanted “Bayley!” IYO SKY got into the ring and hit a running knee to the back of Bayley. Damage CTRL taunted Bayley and toyed with her as the match ended in an apparent no-contest. 

**********

– Damage CTRL were shown walking backstage and they ran into Jade Cargill. Nick Aldis stepped in and said he needed to talk to Cargill. 

Bron Breakker defeated Xyon Quinn [0:07]

I like the presentation of Breakker on the main roster, but why wasn’t he wearing his NXT tag title belt to the ring?

Breakker speared Quinn. That’s it and that’s all. 

**********

– A vignette showcasing Carlito and Santos Escobar’s story aired. 

– A graphic in memory of Virgil was shown. 

Carlito defeated Santos Escobar in a street fight [11:12]

This was a lot of fun. Actually, all told, this is one of the better SmackDowns in a good while. I digress. The Rock said they might be crackheads, but damn, this crowd has been up for everything and it’s helped the show tremendously. Building towards the table spot, knowing the crowd would chant for tables … and on top of that, having Rey return … and on top of that, having Carlito go over … chef’s kiss, as they say. It’s kind of silly to bill something as a street fight in WWE because WWE street fights aren’t ever all that street fight-y, but there’s nothing wrong with working overly safe. I wonder if this will be the blow off of the LWO/Fantasma feud or if we’re going to get one more with Rey and Santos. Whatever it ends up being, this was pitch perfect. 

Both factions went backstage before the match began. It was a pretty basic brawl to start things out. Action spilled to the outside, where Carlito ran Escobar into the ring steps. The crowd chanted “We want tables” and Carlito immediately went under the ring and pulled out a table. Escobar took advantage of that and tried to attack Carlito, but Carlito fought back and went back under the ring, where Carlito grabbed a Kendo Stick. Carlito then found an apple and the crowd was happy until Escobar leapt over the top rope to take Carlito out. From there, the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, a trash can was over Carlito’s head. Escobar hit Carlito with a knee and a pin that ended in a two-count. Escobar ran for a splash on Carlito, but Carlito had a chair and hit Escobar in the head with it. Carlito then had control with some clotheslines before hitting Escobar with the trash can. Carlito put the trash can on Escobar’s head and hit the trash can with a chair repeatedly. Carlito landed a reverse Crossroads onto a chair and got a nice near-fall out of it. Carlito pulled a table into the ring, but Escobar cut Carlito off with a knee. The two went to the top, but Carlito crotched Escobar on the top rope. 

Out of nowhere, Angel and Humberto showed up and beat Carlito down. Fantasma hit their triple-team finishing power-bomb, but Escobar got only a two-count out of it. The LWO ran to the ring and fought Humberto and Angel off, until Humberto and Angel dispatched of them. But … wouldn’t you know it … Rey Mysterio’s music hit and Rey walked out with crutches. Escobar laughed at him. Fantasma walked towards Mysterio, but it turned out Mysterio wasn’t injured anymore and Mysterio worked Angel and Humberto over with the crutch. Mysterio hopped onto the apron and into the ring. Carlito then spit an apple into Escobar and hit a backstabber. Mysterio followed that up with a 619 on Escobar. Carlito then put Escobar through the table and got the win. 

**********

– Next week, Bobby Lashley will go up against Karrion Kross. Also set for the show, Logan Paul will return. 

– Backstage, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate talked to Nick Aldis. They made their case for another shot at the tag titles against Judgment Day. Aldis said an announcement on the tag titles will come soon. Aldis was distracted, though, by LA Knight looking for AJ Styles backstage. Aldis told Knight that he told Styles to not come to the show. Knight noted how Styles flew across the world to screw him. Knight threatened to find Styles at his home. Knight was fired up as he left the scene. 

– Kevin Owens’ music hit and KO came out to do special commentary on the main event. 

Randy Orton defeated Austin Theory [9:16]

A fine TV main event. Nothing surprising, nothing particularly enticing, nothing noteworthy. But the crowds love Randy Orton and Randy Orton loves the crowds. So play the hits, send people home happy and give Waller and/or Theory yet another loss. Death, taxes, and all that. It capped a very good and newsworthy episode of SmackDown, so no complaining from me. But of all the matches, this was kind of just there. 

Theory ran at Orton, but Orton caught him and worked Theory over with a series of strikes. Orton went to slam Theory on the commentary desk, but Grayson Waller pulled Theory away. From there, Theory slammed Orton onto the commentary table. Theory did the Orton pose on the second rope as the show went to its final commercial break. 

The show returned and Theory had control back inside the ring. Theory went to the top rope, but Orton cut him off. Orton slipped during an attempt for a super-plex, but Theory went through with the move and kudos to Theory for that because Theory still took the bump. From there, Orton landed the hits, including a power-slam. The action spilled outside and Orton slammed Theory on the commentary table. Orton then slammed Waller onto the commentary table. Back inside the ring, Orton landed a draping DDT, but Theory came back with a rolling Blockbuster for a surprisingly good near-fall. Naturally, it wasn’t long, though, until Orton hit an RKO after Theory tried another rolling Blockbuster, despite some late-match offense from Theory, and got the win. 

After the match, Waller attacked Orton, but Owens broke the attack up. Theory and Waller turned their attention to Owens, but Owens hit a Stunner on Theory and Orton hit an RKO on Waller to have the babyfaces stand tall to end the program. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Elimination Chamber go-home show

Posted on by Chris Maloney

The final WWE SmackDown episode before Elimination Chamber airs tonight.

With Saturday’s Chamber event taking place in Australia, tonight’s SmackDown was taped a week in advance. It will be headlined by a matchup between Drew McIntyre and LA Knight. They’re two of the participants who will be competing in the men’s Elimination Chamber match. The Chamber winner earns a World Heavyweight Championship shot against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.

A singles match between women’s Elimination Chamber participants Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton is also set for tonight. The women’s Chamber winner receives a Women’s World Championship shot at WrestleMania.

Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate are challenging The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on Saturday. Tonight, Dunne & Bate take on Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh.

After being unveiled as the newest member of the SmackDown roster last Friday, Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown in-ring debut tonight. The Street Profits vs. The Authors of Pain is set for the episode as well.

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

SmackDown opened up showing LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton arriving to the arena earlier in the day. Bianca Belair then made her way to the ring as they cut to a video package showcasing the Women’s Elimination Chamber match taking place live tomorrow morning on Peacock and the WWE Network.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Liv Morgan

Stratton attempted to gain early momentum but failed and tried to head to the back but Morgan caught up with her as Belair watched the match next to the commentary desk.

We’re back in the ring and it was back and forth but after Morgan landed a crucifix bomb for a two count, Stratton rolled to the outside of the ring as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Stratton has Morgan grounded and trapped in a chinlock as a concerned Belair watched on. After Morgan made her way back to her feet, Stratton jawjacked her allowing Morgan to fire up and make a comeback.

Morgan nailed a codebreaker off the second turnbuckle but Stratton remained resilient and wouldn’t back down. Stratton attempted to nail the Prettiest Moonsault Ever but Morgan moved and Stratton rolled through. Morgan followed up with a powerbomb from the second turnbuckle but could only manage a two count.

Both women now on the outside and after Stratton tossed Morgan back into the ring, she slapped Belair out of nowhere before heading back into the ring. Morgan was able to get a pin attempt on Stratton back inside the ring but Belair had the referee distracted at this point.

Stratton then seized the opportunity and pushed Morgan into Belair knocking her off of the apron. Stratton rolled up Morgan for the 1-2-3 as a distraught Belair could do nothing but watch Stratton celebrate her victory.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he had to win tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber otherwise the past few weeks meant nothing. Bobby Lashley then interrupted and reminded McIntyre that he lost to him at WrestleMania 37 before walking away laughing.

– A video package aired on Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Cedric Alexander collaborating on their new ring gear as a tag team as Alexander tried on different outfits for Adonis.

– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. As Jimmy was celebrating what happened this past Monday on Raw, Reigns asked him who told him to go to Raw. Jimmy stated that it was Paul Heyman and Reigns informed him it was actually him and Reigns stated that he executed everything perfectly on Monday. Paul Heyman then entered the room and informed Reigns that Greyson Waller had arrived to see him as we headed to commercial.

Bron Breakker defeated Dante Chen

Breakker was making his official SmackDown debut, however, without his NXT Tag Team title around his waist.

This was your typical old school WWE Superstars squash match with Breakker landing a huge amount of offense, including a Steinerline before finishing Chen off with a massive spear for the victory.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with The Judgment Day. Braxton asked about New Catch Republic’s chances at winning the tag team titles tomorrow morning and as Finn Bálor laughed at the question, Damian Priest sent Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh to the ring for their upcoming match.

– Backstage, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO were talking strategy before being interrupted by Elektra Lopez. Lopez stated that the LWO was basically dead and they needed to think about their loyalty before being attacked by Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar informed them that this was just the beginning.

New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)

Bate and McDonagh began the match and both men attempted to gain momentum using speed and their technical skills but it was Bate’s power that proved too much for McDonagh.

A few moments later and Bate was in trouble but after Dunne was tagged in, Mysterio was being turned into a pretzel. After Bate was tagged back in, he got too fancy in the corner and soon found himself on the outside of the ring thanks to McDonagh. Dunne soon joined him on the outside as well as Judgment Day celebrated their antics as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Mysterio was in control of Bate. Mysterio attempted to land the Three Amigos but failed on his last attempt and Bate overpowered him before making the tag to Dunne.

Bate and Dunne would then put on a clinic, knocking McDonagh down and out. Bate followed up with an airplane spin before NCR nailed multiple double team maneuvers to Mysterio but could only manage a two count as McDonagh was able to make the save.

Mysterio followed up with a 619 to Dunne but Bate interfered and knocked Dominik to the ground with a massive punch. NCR then nailed McDonagh with a huge Tiger Driver ’97 to score the victory leading into their match for the titles tomorrow morning at Elimination Chamber.

After the match, Finn Bálor and Damian Priest came down to the ring and attempted to attack Bate and Dunne but after they both failed, NCR headed to the back thwarting their attack.

– Backstage, United States champion Logan Paul was with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. As they were complimenting each other, they were interrupted by Kevin Owens. Owens made fun of them before requesting that the brass knuckles show up at Elimination Chamber before leaving. Paul Heyman then appeared and informed Waller that Roman Reigns wanted to see him now.

– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being helped to the trainer’s room by a referee and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis with no explanation provided.

Authors of Pain (w/The Final Testament) defeated The Street Profits (w/Bobby Lashley & B-Fab)

Montez Ford and Akam began the match and as Ford attempted to use his speed, Akam was just too powerful and Ford soon found himself looking concerned. Ford tagged in Angelo Dawkins and Dawkins soon found himself on the same end of a beating but would manage to find an opening and as AOP was regrouping on the outside, Dawkins landed a swanton over the top rope as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Ford was being dominated by the shear size and power of AOP. After enduring punishment by AOP for the next several moments, Ford was able to side-step an attack by Rezar and finally make the hot tag to Dawkins.

Both teams went back and forth until the Profits were able to land a top rope blockbuster but could only manage a two count. Scarlett would then get involved and as Lashley protested, Kross would intercept and end up nailing Lashley’s arm with a steel chair across the ring post.

Meanwhile, back in the ring and Rezar was finally able to finish off Ford to gain the victory for AOP as commentary questioned how effective Lashley would now be tomorrow morning in the Elimination Chamber match.

– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being tended to by a medic and Nick Aldis before Bayley interrupted. Kai says she was jumped and apologized to Bayley for not trusting her. Bayley stated she should have been then for her and Kai followed up by stating that Damage CTRL was going to pay.

– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa before Paul Heyman introduced Grayson Waller to them. Reigns stated that he was going to tell him something but it was for his ears only before the camera cut away.

– It was announced that on SmackDown next week, Bayley & Dakota Kai will face The Kabuki Warriors while Carlito will battle Santos Escobar in a Street Fight.

– Backstage, Bobby Lashley was being tended to with The Street Profits and B-Fab looking on before being interrupted by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he would pray for him before heading to the ring for his upcoming match.

LA Knight & Drew McIntyre went to a No Contest

As the match was just about to begin, Logan Paul’s music hit and he headed to the commentary desk to share his thoughts.

After the bell rang, both men were relentless in trying to capitalize early on to pickup the quick victory but as Knight seemed a bit too cocky, McIntyre nailed him with a Glasgow Kiss to gain momentum before sending the action to the outside.

As McIntyre was laying a beating on the outside to Knight, Kevin Owens arrived on scene with a steel chair and headed to commentary as well. Corey Graves asked the question of what could go wrong as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and back inside the ring now and McIntyre was still laying a beating on Knight as Paul and Owens jawjacked on commentary. Wade Barrett attempted to make things a bit more professional but to no avail.

As McIntyre attempted to continue the assault on Knight, he missed a move in the corner and Knight was now on the comeback and managed to land his trademark superplex but could only manage a two count. McIntyre followed up with his Future Shock DDT but after failing to hit the Claymore Kick, action spilled to the outside.

As Knight and McIntyre battled on the outside, Owens began getting more hostile and as McIntyre went to get back inside of the ring, Owens attacked him and the referee called for the bell.

Shortly after, Paul got involved and then Bobby Lashley ran down to the ring to get involved as well. After each man attempted to establish dominance, McIntyre laid out Lashley and his music began to play. Unfortunately for McIntyre, seconds later the crowd erupted and it was a RKO out of nowhere!

Randy Orton had struck and as the closing logo appeared, it was Orton standing tall going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber match.

Final Thoughts:

A good show cementing the final pieces going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber PLE. Will I be watching this live at 5AM ET? Heck no, but I’ll be looking forward to watching this when I do wake up tomorrow morning.

With WrestleMania XL right around the corner and so many questions still out there, even a segment like The Grayson Waller Effect tomorrow morning will likely play huge significance with relation to the storylines for WrestleMania.

With Orton standing tall at the end of tonight’s show, he does have history with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and especially at WrestleMania. As a Canadian, my biased pick would be Kevin Owens but with Logan Paul in the match as well, Owens’s focus isn’t going to be 100%.

On the women’s side, can you imagine Tiffany Stratton going into WrestleMania to fight for the Women’s World Championship? One can dream. With that being said, whoever is victorious tomorrow morning, my pick is they’re going to be facing a nightmare at WrestleMania and I don’t think they’ll be coming out on top.

