Jey Uso will choose sides on Friday’s WWE SmackDown as the collapse of The Bloodline continues to play out.
As announced by Paul Heyman in a backstage segment on Monday’s Raw, Jey Uso will choose between his twin brother Jimmy and his brother Solo on SmackDown.
Heyman revealed that Jey will make his “historic choice” on Friday, a week after Solo gave Jimmy a Samoan Spike as ordered by Roman Reigns as the fallout from Night of Champions continued.
Reigns and Solo challenged Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions, losing after The Usos got involved. Jimmy turned on Reigns during the match, hitting The Bloodline’s leader with two superkicks.
On last week’s SmackDown, a ceremony was held to celebrate Reigns’s 1000-plus day Universal title reign. Jimmy attempted to reconcile with Reigns, but Reigns ordered an attack from Solo. Reigns, Solo, and Heyman left the ring together as Jey remained in the ring with Jimmy as the show closed.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa will appear on The KO Show as part of tonight’s taped episode of WWE SmackDown from Columbia, South Carolina.
Reigns, Sikoa, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn will have their final face-to-face encounter before squaring off for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles at Saturday’s Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
SmackDown will also feature United States Champion Austin Theory defending his title against Sheamus after he confronted Theory last week.
Raquel Rodriguez will team with Shotzi to square off against Damage CTRL’s Bayley and IYO SKY. Shotzi is replacing Liv Morgan as Rodriguez’s partner due to an an injury Morgan suffered that forced she and Rodriguez to relinquish the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
AJ Styles takes on Karrion Kross after Scarlett was shown with a tarot card featuring Styles on it last week. Styles takes on Seth Rollins Saturday to determine the inaugural WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in, reminding viewers that Night of Champions is Saturday. Wade Barrett hopped in and, along with Cole, ran down some of the card for the night. Sheamus’s music hit and we went to the ring.
Austin Theory defeated Sheamus to retain the United States Championship [12:12]
This was a good opening match that packed more of a punch than I thought it would, considering the live crowd had already sat through an entire SmackDown before this. It looks like the Pretty Deadly/Brawling Brutes match from last week kicked off a program between the teams, which could end up being a nice little tag story. Meanwhile, this gave Sheamus an out for the loss, so my guess is they run this back sooner than later. All around, a good effort from both guys here. Sheamus still has it after all these years.
The two locked up to begin the match with Sheamus getting the best of Theory at first. Things turned around after Theory hit a rolling dropkick and went for 10 Beats, but Sheamus fought out of it until Theory ran Sheamus into the ring post and slammed Sheamus on the apron. The show then went to its first commercial break of the night.
Back from break, Theory was pounding on Sheamus’s back inside the ring. Theory went for a couple pin attempts, but Sheamus kicked out both times at one. Theory landed a rolling Blockbuster for a two-count. Theory toyed with Sheamus, which only fired Sheamus up. Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker for a two-count. Sheamus landed a wild powerslam for another two-count.
Sheamus had theory on his back and climbed to the second rope, but Theory fought out and pounded on Sheamus’s back again. Theory lifted Sheamus and slammed Sheamus for a two-count. Theory went for a rolling Blockbuster, but was met with a knee from Sheamus. Sheamus teased 10 beats, but Theory kicked his way out of it and picked up a chair for the DQ, but Ridge Holland took the chair away from him. Sheamus then commenced the 10 Beats, which turned into 25 Beats.
Out of nowhere, Pretty Deadly showed up and attacked the Brawling Brutes on the outside of the ring. They climbed onto the apron and got Sheamus’s attention, which amounted in Theory rolling Sheamus up for the win.
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– We got a backstage segment with the Bloodline. It turns out, Roman Reigns is going to celebrate 1,000 days as champion next week, and he wants the whole family there. Jimmy Uso was told to sit down via Roman and Jimmy didn’t obey him. As a result, the two had a tense moment. Roman dared Jimmy to do something, but the two simply had a stare down. Roman then kicked him out of the locker room and Jay followed his brother.
The story of friction in Damage CTRL continues and you have to wonder how long Sky and Bayley have, considering Dakota Kai’s injury, which will keep her out for quite a while. It feels like the faction’s days are numbered and the last thing I thought might happen was those two losing to the makeshift tag team of Raquel and Shotzi here. The match itself was little more than just OK. The final sequence felt more confusing than anything, but perhaps this means Raquel and Shotzi have momentum going into the women’s tag title match. And perhaps that means they’ll lose.
Raquel and Bayley began the match but Sky tagged in quickly. Before long, all four women brawled in the ring with the action spilling outside, where Shotzi landed a suicide dive on both Sky and Bayley. Back in the ring, Shotzi covered Sky for a two-count. Raquel tagged in and went for a chokeslam on Sky, but Bayley had tagged in and took back control for Damage CTRL.
Both Sky and Bayley tried to control Raquel, but Raquel ultimately got the hot tag to Shotzi, who worked over Bayley with a bulldog, a right hand and a kick. Shotzi suplexed Bayley and hit a splash on Bayley, who was draped over the second rope, for a two-count. Sky tagged in and, along with Bayley, kicked Shotzi’s head. Shotzi came back with a suplex and pinned Sky, but Bayley broke it up.
Raquel tagged in and lifted Sky, who worked out of it and drove Raquel’s head into the turnbuckle. Raquel came back to drive Sky into a corner. Bayley tagged in, and in a weird sequence, Sky came off the top to take out Shotzi, but Raquel sat down on Bayley for the pinfall.
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– A condensed version of the Seth Rollins interviews on Raw aired in a package. An AJ Styles video package aired as well to even things out.
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– A Grayson Waller highlight package aired after Hit Row made their entrance.
