The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
This is a very busy episode of Speak Now Pro Wrestling hosted by Denise Salcedo.
There was a lot that occurred on AEW Dynamite which unfortunately included Hangman Adam Page being stretchered out, a great promo exchange between MJF and William Regal, and a lot more.
Plus on the NXT side of things, we had a very entertaining go-home show leading into WWE NXT Halloween Havoc. Tune into the show for a good time!
Sonya Deville came to NXT last night to help out Toxic Attraction.
Deville made a surprise appearance on NXT following a match between Alba Fyre and Toxic Attraction’s Jacy Jayne. Deville, who was disguised as a fan in the crowd, ambushed Fyre as Fyre was heading back up the entrance way after the match. Deville started to beat down Fyre, then Jayne and Gigi Dolin joined in to make it three-on-one.
The attack ended with Deville, Jayne, and Dolin powerbombing Fyre through the announce table.
Jayne and Dolin had said before the match that they had a surprise waiting for Fyre.
Deville was interviewed later in the show and said that, though she and Rose have had their differences in the past, Rose is still her best friend. Deville was there to get payback on Fyre after Fyre abducted Rose last week.
Deville will be back on NXT next Tuesday for a match against Fyre.
It was also officially confirmed last night that Fyre will challenge Rose for the NXT Women’s Championship at Halloween Havoc. That special is taking place on Saturday, October 22.
More coverage from last night —
WWE NXT video highlights —
Bron Breakker vs. Javier Bernal
Halloween Havoc qualifying match: Axiom vs. Nathan Frazer (best-of-three finale)
Apollo Crews will leave Grayson Waller in the dark at Halloween Havoc
Indi Hartwell vs. Valentina Feroz
Cora Jade learns Roxanne Perez has plenty of options for Pick Your Poison
Triple threat NXT Tag Team title number one contender’s match
Alba Fyre vs. Jacy Jayne, Sonya Deville appears
Nikkita Lyons & Zoey Stark video package
Big Hanky gives Quincy Elliott a pat of encouragement
Wes Lee vs. Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo
Sonya Deville says Mandy Rose is still her best friend
Roderick Strong apologizes for bringing Damon Kemp into Diamond Mine
Thea Hail vs. Kiana James
Cameron Grimes teases that he’ll have two main roster partners when he faces Schism next week
Ilja Dragunov vs. Grayson Waller
Bron Breakker spears Ilja Dragunov
NXT fallout: Edris Enofe & Malik Blade are ready to become tag team champions
NXT fallout: Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams are on the hunt for Wes Lee
NXT fallout: Mark Long of The Challenge has Grayson Waller’s back
Five matches have been announced for next week’s NXT.
Channing ‘Stacks’ Lorenzo will meet a mystery opponent, Alba Fyre will meet Sonya Deville, and Cameron Grimes will team with two mystery partners against The Schism (Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, and Jagger Reid). Additionally, Cora Jade and Roxanne Perez will face off in a Pick Your Poison match, where Perez will select an opponent for Jade and vice versa.
Fyre will meet Deville after Deville made a surprise appearance on Tuesday’s NXT, attacking Fyre after she had defeated Jacy Jayne. Gigi Dolin and Jayne joined in on the attack, putting Fyre through a table. Later in a backstage promo, Deville said that she and Mandy Rose were still friends and would face Fyre next week.
Cameron Grimes this week attacked Joe Gacy and the rest of the Schism at ringside, allowing Edris Enofe and Malik Blade to become the new number one contenders for the NXT Tag Team titles. Later backstage, Gacy made a three on one handicap match for next week, saying that Grimes had no one he could team with. Grimes told McKenzie Mitchell backstage that while it was true there was no one in NXT he could trust, that didn’t mean the entire WWE.
After Stacks lost to Wes Lee, Tony D’Angelo met him backstage and was disappointed with his loss. He said that next week, he would wrestle an opponent of his choosing. Stacks repeatedly asked who his opponent was, but D’Angelo wouldn’t say who.
Cora Jade was interviewed backstage about Roxanne Perez going to SmackDown on Friday, having spoke with people on both Raw and SmackDown. Later, Jade said that while Perez may be going to SmackDown, she got a call from Rhea Ripley and would be heading to Raw this coming Monday.
Here is the lineup for next Tuesday’s NXT:
Sonya Deville appeared on Tuesday’s NXT, attacking Alba Fyre.