Enjoy Elimination Chamber folks!

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock & Roman Reigns return

Posted on by Colin McGuire

For the first time since they appeared at the WrestleMania 40 press conference, The Rock and Roman Reigns are set to return to SmackDown, live from Salt Lake City, Utah tonight.

At last Thursday’s press conference, The Rock slapped Cody Rhodes after Rhodes chose Reigns as his opponent at WrestleMania and spoke about the Bloodline’s family history. The Rock then told Triple H to “fix it” as he walked out of the building alongside Reigns. 

Four Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are also on tap for tonight, including Logan Paul making his SmackDown in-ring debut against The Miz. Joining them on the men’s side, Kevin Owens will battle Dominik Mysterio.

On the women’s side, Zelina Vega goes one-on-one with Tiffany Stratton. Naomi will wrestle Alba Fyre in a Chamber qualifying bout as well.

Fyre is replacing Shotzi in the match after Shotzi was injured Tuesday night during an NXT taping.

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

**********

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show. Footage of The Rock arriving to the arena from earlier today aired. The crowd responded with more of a babyface response than I anticipated. Back in the arena. Kevin Owens’s music hit and we went to the first match. 

Kevin Owens defeated Dominik Mysterio to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [14:12]

Man, Dom has improved so much since coming into WWE as Rey’s scrawny kid who “had a long way to go.” Owens clearly said he wanted to give the kid a match and the kid held up his end of the bargain. This was one of the better SmackDown in-ring matches in recent weeks. The only thing that these qualifying matches suffer from is predictability. It would have been hard to think of Dom getting in the Chamber instead of Owens, but that didn’t mean these guys didn’t work hard and it was refreshing to see. Plus, hey that must be it for good, right: R-Truth is definitely not in Judgment Day.

Dominik walked to the ring with a microphone in hand and received his typical heat. Dom started talking and the crowed drowned him out with boos each time he tried to talk. Eventually, Dom got it out that his Judgment Day mates will all win at Elimination Chamber and slammed the microphone down. When the match actually started, the two traded head-locks. Dom eventually hit the ropes and Owens hit a shoulder-block to take Dom down. 

Owens landed another shoulder-block and a deep arm-drag and Dom rolled to the outside. Dom returned to the ring and hit an arm-drag of his own, but Owens responded by clotheslining Dom over the top rope. Owens set up for a dive, but Dom moved and Owens gave up the attempt. With the two on the outside, Owens punched Dom to the ground before rolling him back inside the ring. Out of nowhere, R-Truth showed up and talked to Owens. Dom took advantage of that and beat Owens down before rolling Owens back inside the ring to hit a dive as the show went to its first commercial break. 

The show returned and Dom was working a chin-lock on Owens inside the ring. The two eventually traded elbows until Owens landed a kick to the midsection and a strong clothesline to get the upper hand. Owens stomped a mudhole on Dom and Dom rolled to the outside. Owens followed Dom and landed a running Senton. Back inside the ring, Owens hit a Cannonball at about the 10-minute mark. Owens followed it up with a frog splash and got a fine near-fall out of it. Owens tried a pop-up powerbomb, but Dom countered into an X-Factor for a two-count. 

Dom then went for the Three Amigos, but Owens blocked the third suplex and suplexed Dom himself … which almost turned into a Three Amigos for Owens, but Dom blocked it and hit a DDT for a two-count. Dom went for a frog splash, but Owens moved and went to the top to hit a Swanton for a two-count. Dom kicked Owens and Owens landed on the second rope, so Dom went for the 619, but Owens kicked out of a cover attempt. Dom yelled at R-Truth to give Dom a chair. Dom told Truth he was in Judgment Day and Truth walked over to grab a chair. Truth set up the chair and sat in it instead of giving it to Dom and that led to a super-kick and a pop-up powerbomb for the win. Truth looked happy that Owens won the match. Truth hopped into the ring and raised Owens’s hand. 

**********

– Drew McIntyre was interviewed backstage and McIntyre said he was the only one who needs to win the Chamber, but LA Knight walked in and told Drew his moment will be stolen one more time at the Chamber. McIntyre told Knight he was good, but Drew said he sees through Knight. McIntyre said Knight is insecure. Knight said McIntyre hasn’t a champion of anything since Knight has been in WWE. Knight brought up the CM Punk/McIntyre shirt and said McIntyre’s aspirations will end up the same as Punk’s – six feet under. Officials broke them up before things came to blows. 

– Footage of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman arriving to the building from earlier today aired. Roman looked happy to run into Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. 

– Logan Paul was shown walking in the arena in footage from earlier today. 

– Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate were interviewed backstage. Dunne said things were going great and last week was proof of that. Dunne said all that’s left to do is win the tag team titles at the Chamber. Bate named them “New Catch Republic” as a tag team. Dom showed up out of nowhere and said they won’t beat anyone in Judgment Day. Bate and Dunne challenged Dom and R-Truth to a match next week, but Dom stormed off. 

Tiffany Stratton defeated Zelina Vega to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [8:18]

Yiiiiiikkkkesssss. Stratton’s knees came right the hell down onto Vega’s midsection during her moonsault to end the match and it did not look fun for Vega. That’s twice in two weeks Stratton has missed the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Not a great start on the main roster for a talent who will certainly be one of the biggest stars the company has for years to come. The match, meanwhile, exceeded my expectations. Vega showed good fire and they gave her an out with LDF sitting in the front row. Stratton was just bigger than Vega, which the commentary team could have played up more, but I digress. Anyway, I’m not sure if Stratton is suffering from some nerves getting the call up – she looked fine in the Royal Rumble match – but hopefully she gets things ironed out soon.

Stratton flexed to begin the match, but Vega fought back briefly. Stratton went for a stomp, but Vega moved and eventually the action spilled outside. Vega slammed Stratton on the apron and flipped Stratton the ground before hitting a moonsault from the middle rope onto Stratton on the outside. Legado Del Fantasma was shown watching the match in the front row and Vega jawed at them. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from break, Stratton and Vega were trading blows in the ring. The LWO walked down to the ring to even things out with Fantasmo. Vega set up for a 619, but Stratton moved and essentially ran into a DDT from Vega, which earned Vega a two-count. Stratton fought back and landed her Cartwheel Alabama Slam for a two-count. Stratton began a moonsault, but Vega cut her off and hit a Meteora for a good near-fall. Stratton rolled to the outside and eventually threw Vega into the crowd barricade. Vega pulled Elektra Lopez over the rail and then got back into the ring, where she ran into a spinebuster and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, which earned Stratton the win. 

**********

– AJ Styles was shown sitting backstage and The OC walked in. Styles piefaced Anderson and those two traded jabs until they breathed heavily at each other. Styles walked away and Anderson looked mad. 

– A video from IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Asuka aired. The three spoke in Japanese and SKY said it’s IYO’s era. Asuka called out Dakota Kai and Sane did the same. Asuka ended it by saying, “No one is ready for Damage CTRL.”

Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) defeated Javier Bernal & Beau Morris [1:01]

Hey. It was fun to see some NXT talent on SmackDown … right?

Akam beat the stuffing out of Bernal to start the match. Rezar tagged in and the two manhandled Morris. AOP hit a Super Collider and their finisher on Bernal for the win. 

**********

– Logan Paul was interviewed backstage and Paul said all the fans are welcome because he’s going to knock out The Miz later. Paul said he’s going to win the Chamber and will challenge Seth Rollins at WrestleMania to become a double champion.

– A video recapping the Cody/Roman/Rock/Seth drama aired. 

Logan Paul defeated The Miz to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [12:44]

Goodness, I did not have “Logan Paul and The Miz will head out there and give us 13 minutes of pretty good stuff” on my Feb. 16 SmackDown bingo card. OK, sorry. I hate that cliche, too. Anyway, this far, far exceeded my expectations, but because it’s the second time I’m writing that tonight, I have to start wondering if either the matches are better than good or my expectations going into them are too low. Whatever it is, good for Miz, getting so much crowd love – and booking love, to be fair. It seems like it’s been forever since Miz was given this much offense in a television match. That it came against Logan Paul only made it feel that much more weighty. Paul is still pretty good for his experience level, but the brass knucks gimmick is getting tired for me. I could be the only one feeling that, though.

Graves pointed out that this was Paul’s first-ever match on SmackDown. Wow. The two locked up and Paul toyed with Miz, who quickly fired up, to the delight of the live crowd. Paul hit a cross-body from the top and went for a standing moonsault, but Miz got the knees up and took control of the match. Miz attacked Paul’s knee and kicked Paul in the head. Nick Aldis was shown sitting in a skybox with Bron Breakker, Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. In the meantime, Paul found himself with the upper hand and landed a series of elbows to take Miz down. 

Paul hit a split leg-drop and posed on top of Miz for a two-count. Paul chopped Miz repeatedly until Miz moved and chopped Paul. Miz kicked Paul a handful of times, leading to Miz’s “Yes!” kicks. The crowd was behind Miz as Miz landed a clothesline. Miz was on the apron and Paul ran Miz into the ring post. Paul then hit a leaping clothesline and a frog splash onto Miz, who was on the apron. Paul posed with fans and the show went to a break. 

Back to the show and Miz and Paul were down in the middle of the ring. Miz punched Paul a bunch of times. Miz followed that up with some clotheslines. Miz hit a modified Flatliner for a two-count. Miz set up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Paul worked out of it … until Miz landed a Codebreaker from the second rope for a two-count. Miz hit the “Yes! (or It!)” kicks, much to the delight of everyone in Salt Lake City. Miz went back to Paul’s knee with a series of kicks. Miz went for a figure-four, but Paul raked the eyes and hit the Paul Crushing Finale for a good near-fall. Miz appeared to be bleeding in his mouth. 

Miz worked a figure-four, but Paul got to the ropes for a break. The action spilled outside, where Paul ran Miz into the apron. Paul rolled Miz into the ring and was given brass knuckles. Miz knocked them out of Paul’s hand and picked them up. Miz threw the knucks away and after the two got back into the ring, Paul hit an inverted Skull Crushing Finale after punching him. That was enough for the win, oddly enough. 

**********

– Tiffany Stratton spoke to Morgan and Belair backstage. Jade Cargill broke the conversation up and the ladies jawed at each other. Nick Aldis stepped in and told Tiffany it wasn’t the time or place. Stratton left and Breakker, along with Cargill, walked out of the room with Aldis. 

– Grayson Waller was seen talking to Paul Heyman in the back quickly before the show returned to the ring.

Naomi defeated Alba Fyre to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [9:17]

The least intriguing Chamber qualifying match was, well, the least intriguing Chamber qualifying match. That’s OK, though. I wonder how things would have turned out with Shotzi in the Fyre spot, but injuries can be a drag and here’s hoping Shotzi recovers soon. Good on WWE for giving Fyre more than nothing, but this never felt in doubt. 

Fyre had control early with a series of boots to Naomi’s head. Naomi came back with a knee to Fyre’s head and a double-kick, as well as a smack to Fyre’s mouth. Naomi hit the second split leg drop of the night. The action spilled outside and Fyre gained control briefly until Naomi landed a bulldog on Fyre onto the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Naomi kicked Fyre and followed it up with a clothesline and a head-scissors takedown. Naomi landed a dropkick and bulldog for a two-count. Naomi went to the top and executed a cross-body for a two-count. Before long, Fyre face-planted Naomi for a two-count. Fyre launched Naomi into the ropes and Isla Dawn punched Naomi. Fyre got a two-count because of it. Ultimately, Naomi kicked Dawn and sank in her finisher on Fyre until Fyre tapped. 

**********

– Bayley was shown walking backstage and she was interrupted by Dakota Kai, who told Bayley Damage CTRL is coming after Kai. Bayley said she didn’t know who she could trust. Bayley said she couldn’t talk and she walked away from Kai. 

– Nick Aldis stood in the entryway with a microphone. Aldis introduced Bron Breakker as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. Breakker came out and shook Aldis’s hand. Breakker signed a contract. 

– The Bloodline was shown walking backstage briefly again.

– Next week, Bate & Dunne will wrestle Dominik & DJ McDonagh. Also, the Street Profits will take on AOP. Breakker will make his SmackDown in-ring debut. And finally, LA Knight will go one-on-one with Drew McIntyre. 

The Bloodline/Rock segment

This was … odd. I could be in the minority – I’m interested to hear what others have to say – but my initial reaction was that they didn’t quite know what to do about this Rock thing. Rock tried – overtly so, to varying degrees of success – to get the people to not like him, with the mean things he said to the live crowd, but it didn’t quite click. He went deep and maybe even said an uncomfortable thing or two, but the people still popped for what they were always going to pop for. It’ll be interesting to see how they walk this tightrope for the next two months. People want Cody. But I don’t know that they ever truly wanted to hate The Rock. Hmmm. Interesting, indeed. 

Paul Heyman presented Roman Reigns with a microphone in the ring. Reigns told Salt Lake City to acknowledge him. The crowd complied. Reigns asked the crowd if he could be honest with the crowd and proceeded to say that the people of Utah are idiots. And just like that, Reigns got his heel heat back. Reigns said he didn’t want the fans to ruin a big night because when The Rock comes out, they might “go dumb.” Reigns said everything they will say has meaning and purpose and it’s information everyone needs to understand. He then said tonight is history. The crowd chanted “Cody!” and Roman stopped talking. 

Reigns got back on track and said tonight is the first night that they can say The Rock is a member of The Bloodline. The crowd booed and then The Rock’s music hit. Wouldn’t you know it – the crowd went bonkers for him initially. Rock had goosebumps again and pointed them out. Rock was wearing a gold vest and sunglasses. The show cut to its final commercial break of the night as The Rock slowly walked to the ring.

The show returned and The Bloodline was standing on a side of the ring while The Rock had a microphone. The Rock soaked in a lot of noise, which felt mixed. Rock said he had good news to share. He said it would make everyone happy and the crowd tonight broke an all-time indoor attendance record for Salt Lake City and all of Utah. Rock said they broke the record for biggest “gathering of trailer park trash,” and everyone booed. 

