Mercedes Mone is thankful to have had some of her closest friends supporting her at AEW Big Business.
Mone arrived in AEW on Wednesday night’s Big Business edition of Dynamite. Among those in attendance at Boston’s TD Garden were WWE wrestlers Bayley, Naomi, and Tamina. They made a social media post on Wednesday joking that no one would know it was them if they wore disguises to the show.
Mone’s promo kicked off Dynamite last night. At the end of the episode, Mone saved Willow Nightingale from an attack by Julia Hart and Skye Blue.
Until last night, Mone had been out of action since May 2023 due to an ankle injury. She had suffered the injury during a match against Nightingale for NJPW.
Samuray Del Sol (former WWE wrestler Kalisto) was also at Big Business to support his friend Mone.
Tamina has replaced Alyiah in tonight’s women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match.
A match between Shotzi and Tamina was announced shortly before tonight’s show started. It has not been announced why Alyiah was removed from tonight’s show, which takes place in Austin, Texas.
The winner between Tamina and Shotzi will move on to the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match, which takes place on July 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Participants that have already qualified include Lacey Evans, Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, and Asuka.
Another qualifying match will also take place tonight, with Sami Zayn taking on Shinsuke Nakamura for a spot in the men’s ladder match.
Here is the current card for tonight’s SmackDown:
Intercontinental Champion Gunther defends against Ricochet
Money in the Bank qualifying match: Sami Zayn vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Money in the Bank qualifying match: Shotzi vs. Tamina
Drew McIntyre will “explain the path he will take to claim the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship”
WWE wrestler Tamina Snuka recently got surprised with a new home by her cousin Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
In an Instagram post on Thursday night, Johnson shared video of him surprising Tamina with a new home that he bought for her. Johnson wrote that Tamina’s gone through some tough times during her life, but “regardless of what life’s thrown her way — she was ALWAYS determined to break the cycle and become a strong and inspiring single mom example to her two greatest inspirations — her daughters, Milaneta & Maleata.”
Johnson praised Tamina for using those hard times she went through as her reason to work harder and make it in pro wrestling.
Hard to explain these emotions for all of us as I led @saronasnukawwe thru her new door.
This one felt good.
Surprise cuz — enjoy your new home!!
I’ve known my cousin Sarona since we were little kids growing up together.
Man this girl’s gone thru some tough times, but regardless of what life’s thrown her way – she was ALWAYS determined to break the cycle and become a strong and inspiring single mom example to her two greatest inspirations — her daughters, Milaneta & Maleata
Its so damn hard to make it as a pro wrestler.
And it’s even way harder to make it if you’re a woman.
Sarona (like many amazing women in pro wrestling) made her mind up long ago that she was gonna walk the walk and earn her respect in pro wrestling and make sure that the hard times she’s experienced were always her REASON to WORK HARDER and never let it become the EXCUSE to GIVE UP.
And that’s what she did.
And that’s why my heart’s proud.
Love you cuz and we always got your back.
Welcome home and we breaking out the @Teremana baby!!!
A very special THANK YOU to our @bianca.a.aubrey & her company @beyond_estates for helping me create this magical moment. You’re the best B!!
The 44-year-old Tamina is the daughter of Jimmy Snuka. She’s a one-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion and has recently been involved in the WWE 24/7 Championship picture.
WWE has announced a few additions to the lineup for Monday’s episode of Raw.
The WWE Women’s Tag Team titles will be on the line as Natalya & Tamina defend their titles against Nikki A.S.H. & Rhea Ripley on Monday night. Ripley & Nikki A.S.H. defeated Natalya & Tamina in a non-title match on the September 6 edition of the show.
On Raw earlier this week, Nikki A.S.H. defeated Tamina and Ripley defeated Natalya in singles matches.
A match with United States title implications is also set for Monday’s Raw. Sheamus and Jeff Hardy will face off on the show. If Hardy wins, the United States title match at Extreme Rules will become a triple threat match. Damian Priest is scheduled to defend his U.S. title against Sheamus at the pay-per-view.
Hardy unsuccessfully challenged for Priest’s title on Raw this past Monday.
Plus, two segments have been added to Monday’s Raw. The New Day will celebrate Big E’s WWE Championship win, while Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will appear on Alexa’s Playground. Charlotte is defending her title against Bliss at Extreme Rules.
The New Day vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns & SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos will headline Monday’s Raw.