Fyre had defeated Jacy Jayne and was walking to the back when a hooded figure in the crowd attacked her. Deville revealed herself and continued to attack Fyre, with Jayne and Gigi Dolin joining in. The three eventually powerbombed Fyre through the announcer’s table.
Later backstage, Deville told McKenzie Mitchell that although she and Mandy Rose had their differences in the past, they are still friends. She said she has Toxic Attraction’s back, and she’ll face Fyre in a match next week if she chooses to accept.
On last week’s NXT, Fyre attacked Toxic Attraction and kidnapped Mandy Rose. On Tuesday’s show, Fyre explained that after she “went on a joyride” with Rose, she got a NXT Women’s Championship match for Halloween Havoc, which will take place on October 22.
Deville is a regular on the SmackDown brand. She last wrestled on October 7, teaming with Xia Li in a losing effort against Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez.
Liv Morgan’s challenger for Extreme Rules is set to be determined on SmackDown tonight.
WWE has announced that Ronda Rousey, Sonya Deville, Natalya, Xia Li, and Lacey Evans will face off in a fatal five-way elimination match on tonight’s SmackDown. The winner will challenge for Morgan’s SmackDown Women’s Championship at Extreme Rules on Saturday, October 8.
Morgan won the SmackDown Women’s Championship by cashing in on Rousey at Money in the Bank this July. Morgan then retained against Rousey at SummerSlam, but the match had a disputed finish where the referee missed Morgan tapping out to an armbar.
In storyline, Rousey was suspended for attacking a referee after her SummerSlam match against Morgan. She was officially reinstated from the suspension last week.
Morgan defeated Shayna Baszler to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship at Clash at the Castle last Saturday.
WWE has also announced an eight-man tag match for tonight’s SmackDown. The Street Profits will team with Hit Row against Maximum Male Models & Los Lotharios.
Tonight’s show is being held at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Here’s the updated lineup:
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Sonya Deville is no longer a WWE official in storyline, but remains on the WWE roster as a wrestler.
On tonight’s Raw, WWE official Adam Pearce attempted to explain something to Deville, but she wasn’t interested and instead asked who her opponent was tonight. She cut off Pearce then declared she didn’t care who it was. After she came to the ring, Pearce arrived and said he tried to tell Sonya backstage that the investigation behind her recent actions had concluded, and she was hereby fired as a WWE official. However, he pointed out she was still a WWE superstar, and said her opponent was a returning Alexa Bliss. A stunned Deville then lost to Bliss in under a minute.
Deville had been “under investigation” in recent weeks due to putting herself into a Raw Women’s title match against Bianca Belair by tricking Belair to come to the ring for a contract signing, only for Deville to attack her and sign the contract herself. Deville then lost the title match on the April 25 edition of Raw.
After returning from a hiatus in January 2021, Deville was named an assistant to Pearce, and later became a full-fledged authority figure. Deville spent much of the second half of 2021 feuding with Naomi, often using her authoritative powers to stack the deck against Naomi.
Date: April 25, 2022
Location: Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN
The Big Takeaway —
Asuka returned, Mustafa Ali returned, Ciampa turned heel, Bianca Belair retained her title, and Randy Orton handed out plenty of RKOs on his 20th anniversary night.
Show Recap —
Randy Orton’s 20th-anniversary celebration
Riddle was in the ring and the Raw roster surrounded ringside. (Seth Rollins sat alone next to the commentary table.)
Riddle played an Orton video package. It started with his debut win over Hardcore Holly on Smackdown 20 years ago and spanned his career including his time in Evolution, his first world title win, his time as the legend killer, and his many title reigns including his current tag title reign with Riddle. Orton said he’s been having a ton of fun because his partner is fun to be around and it’s reignited his passion. The crowd gave the video a big ovation.
Orton entered and the crowd chanted for him. Orton said he appreciated Riddle. He mentioned that Knoxville, Tennessee is actually where he was born and it was cool that they were doing this here. Orton said there have been a lot of ups and downs but he hoped the fans weren’t getting sick of him because he wasn’t going anywhere for a long time.
Orton said he’s had a lot of great moments and matches including matches against John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Undertaker and Mick Foley. In fact, it was because of Foley he became the legend killer. Triple H and Ric Flair deserved credit as well.
