Tag: smackdown results

WWE SmackDown live results: SummerSlam go-home show

Posted on by Marc Quill

The final WWE SmackDown before this weekend’s two-night SummerSlam goes down tonight in Newark, New Jersey. A pair of title matches are scheduled for the episode, as well as a confrontation between SummerSlam opponents John Cena and Cody Rhodes.

Cena and Rhodes will meet in a street fight this Sunday for the Undisputed WWE Championship. The last time both men were in the same ring, Rhodes laid out Cena and forced him to sign the contract for their title bout.

Last week, Rhodes challenged Cena to bring “the real” version of himself at SummerSlam for the street fight. Cena will undoubtedly bring his response to that challenge tonight.

Also set for this evening is Giulia defending her Women’s United States title against former champ Zelina Vega in her first title defense. Giulia’s new “business partner” in Kiana James could factor into how this match plays out.

Damian Priest finally gets his chance to take down Aleister Black in singles action after weeks of being vexed by his new rival. Black took exception to Priest sticking up for Ron Killings and has taken out his frustrations on the former World Champion.

Los Garza will also defend their AAA Tag Team titles on tonight’s show in an open challenge. Plus, Jimmy Uso faces off against the debuting Talla Tonga.

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

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– Over shots of Newark, New Jersey and the Prudential Center, Joe Tessitore welcomed us to the shwo. He pointed out the steel cage hanging above the ring. Jimmy Uso, The M.F.T.s, Aleister Black, and Damian Priest were shown arriving at the arena.

John Cena and Cody Rhodes face off before SummerSlam

The Undisputed WWE Champion arrived to the ring in his usual, understated manner, dressed in New York Jets-themed “The Last Time is Now” gear. The crowd serenaded Cena with “Let’s Go Cena / Cena Sucks” chants before he instructed ring announcer Mark Nash to give him an appropriately bombastic intro.

Before Cena could even say a single word, the entrance theme of his SummerSlam foe, Cody Rhodes, interrupted. The American Nightmare made his way down to the ring to address Cena face to face.

The crowd filled the air with an eclectic mix of chants as the SummerSlam opponents stood in the ring. Cena started by saying that he told Rhodes that he was exhausted, and that a match at SummerSlam would be too difficult for him. He said that Rhodes forced him into one of the most dangerous matches in WWE. He only had one thing to say to Rhodes “Thank you”, because that was the boot in the ass he needed. Cena said that for 25 years, he had forged a legacy of respect and hard work. And that five months ago, he flushed that into the toilet for “shock TV”. He said that the people on his team (The Rock and Travis Scott) left him alone in the aftermath, which made him try to pretend something he was not. Cena said that he wanted to take the WWE Championship home not to ruin wrestling, but so that the fans wouldn’t forget about him.

Cena said he was so hung up about how we all saw him tomorrow, that it made him blind to how stupid he was acting today. Cena said that Rhodes did what a good friend should do, by forcing him to face it and forcing him into a fight. Cena said that the Street Fight at SummerSlam was going to get him back to who he really was. According to the Undisputed WWE Champion, August 1st, 2025, was the day that John Cena truly came back to WWE.

Cena said that he didn’t know who’d leave SummerSlam with the title, but the fans would leave as the winners, because we’d finally see John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes in a battle between the best. He told Rhodes that if he wanted some, to come get some. He said that on Sunday, the only platinum rapper showing up to whip Cody’s ass was him. “The Champ is Here!” Cena concluded.

Rhodes asked for two cans of beer to be given to him before he simply told Cena “welcome back”. The two men popped open the cold ones and shared a toast. Rhodes left Cena in the ring, so that the Champ could take in the cheers from the crowd as this segment ended.

Well, this was certainly an interesting segment, to say the least. But, this seemed like a hard reset for Cena to be a face for the latter half of his retirement run. It also seemed like they brushed aside whatever partnership with Travis Scott was developing. Whether or not it leads to a Cody Rhodes heel turn as a result remains to be seen, but it does adds intrigue to the SummerSlam main event, assuming we don’t get swerved one more time to end the night.

**********

– Tessitore and Wade Barrett tossed to footage of a Jelly Roll training session earlier today where Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre made their presence clear by attacking Jelly.

– PJ Byrne, the lead actor from the new USA Network series The Rainmaker (which, sadly, has nothing to do with Kazuchika Okada) was shown in the crowd.

Women’s United States Championship Match: Giulia (c) (w/ Kiana James) vs. Zelina Vega

Vega and Giulia began with a tie-up before coming at a stalemate and a faceoff. The two attempted to trade strikes, but Giulia won out with a one-handed STO slam for an early pinfall attempt. Giulia continued the punishment on Vega with a mix of elbow strikes and chops, followed by a stalling suplex. Vega managed to kick out at two afterwards as she then left Giulia on the apron with a flip. She sent the Women’s United States Champion to the outside, as she then connected with a diving Meteora to the outside, which took us to a commercial break halfway through.

We returned to action with Giulia slamming Vega down face first with a wheelbarrow faceplant. She then locked in some sort of modfied Camel Clutch on Vega, who then countered it into a roll-up pin that Giulia kicked out of. Giulla regained momentum with a vicious stomp, but couldn’t capitalize after getting kicked in the corner by Vega.

Vega launched into her comeback as she delivered a saito suplex on the champion, followed by the running Meteora to the corner. Giulia avoided a dropkick and lifted Vega onto the top turnbuckle. Giulia looked to deliver a superplex, but Vega wriggled herself free and delivered an avalanche German suplex onto the Women’s U.S. Champion instead. One, two… Giulia managed to kick out at two.

Once again, Giulia put Vega up on the top turnbuckle and hit a series of headbutts to stun her foe. With Vega dazed, Giulia hit an avalanche butterfly suplex, followed by the Arrivederci Knee, and the Northern Lights Bomb. Vega somehow kicked out at 2.99999999 to somehow survive that salvo of Giulia’s signature moves.

Giulia looked for another Northern Lights Bomb, but Vega rolled her up for a close near-fall. Backstabber by Vega gave the challenger an opening she needed. Vega ascended to the top for the moonsault, but Giulia blocked it and pulled up Vega to finish this title defense with an emphatic Northern Lights Bomb.

A solid opener and a great title defense for Giulia. What’s not great, is that this was Giulia’s first match in over a month. She is a great talent who certainly deserves to be showcased more and I will say that tonight’s match was a good start. Now it falls on WWE to book Giulia more consistently so that she gets a chance to show up and show out like she did tonight.

Giulia def. Zelina Vega via pinfall to retain the Women’s United States Championship

**********

– Solo Sikoa and the M.F.T.s were interviewed, where we learned that he apparently asked for the steel cage to be above the ring tonight. Sikoa denied those claims as he talked about Talla Tonga’s debut tonight against Jimmy Uso and how it was about sending a message.

AAA Tag Team Championships: Los Garza (Angel & Berto) (c) vs. Mr. Iguana & Psycho Clown

Before the match, Santos Escobar addressed the crowd as he demanded the crowd to show respect to the AAA World Tag Team Champions, Los Garza. He chatised the crowd for not showing the respect deserved, as he then challenged any tag team in the back to face Angel and Berto for the AAA Titles.

Mr. Iguana (alongside La Yesca) and Psycho Clown were revealed to be the mystery opponents for Los Garza.

Psycho Clown and Angel started things off for their respective teams. Angel fell victim to a hurricanrana from Psycho, followed by a springboard crossbody. The masked clown looked good as he handled both Garzas easily early on. He ripped off his mask to reveal another one underneath, as he hit a popup forearm on Angel.

Berto got the blind tag, which allowed him to take advantage by tripping up Psycho as he tried for a springboard move. The AAA World Tag Champions began to work over on Psycho in their corner as the fans chanted for Mr. Iguana. Angel and Berto hit a double team kick on a prone Psycho as the former locked in a resthold to keep his foe grounded.

Psycho fought back with a kick to the face of Angel, which gave him some separation and time to get the tag to Mr. Iguana. The eclectic lizard floored Berto with a helicopter spin as he introduced La Yesca into proceedings. He delivered the Iguanarana on Berto as he then slammede Angel with a crucifix pin for the near fall. Angel and Berto caught Mr. Iguana as he tried for a dive to the outside and sent him right into Psycho Clown. Mr. Iguana was brought back into the ring and left at the mercy of Los Garza on the top rope. They dropped him with a super MTY from the top rope. Iguana managed to kick out at two as he tagged in Psycho Clown.

Psycho tried for a crossbody but got blocked, as they then landed the MTY to retain their AAA World Tag Team gold.

Los Garza def. Psycho Clown & Mr. Iguana via pinfall to retain the AAA World Tag Team Championships

It was an entertaining tag match, yes, but having the AAA-aligned talent lose on their WWE TV debut will certainly not help shake the notions that the WWE/AAA deal is a one-sided partnership more than anything else.

**********

– Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre were asked backstage about their attack on Jelly Roll earlier today, but the two said they’d explain why they did what they did later tonight.

– A video package setting the stage for the massive six-team TLC Match for the WWE Tag Team Titles at SummerSlam was shown.

Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest

Priest and Black locked horns in the middle of the ring to start as the latter took advantage with an attempted hammerlock. Priest escaped and withstood a kick to the thigh from Black. The Dutch brawler tried for another kick, but he got met with Priest’s own onslaught of kicks, which sent him to the outside. Priest leapt off the steel stepst to drop Black with a clothesline. On the apron, Priest tried for a kick, but he missed and got jettisoned to ringside, as Black then took off with a dive over the ropes. With Black in the driver’s seat, we took a break in the action.

SmackDown returned as Priest attempted to fight back, but he got felled by a knee to the face from Black. The cover from Black, but Priest kicked out. Black taunted Priest, who hyped himself back up and roared back with elbow strikes, a slam, and an Old School crossbody. Priest sized up Black and rocked him with a running clothesline as Black managed to kick out at two.

Priest tried for the Razor’s Edge, but Black escaped the attempt. A kick from Priest sent Black to the ringside area. Priest had a full head of steam and ran for a charging attack, but he was intercepted with a knee to the face from Black. As Black headed up top for a moonsault, Priest avoided calamity and pounced him over the announce table. Priest cleared away the commentary table, but got a faceful of chair from Black, which ended this match in a disqualification.

After the match, Black was far from done as he smashed the chair over the back of Priest. He then struck Priest in the face with the chair, which left him stunned against the steel steps. Black slammed Priest’s head against the steel steps repeatedly as he delivered one Black Mass kick to leave his rival down and out.

Damian Priest def. Aleister Black via disqualification

That match was shaping up to be a good one until the DQ finish, but I will say it was a decent way to get some heat on Black with the post-match attack. That said, it does feel odd that despite being the catalyst for Black’s heel turn, Ron Killings/R-Truth has essentially become persona non grata as it relates to this story, which raises the question of whether or not Truth feels any important at all after being brought back.

**********

– Backstage, Tiffany Stratton was confronted by her SummerSlam opponent, Jade Cargill. The two traded barbs ahead of their match tomorrow, as Cargill promised to finish what she started now that there’d be no distractions or cash-ins to worry about.

Talla Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa) vs. Jimmy Uso

Uso started right way by trying to chop down Talla in the corner. On the top rope, Uso tried for a dive, but he got dropped by a punch from Talla, who took over the match with a hard clothesline that felled his opponent. Talla delivered a leg drop with those massive tree trunk legs of his onto Uso, as Sikoa trash talked Uso from the outside. Talla had the clear upper hand on Uso, up until he got sent over the top rope and onto the apron. Uso flew through the ropes and temporarily stunned Talla with a suicide dive, which took us to the break.

We returned with Talla in the driver’s seat as he attacked Uso in the corner. Talla took pleasure in mocking Uso for a bit before Jimmy tried to get momentum back. Talla withstood the storm and once again had Uso at his mercy in the corner with strikes. Uso avoided a running charge from Talla and left him momentarily dazed with a kick. An attempted Samoan drop from Uso failed as Talla was too strong for it. Uso headed up top and got grabbed by the throat by Talla. Chokeslam attempt was reversed by Uso, as he nailed a series of superkicks. Solo Sikoa got on the apron and got a kick for his troubles as Uso then delivered a spear on to Talla.

