Tag: wwe live results

WWE NXT live results: The Hardy Boyz return

Posted on by Chris Aiken

One of the most popular tag teams in WWE history returns to the company tonight for a match on NXT.

TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz are taking on Myles Borne & Tavion Heights in a non-title match on tonight’s NXT episode from Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s the first time Matt & Jeff Hardy have teamed together in a WWE ring in nearly six years.

Moose — TNA’s X-Division Champion — is also set to compete on NXT. He’s making a title defense against Lexis King.

In another title match, Stephanie Vaquer puts her Women’s North American Championship on the line against Karmen Petrovic. This is the first title defense for Vaquer since winning the belt from Fallon Henley at Vengeance Day.

One week after officially signing his NXT contract, the former Ricky Starks makes his WWE debut. It will be Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page & Wes Lee tonight. The match was set up last week when Page and Lee both interrupted Saints’ contract signing.

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

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NXT is on the air from The Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH. Opening the show is a women’s title match.

Part of the set includes a ramp level with the ring, which gives me WCW vibes.

NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer defeated Karmen Petrovic (with Ashante “Thee” Adonis) to retain her title

Vaquer pinned Petrovic after the SVB. Good opener. After the match comes a major angle to set up a title vs. title match with Giulia against Vaquer.

They match goes through a split-screen commercial break. Petrovic dives through the rope with a flying crossbody on the floor, just before the show cuts to the break. Some of the best chain wrestling in the match happened during picture-in-picture, while commercials blared.

Vaquer begins a comeback as the show returns from the break, and Vaquer does some of her signature offense. On commentary, Vic Jospeh says Vaquer was a champion in both CMLL and New Japan. Petrovic regains the advantage Vaguer and gets a near falls with a great kick.

Vaquer soon cuts off Petrovic, but Vaquer takes a superkick from Petroovic for another near fall. They trade strikes and kicks. Vaquer flips off Petrovic just before Vaquer executes a dragon screw. Vaquer follows up with her SVB (package neckbreaker) finisher, and Vaquer covers Petrovic for a three count.

NXT Champion Giulia comes out after the match is over for an angle. Giulia gets into the ring to confront Vaquer. Giulia gets the crowd to cheer for Vaquer, only for Giulia to bring up Vaquer saying she is the best champion. Giulia insists she is the best champion.

Vaquer reiterates that she is the champion of champions. Giulia says why don’t we find out who is the best. Vaquer remarks they are friends, but Vaquer then proposes a champion vs. champion match. Giulia and Vaquer hold both of their title belts overhead for a stare down.

A skit begins with Arianna Grace talking with Santino Marella about the NXT-TNA partnership when up walks Lola Vice. She wants a match on either show, and Grace tries to dismiss Vice. This leads to Vice challenging Grace to a match

TNA X-Division Champion Moose defeated Lexis King to retain his title

Moose pinned King after a spear. Moose looked like a superstar, and King fought from underneath. The biggest news was the post-match angle that set up Oba Femi defending the NXT title against Moose at NXT Roadblock.

Crowd reactions were muted on the CW feed because of language, like “holy s***” chants. King took a back drop on the ramp. Moose was dominating much of the match, with King selling throughout. King fires up and starts fighting back. They exchange kicks and King uses a hurricanrana for a near fall. King then does a flip dive.

Moose leaps to the top rope and springboards into a flying crossbody. Powerbomb by Moose for a two count. Moments later, King executes a Coronation for another near fall. Moose counters a second attempt at a Coronation. Moose then cuts down King with a spear. Moose then scores a pinfall to retain his title.

NXT Champion Oba Femi enters after the match for an angle with Moose. Femi confronts Moose and sarcastically congratulates him on beating King. Femi then challenges Moose to a title match at The Theater in MSG for NXT Roadblock. They made it seem like a title vs. title, but apparently this will be Femi defending the NXT title against Moose.

Jordynne Grace is in the ring for a monologue. She knew exactly where she was supposed to be when she first came to NXT. Grace says she carried a company on her back, but she wanted to be in NXT after feeling the hunger in the locker room.

Grace has one goal, which is become the champion of what she calls the greatest women’s division. Grace is cutting a good promo when she is interrupted by Roxanne Perez, because hardly any in-ring promo in NXT can go uninterrupted.

Perez confronts Grace in the ring, and Perez cuts a promo on Grace. Perez event insults TNA, saying Grace was a big fish in a small pond. Grace responds that everyone has a plan until… and Grace punches Perez in the face. Grace gets Perez in a fireman’s carry, but Perez escapes. Clearly, these two are on a collision course for a match very soon. Maybe Roadblock?

Trick Williams is sulking in the locker room. He is basically Diesel in late 1995-early ’96 where he is upset about losing the title, so he’s heeling on people. Le’Von Evans has words with Trick, and they get face-to-face. In walks Ricky Saints, and he is not feeling the love.

Jaida Parker and Kelani Jordan has a kayface “incident” on a bus earlier today. Sarach Schreiber interview Parker, and she cuts a pretty good promo on Jordan.

A post on Instagram teases “The Mystery Four” are in the building, which is the very original name they are giving to the four mystery assailants for now. Surely they we get a better name, right?

TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff Hardy) defeated No Quarter Catch Crew (Tavion Heights & Myles Borne) to retain their titles

Matt Hardy pinned Myles Borne to win the match after a Swanton by Jeff Hardy. NXT Tag Team Champion Nathan Frazier & Axiom watch the match from the ramp, and they get in the ring for angle with the Hardys after the match. This set up another inter-promotional match.

The match itself went through a commercial break with heat on Jeff. Hot tag to Matt. For the finish, Twsit of Fate by Matt, Swanton by Jeff, and Matt follows up by covering Borne for the pinfall. The match was decent enough and the crowd adored the Hardys.

Fraxiom gets into the ring after the match to confront the Hardys. The NXT champs refer to the Hardys as the greatest tag team ever. The Hardys respond with a challenge for a match. Out comes Santino Marella to announce the Hardys will defend the TNA Tag Team Championship against Fraxiom at Roadblock in NYC. Another big match for the NXT PLE.

Tony D’Angelo and The Family are featured in a pre-taped skit for a family sit-down. Subtle teases of Stacks turning is what I took from this skit.

Another skit from backstage sets up a tag team match with Chelsea Green & Piper Niven against Sol Ruca & Zaria. Green & Niven tried to big league the NXT team, but Ruca & Zaira were having none of it.

Jaida Parker defeated Arianna Grace

Parker pinned Grace after a spinning back fist. Weakest match on the show so far, but it was not supposed to be the main event. While Grace got some offense, this match was more about getting Parker over.

This show is morphing into TNA, and I had flashbacks as it was TO THE BACK! Cut backstage and apparently The Mystery Four is wrecking shop again and attacking other wrestlers. Too bad there aren’t a bunch of cameras around to catch them in the act, but at least there are cameras for the community theater skits. Not sure what I would do without the skits. Anyway, this Mystery Four angle is like one long Tonya Harding angle. Who are these assailants?

Eddy Thorpe in a vignette cuts a promo near the Ohio River in Cincinnati. Thorpe mention is people once lived here until they were forced out. He likens that to his situation in NXT when he beat Trick Williams, but Thorpe is still somehow denied a title match. Thorpe wants another match with Trick. Name the time and place, Thorpe says to the camera.

Sarah Schreiber interviews NXT GM Ava, and Ava officially announced NXT Women’s Champion Guilia against NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer in a title for title match at Roadblock. So, this is basically a unification match.

Ricky Saints & Je’Von Evans defeated Wes Lee & Ethan Page

Saints pinned Lee to win the match. Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont were in Lee’s corner for the match. They would interfere at one point just before the finish.

The heel duo got heat on Evans for a long time. It felt like days. Eventually, Saints comes in off a hot tag. Saints runs wild on Lee, until Lee cuts him off after Saints is distracted by Igwe and Dupont. Saints thwarts their interference, but he is cut off when distracted. Not for long. They soon go home.

Just before the going home, Evans and Page brawl through the crowd and out of there. That is after Evans does a dive on Page, when Page breaks up a pinning attempt.

The crowd chanted “Ricky” at Saints. He executed a Dominator finisher they called “Roshambo” (probably spelled different to be cool and whatnot). Saints then scored the deciding pinfall on Lee.

Pretty dang good show overall. Also pretty some dang good matches announced for the coming weeks. There were some goofy skits, but that is to be expected on NXT. Being on the road outside the usual setting of the sound stage really made this NXT much better to watch. The matches also delivered, along with the angles.

WWE Raw live results: Elimination Chamber go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: February 24, 2025
Location: Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, OH 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

Cody Rhodes appeared on Raw to address The Rock’s offer but was interrupted by Seth Rollins, who issued a warning to Rhodes. (See more below.) 

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez won the Women’s Tag Team titles in a fun main event after Morgan pinned Naomi—thanks to plenty of interference by Dom. 

Penta suffered his first loss in WWE in a triple threat match where he was not pinned.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole announced a crowd of 12,259. The Women’s tag title match will be tonight’s main event. 

Cody Rhodes was among those shown arriving at the arena. 

Opening segment

Logan Paul entered to kick off Raw. He was booed by the crowd despite announcing he was also from Ohio. He said he was just like them, just better. He saw dreary, grey Cincinnati when he was landing on his jet and told his pilot to turn around, but he decided to go to Cincinnati after all to perform for the peasants because he was just that humble. 

The crowd booed, so he told them that they didn’t appreciate good talent. Just look at what they did to Joe Burrow. Paul beat Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio to qualify for the Chamber, and he will beat three doorknobs and John Cena before going on to WrestleMania to become the face of this company. 

CM Punk interrupted to a big reaction. Paul wondered what Punk’s problem was with him. He saw Punk’s subtweets and thought Punk was jealous because Paul was successful at everything he did, while Punk was a series of failures. 

Punk said he didn’t have a problem with Paul. But Paul was a dime a dozen. A loud-mouth kid who did stupid and ignorant things for the shock of it. Paul thought that made him a generational talent but he had no character or substance, and the fans deserved better. 

Paul said Punk’s return was one of the biggest ever, but he immediately crumbled under the pressure and got hurt. Paul said the fans were familiar with Stone Cold, Cena, and Punk, but that name (of the top guy) changed over time. It was just a matter of time before they were chanting Paul’s name. (The fans chanted for Punk.) 

Punk said Paul was wrong about a lot, but he was right that the names do change. All the names he mentioned were legends, including Punk. Punk made history when under pressure, but Paul never made history and was barely a flash in the pan. Paul wouldn’t be here long enough to be remembered. 

Punk planned on eliminating Paul from the Chamber. Punk would face Cody Rhodes and leave Las Vegas with the title. Punk would make history—and Paul would be history. Punk didn’t care if Rhodes thought he had to sell his soul to beat him because he would find out that Punk was Satan himself—and Paul was nobody. 

They got face-to-face until Paul slapped Punk. Paul immediately left the ring before Punk could retaliate. (And Punk couldn’t leave the ring, I guess.) Punk told him to run while he could because he’d be locked in a cage on Saturday. Punk would get his hands on him, and he would understand why the fans chanted his name.

******** 

Triple threat match: Ludwig Kaiser defeated Pete Dunne and Penta (9:20) 

He didn’t get pinned, but Penta suffered his first loss in WWE. Cole kept calling this a first time ever triple threat match. That is true, but Penta also hasn’t wrestled anyone besides these two men in six weeks (aside from the Royal Rumble match). 

Kaiser and Dunne set something up in the corner, but Penta got underneath and brought them both down with a powerbomb. (The timing was unfortunate because the setup happened during a commercial, but the actual move happened during the split-second where the screen goes black before they come back. They did show a replay later.) 

Penta used a hurricanrana (sort of) to launch Dunne into Kaiser before wiping out both men with separate flip dives. (Kaiser had to stand around too long waiting for his.) Just about 6-7 minutes into the match, they got their third “This is awesome” chant.  Dunne managed to hit Penta with Bitter End, but Kaiser broke up the cover. 

Penta stepped off of a haunched over Kaiser and hit Dunne with a Canadian Destroyer. Penta superkicked Kaiser and set up Dunne for his finisher, but Kaiser chucked Penta out of the ring and hit Dunne with his finisher instead for the surprise pinfall win. 

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed Rhea Ripley in the crowd. Ripley said she has never beaten Iyo Sky, but it’s been five years since they’ve wrestled. Since then, Ripley has become the most dominant woman in WWE. She’s beaten everyone from Becky Lynch to Charlotte Flair, and we can add Sky’s name to that list after next week. 