Orton was having more fun than he’s ever had and it was because of Riddle. Orton told him, “I love you, man.” They hugged. Orton said the fans have always supported him through everything and he loved them all as well.
Riddle had a surprise for Orton — a man who looked up to Orton and once considered him a friend. Riddle introduced Cody Rhodes. Rhodes hugged Orton. Riddle acted jealous.
Rollins grabbed a mic and interrupted. Rollins warned Orton not to trust Rhodes. He claimed Rhodes was just there to steal his spotlight. Rollins told Rhodes that not everything was about him. Rollins said tonight was about Orton whose time was in the past. Rollins said the next generation would be inspired by him, not Orton or Rhodes or Riddle.
Ezekiel interrupted. As a newer superstar on the roster, he wanted to introduce himself to Orton. Kevin Owens marched out through the crowd and accused Ezekiel of being a liar.
Owens ranted like a mad man until the Usos interrupted next. The Usos said their favourite Orton moment would be when they beat RK-Bro at Backlash to unify the titles.
Adam Pearce entered to sign an eight-man tag match. Rollins, Owens and the Usos against Rhodes, Ezekiel, Riddle and Orton.
Owens decked Ezekiel so Orton dropped Owens with an RKO.
********
Glenn Jacobs was shown speaking with Bianca Belair in the back.
Bianca Belair defeated Sonya Deville via count out to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (0:45)
Belair chucked Deville over the announce table and won in 45 seconds by count-out. Deville said this shouldn’t count because she slipped on water and had the match restarted as a no count-out match.
No count-out match: Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair defeated Sonya Deville via disqualification (0:52)
Deville hit Belair with a chair for a DQ in under a minute. She claimed that Belair used a weapon — her hair — first, so this shouldn’t count either. She had the match restarted as a no count-out, no DQ match.
(I don’t know if those were officially matches or not, but I’m listing them anyway.)
No count-out, no disqualification match: Bianca Belair defeated Sonya Deville to retain the Raw Women’s Championship (6:08)
Deville immediately signalled to the back and Carmella and Queen Zelina marched out to assist her. After a break, they were teaming up on Belair who fought them off. Deville drove Belair face-first into the middle turnbuckle and gave her a DDT onto a steel chair for a nearfall.
Belair once again fought off both Zelina and Carmella before giving Deville a KOD for the pinfall win. Belair retains the title. The crowd was happy.
********
Carmella and Zelina argued in the back until they were interrupted by Deville. She informed them that they screwed up her title chance so now they wouldn’t be getting theirs. Zelina didn’t like this news so Deville slapped her. Carmella spoke up too so Deville slapped her even harder. Deville let them know that she was still the boss.
********
Edge & Damian Priest segment
Like last week, Edge sat on his throne with Damian Priest by his side. Edge said Priest would finish his business with Finn Bálor tonight. Edge insulted Tennessee’s college football team, mocked the fans and mocked AJ Styles. Priest said Bálor would face his judgment day. (Edge said a lot of words but that was the gist of it.)
********
Veer Mahaan defeated Sam Smothers (0:36)
Mahaan won quickly by submission with the “Cervical Clutch” (modified camel clutch).
After the match, Mahaan reapplied the hold before slamming the guy on the announce table. Mahaan leaped onto the table and applied the hold again.
********
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Bobby Lashley who was warming up as if he was getting ready for a fight. She noted that he didn’t seem to be warming up for an arm wrestling contest. Lashley said he was pretty confident in his arm wrestling abilities but he didn’t trust Omos or MVP.
[SECOND HOUR]
They showed tweets from John Cena, Drew McIntyre and Triple H congratulating Orton on his anniversary.
Arm Wrestling Match: Bobby Lashley defeated Omos (w/MVP)
This went exactly as you’d expect.
Omos was initially winning but as MVP berated Lashley, Lashley powered up and won. Omos attacked Lashley afterwards and slammed the arm wrestling apparatus onto him.
********
There was a segment earlier today with R-Truth giving couples counselling to Reggie, Dana Brooke, Tamina and Akira Tozawa. This resulted in a mixed tag match with Truth as the referee.
Mixed tag team match: Tamina & Akira Tozawa defeated 24/7 Champion Dana Brooke & Reggie (1:31)
Tozawa won with a diving senton on Reggie.
Tozawa tried to pin Brooke afterwards for the 24/7 title but Truth broke it up. Truth, still dressed as a referee, tried to pin Brooke while also counting the fall but she kicked out and ran away.