Uso headed up top and looked for the splash, but Talla caught him and hit a chokeslam for the one, two, three and the victory in his debut match.

After the match, Sikoa summoned J.C. Mateo and Tama Tonga to continue the punishment on Jimmy Uso as the United States Champion called for the steel cage to be lowered. Jacob Fatu ran down and entered the ring before the cage lowered completely. Sikoa made a run for it, as did Talla Tonga. This left Mateo and Tama to be picked apart, pillar to post, coast to coast by Fatu. With Mateo and Tama prone on opposite corners, Fatu laid them out with running hip charges and leaping moonsaults.

Talla Tonga def. Jimmy Uso

I can say that Talla Tonga did not look bad in his debut, and Jimmy Uso tried his best to make him look good for his debut. The post-match extracurriculars with Jacob Fatu laying waste to two-fourths of the M.F.T.s was a fun bit of business.

**********

SummerSlam Saturday Card

  • Gunther vs. CM Punk (World Heavyweight Championship)
  • Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (Women’s Tag Team Championship)
  • Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
  • Randy Orton & Jelly Roll vs. Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre
  • Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill (WWE Women’s Championship)
  • Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

SummerSlam Sunday Card

  • Street Fight: John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champipnship)
  • Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles (Intercontinental Championship)
  • Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa vs. Jacob Fatu (United States Championship)
  • No DQ, No Countout: Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
  • Triple Threat: Naomi vs. IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Heavyweight Championship)
  • Tables Ladders & Chairs Match: The Wyatt Sicks (c) vs. #DIY vs. Fenix/Andrade vs. Motor CIty Machine Guns vs. Fraxiom vs. The Street Profits (WWE Tag Team Championships)

– Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair were interviewed about their tag match tomorrow. Flair said that Bliss has had her back and been there for her, even if she’s been annoying. The two traded barbs with one another before they walked off.

Logan Paul & Drew McIntyre close out SmackDown

The two men who will face Randy Orton and Jelly Roll tomorrow night at SummerSlam made their way down to the ring to deliver some final remarks before their match.

Paul said that he and McIntyre were trying their best to defend WWE from outsiders, and that we didn’t understand what it took to compete at SummerSlam, which according to Paul, Jelly Roll thought was a “hotdog eating contest”. Paul said that he was tired of outsiders thinking they could step into WWE and compete, which Jelly Roll was in his eyes. He called Jelly a “country star, not a superstar”, and that he does not belong in WWE.

McIntyre said that whatever happens tomorrow will be on Randy Orton’s conscience. He said that he had God on speed dial, because when Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happened. Before Paul and McIntyre could continue, Jelly Roll arrived to the arena , and he wasn’t alone… as Randy Orton accompanied him. The two made their way down to the ring as Nick Aldis tried to stop the two from getting to the ring, but to no avail.

Once Orton and Jelly got to the ring, they began throwing hands with Paul and McIntyre. A vanguard of security officials ran down to the ring to get this fight to stop, to little success. McIntyre and Paul were sent outside as more officials got everybody finally separated. In the ring, Orton calmed himself down, as he turned to Jelly and hyped him up. Orton delivered an RKO on two of the security officials as the last of the trio got dropped by a Jelly Roll chokeslam. Orton and Jelly stood tall in the ring and jawjacked with Paul and McIntyre as we closed out the final SmackDown before SummerSlam.

**********

That was a decent way to end the night with the Jelly/Orton vs. Paul/McIntyre stuff, but I probably would’ve prefered if Cena and Cody’s segment from the beginning was the final one to send us home before SummerSlam, since the hook of whether or not Cena’s change of heart was legit would’ve at least made an interesting cliffhanger to leave us on before Sunday.

All in all, this was an okay go-home SmackDown before SummerSlam. The matches we got ranged from good (Priest vs. Black) to great (Giulia vs. Vega), and it did an admirable job to sell fans on the two-night event that’s coming this weekend.

WWE SmackDown live results: Hulk Hogan tribute

Posted on by Marc Quill

With SummerSlam fast approaching, Cody Rhodes will appear tonight on WWE SmackDown inside Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. He’ll continue the build to his upcoming Undisputed WWE Championship street fight against John Cena ahead of the August 2-3 PLE.

Rhodes made the match official during a contract signing last week after it turned into a brawl with Cena, who tried to back out of the SummerSlam match until Rhodes retaliated and put Cena through a table to send a message.

The Wyatt Sicks’ Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy will have their first defense of the WWE Tag Team titles against Andrade and Rey Fenix, who won a fatal four-way bout on last week’s SmackDown to earn a shot on tonight’s show.

Alexa Bliss will be in action to take on Roxanne Perez, ahead of her and Charlotte Flair teaming up to take on Perez and Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team titles at SummerSlam. Last week, Bliss helped her partner Flair pick up the win against Rodriguez in singles action.

Randy Orton, Jelly Roll, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul are all scheduled for tonight’s show in advance of their tag match at SummerSlam.

WWE has also announced that tonight’s SmackDown will pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan, who passed away yesterday at the age of 71. Several legends are expected to be in attendance.

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

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Following the WWE signature open, we went inside to the Rocket Arena to see the entire SmackDown locker room stood on the stage, with a memorial graphic for Hulk Hogan. Paul “Triple H ” Levesque talked about Hogan’s legacy as he then asked for a ten-bell salute in Hogan’s memory. We then got a video tribute for Hogan’s career.

– Once we got back from the break, Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett briefly talked about Hogan some more before being interrupted by Logan Paul.

Logan Paul hosts live edition of Impaulsive TV

The so-called “Maverick” opened things with his Impaulsive TV set inside the ring. He asked why the Cleveland fans weren’t chanting for their hometown hero. Paul said that Cleveland did raise him, but it didn’t make him. In fact, he supposedly “made” Cleveland. Paul said that he and the crowd inside the Rocket Arena had nothing in common, because while he made it out, he didn’t. Paul talked about how tonight was about giving back to the community, by way of holding a special live edition of his Impaulsive TV show. Paul disparaged Jelly Roll for a bit before the man himself interrupted him.

Jelly said that the only thing Paul inspired was “little asshole kids filming themselves to be assholes”. He noted that Cleveland did not like Paul at all, as the Impaulsive TV host got him to shut up. Paul put himself and Drew McIntyre over as two of the most impressive stars in WWE right now. He asked Jelly Roll just who the hell he thinks he is. Jelly responded that he was the guy that was going to put Paul in a bodybag and ship him back to West Lake.

Jelly called Paul a “silver spoon kid” as he said that he was getting in the ring not just for himself, but for those who had been ever picked on by high school jocks. Jelly talked about how he was a WWE fan for his entire life, and how the company represented him and “every single one of us”. Jelly discussed how his story has inspired millions of millions of people as he called Paul “soft as Charmin” and a “Prime-peddling punk-ass bitch.”

Drew McIntyre entered the ring as he and Paul outnumbered Jelly Roll. At this point, Jelly said that he didn’t come alone as Randy Orton walked down the ramp to even the odds. Once Orton entered the ring, we got a fight right off the bat. McIntyre got the upper hand on Orton with a rake to the eye as he went after Jelly Roll. In the ring, McIntyre asked Paul to go after Jelly. Orton pulled McIntyre out of the ring, which allowed Jelly to fight back with elbows and a shoulder block.

Paul kicked Jelly in the midsection as he loaded up his fist for his signature punch. Jelly recovered and delivered a Black Hole Slam, which sent Paul scurrying.

I’ve been clear in the past about how how this feud wasn’t working for me at all, but I have to give some credit to Jelly Roll, as his work at the Performance Center has seemingly paid off. Other than that, the tag match at SummerSlam is still something I’m not looking forward to very much.

**********

– We got a video from Andrade & Rey Fenix discussing their chances against The Wyatt Sicks in their WWE Tag Team Championship match tonight.

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

Bliss went for consecutive early roll-ups on Perez,, to no avail. Perez slammed Bliss’s head down on the mat to gain a momentary advantage as she then slapped Bliss in the face. That seemed to anger Bliss, who threw Perez in the corner as the action spilled outside. Bliss dove onto Perez on the outside, as Charlotte Flair and Raquel Rodriguez stared one another down to take us to the break.

We returned with Bliss mounting a comeback on Perez as she unleashed her flurry of offense, topped off by a dropkick on the button. She blasted Perez with her flipping neckbreaker and lined up for the Sister Abigail DDT. Perez raked Bliss in the eye, which allowed Rodriguez to interfere with a strike to Bliss. Perez headed up top for the moonsault and connected. The cover, but Bliss kicked out as Flair threw Rodriguez over the timekeepers’ area.

Rodriguez recovered and kicked Flair in the face outside the ring. Bliss had Perez dead to rights with the Twisted Bliss, but she leapt outside to take out Rodriguez instead. As Bliss tried to enter the ring, Perez rolled her up and did the classic heel trick of holding the ropes for leverage to pick up the sneaky win.

Roxanne Perez def. Alexa Bliss via pinfall

A fine match and the cheating victory by Roxanne does make the “series” even between the SummerSlam opponents in singles action ahead of next week’s Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

**********

– After Cathy Kelley interviewed Jade Cargill, Chelsea Green appeared and talked trash about Cargill. Unbeknownst to Green, Cargill was behind her and attacked her as she dragged her to the ring and we got an impromptu match.

Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green

The match began before the break with Cargill hitting her pump kick on Green. As we resumed SmackDown, Cargill continued her dominance with splashes in the corner, followed by a one-handed chokeslam. On the apron, Alba Fyre provided a momentary distraction, which allowed Green to hit a jumping neckbreaker for a near-fall.

Green tried to deliver the Un-Pretty-Her, but Cargill reversed and finished this short match off with Jaded.

After the match, the Secret Her-vice pounced with the attack on Cargill until WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton ran in to make the save. The two SummerSlam opponents cleared the ring of Alba Fyre and Piper Niven in short order. We then got a tense staredown between Cargill and Stratton, as the latter held the WWE Women’s Title in her hands momentarily.

A short one, and likely meant to set up a tag match for Cargill and Stratton versus the Secret Her-vice next week on the go-home-to-SummerSlam edition of SmackDown.

Jade Cargill def. Chelsea Green via pinfall

**********

– Backstage, Charlotte Flair attempted to give words of encouragement to Alexa Bliss after her match. She stated that they could become true friends if they won the WWE Women’s Tag Titles at SummerSlam.

Cody Rhodes addresses SummerSlam and John Cena

With a new track jacket and the crowd’s cheers, Cody Rhodes walked down to the ring. He started by talking about how Hulk Hogan’s death elicited complicated emotions, but that his contributions to WWE and sports entertainment could not be ignored.

Rhodes shifted gears by discussing the violence that was to come at the Street Fight at SummerSlam. He said that doing the right thing sometimes don’t look like the right think and that what he did to John Cena last week was just a taste of what’s to come. Rhodes said that he didn’t want to the John Cena who is counting the days before he left, but he wanted to fight the “real” John Cena. That’s because Rhodes wanted to fight the very best to prove that he can be the very best. He dared Cena to come to his last SummerSlam like it is his first. Rhodes wanted all the “hustle, loyalty, and respect” so he and Cena could beat it out of each other.

The reason Rhodes wanted to fight against the “real” John Cena was because he wanted to know if that story that he was on was real, and that the only person who had the answer to that question was Cena himself. “I’ll see you next week,” said Rhodes to conclude his promo.

Just your standard Cody Rhodes promo to sell the SummerSlam match against John Cena, but he at least delivers these promos well and it helps build excitement ahead of next week.

**********

– Jacob Fatu addressed last week’s events that involved Solo Sikoa’s attempted frame-up of him. Fatu warned Sikoa that he was going to dogwalk his ass at SummerSlam inside the steel cage. The Miz walked up behind Fatu and claimed that he was the “main character” and he got himself a match against Fatu cleared tonight. Miz brazenly slapped Fatu across the face before he walked off.

– Aleister Black and Damian Priest traded barbs about one another in a video promo ahead of their showdown on next week’s SmackDown.