Monday’s Raw is taking place at the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. It’s Raw’s go-home show for Extreme Rules. Here’s the updated card for the episode:
The New Day (WWE Champion Big E, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns & SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina defend against Nikki A.S.H. & Rhea Ripley
Sheamus vs. Jeff Hardy (if Hardy wins, he’ll be added to Damian Priest and Sheamus’ United States title match at Extreme Rules)
The New Day will celebrate Big E’s WWE Championship win
Raw Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair will appear on Alexa’s Playground
Nox and Shotzi will soon get a shot at the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
On tonight’s SmackDown, they faced champions Tamina and Natalya for the second week in a row. The stipulation for tonight’s bout was if they won, they would receive a title shot in the future. The finish of the match had Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega, who were on commentary at ringisde, brawling after they got into an argument. The distraction led Nox to small package Natalya for the win, earning the title match.
After the bout, Natalya and Tamina were not happy and attacked Liv and Zelina, laying them both out. All four women are scheduled to be in the women’s Money in the Bank ladder match along with Naomi, Asuka, Nikki ASH, and Alexa Bliss this Sunday.
Former NXT stars Nox and Shotzi made their debut on last week’s SmackDown, defeating Tamina and Natalya their first night in. Toni Storm, also from NXT, is slated to debut on next week’s show.
The final participant for this year’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match has now been revealed.
WWE announced this afternoon that Tamina will be taking part in Sunday’s women’s Money in the Bank ladder match. She joins Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Zelina Vega, Liv Morgan, and Natalya in the match.
Tamina & Natalya are the current WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. They lost a non-title match to the debuting Shotzi Blackheart & Tegan Nox on SmackDown last Friday.
Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas is hosting Money in the Bank on Sunday. Here’s the updated card for the pay-per-view:
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge
WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Kofi Kingston
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley defends against Charlotte Flair
Women’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Asuka, Naomi, Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Zelina Vega, Liv Morgan, Natalya, and Tamina)
Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match (Ricochet, John Morrison, Riddle, Drew McIntyre, Big E, Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, and Shinsuke Nakamura)
Raw Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Omos defend against The Viking Raiders
Tegan Nox and Shotzi Blackheart made their debut on WWE SmackDown as a team, defeating the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
It was noted prior to the match that Natalya and Tamina would be facing a new team never seen before in WWE. The ring announcer introduced the new team as “Nox” and “Shotzi”, although Michael Cole on commentary referred to Nox as “Tegan” multiple times. Shotzi picked up the win for her team, pinning Natalya following a senton.
Both Nox and Shotzi have competed in dark matches prior to Raw and SmackDown in recent weeks as WWE prepares to return to the road later this month. Other names that have worked dark matches recently include Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Toni Storm, Bronson Reed, and Odyssey Jones.
Nox has just returned from a ACL injury suffered last August, returning on The Great American Bash episode of NXT this week. Her distraction cost The Way (Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae) the NXT Women’s Tag Team titles. Shotzi Blackheart has teamed with Ember Moon in the past and together are former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, losing the belts to The Way back on May 4.
WWE has made a pair of new announcements for Monday’s episode of Raw.
There will be a face-to-face segment with Kofi Kingston and MVP on Monday’s Raw. It will be part of the build to Kingston challenging for Bobby Lashley’s WWE Championship at next month’s Money in the Bank pay-per-view
Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley will team with Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke in a six-woman tag match against Charlotte Flair & WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina on Monday’s Raw. Ripley is defending her Raw Women’s Championship against Charlotte at Money in the Bank.
This past Monday’s edition of Raw was headlined by Lashley defeating Xavier Woods in a non-title Hell in a Cell match. After the match, Lashley attacked Woods and MVP locked the Hell in a Cell cage so that Kingston wouldn’t be able to save his tag team partner. Kingston screamed for Lashley to let Woods go as Lashley had Woods in the Hurt Lock against the cage.
Lashley retained his WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match at Sunday’s Hell in a Cell PPV.
Ripley and Charlotte also faced off in a title match at Hell in a Cell. Charlotte defeated Ripley by disqualification — but Ripley kept her Raw Women’s Championship. Ripley intentionally got disqualified by hitting Charlotte with the top of the announce table.
Here’s the updated lineup for Monday’s Raw:
Last chance Money in the Bank qualifying match: AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton vs. Drew McIntyre
Kofi Kingston and MVP will go face-to-face
Rhea Ripley, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke vs. Charlotte Flair, Natalya & Tamina
Date: May 24, 2021 Location: Yuengling Center in Tampa, FL
The Big Takeaway —
After Asuka beat Charlotte last week, Charlotte beat Asuka this week and, as a result, Charlotte earned a title match against Rhea Ripley at Hell in a Cell.
Kofi Kingston and Drew McIntyre fought to a double DQ, so they will have a rematch next week to determine Bobby Lashley’s title opponent at Hell in a Cell. If Lashley or MVP get involved next week, Lashley will be suspended without pay for 90 days.