********
Becky Lynch promo / Asuka return
A downtrodden Lynch entered. She said it’s been three years since she walked out on Raw without her championship, three years since somebody has been able to beat her. She almost didn’t want to appear tonight because she didn’t know who she was without the title. “I’ve hit rock bottom. That’s it. That’s all I have to say.”
Lynch was about to drop the mic but she realized that being at the bottom meant there was only one way to go. This would be the beginning of an epic Becky Lynch comeback and the fans would be lucky enough to witness it. She would topple Belair and she would be champion forever because no one could stop her.
Asuka entered to a big reaction. Lynch froze.
Asuka told Lynch: “I will stop you. Because no one is ready for Asuka.”
Asuka flicked Lynch’s nose. Lynch took a swing at Asuka, Asuka ducked and swung back but Lynch bailed.
********
Backstage, the Street Profits spoke about Orton before congratulating Belair on retaining her title. They spoke about tonight’s match before announcing, per Adam Pearce, that they would face the winners of the tag title unification match.
********
Damian Priest defeated Finn Bálor (7:21)
Edge watched from his throne on the stage. Priest was announced as “representing Judgment Day.”
Priest gave Bálor a Razor’s Edge onto the apron which led to break 90 seconds into the match. Bálor came back with his usual offense and countered a chokeslam into a cradle for two.
Bálor went to the top but was distracted by… Edge standing up off his chair. Priest grabbed Bálor and hit a big chokeslam and flatliner for the pinfall win.
[THIRD HOUR]
Miz TV with guest Theory / Mustafa Ali returns
Miz introduced Theory and they took a selfie together. Miz spoke about their similarities before asking Theory what it was like being US champion.
Theory said he looked up to Miz and planned on living up to his standards. Theory wanted to prove he was the best investment Mr. McMahon has ever made and would take the US title to new heights. The crowd chanted “what” at Theory throughout his promo.
Mustafa Ali interrupted. Ali was all smiles. He received a moderate “welcome back” chant.
Miz asked if Ali still worked here and Theory asked if he was the guy who took his ball and went home.
Miz made a joke at Ali’s expense and Ali said if he wanted to laugh he would watch Miz try to wrestle. Ali challenged Theory to a US title match tonight. The crowd cheered.
Theory said no. Ali wondered if Theory was all biceps and no balls. Ali said Theory was running away from a fight like he was the Miz. Theory stood up for the Miz and called him a future Hall of Famer who would never run away from a fight.
Miz said he would love to embarrass Ali but he doesn’t have a magic wand to make a match whenever he wanted. Theory said, “but I do.” Theory had texted McMahon who made a match between Miz and Ali. Miz wasn’t happy.
Miz told Ali, “I’m gonna make you wish you got your walking papers.” Ali smacked him.
********
Mustafa Ali defeated The Miz (6:42)
Miz was in control until Ali came back with a spinning kick, a chop, and a rolling neckbreaker for two. Miz responded with a DDT for two. Miz shoved Ali off the rope and he landed awkwardly on his leg. Miz went for the Figure Four but Ali reversed into a cradle for the pinfall win.
— As Ali posed on the stage after the match, Tommaso Ciampa rushed in from nowhere and decked him. (They abruptly cut away from this.)
The announcers referred to him only as “Ciampa.”
********
Schreiber interviewed Rhea Ripley. Ripley said she finally opened her eyes. When she first arrived on Raw, she won the championship on her own. Since then, she’s had teammates who have done nothing but drag her down.
Liv Morgan barged in and attacked Ripley until they were quickly separated by officials.
*******
Chad Gable argued with Owens about payment for last week’s segment. Owens still didn’t want to pay him. Rollins interrupted because he wanted to speak to Owens. They argued until they were interrupted by the Usos. Jey and Jimmy told them to stay on their page because Rollins and Owens don’t want to be on Roman Reigns’ bad side. Rollins laughed and the Usos walked away. Rollins tried to play nice with Owens but Owens walked away from him too.
********
Kevin Patrick interviewed MVP and Omos. MVP said the arm wrestling challenge wasn’t about brawn, it was about brains, and Lashley showed why he’d be nothing without him. Omos challenged Lashley to a match at Backlash. (They piped in booing for Omos.)
********
10:27pm: Cody enters. Commercial break.