The Miz vs. Jacob Fatu

Fatu rocked Miz with his running spinning elbow as he lived up to his boast prior to this match and began to indeed “dogwalk” Miz early on. Miz avoided a running hip charge from Fatu, but couldn’t avoid a strike that left him stunned in the corner. Before Fatu could continue his charge, Solo Sikoa and his M.F.T.s walked down in unison, which allowed Miz to take charge with a blow to Fatu’s knees. Miz then jettisoned Fatu into the ring post, which sent him outside the ring. The M.F.T.s looked on at their fallen rival as we headed to a break in the action.

SmackDown returned from the break with Fatu fighting back against Miz, flooring him with a clothesline followed by the running senton. In the corner, Fatu teed off on Miz with repeated headbutts. Fatu knocked Miz out with the hip attack as the M.F.T.s pulled Miz out of the ring. This prompted Fatu to respond with a dive to the outside, which took out nearly the entire group.

In the ring, Fatu finished Miz off with the pop-up Samoan Drop. However, the Samoan Werewolf did not have any time for a celebration, as he got immediately ambushed by the M.F.T.s. Jimmy Uso evened the odds as he emerged with a steel chair. He cleared past Tama Tonga and J.C. Mateo with the chair. However, Tala Tonga withstood Uso’s attack and took him down. Fatu recovered and managed to fend off the M.F.T.s one by one, which left Sikoa alone in the ring and prone in the corner.

Fatu trapped Sikoa with a chair wrapped around his neck and looked to deliver a vicious hip attack, but Tala Tonga entered the fray and floored Fatu with a clothesline. Chokeslam by Tonga, was soon followed by Sikoa delivering the Samoan Spike to Fatu. The M.F.T.s stood tall in the ring as the United States Champion trashtalked his SummerSlam foe.

It was nice to see the Miz back in action for this match, and I think it was imperative for Sikoa and the M.F.T.s. to get their heat back since last week, they were the ones on the receiving end of the humiliation from Fatu and Jimmy Uso.

Jacob Fatu def. The Miz

**********

– The Street Profits and #DIY had a disagreement backstage, as Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa said they had a plan for the Wyatt Sicks later on in our main event.

– Backstage, Zelina Vega confronted Giulia until Kiana James appeared as the Women’s United States Champion’s “official representation”. We learned that Giulia would be defending her U.S. Championship next week against Vega.

SummerSlam Saturday Card

  • Gunther vs. CM Punk (World Heavyweight Championship)
  • Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss (Women’s Tag Team Championship)
  • Roman Reigns & Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed
  • Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill (WWE Women’s Championship)
  • Sami Zayn vs. Karrion Kross

SummerSlam Sunday Card

  • Street Fight: John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champipnship)
  • Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles (Intercontinental Championship)
  • Steel Cage Match: Solo Sikoa vs. Jacob Fatu (United States Championship)
  • No DQ, No Countout: Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
  • Triple Threat: Naomi vs. IYO SKY vs. Rhea Ripley (Women’s World Heavyweight Championship)

WWE Tag Team Championship Match: The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix

Fenix started off on the offense against Gacy as he and Andrade looked to be in chemistry early on. The two had Gacy and Lumis draped across the middle rope as they hit the double team kick barrage on the champs.

Andrade went right away for the Three Amigos, as things picked up immensely with Lumis pulling Fenix off the top rope. This allowed Gacy to hit his signature handspring-into-lariat against Fenix, which took us to the final commercial break of the evening.

We returned to our main event with Fenix connecting on a superkick against Lumis, who was the legal man for the Wyatt Sicks. Andrade got the hot tag as he was a house of fire against both Lumis and Gacy. He nailed Gacy in the corner with the running Meteora, but that only got the two. Andrade looked for The Message, but Gacy reversed, as Lumis tagged in and got his helping of a double team attack on Andrade. Fenix tried to interject, but he got thrown aside.

Andrade countered the assisted powerbomb of the Wyatt Sicks with double knees. Fenix leapt to the outside to eliminate Lumis at ringside. This allowed Andrade to deliver The Message on Gacy. One, two…. Nikki Cross pulled the referee out of the ring to cause the disqualification.

Erick Rowan entered the ring and began to lay waste to Andrade. Fraxiom and The Motor City Machine Guns tried to interject, but also got waylaid by the massive Rowan. The two teams recovered as the fight continued to break down,. The Street Profits joined the fray and took out Rowan. #DIY walked down the ramp with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis in tow.

In the ring, the Street Profits took turns in taking flight to eliminate everyone outside the ring.

Nick Aldis addressed the situation as he declared that at SummerSlam, the entire SmackDown tag team division will compete in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. We ended the night in total bedlam with everyone brawling in and out of the ring as referees and security officials failed to contain the chaos caused by SmackDown’s tag division.

Rey Fenix & Andrade def. The Wyatt Sicks via Disqualification

**********

A wild, wild ending to our main event for the night, with an equally-chaotic match being set up for SummerSlam in the process. The SmackDown tag division shined with their TLC match on an episode of SmackDown a few months back, so them getting PLE time to run it back (with the added element of the Wyatt Sicks thrown in) should make for an entertaining bout.

Overall, a strange SmackDown that seemed to be more about setting the stage for the go-home show next week than anything else, on top of the Hulk Hogan tribute at the beginning that made for an unusual night of wrestling action.

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

Posted on by Marc Quill

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlotte Flair def. Raquel Rodriguez

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

**********

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

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

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

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

Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest

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

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

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

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

Damian Priest def. Carmelo Hayes via Disqualification

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

Stephanie Vaquer def. Piper Niven

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

Next Week on SmackDown

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

Cody Rhodes & John Cena contract signing

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

Posted on by Marc Quill

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

LA Knight addresses Saturday Night’s Main Event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Jelly Roll performs

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Ron Killings vs. Aleister Black

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

Ron Killings def. Aleister Black via pinfall

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

**********

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

Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus speak before Evolution

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

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

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

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

**********

Saturday Night’s Main Event card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Night of Champions fallout

Posted on by Marc Quill

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Cody Rhodes opens SmackDown

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Tiffany Stratton chooses her Evolution II opponent

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andrade & Rey Fenix def. FrAxiom via pinfall

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

**********

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

Next Week on SmackDown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Night of Champions go-home show

Posted on by Marc Quill

Editor’s Note: This is a live post for the international airing of WWE SmackDown on Netflix. If you do not want to be spoiled before the U.S. airing at 8 PM Eastern, you have been warned.

The final WWE SmackDown before Night of Champions takes place tonight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with three title matches and an appearance by John Cena ahead of his WWE title defense Saturday against CM Punk.

Tiffany Stratton renews her rivalry with Nia Jax when she defends her WWE Women’s Championship in a Last Woman Standing match.

The Street Profits will look to retain their WWE Tag Team Championships when they take on the Wyatt Sicks’ Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis.

Women’s U.S. Champion Zelina Vega will defend against Giulia who is looking for her first title run.

Plus, the King and Queen of the Ring finalists (Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Jade Cargill and Asuka) will look to make a final impression before their matches Saturday.

Join us for our live coverage at 1 PM Eastern.

**********

– Over a live shot of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Michael Cole welcomed us to tonight’s show. We then got an elaborate pyro display inside the Kingdom Arena to kick off the night.

– Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, the Street Profits, Zelina Vega, Giulia, Jade Cargill, and Asuka were all shown arriving in the arena.

Cody Rhodes kicks off SmackDown

“The American Nightmare” arrived to a great ovation from the Riyadh crowd as he headed down to the ring to open up SmackDown. The King of the Ring crown was on a podium in the middle of the ring.

Before Rhodes could say a single word, his King of the Ring opponent, Randy Orton interrupted as the fans sang along to his theme song. Orton got himself a microphone and asked the fans if they watched Raw this past Monday and if they saw Cody Rhodes face Jey Uso. He put over the match as a potential Slammy Award candidate for “Match of the Year”. Orton then told Rhodes that he needed to be the King of the Ring, because the crown stood for redemption because he made it to the KOTR finals last year but lost to Gunther.

On the USA Network broadcast of SmackDown, a disclaimer ran stating that the Orton/Rhodes segment experienced technical issues during the initial live broadcast of this episode. The segment, as aired on USA, appeared to be shot with the ringside cameras for the portions that didn’t air on the live broadcast in the afternoon.

Orton said that the crown also stood for retribution against John Cena because what the Undisputed WWE Champion did to him in Backlash in front of his family and friends. He needed to right that wrong as well. Orton told Rhodes that everyone knew how much they respected one another, but he couldn’t let his personal feelings about Cody get in the way in the gold. He said that he would do anything and everything to make sure he’d leave Riyadh as King of the Ring.

Rhodes responded by saying he was thankful for everything that a student could want to hear from his teacher, referring to the kind remarks that Orton said about him a couple of months ago. He said he knew Orton needed to win it, but whether it’s John Cena or CM Punk, he needed to win King of the Ring more. Rhodes concluded by saying that tomorrow, “RKO” will still be the most dangerous three letters in WWE, but Orton wouldn’t be King of the Ring after all was said and done. That’s because, as Rhodes said, he’d win.

**********

– Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo were backstage, as the former gave his ally an order to make Jimmy Uso remember what it feels like to have no backup with him in his match coming up now.

Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo (w/ Solo Sikoa)

Mateo used his strength to ram Uso into the corner before he blasted him with repeated strikes as the referee pulled him away. This gave Uso the time to mount a bit of a fightback, but Mateo grounded him right away. Uso kicked Mateo down to the outside and looked for a dive, but Solo Sikoa got in the way and stopped him from taking a dive as we got a break in the action.

We returned from break with Mateo catching Uso after a top rope dive and slamming him down to the math. Mateo impressed with a standing moonsault onto Uso for the near-fall. Mateo then continued to work over Uso’s back with a reverse bearhug submission. Uso escaped and took down Mateo with a corkscrew from the top rope, which created some much-needed separation for him.

Uso began his comeback with strikes a-plenty, but he couldn’t lift Mateo up for a Samoan Drop. Uso answered with a kick to the face instead, before crunching Mateo in the corner with a running hip strike. As Mateo retreated outside, he got blasted by a suicide dive from Uso. At ringside, Solo Sikoa grabbed at Uso’s leg to create a momentary distraction, which allowed Mateo to recover and put an end to things with the Tour of the Islands.

After the match, Sikoa talked with Uso and tried to curry favor with him. An offer for a hug was refused with a slap to Sikoa’s face. This led to Mateo and Sikoa beating down Uso until Jacob Fatu ran in for the save. The United States Champion caught Mateo with his pop-up Samoan Drop before he faced down Sikoa, who wisely backed out. This allowed Fatu to hit his jumping moonsault onto Mateo. Uso and Fatu faced down one another before Jimmy pushed Fatu out of the way to hit an attacking Sikoa with a superkick.

Match Result: JC Mateo def. Jimmy Uso via pinfall

All signs seem to point to Jacob Fatu losing his U.S. Championship tomorrow at Night of Champions, but the stuff with Fatu and Jimmy Uso as uneasy allies is a bit of an interesting story.

**********

– #DIY, the self-appointed leaders of the SmackDown Tag Team Division tried to rally the other teams to do something about the Wyatt Sicks. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis entered the scene and made a match for Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa against Andrade and a mystery partner.

– Giulia and Zelina Vega made separate remarks about their Women’s United States Championship match coming up next.

Women’s United States Championship Match: Zelina Vega (c) vs. Giulia

Vega tried to go for an early pinfall attempt but got met by some pinfall attempts from Giulia as a result. The two women exchanged kicks before Giulia took advantage with a suplex. Vega answered with a knee that sent Giulia to the outside, as she then flew off the top with a moonsault.

SmackDown returned with Vega caught in a submission by Giulia as she then got stomped onto the mat. As Vega rolled to the outside, Giullia looked to continue the punishment, but Vega threw her against the stairs and hit a running Meteora on to the prone Giulia. Inside the ring, Vega went on the attack, as she countered an attempt of the Northern Lights Bomb by Giulia. From the top rope, Vega caught Giulia with another Meteora for the near-fall.

As Vega tried to head to the top, Giulia intercepted and hit an amazing superplex. Vega recovered landed a Code Red, but Giulia rolled on the pin so that her feet touched the ropes. A missed moonsault led to consecutive Arrivederci Knees from Giulia, followed by the Northern Lights Bomb, which brought Giulia the Women’s United States Championship.