Rock said “Finally … your life has meaning and you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell.” Rock called the people inbred. Ultimately, Rock hit the he has come back to Salt Lake City line and the crowd cheered. Those cheers switched to boos. Rock yelled at someone in the crowd, called them “Fatty,” and said he’d slap the herpes off the fan’s lips. Rock said the biggest WrestleMania main event was in the fans’ hands and the fans let it go. Rock said they flushed it down the toilet. Rock mocked people saying “We want Cody!” 

Rock asked the fans “What is Cody’s story?” The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment. Rock pointed out that Roman beat Cody at WrestleMania last year. Rock said Cody wants a rematch now, but that’s not how it works. Rock said that logic is stupid. The Rock told everyone to shut their mouths in regards to the “What?” chant. Rock applied the logic to the Super Bowl and asked if the 49ers whined about their story. Rock said the 49ers moved on like men. Rock said it’s personal and referenced how Michael Jordan crushed the dream of the Utah Jazz. 

The Rock said the Jazz worked their asses off to get back to the top. Rock said the real world doesn’t mean people get a shot at a story just because they want it. Rock called the fans, and I quote, “spoiled, entitled little crybaby bitches.” The Rock said he will do everything in his power to make sure Cody walks out of WrestleMania a loser. Rock said Cody’s story is ending and The Bloodline’s is just beginning. Rock then said, “If you smell …” but then stopped himself. Rock then finished it by saying, “If you smell what The Bloodline is cooking.” The show ended almost abruptly. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Triple H addresses WrestleMania press conference

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One day after the WrestleMania 40 press conference in Las Vegas, WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H will address Thursday night’s events. 

At the press conference, Cody Rhodes announced his intentions to challenge Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. The Rock slapped Rhodes as the event wound down, prompting Rhodes, The Rock, Reigns, and Seth Rollins to be separated.

The Rock and Reigns were angry at Rhodes for talking about their family. They warned Triple H to fix the situation.

Also on tap tonight, Bayley is scheduled to discuss why she left Damage CTRL last week. Bayley will challenge IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. 

DIY will take on Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate. The winners of the match advance to Elimination Chamber to challenge Judgment Day for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles.

Bianca Belair will square off against Michin in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match as well. Plus, Nick Aldis will reveal United States Champion Logan Paul’s Elimination Chamber challenger.

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

**********

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show as video of Triple H walked backstage. A video recapping the WrestleMania XL press conference from Thursday aired. Back in the arena, Triple H’s music hit and out, he came. 

The Triple H segment

It’s hard for me to think if you’re a WWE fan that you don’t know about what happened last night, but Hunter did a nice job of solidifying what we all thought was coming after last night. I’m not sure how they shoot the press conference angle and don’t immediately follow that up with Rock and Roman the next night on SmackDown, but I’m just a guy with a keyboard. Plus, there is a PLE in two weeks that they have to start to put together. Anyway, I was expecting a little more from this, but basic isn’t always bad. 

Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce were already in the ring for the segment. The crowd chanted “Triple H!” Hunter opened by saying it feels like they are on the road to WrestleMania. He followed that up by saying the press conference Thursday kicked off the journey down the road to WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “Rocky sucks!” Hunter said it felt like there was confusion in the air because “some people don’t know their role.” 

Hunter mentioned that someone tried to assert their authority, and they don’t have authority. He followed that up by saying there’s only one person who has authority and it’s him. Hunter then made the announcement that Roman Reigns will defend his title against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. The crowd chanted “Cody!” Hunter said his decision might disappoint some people, but (in a Rock voice) “It doesn’t matter if you don’t like that decision.” Hunter finished up by saying “Welcome to the road to WrestleMania.” 

Aldis stepped forward and brought up Seth Rollins and the World Heavyweight Championship. Aldis said that Rollins’s challenger at WrestleMania will be determined at the Elimination Chamber. Aldis then handed things off to Pearce, who announced Randy Orton, Bronson Reed, Kevin Owens, Logan Paul, AJ Styles, The Miz, Bobby Lashley, Ivar, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, LA Knight and Dominik Mysterio will compete in separate matches to determine who will wrestle at Elimination Chamber. Pearce then announced that McIntyre will face Styles will take place right now in the first qualifying match.

McIntyre walked out with a microphone and Drew thanked everyone for feeling the same way about CM Punk as he does. Drew said Punk won’t get any profits from the t-shirt that Drew has been wearing featuring Punk’s grave. McIntyre took credit for Cody choosing Roman and said “you’re welcome” to the crowd. McIntyre said he’s going to save the world title by winning the Elimination Chamber and he would give WWE a champion who is best for business. Styles made his entrance and the show went to a commercial break. 

**********

– Sami Zayn and Randy Orton were shown arriving to the building earlier in the day. Those two will face off in the second Elimination Chamber qualifying match of the night. 

– As the Styles/McIntyre match was about to begin, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked to the ring to sit in on commentary. 

Drew McIntyre defeated AJ Styles to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [11:18]

A pretty good WWE television match. It was a nice touch to see McIntyre on SmackDown if only because it made the match feel fresher than some opening matches have felt in recent weeks/months. At first glance, my guess is Styles costs Knight his spot in the Chamber whenever Knight has his match and Styles and Knight work together at the Chamber, but feel free to rub it in when that prediction turns out to be wrong. Also of note: Wow, that bump Styles took from the top rope to the floor towards the end of the match looked wild for a regular, old SmackDown match. Kudos to him for going for it. 

Styles went after McIntyre’s knee to begin the match. McIntyre chopped the hell out of Styles, though, and that took Styles down. Styles went for a splash, but McIntyre caught Styles and slammed Styles. McIntyre hit more chops until Styles stood right back up and chopped McIntyre, who eventually hit a back-breaker to keep control. Styles fired up with a dropkick and went back to Drew’s knee. Styles went to the top and McIntyre chopped Styles off the top to the floor outside. From there, McIntyre threw Styles into the timekeeper’s area as the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, the match was in the ring and Styles landed a tornado DDT. Styles followed that up by kicking McIntyre’s knee and landing a running elbow. Styles fired the crowd up so I guess he’s a babyface again? Styles set up for a Styles Clash, but McIntyre countered and ran Styles into a corner. McIntyre lifted Styles and went to the second rope, but Styles countered that into a running powerbomb for a two-count. A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. 

Styles tried to lift McIntyre, but Drew got out of it and landed a Future Shock DDT. McIntyre sold knee pain while setting up for his finisher. Drew ran at Styles, but Styles moved and worked a calf crusher until McIntyre made it to the ropes for a break. Styles went for a springboard move, but McIntyre caught Styles and threw him to the floor, where Styles hit an enziguri before McIntyre threw Styles over the commentary table. Knight poured water on Styles and that made Styles mad. Drew then hit Styles and rolled him back into the ring. Styles rolled McIntyre up, but Knight distracted the referee. As a result, McIntyre followed that up with a Claymore Kick and got the win.

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Sami Zayn backstage. Zayn said nothing is certain in WWE around WrestleMania season. Zayn noted how he was in the main event of WrestleMania last year and this year, he’s watching as his window for this year is closing fast. Zayn said Randy Orton is one of the best to ever be in a WWE ring. Zayn said it won’t be an easy path to get to WrestleMania, but it’s a path, so he’ll take it. 

– Footage of NASCAR champion Ryan Blankey arriving to the building earlier today aired. 

– Pretty Deadly were shown walking outside. They looked to the sky and Queen Elizabeth appeared. Kit Wilson showed the effects Pete Dunne’s work on his hand in last week’s match. Wilson and Prince then yelled “Yes boy!” as the segment ended. Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne – as well as #DIY – were shown warming up for their match backstage. 

– A video recapping the Damage CTRL breakup from last week aired. Bayley was then shown arriving to the building earlier in the day. Bianca Belair made her entrance for the next match. 

Bianca Belair defeated Michin to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [7:07]

This was nice in that Michin got more shine than I anticipated she would. It was also a welcome touch to see Belair become borderline obsessed with the WrestleMania sign, signaling how much it would mean to her to punch her ticket to the show. Yeah, two minutes of this was lost to commercial, but all told, this was a pleasant surprise, if only because of how gracious Belair was for Michin, taking her finisher, giving her a lot of offense, etc. Michin is a weird one these days. It’s hard to expect she’ll ever win whatever match she is in, but she’s had some pretty good outings lately, and her match with IYO SKY was a fun television title bout. This was one of the better women’s matches on SmackDown recently. 

Michin started fast and Belair ended up on the outside of the ring. Michin then kicked Belair and the show went to a commercial break. The show returned and both women were down inside the ring. The two traded blows until Michin landed a series of kicks and a neck-breaker. Michin went for a Cannonball, but Belair moved and hit a back-breaker. Belair was on the top rope and Michin landed a super-plex for a two-count. Michin went for Eat Defeat, but Belair countered into a KOD attempt. Michin worked out of it and did hit Eat Defeat, but Belair rolled to the outside. Back inside the ring, Michin set up for a Styles Clash, but Belair back-body-dropped her way out of it, kit the KOD and that was it. 

**********

– Bron Breakker and Triple H were shown talking backstage. Hunter said Bron has been impressive and he’s anxious to see what he can do on the main roster. Breakker said he wanted to pick Hunter’s brain about where he thinks Bron should go. Paul Heyman walked into the frame out of nowhere and shook Bron’s hand. Breakker then left the scene and Hunter asked Heyman what Heyman wanted. Heyman said he’d give Hunter some space, but he’ll be back next week and when he’s back next week, he’s going to bring Roman Reigns and The Rock. 

The Bayley segment

Umpf. And I say that respectfully. I root for Bayley as a performer. I really do. And I’m inclined to like Dakota Kai, too. But I’m still a little confused about how this ended. Kai looked like she was going to attack Bayley, she then kind of/sort of tried to, but Bayley moved and Kai kind of/sort of hit SKY and then followed that up by trying to hit Asuka and Sane … but Kai initially came at Bayley, right? Or am I imagining things? Kai and Bayley standing tall and together in the middle of the ring to end the segment (I guess?) suggests they’re aligned in some way, but perhaps not? I’m not sure what they were trying to accomplish, but whatever that was, I don’t think they did it. On the bright side, at least the crowd seems to be fully behind Bayley, which is fun to see again after so many years of her being a heel.

Bayley soaked in cheers as she stood in the ring. Bayley said she’s been having a tough time trying to put words together about what happened last week. The crowd chanted “Bayley!” and Bayley smiled. Bayley said maybe she had it coming last week, but right now, she and the fans “are cool right now.” Bayley noted how the fans know how much she gives to pro wrestling. Bayley said Damage CTRL meant everything to her and “You deserve it!” chants broke out. Bayley said Damage CTRL was her family and she always put the group ahead of herself. She said all Damage CTRL did was take from her. 

Bayley said she thought her former stablemates would be happy for her after she won the Royal Rumble, but she knew they were talking about her behind her back. Bayley said at WrestleMania, SKY is going to learn the hard way. Dakota Kai interrupted things without music and walked to the ring saying she’s been worried Bayley had been ghosting her. Kai said she was put in a tough spot, but she always believed in Damage CTRL. Bayley asked Kai why she didn’t tell Bayley what was happening. Kai said she and Bayley were like sisters and they always had each other’s back. Kai said she wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t for Bayley. 

Kai touted Bayley winning the Royal Rumble. Kai said she thought the situation with Kairi Sane and Asuka would blow over, but it didn’t. Bayley asked Kai where she stands. Before Kai could answer, IYO SKY’s music hit and out came SKY, Asuka and Sane. Kai rolled out of the ring and Sane, Asuka and SKY surrounded Bayley. Kai grabbed a chair and set up to hit Bayley, but instead, Kai hit Sane and SKY with the chair. Kai looked confused and dropped the chair. “Hug it out!” chants began. Bayley’s music hit to end the segment as both Kai and Bayley looked confused and reluctant. 

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Randy Orton backstage. Orton recalled Zayn’s words that it’s not a given that people make it to WrestleMania. Orton recalled how he was injured for ‘Mania last year. Orton said he learned patience because of that. Orton said he plans on getting to the Elimination Chamber and the three most destructive letter in all of sports entertainment are “RKO.”

– Turns out, Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley will be one of the Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. 

Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tomasso Ciampa) to advance to face the Judgment Day at Elimination Chamber [8:28]

Hey there. I didn’t know I was covering AEW’s Rampage again. Or. I went to a SmackDown and an AEW tag team match broke out. Or … all right, that’s enough. This was a lot of fun and not what we’re used to seeing on WWE TV. You could tell all four guys wanted to go out and burn the place down and they pretty much did just that. Good on them, too, because the crowd got behind them at various spots and it felt like both teams benefited from this match, no matter the winner. I don’t know what Triple H has up his sleeve for Dunne and Bate, but I’m not going to complain about this little push they’re receiving. Considering the earlier Pretty Deadly vignette, my guess is they figure into Dunne and Bate losing at the Chamber, but the match should be pretty good before it gets there. This was really fun. 

Bate and Gargano started the match and shook hands. They traded a ton of pin attempts. Dunne tagged in and shoulder-blocked Gargano to the canvas. Ciampa tagged in and took Dunne down before the action spilled outside, where things broke down and Gargano landed a splash on Bate. Gargano and Ciampa did the pat-themselves-on-the-back thing and the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Ciampa was cleaning house and landed an inverted DDT on Bate for a two-count. 

All four were in the ring again and Gargano landed an assisted Poison-Rana on Dunne. Gargano hit a discuss lariat on Bate, but before long, Bate worked an airplane spin/swing combination on Ciampa and Gargano. Dunne got back into the mix and stomped on Gargano’s hands. Ciampa tagged in and kneed Bate. Ciampa hit a Project Ciampa on Bate for a good near-fall. Bate and Ciampa traded strikes and Bate got the best of it until Ciampa kneed Bate in the head and tagged in Gargano. 

Gargano was bleeding from the nose (I think). Bate hit a double clothesline on Gargano and Ciampa. Bate hit a suicide dive on Ciampa outside the ring. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Dunne landed the Bitter End on Gargano for the win. 

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Dominik Mysterio backstage and Dom said he’s going to win Elimination Chamber. Dom said he doesn’t care who he has to face in a qualifying match … and Kevin Owens walked into the shot saying he will face Dom next week in a qualifying match. Owens said he’s going to beat Dom next week and dedicate the win to Rey Mysterio. R-Truth then showed up and called Owens “Miz.” The crowd chanted “We want Truth” very loudly. 