Sky joined to tell Ripley she would beat her again and go into WrestleMania as the Women’s World Champion. They got face-to-face. 

********

New Day cut a promo during the break where they didn’t say anything new. They also waited around for boos and “New Day sucks” chants, but the crowd only barely played along. 

During this match, Cole plugged Matt & Jeff Hardy wrestling on tomorrow’s NXT. 

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde (5:27) 

LWO set up for a double-team move, but Kingston raked Del Toro’s eyes as Woods distracted the referee. Kingston tossed Wilde from the ring, and New Day gave Del Toro the UpUpDownDown (backbreaker/diving foot stomp combo) for the pinfall win. 

— Dragon Lee ran out to make the save, but New Day beat him up too. 

You can skip this. 

********

Finn Bálor told Dominik Mysterio that last week was the most embarrassing day in the history of Judgment Day, and it was all Dom’s fault. Dom said Bálor only had a qualifying match because of him, but Bálor lost it. Dom said they needed a new member. 

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez interrupted. Morgan couldn’t believe they were still fighting. She said they had a big week coming up, including their tag title match tonight. Morgan said they would bring gold to Judgment Day, and that’s all that mattered. 

Bálor said they should be worried after what they did to Jade Cargill. Morgan said they were not involved, but they would still handle Bianca Belair and Naomi. Morgan told Bálor to get on the same page with Dom and help him against Bron Breakker. Bálor said they would handle their business, and Morgan said they would handle theirs. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed AJ Styles during a break. Styles said he always had a target on his back, but that meant he was doing something right. Paul interrupted. Paul thought Styles was going to retire after getting hurt or after getting embarrassed by him in the Rumble. Styles said Paul did eliminate him, but that’s how the Rumble works. Styles invited him to try it again. Paul said he was too busy, but he admired Styles for not giving up, even though he probably should. 

*******

Members of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team were shown in the crowd. Adam “Pacman” Jones was shown, too, and he got a good reaction. 

Gunther promo 

Gunther entered. He said he would embarrass Jey Uso at WrestleMania and end the Yeet Circus once and for all. In the spirit of WrestleMania, Gunther told Adam Pearce that he would wrestle tonight against his own hand-picked opponent—Akira Tozawa. (When Gunther was shown entering the building earlier, he walked by Alpha Academy dancing for TikTok.) 

Gunther saw Tozawa dancing with the other two clowns, and that bothered him because they had things in common. They both uprooted their lives to make a career in WWE. They both got into the shape of their lives to prove they belonged. But Tozawa was wasted dancing like a goof for the degenerate fans. He made the wrong choice, just like Jey, and Jey’s choice would cost him his career. 

Gunther recalled what McAfee said last week, that anything could happen on any given night. Tozawa had a chance to earn his respect tonight. Gunther told Tozawa to earn his respect and started shoving him. The ref chose this moment to ring the bell. 

World Heavyweight Champion Gunther defeated Akira Tozawa via ref stoppage in a non-title match (2:50) 

Tozawa attacked Gunther as soon as the bell rang in retaliation. He had Gunther off-guard for a moment until Gunther booted him and killed him with a chop. Gunther tried a powerbomb but Tozawa countered into a victory roll for a nearfall. Tozawa came off the top but Gunther caught him and applied a Boston Crab until Tozawa got a rope break. 

Tozawa tried to fight back with chops, but Gunther planted him with a powerbomb. He had it won but lifted Tozawa off the mat at the two count. Gunther put Tozawa in a sleeper—and had Tozawa off his feet. Tozawa passed out, and the referee called for the bell. 

— Gunther went after Tozawa after the match, so Otis jumped in to make the save. Gunther shoved Otis, who began gyrating, so Gunther left the ring. As Otis checked on Tozawa, Gunther slipped back in and put him in a sleeper until Jey Uso ran out (to his music) to chase away Gunther.

******** 

There was a video package for the Women’s Chamber match, highlighting each wrestler. 

Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (7:40) 

Valkyria hit a delayed superplex (off the middle rope) following a break. The previously quiet crowd chanted, “Holy sh*t,” and they were into the match from here. Kai came back with a scorpion kick, and they traded cradles for a series of two counts until Valkyria bridged out of a jackknife cover and hit a powerbomb for two. 

Valkyria came off the top, but Kai caught her with a superkick. Kai followed with a running boot and a Kai-ropractor for two. They fought for position on the ropes until Valkyria slipped out and gave Kai a Nightwing for the pinfall win. 

(This was short but good for the time they had.) 

— Valkyria embraced a disappointed Kai after the match. 

As Kai was leaving, Ivy Nile attacked her from behind and tossed her into the barricade. Nile laid out Valkyria in the ring and posed with the IC title belt. 

*******

There was a video package for Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens. 

Sami Zayn sit-down interview 

Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn (earlier today). She mentioned Owens’ video that he recorded from outside Zayn’s house. Redmond said something else happened this past week, and she asked if Zayn would share what it was. 

Zayn said he went to Owens’ house. Owens wasn’t home, but his mother was. She invited him in, and they caught up. It was great to see her, and she was in good spirits. 

Zayn got home that night and was ashamed of himself. He couldn’t look himself in the mirror because he didn’t recognize the man who went to Owens’ house. He didn’t know what his intentions were, but they weren’t good. 

Zayn and Owens have gone through a lot over the years, but family has never been involved. Zayn didn’t recognize himself, and he didn’t recognize Owens. That’s why this one was different. They were in a different headspace now. 

He understood why WWE wouldn’t sanction the match. He admitted his neck wasn’t where he wanted to be right now, but they should be worried about what he does to Owens. This match would be worse than anything they’ve done to each other in the past. Owens better be ready because it was going to be a bad time. 

This was great. 

******* 

Bayley was interviewed during a break until she was interrupted by Roxanne Perez. Bayley told Perez she could envision seeing her at WrestleMania—just not this year. 

Belair and Naomi cut a pre-taped promo on Morgan and Rodriguez. 

******** 

Non-title match: Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker defeated Dominik Mysterio (w/Finn Bálor & Carlito) via disqualification (3:16) 

Bron was firmly in control until one distraction too many allowed Dom to hit a springboard senton. Another distraction allowed Dom to hit a 619. Dom set up for a frog splash, but Bron hit a Frankensteiner (and the crowd barked for Bron). 

Bron set up for a spear but was yanked out of the ring by Bálor and Carlito for the DQ. 

— Judgment Day put the boots to Bron after the match. Bálor went looking for a chair, so Bron tossed Dom from the ring and speared Carlito. Bálor tried to attack from behind, but Bron caught him and got in his face. Bálor slunk out of the ring. 

********

There was a video recap of the Cody Rhodes/Rock segment from Smackdown. 

They showed the logo for WrestleMania 42 next year in New Orleans, and the logo actually has the number in it. Hopefully, that stays. 

There was a New Day promo during commercials. They were already in their street clothes because they couldn’t wait to leave Cincinnati. They announced they were going on vacation next week in Costa Rica and told everyone to thank God for The New Day. 

The Creed Brothers hyped up Ivy Nile backstage. Kelley asked if Nile was trying to angle herself back into the IC title picture. That’s obviously what she was doing, and Nile responded, “Of course.” Nile said the Creeds were going after the tag belts next week, and she would beat up Valkyria every week until she got a title match. The War Raiders attacked the Creeds and officials frantically tried separating them. 

******** 

Cody Rhodes/Seth Rollins segment 

Rhodes entered to a strong reaction. He didn’t ask what they wanted to talk about because he knew what he was supposed to talk about. 

He pondered what it meant to ask for another man’s soul. That might seem abstract, but having grown up in this business, he understood the offer The Rock was making. It was Good Guy 101, not to lie to the fans. He had never lied to them before and wasn’t starting now. 

He was an incredibly blessed man. He was not a team of one, and this decision would not affect him alone. He had his lovely wife, Brandi, his daughter, his sister and her family, little Brodie and the Nightmare Factory, two nephews breaking into the industry with the last name Rhodes, his mother, and the memory of his father. The crowd chanted for Dusty. 

Dusty worked into his 60s in the independent wrestling circuit, breaking his body to make ends meet, and he did not want that memory to mirror his future. The Rock was saying he could have everything without having to scratch, fight and claw. 

Seth Rollins interrupted. He said this was the first time they were in the ring together in nearly a year—since WrestleMania 40. He would love for this to be a moment of celebration. Rollins wanted to congratulate him and tell him he couldn’t wait to face him at WrestleMania after he won the Chamber. But that’s not why he’s here. 

Rollins asked Rhodes what the hell he was thinking. They stood side-by-side a year ago, going against The Bloodline. Against The Rock. And now Rock was back asking to be his champion. The fact that Rhodes didn’t slap Rock in the face was a slap in Rollins’ face. Rollins told him not to make him regret what he sacrificed to help Rhodes win the title. Rollins wondered if being champion was becoming too much of a burden for Rhodes. 

Rhodes said he wished this conversation was going differently. He wanted to show gratitude, but Rollins was being awfully judgmental. Rock showed up to ask Rhodes for his soul, but Rock wouldn’t ask Rollins for his because it may already be compromised. Rhodes knew who Rollins was. Rollins hit Rhodes in the back with a sledgehammer. He turned on the Shield and saddled up with the Authority, running people like Rhodes out of WWE. 

Rhodes also knew that Rollins was his shield at WrestleMania 40. Rollins was his partner and his brother. With one leg and a scrambled back, Rollins helped him gain his family’s biggest dream and was the MVP of WrestleMania 40. 

Rollins said he wasn’t there to judge Rhodes. He wanted to protect Rhodes from making the same mistakes he did. Rollins has been filled with hate. That hate was pointed in the direction of Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Rollins didn’t want to hate Rhodes, too, but Rhodes was a grown man and could do whatever he wanted. 

Rollins planned on winning the Chamber and did not want to face a soulless shell of Cody Rhodes. He wanted to face the man who returned to WWE and beat him at WrestleMania. The man who beat him with one arm. 

Rollins wasn’t coming for Rhodes’ soul, but he was coming for the title. 

********

Next week on Raw in Buffalo: 

  • Rhea Ripley vs. IYO SKY for the Women’s World Championship 
  • The War Raiders vs. The Creed Brothers for the World Tag Team Championships

******** 

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bianca Belair & Naomi to win the Women’s Tag Team Championships (12:12) 

Belair and Naomi attacked Morgan and Rodriguez before the match, immediately following the in-ring introductions. They beat up Morgan around ringside, and the ref decided to start the match once they were back in the ring, with Morgan down on her hands and knees and both babyfaces in the ring at once. Belair beat up Morgan until Rodriguez managed to save her. 

Rodriguez held control during a break, but Belair hit a 450 splash after the break for a nearfall (one of her knees seemed to catch Raquel right on the chin). Belair set up for KOD, but Rodriguez raked her eyes. Morgan tagged in, and they hit a double-team elevated Codebreaker for a nearfall. 

Morgan went for Oblivion, but Belair caught her. Belair and Naomi set up for a double KOD, but Dom ran down to ringside to distract the referee. Rodriguez broke up the double-team, and Morgan hit Naomi with an Oblivion for a nearfall. Belair speared Rodriguez. 

Naomi gave Morgan a jawbreaker, and Belair hit Morgan with KOD moments later, but Rodriguez broke up the cover. Belair and Naomi gave Morgan a double KOD, but Dom put Morgan’s leg on the rope to break up the cover. The ref had to pretend he didn’t see this. 

Belair went after Dom, but Rodriguez slammed her on the announce table. Naomi used a slingshot dive to wipe out Rodriguez. Morgan caught Naomi in a rollup for a nearfall back in the ring. (The crowd was really into all of these nearfalls.) 

Naomi hit a Rear View, but Dom got on the apron, so Naomi knocked him down into the ring. As the ref got rid of Dom, Naomi set up for a moonsault, but Rodriguez blocked it and smashed Naomi’s face against the ring post, and she collapsed in the ring. Morgan crawled into a cover for the pinfall win. 

Fireworks went off as the champs celebrated with Dom and their titles. Morgan and Rodriguez are now the first three-time Women’s tag team champions. Cole really put over the year Morgan was having, which could get even bigger with a Chamber win on Saturday. 

(There was probably too much interference from Dom, especially since some of it seemed unnecessary, but this was still a fun and chaotic match, and the fans were super into it.)