Match Result: Giulia def. Zelina Vega via pinfall to win the Women’s United States Championship

A good enough match that seemed rough in some spots, but we got the right winner in all of this as Giulia wins her first main-roster championship title. What comes next for Giulia as a champion on SmackDown should be fun to see.

**********

– The commentators made note of SmackDown heading to two hours last week before tossing to a recap of everything that went down between Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair last week.

Backstage, Charlotte was walking and met by Alexa Bliss, who proposed that they not necessarily be friends, but allies of mutual benefit.

Queen of the Ring Finals Interview

Wade Barrett was in the ring as he prepared to interview Jade Cargill and Asuka about their Queen of the Ring finals match taking place at Night of Champions tomorrow.

Once both women were in the ring, Barrett asked Cargill about what made her so confident that she’d be able to beat Asuka tomorrow. Cargill answered by saying that when she sees Asuka, she sees an opportunity to prove why she belongs here. She said that at Summerslam, she didn’t just plan on taking the title, but taking the whole damn throne.

Asuka replied by saying that Cargill may be strong, but power isn’t everything. She said that she has skills and experience. She said that nobody was ready for Asuka. Before Cargill could provide a rebuttal, Ms. Money in the Bank, Naomi interrupted.

Naomi said that while Asuka and Cargill are fighting for Queen of the Ring, she has all the power. Naomi teased that she could cash in during the Last Woman Standing match tonight or at Night of Champions tomorrow. She said that she had the power to ruin all of Cargill’s dreams just like that. As Naomi walked down to the ring, Cargill got frustrated and pushed past Asuka to go after her. This titled Asuka the wrong way as she laid out Cargil with a kick. Naomi got on the apron and taunted Cargill.

**********

– Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce were backstage talking about their plans for the Women’s Tag Team Championship when Aleister Black interrupted them. Ron Killings stormed into the scene and was still looking for John Cena after what happened last week. Aldis said that Cena was here for CM Punk, but Killings would have none of it, as he left in search of Cena. Black soon left as well, seemingly in pursuit of Killings.

– The cmmentators recapped Los Garza winning the AAA World Tag Titles at TripleMania Regia two weeks ago.

#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Andrade & Rey Fenix

Andrade and Ciampa started things off in this match with a lockup exchange. Andrade backed Ciampa into his team’s corner as Fenix tagged in and the two launched a salvo of double team attacks. With both #DIY members draped across the middle ropes, they got rocked by tandem kicks from Fenix and Andrade. Up top, Fenix and Andrade soared and took down Gargano and Ciampa on the outside with stereo dives.

We returned from the break with #DIY looking to take advantage against Fenix, but the speedy luchadore avoided calamity to create some needed separation. Before Andrade could get tagged in, Gargano pulled him off the apron, which opened Fenix to get blasted with a running knee to the back of the head by Ciampa.

On the top rope, Fenix fended off Ciampa and walked across the top rope to kick him square in the face. Andrade finally got the hot tag as he was a house of fire against both Gargano and Ciampa. Andrade caught Gargano’s slingshot spear and hit him with an elbow, followed by a reverse tornado DDT. One, two… not quite #DIY caught Andrade with a Shatter Machine, but couldn’t get the match done as we got yet another break in the action.

We resumed with Andrade and Gargano once again in a standoff on the top rope. Gargano tried to do a rolling powerbomb, but Andrade blocked it and hit his running knees in the corner. Double stomp by Andrade on Gargano wasn’t enough. Fenix took Ciampa out of the equation with a dive to the outside, which left Gargano and Andrade to duke it out in the ring.

Fenix recovered and tagged himself in as he hit an incredible dive/rolling German suplex on Gargano for the close two-count. Fenix lifted Gargano up for a Muscle Buster as Andrade headed up top, but Andrade got pushed off. #DIY took advantage and hit their superkick/Fairy Tale Ending combo, but Fenix kicked out at two.

Wild chaos ensued with Ciampa missing out on the knee, as Fenix hit his Black Fire Driver, followed by Andrade sealing the deal for his team with The Message and the three.

Match Result: Andrade & Rey Fenix def. #DIY via pinfall

A hot tag team match from start to finish. I was thoroughly entertained by the performances from all four competitors. Simply put, just some great tag action here.

**********

– John Cena’s recent appearance on The Late Show was shown before we got a recap of Cena’s rivalry with CM Punk, which included a clumsy edit of Punk’s pipebomb to omit Vince McMahon’s name.

– After the Punk/Cena video was done, Ron Killings showed up at ringside and stated that he was the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. He once again called out John Cena for a fight. Aleister Black appeared behind him and he floored Killings with a Black Mass kick. “I guess in a way, we’re even now, Ron,” said Black.

– Backstage, Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford were interviewed about their WWE Tag Title defense against the Wyatt Sicks coming up next.

– Aleister Black was confronted by Damian Priest backstage. Priest said that if Black was looking for payment from Ron Killings, that he do it face to face next time. Carmelo Hayes showed up and tried to warn Priest to keep his distance from Killings, but got told to back away.

WWE Tag Team Championships: Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) (c) vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis)

Lumis and Ford started off in the ring, with the latter doing his creepy crawl, and being met with some fists from Ford in response. After an acrobatic dodge from Ford, Gacy tagged himself in and floored his foe with a running senton. Just then, the rest of the SmackDown tag team division appeared at ringside, as Gacy caught Ford with his somersault clothesline.

SmackDown returned with Ford and Lumis taking each other down with a double running splash. Both men managed to get the tag to their respective partners, with Dawkins using his surprising speed to get the momentary advantage. As Lumis ran across the ring, he got pulled away by Los Garza. #DIY attacked Dawkins at which caused a disqualification.

A mass brawl ensued with Erick Rowan entering the fray, but getting taken down by multiple superkicks from Fraxiom and the Motor City Machine Guns. Uncle Howdy entered and got Axiom with Sister Abigail. The Street Profits went wild with consecutive dives on the Wyatt Sicks and the SmackDown tag division. In the ring, Ford and Dawkins stared down Uncle Howdy, as it was clear that the Wyatt Sicks’ war with the SmackDown tag division was far from over.

Match Result: Street Profits vs. The Wyatt Sicks ended in a no contest

Honestly, not much to say about this match, as it ended in a schmozz before it could truly get going, but I did kind of enjoy the post-match chaos with all the tag teams brawling.

**********

– Jacob Fatu was confronted by Jimmy Uso, as the two talked about that their mutual assistance was just a matter of respect. Jimmy said that what Fatu did to Solo Sikoa was what he should’ve done a long time ago. The two seemed to part on somewhat of a common ground as Fatu left Jimmy alone.

WWE Women’s Championship (Last Woman Standing): Tiffany Stratton (c) vs. Nia Jax

Jax went after Stratton right away after the ring announcer’s introductions. She took out a turnbuckle pad cover, which gave Stratton time to recover and fight back outside of the ring. Her attempts were stopped with a steel steps strike to the ribs by Jax. The announce table was cleared aside by Jax, as she then hit a Samoan Drop across the exposed table. Stratton struggled to get back up, as we went to a break.

SmackDown returned with Stratton dropping Jax with a crossbody from the top rope. She headed up the opposite corner and hit a Swanton Bomb. Jax got herself up briefly, but she got blasted with a two-footed dropkick. Jax was able to get back up as she lifted Stratton on her shoulders and dropped her onto the exposed turnbuckle.

Stratton got herself back up on the count of eight, but she was thrown out of the ring by Jax afterwards. While Stratton writhed on the floor, Jax kept her eyes on her championship foe, tossing her into the barricade. Jax placed Stratton on a table setup at ringside as she then headed to the apron. Jax absolutely splattered Stratton with a splash through the table, but the WWE Women’s Champion was able to get up at the count of nine.

Jax pulled out two more tables from underneath the ring while Stratton once again made it back to her feet. We took another break with the two tables being set up and Stratton armed with a kendo stick. During the “break”, Jax tried to run at Stratton on the top of the stage, but she crashed onto one of the screens instead, as the fight found its way back to the ring.

The action returned with Jax hitting Stratton repeatedly with a steel chair. Stratton was dragged across the ring as Jax came down on her with the Annihilator. With a chair draped across Stratton, Jax hit yet another Annihilator. With the referee counting her down, Stratton just made it at nine, but got hit with a kendo stick by Jax. One more table was set up in the ring as Jax hoisted Stratton on her shoulders and headed up the top. Stratton escaped the attempted Samoan Drop and instead hit a powerbomb on Jax through the table. As both women were down, the referee started his count. Both Jax and Stratton made it to the count of nine.

Naomi ran down and tried to cash in, but Stratton intercepted and hit her with the Money in the Bank briefcase. Stratton took advantage and also hit Jax with the briefcase, as she then followed with a Prettiest Moonsault Ever onto both Jax and Naomi. Jax miraculously got herself up at the count of nine.

Stratton fought out of a superplex attempt through the two tables, as she instead struck Jax with the MITB briefcase once, more which sent Jax through the two tables! Jax was left knocked out cold and unable to answer the count of ten, which gave Stratton the win and the successful WWE Women’s Championship defense.

Match Result: Tiffany Stratton def. Nia Jax to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

Kind of a middling match that somewhat picked up by the end with Naomi’s attempt at a cash in and the final table spot. Other than that, nothing much to write home about. But, at least, the feud between Stratton and Jax should be done and dusted now.

**********

John Cena and CM Punk face-to-face

“Get used to it, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this is what a winner looks like,” started off Cena. He said that CM Punk was a loser because he had been outsmarted, outmaneuvered, and outgunned, and there’s nothing that Punk can do about it.

Just then, Cena’s old “Basic Thuganomics” theme interrupted as CM Punk entered dressed as a parody of Cena, jorts, jersey, and all. “Yo, check it, this is Basic Punkanomics,” Punk talked about how he was stealing Word Life. Punk called Cena a “Temu Macklemore” with ‘Mackeless Rhythm” and that he’s buried more talent than the Undertaker.

Punk said if Cena never ate his vitamins or fixed his bald spot, he’d be a Boston mall cop. He called Cena a “fish belly white” Hulk Hogan but somehow more problematic. It should be noted that Punk was speaking this promo in rap. Punk said that in six months, Cena might be a superhero (washing his underwear for James Gunn), but he’ll always be The Marine to him.

“We all see you, and we’re looking at a washed-up bum,” said Punk, who then called Cena a leech, phony, and an ass kisser. Punk said that tomorrow, there was one more wish to make, because Cena was the Drake to Punk’s Kendrick. Punk did a mic dropped and the show ended abruptly (or at least appeared to because the producers’ credits and copyright bug never appeared on-screen).

Well, that was certainly an interesting way to end the final build for this title match, and given what Punk’s been up to since arriving in Saudi Arabia, I’m certain that this promo won’t convince his most ardent haters to start cheering for him, which is understandable. It’s honestly been hard for me to decouple any sort of past comments Punk might’ve made about Saudi Arabia’s government when it’s been kind of made a part of the story for this match based off of Cena’s previous promos. So, with that in mind, I kinda find it hard to get really invested in what was being done with this closing salvo from Punk.

Overall, a very strange SmackDown before Night of Champions, and the bizarre technical glitch that basically erased the opening Randy Orton/Cody Rhodes segment, followed by various other hangups on the production side as I watched the global Netflix feed kinda made things have a weird vibe to it.

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

Posted on by Marc Quill

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

LA Knight opens SmackDown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Queen of the Ring Semifinal: Alexa Bliss versus Asuka

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Aleister Black versus Kit Wilson

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

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

Aleister Black versus Kit Wilson never took place

**********

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

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

Cody Rhodes addresses King of the Ring

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

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

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

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

**********

King of the Ring Semifinals: Randy Orton versus Sami Zayn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

Nia Jax addresses her attack on Tiffany Stratton

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

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

**********

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

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

Green wrestled with her face mask covering her broken nose.

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

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

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

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

Charlotte Flair def. Chelsea Green via submission.

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

**********

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

Will Jacob Fatu rejoin Solo Sikoa?