Natalya and Tamina successfully retained their titles in the main event after fire almost exploded Reginald again. Shayna Baszler challenged Reginald to a match next week.
Show Recap —
MVP introduced WWE Champion Bobby Lashley to start the show. Lashley was once again accompanied to the ring by five women dressed mostly in black. They aired a long recap video of what happened last week and all five women booed the video.
MVP mentioned that WWE was leaving the Thunderdome in July and that meant fans would get to see Lashley in person. MVP mentioned Drew McIntyre who was a black cloud that continued to follow them around.
Lashley said he beat McIntyre at WrestleMania before beating both McIntyre and Braun Strowman at Backlash. MVP said they tried to move on from McIntyre which is why Lashley issued an open challenge last week. The scrawny cartoon character Kofi Kingston accepted and the black cloud had to show up again.
McIntyre interrupted. He said nobody should be surprised to see him. He wanted to regain the title. If it weren’t for MVP, he would have won it at Mania, and if it weren’t for Strowman, he would have won it at Backlash.
McIntyre said Lashley couldn’t beat him on his own and wondered if he even had the balls to face him. McIntyre asked the women if Lashley had any balls. They seemed offended by the question.
Lashley and McIntyre argued until the New Day interrupted. Kingston reminded everyone that he pinned Lashley. Lashley said he should thank McIntyre. McIntyre said, “you’re welcome.” Kingston seemed offended by his insinuation that he couldn’t win without him. Kingston said he didn’t ask for his help and didn’t want his help.
Kingston answered the challenge last week because he never got a rematch after losing the WWE title. Kingston said McIntyre has received rematch after rematch after rematch and now it was his turn to step to the back of the line because Kingston did something he couldn’t do over many months.
Adam Pearce interrupted. He announced a match between Kingston and McIntyre, with the winner facing Lashley for the title at Hell in a Cell. MVP liked the idea.
There was a video by Strowman plugging WWE’s upcoming return to the road.
Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) vs. Drew McIntyre ended in a double DQ (21:52)
MVP, Lashley and their five friends watched on couches set up on the stage.
Kingston was doing well until McIntyre caught him on the outside and gave him a reverse Alabama Slam into the edge of the ring. McIntyre taunted Lashley as they went to break. McIntyre remained in control after the break and hit a snap suplex for two. McIntyre followed with an overhead suplex before dropping Kingston over the barricade.
Adnan Virk asked the other announcers, “How wild was KofiMania back in the day?”
McIntyre hit a delayed vertical suplex as he pointed at Lashley. Kingston came back with a dropkick, chops and another dropkick. Kingston tried a guillotine choke but McIntyre countered into a vertical suplex for two.
Kingston fought back but McIntyre caught his flying crossbody attempt, rolled through and hit a Michinoku Driver for two. McIntyre taunted Lashley again which was enough to convince Lashley to march to ringside, leading to another break.
Back from break, McIntyre hit a back suplex off the top for two. Kingston countered a DDT into a cradle for two, then McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two. McIntyre followed with a crazy deadlift sit-out powerbomb for two. Kingston dodged a charge and McIntyre went into the post. Kingston followed with a frog splash onto McIntyre’s back for two.
Kingston sent McIntyre to the outside, so McIntyre got in Lashley’s face. Kingston hit a trust dive on McIntyre, which also knocked over Lashley. Kingston followed with an SOS for two.
Predictably, Lashley jumped in and attacked McIntyre while MVP also attacked Kingston. The referee called for the bell.
Woods saved Kingston from MVP before Lashley knocked down Woods. Kingston gave Lashley a Trouble in Paradise before McIntyre knocked down Lashley with a Claymore.
This was a really good match until the unfortunate finish.
A graphic popped up during the match advertising Asuka against Charlotte Flair tonight.
They aired an exchange from earlier today between Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Nikki Cross jumped in and said she could beat either of them. Charlotte said she could beat Cross in two minutes if she didn’t already have a match scheduled tonight. Ripley told Charlotte that she’s unlikeable because she talks down to people. Charlotte told Ripley to beat Cross in two minutes if she could. Ripley said she’d be happy to.
An Eva Marie video aired.
Nikki Cross defeated Raw Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley in a non-title Beat the Clock challenge (2:00 time limit)
They billed this as a Beat the Clock challenge with two minutes on a timer. Cross would be considered the winner if she could last two minutes.
With a minute left, Cross hit a jawbreaker and a flying crossbody for two. Ripley responded with a dropkick, shoulder tackles and strikes in the corner. As Ripley continued the attack, the timer ran down to zero and the bell rang.