A pretty basic, predictable match. We haven’t seen Hit Row in a little bit and Grimes is going … well … to the moon. At least for now. It appears he’ll be working with Baron Corbin in the immediate future, and there are worse heels he could work with as he gets acquainted with the main roster. As for this match, it was fine for what it was, which wasn’t much.
Grimes had a picture-in-picture promo from backstage before the match started. Grimes came out firing on all cylinders to start the match. Top Dolla stopped Grimes’s momentum by grabbing Grimes’s foot. Ashante took advantage of that interference and hit Grimes with a series of moves. Grimes eventually yelled “To the moon” and hit the Cave In for the win. After the match, Baron Corbin briefly attacked Grimes in the entrance way.
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– Bianca Belair made her entrance and had a microphone with her in the ring. Belair talked about how she’s going to defend her title against Asuka at Night of Champions. Belair spoke about “how good it feels to be your Raw Women’s Champion” … on SmackDown. Anyway, Belair talked about how Asuka humiliated Belair in Belair’s hometown a couple weeks ago. Belair said she’s going to give Asuka a fight, which was enough to cue Asuka’s music. Asuka attacked Belair from behind and sunk in an arm-bar on Belair until officials broke it up. Those same officials broke up an attempted KOD from Belair.
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LA Knight defeated Rick Boogs [3:19]
It’s good to see Knight finally get some TV time. It’s not much, but the crowd continues to be behind him and maybe this will lead to something more. The match was basic, but Boogs showed impressive strength. I mean, lean into the gimmick, right? Perhaps we’ll get something between Knight and the Profits at Night of Champions this weekend.
The Street Profits made their entrance before the match began and joined on commentary. The action in the match quickly spilled outside, where Boogs had control and dropped Knight on the commentary table. The Profits were pumped. Back inside the ring, Knight worked over Boogs until Boogs threw Knight into a corner. Knight came right back with a bunch of kicks and a running knee on Boogs.
Knight worked a front face-lock, but Boogs threw Knight away. Boogs fired up, but Knight hit some right hands and kicks to the midsection. It didn’t really matter because Boogs manhandled Knight and tossed him across the ring. Boogs lifted Knight, but Knight raked the eyes and hit the BFT for the win. After the match, Knight got a microphone and confronted the Street Profits, calling them “five dollar asses.” Knight ended the segment by throwing the microphone at the Profits.
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AJ Styles defeated Karrion Kross [9:27]
Kross worked hard here and you have to admire that. He seems to be in WWE purgatory, which depending on your perspective can be a great thing or a not-so-great thing. There was little debate about who would come out on top, if only because Styles is wrestling for the World Heavyweight Title on Saturday, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t a good match. The wrestlers did good with the cards they had (pun intended, Mr. Kross), and I’m curious to see if we’ll get a Michin/Scarlett story here sooner than later. Either way, this was as good as it could be, considering the circumstances.
Kross had control early on in what would have been a great match in Impact at some point, had it been possible. These days, the hair is much longer. Styles tried to fight back at one point, but Scarlett cut Styles off by grabbing his foot when Styles was on the apron and therefore, Kross kicked Styles off the apron. Michin responded by coming to ringside to even the score and she ultimately chased Scarlett to the back.
Kross kept control and worked a chin-lock on Styles until Styles fought his way out with chops, punches and an enziguri. Styles lifted Kross, but Kross got out of it. No matter because Styles hit a running forearm and a makeshift backbreaker for a two-count. Styles went for a tornado DDT, but Kross countered with a pair of suplexes for a two-count. Kross went for a KrossHammer, but Styles ducked it and went for a Styles Clash, but Kross pushed Styles away. Styles settled for a Phenomenal Forearm, which got him the win. Styles was interviewed after the match backstage and Styles said Seth Rollins can’t beat Phenomenal, referring to his match at Night of Champions.
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Next week, Roman Reigns will celebrate 1,000 days as champion. Also, Zelina Vega and Lacey Evans will face off in a women’s Money In The Bank qualifying match. Also, Montez Ford and LA Knight will compete in a men’s Money In The Bank qualifying match.
The KO Show segment
Owens began the segment by welcoming in Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. From there, we heard Paul Heyman’s voice and Heyman walked out to tell everyone that the Tribal Chief just doesn’t come out when people say he comes out. Heyman also said there is no booing when Heyman has the microphone, which was pretty funny. As Heyman was talking, the Usos music hit and the Usos came out, walking past Heyman toward the ring.
Jey yelled at Sami, and Sami tried to respond, but Owens cut Zayn off, saying Owens knew Reigns wouldn’t come out anyway. Owens said he wanted to talk to the Usos anyway. Owens explained that Zayn still cares about the Usos, but Owens doesn’t get it. Owens said he he hopes to get through to the Usos, and Zayn has been right about everything the whole time. Owens said the Usos are the heart of the table, whereas Reigns is the head of the table. Owens said Reigns treats the Usos like they are expendable.
Owens called the Usos the greatest tag team in the history of WWE. He then said they are Reigns’s errand boys. Jimmy responded by saying he is the tribal chief and Heyman sold the hell out of that. Wouldn’t you know it … Roman Reigns’s music hit and Heyman looked concerned. Reigns walked out alone and with purpose. Reigns took the mic from Jey and threw it. He then confronted Jimmy with a long stare and threw his microphone, too.
Zayn interrupted and told Roman it’s over. Zayn said the Bloodline is collapsing and it’s all Roman’s fault. Roman then slapped the microphone out of Zayn’s hand. Owens responded by giving Reigns a Stunner. The Usos and Zayn/Owens then brawled. Solo Sikoa ran to the ring and laid out Zayn and Owens. Reigns flipped out and speared Zayn. The Usos climbed back into the ring and held the tag belts. Jey gave the belts to Sikoa while Jimmy held his longer than expected. Jey took them and gave the belts to Roman. Roman held both sets of tag belts as the family posed … except for Jimmy, who took exception in a corner. While holding both sets of tag belts, Roman talked to the camera as the show ended.