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

The road to WrestleMania could take a turn with The Rock appearing on tonight’s WWE SmackDown in New Orleans.

The Rock will be on WWE programming for the first time since January. In a social media post, he teased that he’ll have a “big beautiful gift” for the city of New Orleans. Rock also stated that he has someone in his sights, but he did not declare who that might be.

Also tonight, the WWE Tag Team Titles will be on the line when champions DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defend against Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince). Pretty Deadly defeated DIY last week in a non-title match.

A six-man tag team match has been advertised with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes teaming with Damian Priest & Braun Strowman to take on Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga.

Plus, after a backstage confrontation last week, Drew McIntyre will go one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone to the show as a skyline shot of New Orleans aired. From there, Tiffany Stratton was shown walking around the arena. Ditto for Naomi, Bianca Belair and Cody Rhodes, who ran into Nick Aldis, who told Cody that he was removing Cody from the six-man tag later. Cody wasn’t happy about that, but Aldis told Cody it came from the Final Boss, who wanted to see Cody later in the ring. Drew McIntyre then made his entrance for the first match. Jimmy Uso, meanwhile, cut a promo while walking backstage towards the ring for the first match.

Jimmy Uso defeated Drew McIntyre [11:17]

I’m a fan of starting the show with a wrestling match, especially in WWE because so often, we get a long promo from one of the program’s main stories and it becomes grating after a while. This was a good match to open the show with, especially considering the upset win Jimmy pulled out. McIntyre acting a little too comfortable and cocky before and throughout the match kind of tipped off the finish, but it still packed a punch when Jimmy finally got the 1-2-3. As for Sikoa and Fatu teaming later in the main event … you have to wonder if this is part of a pivot because of The Rock’s return, if this was always the plan Rock or no Rock, or if they are stalling because the creative minds are scrambling to rewrite their plans. Chaos in pro wrestling both in front of and behind the scenes is just the best.

McIntyre teased Yeeting to start the match and then mimicked flipping Jimmy off. As a result, Jimmy fired up and had the upper hand early. Jimmy’s momentum ended when McIntyre caught Jimmy and hit a pair of belly-to-belly suplexes. The action spilled outside, where McIntyre threw Jimmy into the crowd barrier. Back inside the ring, Drew yelled “No Mania for you,” and promptly received an enziguri, who knocked McIntyre back outside, where Jimmy hit a dive. Drew came back and hit an Alabama Slam on Jimmy into the ring steps. McIntyre posed on the commentary desk as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and McIntyre was working on Jimmy with a series of punches on the second rope. Jimmy worked his way out and connected with a splash from the top to reset the match. Jimmy followed up with a Samoan Drop and a two-count. Jimmy set up for a super-kick, but McIntyre cut him off with a flying headbutt and a spinebuster for a two-count. McIntyre set up for a Future Shock DDT, but Jimmy countered and eventually threw McIntyre onto the apron. McIntyre went to the top, but jumped into a super-kick. Jimmy followed that up with a spear, which led to a near-fall.

Jimmy went to the top for a splash, but Drew countered and set up for a Claymore, but Drew ran into a super-kick. McIntyre jawed at Jimmy and tried another Alabama Slam, but Jimmy rolled through and rolled McIntyre up for the win. Right after the match, McIntyre attacked Jimmy inside the ring and jawed at Jimmy. Drew set Jimmy’s head against the ring post and was going to kick him, but officials ran out to pull Drew away. Drew eventually got away from the officials, ran back into the ring and Claymore’d Jimmy.

**********

– Footage from last week’s main event aired. A vehicle was shown pulling up outside the building and Solo Sikoa exited said vehicle. Sikoa ran into Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. Sikoa said what happened to Tonga last week was an accident. Fatu said if it wasn’t an accident, Sikoa wouldn’t be standing there right now. Sikoa said he’d be in Fatu and Tonga’s corner later and Fatu corrected him and said it will be Sikoa and Fatu teaming in the main event.

– A video package highlighting the Elimination Chamber participants aired.

– Footage from earlier aired and it featured Carmelo Hayes running into R-Truth. Truth said they have a tag match later tonight. The Miz was revealed as the person who made the match. Turns out, it will be Miz & Melo (Miz kept saying “Melo don’t Mizz” in an attempt to sell Melo on all this) vs. Truth and a mystery partner.

– A Zelina Vega vignette aired. It looks like she’s getting a reboot.

– R-Truth made his entrance and said his partner is a local legend. Truth then introduced LA Knight as Louisiana Knight. Knight walked out and looked confused. Truth then gave Knight some beads and a Po’boy. Knight ate the sandwich and gave away the beads on his way to the ring.

The Miz & Carmelo Hayes defeated LA Knight and R-Truth [10:03]

This was kind of fun for what it was. I still can’t get past not figuring out who the hell LA Knight angered to get to where he is on the card some weeks. If he doesn’t end up regaining that U.S. title, my guess is we’ll see him in the Impact Zone by Memorial Day. Truth’s schtick can be entertaining; I find it more of a “Am I in the mood to laugh at this right now” situation each time he appears, but I understand the appeal to the masses. Melo and Miz, meanwhile, might actually have something as partners in a situation where one is really into it and the other kind of/sort of isn’t … until he actually is. Will that happen with Melo? We’ll have to see.

The crowd chanted Knight’s name as Melo and Truth started the match. Truth hip-tossed Melo and counted to two … even though nobody had Melo covered, which earned a laugh from the live crowd. Knight tagged in briefly before Truth came back into the fold. Melo and Truth ran into each other and Truth tagged Miz, who was not his partner, into the match. Melo then sent Truth to the outside. The show then went to a break.

The show returned and Melo had control, working on Truth. Melo went for a suplex, but Truth countered into a Stunner. Truth then got the hot tag to Knight, who came in and cleaned house. Knight eventually tried something with Miz, but it didn’t quite work and Melo tagged in. Melo went for a First 48 on Knight, but Knight countered and Truth tagged himself in. Truth then did his Cena spots on Melo, which fired the live crowd up. Truth worked and STFU on Melo, but Miz broke it up. Knight took care of Miz and they fought to the outside, where Nakamura appeared and attacked Knight. Inside the ring Miz tagged in and Melo and Miz hit a First 48/Skull-Crushing Finale combo at the same time on Truth for the win.

**********
– A Charlotte Flair vignette aired, and that was two women’s vignettes in the first hour of the show, so someone in the back must have read those reports regarding some of the women in WWE earlier this week.

– Tiffany Stratton stood in the ring after making her entrance. She had a microphone. “Tiffy Time!” chants began. Tiffany said everybody has been obsessed with her since she won the WWE Women’s Title. Tiffy said at the Chamber, she will make the Unstoppable Force come to a Definitive End. Tiffy then pivoted to Charlotte and said talked about the angle with her last week. Tiffy said nobody loves to kick a girl when she’s down quite like Charlotte Flair does. Tiffy said she’s coming for Charlotte’s spot as the “top girl in the WWE.” Nia Jax’s music hit and Jax walked out with a microphone, Candice LeRae by her side. Jax said it was cute to think Tiffy could have beat Jax last week. Jax said Tiffy won’t even see WrestleMania because Jax will be coming back for her WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy told Nia to give it up because the title isn’t her’s. Jax and LeRae stepped into the ring and said they’d both take Tiffy out now. A referee popped into the ring and didn’t let that happen. The show then went to a commercial break.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Candice LeRae [9:57 of TV time]

LeRae got a ton of shine here, but it didn’t feel like it because of the long break in the middle of the match along with the mere presence of Charlotte. Speaking of that, something felt off with Charlotte. Maybe it was how unnatural it felt to hear Wade Barrett asking Charlotte questions while Tessitore seemed to want no part of it. Maybe it was because Charlotte sounded more annoyed than usual and didn’t care to say much when she was asked to say anything at all. I don’t know. Either way, her presence didn’t fit. The match itself was fine, but Tiffy still doesn’t fully commit to being a babyface, and that hurts her more each week. Crowds want to love her, but the crowds feel like they are becoming less vocal each time she appears and I think she’s complicit in that. Maybe tagging alongside Trish Stratus at the Chamber will help all of this.

The match was joined in progress and LeRae had control. Tiffy quickly fired up and dropkicked LeRae. Charlotte Flair’s music then hit and Charlotte walked out in the middle of the match. LeRae took control of Tiffy losing her focus and went to work on Tiffy’s neck. Charlotte put on a headset and joined the commentary team. Charlotte told the commentary team she is the top woman in WWE. Inside the ring, LeRae kept control until she was the victim of a dropkick. LeRae went to the outside and Tiffy went to the top to attempt a moonsault on both Jax and LeRae, but she almost entirely missed, despite the heels selling contact. Tiffy smiled, got up, and yelled “Tiffy Time!” Tiffy returned to the ring and pointed at the WrestleMania sign. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Tiffy hit a series of clotheslines on LeRae. Tiffy followed that up with a spinebuster, which was good enough for a two-count. The two battled on the top until Tiffy knocked LeRae off and went for a Swanton, but LeRae moved and rolled Tiffy up for a near-fall. Stratton rebounded quickly and set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Jax pulled Stratton to the outside. Stratton took out Jax and LeRae and looked at Charlotte while pointing at the Mania sign. Back in the ring, Tiffy connected with the PMS for the win. After the match, Jax immediately attacked Tiffy. Trish Stratus’s music hit and Trish ran out for the save, taking care of Jax and LeRae … until the heels fought back. Ultimately, Jax hit her finisher on Stratus and Tiffy while Charlotte looked on from commentary.

Everybody but Tiffy left the ring and Charlotte walked into it. Charlotte then stood over Tiffy and pointed at the Mania sign.

**********

– Cody ran into Damian Priest backstage and Priest asked Cody why The Rock was there. Cody said he didn’t know, but he was sure it’d be interesting. Priest said after Chamber, he will be coming for Cody’s title. Cody said he wouldn’t have it any other way. Braun Strowman walked in after Cody walked out. Strowman said if it wasn’t for Solo Sikoa, the Chamber would look a lot different. They joked for a second and Priest asked Strowman if they would handle business later. Strowman said they would because it’s the only thing he cares about.

– A vignette highlighting the women’s Chamber participants aired.

– Naomi and Bianca Belair were interviewed in the back by Byron Saxton. Naomi said she knows Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were the ones responsible for attacking Jade Cargill. Belair said they are going to get revenge on Liv and Raquel and move on to Chamber next weekend. Naomi said Liv, especially, will feel it later tonight.

– An Alexa Bliss vignette aired. Bliss felt kind of like a heel in it and said she’s going to turn the Chamber into a playground of her own.

– Naomi made her entrance alongside Belair, but Liv and Raquel attacked them before a match could start. Liv hit Oblivion on Naomi and the heels then left. As such, the match between Morgan and Naomi was called off. Thanks, Rock.

– Speaking of Dwayne, a truck pulled up outside the arena. Tessitore said the Final Boss was up next.

– Aldis was talking to Liv and Raquel backstage and told them to get the hell out of the building. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven then walked in and Green said she and Niven were ready to take Belair and Naomi’s places in the Chamber. Aldis said Naomi and Belair will still be in the Chamber and Green pouted. Aldis said Green will have an opponent not at the Chamber, but at SmackDown next week.

The Rock segment

This was sort of interesting, even if the ambiguity of it all turned me away from it on some level. Rock wants a brother, a champion. Cody put on his best “I’m shook” face in response to Rock’s proposition. In a lot of ways, I’m ready to say to hell with it all, pull the trigger on a Cody heel turn and let’s see him and Rock run through all of WWE until next year’s WrestleMania. That’s probably not going to happen, but it sure would be a lot of fun. With Rock turning up at next weekend’s Chamber, one has to think that he’s going to be around a little more often now, right? Or, if not, and Cody turns and works as a heel against a presumed John Cena at Mania, perhaps … ahh, there’s no use in fantasy booking. Anyway, the segment was good and packed a lot of punch. I’m awfully intrigued to see what happens next and that was obviously the point.

The Rock made his entrance. Once he got to the ring, loud “Rocky!” chants broke out. Someone threw a microphone at Rock from outside the ring and he caught it. He teased talking, but his music kept playing and more “Rocky!” chants rose up. Rock asked the crowd if they felt it and everyone yelled. Rock said he was going to drop some … whatever it was, the language was blanked out, and the crowd cheered. The Rock did his “Finally …” schtick. The crowd loved it. Rock then added, “And finally, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans.” Everyone responded accordingly. Pyro went off and next year’s Mania graphic appeared on the video screens. The event will happen on April 11 and April 12. “Holy sh@#” chants broke out.