– Pearce and Aldis were shown talking backstage. Logan Paul walked into the room and complained about being in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match. Paul whined about having to wrestle next week in Utah. Paul said he should be getting “The Rock Treatment,” but said he’ll still do it, even though he won’t be happy about it. Aldis said next week, Paul will face The Miz on next week’s SmackDown to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. 

– Next week, Logan Paul vs. The Miz and Kevin Owens vs. Dominik Mysterio will take place. Also, Shotzi vs. Tiffany Stratton and Naomi vs. Zelina Vega will happen. All four matches will be Elimination Chamber qualifying matches. 

Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [10:50]

Poor Sami Zayn. The guy was in the middle of the hottest his career has ever been in pro wrestling last year around this time and 12 months later, he feels … directionless? Kind of. Maybe. Probably. Much like I do for Bayley, I root for Zayn, but he feels cold now and the prospects of that changing soon seem slim. In the meantime, he worked hard here and along with Orton, produced a good-enough match. Of all the matches tonight, this suffered the most from predictability – Randy Orton isn’t missing the Elimination Chamber, friends – but that didn’t stop both guys from going out there and doing what they could to get the crowd up. With McIntyre and Orton as the first two who secured their spot in the Chamber, it should be fun to see who joins them as the weeks unfold. 

Orton had control early. It wasn’t long until Orton found himself on the outside and Orton walked around the ring. Back in the ring, Orton worked a series of punches, until Zayn turned things around and worked his own punches. Orton returned the favor and finished things with a European Uppercut. The two went outside the ring and Zayn hopped on the barricade and landed a moonsault on Orton. Zayn tried to another dive, but Orton caught him with a forearm. Zayn then slammed Orton on the commentary table and the show went to its final commercial break of the night. 

When the show returned, Zayn was pounding on Orton inside the ring. Zayn landed a tornado DDT for a two-count. Zayn went to the top, but Orton cut him off. Orton hit a super-plex from the top. Zayn eventually fought back with some shoulder blocks. Orton came back with a series of clotheslines and a snap powerslam. Orton set up for a draping DDT, but instead, Zayn dumped Orton to the outside and Zayn landed a suicide dive. Orton then slammed Zayn on the commentary table. 

From there, Orton ultimately hit the draping DDT. Orton set up for the RKO, but Zayn rolled Orton up for a two-count. Zayn followed that up with a Blue Tunder Bomb for a good near fall. Zayn tried a springboard move off the second rope, but Orton moved, hit an RKO and that was enough for the win. 

After the match, Drew McIntyre stepped into the ring. Orton and McIntyre jawed at each other to close the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Royal Rumble go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

On the eve of the Royal Rumble, SmackDown takes place from Miami tonight.

A singles match between LA Knight and Solo Sikoa is part of the lineup for the episode. At the Royal Rumble, Knight, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles are challenging Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWEUniversal Championship in a fatal four-way match.

Santos Escobar will go head-to-head with Carlito tonight as well. Carlito was out of action recently due to an attack from Escobar.

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance will defend the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles against The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane). Chance & Carter retained their titles against Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn last week.

Also, in a rematch from two weeks ago, Austin Theory will step in the ring with Carmelo Hayes. There will also be a face-to-face confrontation between The Street Profits & Bobby Lashley and The Final Testament.

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

**********

– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the show. The Kabuki Warriors and Katana Chance & Kayden Carter were shown walking backstage. We then got a video recapping last week’s main event. 

– Eladio Carrion made his entrance. With a microphone inside the ring, Carrion welcomed everyone into SmackDown. Carrion then introduced Randy Orton. 

The Randy Orton segment

This was pretty basic, but essential to try and get some final heat on the four-way at the Rumble. Styles kicking Orton was mildly surprising, and it didn’t really pack a punch, but it was a nice way to get out of the segment. Knight showed good fire here – more than he has in a while on WWE TV – but while that stood out, there wasn’t much to say about any of this.

Orton said he bet nobody thought he was friends with Carrion. Orton said he was there to talk about the Bloodline. Orton said the Bloodline has been on a hell of a run and mentioned how Roman Reigns has been holding his title for almost 1,300 days. Orton said that’s unheard of and nobody can stop the Bloodline … except for him. Orton said the only number after Saturday night that will matter is “15,” because Orton will be a 15-time world champion after he beats Reigns. The crowd chanted “Randy!” Orton said he is going to win courtesy of the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment, “RKO.” 

AJ Styles’ music then hit and Styles walked out. Styles asked Orton if he was looking past AJ Styles. AJ said he asked Nick Aldis if he could have a match with Solo Sikoa and instead, Aldis gave the match to LA Knight. Styles walked into the ring and told Orton that Orton should know better. Styles reminded Orton of their history together and Styles said Orton has a receipt coming. Styles said he will step over Orton, Reigns and Knight. On cue, Knight’s music hit and Knight came out. 

Knight had a microphone and said “Let me talk to ya!” from the walkaway. Knight talked about how Styles has been “crying” ever since be came back to WWE. Knight noted how he didn’t really want to fight Sikoa later. Knight said Paul Heyman lobbied to have Knight wrestle tonight to soften him up for the Rumble. Knight said he’s not going to complain. Knight said he was going to walk over everyone at the Rumble to become the WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. Knight said “Yeah!” and threw the microphone down. Knight left the ring and Styles Pele Kicked Orton to end the segment. 

**********

Santos Escobar defeated Carlito [9:50]

Is it me, or was Carlito moving a bit slower than anticipated there? Either way, these two worked fairly well together. The headline is Lopez’s call up to the main roster and I’m very curious to see how she does under the biggest spotlight WWE has to offer. She’s been a work in progress in the ring on NXT, though her mic work has improved significantly. Will she wrestle more on the main roster or will she be positioned as Legado Del Fantasma’s manager? It should be interesting to see how that faction evolves after the Rumble. 

Carlito fired up to open the match and threw a series of punches and kicks. Carlito kept control with a fury of strikes until Escobar ran Carlito into the middle turnbuckle. Carlito went to the outside and was the recipient of a dive from Escobar as Humberto and Angel distracted Carlito. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from break, Carlito ran into an elbow and Escobar got a two-count out of it. Escobar then ripped Carlito’s shirt off of his upper body. 

Escobar tore the tape off Carlito’s shoulder. Escobar hit a double knees in Carlito and followed that up with a Frankensteiner from the top rope for a two-count. Escobar worked an arm bar on Carlito. Escobar pulled Carlito down by his hair and stomped on Carlito. Escobar went back to the arm-bar, but Carlito fired up and took Escobar down with a dropkick. Carlito landed a neck-breaker and a spine-buster. Carlito followed that up with a knee and Humberto distracted the referee as Angel pulled Carlito to the outside. The LWO and Humberto and Angel brawled on the outside. Out of nowhere, Elektra Lopez attacked Zelina Vega, which distracted Carlito. Escobar then rolled Carlito up for the win.

**********

– Styles was shown walking backstage and he ran into Jimmy Uso. The rest of The OC walked up and asked Styles what that was about. Styles told them not to worry about it.

– Nick Aldis was shown backstage and Ava walked into the frame, asking Aldis for tips. In walked the Street Profits and Bobby Lashley, who drew a number for the Royal Rumble. Escobar walked in and drew a number for himself. Neither number was revealed. 

– A video profiling Bayley aired.

– R-Truth was shown drawing a number for the Royal Rumble alongside Aldis and Ava. Truth called Aldis “Adam” and “Mr. Pearce.” Truth asked the GMs if he had to quarantine, so I suppose the guess is he drew 19. 

The Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka) defeated Katana Chance & Kayden Carter to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship [9:02] 

Perhaps the most predictable outcome of the WWE weekend. Good for Chance and Carter at least getting a tiny run as champs on the main roster, but this outcome felt more probably than anything else on the card. The story of Damage CTRL having all the gold and then Bayley maybe winning the Royal Rumble seems as intriguing to me as anything else the company has going on in its women’s division. The match here was pretty good despite a couple iffy moments. Chance and Carter worked hard, but if those tag titles are going to get back to having a notable profile, they need to be on Asuka and Sane moving forward. Sane’s InSane elbow is one of prettiest moves in all of wrestling. 

Carter and Asuka started the match, but it wasn’t long before Chance tagged in and the champs landed a couple double-team moves. With Asuka and Sane on the outside, Chance hit a plancha on both as the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Sane and Asuka hit a series of double-team moves on Chance to keep control. Asuka ran at Chance, but Chance pulled the second rope down and Asuka spilled out to the floor. Sane ran at Chance and Chance threw Sane to the outside, but Carter wasn’t on the apron for a tag. Eventually, Carter tagged in and hit a splash onto Sane and Asuka. 

Carter hit a running boot to Asuka before landing a springboard leg-drop on Asuka for a two-count. Sane tagged in and the Warriors hit a double-team move on Carter for a near-fall. Sane landed a spinning back-fist on Carter and Sane went to the top. Sane went for her elbow, but Carter got her feet up and Sane landed on those feet. Asuka tagged in and Carter got in a modified Sister Abigail. Chance tagged in and the champs hit the Keg Stand, but Sane broke the pin attempt up. 

Things broke down and Sane and Chance fought on the outside. Sane Slammed Chance onto the commentary table. Asuka kicked Carter in the head and tagged in Sane. Sane went to the top and this time landed the InSane Elbow for the win. After the match, the rest of Damage CTRL came out and celebrated with the new champs.

**********

– Paul Heyman was talking to Solo Sikoa backstage. Heyman asked Sikoa to “fix the problem” and to not be merciful in his match later. Jimmy Uso said Sikoa was scary and Heyman told Jimmy said Roman got to Tribal Chief level because he saw a moment and seized it. Heyman mentioned Seth Rollins and told Jimmy to seize the moment and enter the Royal Rumble, win it and challenge Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. 

– Bianca Belair and Bayley were shown picking their numbers for the Royal Rumble match. 

The Final Testament/Street Profits/Bobby Lashley segment

I don’t think we can debate Kross needed this reboot. I think it’s working. Kind of? Maybe? OK, so perhaps it’s too early to tell for sure, but I’m willing to keep an open mind as this Final Testament stuff unfolds. They need a strong start and they’re off to it, getting the best of Lashley and the Profits each week. This was no exception.

Bobby Lashley introduced the Profits and himself to the crowd. Lashley said the people of Miami came to see a fight and a fight is what they wanted to bring the Final Testament. The Final Testament’s music then hit and out they came. Scarlett walked into the ring and stared down Lashley, who called Kross a coward. Montez Ford said the Final Testament is scared. Paul Ellering had a microphone and spoke from the walkway. Ellering said there is no fear in Karrion Kross, who then began to speak and the crowd gave him the “What?” treatment. Kross told the crowd to “shut the hell up.”

The crowd booed heavily. Kross told Lashley that Lashley wasn’t in control anymore. Kross said Lashley wasn’t going to get his fight tonight. Lashley said Kross lied because they indeed are going to fight tonight. Scarlett jumped onto Lashley and Kross ran Lashley into the ring post. AOP beat the Profits down in the middle of the ring. The faction then attacked Lashley. Kross his the Kross Hammer and stood tall to end the segment. 

**********

– Jimmy Uso showed up to Aldis’s office to draw his Rumble number. Jimmy seemed unhappy with his number. 

– A video recapping the Kevin Owens/Logan Paul stuff from last week aired. 

Austin Theory defeated Carmelo Hayes [6:59]

A seven-minute match with a commercial break in the middle of it. Did we really need to do this? I appreciated WWE’s position on stopping their first match out of caution, but that didn’t mean we had to do the whole thing again if it was just going to be this. The biggest story here was the appearance of Trick Williams on main roster TV and damn, that crowd let the world know he wasn’t going to disappoint. I know he’s over in NXT, but holy cow, turns out he’s over in all of WWE. There’s a lot of money in Hayes and Williams in the coming years. Here’s hoping WWE doesn’t drop the ball on them.

Hayes gained an early edge and Theory went to the outside. the match reset and Theory threw Hayes outside, where Grayson Waller hit Hayes. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Hayes fired up and hit a face-buster for a two-count. Hayes went to the second rope, but Waller distracted him and Theory pulled Hayes to the ground. Theory landed the Ataxia for a two-count. Theory lifted Hayes, but Hayes worked out of it. Waller got on the apron and Theory and Hayes traded roll-up attempts, but Theory grabbed the tights and ultimately got the win. After the match, Waller and Theory attacked Hayes, but Trick Williams’s music hit and Trick made the save. The crowd went nuts and yelled “Whoop that Trick.” Hayes appeared bothered that Williams was there. 

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Carrion backstage. Braxton asked him who he thought would walk out as champ and he said he thought Randy Orton would. The Bloodline walked into the frame and stared Carrion down. 

LA Knight defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [8:40]

Poor Solo Sikoa (and so much for that squash against John Cena). This was fine for what it was. The final minutes of the last three or four SmackDowns have all been far too similar for my liking, but that’s just me. Knight looked fired up, carrying that same energy he brought to the show’s opening segment, so that was a welcome surprise. The match was just kind of there, between the commercial break and the fomulaic nature of everything. Sikoa, meanwhile, has become the beacon of losses. Here’s hoping that changes after the Rumble this weekend, but seeing is believing. 

Knight had control early and stepped on Sikoa’s hands before kicking Sikoa to the outside. Knight followed him and slammed Sikoa’s hand on all the tables on the outside. Knight ran Sikoa into a ring post and wrapped Sikoa’s hand around the post before slamming it against it multiple times. Knight rolled Sikoa back into the ring and went for a springboard splash, but Sikoa caught Knight with a punch. The show then went to its final commercial break of the night. 

When the show returned, Sikoa landed a Samoan Drop for a two-count. Before long, Knight rallied and landed a bulldog from the second rope. Knight hit a bunch of punches and a running clothesline, complete with a side Russian Leg Sweep. Knight stomped on Sikoa. Knight punched Jimmy Uso off the apron and then DDT’d Sikoa. Knight clotheslined Sikoa over the top rope and the action spilled outside. Knight slammed Sikoa on the commentary table. Knight landed a running knee on Sikoa, but AJ Styles appeared out of nowhere and hit Knight with a flying elbow to give Knight the DQ win. 

