The Bloodline will be on this Monday’s Raw following events that took place tonight on SmackDown.
It was announced during tonight’s SmackDown that Roman Reigns & The Usos will be appearing on this Monday’s Raw in Greensboro, North Carolina at the Greensboro Coliseum. This follows events on tonight’s SmackDown that led to the original title unification match between The Usos and RK-Bro to change into a six-man tag team match now featuring Roman Reigns and The Usos facing Drew McIntyre and RK-Bro.
A contract signing between The Usos and RK-Bro on tonight’s SmackDown was interrupted by Reigns. The Usos laid out RK-Bro while they were distracted, allowing Reigns to tear up the contract, stuffing it into Riddle’s mouth. This brought out McIntyre, who took out The Usos then laid out Reigns to end the segment.
Later backstage, Paul Heyman eventually coerced official Adam Pearce to change the title unification match into a six-man tag match.
A match originally set to unify the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles at WWE WrestleMania Backlash has now been changed to a six-man tag match.
After Drew McIntyre aided RK-Bro in laying out Roman Reigns and The Usos on tonight’s SmackDown, Paul Heyman confronted official Adam Pearce backstage and asked for a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania Backlash. Pearce rejected the idea, saying there was already a tag team title unification match. Heyman threatened to go to the WWE Board of Directors if he didn’t comply. The new match was later made official.
Tonight’s show had a contract signing between The Usos and RK-Bro for WrestleMania Backlash. The two teams soon began to brawl, with Roman Reigns coming out soon after. The distraction allowed The Usos to lay out RK-Bro. Reigns entered the ring, ripped up the contract for the title unification match and stuffed it down Riddle’s throat. McIntyre then came out and took out all three members of The Bloodline.
Here is the current lineup for WrestleMania Backlash, which will take place on May 8:
Drew McIntyre & RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) vs. Roman Reigns & The Usos in a six-man tag team match
AJ Styles vs. Edge
Omos vs. Bobby Lashley
Charlotte Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match for the SmackDown Women’s title
After being confronted by The Usos on Raw, RK-Bro showed up on SmackDown last night to return the favor.
RK-Bro accepted The Usos’ challenge for a Tag Team title unification match, which was made official for WrestleMania Backlash. The two teams went face-to-face and held up their respective title belts until The Usos left the ring. But The Usos then delivered a sneak attack on Riddle as RK-Bro were posing on the turnbuckles.
A singles match between Riddle and Jimmy Uso was made for last night’s main event. Jey Uso got involved in the match, but Randy Orton took him out by slamming him onto the announce table. That distracted Jimmy Uso — and Riddle hit an RKO on him to get the win.
WrestleMania Backlash is taking place at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island on Sunday, May 8.
RK-Bro and The Usos will square off at WrestleMania Backlash to unify WWE’s Tag Team titles.
The “Winners Take All Tag Team Championship Unification Match” was announced during this week’s WWE SmackDown episode after first being teased on last week’s show. Raw Tag Team Champions Randy Orton and Riddle will face SmackDown Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso at the Sunday, May 8 WrestleMania Backlash premium live event streaming on Peacock in the United States, and on WWE Network in the rest of the world.
The WWE Championship and Universal Championship were unified at WrestleMania 38 when Universal title holder Roman Reigns defeated WWE title holder Brock Lesnar.
Three matches have officially been announced for WrestleMania Backlash, which will be held in Providence, Rhode Island at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. Here is the announced lineup so far:
WWE WrestleMania Backlash, Sunday, May 8 —
Tag Team Championship unification match: Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
SmackDown Women’s Championship I Quit match: Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Ronda Rousey
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro are headed to tonight’s SmackDown ahead of an eventual title unification match with The Usos.
RK-Bro will confront SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos on tonight’s episode of the show in Worcester, Massachusetts. After Roman Reigns told them it was time to unify the Tag Team titles, The Usos showed up on Raw earlier this week and laid out Randy Orton.