The Rock started to sing “When The Saints Go Marching In,” and Ricky … no I’m kidding. Rock told the crowd to shut up so he could sing and Rock sang the rest of the refrain with the crowd and then called the crowd “STD-havin trailer-park trash.” Oh, Dwayne, it’s so fun to have you back. Everyone turned on him quickly and the boos started. The Rock then said he was also there to call somebody out – someone who he respects and admires: Cody Rhodes. Cody’s music hit and the champ made his entrance.

The two embraced in the middle of the ring while Cody’s music was still playing and Rock kissed Cody. The crowd was hot for Cody. Rock said, “They love you, man,” and Cody turned to the crowd to say, “I love you, too.” Cody was extra smile-y. Rock said since last year’s Mania, the two have become good friends. Rock referenced the first Raw on Netflix. Rock thanked Cody again for being an incredible champion. Rock noted how they drank some tequila together at that Raw. Rock said their moms have become good friends and Rock showed a picture of Mama Rhodes and Mama Rock together at last year’s Mania.

Rock said he called Cody out to tell him he’s been a great champion, but the Rock is on the board of TKO and TKO owns WWE. Rock reminded everyone he is the director of the Board of TKO. Rock talked about how he’s the most powerful man in WWE. Rock said Cody is a great champion, but he wants Cody to be something more than a great champion; he wants Cody to be Rock’s champion. Cody said he didn’t expect they’d be friends, but he was wondering about what Rock meant because he’s not Rock’s champion; he’s “their” champion, and turned toward the crowd. The crowd chanted Cody’s name.

Rock said he was talking about something “bigger than just this.” Rock said he knows Cody’s No. 1 goal is to bring as much joy and happiness to as many people around the world. Rock rattled off Cody’s social media statistics and said The Rock has half a billion social followers. Rock said if Cody becomes Rock’s champion, Rock can open up possibilities for Cody that he never knew existed. Rock said if he becomes Rock’s champion, he could make all Cody’s dreams come true. Rock said he could make his baby’s dreams come true – he just needs Cody to be his champion.

Rock said he’s a lucky man and he has it all. Rock told a crowd member to shut their mouth and everyone popped. Rock said the one thing he’s always wanted that he’s never had is a brother. The crowd booed. Rock said that’s what Cody could be. Rock said last year, Rock’s goal was to face Roman Reigns for the WWE title, but when he came back, he tried to demand a match with Roman and Cody “f@#” it up (I think that’s what Rock said; the audio was cut). Rock said Cody slapped him and that’s why Cody is special. These are the reasons Rock said Cody should be Rock’s champion. Rock said Cody could think about it and talk to his wife about it. Rock said he’d meet Cody at Elimination Chamber and he wants Cody’s answer at that event next weekend.

Rock thanked the crowd for being “hot ass.” Rock said the one thing he wants more than anything in the world is “that,” and he pointed at the title. Cody asked Rock if all he wanted was the title. Rock said that wasn’t the title; instead, the Rock wants Cody’s soul. “Sell your soul!” chants broke out. Rock said he’d see Cody at the Chamber on March 1 in Toronto and threw the microphone out of the ring. Rock stepped out of the ring to boos and Cody looked confused inside the ring. Rock turned back after walking away and took his glasses off. Rock grinned as he walked to the back. Cody looked distraught in the ring and the segment ended.

**********

– #DIY made their entrance and had microphones with them. Ciampa said tonight has been electrifying, but he wants everyone to be somber for a second. Two weeks ago, he said, Pretty Deadly embarrassed them and tonight, #DIY will return that favor tonight. Ciampa asked everyone to rise to their feet and remove their baseball caps and bow their heads for a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly. The crowd booed and Ciampa shook his head. Pretty Deadly’s music then hit and out, they came for the tag title match. Pretty Deadly attacked #DIY and their music kept playing. Pretty Deadly posed underneath the big disco ball and the match weirdly started soon thereafter.

#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles via DQ [6:16]

I don’t know why, but I keep forgetting that the Street Profits are back and out there, ready to wreak havoc on everybody. Because of that, I’m constantly surprised and impressed whenever they reappear to take everyone out. This feels like it’s going to be one, big, get-everyone-on-the-card tag title match at Mania featuring, literally, all of the tag teams on SmackDown, but maybe it’ll be turn out all right. As for this match, there isn’t much to say because it never had a chance to find a groove. Pretty Deadly have been showing good fire, though, and that pre-match bit about everyone bowing their heads that Ciampa has worked in seems to be gaining traction. There is something to be said for that.

#DIY took immediate control and Gargano super-kicked the hell out of Prince on the floor. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Gargano was working over Prince in the middle of the ring and eventually tagged in Ciampa. Prince fired up a little and Prince and Ciampa hit a cross-body on each other, resetting the match. Wilson and Gargano tagged in and Wilson took care of Gargano and Ciampa. Wilson clotheslined both Ciampa and Gargano and tagged in Prince.

Things broke down and Wilson landed a Codebreaker on Gargano. Prince went for a pin and got a two-count. Prince hit a wild back suplex on Ciampa and out of nowhere, the Street Profits showed up and took Pretty Deadly out, causing a DQ win for #DIY. Montez Ford hit a high frog splash on Ciampa. Motor City Machine Guns’ music hit and MCMG ran out to help, but the Profits did away with them fairly easily.

**********

– A John Cena vignette aired. It involved old Elimination Chamber footage.

– Footage from Sami Zayn’s promo on Raw aired. From there, the Kevin Owens promo from X earlier today aired. You know the one – it involved Owens speaking from outside Zayn’s house.

– Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu were shown walking through backstage towards the ring and Fatu cut off Sikoa’s promo in favor of his own. Fatu told them to “play his music” and Fatu and Sikoa – alongside Tama Tonga – walked to the ring for the main event.

Braun Strowman & Damian Priest defeated Solo Sikoa & Jacob Fatu [12:32]

A fine TV main event, but this isn’t going to be what anyone is talking about coming out of this edition of SmackDown. In that way, I feel bad for the wrestlers involved because they worked hard and they are clearly trying to tell a story with Sikoa and Fatu, but it’s just not getting the spotlight they probably thought they’d get, say, four weeks ago. Still, it’s another step towards what has to be a Fatu/Sikoa breakup, which I’m all for because it sure does feel like the fans want to get behind Fatu in a big way, and I’m all for giving him a top tier opportunity. If nothing else, this week proved the following reality: When The Rock decides to come around, SmackDown instantly becomes must-see. When The Rock doesn’t bother, the show moves from an A-to-B grade to a C-to-B grade. Thankfully, he showed up this week to breathe some life into the Blue Brand, if only for a night.

Sikoa and Priest began the match. The two traded blows and Sikoa briefly had the upper hand, but Priest came right back with some strikes and tagged in Strowman, who walked over and had a few staredowns with Fatu. Strowman ran into an elbow from Sikoa and Fatu tagged in. Strowman ran over Fatu and the action spilled outside. Strowman tried his run-around-the-ring thing, but Tonga interrupted him and Fatu capitalized by tackling Strowman into the timekeeper’s area. The show then went to its final commercial break.

Back to the action, Fatu was working over Strowman in the ring. Sikoa tagged in and the crowd booed loudly. Sikoa hit a hip attack on Strowman in a corner. Fatu tagged in and the crowd cheered loudly. Fatu went for a hip attack and hit it. He went for a second one, but Strowman got a boot up. Strowman followed it up with a Spinebuster and got the hot tag to Priest. Sikoa also tagged in.

Priest went to work on Sikoa, complete with a back elbow in a corner. Priest hit a spinning back kick on Fatu. Priest ran into a super-kick from Sikoa, but Priest came back with a kick and a Flatliner for a two-count. Priest took Sikoa’s hand and walked the top rope into a splash, ala Undertaker’s Old School. Priest set Sikoa up for a Razor’s Edge, but Tonga distracted Priest. Fatu interfered and Sikoa hit a Spinning Solo for a nice near-fall. Sikoa set up for a Samoan Spike, but Priest countered and Fatu accidentally super-kicked Sikoa. Strowman took out Fatu and Tonga on the outside. Inside the ring, Priest hit South Of Heaven on Sikoa and got the win. The show ended with Priest looking at the WrestleMania sign.

WWE NXT live results: Ricky Starks contract signing

Posted on by Chris Aiken

One week after his surprise WWE NXT debut, Ricky Starks is set to appear again tonight.

Starks will become an official member of the NXT roster as he signs his WWE contract. Shortly after his departure from AEW was confirmed, he arrived on NXT last Tuesday. WWE has still not officially said Starks’ name — and we should find out tonight whether he’s getting a name change or keeping his identity.

The fallout from Vengeance Day also takes place on tonight’s show. A new NXT Women’s North American Champion was crowned last weekend when Stephanie Vaquer dethroned Fallon Henley. Tonight, we find out who’s first in line for a title shot when Kelani Jordan, Jaida Parker, and Karmen Petrovic meet in a triple threat number one contender’s bout.

Zaria & Sol Ruca vs. Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson will also go down, and Stacks takes on Shawn Spears in singles action.

A new faction consisting of Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars, Cutler James & Osiris Griffin made their mark at Vengeance Day with attacks on NXT Champion Oba Femi and NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom. We’ll see if the new group has any more targets tonight.

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

**********

NXT is back to the sound stage at the Performance Center in front of a live studio audience.

Highlights from NXT Vengeance Day show the events from D.C. at the PLE.

TNA X-Division Champion Moose debuts in NXT

NXT Champion Oba Femi enters the sound stage, heading for the ring for an opening monologue. Femi takes a microphone and says let’s get to business. The group that jumped him made one mistake. They did not finish the job. Femi stands here unfazed, and he calls them down the ring to finish what they started.

Instead, comes quite the surprise. Out comes TNA X-Division Champion Moose, and he gets in the ring to confront Femi. “Holy s***” chants were bleeped on CW.

Moose says just burst the bubble Femi has been living in, as Moose is the only man Femi cannot rule over. Femi responds that is only in Moose’s bubble. Here in NXT, Femi is “inevitable.” Moose says “this has to happen,” referring to Moose against Femi in a match.

“Don’t worry, it will,” Femi says as they both raise their respective titles overhead in a great photo op.

Jordynne Grace is seen arriving to the building, as is Rick Starks.

Jaida Parker gets a full entrance before the show’s first commercial break. She has to wait though, as first comes a skit when the show returns from commercials.

Eddy Thorpe is in General Manger Ava’s office and they are interrupted by Kale Dixon and Uriah Connors. They have flyers for a party they are throwing, and they are apparently papering the town.

Dixon and Connors think it is “sick” they are inviting the GM to their party. Thorpe remarks that is probably not good idea. They then try booking Thorpe to DJ at their party. Thorpe cuts a promo on them, and ask if they should be in class.

They says Mr. Chase keeps turning them down, and Thorpe remarks that is a good thing. He will only bring them down. Dixon and Connors are insulted on behalf of Mr. Chase. So, on behalf of Mr. Chase, they challenge Thorpe to a match for later tonight.

Karmen Petrovic (with Ashante “Thee” Adonis) defeated Kelani Jordan and Jaida Parker in a triple threat match to become number one contender

Petrovic pinned Jordan to win the match, with some help from Adonis.

The match goes through a commercial break. Triple threat matches are probably way overdone and way too often, but this is the first triple threat match for all participants (at least according to Vic Joseph on commentary).

All three trade near falls. Adonis intervenes at one point, pulling Petrovic out of the ring after she takes a signature move from Parker. In the meantime, Jordan has climbed to the top rope looking to splash Petrovic. Instead, Parker brings Jordan back into the ring with a superplex. When Parker does her signature hip drop on Jordan, she celebrates with her usual dance. Meanwhile, Adonis rolls Petrovic back into the ring. Petrovic then rolls up Jordan with a cradle for a three count.

Parker jumps Petrovic after the match, and Jordan then jumps on Parker. Jordan and Parker brawl at ringside and exit stage left. Adonis raises Petrovic’s hand in the ring, as Petrovic is the number one contender.

Jordynne Grace is seen walking backstage, and she is headed to address the NXT audience. Up wait, cut back to the ring.