10:31pm: MVP/Omos interview
10:35pm: Ezekiel enters, RK-Bro enters.
10:37pm: Usos, Owens, Rollins enter.
10:40pm: Ezekiel attacks Owens. Teams brawl leading to commercial break.
10:43pm: Back from break, main event is underway.
********
Eight-man tag match: Cody Rhodes, Ezekiel & Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton & Riddle defeated Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens & Smackdown Tag Team Champions The Usos (approx. 15:13)
(Ezekiel’s physique and tassels on his arms make his body look like Ultimate Warrior’s.)
Orton and Rhodes worked together early on but the Usos used their numbers advantage to take control over Rhodes. Rollins waited for Rhodes to be down before tagging in but Rhodes fought him off and tagged in Ezekiel.
Ezekiel hit Rollins with a jumping knee and spinebuster for two. Riddle tagged in and hit a few moves until Jimmy Uso attacked him from behind and Rollins brought him down with an impressive reverse superplex.
After a break, Riddle brought down Rollins with a floating bro but Jimmy prevented a tag. Riddle fought him off but the heels knocked all of the babyfaces off the apron so he couldn’t tag out. Owens hit a senton for two but Orton managed to tag himself in.
Orton handed out back suplexes to Jey, Rollins and Owens onto the announce table before giving Jey a draping DDT. Rhodes gave Rollins a Disaster kick and Orton followed with an RKO. Ezekiel assisted Orton into giving Owens an RKO, and Riddle assisted in Orton giving Jimmy an RKO.
Jey tried a splash but Orton countered into an RKO for the pinfall win.
The crowd cheered and the good guys posed as the show ended.
A Women’s Championship match and an arm wrestling challenge have been announced for next week’s WWE Raw.
In her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, Bianca Belair will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Sonya Deville.
In her storyline role as a WWE official, Deville announced herself as Belair’s next challenger on last week’s Raw. On this week’s episode, Belair said that she wanted the match right away. Instead, Deville said that she would take the title from Belair in her hometown on next week’s show. Belair was fined $1 in storyline by Adam Pearce for putting her hands on Deville after threatening to hit her with the KOD finisher on Raw.
Also announced for next week, Bobby Lashley will face Omos in an arm wrestling challenge.
Lashley defeated Omos at WrestleMania 38. On the Raw after WrestleMania, Omos aligned with Lashley’s former manager MVP.
Here is the announced lineup for next week:
WWE Raw, Monday, April 25 —
Sonya Deville will officially be the first challenger for Bianca Belair’s Raw Women’s Championship.
During Wednesday’s episode of WWE’s The Bump, it was announced that Belair will defend her Raw Women’s Championship against Deville at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8. The title match was set up on Raw earlier this week.
Belair won the Raw Women’s Championship by defeating Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 38 night one.
Belair defeated Zelina Vega in a match on Raw this week. After the match, Deville appeared and mentioned Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, and Dana Brooke as potential first challengers for Belair. Belair said she was ready for whoever Deville had.
Belair signed an open contract for a title match and was waiting for her opponent to emerge. But Deville attacked Belair from behind, named herself as Belair’s challenger, and signed the contract.
Deville has been an on-screen authority figure for WWE since the beginning of 2021. She’s also wrestled while being an authority figure.
In a backstage segment on Raw, fellow authority figure Adam Pearce told Deville that naming herself as Belair’s next challenger was a complete and total abuse of power. Pearce said he couldn’t believe Deville thought she was going to get away with it. Deville said she made it official — and there’s nothing Pearce can do to stop her.
WrestleMania Backlash is being held at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Bianca Belair’s first challenger for the Raw Women’s Championship is set.
On-screen authority figure Sonya Deville announced herself as Belair’s first challenger on this week’s WWE Raw episode.
In her role as WWE official, Deville presented Belair with an open contract to sign before Belair’s opponent was revealed. Deville touted the depth of the women’s division, mentioning Becky Lynch, Rhea Ripley, Carmella, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Doudrop, and Dana Brooke as potential opponents.
Belair then signed the contract. Deville made a show of announcing the opponent, calling them a generational superstar who broke down social norms. Deville then attacked Belair from behind with a chop block, announced herself as the challenger, then signed the contract herself.
In a backstage segment later in the show, on-screen official Adam Pearce chastised Deville for abusing her power in naming herself Belair’s opponent.