Ripley acted shocked as Cross was announced the winner of the challenge. Cross celebrated like she won the title. Charlotte entered to laugh at Ripley as Cross did a weird dance in celebration. This wasn’t good.
[Second hour]
There was a Damian Priest video plugging WWE’s return to the road and a video plugging ticket on-sale dates.
McIntyre barged into Pearce’s office. Kingston conveniently entered one second later, even though their match ended 20 minutes ago. Pearce told them they’d get a rematch next week. They were happy with that even though Pearce gave them no assurance that the Hurt Business wouldn’t get involved again. Kingston and McIntyre were both confident in their chances.
There was a commercial for Mick Foley’s A&E documentary.
Charlotte Flair defeated Asuka (21:23)
After 12 minutes mostly of Charlotte working over Asuka’s leg, Asuka came back with German suplexes and a hip attack for two. Charlotte drove Asuka’s leg into the post but Asuka fought back and hit a sliding knee on the apron. Charlotte pushed Asuka into the announce table which led to the match’s second commercial break.
They fought back-and-forth the rest of the way until Asuka tried an Asuka Lock but Charlotte rolled through into a cradle for the pinfall win.
A stagehand approached Lashley, MVP and their pals in the back. MVP wanted him to address Lashley as the All Mighty. He let the All Mighty know that Adam Pearce wanted to see him.
Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke plugged WWE’s return to live crowds.
MVP and Lashley approached Pearce, who asked Lashley what kind of champion he wanted to be. Lashley said he was the only one who could represent Raw as champ and was certainly better for it than Kingston and McIntyre. Pearce told them that if either of them got involved in the Kingston-McIntyre match next week, or even appeared at ringside, Lashley would be suspended without pay for 90 days. Lashley was not happy. (Why isn’t this always the rule?)
There was a video package for the Shelton Benjamin/Cedric Alexander feud.
Alexander cut a promo on Benjamin before their match as Benjamin impatiently paced around. Basically, Alexander wasn’t worried about being kicked out of the Hurt Business because he was still in his prime, unlike Benjamin.
After the promo, Corey Graves said Alexander had the charisma of a cinder block.
Cedric Alexander defeated Shelton Benjamin (11:53)
Alexander left the ring as soon as the bell rang which led to break 10 seconds into the match. Benjamin was in control after the break until Alexander brought him down from the top with a hurricanrana. Alexander was in control but his strikes just pissed off Benjamin who no-sold a few kicks and followed with a clothesline and spinebuster.
Benjamin hit German suplexes but Alexander poked him in the eye, which the ref didn’t see, and Alexander followed with a Neuralyzer for the pinfall win.
There were commercials for NXT plugging Karrion Kross defending his title against Finn Bálor, as well as the Cameron Grimes/Ted DiBiase face-off.
John Morrison plugged the return to live crowds.
Riddle defeated Xavier Woods (12:49)
They grappled until Riddle showed off his strength with consecutive suplexes. Woods showed off his own strength with a series of vertical suplexes. They traded strikes and dropped each other with a double clothesline spot. Woods gave Riddle an AA on the apron which led to break.
Woods fired up after the break and hit a missile dropkick for two. Riddle came back with a knee strike but Woods countered a Bro Derek attempt and dropkicked Riddle in the corner. Woods followed with a press slam into a gutbuster for two. Riddle then did a deadlift German suplex off the middle rope and Woods basically landed right on his head for a nearfall.
After a brief exchange, Riddle suddenly hit an RKO for the pinfall win. Riddle did Randy Orton’s pose after the match.
Strong match. It was a first-time ever match and it certainly felt like something different, especially with both guys working as babyfaces.
They announced that Rhea Ripley will defend her title against Charlotte at Hell in a Cell.
Jaxson Ryker defeated Raw Tag Team Champion AJ Styles (2:03)
Styles was in complete control but Elias suddenly appeared at ringside and nailed him with a knee strike behind the ref’s back. Ryker followed with a Black Hole Slam for the pinfall win. Ryker pinned Styles.
Omos ran out after the match to go after Elias who hid behind the barricade. Elias and Ryker ran away but Elias tripped on the ramp so Omos tackled him into the video boards. Omos checked on Styles.
(Unless I missed something, there was no explanation for Omos not being in Styles’ corner in the first place, other than they wanted to do this finish.)
Jeff Hardy plugged the return to live crowds.
US Champion Sheamus defeated Humberto Carrillo (3:44)
Carrillo got a brief chance to shine but Sheamus pinned him with a handful of tights for the win.
Sheamus attacked Carrillo after the match but Ricochet made the save. They each gave Sheamus moonsaults and Ricochet finished him off with a 450 splash. Ricochet wore his own clothes this week.