The Usos defeated The Street Profits on Raw this Monday. They then went face-to-face with RK-Bro after the match. The show ended with The Usos blindsiding Orton with superkicks.
WWE has yet to set a date for RK-Bro and The Usos’ title unification match.
The Intercontinental title will be on the line tonight as Ricochet defends against Jinder Mahal. Plus, Drew McIntyre will face Sami Zayn.
McIntyre defeated Zayn by countout last week when Zayn fled the ring and left through the crowd as McIntyre was going for the Claymore.
Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
**********
They recapped The Usos showing up on Raw, challenging RK-Bro, and defeating the Street Profits. After the match, The Usos knocked out Randy Orton with double superkicks.
RK-Bro Segment
This was a good opening segment. The fans loved RK-Bro, in particular Randy Orton. Both teams were good in their roles.
The Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro made their way to the ring to start SmackDown. The fans broke into a loud “Randy” chant. Riddle’s excited to be back on SmackDown with his best friend, Randy. Orton noted The Usos showed up in his ring last Monday, and now he’s in their ring calling them out.
The Usos’ music hit, and they came down to the ring. The Usos demanded to know RK-Bro’s answer to their challenge. They bragged about their accomplishments and demanded RK-Bro leave their ring.
Orton mocked The Usos and noted he knows their family well. He shared the locker room with their uncles and cousins. He respects their family but not them. RK-Bro accepted the challenge, and they faced off in the middle of the ring.
The Usos left the ring, and RK-Bro posed on the corners. The Usos ran back out and attacked Riddle as he posed.
In the back, Naomi & Sasha Banks laughed at the guys trying to unify the tag team titles. Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan approached the champions. Naomi and Banks mocked them.
Back from the break, Orton and Riddle approached Adam Pearce in his office. They demanded the unification match with The Usos, but Pearce said management is still trying to make a decision. Instead, Pearce announced Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso for tonight.
Ripley and Naomi had a good match that picked up towards the end.
Ripley had the early advantage with a shoulder tackle. She slowed the pace down and worked over Naomi’s arm. Ripley toyed with Naomi.
Naomi briefly fought back and sent Ripley to the floor with the head scissors. Ripley regained control and climbed to the top rope. Naomi recovered and rocked Ripley with a kick to the head sending her to ringside. Ripley avoided a sliding dropkick and destroyed Naomi with a clothesline.
Back from the break, Naomi fought back with a scissors kick and a flying cross body for a near fall. Naomi tried to slow the pace down with a full nelson. Ripley broke free and hit a Northern Lights suplex for a close near fall.
Ripley climbed to the top rope, but Naomi cut her off. Ripley fought back and attempted the riptide, but Naomi broke free. Ripley then hit a missile dropkick for another close two-count. Naomi recovered with a kick off the middle rope and a sit-out full nelson bomb for a near fall. Ripley fought back and hit the riptide for the win.
Banks and Naomi defend the tag team titles against Ripley and Morgan Monday on Raw.
In the back, Kayla Braxton tried to interview The Usos, but they ignored her and entered Roman Reigns’ locker room.
They recapped Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss splitting up last week.
In the back, Megan Morant interviewed the newly single Happy Corbin. He called Moss his gofer and lackey. At first, he was funny, but then he dragged Corbin down. He said if it wasn’t for Moss he’d still be undefeated. Corbin’s happy to get rid of Moss and expects Moss to fail on his own.
Michael Cole introduced the following interview and noted Drew Gulak is trying out for a role on the broadcast team.
In the back, Gulak interviewed Madcap Moss. Moss is happy that he can finally move on from Corbin. He told bad jokes because he only had one person to impress. He apologized for the bad jokes. He promised to defeat Humberto next.
Madcap Moss defeated Humberto (w/Angel) (2:27)
Moss and Humberto had a good short match.
Humberto jumped Moss at the bell after a distraction from Angel. Humberto was firmly in control and slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Moss broke free and hit a fall-away slam.