Styles ran Knight into the ring steps after the match. Jimmy Uso approached Styles with a chair and Jimmy put the chair down, suggesting Styles attack Knight with it. Styles picked up the chair and Sikoa yelled at Styles. Instead of attacking Knight, Styles attacked Jimmy and Solo with the chair. Randy Orton’s music then hit and Orton ran to the ring. Orton hit Styles and powerslammed Uso. Sikoa pulled Orton to the outside and Orton dropped Sikoa on the commentary table. Orton took his shirt off the and crowd cheered. Orton grabbed Uso and set him up for a draping DDT. Jimmy took it. Styles got back into the mix and Orton did the same to Styles. Orton RKO’d Styles and that was enough to end the show … until Knight showed up and gave Orton a BFT to truly end the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Royal Rumble build continues

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Roman Reigns’ Royal Rumble challengers are set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Lincoln, Nebraska. 

Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles are all slated to be featured after SmackDown GM Nick Aldis announced last week that the three will challenge Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Royal Rumble. Aldis made the decision after Reigns and The Bloodline disrupted a triple threat number one contender’s match.

Also on tap: Bianca Belair vs. Bayley. Last week, IYO SKY, Bayley’s Damage CTRL stablemate, told Bayley to take out Belair after Belair confronted the faction. 

The LWO’s Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro are set to face off against Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo. Wilde & Del Toro are still seeking revenge on Santos Escobar for turning against the LWO. 

Grayson Waller will also wrestle Cameron Grimes after the two interacted backstage last week.

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

**********

– Kevin Patrick welcomed viewers into the show. Grayson Waller’s music hit and Waller came to the ring with Austin Theory. Patrick then threw to a video recapping last week’s main event, including the development that the fatal four-way match was made for the Royal Rumble. Cutting back to the show, The Bloodline was shown attacking Cameron Grimes as he made his way to the ring. 

The Bloodline segment

I’m a fan of switching up the WWE formula, so I can’t complain about how the show began, with the attack on Grimes and all. My only complaint is that … well, come on. When will Cameron Grimes ever get any booking love? Anyway, I got a kick out of how Waller and Theory bailed so quickly when The Bloodline got into the ring. And I like selling Jimmy and Solo as badasses, but at this point, they are getting to the point where they take too many losses to be taken seriously. Quick poll (that will be obsolete and make me look stupid by 10:01 p.m. EST): Do we think the Bloodline gets a third man? And if so, who will it be?

Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa were the main attackers and they ran Waller and Theory off. Paul Heyman then got a microphone and called Nick Aldis a “James Bond wannabe.” Heyman said it’s practically guaranteed that Roman’s title will be lost at the Royal Rumble because of the stipulation. Aldis walked to the ring as Heyman said Aldis was the bad guy. Aldis then grabbed the microphone out of Heyman’s hand. 

Aldis started by saying Heyman is not Aldis’s equal. Aldis then said the four-way match at the Royal Rumble is a done deal. Aldis said The Bloodline will not ruin anymore matches because they will be in the main event of tonight’s show. Aldis then announced Sikoa, Uso & Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles, LA Knight & Randy Orton as the main event. Heyman was fuming and tried to grab the mic back, but Aldis wouldn’t let it go. Heyman told Aldis that Reigns wasn’t in Nebraska for the show. 

Aldis said Reigns started something he can’t finish. Aldis said Heyman has until the main event of the show to find a third man. If he can’t, Aldis said it will be a 3-on-2 handicap match. Patrick and Corey Graves then ran down the card for the night. 

**********

– Heyman was talking to Solo and Jimmy backstage and Heyman told them not to worry and he would find them a tag partner for later. 

Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo defeated Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro [9:54]

And here I was convinced that we were going to get the LWO launch spot we got from NXT in some way. Sad. That aside, these four guys worked really hard and I thought they looked very good together – so much so that I wouldn’t oppose a rematch at some point because this was overshadowed by the Carlito/Escobar brawl. This incarnation of the Garza/Carrillo team feels the strongest it’s been in WWE, so here’s to high hopes for them moving forward. 

Santos Escobar sat in on commentary. Del Toro and Wilde had control early, complete with a stereo dive onto the heels on the outside. Quickly, the heels got the upper hand as Garza held the roped and Del Toro fell to the outside. Garza then landed a running knee on Del Toro and the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from break, the heels landed a pair of impressive double-team moves to get a two-count on Del Toro. Eventually, Garza tagged in, but Del Toro got the hot tag to Wilde and worked over Garza, including a spike DDT for a two-count. Carillo and Garza threw Wilde off the top and Carrillo hit a nice-looking sit-out powerbomb for a two-count. Garza tagged in and super-kicked Wilde. 

The LWO trio regained control with a corkscrew plancha from Del Toro onto Carillo on the outside. Carrlito’s music then hit and Carlito brawled with Escobar through the crowd. Garza then rolled up Wilde and held the ropes to get the win. 

**********

– Aldis and Carmelo Hayes were talking backstage but they were interrupted by Theory and Waller. Hayes mentioned how he beat Waller a lot. Hayes challenged Waller to a match tonight. Waller said he couldn’t, so Aldis made an Austin Theory vs. Hayes match for later. 

– Backstage, the LWO was walking backstage and Heyman walked into the frame to offer Carlito a spot in the main event. Heyman even had an apple in his hand. Carlito turned him down, but took Heyman’s apple and walked away. 

– Logan Paul cut a promo saying he might sue Kevin Owens because of the black eye he has from the shot he took via Owens’s cast last week. Paul called Owens a cheater. Paul said if he’s going to have a match with Owens, Owens is going to have to do it without his cast. 

– A video from earlier today aired with Butch and Tyler Bate. They were sharing coffee. Butch said he can handle himself. Bate said they had fun beating Pretty Deadly last week. Butch told Bate to shut up. Bate pitched meditating with Butch, who said everything they did was in the past and they should do things separately. Bate said they could show the world what British Strong Style is all about. The video ended with Butch staring into the distance and without resolution.

**********

Bianca Belair defeated Bayley [16:24]

Wow. Nearly 17 minutes for the women. You love to see it. The story between Bayley and Damage CTRL continues, and I’m beginning to wonder if it’s about to jump the shark. We get it. This has been building for a while. When does the next step come? As for the match, it was pretty good. Two professional wrestlers put on a very good professional wrestling television match. The awkwardness with the pins toward the end can be forgiven, if only because of how much weight they were carrying. Good for them, though. They got the time and they delivered. 

The two locked up and Belair rolled up Bayley a few times to no avail. Belair had control for a lot of the first third of the match, but Bayley fought back as the crowd chanted “Bayley sucks!” Belair fired up and hit a trio of bodyslams. Belair ran at Bayley, but Bayley tripped her up and draped Belair on the second rope. Bayley was jawing at the rest of Damage CTRL and that allowed Belair to take control. Belair then landed a splash on Bayley, who was on the outside. Belair was pumped and the show went to break. 

Back from that commercial, Bayley had control on Belair inside the ring. Bayley pounded on Belair. Belair fought out and hit a spine-buster to even things out. Belair fired up and landed a shoulder-block. Bayley fought back and hit a running knee. Bayley then tied Belair’s braid to the bottom rope. Bayley ran at Belair, but Belair used the braid to trip Bayley and then free herself. Belair stretched Bayley on a ring post, but Bayley came back by running Belair into the ring post. 

Belair lifted Bayley for a KOD and instead threw Bayley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Belair landed a series of shoulder-blocks. Belair hit a vertical suplex on Bayley. Bayley tried to pull on the braid, but Belair used it to her advantage and and punched Bayley. Belair landed a back-breaker for a two-count. Belair went for a springboard moonsault, but Bayley caught her and ran Belair into a corner. Ultimately, Belair bounced back and hit that moonsault and it resulted in a near-fall. Belair lifted Bayley for a KOD, but Bayley countered and went to the top. Bayley landed an elbow drop and that resulted in a near-fall. 

Bayley tried to roll up Belair for the win and used the ropes, but the referee stopped her. Belair rolled to the outside and Bayley wanted Damage CTRL to attack Belair, but they wouldn’t and that caused frustration. Back in the ring, Belair hit a spear and the KOD for the win.

**********

– Kevin Owens cut a promo backstage and said he needs to talk with Logan Paul about stuff next week face to face on SmackDown. Owens then invited Paul onto The Kevin Owens Show next week. 

– Dakota Kai talked to Bayley backstage and tried to reassure her. Kai said Bayley would have to win the Royal Rumble match on her own, which is why the faction didn’t interfere. Bayley looked disappointed as the scene ended. 

– Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits walked to the ring without suit jackets and meant business. Lashley grabbed a microphone and called out the Kross/AOP faction. Lashley told them they wanted to settle things right here and right now. The lights went out and Paul Ellering walked out to point at the big screen. A Karrion Kross/Scarlett video aired on it. Kross introduced AOP. Kross revealed the group’s name as The Final Testament. That was the end of that.

– Backstage, Pretty Deadly approached Heyman and pitched themselves as the partners for Sikoa and Uso later. Heyman said he needed only one person so Pretty Deadly backed off. 

– A Carmelo Hayes vignette aired. Hayes then made his entrance for the next match. 

– Lashley and the Profits were shown walking backstage. Heyman approached them and asked Lashley to work out his aggression by teaming with Uso and Solo later. Lashley said the only time he wants to be in the ring with the Bloodline is when he’s standing across from Roman Reigns. 

Austin Theory vs. Carmelo Hayes ended in a no contest [9:04]

Umpf. You hate to see the X sign, no matter what. The two were having a pretty good match up until it, but I actually thought Theory’s head-plant on the apron before the commercial break got Theory down. The move that called the match off did not help. Here’s hoping both guys are all right. 

Theory backed Hayes up into a corner and jawed at him. Hayes worked multiple head-locks before hitting a standing dropkick. Theory was draped on the second rope and Hayes hit a Fadeaway. Hayes then slammed Theory’s head on the apron and the show went to break. Back from break, Theory landed a rolling shotgun dropkick. Theory tried to suplex Hayes, but Hayes countered with a suplex of his own. Hayes followed it up with a springboard clothesline and a face plant for a two-count. The two traded unsuccessful pin attempts before Hayes landed a super-kick. Theory ran Hayes into a corner and Theory went for something from the second rope, but both guys landed awkwardly and the ref held up the X sign to signal the end of the match. 

**********

– Next week, Dawn & Fyre will take on Chance & Carter for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The contract signing for the Royal Rumble main event will take place. Also, The KO Show with Logan Paul will go down. 

– Backstage, Heyman was talking to Uso and Solo. Heyman said there wasn’t any man in the building worthy of standing beside the Bloodline. 

– Randy Orton made his entrance, but Sikoa and Uso attacked him from behind as the show went to break. 

La Knight, AJ Styles & Randy Orton defeated Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso [maybe 12:00?]

For the first time in my history of covering live wrestling on television, all of everything went out – electricity, internet, television, all of it. But I wanted to get the result up ASAP. The match was going along well enough until everything cut out. Orton, from what I understand, made his triumphant comeback, as was expected, but I can’t lie to you – I can’t speak truth to the full match and I very much apologize. Here’s to thinking this inspires Roman to go full-on a-hole next week because at this point, after all the technology nonsense, I’m happy to side with a-holes. 

Because of the attack, Orton went to the back and we got a traditional tag team match. Styles had control over Uso and tagged in Knight, who worked over Uso with a series of kicks and punches. Styles tagged back in and eventually, Knight and Styles hit a bunch of chops on Sikoa, which took Sikoa to the outside. From there, the show went to its final commercial break. 

Back from break … well, my internet connection went out. But, from what I understand, the babyfaces got the win. 

WWE SmackDown live results: New Year’s Revolution

Posted on by Colin McGuire

SmackDown kicks off 2024 tonight with a special New Year’s Revolution episode.

Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns is set to make an appearance on the show. His challenger for the Royal Rumble will be determined tonight when Randy Orton, LA Knight, and AJ Styles square off in a triple threat match. All three have been staking claim to being the number one contender to Reigns’ belt.

Also on tap is the finals of WWE’s United States title number one contender’s tournament. Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar will face off with the winner advancing to challenge Logan Paul for the US title at the Royal Rumble.

Paul, meanwhile, is also slated to appear on tonight’s show. 

Michin will challenge IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship tonight. Michin was part of a team that beat Damage CTRL on the December 22 edition of SmackDown.

Butch must also find a partner to team with him against Pretty Deadly. 

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

**********

– A video recapping The Rock’s return on Raw aired to open the show. An SUV pulled up in the back and Roman Reigns stepped out of it. Reigns was met by Kayla Braxton, whose microphone didn’t initially work, so I’m not sure what she asked. Either way, Reigns just laughed and walked away. 

– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Kevin Owens’s music hit and to the first match, we went. The commentary team was Patrick and Corey Graves, so the two were swimming without the lifeboat that is Michael Cole.

Kevin Owens defeated Santos Escobar to win the U.S. title tournament [16:47]

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a welcome change of pace to have the show begin with a match and not some 12-minute promo that sets up an unannounced main event. So, kudos to WWE for that. The match itself was pretty good, but it never kicked into the next gear for me. Both guys worked hard and crowd was fantastic, biting on almost every near-fall, adding great texture to everything that went down in the ring. Still, the outcome felt predictable considering how we had to think they would go with a babyface vs. heel dynamic at the Royal Rumble. Escobar is a heel. Owens is a babyface. The math is easy. Either way, this was a fine opener – good, but not great. 

Before the bell rang, Logan Paul’s music hit and Paul walked to the ring, where he sat in on commentary. The LWO’s Del Toro and Wilde ran out and fought Carillo and Garza to the back. Owens capitalized on that and ultimately landed a frog splash for a good early-match near-fall. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Owens had control and stared at Paul. Owens went to the top, but Escobar cut him off and Escobar slammed Owens’s arm into the ring post. 

Escobar worked Owens’s arm inside the ring. With Owens on the outside, Escobar landed a tope suicida and posed. Escobar went for Owens’s arm, but Owens kicked his way out and rolled back into the ring, where Escobar went to the top. Owens climbed up with him, but Escobar fought him off and jumped off the top, where Owens caught and planted Escobar with a DDT. The two went back to the top and Escobar set up for a super-plex, but Owens countered into a package suplex of his own. The show then went to another commercial break. 