Belair won the Raw Women’s title at WrestleMania 38, defeating Becky Lynch to capture the Raw Championship for the first time.
The road to WrestleMania continues on tonight’s SmackDown from the FTX Arena in Miami, Florida.
Ronda Rousey makes her SmackDown in-ring debut when she goes one-on-one with Sonya Deville tonight. Last week, Charlotte Flair and Deville attacked Rousey by injuring her knee, but she fought them off.
Two title matches are also set for tonight. Sami Zayn will put his Intercontinental Championship on the line against Ricochet, while The Viking Raiders will challenge The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles.
Last week, Zayn claimed he’d face all challengers. Johnny Knoxville interrupted and accepted his challenge, but Zayn turned him down. Zayn pretended to leave but then viciously attacked Knoxville.
Ricochet approached Zayn backstage later that night and issued his challenge, which Zayn accepted.
The Usos vs. Viking Raiders was originally supposed to happen at Elimination Chamber last month, but The Usos injured The Viking Raiders before they got to the ring.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They started with a series of short promos similar to the old Saturday Night’s Main Event opening. They’ve done this type of opening once or twice before. It’s a nice change from the predictable opening with the long-talking segment.
Paul Heyman announced that Universal Champion Roman Reigns makes an appearance tonight so the fans can acknowledge him later.
Ronda Rousey discussed her first match on SmackDown tonight and promised to defeat Deville. Deville responded that she would give Rousey her first-ever loss on SmackDown.
The Viking Raiders pledged to win the tag team titles. The Usos pretended to be afraid but then vowed to defeat the Raiders.
Ricochet praised Sami Zayn, but he’s still going to beat him for the title. Zayn mocked Ricochet’s high flying and guaranteed he’d retain his title. Zayn then made his way to the ring.
They recapped Sami Zayn attacking Johnny Knoxville last week.
Ricochet defeated Sami Zayn to win the Intercontinental Championship (9:25)
Ricochet and Zayn had a great match and hot opener. The fans popped big for the title change.
Ricochet rolled up Zayn at the bell for a near fall. He followed up with a standing dropkick. He attempted a springboard clothesline, but Zayn avoided it. He rocked Ricochet with a clothesline to take over.
Zayn then slowed the pace down, but Ricochet fought back. They ended up fighting on the apron. Ricochet went for a superkick, but Zayn caught his leg and hit a half-nelson suplex.
Back from the break, Ricochet did a slingshot flip into a hurricanrana, but Zayn countered into a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall.
Ricochet fought back and hit a moonsault for another close near fall. He followed up with a space-flying tiger drop to a huge reaction from the fans.
Ricochet climbed to the top, but Zayn cut him off. Zayn was firmly in control when Johnny Knoxville’s music started to play. Knoxville walked out and distracted Zayn. Ricochet took advantage and caught Zayn with an hurricanrana for the win.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee discussed the line-up tonight. Cole turned his attention to McAfee’s interview with Vince McMahon.
They showed highlights from the Pat McAfee Show, including McMahon’s announcement that he’s inducting Undertaker into the Hall of Fame and offering McAfee a WrestleMania match.
They showed Mr. McMahon’s office backstage. Cole speculated that they might find out McAfee’s WrestleMania opponent next.
Austin Theory-Pat McAfee Segment
This was a good segment setting up McAfee’s WrestleMania match. McAfee was good in his role and got a good reaction from the fans.
Austin Theory made his way to the ring and claimed McMahon tricked McAfee yesterday. He said that McMahon wants to see someone shut McAfee’s mouth at WrestleMania.
Theory and McAfee went face-to-face at the commentary table. Theory announced that he’s McAfee’s WrestleMania opponent. He then slapped McAfee in the face and knocked off his headset.
Theory walked off and took a selfie. McAfee was furious and jumped on the table. He acted like he didn’t know Theory and blamed Cole. McAfee got a big reaction from the crowd.
Naomi (w/Sasha Banks) defeated Carmella (w/Zelina Vega) (2:10)
Naomi and Carmella had a fine match.
The bell rang and Carmella jumped out of the ring to put on her mask. Naomi kicked Carmella in the side of the head when she tried re-enter. Naomi climbed to the top rope, but Carmella recovered and cut her off.
Carmella slowed the pace down, but Naomi fought back. She rocked Carmella with a kick to head for a near fall. Carmella briefly gained control but Naomi recovered.