Moss took out Angel with a shoulder tackle. He then rocked Humberto with a shoulder tackle in the corner and hit the punch line for the win.
After the match, Angel yelled at Humberto for losing to a joke. Moss kissed the Andre the Giant trophy at ringside.
In the back, Charlotte Flair approached Adam Pearce and demanded to know who authorized her match with Ronda Rousey. Flair was furious when Drew Gulak interrupted.
Gulak wanted to know how he did in his tryout earlier. Flair was even more furious that Gulak interrupted her. She told him to interview a real star in the ring.
Charlotte Flair Segment
This was an interesting segment. Gulak’s in-ring career appears to be over as he auditioned for the broadcast team and then got beat up by Flair. This might have been his initiation to join the broadcast team, or he’ll go back to chasing the 24/7 title.
Drew Gulak introduced Charlotte Flair for the interview. McAfee was hilarious on commentary, sarcastically praising Gulak and saying he might win the Pulitzer Prize. Cole told Gulak that he needed to listen to his producer.
Gulak noted Flair vs. Ronda Rousey in an I Quit match is now official. He wondered if Flair was worried about Ronda Rousey’s submission game.
Flair mocked Rousey, but Gulak pointed out that Rousey made her tap out at WrestleMania 38. The fans broke into a “you tapped out” chant. Flair denied tapping out and claimed she was fixing her bra.
Gulak noted Rousey could be standing there as champion if the referee saw Flair tap. Flair became enraged and mocked Gulak for quitting as a competitor to join the broadcast team. She mocked the fans for being quitters as well. Flair bragged about being a winner and yelled at Gulak to leave the ring.
As Gulak walked away, Flair gave him a chop block and locked on the figure eight. Gulak screamed in pain, but she wouldn’t release the hold. Flair demanded that he say, “I quit.” Gulak eventually said, “I quit,” and she let him go.
In the back, Ludwig Kaiser praised Gunther as they showed clips of Gunther destroying people. Gunther promised that everyone would obey.
Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn via countout (2:49)
McIntyre and Zayn had the same match as they did last week. The entire match was Zayn trying to get away and eventually running off for the countout.
They recapped McIntyre vs. Zayn from last week. Before the match, Zayn was furious about the video package and promised to make an example out of McIntyre.
The bell rang, and Zayn jumped out of the ring. McIntyre went after Zayn, but he rolled out of the ring again. Zayn tried to hide behind McAfee. McAfee ducked, and McIntyre rocked Zayn with a forearm. McIntyre thanked McAfee.
McIntyre threw Zayn across the ring with a belly-to-belly suplex. He followed up with the Glasgow kiss. McIntyre set up for the Claymore Kick, but Zayn jumped out of the ring again. McIntyre threw Zayn back in the ring and went for the Claymore again, but Zayn slipped out of the ring. Zayn jumped over the barricade and ran off for the countout.
In the back, Kayla Braxton interviewed Ricochet. He noted that Mahal looks mean and opposing, but he can’t match Ricochet’s talent. He promised that the title isn’t going anywhere tonight.
Back from the break, Pearce was furious that Zayn ran out of the ring again. He announced Zayn vs. McIntyre in a lumberjack match for next week.
Ricochet and Mahal had a fine match that improved when Ricochet was on offence.
Mahal had the early advantage as he slowed the pace down with a chin lock. He backed Ricochet in the corner and beat him down. Ricochet fought back and hit a springboard flying crossbody. He followed up with a standing moonsault for a near fall.
Mahal went for the Khallas but Ricochet broke free. He hit the recoil and climbed to the top rope. Shanky pulled Mahal out of the ring. Ricochet changed direction and hit a huge flying crossbody to the floor, wiping out the heels. Ricochet then hit the shooting star press for the win.
In the back, Megan Morant interviewed Sheamus, Ridge Holland, and Butch. Morant noted they had some problems last week. They recapped Butch fighting with Sheamus and Holland after losing to Xavier Woods. Sheamus denied them having any problems.