Back from that break, the two were on the top rope yet again and they fought out of it. Owens super-kicked Escobar to the outside and Owens landed a Cannonball before going back to the top, where Owens went for a Senton, but Escobar got his knees up. Escobar then landed a double-knees and a Frankensteiner from the top rope. Escobar landed a splash for a two-count. The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!” and Paul played into it from the commentary table. 

Escobar then placed Owens back on the top rope and hit a step-up enziguri. Owens grabbed Escobar and landed a rolling Senton from the second rope for a good near-fall. Owens went for a Stunner, but Escobar rolled Owens up for a two-count. Owens hit a super-kick and then, after one failed attempt, a pop-up powerbomb. Owens then hit the Stunner and got the win.

After the match, Paul got a house mic and told Owens he will face the greatest United States Champion in history. Paul mentioned he’s had his title for 62 days. Paul got into the ring and said, “You thought a Canadian could have the United States Championship?” Paul mocked the idea of the Vancouver Canucks winning the Stanley Cup. Paul tried to say his own name, but Owens knocked Paul out with a punch from his cast hand. 

**********

Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits made their entrance. It’s going to be an All Mighty New Year, they say. As such, the show then went to a commercial break. 

– Logan Paul was walking backstage and was interviewed. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller stepped in and helped Paul. Cameron Grimes then came into the frame and laughed at everyone. Waller shoved Grimes and the show went back into the ring, where Lashley and the Profits were waiting. 

The Bobby Lashley/Street Profits segment

And so, the rumors were true. I won’t lie: I’m intrigued by the AOP/Kross pairing, if only because I guess this means Ellering feels better about going on the road again and Ellering brought so much to that act before he decided to pull back. Whatever the faction ends up being, it could be dominating, which would be welcome for Kross, as he’s been spinning his wheels on the WWE main roster for what feels like lightyears. The presentation here was pretty good and they’re off to a strong start. I’m cautious, but I’m optimistic for where this group goes. 

Lashley welcomed everyone into New Year’s Revolution. Lashley said 2023 was probably the toughest year of his career in WWE. Lashley said he didn’t get the results he wanted in 2023. Lashley said the highlight of the year for him was hooking up with the Profits. Lashley said their resolution is simple – they are going to fight for and take everything they deserve in 2024. Montez Ford chimed in and the crowd chanted “Bobby!” 

Ford said they will take full advantage of every opportunity when it comes to capturing championships. Dawkins spoke, too, and said Judgment Day needs to keep their head on a swivel. Lashley added his personal goal for 2024 is to get back to being “The All Mighty.” Lashley then declared for the Royal Rumble Match. On cue, Karrion Kross’s music played and he walked out with Scarlett – as well as Paul Ellering. A returning AOP then attacked the Profits from behind while Kross walked to the ring and attacked Lashley. AOP hit the Super Collider on the Profits and Kross landed his new finisher on Lashley. Kross and AOP stood tall in the ring to end the segment. 

**********

IYO SKY defeated Michin to retain the WWE Women’s Championship [10:19]

This was really very good despite a few moments that gave me pause. I’m all for seeing Michin/Mia Yim get some national TV time and they gave her all the offense and then some throughout this match. In fact, I’d say it was probably 80-85% Michin dominating and 20-15% SKY getting in what she could. I’d love to think this means Michin will stick around the title picture (or for that matter, in some meaningful way on SmackDown), but I have my doubts. Forget the cynicism for now. This was a strong match between two very good wrestlers and the second-rope Styles Clash that Michin pulled off was nuts. Good on WWE (again) for making sure there was no nonsense involved here, too. No interference. No eye rolls. Solid stuff. 

Michin made her entrance flanked by The O.C., who then went to the back. Damage CTRL then flanked SKY during her entrance, but they also went to the back. The two started off fast without either woman getting the upper hand. Michin tried a couple roll-ups, but SKY ultimately landed a standing double stomp to slow Michin down. SKY ended up on the outside and Michin hit a dive through the ropes to take SKY down. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Michin still had control, and after an odd powerbomb exchange, Michin landed a knee to SKY’s chin and a then Cannonball for a two-count. Michin slapped SKY and then hit a sort of reverse code-breaker. Michin worked a half-crab until SKY made it to the ropes for a break. Michin went to kick SKY, but SKY caught her. Even so, SKY tried a springboard move, but Michin cut her off with a punch to the head. SKY then landed a bridging German Suplex on Michin on the apron to take control. 

SKY followed that up with a springboard shotgun dropkick. SKY tried an Over The Moonsault, but Michin got the knees up. Michin followed that up with a Dragon Suplex for a nice near-fall. Michin tried to lift SKY, but SKY countered with a double knees. SKY went back to the top, but Michin cut her off and went to the top herself. SKY cut Michin off, but Michin caught SKY and ultimately landed a wild Styles Clash from the second rope … but SKY got her hand on the bottom rope to break up a pin attempt. 

With SKY on the outside, Michin went for another dive, but SKY moved and hit a Meteora on Michin on the barricade. SKY got Michin back into the ring, hit a double knees, and, of course, the Over The Moonsault for the win. 

**********

– Paul Heyman was shown backstage and was remotely interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Heyman said The Rock name-dropped Reigns because The Rock wants to sit at the head of the table. Heyman said The Rock needs to be invited to sit there, but The Rock will not be invited. Heyman said there are two ways to go viral in this world – 1. Date Taylor Swift. 2. Call out Roman Reigns. Heyman mocked Cody for talking about finishing his story. Heyman called out CM Punk for saying he was the OG Paul Heyman Guy. Heyman said the man who wins tonight in the main event will be smashed at the Royal Rumble by the Tribal Chief. Heyman said there isn’t one man on the planet who could beat Roman Reigns. 

– SKY was shown walking backstage and Damage CTRL ran up to her to congratulate her on the win. Bayley said she sees greatness in all of Damage CTRL. SKY said IYO’s Era will never end. Bayley kept talking about her plan, which will include Asuka and Sane winning the tag titles and Bayley winning the Rumble match. Bianca Belair walked into the frame and congratulated SKY for winning. Belair said Bayley won’t win the Rumble match because Belair is going to win the Rumble match because Belair just now declared herself in the match. Dakota Kai said Bayley has to take care of Belair and Damage CTRL walked away from Bayley. 

– With Pretty Deadly in the ring, the Brawling Brutes music hit. Butch walked out first, and then walked out … Tyler Bate. That was fun. 

Butch & Tyler Bate defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) [7:51]

Hey, look. It’s Tyler Bate! I’m inclined to err toward Butch and Bate because I stuck with that initial WWE UK stint some six, seven years ago, and those two were destined to be absolute stars coming out of their battles with one another. Shoot, just look up their NXT Takeover bout and watch those kids cook. So, seeing them reunited here makes me feel warm, but that sentiment clearly was not shared by the live crowd, which has been very hot at times, but here, was painfully subdued. Still, for those of us who have followed Bate and the former Pete Dunne, this was a ray of hope that both guys will get more main roster love moving forward. As for the match, Bate played the hits while Butch felt overly enthusiastic. What more could anyone want? Now the question suddenly must be asked: What happens to Pretty Deadly? They seemed to be on a fast track to a high spot on the card and now … not so much.

Bate and Wilson began the match. Bate worked a head-lock and executed some of his signature Tyler Bate spots. Bate toyed with Wilson and posed, which got a very mild response. Butch tagged in and so did Prince. Wilson ran in and Butch worked his fingers spot on Wilson. With both of Pretty Deadly on the outside, Bate and Butch landed stereo dives to send the show to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, Prince was working over Butch. Butch fought his way out and suplexed Prince. Wilson tagged in, but Bate got the hot tag and cleaned house. Bate landed a European Uppercut from the second rope on Wilson. Bate hit a standing shooting-star press and spun Wilson around and around and around. Butch tagged in and the two landed a double-team move, but Prince broke up the pin attempt. Butch went to the top, but Wilson cut him off. Prince then pushed Butch off the top. Butch tagged in Bate and they hit a double Tyler Driver 97 on Wilson for the win. 

**********

– Nick Aldis was shown backstage and Ashante Thee Adonis walked into his office. Ashante said he feels lost, but he’s been ready and he just needs an opportunity. Aldis said he believed in Ashante. Aldis said he had ideas for Ashante and the scene cut away. 

– Next week, Bianca Belair vs. Bayley is booked. Cameron Grimes vs. Grayson Waller will also be on tap. Also, Wilde & Del Toro will square off against Angel & Humberto. The show went back to the ring, where AJ Styles made his entrance for the main event. 

Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles vs. LA Knight ended in a no-contest [19:21 of TV time]

This was a really fun match until the end. Not that the end was bad, because it apparently set up a four-way between everyone involved here, but it would have been far more interesting to see a clean finish between the three advertised wrestlers. I guess this opens up possibilities – maybe The Rock interferes and costs Reigns the title at Royal Rumble and that’s why we get Rock vs. Roman? I don’t think any of us believes that will happen, but it’s a tiny possibility. Anyway, the match was pretty good. The three guys worked hard and I still don’t know what happened to Knight that led to him getting color the way he did. The referee pull-outs were kind of fun (if not a bit trite) in their own way. But while this lasted, it was a strong television main event. 

The match was joined in progress and Styles was working over Orton, until Knight attacked Styles and clotheslined Styles over the top. Orton then clotheslined Knight over the top and everyone was on the outside. Knight slammed Styles off the commentary table repeatedly, but then out of nowhere (pun intended) Orton hit a back body-drop on both Knight and Styles. Knight got it twice. Orton tried again with Styles, but Styles countered and did the same to Orton. 

Styles ran Knight into the ring steps. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Orton was in the ring and Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Orton cut him off. Orton went for the draping DDT and ultimately hit it on Styles. Orton got the crowd fired up and they were chanting “Randy!” Orton set up for an RKO, but Knight pulled Orton outside and Knight ran Orton into the ring steps. From there, Styles hit a running dropkick on Knight on the outside and all three guys were down as the show went to another commercial break. 

The show returned and Styles was in control, landing a running forearm on Knight. Styles hit a knee to Knight’s stomach. Styles landed a back body-drop on Knight for a two-count. Orton climbed back into the ring, but Styles kicked the hell out of Orton. On the outside, Styles ran Orton into the barrier. Styles slammed Orton’s head into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Knight fought back on Styles and hit a series of punches and kicks to take Styles down. 

Orton came into the frame, but Knight hit a series of punches on Orton. Knight then hit a side Russian leg-sweep on Orton. Knight fired up, but Orton stopped Knight’s momentum with a snap power-slam. Ditto for Styles, who ate the same move. Orton went for an RKO, but Knight countered into the BFT. The ref was going to count to three, but Styles stopped the referee’s count. From there, Knight and Styles traded blows. Styles landed the Pele Kick on Knight to slow things down. 

Styles planted Knight and went to the apron, where he set up for the springboard 450 Splash and he actually hit it. Even so, Knight kicked out at 2.8. Knight was bleeding from his forehead. Styles set up for a Styles Clash, but Orton broke things up. Knight went to the outside and Styles set up for the Phenomenal Forearm on Orton and Styles actually hit it. But as the pin attempt went down, Knight pulled the referee to the outside to break it all up. 

Roman Reigns’s music hit and Reigns walked out with the rest of the Bloodline. The faction walked to the ring with purpose. Solo Sikoa attacked LA Knight, who really was busted up. Jimmy Uso and Reigns attacked Orton and Styles. Sikoa rammed the ring steps into Orton’s head. Inside the ring, Reigns powerbombed Styles. Nick Aldis appeared as Reigns threw Styles out of the ring. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Knight. Reigns followed that up with a spear on Knight. 

Next up was Orton, who was out on the ring canvas. Reigns hit a spear on Orton as Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Orton as well. Aldis confronted Heyman at ringside and said off mic that Reigns just got himself a fatal four-way with the other three wrestlers at the Royal Rumble. Heyman looked concerned as the show went off the air. 

WWE SmackDown live results: AJ Styles vs. Solo Sikoa

Posted on by Colin McGuire

For the first time since September, AJ Styles is set to compete in a SmackDown ring tonight when he takes on Solo Sikoa. 

Styles made his return to WWE TV last week when he helped Randy Orton and LA Knight fend off The Bloodline. But Styles then turned heel by attacking Knight as the show was about to go off the air. 

Also, two United States title contender’s tournament semifinal matches will air. Kevin Owens will square off against NXT’s Carmelo Hayes for a trip to the tournament finals. The other match will feature Bobby Lashley going head-to-head with Santos Escobar. 

The NXT North American Championship will be on the line when champion Dragon Lee defends against Butch.

And a Holiday Havoc eight-woman tag-team match will go down as Damage CTRL face off against the team of Bianca Belair, Michin, Zelina Vega & Shotzi. 

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

**********

– The show opened with a video recapping The Bloodline developments from last week, complete with AJ Styles’s return.

– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show. Styles’s music hit and Styles walked out in all black. 

The AJ Styles/LA Knight/Randy Orton segment

When you run a live show every week and you come across one of the few that are taped, boy does the editing make things feel like a completely different production. Styles barely spoke and the crowd seemed a little flat for him, but I like the new attitude and look. It’s not a Big Grand Change, but it does freshen him up a bit. I’m probably in the minority, but I was actually kind of hoping for a four-way between Styles, Orton, Knight and Reigns at the Rumble if only because Roman’s singles matches feel way too formulaic anymore. Either way, it should be interesting to see who ends up facing Reigns and then how the other two (presumably) do in the Rumble match.

Styles talked about how Randy Orton wants Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Styles then talked about how Knight wants Reigns. Styles said he didn’t blame either guy and he also didn’t “give a damn about Randy Orton or LA Knight.” Styles said he is No. 1 when it comes to getting his hands on Reigns. Styles said he wanted Reigns at the Royal Rumble, but on cue, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out with a microphone in hand. 

Knight said, “Let me talk to ya!” Knight said there is nothing to argue about because after what happened at Crown Jewel, Styles can have Reigns … as long as Knight gets to Reigns first. Knight led the crowd in the “LA Knight, yeah!” moment. Styles talked about how Knight stepped over Styles to becomes buddies with John Cena and get his match. Styles said if Knight or anyone else gets in Styles’s way, Styles will drop them, too. Cue up the Randy Orton music. 