Vega jumped on the apron, but Banks pulled her off and hit the Meteora against the stairs. Naomi regained control and hit the split-legged moonsault for the win.
In the back, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss played poker with a bunch of their friends. Corbin mocked Moss for having a weak hand. He bragged about his accomplishments at WrestleMania.
Corbin made fun of Drew McIntyre, and Moss did a bad impression. They watched McIntyre make his entrance on a nearby TV.
Drew McIntyre defeated Jinder Mahal (w/Shanky)(2:07)
McIntyre and Mahal had a fine match that was kept short.
Mahal scored an early near fall and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. McIntyre fought back and hit a belly-to-belly suplex to take over. He followed up with a second suplex and a neck breaker.
Shanky jumped on the apron, but McIntyre knocked him off. Mahal tried to take advantage and went for the Khallas. McIntyre broke free with the Glasgow kiss. He then hit the Claymore for the win.
After the match, Kayla Braxton interviewed McIntyre in the ring. He’s not worried about Corbin and Moss. He promised to end Happy Corbin’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania.
Corbin, Moss, and his friends watched McIntyre’s match and interview. Moss tried to make a joke, but Cobin was worried about McIntyre.
They recapped the Roman Reigns-Brock Lesnar contract signing from last week.
Rick Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura started to make their entrance when The Usos suddenly attacked them. They beat down Nakamura and Boogs and posed. Cole and McAfee were confused and didn’t understand The Usos’ motivation.
Roman Reigns music started to play and Cole and McAfee understood that Reigns was ready to talk. The Universal Champion, Paul Heyman, and The Usos slowly made their way to the ring.
Roman Reigns Segment
This was a good segment. Reigns gave another firey promo.
Reigns got a mixed reaction at first, but then the fans broke into a loud “Roman” chant. Reigns took the mic and demanded that Miami acknowledge him.
Reigns noted he defends his title tomorrow night in Madison Square Garden, as does Lesnar. Reigns promised to defeat whoever stands in his way tomorrow.
Reigns claimed some people don’t even want Lesnar to make it to WrestleMania. He added that he wants Lesnar to make it to Dallas to hand him the WWE title. Reigns wondered if they should give the fans a spoiler tonight.
Reigns then promised to beat Lesnar at WrestleMania 38 and hold the Universal and WWE titles over his head as $5 million worth of fireworks goes off. He guaranteed that Lesnar would acknowledge him.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defeated The Viking Raiders (8:21)
The Usos and Viking Raiders had a good hard-hitting and fast-paced match.
Erik threw The Usos out of the ring, and Ivar hit a cannonball off the apron. Ivar then hit a flying splash on Jimmy for a close near fall. The Viking Raiders went for the Viking Experience, but Jey made the save.
The heels took over and isolated Erik on their side of the ring. The Usos beat Erik around ringside and threw him over the barricade.
Back from the break, Ivar threw Jey and Erik caught him. They then hit a springboard kick/German suplex combo. Jey fought back and tagged in Jimmy. He went for the splash, but Erik got his knees up. The Viking Raiders hit the Viking Experience on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the pin attempt.
The Viking Raiders went for the springboard/German suplex combo again, but Jimmy pulled Ivar out of the ring. Jey and Erik then traded pin attempts. The finish came when The Usos hit the 1D on Erik to retain the titles.
Big E (w/Kofi Kingston) vs. Sheamus (w/Ridge Holland)
The match didn’t end up happening and turned into an angle instead.
They showed New Day driving around on Big E’s ATV backstage. New Day drove the ATV to the ring as well.
They recapped Sheamus and Holland confronting New Day last week.
Big E and Sheamus faced off in the ring. Kofi Kingston jumped on the ATV and started playing “New Day Rocks” on the horn. Holland grabbed a chair and hit Kingston from behind. He then attacked the ATV with the chair as well.
Sheamus jumped Big E in the ring, and the heels drove off on the ATV to end the segment.
During the commercial break, Sheamus and Holland destroyed the ATV with sledgehammers in the parking lot. Cole stressed that Kingston bought the ATV for Big E as a birthday gift last week.
They recapped Ricochet beating Sami Zayn and Johnny Knoxville’s appearance.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Knoxville. Knoxville noted he put his body through crazy situations and isn’t afraid of Zayn. He accepted Zayn’s WrestleMania challenge.