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa will come face-to-face with undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Columbia, South Carolina.
The two teams will square off at next weekend’s Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.
The show will also feature Jimmy & Jey Uso returning to the ring for the first time since they failed to regain the tag titles at Backlash as they take on Rey Mysterio & Santos Escobar following a confrontation last week.
Two recent NXT call-ups will make their presence felt as Grayson Waller will welcome AJ Styles to The Grayson Waller Effect. Styles will face Seth Rollins to determine the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion next weekend at the PPV.
Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) will step into the ring against Ridge Holland & Butch after the teams confronted each other backstage on last week’s SmackDown.
Plus, Asuka takes on Zelina Vega. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
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– Michael Cole welcomed everyone in as the show opened and Roman Reigns’s theme music hit. Reigns made his entrance with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa.
The Bloodline/Zayn & Owens segment
Before Reigns began talking, the crowd chanted “You suck!” Reigns responded by telling the crowd that’s not they start things. After Reigns hit the “Acknowledge me!” line, the crowd cheered, but things quickly turned as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn’s respective music hit. Owens and Zayn made their way to the ring. The crowd sang Zayn’s music even after production cut it off.
Reigns said it was perfect because he was going to bring Owens and Zayn out anyway. Reigns demanded Zayn and Owens acknowledge him. After that, Reigns said they could drop off their titles and see their way out. Owens threw a mic down with his belts and stepped to Sikoa. Reigns settled the situation down and turned his attention to Zayn. Reigns said he only had one regret throughout his career and that was wasting his life on Zayn.
Zayn responded by saying he only had one regret, too, and that was not blasting him with a chair sooner. Zayn said Reigns’s greed has led them to this moment. Zayn said Reigns has received everything he’s wanted in life, but at Night of Champions, Reigns isn’t going to get the tag titles, even though that’s what Reigns wants now. Zayn said Reigns just isn’t as good as Zayn, Owens and even the Usos.
Reigns started to speak, but Jey Uso came through the crowd and attacked Zayn. Jimmy soon followed and attacked Owens. The Usos celebrated, but Reigns stifled their celebration and said it was Reigns’s ring and Reigns had a plan. Reigns threw a fit and left the ring. On his way out, he accidentally ran into Sikoa and the show cut to a commercial break.
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– When the show returned, the Usos were pleading their case to Reigns in the back. Reigns asked them why they ran “random stuff out there.” Reigns screamed that he had something to say to Zayn, but he wasn’t able to say it because the Usos interfered. Reigns kicked the Usos out of his room.
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Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated Butch and Ridge Holland [8:06]
Pretty Deadly didn’t quite connect with the crowd the way I think a lot of people thought they would in their debut. Something felt like it was missing, but the duo has time to adjust. On the other side, Butch and Holland could stand to use some wins. Crowds seem to like them (along with Sheamus), but for whatever reason, it doesn’t feel like WWE decision-makers necessarily agree. WWE’s tag division is in a weird place because there’s the top – whomever from the Bloodline, Zayn, Owens – and then there’s everyone else. Imperium might be up soon and there’s always the Street Profits and the New Day, but as far as Butch/Holland and Pretty Deadly go … this just felt inconsequential.
Sheamus sat in on commentary as Butch and Wilson began the match. Prince quickly tagged in and Butch stomped on Pretty Deadly’s fingers. Holland tagged in and Prince received a shotgun dropkick from Butch on Butch’s way out of the ring. Holland suplexed Prince. Wilson got a blind tag and the two took Holland down. Prince came up from the sequence with blood running from his nose.
Prince and Wilson landed a combination leg-drop and splash on Holland for a two-count. Holland eventually got the hot tag to Butch with Wilson perched on Holland’s back. Butch took out both Prince and Wilson. Butch hit Wilson with a kick to the ear and Holland tagged in. Holland had both Prince and Wilson on his back and dropped them both. Holland and Butch landed stereo 10 Beats on both Pretty Deadly members. Almost immediately, Pretty Deadly hit Spilled Milk for the win.
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– Michael Cole threw to a “Superstar” Billy Graham tribute video. Graham died earlier this week.
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Asuka defeated Zelina Vega [6:08]
This was fine for what we saw of it (at least two minutes of the match was lost to a commercial break), but there was little doubt that Asuka would get the win, considering how she’s the one with a title match in a week. Still, it’s nice to see Vega get some shine and outside of a few awkward finishing seconds when the women appeared to be on separate pages as they traded pin attempts, it was a standard television match. Not great. Not terrible.
Asuka came at Vega quick, but Vega countered with a roll-through and dropkick. Vega went for a 619, but Asuka moved and dropped Vega on the announce table. Back in the ring, Asuka toyed with Vega by kicking Vega in the head. Vega fired up and landed a basement dropkick before getting Asuka in position for a 619 and got in the first part before heading to the top rope. Vega hit a Meteora for a two-count. The two traded some clunky pinning attempts, but Asuka sank in the Asuka Lock for the win. After the match, Bianca Belair ran to the ring to break the Asuka Lock, but Asuka got the best of it after spraying some mist in Belair’s face.
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The Grayson Waller Effect
Waller started the segment about reminding everyone about their history in NXT. Waller said Styles is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and asked Styles what winning the World Heavyweight Title would mean to him. Styles recalled that his latest injury put him on the shelf for longer than he’s ever been in his career and he’s been training harder than ever for his comeback. Styles said he wants the World Heavyweight Title more than air to breathe. Styles talked about Seth Rollins being on a movie set. Waller predicted that Rollins would win the title and Styles stood up. The two shared a stare down to end the segment.