The trio of Fatal Influence run in and gang up on Petrovic. They are stomping Petrovic and beating her down. Adonis is throwing his hands up on protest, but otherwise does not intervene. He will help her win a match, but not stop her getting beaten down. Make it make sense.

Adonis pleads for help from the back, as does Vic Joseph on commentary. The show cuts to a split-screen commercial break, and Fatal Influence keeps ganging up on Petrovic. Stephanie Vaquer marches to the ring to confront Fatal Influence, as Petrovic is laid out on the floor at ringside.

NXT Women’s Champion Giulia runs down to help, and she is also jumped by Fatal Influence. Mind you, this is all happening during a picture-in-picture break. No sound. Sure. Why not?

This beatdown builds to Jordynne Grace coming down for the save, soon as the show returns from the break.t The heel trio powders and flees the scene after the babyfaces clean house. Grace says on the house mic that she came to NXT to be part of the best women’s division.

Grace then challenges the heels trio to a match tonight. Vic Joseph wonders out loud if that match will be made official. Come on Vic. You are smarter than that. Spoiler, the trios match is made official later in the show.

Zaria & Sol Ruca defeated Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson

Ruca pinned Jackson to win the match. This was overly choreographed at times, but also fun at times.

Zaria and Legend try to outshine the other with power moves. Meta-Girls stand tall as the show cuts to a commercial break. No split-screen this time.

Zaria cleans house after the break. Sol Ruca tags in. Moments later, she escaped a Gory Special from Legend, and Zaria tags in again. Jackson is double-teamed by the babyface team, but Jackson makes her own save.

Double down with Zaira and Legend as both hit pump kicks. The trade strikes. Jackson tags back in, and she gets speared by Zaria. F5 by Zaria on Jackson, and Ruca tags in once again to deliver a Sol Snatcher. Ruca then covers Jackson for a pinfall.

Wes Lee is with Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont, when they are approached by reporter Sarah Schreiber for an interview. Lee is cutting a promo when Ricky Starks walks by. Schreiber excuses herself to interview Starks. Wes Lee is freaking out about it in the background.

Starks acknowledges there are a lot of questions, and he will answer them shortly.

GM Ava enters the ring with a contract in hand. Starks gets a full entrance, but no one has called him by name. Starks is billed as the biggest NXT signing in quite some time. Ava calls him the hottest free agent in wrestling. Still not called by name.

Starks has some things to get off his chest. Starks then cuts a promo on him being NXT is a reality. He is “the man” in NXT. Starks says will do his best, and he is about to sign the contract when the signing is interrupted by Ethan Page.

Page gets in the ring to confront Starks. They argue of course, and they clearly setting up a match between them. Page goads Starks, and Page insists Starks is following the Ethan Page playbook. There is only one Ethan Page (thank the Lord), and Starks is looking at him.

Starks says he will take NXT to another level, and Page will be unable to reach that bar. Starks brings up Je’Von Evans, and Starks warns Page that someone like Evans always comes back around. That was foreshadowing, as Evans runs in and jumps Page. They powder as Evans brawls with Page.

Starks is ready to focus again on signing his NXT contract when out comes Wes Lee. Starks looks on as Lee cuts a promo coming to the ring. Lee warns Starks thatt disrespecting Lee is the number one rule around here. Lee wants to be Starks’ first opponent in NXT.

Starks then challenges Lee to a match next week. Starks says Lee will be welcomed to the revolution. Lee tries to sucker punch Starks, but Starks counters and sends Lee packing. Referee run down to ringside and hold Lee back.

Starks then signs the contract. In doing so, Starks reveals his new name — RICKY SAINTS. Sure. Why not?

NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazier & Axiom are being interviewed when they are interrupted by No Quarter Catch Crew. Tavion Heights and Myle Borne then issue a challenge to TNA World Tag Team Champions Matt & Jeff Hardy for a match next week.

A bunch of wrestlers are laid out backstage, and Saints walks in. He remarks this place is crazy.

Shawn Spears defeated Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo

Spears pinned Stacks clean after a C4. Good match but it seemed like filler on this show.

In a backstage skit, Lexis King has a confrontation with Moose. This seems to set up a match between the two in King’s hometown of Cincinnati.

Andre Chase is almost fired up by Dixon & Connors, but Chase instead doubts himself. Dixon & Connor try to cheer him up, and they insist they’ll have Chase’s back.

Depressed Chase enters the sound stage for his match, just before the show cuts to a commercial break.

Eddy Thorpe defeated Andre Chase

Thorpe pinned Chase. Dixon & Connors show up in the crowd wearing Chase U shirts, and they lead the crowd in cheering Chase. Dixon & Connors soon make their way to ringside as Chase has a rally.

Chase is suddenly fired up and he runs through his signature moves. He goes to spell out Chase U, but Chase stops. He is now unsure of himself again, which is bad timing. Thorpe chops blocks him and punishes Chase. Impaler DDT by Thorpe, and he covers Chase for a three count.

As Thorpe is basking in his win, Trick Williams appears with a promo on the video screen. Trick says his issues with Thorpe are not over. If Trick is going down, he is bring Thorpe with him. An ominous warning from Trick. The announce team cannot make sense of it.

Ricky Saints is talking with Ava backstage when they are met by Ethan Page. In comes Wes Lee as well. Je’Von Evans is there too. So, Ava books at a tag match for next week with Saints & Evans against Lee & Page.

In a video posted to social media, Matt & Jeff Hardy cut a promo where they accept the challenge from No Quarter Catch Crew. Next Tuesday on NXT has the Hardys against Heights & Borne.

Jordynne Grace, NXT Women’s North American Champion Stephanie Vaquer & NXT Women’s Champion Giulia defeated Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley, Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx) in a six-woman tag team match

Grace pinned Nyx to win the match.

This was a fun main event where the babyface trio got to shine. Grace did a dive to the outside after showing her power. Vaquer did a signature spot, but she is soon cut off by the heel trio. The heels work over Vaquer during a split-screen commercial break.

Hot tag to Grace, and the heel trio feeds into her for scoop slams. Moments later, no water in the pool for Grace when she goes for a Vader bomb. Grace takes a running knee strike from Jayne for a near fall. Nyx gets a near fall, and everybody gets involved in the closing moments.

Giulia is running wild when Henley trips her up. Giulia is sent crashing into the ring steps. Vaquer with a save by leaping off the top with high cross on the floor. Meanwhile, Grace is in the ring with Nyx.

Grace delivers a back fist and executes her finisher. Grace then hooks a leg and covers Nyx for the deciding pinfall.

The show ends with a cliffhanger where Ava’s office is ransacked and Robert Stone is out after an apparent ambush.

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: February 17, 2025
Location: Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

Raw was capped off by an excellent main event, which saw Seth Rollins beat Finn Bálor to qualify for the Men’s Elimination Chamber. Rollins will join John Cena, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and Logan Paul in Toronto. 

Roxanne Perez beat Raquel Rodriguez to qualify for the Women’s Chamber thanks to a distraction by Bianca Belair and Naomi. Belair and Naomi will defend their tag titles against Liv Morgan and Rodriguez next week. 

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens will have an unsanctioned match in Toronto. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Seth Rollins, Finn Bálor, Roxanne Perez, Judgment Day, Ivy Nile with the Creed Brothers, and Dakota Kai were shown arriving. 

AJ Styles arrived in a Chevy NASCAR, driven by Daytona 500 winner William Byron. 

Michael Cole welcomed Pat Acfee back from vacation. Cole said McAfee was out of the country, and McAfee told him that he was not out of the country, he was in Puerto Rico. 

There was a video package for Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. They both agreed that they had to fight, and Owens laid the challenge down for Elimination Chamber in Toronto. 

Sami Zayn segment 

Sami Zayn entered. The fans chanted for him. He said it’s been a tough couple of weeks so that was nice to hear. He’s had time to think about his history with himself and Owens. He couldn’t think of any two other wrestlers in history whose careers have been tied so closely together. (Zayn sold his neck as he spoke.) 

In a story that long, there would be betrayal, forgiving and forgetting. However, there was no forgiving and forgetting Owens this time. Owens tried to end his career. The problem for Owens was that he did not get the job done. Zayn wouldn’t pretend his neck was 100%, but he had enough for a fight. Zayn would see Owens in Toronto. 

Adam Pearce interrupted. He knew everyone wanted the match, but everyone in charge (Nick Aldis, Pearce, the board, and medical) had already told Zayn the answer was no. Pearce told him the answer was still no. The crowd booed. Zayn would not take ‘no’ for an answer and would not leave the ring until he was given the match. 

Pearce said he couldn’t sanction a match between them. If they had an unsanctioned match, Owens could do whatever he wanted. He could wrap a chair around Zayn’s head or piledrive him over and over and there was nothing WWE could do about it. Even if Zayn won, he would still lose. He warned Zayn this could be the last fight of his career. Pearce asked if he understood what that (an unsanctioned match) meant. 

Zayn marched out of the ring to answer Pearce to his face. Zayn said he knew what it meant. He could wrap a chair around Owens’ head or piledrive him on his head. Zayn told him to give him the match. Pearce agreed and made it an unsanctioned match. 

********

Judgment Day met in the back. Dominik was worried about Bianca Belair and Naomi coming after Liv Morgan, but Morgan wasn’t worried about it. Morgan said she was proud of Dom lately. Dom wished Finn Bálor saw it that way. He wanted to add a new member, but Bálor refused. 

Bálor joined them at this moment. He was confident he would beat Seth Rollins tonight and said it would be embarrassing if Raquel Rodriguez lost to Perez tonight. She told him to handle his own business and she would handle hers. Bálor was cool with that. Before leaving, he reiterated to Dom that there would be no new members. 

********

Vic Joseph ran down Bayley’s hectic schedule over the past week, including her participation in the NBA Celebrity game. Bayley then joined him for an interview and said she would win the Chamber. (They couldn’t have given her today off?)

(Joseph was filling in for Jackie Redmond. They didn’t say why she was absent because she’s at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, which is on right now.) 

********

Cole announced a sold-out crowd of 15,280. He also announced Michelle McCool’s upcoming Hall of Fame induction. 

AJ Styles defeated Dominik Mysterio (w/Carlito) (8:54) 

The announcers mentioned that Styles was a former TNA World Champion and X Division Champion. 

Styles was about to put Dom away with a Phenomenal forearm early in the match, but Clarito tripped him as Dom distracted the ref. Dom hit a suicide dive to lead to break. Dom hit three amigos and a 619 but missed a frog splash. Styles fought back with a clothesline, forearm, corner clothesline, and neckbreaker. 

Carlito tried to get in the ring, but Styles kicked the middle rope into his crotch and knocked him off the apron. The ref just stood idly by. Dom tried to use the distraction to his advantage, but Styles caught him with a Styles Clash for the pinfall win. 

— Bron Breakker tried to spear an unsuspecting Styles, but Styles dodged it and Breakker speared Dom by mistake. Styles hit an enziguri and tossed Bron out of the ring. Bron was pissed that Styles got the better of him, so he ripped off his shirt and chucked it into the ring but Styles caught it effortlessly. (I don’t know if that was planned or not, but it was timed perfectly.) Bron grabbed his title and left. 

********

The Creed Brothers bragged about what they did to the War Raiders last week (attacking them with the belts). Ivy Nile reminded them that they didn’t win the titles, and they promised Chad Gable that they would all be champions when he returned. Nile planned on beating Dakota Kai tonight to earn an IC title shot. 

Kai walked by and Nile told her that her Cinderella story would end tonight. Kai said many women bigger than Nile tried to take her down before. She planned on earning her IC title rematch tonight. 

Rugby player Aaron Woods was shown in the crowd. 

Lyra Valkyria entered to watch the upcoming match at ringside. 

Dakota Kai defeated Ivy Nile to become the number one contender for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (6:45) 

Nile briefly worked over Kai’s previously injured leg, but Kai came back with running boots and a Kai-ropractor for two. Nile powerbombed her out of the corner. Kai kind of no-sold that and tried a counter, but Nile caught her in an ankle lock. Kai got a rope break, and the two exchanged strikes. 

Nile hit a German suplex, but Kai reversed a second one into a cradle for two. Nile applied an ankle lock again, but Kai used the ropes to escape and hit a curb stomp (with Nile draped over the ropes). Kai followed with GTK for the pinfall win. 

This match was alright, but it didn’t help that the crowd was dead. 

********

McAfee interviewed Austin Theory and Grayson Waller during a break. 