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA Knight def. Bron Breakker via DQ

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

**********

Next Week on SmackDown

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

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

Ron Killings versus John Cena

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

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

Ron Killings def. John Cena via Disqualification

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: John Cena appears, King & Queen of the Ring matches

Posted on by Marc Quill

After a confrontation that led to a title defense for this month’s Night of Champions, undisputed WWE Champion John Cena will return to WWE SmackDown tonight — the first since last Saturday’s Money in the Bank.

Cena was on this week’s Raw and was challenged by CM Punk for a title match with Cena saying it had to be in Saudi Arabia if it was going to happen.

The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments will also continue with three matches. On the men’s side, it will be Cody Rhodes vs. Andrade vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Damian Priest, and Randy Orton vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. LA Knight vs. Aleister Black.

For the women’s tournament, it will be Chelsea Green vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Candice LeRae.

After turning on Solo Sikoa at this past Saturday’s Money in the Bank, reigning United States Champion Jacob Fatu will explain his actions.

Naomi will also be on hand to celebrate her victory in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match that earned her an anytime, anywhere title shot.

**********

– After WWE’s signature open, we got the rundown for tonight’s King and Queen of the Ring qualifiers, as well as the arrivals of Jacob Fatu and Naomi to the arena. We then went to Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett at the commentary table as they teed up a recap of Money in the Bank and all that transpired last Saturday night.

John Cena opens SmackDown

The Undisputed WWE Champion entered the scene to the usual gamut of cheers and boos from the crowd. He instructed ring announcer Mark Nash to give him a very enthusiastic announcement before getting started with his promo.

Cena started off by talking about “Wrestling’s Mount Rushmore”, which he said consisted of nothing but him. He said that yes, there have been great wrestlers and great talkers, but that nobody in the past, present, or future is comparable to him. Cena said that he will always outmaneuver people not because he doesn’t give up, but because he’s smarter than us. Cena claimed that he was always a thousand steps ahead of everyone because he had six months to scout out his foes for his retirement tour. He knew that even if he lost the Royal Rumble, he could just use his seniority to guarantee himself a spot in the Elimination Chamber, and his unpredictability led to his WrestleMania victory. Cena suggested that he used the time teaming up with Logan Paul to force CM Punk into a corner by making him admit himself as a “hypocrite” (alluding to Punk’s infamous refusal to wrestle in Saudi Arabia).

Cena said that he wins matches before they even started and that he has cracked every puzzle and crunched every code, and that we wouldn’t appreciate him until three years after he was gone. He said that the math says that there will be nobody worthy to ever hold the WWE Title ever again. Enter Cody Rhodes.

The American Nightmare entered the ring and took a mic, as he started by facetiously asking Cena if everything he claimed he was about being smart “was true”. He said it was distressing that everything Cena said was right about his claims, and that while he had a grand master plan, Cena didn’t account for getting pinned last Saturday. Rhodes said that he wasn’t part of Cena’s plan, but that Cena was part of his own plan. “So, John Rushmore, where does that leave you and I?” asked Rhodes. The theme music of Randy Orton interrupted as the man himself walked down to a great ovation.

Orton said thad everyone who watched Backlash in St. Louis saw that he had Cena beaten and ready to be punted, right up until somebody “saved the day”, and it made him realized that he had to do whatever it takes to get Number 15. He said he loved Cody as a brother, but if it came down to things, he wouldn’t hesitate to put his friend down. Now it was LA Knight’s turn to interrupt proceedings.

Knight said that all week long, he heard the whole world saying “we want L.A. Knight” and that he was looking right at WWE’s “establishment” in the ring. Knight said that Cena’s master plan didn’t include him and he was going to throw that plan out the window. Knight said that he was going to drop Orton, Rhodes, and a “genius balding bitch” in Cena, with everybody saying “L.A. Knight, yeah!” Cena thought himself above all this and decided to make his exit.

As Cena left the ring, Ron Killings ambushed him from the stage as he laid into his former hero with blow after blow. Officials entered the scene to separate Killings from Cena, who was left down and out by the former R-Truth’s assault.

As a way to set up potential King of the Ring winners, this segment wasn’t bad in establishing Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight as favorites to win in a couple of weeks. Of course, I kind of expect some twists to be thrown along the way, particularly with Rhodes’ chances, as WWE might feel like delivering a curveball for his inevitable rematch against Cena.

I do have to address the implication of CM Punk’s morals being used as a storyline beat with Cena attempting to get Punk to admit he was a “hypocrite” by facing him in Saudi Arabia, however. To say it’s a “dicey” proposition to invoke the controversial nature of WWE’s Saudi Arabia shows as a storyline would be an understatement. I’m not sure how to feel about it in the grand scheme of things.

**********

– Backstage, John Cena was seen arguing with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis about Ron Killings’s actions from before the break. We couldn’t hear a word said, but it was clear that Cena was certainly incensed with what happened to him at the hands of Killings.

King of the Ring Qualifying Fatal-Four Way Match: Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

The bell rang as Hayes and Black faced off with one another as Knight and Orton just looked on briefly before they mixed it up in the ring. As Knight was fighting with Orton in the corner, Hayes attempted a roll-up pin, but Knight kicked out. Black threw Hayes out of the ring and fell victim to an apron moonsault from Black. Orton and Knight traded finisher attempts, as Black couldn’t connect with Black Mass. This led to a break in the action.

We returned with Hayes getting dropped by Knight, as he was then stomped in the corner by the former United States Champion. A prone Orton also suffered the same fate at the hands of Knight. Hayes bounced back and kicked Knight as he then twisted Black and connected with a springboard legdrop on Knight. Hayes was on fire with a Fosbury Flop on Black outside the ring. Orton made his way outside and hit his announce table backdrop on Black, but got shoved into the apron by Knight.

In the ring,. Knight propped Hayes up the top rope as the two dueled with strikes. Knight got the better of Hayes and tried for a superplex. Hayes blocked it and shoved Knight aside. Orton stepped in but also got pushed aside by Hayes. Black drilled Hayes with a knee, which appeared to open him up for a superplex, but Hayes once again got the advantage as he then hit a Frog Splash on Knight. One, two… Black broke up the pin, which led us to another break.

SmackDown returned from commercial with all four men in the ring. Knight rolled up Orton as he attempted a BFT on Black that couldn’t connected. Black opened things up with a knee and kick to the face of Hayes. Orton cut Black off at the pass as he delivered his signature offense, including a barrage of powerslams on his three opponents. Orton dragged Hayes over to the apron and looked to deliver his draping DDT. He held Black in position as he wanted to hit a double DDT, but Knight snuck up on Orton and hit a jumping neckbreaker for the close near-fall.

WIth all four men back in the ring, Knight connected with the BFT on Black. Hayes managed to break up the pin, but he paid for it with a slam from Knight. Up on the top rope, Knight tried to deliver his diving elbow, but Bronson Reed cut him off, as Bron Breakker hit a spear on Knight. Hayes looked to capitalize on the opportunity with a diving, but he caught by Orton for an RKO that sent Hayes crashing onto Knight. Orton with the cover on Knight and this one’s done. Randy Orton will now face Sami Zayn in the King of the Ring semifinals.

Randy Orton def. LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Semifinals

A very fun opening fatal four-way and the involvement from the two Brons from Seth Rollins’ faction in attacking LA Knight certainly does spice things up.

**********

– Jacob Fatu appeared backstage as we’d hear from him after the break.

Jacob Fatu addresses his Money in the Bank actions

The United States champion entered to a great ovation from the Lexington crowd as we got a recap of last week’s SmackDown and Solo Sikoa’s insulting remarks that led to the “I HATE YOU!” heard ’round the world at Money in the Bank a night after.

As the fans chanted for him, Fatu started off by saying that they were going to keep it 100. “Just because you’re family, don’t mean that you could go behind their back and try to snake ’em,” said Fatu. He noted that Solo Sikoa’s attempt to take all the credit for his success was exactly why he had to remind Sikoa at Money in the Bank what happens “when you don’t get in where you fit in,” Before Fatu could go on any further, Solo Sikoa interrupted on the Titantron.

Sikoa claimed that he brought Fatu in and made him into a superstar by helping him become the champion he could be. Sikoa said that next week, he was willing to take Fatu back next week and that he needed to hear four words from him: “I love you, Solo.” Sikoa warned Fatu that he brought him into this world, and that he could take him out of it just as easily.

Whether or not this segment between Sikoa and Fatu next week will bring the debut of another Bloodline member or the return of the Tongans to perhaps align against Fatu will be interesting, to say the least.

**********

– Nick Aldis was backstage with Chelsea Green’s Secret Hervice of Alba Fyre and Piper Niven, as Green herself was FaceTiming and not in the arena. Aldis said that he was putting Fyre in Green’s place for the Women’s King of the Ring Qualifier match later tonight After Fyre and Niven left, Zelina Vega entered and wanted to face off with Giulia next week.

Queen of the Ring Qualifier Fatal-Four Way Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax vs. Michin vs. Piper Niven

As Jax and Cargill faced off, we got Niven and Michin duking it out as well. After Cargill and Michin took out their respective foes, they entered the ring and got themselves into a lockup. Cargill caught Michin for a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, as she tried for a suplex. Michin avoided hit and delivered a running hurricanrana on Cargill followed by a dropkick. Niven pulled Michin out of the ring and slammed her right to the floor, along with a running senton on her fallen foe.

In the ring, Jax recovered and went to work on Cargill, who tried to fight from underneath. Jax dropped Cargill with a Samoan Drop as Niven entered and hit a running senton on Cargill. As Jax and Niven faced off, they agreed on a truce against Cargill. That alliance seemed to go nowhere as Cargill fought both off. With all three fighting it out at ringside, Michin saw this as an opportunity to hit a moonsault from the apron as we went to a break.

Back from commercial as Niven and Jax’s alliance was starting to pay dividends at the expense of one Jade Cargill. The two women continued to punish Cargill with a flurry of running hip drops on her. Their truce broke down as Niven’s pinfall attempt was stopped by Jax. Their argument allowed Michin to enter the fray with hurricanranas on Jax and Niven. Michin tried for a rana on Cargill, who blocked that and turned it into a powerbomb for the two-count.

After Niven took out Cargill, Michin caught her with Sliced Bread. Jax broke up the count successfully, however. Niven and Jax saw Cargill prone outside the ring and once again teamed up as they threw her right into the commentary table, as Wade Barrett got inadvertently taken out in the process! In the ring, Michin tried her luck at fighting the two titans facing her, but she got dropped by a double chokeslam from Jax and Niven.

Jax turned against Niven with a headbutt to the cranium as she had Michin at her mercy with the Annihilator. Niven broke up the count, which led to her and Jax brawling it out at ringside. Niven used her strength to send Jax through the barricade. Inside the ring, Niven hit a Viper Bomb on Michin, but Cargill stepped in at the last second to finish things off with Jaded. One, two, three. This one’s done.

With Cargill’s victory, she will now face Roxanne Perez in the Queen of the Ring semifinals.

Jade Cargill def. Piper Niven, Michin, and Nia Jax via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring semifinals

A fun fatal-four way match with some nice highlights like Cargill getting thrown into the commentary table, as well as the impressive-looking Jaded on Niven that closed out the match.

**********

Naomi speaks about her Money in the Bank victory

Ms. Money in the Bank said that we were all looking real surprised, and real shocked but she didn’t know why. She said that she took what she deserved and now she had the Money in the Bank contract. Naomi talked about how throughout all the time she was fighting Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship, Tiffany Stratton was there to target her. And now she was out for payback, and it was going to feel so good when she hits Stratton with the Money in the Bank Briefcase to become the new WWE Women’s Champion. This brought out Tiffany Stratton herself to interrupt Naomi.

Stratton said that Naomi talked a big game, and asked why she doesn’t just cash in that title right here and now. She said that Naomi was all talk and no action, and that it was her chance to prove everyone wrong. “Do I look stupid to you?” asked Naomi, as she said that she was going to cash in when Stratton least expect it. In the meantime, though, she was going to enjoy making Stratton’s life hell, as she then told her to “proceed with caution”.