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– The LWO was shown talking backstage. Santos Escobar said Latinos all around the world need to know what the LWO is about. Rey Mysterio said the Usos will find out what happens when they mess with the LWO and everyone traded handshakes.
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The Street Profits defeated LA Knight and Rick Boogs [3:56]
So, this was the segment that was cut last week, eh? Here’s hoping this gets the popular Knight on television more, though it’s not like a program with Rick Boogs is probably going to set the world on fire. The match was secondary to the Knight/Boogs angle, but it was fairly standard for what could be expected. Actually, if the point was to kickstart Knight, it’s odd that Boogs got more of the spotlight with the weightlifting tricks. So it goes. It’ll be interesting to see if WWE missed the mark on Knight and waited too long to give him a chance.
The crowd popped for Knight during his entrance. Knight cut a promo in the entry way saying he can beat the Profits with anybody and thus introduced Boogs. Montez Ford mocked Boogs to start the match and tried to clothesline the big guy. Boogs sold nothing. Boogs bench-pressed Ford over his head 10 times to little response from the crowd. Angelo Dawkins tagged in, but Boogs landed a shoulder tackle to take Dawkins down. Boogs then curled Dawkins as the crowd chanted. Knight tagged himself in and took Dawkins down with a double shoulder-tackle.
Knight slammed Dawkins and landed a leaping elbow on Dawkins for a two-count. Boogs tagged in, but Dawkins slipped away and tagged in Ford, who hit a cross-body on both Boogs and Knight. Ford landed a series of kicks on Boogs. With Boogs and Knight on the outside, Ford landed a Senton on them both. Back inside the ring, Ford hit a frog-splash on Boogs for the win. After the match, Knight got Boogs to his feet, only to attack Boogs and leave the ring.
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– Cameron Grimes was interviewed backstage by Megan Morant. Grimes said being on SmackDown feels like he’s living the dream. Grimes said he is determined to go straight to the top and, well, of course, to the moon.
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– Karrion Kross was shown speaking to nobody in particular. Scarlett pulled out one of her cards with AJ Styles on it, so it looks like we’re heading toward a Styles/Kross match, which begs the question … why the hell did the Grayson Waller Effect happen?
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Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn defeated Valentina Feroz and Yulisa Leon [1:16]
A basic squash coming to you directly from the hallowed halls of NXT. Dawn beat up everyone in sight to open the match. Fyre and Dawn ultimately made quick work out of Leon and Feroz by hitting their finisher for the win.
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– With Liv Morgan hurt, it was announced that Raquel Rodriguez will have to relinquish the women’s tag titles. A fatal four-way will happen and Raquel will have a mystery partner on her side to compete in said fatal four-way. Raquel then cut a promo backstage and was interrupted by Bayley and Iyo Sky. Bayley said next week, her and Iyo would like to face Rodriguez and a partner of Rodriguez’s choice.
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The Austin Theory Segment
Austin Theory stood in the ring with a microphone and said everyone knows who he is. Theory said last week, he was ganged up on by Bobby Lashley and Sheamus. The crowd gave him the “What?!” treatment. Theory said Lashley has a weird obsession with him, but he didn’t understand why Sheamus had a problem with him. Theory said he has things in common with Sheamus, like the fact that they both beat John Cena. Naturally, Sheamus’s music hit and Sheamus walked to the ring. Sheamus grabbed a microphone, but then instantly hit a Brogue Kick on Theory, dropped the mic and left the ring to end the segment.
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– Backstage, Paul Heyman spoke to the Usos and said Roman Reigns forgave them. The Usos asked Heyman if Reigns would be out to support them during their match, but Heyman said Reigns wouldn’t be out there. Heyman said the Usos are only facing the LWO, so it should be an easy win. The Usos walked out of the frame as Heyman grabbed his phone.
– Next week, The KO Show returns with guests Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns. Karrion Kross will face off against AJ Styles. Sheamus will take on Austin Theory for the United States Championship. And Raquel Rodriguez, with a mystery partner, will step in the ring with Bayley and Iyo Sky.
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The LWO (Rey Mysterio Jr. & Santos Escobar) defeated Jimmy & Jey Uso [14:21]
This was a worthy main event that had some exceptional false finishes, especially when it comes to what we normally see on weekly WWE television. The story of the Usos being drowned in disappointment continues, and it sure does feel like the powder keg will finally blow things to smithereens at Night Of Champions, but we’ll see. In the meantime, it’s fun to see the LWO get so much booking love, being put in meaningful matches and in this case, landing a meaningful win. This match had great action and it benefited from the mystery of who might come out on top. Good stuff from everyone involved.
Mysterio and Jey started the match, but Jimmy quickly tagged in and the two Usos worked over Rey. Mysterio fought back and Escobar tagged himself in as the LWO took control, ran the Usos out of the ring and posed as the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned from break, the Usos had the upper-hand on Escobar inside the ring. Reigns and Sikoa were shown watching the match on a television backstage.
Escobar eventually dropkicked Jimmy to slow things down and tease a hot tag, but Jey tagged in and kept the Usos in control. Jimmy tagged in and landed some strikes on Escobar in a corner. Escobar got some life when he kneed Jimmy and landed the hot tag to Mysterio. Jey tagged in and Mysterio hit a springboard cross-body for a two-count. Jey kicked Mysterio in the midsection, but Mysterio responded with a Destroyer and a two-count.