Sarah Schrieber interviewed Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. Baszler said they lost last week because Jax was once again distracted by Reginald. Jax told her not to be a bully and explained what happened to him during the match. Baszler didn’t care and said they were an unstoppable force until she started getting distracted by him. She wanted them to go out there without him tonight. Baszler told Reginald to stay in the back or else.
There was a new Eva Marie video. This one focused more on her training.
(I missed it earlier, but I believe the Riddle/Woods match was the top-of-the-hour segment for the third hour.)
Natalya & Tamina defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships (11:42)
Natalya and Baszler were having a back-and-forth exchange when Reginald sauntered out about three minutes into the match. Baszler was about to stomp Natalya’s arm, but Reginald walking out caused her to stop for some reason. This allowed Natalya to escape and hit a German suplex which led to break.
Baszler was randomly back in control after the break until Natalya slammed her and tagged in Tamina. Tamina hit Jax with an uppercut and superkick for two. Jax avoided a superkick and smothered Tamina with a cover for two. Baszler tagged in but Tamina gave her a powerslam and tagged in Natalya.
Tamina and Jax brawled on the outside until Jax backdropped her over the barricade. Graves figured Tamina was out of the match now because of that.
Natalya gave Baszler a discus clothesline but Reginald distracted the referee as Natalya tried a sharpshooter. Baszler reversed into a small package but the ref was still distracted so Natalya was able to kick out.
Baszler demanded that Reginald leave. As Reginald walked up the ramp, fire pyro went off on the stage which caused him to fall back. Natalya used the distraction to apply a small package for the pinfall win. The champs retain.
Baszler grabbed Reginald and told him they’d be fighting next week and he’s going to wish he was in that fire.
Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler are getting another chance to reclaim the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles.
During SmackDown tonight, WWE announced that Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina will defend their titles against Jax & Baszler on Monday’s episode of Raw. Natalya & Tamina became the Women’s Tag Team Champions by defeating Jax & Baszler on SmackDown last Friday.
On Raw earlier this week, Jax & Baszler got a Women’s Tag Team title rematch against Natalya & Tamina. Alexa Bliss and her doll Lilly came out to the stage during the match and apparently made fire shoot out of the ring post at one point. Reginald, who is aligned with Jax and Baszler, fell off the ring steps and grabbed his face after the fire shot out. It caused a distracted Baszler to let go of the Kirifuda Clutch that she had locked in on Tamina. Natalya and Tamina then hit the Hart Attack on Baszler and Natalya pinned her to get the win.
Jax and Baszler appeared on SmackDown tonight and attacked SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler beat down Belair until Natalya and Tamina tried to make the save. Bayley, Jax, and Baszler fought off Natalya and Tamina, which led to a six-woman tag match being made. Baszler submitted Natalya with the Kirifuda Clutch as Natalya’s attention was turned to Bayley.
An Alexa’s Playground segment is set for tonight’s post-WrestleMania Backlash edition of Raw.
On SmackDown this past Friday, Natalya & Tamina defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Alexa Bliss will welcome Natalya & Tamina for an Alexa’s Playground segment on Raw tonight.
This is the first major title that Tamina has held in WWE. Her only other title reign was with the 24/7 Championship.
Bliss said on Raw two weeks ago that her doll Lilly told her that “a certain someone” had caught her eye. Bliss and Lilly then came out to the stage and watched on from Alexa’s Playground as Asuka, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke faced Charlotte Flair, Jax & Baszler in a six-woman tag match on Raw last week. Bliss said she and Lilly were keeping their eyes on “someone.”
The finish of last week’s six-woman tag match saw Asuka pin Baszler after Bliss was apparently able to make Baszler’s leg cramp up and give out.
Natalya & Tamina are members of the SmackDown roster but can now appear on both brands while they’re the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions were crowned on SmackDown’s go-home show for WrestleMania Backlash.
Natalya & Tamina defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler on SmackDown tonight to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles. After Jax gave Natalya a Samoan drop, Tamina hit a splash from the top rope on Jax and pinned her to get the win. Natalya had taken out Baszler with a German suplex on the outside leading into the finish.
Aside from one 24/7 Championship reign, this is the first title Tamina has held in WWE.
Natalya & Tamina were interviewed in the ring after their title win. Natalya said tonight was for anyone who’s ever had a dream and felt like their dream passed them by. Natalya said it’s never too late to keep fighting for your dreams. Natalya also said she was so proud of Tamina.
Tamina thanked their families and also thanked the fans.
Bret Hart sent out a tweet earlier today wishing Natalya & Tamina luck ahead of their title match: “I want to wish my niece @natbynature and her tag team partner @TaminaSnuka the best of luck tonight in their championship match on #SmackDown. They won’t need luck though, because talent can’t be stopped.”