As Stratton watched Naomi leave, Nia Jax attacked the WWE Women’s Champion as she then took her out with the Annihilator. Naomi looked like she was going to cash in, but Jax scared her off.

Not sure how I feel about another retread of Tiffany Stratton versus Nia Jax as hinted here, mainly because it’s a feud that’s kinda been run into the ground at this point, especially with Stratton having beaten Jax multiple times now.

**********

– Earlier today, Nick Aldis met with SmackDown’s tag division regarding what needed to be done with the Wyatt Sicks. We learned that we’d see the Motor City Machine Guns take on the Sicks in tag team action.

Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy)

Gacy and Lumis started off fast with tandem offense that left Sabin flat-footed. As the legal man, Lumis dropped Sabin with a back suplex as Gacy entered the match and continued the Sicks’ advantage. Springboard moonsault by Gacy on Sabin maintained the attack against the tag veteran. Gacy and Lumis looked to have double team move, but Sabin avoided calamity as Shelley was tagged in. The Motor City Machine Guns took over with stereo crossbody presses on Gacy and Lumis as SmackDown took a commercial break.

We returned from the break with both Shelley and Gacy down in the ring as the former got the hot tag on their partner. A dropkick by Sabin sent Gacy back to his corner with Lumis tagging himself in. Sabin kept control over Lumis with a series of dropkicks as he then tagged in Shelley. On the apron, the MCMGs hit a double-team dropkick on a stunned Lumis outside the ring. Shelley and Sabin looked to have the Skull and Bones, but Lumis escaped as Gacy hit the Machine Guns with his springboard double clothesline.

Sabin escaped the clutches of the Sicks as he tagged Shelley back in. The veteran Motor City Machine Guns ratcheted in with a double team dropkick on Lumis as they once again appeared to have Skull and Bones lock and loaded. Gacy saved Lumis at the last second as the two looked towards Uncle Howdy for instructions. Lumis then headed up top for a legdrop on Sabin to score the victory for the returning Wyatt Sicks.

The Wyatt Sicks def. Motor City Machine Guns via pinfall (Joe Gacy pinned Chris Sabin)

It’s nice to see the Wyatt Sicks back after a long time away from the ring, and this story of them going after the entire SmackDown tag division does give them at least something to do. This tag match contained lots of fast-paced tandem offense between the two teams and I enjoyed it.

**********

– Backstage, John Cena confronted Jimmy Uso and asked if he saw Ron Killings. Cena said that he was on the way to the ring right now as he told Jimmy to tell Killings to meet him in the ring.

John Cena calls out Ron Killings; CM Punk appears

For the second time of the night, John Cena was out in the ring with a purpose. He got right to it as he said that there was a level of disrespect he could tolerate. Cena said that R-Truth crossed some lines as he then challenged him to fight right now. However, instead of Ron Killings, the static of CM Punk’s theme music interrupted. Punk himself appeared not long after to a great reaction from the Lexington crowd.

“Is it it great to be alive on a Friday night in Lexington, Kentucky or what?” asked Punk to start off his promo. He said that the people were tired of being disrespected by Cena and that with a microphone in his hand, there are levels of disrespect that haven’t been reached.

Maybe Punk was acting too much like Obi-Wan Kenobi looking for Anakin Skywalker inside Darth Vader, but that he was ready to put that aside so that Cena could give this great Lexington crowd a happy ending.

“Why?” asked Cena, as he said it would be a waste of his time. Cena said that the people don’t matter, basketball didn’t matter, and horse racing didn’t matter, only being champion mattered. Punk said that for the record, he did give Cena an out, but he chose to do things the “CM Punk Way” ironically. Punk said that he was going to get real right now and that the disrespect was about to begin.

“You tell a strong man a lie to offend him,” Punk noted, stating that it pissed him off when Cena called him a hypocrite. “Conversely you tell a weak man the truth, and that offends him,” Punk continued as he said Cena couldn’t beat him and if Cena was out to ruin wrestling, he was going to save it instead.

Punk talked about he might not be as confident a man dressed like he struck out at t-ball (as Cena is apparently dressed as tonight), which he pointed out made him sound like PG John Cena. He then dug further and said Cena’s talk about “ruining wrestling and taking away the title” made him sound like CM Punk, ironically enough.

Punk said that he was going to follow Cena to Mars or Hell just to beat his ass for the title. He said that he sees right through Cena and that he always has, and that was the truth.

And speaking of the Truth, Ron Killings once again snuck up on Cena and struck him from behind. Killings applied a STF on Cena as Punk mocked him, “and the Truth hurts.” Security and officials poured in to keep Killings away from Cena as the Champ retreated.

A good promo from Punk, but again, I’m not entirely too sure about the idea of his previous reluctance to wrestle in Saudi Arabia and the subsequent negative connotations about these WWE/Saudi shows being used in-story.

**********

– Ron Killings was pacing back and forth backstage as Nick Aldis admonished him for his attacks on John Cena. Aldis asked Killings what it is that Killings wanted, as the former R-Truth answered that he wanted a match against John Cena next week. Aldis obliged and made it official: John Cena vs. Ron Killings next week on SmackDown.

Queen of the Ring Fatal-Four Way: Alexa Bliss vs. Alba Fyre vs. Charlotte Flair vs. Candice LeRae

LeRae went after Bliss as Fyre targeted Flair in the early goings of this match. Flair fought off Fyre and threw Bliss onto LeRae in the corner before she tossed her out of the ring. Flair teed off on Fyre and LeRae with cascading chops, but the two ended up taking advantage as they teamed up on Flair. The two showed some surprising teamwork for a bit, but Flair managed to fight them off. Bliss re-entered the fray with a diving crossbody on Flair. An attempted Sister Abigail by Bliss was broken up by Fyre and LeRae as we got a break in the action.

Friday Night SmackDown returned with Flair on the top rope as LeRae and Fyre intercepted her at the pass. Bliss emerged and we got the Tower of Doom superplex that took everyone save for Bliss out on the canvas.

Bliss stood up first as she went to town on her competitors up until a codebreaker by LeRae stopped her advance. In the ensuing chaos, Flair hit Natural Selection on Bliss as she locked in the Figure Eight. LeRae broke it up with a springboard Lionsault as Fyre dropped Flair with a reverse facebuster. The cover, but Bliss broke it up in the nick of time. Bliss dropped Fyre with a DDT as she headed up top and connected with Twisted Bliss. One, two… Flair stops the count just in time! LeRae rolled up Flair, but to no avail. A spear by Flair on LeRae nearly had the match won. Flair locked in Fyre in the Figure Eight, but Bliss hit LeRae with Sister Abigail. The cover by Bliss and the three is enough as Fyre didn’t tap out in time.

Alexa Bliss def. Candice LeRae, Charlotte Flair, and, Alba Fyre via pinfall to advance to the King of the Ring Semifinals

The finish with Bliss getting the pin while Charlotte attempted in vain to make Fyre tap out to her submission made for a good way to end this contest.

**********

– Backstage, CM Punk wished Cody Rhodes good luck in his main event King of the Ring qualifier match coming up next.

Next Week on SmackDown:

  • King of the Ring Semifinals 1: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn
  • Queen of the Ring Semifinals 1: Alexa Bliss vs. ???
  • Ron Killings vs. John Cena

King of the Ring Qualifying Fatal-Four Way Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest vs. Andrade vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The bell sounded and all four men simply sized each other up before Nakamura rolled out of the ring, but Rhodes took exception as he dove through the ropes to take him out. Andrade would then dropkick Rhodes to the outside as he and Priest duked it out in the ring. Priest hit a Broken Arrow on Andrade, which allowed Rhodes to strike. Outside the ring, Nakamura attacked both Priest and Rhodes as Andrade headed up top. An impressive moonsault from the post by Andrade took out Priest, Rhodes, and Nakamura as we got ourselves a commercial break.

Our main event returned with Nakamura sending Andrade to the outside, as he then hit a nice sliding German suplex on Priest. In the opposite corner, Nakamura stomped away on Rhodes, but missed out on a running knee strike, which opened him to a figure-four from the American Nightmare. Off the top rope, Andrade splashed onto Rhodes to break the hold, while Priest went to work on both men. Priest headed outside and leapt off the steel steps to hit an axe handle on Nakamura.

Priest tried to go for Old School, but Rhodes cut him off, which gave Nakamura a chance to break up the hold. Armbar by Nakamura is broken up by Rhodes, as the former Undisputed WWE Champion pulled out the Slim Jim-branded table and set it up at ringside. Rhodes grabbed Andrade and looked to deliver a superplex, but couldn’t. Priest joined in, but Nakamura stopped the attempt. Nakamura then dropkicked Rhodes from the apron, which sent him right into the Slim Jim table. That took us to the final commercial break of the night.

We returned from break with Andrade and Nakamura in a standoff at the top rope until Priest interrupted the proceedings. After Priest dropped Nakamura with a slam, Andrade soared with a moonsault as Nakamura recovered to kick Andrade in the face. At that moment, Cody Rhodes recovered and went on a tear against his three opponents. Disaster Kick to Andrade, followed by an attempted Cross Rhodes on Nakamura, but that gets countered. Modified Kinshasa by Nakamura wasn’t enough as Andrade broke up the pin.

With Nakamura in the corner, Andrade hit the running Meteora. He tried to do the same to Priest, but he was interecepted. Spinning elbow by Andrade on Priest was followed by The Message. Nakamura, however, broke up the pin attempt by Andrade. As Rhodes stirred back up, Nakamura and Andrade dueled, which opened them up for a double Cody Cutter. Priest’s Razor’s Edge was reversed into a Cody Cutter. Rhodes delivered Cross Rhodes onto Andrade as Nakamura snuck up on him and looked to finish off the American Nightmare. Rhodes escaped and hit Cross Rhodes. One, two, three, and that’s it, over. Cody Rhodes wins and advances to the King of the Ring Semifinals.

Cody Rhodes def. Shinsuke Nakamura, Damian Priest, and Andrade via pinfall

Certainly an expected outcome in SmackDown’s main event, but it was at least a fun one. The unpredictability will come if Cody advances to the King of the Ring finals and faces either Orton or Sami Zayn.

All in all, a standard SmackDown show that was at least engaging at some points, with some entertaining in-ring action and a nice followup on the Ron Killings/John Cena story. The build towards King of the Ring is looking a bit predictable, but it should be interesting if there’ll be a curveball or two thrown our way to spice things up.

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank qualifiers begin

Posted on by Steve Khan

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

**********

Show Recap — 

Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax were shown arriving. 

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

Opening segment 

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

******** 

Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa

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

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

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

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

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

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

Match result: Fraxiom defeated DIY (11:19) 

********

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

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

********

R-Truth sit-down interview 

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t watch this. 

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

********

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

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

******** 

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

Drew McIntyre promo

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

The announcers ran down the card for SNME: 

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

******** 

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

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

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

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

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

This was no good. 

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

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

******** 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

Next week on SmackDown: 

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

The Charlotte Flair segment

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

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

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

**********

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

Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

– A Becky Lynch vignette aired.

The Street Profits segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

The John Cena segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Aleister Black’s in-ring return

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Just over a week away from his Undisputed WWE Championship match against John Cena at Backlash, Randy Orton is set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.

Orton and Cena went face-to-face last week. During that segment, Orton hit the champion with an RKO to lay him out. Their match at Backlash could be the last time the two familiar rivals ever face each other with Cena set to retire in December.

Also tonight, Aleister Black will have his first match back in WWE after not being in the company for five years. He’s facing off against The Miz, which was set up last week when Miz offered up an impromptu promo inside the ring and the lights went out, setting the scene for Black’s return. Black then hit The Miz with a Black Mass.

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest has also been confirmed for tonight. Plus, Nia Jax will make an appearance.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Randy Orton, Tiffany Stratton, Damian Priest, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes were shown walking backstage. Priest ran into Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu and confronted them. A yelling match ensued as LA Knight walked past them all and made his way to the ring.

The LA Knight/Damian Priest segment

Knight cut a promo in the ring and noted how he said last week that he wanted a rematch for his U.S. title. Knight voiced his displeasure for having to have a No. 1 contender’s match. Knight said the match didn’t go his way because Solo Sikoa interfered and Jacob Fatu jumped around everywhere. Knight then moved his attention to Damian Priest. On cue, Priest’s music hit and Priest made his entrance with a certain level of purpose.