Jimmy interfered and kicked Mysterio in the back of the head. Jey then landed a neck-breaker for a good near-fall. Jimmy tagged in and lifted Rey, but Rey kicked his way out. Rey then took the Usos over the top to the outside. Escobar tagged in and hit a splash onto the Usos on the outside. Back inside the ring, Jimmy and Santos traded blows. Mysterio tagged in and went to the top, where he landed a leg-drop on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the pin attempt. Jey super-kicked Escobar and Rey threw Jey to the outside. Rey went for the 619, but Jey broke it up and hit an Uso Splash for a very good near-fall. The Usos went to the top, but Kevin Owens showed up and distracted the Usos while Samy Zayn interfered. Rey hit the 619 on Jimmy, Escobar hit a splash from the top and that was enough for the win. The show ended with a shot of a disappointed Roman Reigns in the back.
Seeds are being planted for what could come for Roman Reigns down the line.
On Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez and Dave Meltzer discussed the upcoming match with Reigns & Solo Sikoa taking on Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens for the Undisputed Tag Team titles at Night of Champions on May 27. Meltzer said one of the finishes for the tag title match could eventually build to a Reigns/Sikoa match.
“I think Roman and Solo is something they are building towards,” Meltzer said. “Not anytime soon.”
Alvarez suggested other matches could happen down the line as well, including the Usos feuding with Reigns.
Meltzer said that if Reigns and Sikoa are not walking away the winners in Saudi Arabia, then it has to be Reigns who is pinned, possibly by Zayn. However, Meltzer said that Zayn isn’t as over as he was just a few months ago.
“Sami is definitely past his peak from February,” Meltzer said.
Later in the clip, Meltzer and Alvarez recap a Seth Rollins promo where it was teased that next week he would talk about Roman Reigns. From what it sounded like, a future Rollins/Reigns match could also happen down the line.
“It sure sounds like that’s another match they’re going to do.” Meltzer said.
The Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line in Saudi Arabia.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will defend the titles against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa on May 27 in Saudi Arabia. The announcement took place on Friday’s SmackDown following a confrontation between Regins and The Usos.
During the promo, Reigns praised Solo Sikoa for stepping up. However, he berated The Usos for losing at WrestleMania then losing the rematch, which they dedicated to Reigns. After Jimmy Uso seemed to be smiling as Reigns was complaining, Reigns shoved him. The two had a staredown until Jey Uso broke the tension by apologizing to Reigns and promised they’d get the titles back to The Bloodline. Heyman then announced that it will be Reigns and Sikoa getting the shot in Saudi Arabia.
Here is the updated card for WWE Night of Champions:
World Heavyweight Championship finals: Seth Rollins vs. ???
Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn defend against Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa
I am back with another Sunday episode of Wrestling Observer Live, discussing all the latest from the week in professional wrestling.
More details came out this week regarding CM Punk’s return to AEW and the pending third television show he would star in. We now know that it is likely taking place at a soon-to-be announced United Center event on June 17th.
I also answer my producer’s question about why AEW needs Punk back and why it is so hard to make new stars.
I also run through Friday’s WWE SmackDown and discuss why Solo Sikoa might just be the next big star they need in WWE. Also, let’s preview WWE Backlash and the random addition of Seth Rollins vs. Omos.
Plus, I talk Stardom All-Star Grand Queendom results, Mercedes Mone` sticking around NJPW/Stardom for a while, thoughts on Friday’s AEW Rampage and more.
It’s Wrestling Observer Live Saturday with Jim Valley.
On Smackdown, The Usos interfere in a match – AGAIN! Like death, taxes, and Groundhog Day, The Usos interfering in a match seems inevitable these days.
With the draft coming next week, how can any new talent move up when there’s no path to upward mobility. That’s why Roman Reigns needs to lose at least one title in the near future, as it will create more feuds and new matches.
How much more wrestling programming will media executives want? If AEW Collision isn’t a hit, will it affect the whole industry? Plus talk on the AEW pillars, Stardom, Steve Maclin, and more. Check it out.
A no disqualification match took place in the main event of last night’s episode of SmackDown.
Matt Riddle was out for revenge after being buried under the announce table by Solo Sikoa last week. Riddle got a fast start to the no DQ match, surprising Sikoa by attacking him from behind. Riddle was even able to bury Sikoa under the announce table later in the match. But interference by The Usos would lead to Riddle losing.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn weren’t at SmackDown to help Riddle. He managed to fight off The Usos on his own, but Sikoa then emerged from under the table. Sikoa hit a uranage on the ring apron and went for the Samoan Spike. Riddle blocked it, but Sikoa connected with the Spike when Riddle ran at him. Sikoa then pinned Riddle to get the win.
Following the match, The Usos put Riddle through a table with the 1D.
Sikoa & The Usos are facing Riddle, Owens & Zayn in a six-man tag match at Backlash on Saturday, May 6. Before that, Owens & Zayn will defend their Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles against The Usos on SmackDown next Friday.
Welcome to another Friday night edition of Speak Now Pro Wrestling.
On tonight’s show, the focus is Friday’s WrestleMania fallout edition of WWE SmackDown that saw the announcement of the WWE Draft returning, a main event of Sami Zayn vs. Jey Uso, and plenty more.
Last night’s SmackDown ended with Matt Riddle saving Sami Zayn from a Bloodline beatdown.
After making his return on Raw, Riddle came to SmackDown with a score to settle with Solo Sikoa. In storyline, an attack by Sikoa was the reason for Riddle’s recent absence from WWE television.
Jey Uso defeated Sami Zayn in last night’s main event after getting help from a Samoan Spike by Sikoa. Sikoa started to beat down Zayn after the match until Jey stepped in. It seemed like Jey was going to put a stop to the attack, but he instead laid out Zayn with a superkick. When Sikoa went to get a steel chair, Riddle’s music hit. Riddle ran out and took out both Jey and Sikoa.