Before winning the titles tonight, Natalya & Tamina had unsuccessfully challenged Jax & Baszler at WrestleMania 37 last month. Natalya & Tamina won a number one contender’s Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania 37 night one before losing to Jax & Baszler at night two.
Natalya & Tamina defeated Jax & Baszler in a non-title match on SmackDown two weeks ago.
Jax & Baszler had been WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions since winning the titles from Asuka & Charlotte Flair on the Royal Rumble pre-show this January. This was Jax & Baszler’s second reign with the titles.
Tonight’s SmackDown features the final build to WrestleMania Backlash.
At this Sunday’s pay-per-view, Cesaro will challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Cesaro earned the title shot after he defeated Seth Rollins on last week’s Throwback SmackDown.
Jimmy Uso returned last week and reunited with Jey Uso and Reigns. The Usos tried to help Rollins beat Cesaro, but Rollins shoved Jey. Jimmy then hit Rollins with a superkick, and Cesaro won the match.
Reigns was furious and yelled at Jimmy for indirectly helping Cesaro. Jimmy stood up for himself and refused to acknowledge Reigns as the tribal chief.
Later, Cesaro attacked Reigns at the end of SmackDown. At first, Jimmy stopped Jey from helping. Eventually, The Usos tried to fight off Cesaro, but Cesaro beat down all three by himself.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Tamina & Natalya tonight. Jax & Baszler defeated Tamina & Natalya at WrestleMania 37 night two to retain the titles. Tamina & Natalya then defeated the champions in a non-title match to earn the title shot tonight.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, And Jimmy Uso Segment
Jey Uso was already standing in the ring to start SmackDown. He noted that his brother Jimmy Uso disrespected the head of the table, Roman Reigns, last week. Jey promised to take care of Jimmy tonight.
Jey then introduced Reigns. Jey also promised that Reigns would defeat Cesaro Sunday night at WrestleMania Backlash.
Reigns and Paul Heyman took their time walking to the ring. They recapped Jimmy Uso’s return last week and Cesaro beating Seth Rollins.
Reigns walked over to Jey. He pointed out that Jimmy is a problem, but he wants to address Cesaro first. Reigns noted that everyone in the back likes Cesaro. He likes him too and called Cesaro one of the best wrestlers in the world.
Reigns noted he’s more than just a wrestler. He doubts Cesaro could take his place in the WWE.
He thinks that not even FOX wants Cesaro to take his place.
Reigns noted Cesaro hasn’t had a title shot before. Heyman informed him that Reigns had 39 title shots.
Reigns turned his attention to Jimmy Uso. Jimmy’s music interrupted, and he made his way to the ring. Jimmy’s got a new t-shirt and has one for Jey in the back when he’s ready to join him.
Jimmy doesn’t think Reigns is going to be champion much longer. Jey was furious and told Jimmy to respect Reigns. Jimmy admitted that he doesn’t think Reigns can beat Cesaro.
Jimmy claimed that if The Usos win the tag team titles, they’ll be the tribal chiefs. Reigns was furious and got in Jimmy’s face. He told Jimmy that he couldn’t do what Reigns does.
Reigns told Jimmy to prove that he can be Reigns. He told Jimmy to try to beat Cesaro tonight. Without hesitating, Jimmy challenged Cesaro to a match tonight. Cesaro walked out and accepted the challenge. He promised to beat Jimmy tonight and win the title from Reigns Sunday night.
This was a good opening segment. Reigns and The Uso were good in their roles.
They recapped Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler attacking Tamina and Natalya last week. They showed Tamina and Natalya warming up for their upcoming match. Michael Cole pointed out that Tamina’s never won a title and could make history next.
Tamina & Natalya defeated Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler (w/Reginald) to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
This was a fine match with both teams working hard.
Reginald immediately jumped on the apron and distracted Tamina. Jax took advantage and beat down Tamina. Baszler tagged in, and the faces took over.
Natalya had the match won when Reginald jumped on the apron again. The referee then sent Reginald to the back for jumping on the apron the second time. Jax protested, but Tamina attacked her at ringside. Jax fought back and gave Tamina the Samoan Drop into the barricade.
Baszler took advantage and attacked Natalya’s leg in the ring.
Back from the break, Jax dropped an elbow on Natalya for a near fall. The heels isolated Natalya in their corner. Tamina was still down due to the attack before the break.
Natalya fought back, and Tamina got the hot tag. Tamina knocked down Baszler and scored a near fall. She climbed to the top rope, but Baszler cut her off.
Jax tagged in and tried to give Tamina a superplex. Tamina fought back and knocked Jax down. Baszler tried to interfere, but Natalya yanked her off the apron. She then gave Baszler a German suplex on the floor.