******** 

Gunther/Jey Uso segment 

Gunther was on the concourse surrounded by fans who were Yeeting, mimicking Jey Uso’s entrance. Gunther entered through the crowd and did Jey’s pose, but the crowd did not participate with him. He called it a simple gesture for simple people. 

He understood why Jey felt comfortable in the crowd because he was a simple guy himself. He understood why the fans didn’t appreciate him (Gunther) because his performances in the ring were like performing Shakespeare for a dog. He was the best wrestler in this company and was tired of wrestling people who couldn’t lace his boots. 

He thought he could beat some sense into Jey, but because of the fans Yeeting along, that gave him a false sense of confidence and now Jey was digging his own grave. The crowd started Yeeting, so he told them to shut up and noted how badly it smelled in the stands. 

He reminded them that the match would not happen in the crowd but in the ring, and he would outclass Jey. Jey’s blood would be on the hands of the fans. He wanted them to be honest and asked if they really thought Jey could win. The crowd chanted, “We want Jey,” before he finished his question. 

Gunther decided to ask a professional instead and climbed the announce desk. He asked Cole and McAfee for their supposedly unbiased, professional opinion. McAfee didn’t want to answer, but Gunther chucked the microphone at him. Cole warned McAfee to be careful. McAfree responded, “Yeah, I hope he can beat you at WrestleMania.” 

Gunther didn’t like that answer, so he began stepping closer to McAfee until Jey’s music hit. Jey entered through the stage, but three referees stopped him. Jey ran by them and attacked Gunther in the ring. This led to a pull-apart brawl with officials getting between them. Jey got the better of it and sent Gunther out of the ring. Jey led the fans along with his chant. 

This was a strong segment. Gunther was great here. 

********

Cathy Kelley asked Morgan and Rodriguez about the footage that implicated them in Jade Cargill’s attack. Morgan said the footage doesn’t show them doing anything. Morgan said they didn’t have time for this, and Rodriguez would squish Perez like a bug tonight. Kelley tried pressing them on Cargill, but they blew her off. Kelley was annoyed and said, “Thanks so much for giving us nothing.” 

********

During a break, Jey walked through the back and was approached by the New Day. Kofi Kingston said nobody knew what he was going through more than he did as a former tag team wrestler going for a singles world title at WrestleMania. Xavier Woods said they hoped he lost at Mania. They laughed. Jey said KofiMania never would have happened if The Usos hadn’t forfeited. Jey said New Day sucks, and he left. Pete Dunne walked by, and Woods “mistakenly” called him Butch. Dunne also told them that they suck. 

Various celebrities whose names I didn’t write down were shown in the crowd. 

******** 

Penta defeated Pete Dunne (10:06) 

Penta kicked Dunne right in the face, but Dunne responded with a dropkick. Dunne pretty much immediately took control and began working over Penta’s extremities until Penta came back with a Codebreaker. However, Dunne snapped his fingers to take over. 

Ludwig Kaiser entered to watch as they went to break. Penta came back with a superkick and flying crossbody, but Dunne cut him off with another dropkick. (This was almost a repeat of what happened earlier, perhaps because they knew they were in commercials.) 

Penta fought back after the break with a DVD variation, but Dunne responded with a sit-out powerbomb for two. They traded kicks until Penta hit a Canadian Destroyer. Kaiser distracted Penta, which allowed Dunne to cut off his dive attempt. Dunne applied a cradle while holding the tights for two. 

Penta chucked Dunne into Kaiser to knock him off the apron, and Penta followed with Penta Driver on Dunne for the pinfall win. The crowd popped for the win and they were into Penta all match. 

(This was fine, I guess, but the finishing sequence was too similar to the Styles/Dom match.) 

— Kaiser attacked Penta after the match, but Dunne was pissed at Kaiser, so he yanked him out of the ring. They traded right hands until Penta wiped them both out with a flip dive. 

********

Kelley interviewed Jey Uso. She asked about people’s doubts about him. Jey was fired up. He said people kept doubting him, but he was standing there as the Royal Rumble winner. He would shock the world again by beating Gunther and becoming the champion. 

They showed clips of Bayley playing in the NBA Celebrity game. McAfee joked that this was the only positive thing about NBA All-Star. 

There was a Roxanne Perez video package. 

6’4” Vic Joseph interviewed 5’6” Dakota Kai while standing in the crowd. She wanted to prove that all the work was worth it and planned on walking out as IC champion next week. 

There was a War Raiders video package. They warned the Creed Brothers that they made the worst mistake of their lives last week, and the next time they fought, it would be war. 

*******

Elimination Chamber qualifier: Roxanne Perez defeated Raquel Rodriguez (w/Liv Morgan) (7:30) 

Rodriguez used her size and power advantage over Perez. Perez slapped Rodriguez twice, which just pissed her off, so she launched Perez into the ring post. Rodriguez caught Perez in a guillotine and spun her around and around (a spot that could get over if she keeps doing it). 

Perez chop-blocked her, hit a running uppercut and applied a rollup for two. Rodriguez caught Perez out of the air and hit a fallaway slam, followed by an elbow drop for two. Perez avoided a tackle, and Rodriguez went shoulder-first into the post. Perez followed with consecutive dives, a DDT and a springboard moonsault for two. Rodriguez blocked a Pop Rox attempt and hit a big boot for two. 

Belair and Naomi entered to Belair’s music, and they attacked Morgan. This distracted Rodriguez, so Perez hit Pop Rox for the pinfall win. (Despite Perez being a heel, Cole said she was on a Cinderella run.) 

— Belair and Naomi tried to attack Morgan again after the match, but Rodriguez pulled her to safety. 

(The crowd was quiet because this was a match between two heels, but they popped for Perez getting the win. They worked well together, but Perez was on the wrong end of a beat-down for much of the match.) 

********

Seth Rollins told Kelley he planned on beating Bálor tonight. 

After Rollins left, Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) had a message to share. Kross thought Jey and Rollins were both delusional. (Jey for thinking he could beat Gunther, and Rollins for thinking he could win the Chamber.) Zayn was, too, but Kross still had hope for him. Kross said Zayn knew that there was always time to “turn” things around. 

********

There was an IYO SKY video package. 

The New Day segment 

They aired a replay of New Day attacking Rey Mysterio last week. Woods wished him well. The crowd booed them, so Woods told them to shut up. He couldn’t believe the fans were mad about what they said to their own friend Big E when they told him to keep his lazy ass at home. They were mad about what they did to Rey Mysterio, a guy who sucked the life out of every new, fresh-faced luchador in the company. 

Kingston said the fans put Rey on a pedestal, but he had more title wins than Rey had. Kingston had been in WWE longer than Rey, and Kingston never left the company as Rey did. If anyone should be the locker room leader, it should be Kingston. 

He said it could have been a lot worse for Rey, and the fans should be thankful that they showed mercy. They could have given him the Old Yeller treatment, but instead, they gave him some extra time he could spend with his wife. Woods said the fans should be thanking them. 

LWO interrupted. Dragon Lee called Rey the greatest luchador of all time, and what New Day did was unforgivable. He said New Day sucks, and they ran down to attack them. It was a three-on-two beatdown by the babyfaces over the heels. LWO knocked New Day out of the ring, and Dragon Lee was about to go for a dive, but New Day sprinted away to safety. 

********

Next week on Raw: 

  • Lyra Valkyria vs. Dakota Kai for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship 
  • Bianca Belair & Naomi vs. Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Team Championships 

Belair and Naomi cut a quick promo about the tag title match. They also spoke about the Chamber and the possibility of facing either Rhea Ripley or Iyo Sky at WrestleMania. 

********

Elimination Chamber qualifier: Seth Rollins defeated Finn Bálor (18:47) 

Bálor attacked Rollins before the match. The ref checked on Rollins, who told him to start the match. Bálor was all over him and hit a Pedigree for nearfall about a minute into the match. (This was one of those Pedigrees where he didn’t let go of his opponent’s arms at all.) Rollins avoided a Coup de Grace, but Bálor remained in control until Rollins fought back and hit a suicide dive. 

Bálor avoided a stomp and hit a slingblade, but Rollins kicked his leg out of his leg to take over. Bálor tried fighting back but Rollins dropped him knee-first onto the announce desk. Rollins tried to stomp Bálor’s head onto the steel steps, but Bálor avoided it. Bálor shoved him into the ring post and dropped him on the steps. Bálor targeted his midsection during a break. 

Rollins fought back, and they exchanged strikes until Bálor hit a Pelé kick. Rollins fought back with chops (as the crowd randomly started waving their phone flashlights). Rollins hit a DDT and Lionsault for two. Rollins followed later with a buckle bomb, but Bálor got his knees up on a frog splash attempt and transitioned into a cradle for a nearfall. The crowd chanted, “This is awesome.” 

Bálor hit consecutive slingblades, but Rollins caught his dropkick attempt and applied a Sharpshooter. Bálor almost got a rope break, so Rollins let go and hit a Pedigree for an extreme nearfall. This was really a three-count, but Bálor kicked out late. The crowd thought it was over, so they chanted, “Ref, you suck.” Rollins gave him a DX crotch chop. 

Rollins went for a superplex, but Bálor dropped him onto the top rope and hit a Coup de Grace for a nearfall. They traded counters until Bálor applied a crossface. Rollins slipped out and hit a curb stomp for the pinfall win. (Rollins shook hands with the ref after the match.) 

This was an excellent match. It was so good that it felt like Rollins accomplished something by beating Bálor. The crowd got more and more into it as it went, and some people were screaming by the end of it.

WWE NXT live results: Vengeance Day go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

With Vengeance Day just four days away, WWE NXT presents a new episode tonight.

Bayley has a chance to become NXT Women’s Champion on Saturday when she faces Giulia and Roxanne Perez in a triple threat match. Tonight, it will be Bayley vs. Cora Jade in one-on-one action. Jade — who also has her eyes on the NXT Women’s title — attacked Bayley with a kendo stick last week.

Gold will be on the line tonight when Tony D’Angelo defends his North American Championship against Ridge Holland inside of a steel cage. The Heritage Cup is also set to be contested with Lexis King defending against TNA star JDC — the former Fandango.

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura vs. Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. Tavion Heights & Myles Borne has been announced for tonight as well. It has title implications with each team looking for a shot against NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer & Axiom.

Plus, WWE will follow up on Eddy Thorpe’s attack on Trick Williams that closed last week’s show.

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

**********

– Vic Joseph welcomed everyone into the show. Tony D and his family were shown walking in the parking lot. Ditto for Ridge Holland. Back in the PC, Bayley made her entrance for the first match.

Cora Jade defeated Bayley [10:36]

The commentary team wasn’t exaggerating when they said this was the biggest victory of Jade’s career, but umpf, they had a bumpy road getting there. I expected a lot more from these two, but we all have a bad night here and there, so, well, life moves on. Missed spots aside, the women worked hard and Jade’s victory packed a punch because of how predictable it felt that Bayley would win heading into the triple threat at Vengeance Day. That said, the late addition of Jade to Saturday’s match justifies this upset and then some. Perez and Bayley showed good fire in their limited brawling. So much so that I almost prefer a singles match between the two this weekend, but perhaps they are saving that for ‘Mania weekend. Time will tell.

Jade tried to jumpstart the match, but Bayley ducked the attack and the action spilled outside. Bayley held control and went for a dropkick, leaping between the bottom rope and the mat, but Jade was a little out of place and Bayley barely connected. Back inside the ring, Jade gained the upper hand briefly, but Bayley came right back with a series of elbows for a two-count. Bayley landed a knee and Jade rolled to the outside. Bayley followed up with a dive through the ropes. As Bayley celebrated landing the dive, Jade attacked her and went on the offensive. Jade hit a series of strikes and with Bayley down in the middle of the ring, the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Bayley hit a type of cutter and the two brawled for a short time before Bayley hit a Bayley-To-Belly, but it only resulted in a near-fall. Bayley followed up with a series of clotheslines and a double-knees to Jade’s midsection. Bayley suplexed Jade for another near-fall. Bayley tried a Sunset Flip, but kind of missed and Jade sat on her for a pin attempt. Bayley caught Jade as Jade lunged at her and then slammed Jade for a two-count. Bayley went to the top, but Bayley’s old theme music hit and Roxanne Perez walked out in old school Bayley gear.

Bayley went to ringside and attacked Perez. Jade followed her out and hit a double underhook DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Perez hit another one, and that was good enough to get Jade the win. Giulia was shown watching backstage and Ava walked up to her to whisper something. Soon after, Ava walked to the ring and announced that Saturday’s triple threat for the NXT Women’s Championship will now be a Fatal Four-way, including Jade. Jade and Perez hugge and Bayley attacked them both to end the segment.