Despite Kevin Owens telling him it was a bad idea, Zayn had tried to talk sense into Jey before their match and convince him that The Bloodline was a sinking ship. Sikoa attacked Owens as that conversation was happening.
Jimmy Uso wasn’t at SmackDown last night, with Paul Heyman saying that Roman Reigns wanted Jimmy to stay home and watch Jey take out Zayn by himself. When Jey left the conversation, Heyman seemed to indicate that — if Jey didn’t solve their Sami Zayn problem — Sikoa would have to handle their Jey Uso problem.
The final Raw before WrestleMania 39 saw Cody Rhodes pick up a big victory.
Just days before challenging Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, Rhodes defeated The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa in the main event of last night’s Raw. It’s the first pinfall loss Sikoa has taken on WWE main roster television.
Sikoa nearly won the match after The Usos got involved. He gave Rhodes the Spinning Solo, but Rhodes was able to kick out. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn then made their way out and brawled with The Usos. Rhodes countered a Samoan Spike from Sikoa, then hit his second Cross Rhodes of the match to get the win.
The final team for the women’s WrestleMania Showcase match was confirmed on Raw last night. Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green qualified for the bout by defeating Michin & Candice LeRae. The Showcase match will be Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan vs. Natalya & Shotzi vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Deville & Green.
It was also confirmed that Finn Balor will be The Demon when he faces Edge inside of Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania.
Date: March 27, 2023 Location: Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ
Show Recap —
Kevin Patrick welcomed us to a sold-out Footprint Center in Phoenix. The announcers ran down tonight’s card, which now also includes Rey Mysterio against Damian Priest and a Gunther match.
Miz TV with Becky Lynch, Lita and Trish Stratus
Miz introduced Trish Stratus and the Women’s tag champs Becky Lynch and Lita, who all received a big reaction. Miz asked Lynch about needing to call for help against Damage CTRL despite always wanting to work alone. She was “the Man” after all.
Lynch said she was The Man, while Miz was just a man — an insecure man with tiny balls. Miz said he had massive balls and Maryse has verified this. Lynch said it must be nice to know that Maryse didn’t get around much before meeting him.
Miz asked why Lita and Stratus returned simply to play backup to Lynch. Lita reminded him that she was one-half of the tag champs.
Damage CTRL interrupted. Bayley was pissed that their upcoming WrestleMania match was just a match to them but this meant everything to Damage CTRL. Bayley said Lita and Stratus were last relevant 20 years ago but Stratus also reminded her that Lita was a tag champion now. This would have been a dream match for Bayley 20 years ago but her dream now was to end them.
Lynch cut Bayley off and went on a rant in her face about how she wasted two of the best of NXT in Dakota Kai and IYO SKY because now they were doing nothing. Lynch thought their feud was over so many times since SummerSlam but it was finally time to end this at WrestleMania.
The two sides argued as they went to break.
Tag Team Champion Becky Lynch (w/Lita & Trish Stratus) defeated IYO SKY (w/Bayley & Dakota Kai) (11:30)
This was a fun back-and-forth match with a clean finish despite all the outside parties.
Two of the bigger spots happened during a break – SKY hit Lynch with a springboard dropkick and Lynch came back with a superplex. SKY hit consecutive German suplexes after the break for two. Lynch hit an exploder but SKY dropkicked her off the top rope and hit a springboard moonsault for two. The crowd chanted “this is awesome.”
Lynch dodged a moonsault in the ring and hit a Man-handle slam for the pinfall win.
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Solo Sikoa, The Usos and Paul Heyman walked through the back.
There was a big Asuka video package highlighting her successes in NXT and on the main roster with comments from Corey Graves, Zelina Vega, Kevin Owens, Lita, Molly Holly, Charlotte Flair, and MVP.
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Cathy Kelley interviewed Seth Rollins. She asked about Logan Paul sucker-punching him for a second time. Rollins appeared annoyed at the question and even more annoyed upon seeing Mustafa Ali who interrupted them.
Mustafa suggested Rollins think more “positiv-Ali” (positively). Rollins laughed and suggested Ali make a t-shirt out of that. Rollins recalled Ali repeatedly bugging him for a match months ago so he suggested they do the match tonight. Ali tried to go back on his previous demand but Rollins just laughed at him and left. (The match was made official.)
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Seth Rollins defeated Mustafa Ali (2:06)
They let the crowd sing Rollins’ song for a while before starting the match. Ali did not get an entrance.
Rollins stomped Ali’s face as he was trapped upside down in the turnbuckle and followed with another stomp in the middle of the ring for the quick pinfall win. The crowd was happy.
— After the match, Rollins said he would finally get his hands on Logan Paul on night one of WrestleMania. Paul had a history of making a joke out of himself but “if I can’t beat Logan Paul at WrestleMania, he’s not the joke — I am.”
Paul threw him out of the Royal Rumble, cost him the Elimination Chamber and cheap-shotted him twice. Rollins would turn things around on Paul and noted it was Paul’s birthday on April 1st. The crowd would be singing but it wouldn’t be ‘happy birthday.’ The crowd sang Rollins’ song before Rollins told Paul, “I’ll see you at WrestleMania.”
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Baron Corbin complained sincerely to Adam Pearce about not having a match at WrestleMania despite doing all of the signings and appearances for it. Pearce appreciated his sentiment but they were interrupted by Chelsea Green who was less sincere with her complaint. She wanted in the tag turmoil match despite not having a partner. Sonya Deville showed up at that moment so he put them together in a qualifying match tonight. Corbin was baffled.