Priest told Knight they didn’t have a problem and last week, everything he did was about Drew McIntyre. Priest noted how McIntyre mentioned Priest’s family and he couldn’t let McIntyre get away with that. Knight said Priest picked the wrong time to get back at McIntyre because the only reason the bell rang on his match was Priest. Priest said he saved Knight from taking a pin. Knight told Priest to not put Priest’s loss at WreslteMania on Knight. Priest responded by saying the only reason things happened the way they did is because Knight lost his title at Mania.

Knight admitted to losing and said he wants to fight his way back into the title picture and the reason he’s not champion this week is because of Priest. Priest said all of Knight’s frustrations are because of Knight. Knight reminded Priest that they don’t have a problem and if that’s the case, Priest needed to stop talking. Priest said even though their match is set for later tonight, they should just fight right now and asked Knight if that’s what he wanted. Knight, of course, said, “Yeah!” A referee ran to the ring and before the match began, the show went to a commercial break.

This was fine, if not a little rushed. Knight usually takes more time milking his catchphrases and Priest usually takes more time milking the spaces in between. On top of that, the promo ended before it was 10 minutes past the hour and I can’t recall a SmackDown going to commercial this early in the show in recent memory. Anyway, it was everything one would expect from both guys. God bless Knight. These crowds are still into him, even if the booking minds behind the scenes aren’t.

**********

LA Knight vs. Damian Priest

The match was joined in progress with Knight on top, working Priest with a series of strikes, before Priest fought back and slammed Knight. Priest then kicked Knight in the chin and got a two-count out of it. Priest set up for Old School, but Knight pulled Priest off the top and landed a back suplex. Knight followed up with a bunch of punches and a flying clothesline. Knight added a jumping neck-breaker and a Russian Leg Sweep to all of that for a two-count.

Priest punched Knight, but Knight then slammed Priest. Knight went for an elbow drop, but Priest caught him and tried to set up a South Of Heaven. Knight worked out of it and Priest clotheslined the hell out of Knight for a near fall. Priest lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge, but Knight got out of it and DDT’d Priest. Knight went to the second rope and hit his jump-up elbow from the top for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and “This is awesome!” chants rang through the arena. Knight set up Priest for a super-plex, but Knight stopped him and the two battled on the second rope. Eventually, Priest stepped off the rope and onto the apron and kicked Knight. Priest then lifted Knight for a Razor’s Edge inside the ring, executed it, and Knight barely kicked out before three. “LA Knight!” chants began in the crowd. Priest went for South Of Heaven, but Knight countered … only for Priest to hit a Broken Arrow.

Priest went to the top rope, but Knight leapt up and hit a mega-plex for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants kicked up again. Knight clotheslined Priest over the top and to the outside. Knight went for his dropkick through the ropes, but Priest caught Knight and hit a Flatliner off the apron. Solo Sikoa then showed up and attacked Priest and the referee called for the bell.

Match result: LA Knight fought Damian Priest to a no contest (11:03 of TV time)

Sikoa turned his attention to Knight and set up for a Samoan Spike on Knight, but Priest punched Sikoa and Knight BFT’d Sikoa. Priest and Knight stared at each other and Priest cleared off the announce desk. Knight rolled Sikoa to the outside and Priest was going to hit South Of Heaven on Sikoa, but Fatu showed up and landed a Samoan Drop on Knight onto the announce desk after taking our Priest with a dive through the ropes. Fatu then hit a hip attack on Priest into the crowd barrier. Fatu posed on the ring steps with his U.S. title and the crowd cheered.

Priest and Knight felt like they had something to prove here. It was a welcome surprise. Both guys have settled into matches that have little more than them playing their biggest hits – a Razor’s Edge here, a step-up flying elbow there – and while this match featured all those things, there was a weird sense of urgency to all of it. So much so, that you have to wonder if they were determined to prove their in-ring worth here. It was dynamic. They completely had the live crowd. And they brought a dose of intensity that we don’t often see on SmackDown anymore. A tip of the cap goes to both guys for that. The finish felt predictable – let me guess … this leads to a tag match for later in the show – but as for this, it was one of the better TV matches from both guys in a long time. Good for them.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Fraxiom backstage. Frazer said they were excited and they plan on flipping the SmackDown tag division upside down. Pretty Deadly walked into the scene and Saxton left. Wilson told them the SmackDown tag division is the hungriest tag division. Prince said he enjoyed having new European blood on SmackDown and followed that up by saying opportunities on SmackDown are earned and not given. The duo said they wanted to see how good Faxiom actually was and talked to Nick Aldis as a means to book a match. Pretty Deadly’s music hit back in the arena and they made their entrance.

– Michael Bisping was shown in the crowd and he stood up to throw some punches in the air.

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)

Wilson and Axiom began the match, but it wasn’t long before Frazer tagged in and ran the ropes awfully quickly and kicked Wilson. Frazer worked Wilson’s arm briefly and threw him into a corner, but Wilson walked out and kicked Frazer in the head. Prince tagged in and beat Frazer down. Frazer came back with an enziguri. Axiom tagged in and things broke down, complete with a repeated pair of dives onto the heels between the ropes.

Back inside the ring, Axiom went to work on Prince’s back. Axiom went to the top, but Prince caught Axiom during a cross-body attempt. Prince threw Axiom down into Wilson’s legs and Pretty Deadly posed as the show went to a commercial break about three-and-a-half minutes into the match.

The show returned and Axiom was chopping Wilson. Ultimately, Frazer received the hot tag and hit a dropkick on both Wilson and Prince. Frazer landed a springboard until a DDT and a running Shooting Star Press. The referee essentially counted to three but Prince didn’t kick out and it was an awkward moment. Prince’s mouth was quite bloody after all of this. Pretty Deadly took control back and Wilson tagged in. As such, Wilson powerbombed Frazer for a two-count. Wilson and Frazer traded elbows until Frazer placed Wilson on the top rope. Axiom hit a Spanish Fly and Frazer followed up with a Phoenix Splash for the win.

Match result: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) (9:29)

My heart goes out to Elton Prince’s teeth. That fella’s face came up awfully bloody after he missed the kickout spot. Jacob Fatu talks about all gas, no breaks, but damn if Nathan Frazer doesn’t live that lifestyle in the ring, too. Stuff like that is going to happen every now and then when the guy only knows one speed and it’s 150 MPH. The match itself was the standard Fraxiom fare. Lots of speed. Lots of flash. A lot of fun. I’m not complaining. And Pretty Deadly had a good outing, too, proving they can work with any style of team WWE might throw at them. Prince’s face might not approve, but this turned out well.

**********

– B-Fab and Michin were shown talking to Nick Aldis in Aldis’s office, but Chelsea Green showed up with Piper Niven and Alba Fyre. The trio was dressed in black and Green said last week’s loss was because of collusion. Niven called Green an American hero, which was funny. Aldis tried to walk away, but Green bargained with Aldis for a rematch. Instead, Aldis said Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven tonight. Aldis said if Niven wins, she’ll be the No. 1 contender for Vega’s U.S. title. Green almost fainted.

– A video package chronicling the history between John Cena and Randy Orton aired.

The Nia Jax/Tiffany Stratton/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

Jax stood in the middle of the ring and soaked in boos. She said it sounded like everyone missed her and the crowd booed louder. Jax said she was happy she was back, but while she was gone, she was at home getting refocused and she regrouped so she could come back and take what’s her’s – the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and Stratton walked out with a microphone in hand. Stratton said she wasn’t the same Stratton that Jax used to bully around. Stratton said went toe to toe with one of the greatest of all time, Charlotte Flair. Stratton said if her and Jax ever locked up again, Stratton would be Jax, too.

Jax asked if Stratton was offering a rematch. Stratton said she wouldn’t ever shy away from a fight and she would defend her title against Jax anytime, anywhere. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi walked out with a microphone. Naomi spoke in the entranceway and said it was funny to see Stratton and Jaxx fighting because she remembered when she tried to take the title from Jax, Stratton always found a way to help out Jax. Naomi questioned whether Stratton actually changed and said she didn’t; in fact, Naomi said Naomi was the only one to really change. Naomi said Jade Cargill ruined everything she has worked for, but even so, she’s not done going after gold.

Jade Cargill’s music hit and Cargill walked with purpose towards Naomi, who rolled into the ring. All four women brawled in the ring. Cargill clotheslined Naomi over the top and to the outside and Stratton disposed of Jax to the outside as well. Cargill and Stratton circled each other and Aldis walked out to make a tag team match, which, it appears, will happen later in the show.

Man, Naomi is so great in this role. That needs to be said. Now, with that said, I can’t say I’m particularly excited for another Jax/Stratton program, but it kind of/sort of feels like WWE is going with this to reset Stratton back on a reliable path after the chaotic business with Charlotte. I’m still a little baffled that Naomi and Cargill is still a thing, but perhaps it will one day lead to a hell of a blow-off match. Wade Barrett mentioned how the tag match might be the main event now, and I hope it is. Give them 20 minutes and let’s see what happens. It could be very good.

**********

– Tessitore set up highlights of last week’s Miz/Black situation. Melo was hyping up Miz backstage and told Miz he’d show everyone tonight. Miz rambled about how he deserves more respect than he receives. Miz said Black didn’t knock him out last week; he woke Miz up. Miz said Black might want to make a statement, but instead, Black will be part of Miz’s statement. At one point, it looked like Miz forgot his line, but he recovered nicely.

Aleister Black vs. The Miz

Miz ran at Black to start the match and nearly ran into a Black Mass, but Miz retreated. The two went back and forth until Black caught Miz as Miz went for a kick. Black placed Miz’s foot back on the canvas and Miz hit Black. Before long, Black did the springboard moonsault into his sitting position spot. Miz was on the outside and Black reached for Miz, but was distracted by Melo. Miz capitalized and slammed Black’s head into the bottom-ring LED board. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and The Miz was posing as people booed. Miz went for a springboard move, but Black moved. Eventually, Miz pushed Black to the outside. Miz leapt at Black from the ring steps and landed on a knee from Black. Back in the ring, Black went to work on Miz, complete with body strikes and a springboard moonsault for a very close near-fall. Miz came back and kicked Black’s knee before hitting a DDT for a two-count.

Miz hit some Miz Kicks and Black laughed. Black followed up with a spinning elbow and a knee to the jaw of Miz. Miz came right back and went for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Black cartwheeled out of it, much to the delight of the live crowd. Black followed up with a tough knee to Miz’s face. Melo threatened to get involved and Miz rolled up Black to no avail. From there, it was Black Mass and the end.

Match result: Aleister Black defeated The Miz (9:28)

After the match, Melo and Black went face to face in the middle of the ring. Melo slowly exited the ring and walked away as Black sat in the center of the ring.

This was probably more competitive than it should have been, even if about three minutes were lost to commercials. Still, Black got in a lot of really good-looking offense while … weirdly … Miz didn’t concern himself with selling for all that long each time he took some of it. It’s almost as if Black brought some of AEW back to WWE with him. I kid. This was obviously always more about setting Black up with Melo, and that should be a very good match. In the meantime, Miz did his best to hang and he didn’t fail. Don’t get me wrong. This is a no-hate-Miz zone, but his best days are behind him. As such, kudos to him for helping reintroduce Black to the WWE fan base.

**********

– Santos Escobar was talking with Rey Fenix in the locker room. Escobar said Fenix disappointed him at WrestleMania because he lost to a clown. Escobar said Fenix blew his chance and now that Rey Mysterio is out with an injury, Escobar wants to take his place. Fenix cut Escobar off and told him to stay out of his business. Fenix said there is only one lunchador that he trusts and it’s not Escobar. Fenix said if Escobar had a problem, he’d see him in the ring later tonight.