Orton walked out with a microphone and said he can appreciate their issues with Reigns and the Bloodline. Orton said the Bloodline put Orton on the shelf for 18 months. Orton said nothing would get in his way toward Reigns. Knight chimed in and said that the Bloodline took Styles and Orton out, but they did not take Knight out. Knight told them to come along for the ride, but Knight will be the one who gets Roman Reigns.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis walked out and calmed things down. Aldis said each guy has a claim to face Reigns. Aldis said in two weeks, it will be SmackDown New Years Revolution and at that event, Styles will take on Knight and Orton in a triple threat match. The winner of the match will get Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Styles said that’s fine and walked out of the ring. Styles then said if anyone gets close to the ring during his match with Solo Sikoa later, he will take them out. Styles’s music hit and that ended the segment. 

**********

Bianca Belair, Shotzi, Michin & Zelina Vega defeated Damage CTRL (Bayley, IYO SKY, Asuka & Kairi Sane) [12:44]

Shotzi is always good for a terrifying spot in matches like these, but that trashcan lid strike from Sane was nuts. For the obligatory holiday brawl that WWE likes to do, this packed a punch and had a lot more coming out of it than I anticipated. I was just wondering where Dawn and Fyre have been and it should be fun to see them work with Asuka and Sane (presumably) as this plays out into the new year. And good for Michin. She barely ever gets any booking love from WWE brass, but her getting the pin over SKY felt like a nice feel-good touch for a wrestler who deserves more attention than she’s been getting (and I guess the whole AJ/Good Brothers/Michin thing is done?). I had low expectations for this and it far exceeded them. 

The eight women jumpstarted the match and brawled to the outside. The only two in the ring were Belair and SKY and the two traded flips before Belair landed a dropkick and a vertical suplex to take the upper-hand. Bayley ran into the ring and kicked Belair to the outside. Shotzi then entered the ring with a big gift box that had a chair in it. Bayley attacked Shotzi and picked up the chair for herself. Ultimately, Shotzi gainec control and landed a splash onto Bayley after jumping off the chair. Shotzi then landed a splash onto all of Damage CTRL, who were on the outside. 

Michin and Vega fired up, but they were attacked by Asuka and Sane with kendo sticks. Shotzi and Belair then attacked Sane and Asuka with kendo sticks of their own. Belair and Shotzi pulled out a table from underneath the ring. Bayley and SKY cut them off, however, and ran the table into Belair and Shotzi, who were down on the outside of the ring as the show went to a commercial break. 

When the show returned, it was chaos in the ring as bodies were spread throughout the ring, along with gift boxes. Asuka and Michin faced off and Michin hit a power-bomb on Asuka, but SKY followed that up with a shotgun dropkick for a two-count. SKY and Belair were alone in the ring and Belair kicked SKY before breaking a gift box on her head. Shotzi then came off the top and kicked the box off SKY’s head in a wild spot. Sane busted open another gift box and found a trash can lid, which she used to nearly decapitate Shotzi. 

Sane through Shotzi into a Christmas tree and Vega attacked Sane. Asuka then used the mist on Vega. Bayley attacked Belair and Bayley with Asuka worked over Belair on the outside. Sane and Asuka found a bigger gift box and opened it. Isla Dawn popped out. Alba Fyre popped out of a different box and the former women’s tag champs worked over Sane and Asuka. Back inside the ring, Belair lifted Bayley and hit the KOD, but SKY came off the top to hit a moonsault. Michin ran in and landed Eat Defeat on SKY and put SKY on a table. Michin hit a Senton on SKY through the table to get the win.

**********

– Jimmy Uso was talking to Solo Sikoa backstage and the camera panned to Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman, who were sitting down. Reigns asked Heyman who the SmackDown GM was. Heyman told Reigns it was Nick Aldis and Reigns asked Heyman to bring Aldis into the room. Back to the ring, we went, as Dragon Lee made his entrance. 

Dragon Lee defeated Butch to retain the NXT North American Championship [9:43]

Don’t look now, but it appears WWE is content giving Dragon Lee about 10 minutes every Friday to do … well, just to do something. Anything. With whoever. And it works. Pretty much all the time. It works. I have to think the crowd would have responded with more vigor to the late near-falls if it wasn’t such a long day at the office, considering how this was taped last week. But Lee continues to impress and Butch never misses any opportunity he is given. Even if those quick-counter, no-sell PWG sequences last only a handful of seconds, it’s awfully cool to see stuff like this on WWE television – and even more so, on FOX. Both guys worked hard and color me excited to see how often Dragon Lee appears on main roster television to defend this title. 

Butch went for the arm-bar early, but Lee fought out and the two slowed down to square up. Butch ran at Lee and hit an elbow. Butch worked Lee’s arms and fingers. Butch chopped Lee, but ultimately, Lee fought back and hit a boot the face. Butch answered with a chop, but Lee went back to a boot to the head. With Butch on the outside, Lee went for a dive, but Butch cut him off with a kick and a suplex on the apron. The show then went to a commercial. 

With the show back, Butch returned to working Lee’s fingers and arm. Butch stomped on Lee’s hands, but Lee evened things out with a leaping Frankensteiner that took Butch to the outside. Back inside the ring, Butch was in a corner and Lee landed a running dropkick. Lee went for a powerbomb, but Butch countered with a Tiger Bomb for a good near-fall. The two were on their knees and traded chops. They then traded snap German Suplexes. Butch lifted Lee, but Lee got out of it and hit a sit-out powerbomb for another good near-fall. 

A “This is awesome!” chant broke out. Butch went to the top, but Lee cut him off and Butch was stuck in a Tree Of Woe. Lee went to the top, but Butch snapped Lee’s finger. Either way, Lee landed a double stomp. Lee then ran at Butch, but Butch countered with a Bitter End attempt … until Lee countered that with a Destroyer. From there, Lee hit the Operation Dragon for the win. The two shook hands over the match and Butch looked disappointed. 

**********

– Reigns was shown sitting backstage and Heyman introduced Nick Aldis, who stook in front of Reigns, who asked Heyman to leave. Aldis sat down. Reigns asked Aldis if he booked the triple threat and Solo vs. AJ. Reigns said those were good ideas, but a better idea would have been if he ran in it by Reigns first. Reigns said he’s the head of the table and everything goes through him. Reigns said Adam Pearce understood that. Aldis said Pearce is more middle management and Aldis is a general manager. Aldis said the buck stops with him and Aldis recounted how Sikoa took care of John Cena in a way Reigns wasn’t able to take care of Cena. Aldis then said he’s looking forward to the triple threat match and he appreciated the communication. Aldis then said he hoped he and Reigns could get to know each other better. Reigns snarled as the scene ended. 

Kevin Owens defeated Carmelo Hayes to advance to the finals of the U.S. title tournament [10:21]

I’m happy they didn’t go with another cast finish from Owens, so at least there was that. This was a fine TV match. Nothing really spectacular, but nothing disappointing, either. It felt like Owens was willing to do anything he could to help Hayes get a good showing here and Hayes did his best to comply. You had to think Owens would wind up in the finals of this tournament if only because of his recent interactions with Logan Paul, but Hayes showed good fire in both of his matches and it can’t hurt that he at least got one win on The Big Stage. Now, the question must be asked: When do you think we see him again on it?

Logan Paul cut a picture-in-picture promo from somewhere saying that Hayes needed to beat Owens because basically, Paul hates Owens. The two locked up, but nobody had control early. Hayes tired to work Owens’s arm, but Owens got his leg on the rope for a break and the two traded head-locks. Both missed a series of moves until Hayes landed a dropkick and posed a bit. Owens responded with a back-fist and some chops. Owens hit a Senton, but Hayes came back with a springboard clothesline. The action spilled outside, where Owens threw Hayes into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Hayes slammed Owens. Hayes hit a step-up enziguri and an axe kick for a two-count. Hayes went for a suplex, but Owens fought his way out, until Hayes hit a face-buster on Owens for a two-count. Owens draped Hayes on the top rope and hit a spike DDT for a two-count. The two traded super-kicks. Owens chopped Hayes and landed a stiff clothesline. Owens went for a pop-up powerbomb, but Hayes countered and went to the top for Nothing But Net … but Owens ultimately landed the powerbomb, a Swanton Bomb and a Stunner for the win. After the match, Owens extended his hand and lifted Hayes up. Owens shook Hayes’s hand and left the ring. 

**********

– AJ Styles was shown backstage and Michin, Gallows and Anderson approached him. They asked Styles if he was good. Styles pushed them aside and said, “I don’t know. Are we?” The show went back to the ring, where Bobby Lashley made his entrance. 

– A Karrion Kross vignette aired. It ended with Scarlett asking, “Do you see the vision?”

Santos Escobar defeated Bobby Lashley to advance to the finals of the U.S. title tournament [8:16]

It felt like WWE wanted to keep Lashley strong, so I’m a tiny bit surprised this is how the match went, but if you’re looking for a way to debut Carrillo and Garza with Escobar, this packed the biggest punch of their options. The match was OK in a fundamental way. Escobar works big man’s leg. Big man limps a little. Outside interference. Escobar wins. Escobar vs. Owens should be good, though it’s hard to buy into the idea that Escobar comes out of the tournament as the winner (see my previous comment on the Owens match). The story here was the post-match stuff. There just isn’t much else to say. 

Escobar ran at Lashley to begin the match, but Lashley hit a clothesline and then worked Escobar over with some punches. Lashley landed a belly-to-belly suplex that took Escobar across the ring. Lashley threw Escobar around and that wound up with Lashley throwing Escobar over the top rope to the outside. From there, a commercial break commenced. Back from that break, Escobar landed a dive onto Lashley, who was on the outside. Inside the ring, Escobar worked over Lashley’s leg. Escobar went for a pin, but Lashley popped up. 

Escobar landed a pair of double-knees. Escobar worked over Lashley in a corner and placed Lashley on the top rope. Lashley got mad and threw Escobar off the top. Lashley sold leg pain, but still hit a face-buster. Someone appeared at ringside in a mask, but Lashley lifted Escobar high and choke-slammed him. Another masked man appeared and fought the Street Profits out of ringside. Escobar rolled up Lashley and held the tights and got the win. After the match, it was revealed that Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza were the masked men. 

**********

– Butch was walking backstage and started an interview until Pretty Deadly showed up. A brawl then ensued. Nick Aldis broke it up and said Butch needs to find a tag partner and he, along with whomever that is, will face Pretty Deadly in two weeks. 

– Logan Paul cut a promo backstage saying Escobar isn’t in his league while Owens looks like “if Reddit was a person,” which was kind of funny. Paul said the two were only receiving “temporary clout.” 

– In two weeks, Michin will face IYO SKY for the WWE Women’s Championship. The triple threat to see who will face Roman Reigns at Royal Rumble will also happen. And the finals of the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament will commence between Kevin Owens and Santos Escobar. 

AJ Styles defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [11:41]

I mean. SmackDown played that stupid Sikoa attacking Styles video at least 52 times throughout the episode, so I guess we were supposed to care more about this match than at least I did, but a lot of this felt less than stellar. OK, so Styles is pissy. Cool. The crowd, meanwhile, I guess tried to cheer him? All of that felt weird and out of place throughout the actual match here. There wasn’t much to any of it. The show started with Styles, Orton and Knight bickering and the show ended with Styles, Orton and Knight actually fighting. The babyfaces(?) looked dumb all the way around. I suppose the Bloodline wins again.

The two brawled to start the match. Styles hit some chops until he ran into a back elbow from Sikoa. Styles dropkicked Sikoa’s knee and took control with a series of strikes. Styles kicked Sikoa to the outside, where Styles landed a running knee and a splash. The show then went to its final commercial break. 

The show came back and Sikoa back-body-dropped Styles. Sikoa landed a series of punches and headbutts on Styles. Before long, Sikoa threw Styles into the second turnbuckle, head-first. Sikoa landed a hip attack on Styles. Sikoa went for a headbutt form the second rope and Styles moved. Styles hit a pari of forearms and got the crowd fired up before landing a moonsault for a two-count. 

Styles ran at Sikoa, but Sikoa hit a Samoan Drop for a two-count. Sikoa went for a clothesline, but Styles countered with a Pele Kick. Styles set up for Phenomenal Forearm, but Sikoa countered into an attempt Samoan Spike, which failed, too. Styles, in due time, hit the Phenomenal Forearm. Out of nowhere, Roman Reigns ran into the ring and attacked Styles for the DQ. 

Reigns lifted Styles, but Styles got out of it and kicked Reigns. Sikoa reappeared and beat Styles down until Randy Orton’s music hit and Orton ran to the ring. Orton had control until Jimmy Uso ran out and beat down Orton. LA Knight’s music hit and Knight ran down to the ring to fight the Bloodline. Orton and Knight cleared the ring of the Bloodline. Styles got up and yelled at Orton and Knight. The three bickered until Styles attacked both Orton and Knight. Knight went back at Styles and Orton tried to break it up and … yeah, the three guys beat each other up as the show went off the air. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Roman Reigns returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

For the first time since Crown Jewel, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns returns for an appearance on tonight’s SmackDown from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Reigns last beat LA Knight to retain his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in Saudi Arabia. Reigns’ Bloodline stablemates Solo Sikoa & Jimmy Uso were defeated by Randy Orton & LA Knight in a tag team match on last week’s SmackDown.

Orton and Jimmy are facing off in a singles match tonight.

Also on tap for tonight are two United States title contender’s tournament first-round matches. Grayson Waller will square off against NXT star Carmelo Hayes, who was picked last week by Shawn Michaels to represent NXT in the tournament. Kevin Owens vs. Austin Theory is also set.

Plus, Michin & Zelina Vega will team up against the Damage CTRL duo of Asuka & Kairi Sane. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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– Kevin Patrick welcomed everyone into the show and Roman Reigns’s music hit right away. Reigns walked out with Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso by his side. 