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[SECOND HOUR]
Brock Lesnar and Omos weigh-in
Omos and MVP entered first. MVP spoke about Brock Lesnar’s past wins at WrestleMania over the likes of Kurt Angle, Goldberg and Roman Reigns — not to mention ending the Undertaker’s streak. However, unlike those men, Lesnar cannot F5 or suplex Omos and cannot beat him at WrestleMania. Omos stepped on the scale and weighed in at 410 lbs.
Lesnar entered. Lesnar was all business as he entered and he went right after Omos. He couldn’t knock down Omos who only stumbled back into the turnbuckle. Lesnar grabbed the scale and was going to use it as a weapon but Omos booted him out of the ring and grabbed the scale.
The crowd chanted “Suplex City” but Lesnar remained outside the ring, once again showing self-doubt.
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Rhea Ripley interview
There was a Charlotte Flair video package.
Byron Saxton interviewed Rhea Ripley. Ripley knew Charlotte’s accomplishments but didn’t need to be reminded every week that she was a 14-time champion. Ripley said she must beat Charlotte, she must be the best and she must be the biggest star in the industry — and needed Charlotte’s title to do so. It was Ripley’s destiny against Charlotte’s legacy and she planned on winning the Smackdown Women’s title at Mania. (This was certainly an improvement over her promo last week.)
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There was a good Finn Bálor pre-taped promo. Bálor invited Edge to go to his dark place, to use candles or whatever he needed to summon it, but Bálor didn’t need to summon his demon because it was always there — you just need to look closely. (His demon face paint appeared at the end.) The production on this was way better than that Edge thing last week.
Eight-man tag match: The Street Profits, Ricochet & Braun Strowman defeated Alpha Academy & The Viking Raiders (w/Valhalla) (11:22)
The good guys won a pretty fun match. Angelo Dawkins ran wild on a hot tag, Strowman ran over everyone outside the ring, Ricochet did a Swanton bomb off Strowman’s shoulders and Montez Ford hit an insane frog splash, flying way over Strowman’s head while turning in mid-air, on Erik for the pinfall win.
(Maxxine Dupri was shown watching in the back.)
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Cody Rhodes interview
Cathy Kelley interviewed Cody Rhodes. She wondered if Rhodes was putting himself in a vulnerable position. Rhodes loved being in this position but he knew how dangerous Solo Sikoa was.
If Paul Heyman was there, Rhodes might ask him why he was facing Heyman’s enforcer — and Heyman always had an enforcer — six days before the big one. They wanted to know if Rhodes had earned it but the fire in him didn’t start recently, it started long ago. Sikoa would find out he isn’t ready and Rhodes would go on to beat Reigns for the title at Mania.
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There was a Bianca Belair video package with comments from Liv Morgan, Graves, Montez Ford, Molly Holly, Beth Phoenix, Rhodes and Owens. Morgan said they knew Belair would be special the day she showed up at the Performance Center and Owens called Belair vs. Asuka a must-see match.
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Austin Theory promo
Austin Theory cut an in-ring promo in the empty area before the show. Theory had a message for John Cena. He cut this promo in the empty arena to show that he didn’t do this for the fans or for the person who wanted to be the next Austin Theory — he did this for himself. Theory wasn’t letting Cena go down as the hero. People looked up to Cena but Cena would be looking up at him after their match. At WrestleMania, the fans would believe in Theory and stop believing in Cena.
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For the second time tonight, while promoting WrestleMania, the announcers encouraged fans attending the show to leave early to arrive at the show on time.
Stacy Keibler was announced for the 2023 Hall of Fame.
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green defeated Candice LeRae & Michin Mia Yim (2:58)
Green distracted the referee while Deville hit Yim with a cheap shot and Green followed with an Unprettier for the pinfall win. Green and Deville are now in the fatal four-way tag match at Mania.
The crowd has been into everything tonight but they were quiet for this.
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Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio entered ahead of a break.
[THIRD HOUR]
They aired clips from the first WrestleMania in 1985.
Paul Heyman interview
Kelley interviewed Paul Heyman. Heyman said Rhodes didn’t show fear because he was not ready. Facing Sikoa mattered because Sikoa was ready — ready to weaken Rhodes for his match against Reigns. Rhodes would not be 100% against Reigns.
Heyman didn’t care if people thought that was unfair because the Tribal Chief was ready to stoop to those levels. That was the difference between Rhodes and Reigns. This was why Reigns stopped being the “Big Dog” and became the Tribal Chief.
Heyman said Rhodes has never been ready. He wasn’t ready to fill the shoes of Dusty Rhodes, or be the man, or beat Reigns. The only thing Rhodes would be ready for on Sunday was to lose to Reigns. Heyman implored Rhodes to be ready for his greatest moment: when he disappointed the fans, be ready to acknowledge Roman Reigns.
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Dominik Mysterio promo
Dominik had a mic and was booed. He called Rey Mysterio a low-life for hitting his own son. He said he would humiliate Rey at Mania and everyone would find out what a failure of a father he was. Dom had them show a replay of Rey decking him on Smackdown.
Dom spoke angrily in Spanish as the crowd booed and told him that he sucked. Dom said, “What kind of father hits his own son? What kind of mother sits there and does nothing?” Dom wished he told his mother to shut up a long time ago.
Dom said, “Dad, I’ve never said this out loud but I wish Eddie was my real father.” Dom wished that Rey never existed because their entire family was a disgrace to the Mysterio name — but that name would be his after WrestleMania.
Dom was awesome here.
Rey Mysterio defeated Damian Priest (w/Dominik Mysterio) via disqualification (3:09)
Rey set up for a 619 but Priest decked him with a clothesline for two. Rey brought Priest down from the top with a leg scissors takedown and hit a 619 but Dom dropped him from the top rope for the DQ.
Dom hammered away at Rey as the crowd booed. Priest held Rey as Dom continued to hit blows until Legado Del Fantasma ran out. Dom and Priest bailed as the crowd loudly chanted “you suck.”