Holland and Sheamus pumped up Butch and said the enemy is the New Day. Butch agreed and walked off. Sheamus kept talking until Holland pointed out they had lost Butch. Sheamus and Holland were concerned.
Tonight’s classic SmackDown moment was from June 27, 2002, when John Cena debuted and accepted Kurt Angle’s challenge.
In the back, New Day were signing merchandise when Butch attacked Xavier Woods. They had a pull apart brawl until officials broke it up.
The Story of Lacey Evans Part 2
Lacey Evans continued the emotional story of her life. After her mother ran, her father eventually found them. The anger in the house grew. She was working by the time she was in middle school. Her father was an angry man that flipped over tables. They had to clean up his mess of broken tables and glass. Eventually, her father went on the run from the law. He took the family with him.
Evans learned never to give up and keep her head up. She wasn’t handed anything in life. She works hard and is comfortable at rock bottom. There’s nothing the roster can do to her. She mentioned being a daughter, a mother, a marine, and now a WWE superstar.
In the back, Natalya and Shayna Baszler watched Lacey Evans’s story on the monitor. Natalya noted they’ve all had tough lives. She complained about all the new faces.
Natalya pointed out that the new girl’s stuff was all over the locker room. Raquel Rodriquez was sitting in the background. She tried to introduce herself, but the heels walked off.
Riddle (w/Randy Orton) defeated Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) (9:04)
Riddle and Jimmy had a really good match. The fans were into it and loved RK-Bro.
Riddle went for the RKO immediately, but Jimmy slipped out. Riddle chased him around ringside, but Jimmy took over when they got back in the ring.
Jimmy slowed the pace down with a chin lock. Riddle broke free and caught Jimmy with a kick. He sent Jimmy to the floor with a suplex. Jimmy recovered, grabbed Riddle’s leg, and dropped him on the apron.
Jimmy threw Riddle into the barricade. He then rocked Riddle with a superkick sending him over the barricade.
Back from the break, Riddle regained control with a forearm in the corner and a suplex. He missed a running knee but hit a senton. Riddle went for the floating Bro, but Jimmy got his knees up. Jimmy followed up with a pop-up Samoan drop for a close near fall.
Jey got in Orton’s face at ringside. Jimmy took advantage and took out Orton with a dropkick. Jimmy then rocked Riddle with a superkick and climbed to the top rope.
Jimmy went for the splash but was distracted by Orton and Jey fighting at ringside. Orton gave Jey a back suplex on the announce table. Riddle then avoided the splash from Jimmy.
In an excellent finish, Jimmy went for the pop-up Samoan drop again, but Riddle countered into the RKO in mid-air for the win. Orton jumped in the ring before the referee counted three because he couldn’t wait to celebrate.
Orton and Riddle celebrated to end SmackDown.
Next week: Drew McIntyre takes on Sami Zayn in a lumberjack match. Plus, Madcap Moss goes one-on-one with Angel of Los Lotharios.
The London and Paris events are part of WWE’s next European house show tour. The London house show is being held at The O2 on Friday April 29, while the Paris house show is scheduled for Accor Arena on Saturday, April 30. The following matches have been announced for both events:
Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns defends against Drew McIntyre
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro vs. SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
The tour also includes stops in Newcastle, England on Thursday, April 28 and Leipzig, Germany on Sunday, May 1. Reigns and Rousey have only been announced for the London and Paris shows.
WWE.com wrote:
With additional appearances by Bobby Lashley, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Naomi, Intercontinental Champion Ricochet, Gunther and so many more, do not miss out on the last opportunity to see WWE Superstars perform live in Europe before the premium live event at Principality Stadium in Cardiff this September, and stay tuned for more details on the events coming to Newcastle, U.K., on April 28, and Leipzig, Germany, on May 1.
After the European tour, Charlotte is set to defend the SmackDown Women’s Championship against Rousey in an “I Quit” match at WrestleMania Backlash on Sunday, May 8.