**********

– Zaria and Sol Ruca were shown talking in the locker room. Nikkita Lyons walked in and confronted them, saying one win doesn’t make Zaria and Ruca a tag team. Lyons challenged Zaria to match later tonight.

The Oba Femi/A-Town Down Under segment

Please. If nothing else. Please. I beg you, Shawn Michales, pull the trigger on the Theory and Waller break up this weekend. If there’s anything to come of this excursion back down to NXT for Waller and Theory, it should be a definitive split for those two. We’ve been waiting for months. We’ve been begging for months. I plead with you, man: End the madness. Anyway, this segment was fine. The heels showed good fire, though I can’t say I’m a fan of Femi taking a beating from these two. In some ways, he just seems above it. Then again, you have to keep the story moving going into this weekend’s PLE, and one way to do that is to have the guy take a beatdown. So it goes.

Femi started by reminding everyone who he will be defending his NXT title against on Saturday. Femi called it a handicap match because in Waller and Theory’s mind, they will gang up against The Ruler. Femi said it will be every man for himself and on cue, A-Town Down Under’s music hit. Waller and Theory walked out with microphones. Waller said he thought better of Femi than to try and turn Waller and Theory against each other. Theory said Waller never received his flowers in NXT. Theory said Waller has jumped off ladders and risked his career many times in NXT while other people like Carmelo Hayes and Tony D get all the credit. Theory called Waller a pillar of NXT. Theory then said Waller will help Theory become the NXT Champion on Saturday.

Waller said this weekend, Theory can ride shotgun after Waller wins the NXT title. Femi chimed in and asked them if they both thought they’d become NXT Champion. Waller fired up and said he’d do whatever it takes to win … and was then cut off by Theory, who said he was never NXT Champion. Theory was then cut off by Waller, who said nobody cares about the things Theory has accomplished. Theory noted how Waller has never had a singles title run in WWE. Waller brought up how he had the WWE Tag Team Championships in his hands at a ‘Mania. Theory fired back and said he’d do whatever it takes to win this weekend. Theory and Waller turned their attention to how they want to attack Femi on Saturday.

Waller told Femi his plan didn’t work tonight and there is nothing or nobody who will stop him from winning the NXT Championship. Waller dropped the microphone and walked away, but Theory pushed Waller, who tried to clothesline Theory, but Theory moved and Waller hit Femi. Theory and Waller then double-teamed Femi and Theory hit his finisher on Femi before Waller followed up with a rolling Stunner. Waller then picked up the title. Theory took it from Waller and Theory and Waller posed together to close out the segment.

**********

– An Eddy Thorpe vignette aired. Thorpe challenged Trick Williams to a strap match at Vengeance Day.

– Footage of Ethan Page busting up Je’Von Evans from a couple months ago aired. A doctor came on the screen and said that while Evans is cleared to wrestle this weekend, if it goes wrong, Evans could be out for months. Evans was then shown talking to Ava in her office and Ava made Evans sign a waiver saying if anything bad happens to him at Vengeance Day, WWE isn’t responsible. Evans signed it right away.

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura defeated Hank Walker & Tank Williams and Tavion Heights and Myles Borne [12:08]

My God, this felt like I was covering AEW TV again, what with the nonstop action, the quick tags and my constant use of the three words, “things broke down.” I’m not complaining. This was a lot of fun and the right team went over. Briggs and Inamura have a weird momentum going for them and the last-minute tag title match is a solid addition to Saturday’s card. Axiom and Frazer are main roster-ready, so do we think this is the time they drop the belts? Probably not, but a loss backed with a solid performance this weekend could set up a better moment for Briggs and Inamura during ‘Mania weekend. In the meantime – and back to the match at hand – Hank and Tank deserve some credit here because they looked better than most everyone else involved. Kudos to those fellas.

Tank and Inamura started the match, but things broke down fairly quickly and Heights tagged himself in, lifted Hank and Borne tagged in. The two dropped Hank, but Tank quickly tagged in and things broke down between the teams. Before long, Tank hit a cartwheel and took out Briggs and Inamura. Borne tagged in and was disposed of to the outside quickly. Heights tagged in and Hank and Tank took down Heights. Hank and Tank squished Borne on the outside of the ring, but soon after back inside the ring, Heights slammed Hank. Axiom and Nathan Frazer were shown watching match from the Designated NXT Eagle’s Next. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back to from the break, Inamura tagged in and worked over Borne, complete with a spinning body slam. Briggs tagged himself in and took out Heights and Borne. Hank tagged in and things broke down between the six wrestlers again. “NXT!” chants broke out. Hank and Heights were left alone in the ring and they traded blows. Briggs gave the big boot to Heights and Hank. Briggs chokeslammed/powerbombed Hank and went for a pin, but it was broken up. Hank hit a splash on everyone, who was on the outside. Hank then slammed Briggs back inside the ring for a good near-fall. Bodies were everywhere and “This is awesome!” chants started.

Hank went to the top, but Briggs cut him off. Briggs set up for a chokeslam, but Hank worked out of it. Inamura tagged in and hit a huge splash on Hank, which was good enough to get his team the win. After the match, Frazer and Axiom spoke to the winners and said they could have a title match at Vengeance Day on Saturday.

**********

– Tony D was talking to his family backstage and Stacks apologized for the way he’s been acting. D’Angelo forgave him, and, of course, said, “Forget about it!” The show went back to the ring.

Lexis King defeated JDC to retain the NXT Heritage Cup [9:39]

I’m not in the camp of people who blindly hate King for the sake of hating King, and in a lot of ways, I root for something – anything – to work for him … but it’s just not getting there. Bringing in JDC, who you can’t have a bad match with if you tried, was a smart move because the in-ring work wasn’t going to suffer, but even with that loyal NXT PC crowd, King seems to never receive any notable reactions, no matter what he does and no matter how hard he tries. The fact that we are now making Heritage Cup matches just a regular old match does nothing for me, either, because … well … why? How does this allow the prize to standout among the other belts on the brand? At this point, it’s just a prop and that’s kind of sad.

The action was slow to start. JDC eventually took control and chopped the hell out of King repeatedly. JDC went for a backslide, but King kneed JDC in the face and JDC went to the outside. King wiped himself down with a towel in a corner and JDC came back at him. JDC then clotheslined King over the top and to the outside and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and King had the upper hand. King went for a single-leg crab, but JDC worked out of it and chopped King a few times, only to have King ultimately work a single-leg crab. King went to work on JDC’s back, but JDC came back with a strong clothesline. JDC followed up with a Russian Leg Sweep and a Falcon Arrow for a two-count. King went to the outside and JDC landed a dive over the top. Back inside the ring, JDC hit a leg-drop from the top for a nice near-fall. JDC went back to the top, but King hit the ropes and JDC stumbled. King then hit The Coronation for the win.

**********

– Ava was standing between Perez and Bayley in her office and the women were bickering. Perez was still in her Bayley gear and Bayley said it was the best she ever looked, called her an idiot and walked away. Jade walked into the office and said she’d win the women’s title this weekend and walked away. Perez said “over my dead body” as she stood there with only Ava.

– Fallon Henry was walking backstage and Kelani Jordan walked up and said Fallon has yet to face “this version of Kelani Jordan.” Jaida Parker appeared and said she has next. Ashante Thee Adonis walked in and said his girl Karmen is the one who should have next. Everyone bickered and the segment ended.

Zaria defeated Nikkita Lyons [2:47]

More of this for Zaria, please. She came in as a monster, but for whatever reason, the booking minds have cooled her off in the last handful of weeks. This was a nice semi-squash that could help re-establish her has a force of nature. Lyons, meanwhile, held her own, but less is more with her as she’s still a bit of a work in progress. This was inoffensive and quick. You can’t ask for much more than that when it comes to a match that was made earlier in the show.

Lyons hit a German Suplex early on and went to the second rope, but Zaria cut her off … until Lyons turned Zaria over with a head-scissors takedown. Zaria came back with a German Suplex and the match reset. The two hit a series of simultaneous clotheslines before Lyons landed a kick to take brief control. Lyons worked a Camel Clutch until Zaria stood up and slammed Lyons. Zaria ran right into a knee from Lyons, but Lyons missed a splash. Zaria speared Lyons and then hit her finisher for the win.

**********

– An Ethan Page vignette aired.

– Trick Williams was interviewed in the Eagles Nest while the cage for the main event was being set up in the background. Williams officially accepted Thorpe’s challenge for a strap match at Vengeance Day. The commentary team then ran down the card for Vengeance Day … until Ricky Starks showed up in the crowd. And I can’t believe I just typed that. The crowd chanted “Ricky Starks!” and Starks said NXT needs an “absolute superstar of the future” and NXT needs “the hottest free agent right now.” Starks said he was there to turn the place upside down. Starks talked about the revolution being televised, hit his pose and left through the crowd.

– Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia were shown talking backstage briefly until Ridge Holland walked past them. From there, footage of the main event participants walking was shown. The show went to a break.

– Andre Chase was shown walking backstage and ran into Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon. They wanted to go out with Chase, but Chase said it was a school night. Chase reflected on the fact that Chase U is dead and walked away.

Tony D’Angelo defeated Ridge Holland to retain the NXT North American Championship [11:08]

A good television main event. It felt like some shenanigans were in the works once the entrances for it started about 20 minutes to the hour, but I like the Shawn Spears alliance. He’s been cold since coming over from AEW, so this is a nice way to heat him and his faction up. Holland ostensibly no-selling the defeat only to rush out of the cage and attack Stacks felt a little out of place, but Holland is going to need something to do coming out of this loss anyway, and he could worse than a program with Stacks. Despite no title changes this week, it was quite the newsworthy go-home show between Jade beating Bayley, Izzi Dame turning on D’Angelo and Ricky Starks showing up. Never a dull moment these days in the land of NXT.

D’Angelo got the better of things early, hitting a series of strikes and a suplex for a two count. D’Angelo went for a belly-to-belly suplex, but Holland eye-gouged his way out of it. D’Angelo ultimately flipped Holland into the cage and tried to follow it up with a splash, but Holland moved and D’Angelo went into the cage hard. The show went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Holland had control, complete with a strong clothesline for a two count. Holland went to the top and went for a splash, but D’Angelo moved. D’Angelo then threw Holland into the cage repeatedly. D’Angelo followed it up with a series of belly-to-belly suplexes. D’Angelo hit a Fisherman’s Suplex for a two count. D’Angelo ran right into a pump kick and a Snowplow from Holland for a nice near-fall. Holland sold disappointment in not getting the three count.

With both wrestlers on their knees, they traded elbows. There was a tiny bit of miscommunication before D’Angelo threw Holland into the cage and followed it up with a spear for another nice near-fall. Izzi Dame tried to throw a crowbar into the ring. Stacks stopped her and threw the crowbar into the ring himself. Holland and D’Angelo fought over the crowbar and Holland ultimately got possession of it. Holland hit D’Angelo in the head with it and covered him for a very good near fall. Holland jawed at D’Angelo and D’Angelo eye-gouged Holland before hitting him with the crowbar and his finisher for the win.

Aftrer the match, Holland attacked Stacks and some of the family. They brawled to the back and Shawn Spears showed up with his crew. D’Angelo jawed at them and Izzi Dame hit D’Angelo in the back of the knee with the crowbar. Spears and his faction worked over D’Angelo from there, with spears working D’Angelo over with a chair. With the cage door locked, Stacks and the D’Angelo family ran back out for the save, but couldn’t climb the cage before Spears suplexed D’Angelo onto a chair in the ring. A video package on past Vengeance Days aired to end the show – until one final teaser for the new faction aired to truly close things down.

WWE Raw live results: Elimination Chamber qualifiers

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: February 10, 2025
Location: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

Jey Uso will wrestle Gunther at WrestleMania 41 for the World Heavyweight Championship, meaning the winner of the Men’s Elimination Chamber will face Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship. Logan Paul beat Rey Mysterio to qualify for the match, joining John Cena, Drew McIntyre and CM Punk. 

Bayley beat Lyra Valkyria to qualify for the Women’s Chamber, joining Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss.  

Rhea Ripley will defend her Women’s World title against IYO SKY on the Raw after Elimination Chamber. SKY pinned Morgan in a tag match tonight. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Rey Mysterio, Logan Paul (and his cronies), Lyra Valkyria, Bayley, and AJ Styles were shown arriving. 