– Dion Dawkins from the Buffalo Bills was shown in the crowd. He appeared to be very happy.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven

Vega had control early and stretched Niven, who eventually went for a splash and missed. From there, Vega repeatedly kicked Niven. Vega hit a knee on Niven and got a one-count out of it. Vega ran at Niven, but Niven shoulder-blocked Vega to the canvas. Vegan rolled to the outside and then rolled back inside, where Niven lifted Vega to no avail. The two struggled before Niven planted Vega face-first. Niven rammed Vega’s head into the bottom turnbuckle. With Niven in control, the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Niven still had control, spinning Vega around in circles. Niven lifted Vegan, but Vega countered with somewhat of a Codebreaker. Niven came right back with a slam and a running Senton for a two-count. Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and went to the top, where Niven slapped Vega. Niven went for a super-plex, but Vega worked out of it and hit a Meteora on Niven for a two-count. Vega tried a Code Red, but Niven stopped it and landed a side-slam.

Niven ran at Vega and Vega moved. Niven lifted Vega, but it all resulted on a DDT from Vega. From there, Vega went to the top and hit a moonsault from the top rope for a nice near-fall. Vega went for a Code Red again, but Niven wouldn’t allow it. Niven tried a powerbomb, but that turned into Vega setting up a 618 situation. Chelsea Green hopped on the apron to stop Vega and Niven ran at Vega, but Vega moved and Niven ran into Green. From there, Vega rolled up Niven for the pin.

Match result: Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven (11:07)

This was a better match than any of Vega’s outings with Green in previous weeks. Niven worked her powerhouse offense style and Vega broke out some things we haven’t seen from her recently. This exceeded expectations and both wrestlers came out of this looking better than they did going in. Good for Vega, too, because the live crowd seemed to be behind her for the first time in a while. Here’s hoping that momentum continues because it doesn’t look like she’s going to stop working with Green and her crew any time soon.

**********

– Aldis was speaking to Sikoa and Fatu in Aldis’s office. Sikoa said that Fatu was telling everyone they better stay out of his way. Aldis said at Backlash, Fatu will defend his U.S. title against Priest and Knight. Sikoa said McIntyre is technically the No. 1 contender after last week. Aldis said Sikoa was right and because of as much, McIntyre will be added to the match and it will be a fatal four-way. Fatu said he’s all gas and no breaks and he was fine with it (in so many words). Sikoa said Aldis was trying to screw Fatu over, but Aldis told Sikoa it was actually Sikoa who was screwing over Fatu.

The Randy Orton segment

Orton said he knew they were already two hours into the show (by God), but “Welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The crowd cheered. Orton simply said “John Cena” and the crowd booed. Orton said while the world couldn’t see Cena, Orton could. Orton said it took about 20 years for everyone to realize what kind of man Cena is, but Orton knew from day one. “Cena sucks!” chants began. Orton called Cena entitled and said Cena he is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master. Orton said Cena took advantage of the PG Era. Orton said Cena was willing to be a real life, walking, talking cartoon character. Meanwhile, Orton said, Orton was true to who he was.

Orton said Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back or the fans; all Cena cared about is his bottom line. Orton said Cena only cares about the new merch Cena puts out all the time because all the kids always go and grab it up. The crowd booed in response to this. Orton brought up the kids thing again and said the only thing Cena has raised is the price of his merchandise, which parents have had to work “a double to afford.” Orton said Cena has been selling his soul for 20 years.

Orton asked what happened to loyalty and respect when it comes to Cena. Orton recalled how Cena said he’d erase the Orton name from the pro wrestling business. Orton fired up and said Cena will not do that, over his “dead freakin’ body.” Orton said Cena is the latest legend that he will have to put down and he will do so at Backlash in his hometown in front of his wife, friends and family. Orton said he will punt Cena so hard in “that lego-shaped head,” that it will fly through the Gateway Arch. Orton said he will also drop Cena with an RKO and dropped the microphone and Orton’s music hit to end the segment.

The crowd couldn’t seem to figure out what it wanted to do here. So much so that it almost made me wonder if Cena was actually there, perhaps they would have landed more on Cena’s side than they would have Orton’s. Either way, this was the best it could be, considering how they only had one side of the PLE main event in the live house. Orton’s comments on Cena’s merch sparked a few thoughts in me, though. He wasn’t wrong, really, per se. But if those writers and all those executives know that they have overpriced merchandise that really does require some parents to work overtime to afford for their kids … I’m not so sure that’s a great look. Maybe it caught me at a sensitive time and I’m overreacting, but there were a lot of things off of which Orton could have played. Reminding everyone that WWE preys off its fanbase by raising merchandise prices (and, not to mention, those insane PLE ticket prices) probably wasn’t the most tactful way to go. So it goes. We march on to next Saturday.

**********

– Naomi was in her locker room and Nia Jax walked in. Jax said they need to be on the same page, so as long as whatever Naomi stays out of Jax’s way, they’ll be good. Naomi simply said, “Sure,” and walked away.

– Orton was shown walking backstage and ran into R-Truth. Truth said Orton has no chance at Backlash. Jimmy Uso stepped in and told Orton not to be too mad about Truth’s prediction. Jimmy told Truth if he keeps talking like this, Orton will kick Truth’s head off. Jimmy told Truth he needed to stop believing in Cena as Truth walked away.

Santos Escobar vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix got the crowd behind him before the two began the match in earnest by locking up. Escobar took Fenix down briefly, but Fenix worked his way back. The two reset the match and Fenix chopped Escobar. Escobar returned the favor and they traded chest chops back and forth until Fenix went to the ground. Escobar yelled at Fenix that they could rule the place together and Fenix responded with a tough chop to Escobar’s chest. Fenix pushed Escobar to the canvas.

Fenix set up for his double springboard arm-drag, but Escobar cut him off. Escobar ran at Fenix, but Fenix moved and Escobar spilled to the outside. Fenix followed Escobar and Escobar eventually ran Fenix into the side of the ring. Escobar returned to the ring and hit a dive through the top two ropes onto Fenix on the outside. Escobar celebrated a bit and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Escobar had the upper hand, complete with a splash onto Fenix from the apron into the ring. Escobar stretched Fenix. Escobar leapt at Fenix in a corner and Fenix moved. From there, Fenix hit a wild springboard top-rope moonsault for a two-count. Fenix followed up with a spinning kick for another two-count. Fenix took a knee from Escobar, but popped right back up and kicked Escobar. Both guys were down to reset the match at about the 10-and-a-half minute mark.

Fenix jumped at Escobar, but Escobar caught Fenix and the two fought in a corner until Fenix came off the top and landed on Escobar’s knee. Escobar followed up with a double-knees in the corner. Escobar lifted Fenix, but Fenix worked his way out it and ran the top rope to kick Escobar’s head. From there, Fenix hit the top rope Meteora on Escobar and got the pinfall victory.

Match result: Rey Fenix defeated Santos Escobar (12:25)

This was pretty good. WWE has done a good job introducing Rey Fenix and Penta into the fold and Penta and Fenix have done a good job melding themselves into the WWE landscape/style. Considering how I can’t even remember the last time we saw a Santos Escobar singles match on WWE TV, it seems like others are benefiting from the Lucha Bros’ arrival as well. It’d be nice to see Fenix elevated into some type of title picture, rather than feud with a faction leader who doesn’t even really seem to have a faction these days, but patience is key. Also of note: I’m kind of finding myself falling in love with these tiny stylistic touches Fenix’s matches continue to display, a la the no-sell quick pop-up super-kick here. You see it 5,000 times on any given AEW television show; when it happens on WWE TV, you almost want to smile because it comes across as a delightful surprise.

**********

– Stratton and Cargill were talking backstage and Saxton walked in. Stratton said Jax will have to learn that Jax will have to learn that her title belongs around Stratton. Cargill said she is focusing on Naomi, but next week on SmackDown, Cargill will take on Jax in a No. 1 Contender’s match for Tiffy’s title.

– A video package recapping last week’s fantastic TLC match aired.

– Escobar was shown backstage yelling at Berto and Angel. Andrade walked into the picture and said he knows Escobar doesn’t care about Los Garza. Andrade said he doesn’t like Escobar and siad Escobar doesn’t have respect from Los Garza. Angel was taken away via Escobar, but Berto stayed behind and shared a moment with Andrade before he was whisked away by Escobar.

– Next week, John Cena will be on the show. Knight and Priest will team up to face Fatu and Sikoa. Plus, don’t forget, Cargill and Jax will wrestle to determine the No. 1 Contender for Tiffy’s title.

Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill vs. Naomi & Nia Jax

The heels jumpstarted the match and all four women brawled, Tiffy splitting off with Jax and Cargill splitting off with Naomi. Tiffy ran Jax into the ring steps. Jax ran Tiffy into the crowd barrier. Inside the ring, Cargill threw Naomi to the outside. Cargill ran Naomi into a ring post and rolled Naomi back into the ring. Naomi kicked Cargill in the midsection. Naomi worked Cargill’s arm and used the vaunted back-rake. Naomi kicked Cargill in the back and jawed at Cargill. Jax tagged herself in and bulldozed Cargill before knocking Tiffy off the apron. Jax mocked Cargill’s pose in the middle of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Jax knocked Stratton off the apron again. Cargill lifted Jax for a bodyslam, but collapsed. Jax got up and tagged in Naomi, who beat Cargill down. Naomi tried to tag in Jax, but Cargill stopped her and planted her. Jax eventually tagged in, but Cargill kicked Jax away and tagged Tiffy into the match. Tiffy put a knee to Jax’s forehead and landed her gymnastics corner spot. Stratton countered a Samoan Drop into a pin attempt for a two-count.

Stratton went to the top, but Jax cut her off and hit a Samoan Drop. Naomi tagged herself in after Jax hit a leg drop on Stratton. Naomi and Jax argued and Naomi set up for the split-legged moonsault, but Tiffy got her knees up. Tiffy tagged in Cargill, who worked over Naomi. Cargill grabbed Naomi by the throat and chokeslammed her, but Jax broke up the pin attempt. Jax dragged Naomi to the corner and tagged in. Jax worked over Cargill, but Tiffy broke things up with a Swanton on Jax.

Naomi reinserted herself and Tiffy and Naomi brawled in a corner. Jax squashed Tiffy and Naomi and pushed them both out of the ring. Jax then hit a splash on Cargill in a corner. Jax set up for her finisher, but Cargill hopped up and hit a powerbomb on Jax, ultimately getting the pinfall victory for her team.

Match result: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill defeated Nia Jax & Naomi (11:30)

After the match, the ref tried to give Tiffy her title, but Cargill intercepted it and held it for a quick second. The two then pulled at the title and Naomi attacked Cargill from behind. Naomi then held up Tiffy’s title as the babyfaces sold pain. Naomi posing ended the show.

This was a fun tag that had a lot of fire and chaos in a good way. While I could use a freshening up of programs for all four women involved, they did a good job here of making me interested in what they had going on, which can only lead to good things going forward for this viewer, at least. Cargill getting the win off a powerbomb that now seems to be a pretty routine spot for most Jax matches was mildly surprising, but then again, it is Jade Cargill, so perhaps that powerbomb is supposed to pack more punch. It also has me thinking Jax wins the No. 1 Contender’s match next week, which is a little disappointing, but we’ll see. At the end of the day, this was good work from everyone involved and a solid way to end a show that was probably a lot better than anyone thought it might be. The bar might be low these days, but the bar, don’t forget, is the bar.


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

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

The John Cena/Randy Orton segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

– A video package on Fraxiom aired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Tiffany Stratton/Jade Cargill segment

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

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

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

WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Jacob Fatu/LA Knight/Drew McIntyre segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Miz/Aleister Black segment

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Drew McIntyre vs. LA Knight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: WrestleMania go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Seth Rollins segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Andre The Giant memorial battle royal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Randy Orton segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Cody Rhodes/John Cena segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Fenix debuts

Posted on by Marc Quill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CM Punk opens SmackDown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Rey Fenix def. Nathan Frazer

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton Face-Off

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Naomi def. B-Fab

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Kevin Owens announces injury

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paul Heyman’s Favor to CM Punk Revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Randy Orton/Kevin Owens segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

The Tiffany Stratton/Charlotte split-screen interview

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Piper Niven defeated Zelina Vega [12:53]

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

Liv Morgan defeated Jade Cargill [10:56]

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

The Street Profits segment

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

The Roman Reigns/Seth Rollins/CM Punk segment

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

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

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

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

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