The Usos challenged RK-Bro to a tag team title unification match on tonight’s Raw.
After RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle) defeated Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis), The Usos arrived in the arena and went to confront RK-Bro. They officially challenged RK-Bro to a title unification match. Before RK-Bro could give a definitive answer, The Street Profits came out and said the Usos were trying to jump the line. Randy Orton interrupted the arguing between the two teams, saying he would rather like to see them fight than talk. A match between The Usos and the Street Profits then took place, with The Usos scoring the win.
Following the match, the two teams posed with their titles. The Usos exited, and as RK-Bro watched them go up the ramp, The Street Profits attacked RK-Bro. The distraction allowed The Usos to come back into the ring and superkick RK-Bro, the show closing with them holding both sets of titles.
On Friday’s SmackDown, Roman Reigns told The Usos that he wanted them to be on Raw this coming Monday to challenge RK-Bro. He said that the next goal would be to unify both sets to titles to create the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship.
WWE ended tonight’s SmackDown teasing that the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team titles could end up being unified.
At the end of tonight’s show, Roman Reigns and The Usos came out. Roman said that he has taken over Raw and SmackDown now that he has the WWE Championship, and next on the list was The Usos having both sets of tag team titles. He ordered The Usos to go to Raw and unify the SmackDown titles with the Raw titles, which are currently held by RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Riddle).
Shinsuke Nakamura then came out and confronted Reigns. Reigns told Nakamura that he understood how Nakamura was upset that his tag team partner Rick Boogz was out injured, as he lost Jimmy Uso to a knee injury for more than a year. Reigns offered, then gave Nakamura a hug. Amid the confusion, The Usos came in and superkicked Nakamura, leaving him lying on the floor as the show closed.
Announced for this Monday’s Raw:
Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz
AJ Styles vs. Damian Priest
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks & Naomi defend against Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan
A match between the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions has been announced for Monday.
During tonight’s SmackDown, it was announced that SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos will meet Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro on a special edition of Raw titled ‘WrestleMania Raw’. This will be the second time the teams met, as they originally faced off in a three-way tag match that also featured The New Day back on the December 10 edition of SmackDown.
Already announced for Raw is a confrontation between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar prior to their match at WrestleMania 38 on April 3.
Here is what is currently announced for this Monday’s Raw, which takes place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Brock Lesnar & Roman Reigns appear
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos vs. Raw Tag Team Champions RK-Bro
The Miz (w/Logan Paul) vs. Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio)
Queen Zelina, Carmella, Shayna Baszler & Natalya vs. Sasha Banks, Naomi, Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan
The SmackDown Tag Team titles will be on the line on night one of WrestleMania 38.
WWE has announced that The Usos vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs for the SmackDown Tag Team titles will be part of the card for night one of WrestleMania 38. The match was made official after Boogs defeated Jey Uso in a singles match on last night’s SmackDown.
After being attacked by The Usos last week, Nakamura & Boogs interrupted The Usos on Friday’s SmackDown. The Usos noticed that Boogs’ leg was still wrapped up from the previous week’s attack, and they said they’d agree to give Nakamura & Boogs a title shot at WrestleMania if Boogs could defeat Jey in a singles match.
Jey went after Boogs’ leg when the match started, but Boogs took off the wrap and revealed that his leg wasn’t injured. Boogs was able to overcome interference by Jimmy Uso and hit a pumphandle slam on Jey to get the win.
As Boogs was celebrating his victory, Jimmy hit him in the back with a guitar.
The Usos have been SmackDown Tag Team Champions since winning the titles at Money in the Bank last July.
AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is hosting WrestleMania 38 on Saturday, April 2 and Sunday, April 3. The updated card for the event is listed below:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
The KO Show with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
AJ Styles vs. Edge
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina & Carmella defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi and Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan in a triple threat match
A match for the SmackDown Tag Team titles is set for WrestleMania 38.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs will challenge The Usos for the titles following an angle that took place on tonight’s SmackDown. Boogs defeated Jey Uso in a match that gave him and Nakamura the opportunity to challenge for the titles.