Jax tried to climb back up, but Natalya prevented her. Jax pulled Natalya into the ring and gave her a Samoan Drop. Jax ended up on her back, and Tamina hit the Superfly splash for the win.
They treated the title change as a huge deal. After the match, Natalya and Tamina gave a passionate speech. Natalya talked about never giving up, and Tamina talked about Natalya believing in her. The new champions celebrated as pyro went off in the background.
Cesaro against Jimmy Uso is official for later tonight. Kayla Braxton interviewed Paul Heyman in the back. She startled Heyman, which was hilarious. Heyman doesn’t know if Jimmy Uso will win but promised that Reigns would beat Cesaro Sunday.
Commander Azeez Nigerian Medal of Honor Ceremony
Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews held a special ceremony for Azeez. Crews praised Azeez for assisting him and helping win the Intercontinental title. Azeez stood on a huge box-like structure in the ring. Crews then gave Azeez the Nigerian Medal of Honor.
Big E interrupted on the big screen. He mocked the ceremony and said it’s the biggest sham since Macklemore won best rap album. Big E promised to win the title back.
Sami Zayn interrupted and mocked Big E. Zayn noted that he has some unfinished business with Crews since he’s the real I.C. champion. Kevin Owens ran out, and a brawl broke out. Azeez and Crews beat down Owens when Big E ran out for the save.
Sami Zayn ran out and attacked Owens as well. Everyone hit a big move. Big E then went after Crews, but Azeez pulled him out of the ring.
They recapped Dominik Mysterio defeating Dolph Ziggler last week.
Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) defeated Dolph Ziggler (w/Robert Roode)
Ziggler and Mysterio had a good match. They started at a slow pace, but it picked up towards the end.
Ziggler had the early advantage with a side headlock. Mysterio briefly fought back, but Ziggler regained control with a shoulder tackle. Ziggler taunted Mysterio.
Mysterio fought back and sent Ziggler to the floor. He followed up with a sliding dropkick and a sliding splash to the floor.
Back from the break, Mysterio missed a splash off the second rope. Ziggler scored a near fall and slowed the pace down with a chin lock.
Mysterio fought out of the chin lock, but Ziggler hit an uppercut for another near fall. Ziggler lifted Mysterio on his shoulder for a power slam, but Mysterio countered with a DDT.
Mysterio climbed to the top rope, but Ziggler cut him off. Ziggler attempted a superplex, but Mysterio held on. Mysterio knocked Ziggler down and hit a senton off the top. He followed up with a kick to the face for a near fall.
Ziggler avoided the 619 and hit the famouser for a very close near fall. Mysterio attempted a second 619, but Ziggler countered with a superkick for a two-count. Ziggler picked up Mysterio for a slam, but Mysterio countered into a small package for the win.
Megan Morant interviewed Cesaro in the back. Cesaro noted he dreamed of winning the title since he was a kid. He’s not like Roman Reigns and doesn’t walk around wanting people to acknowledge him. He knows he can beat Reigns and win the Universal title.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Dominik and Rey Mysterio. Rey noted they’re ready to win the tag team titles at WrestleMania Backlash. Ziggler and Roode interrupted and mocked Rey and Dominik. Rey and Dominik promised to win the titles Sunday.
Bianca Belair Segment
SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair made her way to the ring. Michael Cole interviewed Belair and discussed her match with Bayley on Sunday.
Belair’s ready to face Baylay and promised to retain the title. She wondered where Bayley’s tonight.
They recapped Bayley attacking Belair last week. Bayley appeared on the big screen and mocked Belair. Belair tried to figure out where Bayley’s hiding.
Bayley laughed and refused to tell her. Bayley kept doing the annoying laugh and promised to win the title at the pay-per-view.
Belair knows why Bayley’s so mad at her. She pointed out that at WrestleMania 37, The Bellas beat up Bayley and threw her down the ramp. Belair noted she won the title that weekend.
Bayley promised to end Belair’s fairy tale and win the title at WrestleMania Backlash. This was a good segment.
King Corbin defeated Shinsuke Nakamura
This was a fine match, although it dragged at times.
Nakamura demanded to face Corbin because Corbin pinned him in the ten-man tag last week. They pushed the match as the battle between the King of Strong-Style and the King of the Ring.
Corbin attempted a suplex, but Nakamura countered with a knee. Corbin took over and hit Nakamura with a series of elbows.
Nakamura recovered and rocked Corbin with a dropkick. Corbin fought back and attempted the around-the-ring post clothesline.
Nakamura avoided the clothesline and locked on an armbar.