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They plugged the Andre The Giant battle royal on this Friday’s Smackdown.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were all excited to be in the battle royal and Gargano mentioned that it was a particularly busy weekend for him. Rick Boogs and Elias were both pumped to be in the battle royal as well. Elias called himself a lock to win, which drew the ire of the nearby Dexter Lumis, Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley.
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Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn promo
Zayn and Owens cut a backstage promo. Zayn said it was significant that they were getting their tag title match in Los Angeles. Everybody knew that they came up from nothing together in Montreal but they really got their big break in LA. Zayn called this the biggest tag title match of all-time and Owens said he was right.
Owens said the Usos were the best team in WWE up until a week ago. Now, Owens and Zayn would show the world what they can do together in the city where they got their break. Owens said they would achieve the biggest thing they can achieve together and that was winning the undisputed tag titles at WrestleMania.
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Intercontinental Champion Gunther (w/Imperium) defeated Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match (5:49)
Gunther blocked a superkick and dropped Ziggler with a chop. Ziggler hit a fameasser after a break for two. Ziggler tried a Stinger splash but Gunther chopped him out of mid-air. Gunther followed with a powerbomb and Last Symphony for the pinfall win.
— After the match, Gunther said it was a disgrace that he had to defend the IC title in a triple threat but he told Sheamus and Drew McIntyre to take a look at Ziggler because that’s what was awaiting them at WrestleMania.
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Cody Rhodes defeated Solo Sikoa (w/Paul Heyman) (12:53)
Rhodes was briefly in control until Sikoa hit a Samoan drop. Rhodes responded by driving Sikoa into the steel steps before wrapping his leg around the ring post. (Sikoa wore a brace on his left knee.)
Rhodes tried a Disaster kick but Sikoa caught him and hit a suplex. Rhodes came back with punches but Sikoa caught his suicide dive attempt and drove him into the announce table. Sikoa hit a Uranage onto the announce table ahead of a break.
Sikoa remained in control until Rhodes came back with a forearm, snap powerslam, Disaster kick, Cody cutter, and Cross Rhodes but Sikoa got his foot on the rope to break up the pin (it looked like Rhodes told Sikoa to get closer to the ropes moments before, so he did).
Rhodes tried a moonsault but was momentarily distracted by Heyman and Sikoa moved. Sikoa set up for a Samoan Spike but Rhodes hit another Cody Cutter.
The Usos entered to their music and the distraction allowed Sikoa to hit a superkick and Spinning Solo for a nearfall.
Zayn and Owens ran out (to Zayn’s music) to attack the Usos and take them to the back.
Sikoa blocked a Cody cutter but Rhodes ducked a Samoan Spike and hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win.
Rhodes confronted Paul Heyman and Sikoa on Friday’s SmackDown after he defeated Ludwig Kaiser. Heyman said Sikoa would be Rhodes’ final bump in the road prior to WrestleMania next weekend. Rhodes told Sikoa that he wasn’t ready for him.
A new edition of Miz TV has been also announced for Monday’s Raw.
During SmackDown on Friday, a commercial announced that Becky Lynch, Lita, and Trish Stratus will be the guests. This comes just days prior to their six-woman tag team match at WrestleMania, where they will face Bayley, IYO SKY, and Dakota Kai. The six women have been feuding ever since Lita got involved in a steel cage match between Becky Lynch and Bayley. Together, Lita and Lynch teamed up to defeat SKY and Kai to become the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions thanks to help from Stratus.
Brock Lesnar will also be at next week’s Raw, where he will meet Omos in a weigh-in prior to their match at WrestleMania.
The updated lineup for Monday’s Raw:
Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
WrestleMania weigh-in between Brock Lesnar and Omos
It’s Friday and that means it’s time for a special edition of Wrestling Weekly with myself and Les Thatcher.
We lean on Les’ background as a wrestler and a trainer to speak about the Britt Baker vs. Anna Jay A.S. match at last weekend’s AEW House Rules.
We also discuss the AEW Dynamite main event between Kenny Omega and Vikingo that had everyone talking, the show closing segment from WWE Raw, and a special run in from Nigel McGuinness as he prepares for a very special show next week.
The tweet exchange between Knight and Rhodes can be seen below:
Knight: EVERYBODY knows you can’t have an LA Wrestlemania without LA Knight. But @wwe is late to the game, DRAGGING THEIR FEET on giving Wrestlemania the opportunity for an LA Knight moment. It’s about damn time I get a heads up. I’m done waiting.
Rhodes: Well I don’t want to be outta’ practice by #WrestleMania If you’re in Providence, stand opposed…what are we waiting for? #WWERaw
Knight: Whatever any of this gobbledygook meant. It’s amazing all these ‘top guys’ feel the need to be in my business. Threatened much? The answer is clearly YEAH. I can be there in a couple hours, but practice? Buckle up for a long night my guy
Rhodes was involved in the main event angle of SmackDown this past Friday. Rhodes and Sami Zayn stood tall after brawling with The Usos.
It’s also been announced that Kevin Owens will face Solo Sikoa in a street fight on Raw tonight. Owens defeated Sikoa by disqualification last Monday after Jimmy Uso interfered. Zayn made the save for Owens after the match, but Owens is still refusing to work together with Zayn to take out The Bloodline.
A match between Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson and Maximum Male Models had been announced for tonight but is no longer being advertised by WWE. Here’s the updated lineup for the episode:
Cody Rhodes vs. LA Knight
Street fight: Kevin Owens vs. Solo Sikoa
Brock Lesnar & Omos face-to-face
Edge & Finn Balor face-to-face
Non-title match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green
Elias vs. Bronson Reed
Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio)