Boogs and Nakamura interrupted The Usos on tonight’s show, with Boogs saying they were the next SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Jimmy brought to attention Boogs’ knee injury. He told Boogs that if he could beat Jey Uso in a match, he and Nakamura would get the title shot. Boogs proceeded to reveal that the injury was a ruse once the bell rang and quickly defeated Jey. After the match, Jimmy attacked Boogs with Boogs’ own guitar.
Here is the current lineup for this year’s WrestleMania, a two night event:
Night one (Saturday, April 2) —
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair defends against Ronda Rousey
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Bianca Belair
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul
Drew McIntyre vs. Happy Corbin
KO Show with ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin
Night two (Sunday, April 3) —
Winner-take-all championship unification match: WWE Champion Brock Lesnar vs. Universal Champion Roman Reigns
Pat McAfee vs. Austin Theory
Sami Zayn vs. Johnny Knoxville
AJ Styles vs. Edge
WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Carmella & Zelina Vega defend against Sasha Banks & Naomi and Rhea Ripley & Liv Morgan
Also announced–
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos defend against Shinsuke Nakamura & Rick Boogs
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.
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.
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.
The SmackDown Tag Team titles will be on the line at this month’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.
WWE has announced that The Usos will defend their SmackDown Tag Team titles against The Viking Raiders at the Elimination Chamber on Saturday, February 19. The PPV is taking place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Viking Raiders became the number one contenders to The Usos’ titles by winning a fatal four-way match on SmackDown last month. They defeated Los Lotharios, Cesaro & Mansoor, and Jinder Mahal & Shanky.
The Usos have been SmackDown Tag Team Champions since winning the titles from Rey & Dominik Mysterio on the Money in the Bank pre-show last July.
Elimination Chamber will begin at noon Eastern time on February 19. Here’s the updated card for the PPV:
Elimination Chamber match: WWE Champion Bobby Lashley defends against Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, Austin Theory, Riddle, and AJ Styles
Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch defends against Lita
SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) defend against The Viking Raiders (Ivar & Erik)
Roman Reigns won’t have his cousins at ringside for his Universal Championship defense at the Royal Rumble.
The main event of last night’s SmackDown was a tag team match with Royal Rumble implications. If The Usos defeated Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens, Rollins would lose his Universal title shot at the Rumble. If Rollins & Owens won, The Usos would be banned from ringside for the match.
When Rollins hit a stomp and was about to get the win, Reigns ran in and laid him out with a Superman punch. It was announced that Rollins & Owens were the winners by disqualification — and The Usos would still be banned from ringside.
Rollins proposed last night’s tag match after interrupting Reigns and The Usos during the opening segment of the show. The Usos accepted the match on behalf of Reigns and said there wasn’t anyone at SmackDown who would team with Rollins anyway. But Rollins then revealed that his friend Owens from Raw was there with him and would be his partner.
On tonight’s show, The Bloodline (Roman Reigns & The Usos) will “acknowledge and celebrate Reigns for his record-breaking 508 days as the Universal Champion.” Reigns’ current title reign recently surpassed Brock Lesnar’s 2017-2018 reign for the longest in the history of the Universal Championship.
Reigns won the Universal Championship by defeating “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman in a triple threat match at Payback in August 2020. He’s set to defend the title against Seth Rollins at the Royal Rumble later this month.
A face-to-face confrontation with Reigns and Rollins headlined last week’s SmackDown. Rollins was able to avoid an ambush by The Usos then, but they showed up on Raw this Monday and laid him out with a superkick.
A rematch between Kofi Kingston and Madcap Moss has also been added to tonight’s SmackDown. Moss defeated Kingston when they faced off last week.
Tonight’s SmackDown is taking place at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The episode will also feature SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair vs. Naomi in a non-title match.