Happy Corbin and his friends were playing poker still when Drew McIntyre entered and put his sword through the dartboard.
Ronda Rousey defeated Sonya Deville (3:15)
They kept the match short, but it was more about showcasing Rousey. Rousey looked good, and the fans were solidly behind her.
Before the match, Deville yelled at referee Charles Robinson and reminded him that she’s his boss.
Rousey got an epic introduction running down her accomplishments. She came out wearing a knee brace.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair joined McAfee and Cole on commentary. However, she distracted Rousey before sitting down. Deville took advantage and hit a chop block on Rousey’s injured knee.
Deville followed up with a jumping knee and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. The fans broke into a loud “Ronda” chant.
Rousey fought back and choked Deville on the ropes. She rocked Deville with a running knee on the apron. She followed up with a jumping knee in the ring.
Rousey fired up and backed Deville in the corner with rights and lefts. She then hit Piper’s Pit and locked on the armbar for the win.
After the match, Rousey challenged Flair to get in the ring. Flair got in the ring, but Rousey locked on the ankle lock, and Flair tapped out. Throughout the match, Flair claimed that Rousey’s a one-trick pony because she only has the armbar submission. Cole noted the ankle lock proves Rousey’s not a one-trick pony.
Next Week: Big E & Kofi Kingston take on Sheamus & Ridge Holland. Plus, Sasha Banks goes one-on-one with Zelina Vega.
Ronda Rousey vs. Sonya Deville, along with two title matches, has been announced for next week’s SmackDown.
Alongside Rousey vs. Deville, The Viking Raiders will challenge The Usos for the SmackDown Tag Team titles while Sami Zayn will defend the Intercontinental title against Ricochet.
At the start of tonight’s show, Deville jumped Rousey as she was listening to Charlotte Flair on the entrance ramp. Flair attacked Rousey’s leg, but Rousey was still able to ward off Deville. Adam Pearce backstage later told Deville WWE higher-ups had confirmed a match between her and Rousey for next week.
Zayn had a confrontation with Johnny Knoxville, which ended with Zayn laying out Knoxville. Pearce was scolding Zayn backstage when Ricochet came up and challenged Zayn, who refused. Pearce then made the match.
After they jumped The Viking Raiders at Elimination Chamber last weekend, effectively canceling the SmackDown Tag Team title match on the show, The Usos were jumped by The Viking Raiders on tonight’s show.
In her second on-screen match back since returning at last month’s WWE Royal Rumble, Ronda Rousey will have to wrestle with one arm tied behind her back at Saturday’s Elimination Chamber show in Saudi Arabia.
PWInsider first reported the news, adding it will be revealed on this Friday’s SmackDown on Fox which was taped last week in New Orleans, Louisiana, due to talent traveling overseas.
On Saturday, Rousey will team with Naomi against SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Sonya Deville. Friday’s show will have an in-ring contract signing, some unflattering footage of which leaked after the show.
Here’s the full card for Saturday’s show on Peacock/WWE Network:
The show-closing angle of last night’s SmackDown set the stage for a tag team match at the Elimination Chamber.
In last night’s main event, Charlotte Flair defeated Naomi to retain the SmackDown Women’s Championship. Sonya Deville then taunted Naomi after the match. Naomi started to beat down Deville but was attacked by Charlotte.
With it being two-on-one against Naomi, Ronda Rousey ran down to make the save. Rousey was going to put Deville in an armbar for the second straight week and injure her good arm, but Charlotte pulled Deville out of the ring.
Rousey & Naomi will face Charlotte & Deville at the Elimination Chamber in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, February 19.
The build to the Elimination Chamber also continued with Michael Cole interviewing Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Goldberg last night. The two will meet for a face-to-face segment on next Friday’s SmackDown.
More coverage from last night —
WWE SmackDown video highlights —
Vince McMahon denies Sonya Deville’s request to suspend Ronda Rousey
Big E & Kofi Kingston vs. Los Lotharios
The Usos attack The Viking Raiders, Madcap Moss tries to get out of facing Drew McIntyre
Roman Reigns interview
Dungeon-style match: Aliyah vs. Natalya
The Rock honors his father Rocky Johnson as part of Black History Month
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs appear on In-Zayn
Cesaro vs. Happy Corbin
Goldberg interview
Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi for the SmackDown Women’s Championship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7he3AhOWOmw
SmackDown fallout: Ronda Rousey doesn’t like bullies