The Bloodline segment

A lot of not much. This was fairly standard stuff, though it did feel bigger than normal for Reigns because of Randy’s star power. There isn’t much surprise in that Randy Orton came back to immediately challenge Reigns for his coveted title, but it could be pretty fun getting there, assuming we do get Reigns vs. Orton at Royal Rumble. Is it me, or is it starting to feel not as special when Roman makes his supposed returns every few weeks? Yes, I know he’s been gone for about a month and a half, but the act never really changes, so when he finally does wander back into a SmackDown episode, it feels more and more meh. Either way, it’s Randy vs. a frustrated Jimmy later in the show. It should be interesting to see how things play out, should Jimmy lose, which we all probably think he will.

Reigns soaked in the fans because shouting, “Green Bay, acknowledge me!” The crowd complied. Reigns then told everyone to shut their mouths. Reigns said he wouldn’t have done that if the crowd would have just kept the boos down. Reigns said it’s the Christmas season and he’s ready to celebrate. Reigns said it’s promotion season because he’s a good boss and a fair Tribal Chief. 

He followed that up by saying tonight is about one man – a man who has bent over backwards and sacrificed everything and known what representing the family means. Reigns said if anything happened to him, this is the guy who would step up. It looked like Jimmy was preparing to be crowned as Reigns said this will be the Tribal Heir, but wouldn’t you know it, Roman asked Jimmy to join him in congratulating Sikoa. Jimmy looked disappointed as Roman and Solo hugged. Roman began to talk from there and he was interrupted by Randy Orton’s entrance. From there, the show went to a commercial break.

When the show returned, Orton was climbing up the ring steps to get into the ring. Orton took a few seconds to speak as the crowd chanted his name. Orton said for 18 months, he had been thinking this moment and what he’d do and say. Orton said the only thing he really needed to say to Roman is that he’s coming for Roman. Orton said he didn’t care which one of his family members he had to go through to get the job done. Orton challenged Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Royal Rumble. The crowd chanted Randy’s name again. 

Reigns smiled. The crowd then broke into an “RKO!” chant. Reigns said by the sound of the fans, Orton deserved the title shot. Reigns said while Orton has been thinking of Reigns, Reigns hasn’t thought of Orton at all. Reigns said Orton can “go to the back of the line, where you belong.” Roman told Randy to listen to his voices because it isn’t 2007 anymore and Roman is on a different level. Roman said Randy’s voices were telling Randy that Randy should get out of the ring and run away. Reigns said Orton will never come back after he faces Roman. 

Orton said Reigns has changed for the better and that Reigns is a legend. Orton said that he, himself, changed, too, but “the one thing Randy Orton will always and forever be is a legend killer.” Orton went for an RKO on Reigns and Reigns moved away. Orton said maybe Reigns should start thinking about Orton. Orton said he was getting something from the voices in his head and they were telling him that Roman “might have just crapped his pants.” Randy left after saying “Daddy’s back,” and that ended the segment. 

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Carmelo Hayes defeated Grayson Waller to advance in the U.S. title tournament [10:22]

Good for Hayes. Who knows how all that Trick Williams stuff is going to play out on Tuesdays, but Hayes was presented as a Real Guy here and he came through with a Real Guy Performance. Waller played his part well, too. I thought this when they worked together back in NXT and I think it now: Hayes and Waller are going to have many a main roster feud once both are up there and I’ll even go as far to say that the heel/babyface roles should have no problem switching back and forth between the two. But that’s for a later date. For now, this was a good match with a mildly surprising outcome. Hayes and Waller work well together and there’s a lot to be said for two guys who have this level of chemistry this early into their WWE runs. This was a fine WWE TV match and that’s not meant to be backhanded in any way.

Logan Paul did a picture-in-picture promo before the match as Hayes made his way to the ring. Paul mocked Hayes and said this would be the only time he’ll be in a SmackDown ring. Paul concluded by calling Hayes “random guy.” As for the match, Hayes and Waller locked up to begin things. Hayes landed a nice-looking dropkick to get an early edge. As Hayes was working Waller’s arm, Waller spun around and hit a right jab to Hayes’s head to try and gain control, but Hayes came right back with some strong chops. Waller slowed things down with a side-kick. Before long, Hayes worked his way back with a kick and a Fadeaway. Waller rolled to the outside, rolled back in and Hayes clotheslined Waller over the top to the outside right as the show went to a commercial break. 

As the show returned, Waller was working a head-lock on Hayes in the middle of the ring. Turns out, Waller landed a double stomp during the break to take control. Waller hit a rolling Flatliner for a two-count after Hayes tweaked his knee. Hayes fought back a bit and hit a bunch of punches, kicks and finally a Facebuster for a two-count. Hayes went to the top, but Waller cut him off and landed some type of weird, flipping face-plant thing and I do believe that’s a scientific term. Hayes fought back with a kick and a springboard DDT for a good near-fall. Waller went for another rolling move, but Hayes countered with the First 48. Hayes then went to the top and landed Nothing But Net for the win.

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– Randy Orton was walking backstage and ran into LA Knight, who noted how the Bloodline numbers can work against Orton later. Orton said he and Knight are good and to keep it that way, Knight should stay out of Orton’s way. Knight reminded Orton that if there’s one man to take everything away from Roman Reigns, it’s going to be LA Knight and then Knight walked away. Kevin Owens’s music then hit and Owens began his walk to the ring for the next match. 

Kevin Owens defeated Austin Theory to advance in the U.S. title tournament [13:58]

If the first match was a good WWE TV match, this was a great WWE TV match. This was some of the best stuff Theory has put on television in a while when it comes to in-ring work. As this crept toward the 9 p.m. turnover, I wondered if they’d let it ride through the top of the hour and they did and it worked. It appears as though this tournament might be defined by Owens’s hand being in a cast – and then perhaps squaring off with Paul, who won the U.S. title via brass knuckles and the two can have a “who will be more effective with their cheat punches” title match. I won’t complain (maybe). This was a really good match, though, and while Theory and Waller both lost in their tournament matches tonight, I don’t know that either really lost much in defeat. Actually, I’d argue both came away looking better somehow. 

Logan Paul cut another PIP promo during Theory’s entrance. Paul said Owens dresses like a fifth-grader and Owens should stitch sleeves back onto his shirt because he essentially looks stupid. As for the match (again), Owens took control early with a head-lock and an arm-drag, which turned into Owens working Theory’s arm. The two traded blows until Owens landed a Senton and sold his broken hand. Theory rolled to the outside and the two fought on the apron until Owens kicked Theory to the floor. Owens then hit a Cannonball and rolled Theory back into the ring. 

Theory was on the apron and Theory hit a neck-breaker over the top rope. The two then fought on the apron and Theory suplexed Owens on the apron and jawed at him as the show went to a commercial break. The show returned and the two were battling on the top until Owens headbutted Theory to the mat. Owens then landed a frogsplash and stalled before a pin attempt to sell his hand. The eventual pin resulted in a two-count. Owens went back to the top and tried a Senton, but Theory got his knees up for a two-count. 

Theory fired up and stomped on Owens. Theory ran at Owens and Owens got a boot up. From there, Owens stomped a mudhole in Theory. Owens landed a shoulder-block and a DDT, which was good enough for a two-count. Owens hit a super-kick for a two-count. Owens went to the top and Theory cut Owens off with a springboard Spanish Fly. Theory went for a super-plex, but Owens countered into a package suplex of his own, but Theory rolled to the outside. 

Once the two got out there, Theory punched Owens over the guardrail and Theory returned to the ring as the ref counted. Owens barely beat the count to keep the match going, but Owens ran into a punch and a rolling Blockbuster for a good near-fall. The went to the top again and Owens pushed Theory, which put Theory in a Tree of Woe. Owens followed up with a Cannonball and a Swanton Bomb from the top, but only got another good near-fall out of it. 

Owens went for a Stunner, but Theory caught Owens and kicked Owens’s hand. The two went to the outside and Theory rammed Owens’s hand into the ring post before stomping on Owens’s hand on the ring steps. Ultimately, though, Theory ran at Owens and Owens responded with a punch on his cast-hand and that cast punch was enough get Owens the win.

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– Roman Reigns was shown backstage and Roman was angry that Randy Orton broke up a celebration. Jimmy mocked Solo Sikoa for being the Tribal Heir. Roman said if Jimmy can handle Orton alone later, Jimmy can have anything. Jimmy responded with “Yeet,” and, of course, Roman didn’t like that. As a result, Jimmy said, “No yeet.” 

– A Karrion Kross vignette aired, so perhaps that push will begin. 

– Kevin Owens was walking backstage and walked into Cameron Grimes, who said he always wanted to punch Austin Theory the way Owens did. Owens ran into Kayla Braxton and she asked Owens about facing Hayes in the net round of the tournament. Hayes walked into the frame and Hayes said he has a ton of respect for Owens. Hayes said he needs this tournament and walked away. 

– Back at the desk, Kevin Patrick announced that Charlotte will be out for at least nine months due to the knee injury she sustained on last week’s episode. 

– A Damage CTRL vignette aired. Bayley said she knew IYO SKY was special from day one. IYO said it’s IYO’s era and she is the most dangerous champion in WWE. Bayley said with Asuka and Kairi Sane, they are the strongest ever. Dakota Kai stepped in and Bayley called Kai a true mastermind. Bayley said Asuka and Sane will win the women’s tag titles and Bayley will enter and win the Royal Rumble to take Rhea Ripley’s championship. 

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The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) defeated Michin & Zelina Vega [6:11 of TV time]

I was beyond pleasantly surprised to see Michin and Vega get as much offense as they got here. The bump Vega took on the commentary table looked gnarly and she looked fine after it, but man. That was tough. If anything, this served as a reminder to constantly ask this question: Why don’t Michin and Vega get more in-ring time on TV, either as singles competitors or as a team, more often? Michin, especially, looked good here and the callback between her and Asuka was a lot of fun for those who’ve followed them both before their WWE days. The outcome wasn’t really ever in doubt, but all four women worked hard and this exceeded expectations. The only issue? Put it all on TV! I hate those commercial break match starts. 

Michin and Vegan attacked Sane and Asuka from behind as they made their way to the ring. Quickly, the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Sane and Asuka had control, working over Michin on the outside. Back in the ring Sane hit a running elbow on Michin before following that up with a flying forearm and a two-count. Asuka tagged in and she, along with Sane landed a double-team kick for a two-count. Asuka worked Michin’s arm. Asuka slapped Michin and went for a back fist, but Michin countered into a rollup for a two-count. Michin hit a suplex and even though Sane tagged in, got the hot tag to Vega. 

Vega ran in and worked over Sane before landing a running knee for a two-count. Vega then hit a Hammerlock DDT and fired up the crowd. Vega set up for a 619, but Sane came back with a back first. Asuka tagged in and worked the Asuka Lock, but Vega countered into a pin. Vega tagged in Michin and Michin hit a headbutt and what I assume is her finisher, but Sane broke things up. On the outside, Sane slammed Vega onto the announce desk. Inside the ring, Michin fired up, but Kai distracted the referee and Bayley ran down to push Michin off the top rope. Sane tagged in to hit the In-Sane Elbow and that was enough for the win. 

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– Jimmy Uso was shown backstage talking to Solo Sikoa. Jimmy said something didn’t feel right and things felt like a setup. Jimmy asked Solo if he would Jimmy that something was going to happen to him. Solo said only, “I’m your brother,” and that was the end of that. 

– A Santos Escobar vignette aired. Escobar talked about how Rey Mysterio ripped away Escobar’s chance to be U.S. Champion. It then set up his match between he and Bobby Lashley for next week. A backstage Lashley promo aired. Lashley was flanked by the Street Profits. Lashley talked about facing Escobar and Montez Ford chimed in saying Escobar has no chance against Lashley. Lashley then said Escobar is just standing in Lashley’s way. 

– Next week, Hayes vs. Owens will happen and Lashley vs. Escobar will happen in terms of U.S. title tournament developments. Dragon Lee will also face Butch for the NXT North American Championship. And Damage CTRL will square off against Michin, Vega, Shotzi and Bianca Belair. Randy Orton then made his entrance for the main event. 

Randy Orton defeated Jimmy Uso [14:26]

Orton hit his greatest hits and Jimmy put up a fight and the predictable brawl broke out and … and … and … yeah, this AJ Styles thing has me intrigued and being intrigued with a WWE story isn’t something that happens every day. Styles hates Knight that much? Styles is dressed in all black? What does it mean? I almost thought he was about to actually join the Bloodline for a hot second there, which was quite the surprise for me. The match started with nearly 25 minutes left in the show, so my Angle Alert was up – and correctly so, it turned out – but that angle was more than I thought it’d be. The match was just kind of there. Not much to seek out, but a fine-enough match especially if you’re into Randy Orton. Color me compelled by the post-match stuff. 

Orton worked over Jimmy with some kicks and punches to begin the match. Jimmy then went outside and signaled for a time out as the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Orton had the upper hand after he slammed Jimmy on the commentary table twice. Orton rolled Jimmy back in the ring for a two-count and worked Jimmy’s arm. Orton got Jimmy in a corner and landed a series of punches on Jimmy’s head. Eventually, Jimmy took control with an enziguri and a hip attack on Orton in a corner. Jimmy returned the punches-in-corner favor … until Orton cut him off with a thumb to the eye. 

Orton then set up for the draping DDT, but Jimmy instead body-dropped Orton to the outside, where Orton sold knee pain. From there, the show went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Uso still had control … until he ran into a series of clotheslines. Orton landed a snap powerslam, and Uso found himself on the apron, only for Orton to finally hit the draping DDT. Orton set up for the RKO, but Solo Sikoa’s music hit and Sikoa walked to the ring. But then LA Knight’s music hit and Knight ran out to attack Sikoa. While Jimmy looked on, Orton hit the RKO for the win.

After the match, Knight walked to the ring, but Roman Reigns attacked Knight from behind. Orton hyped himself up while Roman stood in the entry way. Roman got into the ring and Reigns and Orton brawled until Jimmy helped Roman … and then Knight helped Orton. Sikoa then turned back up and the Bloodline had the upper hand in the brawl. But alas, AJ Styles’s music hit and Styles appeared out of nowhere to hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Roman to give the babyfaces the upper hand. Styles’s music played and Styles, in a twist, attacked Knight. Styles then walked past the Bloodline on his way to the back. The Bloodline jawed at Orton and Knight and the commentary team ran down next week’s card to close the show.