Corbin couldn’t break free from the hold. He then leaned forward and rolled up Nakamura for the win.
After the match, Corbin put his crown on, and Nakamura attacked him. He then gave Corbin the Kinshasa. Nakamura picked up the crown and put it on. Pat McAfee was shocked Nakamura took the crown.
In the back, Apollo Crews and Commandor Azeez approached Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. Crews was furious about the attack early. Pearce said he’s still trying to figure out which one of them he’s going to face.
Crews became even more upset. Deville warned Crews to be careful because Pearce might make him face all three. Pearce liked the idea. He announced Crews defending against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way for next week. Pearce seemed unhappy with Deville.
In the back, Shinsuke Nakamura admired himself wearing Corbin’s crown in the mirror.
Aleister Black read another chapter from the Tales of the Dark Father. He read the chapter The Lesson, which included animated scenes. Black could teach you this lesson, but he won’t.
Kayla Braxton interviewed Jimmy Uso behind the curtain. Jimmy didn’t think his first match back would be a singles match. He thought The Usos would reunite and win the tag team titles.
Michael Cole and Pat McAfee ran down the WrestleMania Backlash lineup.
Cesaro defeated Jimmy Uso via DQ
Cesaro and Jimmy Uso had a good match until the weak finish.
They pushed this as Jimmy Uso’s first match back since he suffered an injury in the ladder match at WrestleMania 36.
Cesaro caught Uso with a dropkick to gain the early advantage. Uso played possum and responded with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Cesaro fought back and rocked Uso with an uppercut.
Cesaro missed a charge in the corner. Uso sent Cesaro to the floor with a clothesline and followed up with a suicide dive.
Back from the break, Cesaro hit a discus clothesline for a close near fall. Uso avoided the Neutralizer and caught Cesaro with a superkick.
Uso climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro cut him off with an uppercut. He followed up with a superplex for a close near fall.
Cesaro hit a cannonball off the apron. He rocked Jimmy with a series of uppercuts and threw him back in the ring.
Suddenly, Roman Reigns and Jey Uso attacked Cesaro and beat him down for a disqualification.
After the match, Jimmy yelled at Reigns that he was about to win. He yelled that Reigns makes everything about himself.
Jimmy walked off, and Reigns chased after him. Jimmy and Reigns argued at ringside.
Cesaro attacked Jey in the ring. Reigns ran back in the ring, but Cesaro fought him off. Cesaro beat down Jey and Jimmy.
Reigns then ran off and watched from the ramp. Cesaro taunted Reigns and hit the Neutralizer twice on Jey while staring at Reigns.
Next Week: Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews defends against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Big E in a fatal four-way.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler have their challengers for WrestleMania 37 night two.
Jax & Baszler will defend their titles against Natalya & Tamina at WrestleMania 37 night two on Sunday night. Natalya & Tamina became the number one contenders to the WWE Women’s Tag Team titles by winning a Tag Team Turmoil match at WrestleMania 37 night one.
Natalya & Tamina were the final team to enter the Tag Team Turmoil match. They defeated The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan) to get the win, with Tamina pinning Riott after hitting a top rope splash.
Naomi & Lana were the first team eliminated from the Tag Team Turmoil match, Carmella & Billie Kay were the second team eliminated, Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke were the third team eliminated, and The Riott Squad were the final team eliminated.
Night two of WrestleMania 37 will stream live on Peacock in the United States and the WWE Network everywhere else. The show will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern time. There will also be a pre-show starting at 7 p.m. Eastern. No matches have been announced for the pre-show.
Here’s the updated card for night two:
WrestleMania 37 night two (Sunday, April 11) —
Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Edge and Daniel Bryan in a triple threat match
Raw Women’s Champion Asuka defends against Rhea Ripley
“The Fiend” Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
Intercontinental Champion Big E defends against Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight
United States Champion Riddle defends against Sheamus
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler defend against Natalya & Tamina
A Tag Team Turmoil match has been announced for WrestleMania 37 on April 10, with the winners facing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions the following day on April 11.
It was announced on tonight’s Raw that Lana & Naomi, Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan), and Tamina and Natalya will compete in a Tag Team Turmoil match. The winners of that match on Saturday will advance to the second night of WrestleMania, where they will face WWE Women’s Tag Team champions Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax for the titles.
Jax and Baszler appeared on tonight’s show, defeating Asuka and Rhea Ripley after Ripley abandoned her tag team partner. After the match, the champions were confronted backstage by all of the aforementioned teams.
The team of Billie Kay and Carmella was also brought up as possibly taking part in the match. Jax asked Kay if she even had a partner for the match. Kay mentioned that Carmella was looking at her resume, which she gave to Carmella this past Friday.