Jey Uso/Gunther segment 

Jey entered to his usual big reaction as Michael Cole told erectile dysfunction jokes. As with last week’s shows, the crowd chanted “One more time” after his music cut, so they played the music again, and he Yeeted along with the crowd. (Cole looks like such a goof doing it along with everyone else.) 

As Jey posed on top of the announce desk, Cole suddenly warned him because he was about to be attacked by Gunther. Gunther tossed Jey around ringside and laid him out with a powerbomb in the ring. He urged Jey not to choose him for WrestleMania. He shoved aside some security and hit another powerbomb. 

As Gunther left, Jey grabbed a mic and slowly got to his feet while announcing, “Me and you at WrestleMania.” Gunther was pissed, so he marched back down to ringside. Jey knocked him off the ring and wiped out Gunther and security with a dive. 

This was a good, simple setup. Having Gunther cut off Jey’s long entrance was clever. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Rhea Ripley backstage. She thought Charlotte Flair was wasting everyone’s time by not making her Mania selection. Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai interrupted. Sky told Ripley that she cost her a spot at WrestleMania and stated, “I’m coming for you.” Ripley looked forward to it. 

********

Morgan cut a promo during a break, stating her intention to win the Elimination Chamber. 

A video package aired plugging The War Raiders vs. The Creed Brothers for the tag titles, happening later tonight. 

IYO SKY & Dakota Kai defeated Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (14:57) 

Cole mentioned that Kai was returning from injury, but he didn’t say what the injury was. 

Rodriguez dropped Sky and Kai awkwardly in separate spots early in the match. The heels worked over Sky until Kai made a tag. Kai hit Morgan with a PK but missed a running boot on Rodriguez, which led to Rodriguez posting her. They worked over Kai during a break, and Morgan hit her with three amigos. 

Sky made a hot tag after the break and wiped out both opponents with a suicide dive. Sky hit Morgan with a great missile dropkick and a Meteora in the corner for two. Sky went for a Meteora again, but Rodriguez pulled Morgan to safety. 

Rodriguez and Morgan hit a combo elevated Codebreaker for a nearfall. (Morgan’s knees must’ve nailed Sky right in the face because she kept grabbing at her face/nose. Hopefully, she’s ok. The ref quickly checked on her, and the match continued.) 

Kai tagged in and hit Morgan with a Kai-ropractor for two. Morgan hit Kai with an Oblivion, but Sky broke up the cover with a running knee. Morgan was busted open. Kai hit Rodriguez with a running boot, and Morgan took out Kai with a Codebreaker. Sky rolled up Morgan, and Morgan kicked out at two. (It was supposed to be a nearfall, but Morgan kicked out early.) 

Morgan and Sky had an exchange, which led to Sky hitting a double foot stomp, kick to the head, and moonsault for the pinfall win. 

This was pretty good. The crowd was quiet when it started but they got really into it and popped big for Sky getting the win. 

******* 

Cole announced that Sami Zayn suffered spinal compression and extreme nerve damage thanks to Kevin Owens’ attack. 

New Day cut a promo in the crowd during a break. Kofi Kingston didn’t understand why Rey Mysterio was in the Elimination Chamber over either of them, and he reminded us of this performance in the 2019 Chamber. The crowd booed, and they were eventually cut off by Bayley’s entrance for the next segment. 

********* 

They mentioned that Bayley would be playing in the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game. 

Roxanne Perez and George Kittle were shown in the crowd. 

Elimination Chamber qualifier: Bayley defeated Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria (12:16) 

This was a first-time-ever match. There were duelling chants early on. 

Bayley hit a sunset flip bomb into the bottom turnbuckle, but Valkyria got her knees up on a flying elbow attempt. Valkyria went for a tornado DDT, but Bayley hit a Bayley-to-belly for a nearfall. Bayley hit a running knee strike and a suplex of some sort that didn’t look good for a two-count. 

They fought to the apron, and Valkyria hit a tornado DDT and fisherman’s suplex on the outside. Valkyria hit another fisherman’s suplex in the ring for two. Valkyria headbutted Bayley off the top and followed with a leg drop as Bayley was draped over the middle rope. 

Valkyria went for a cradle, but Bayley drove her into the bottom rope. Valkyria tried another cradle, but Bayley caught her in a cradle of her own for the pinfall win. 

— Bayley helped Valkyria to her feet after the match, and they posed together as the crowd applauded. 

(They played this up as the veteran Bayley against Valkyria, who grew up idolizing her. They put over Valkyria’s performance despite the loss and spoke about her strong year on Raw. They didn’t really address the fact that Bayley just pinned the IC champion.) 

********

There was a Penta video package where he spoke about Pete Dunne and Ludwig Kaiser. 

Jackie Redmond interviewed Kaiser, but they were interrupted by Dunne. He was pissed at Kaiser for getting involved last week. Dunne said he would destroy Penta next week and told Kaiser to stay out of his business. Dunne left. 

AJ Styles walked past Kaiser as they went to break. 

********

During a break, McAfee kept the crowd warm, then had them all wish Michael Cole a happy birthday. Cole sheepishly hid his face when McAfee mentioned his birthday. (Odd, because Wikipedia says his birthday is December 8th.) 

Hardy (musician) was shown in the crowd. 

Alpha Academy consoled Valkyria backstage when they were interrupted by American Made. Ivy Nile mocked Valkyria for losing and being coached by losers. Valkyria told her to back off or else. Nile said they would do it on her time, but first, the Creed Brothers would win the tag titles. 

******** 

AJ Styles segment 

Styles entered, and the crowd chanted his name. He spoke about returning in Nashville four months ago, but he suffered what should have been a career-threatening injury (against Carmelo Hayes). But he woke up the next day and knew he still had gas in the tank and still had something to prove. 

It was hard coming back, but anything worth doing was difficult. He announced that he was back and had a long to-do list. He also wanted to remind the locker room that he was still the Phenomenal AJ Styles. 

Dominik Mysterio and Carlito interrupted. They got a lot of heat. Dom wanted to inform Styles that Judgment Day still ran Raw. Styles said a lot had changed while he was gone. He wondered where Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Finn Bálor were. Styles said no matter how much has changed, Dom would always be Rey’s punk-ass kid. 

Dom tried a cheap shot, but Styles blocked it. Styles fought off Carlito, which allowed Dom to drop Styles on the middle rope. Dom went for a 619, but Styles chased him out of the ring. Styles gave Carlito a Phenomenal Forearm. 

********

Gunther vs. Jey Uso for the world title was made official for WrestleMania. 

Redmond interviewed Seth Rollins in the crowd. Rollins said Jey made his choice for Mania, which meant all eyes were on Cody Rhodes, the WWE Championship, and on the Chamber. All eyes were also on the winner of the Chamber—Seth freakin’ Rollins. 

Bálor interrupted. He said all eyes were on Rollins, but all they were seeing was his downfall. We all saw the cracks. We all saw Rollins lose to CM Punk. We all saw Rollins lose his mind at the Royal Rumble. The only thing standing in Bálor’s way from a title shot at Mania was a guy who was falling apart. 

Rollins said they had a long history, and any time they stepped in the ring, they put on a show. But Rollins had unfinished business with Punk and Rhodes. Bálor was standing in his way, but after next week, he wouldn’t be standing at all. Bálor smiled and left. 

******** 

Kelley interviewed Austin Theory and Grayson Waller during a break. They plugged NXT and said there would be a new NXT Champion soon. They mocked Sami Zayn by confusing him for an unhoused man and mocked Sheamus for losing his shot at the IC title again. Kelley was unamused and cut them off. 

Adam Pearce granted Styles his wish and gave him a match against Dom next week. Bron Breakker (in a cowboy hat) got in Styles’ face and said, “See you around.” 

Golden Tate and Bailey Zimmerman were shown in the crowd. 

******** 

Tag Team Championships: The War Raiders defeated The Creed Brothers (w/Ivy Nile) via disqualification (12:22) 

Erik slammed Ivar on top of Julius before Ivar smushed Brutus into the side of the ring with a crossbody. Erik hit Julius with a sit-out powerbomb and running knee ahead of a break. The Creeds used a simple distraction to take control of Erik during the break, which led to a somewhat boring heat segment. 

Ivar made a hot tag after the break. He beat up both opponents before the Raiders gave Brutus a combo powerslam for two. Julius yanked Erik off the apron while Brutus gave Ivar an Angle Slam. (Kurt Angle was mentioned a bunch during this match.) Ivar knocked down the Creeds with a double handspring elbow. 

Ivar went to the top but stopped what he was doing because of a distraction by Nile. Julius popped up to the top rope and hit a superplex. Brutus followed with a moonsault, but Erik broke up the cover. 

The Raiders set up for their finisher, but Julius hit Erik with a title belt for the DQ. Brutus hit Ivar with a belt as well. They held the belts up as the crowd booed. 

********

Bálor joined the Judgment Day in their clubhouse. They were all beat up, except for Dom (who ran away from Styles earlier). Morgan had a huge gash above her eye. 

Dom told Bálor that things were going to turn around for them soon. Bálor said Styles made Dom look like a fool. Dom said they could’ve used his help, but he would take care of Styles next week. Dom suggested they find a new member. They’ve been shorthanded, especially with JD McDonagh out. Morgan seconded the idea. 

Bálor refused. He did not want a new member. He would fix things by beating Rollins, winning the Chamber and becoming champion at Mania. 

******** 

Ripley approached Sky and Kai as they were leaving. Ripley said she didn’t owe Sky anything. She wasn’t giving Sky a match because she felt she needed to but because she wanted to. She spoke to Pearce and had a title match made official for the Raw after Chamber. Sky was pleased. 

******** 

Next week on Raw: 

  • Men’s Elimination Chamber qualifier: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Bálor 
  • Women’s Elimination Chamber qualifier: Roxanne Perez vs. Raquel Rodriguez 
  • Penta vs. Pete Dunne 
  • AJ Styles vs. Dominik Mysterio 

******** 

CM Punk segment 

Punk said he was confident he was going to win the Rumble. He talked a lot, and maybe sometimes he talked too much because he didn’t win the Rumble. He wasn’t mad at Jey Uso. He liked watching his peers accomplish their goals. Punk’s goals were still there. He issued a warning to Rhodes. 

Punk noted that one guy in the Chamber didn’t even qualify—he just declared himself. Punk took a shot at John Cena but did say he was a legend who deserved to call his shot. The bad news for Cena was that he would see Punk in the Chamber. Punk planned on beating the living crap out of Cena to win the match. 

The only other person who has qualified so far was that piece of crap Drew McIntyre. McIntyre wasn’t on Raw anymore because he ran away so fast to the other show. Punk destroyed McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell and would do the same in the Chamber. (Punk also mentioned the possibility of Rollins or Bálor qualifying.) 

Punk has never been more confident in his life, and WrestleMania 41 belonged to him. 

Logan Paul interrupted. Paul understood why they called him “Punk.” He had a lot of names for Punk, but none you could say on TV. Paul wondered why the fans would boo him but cheer Punk. Paul said he eliminated Punk from the Rumble, and that was the best 15 minutes of fame in Punk’s career. Paul had his number in the Rumble and would have it again in the Chamber. Paul would give Rey his 15 minutes of fame tonight. 

Punk congratulated Paul on eliminating him from the Rumble. Punk would’ve mentioned him earlier, but he forgot Paul even had a match tonight. Paul may have had his number at the Rumble, but the number he pulled tonight was 619. Punk advised him to worry about the legend Rey Mysterio. If he was lucky enough to get past Rey, Punk would see him in Toronto and put him to sleep. 

******** 

Cole announced a crowd of 13,009. He did not call it a sell-out. 

Elimination Chamber qualifier: Logan Paul defeated Rey Mysterio (17:15) 

They got off to a rough start, but the match got much better as it went. Paul hit a nice fallaway slam moonsault ahead of a break and an impressive-looking press slam to the smaller man during the break. 

Paul slid Rey out of the ring, but Rey rolled through and popped to his feet. He hammered away at Paul and drove him into the barricade, but Paul responded by dropping him onto the top of the barricade. Paul was going to drive him into the ring post, but Rey countered and drove him into the steel steps. Rey followed with a sliding splash to the outside. 

Rey hit a seated senton and springboard moonsault for two. Paul responded with a Finlay roll and a springboard moonsault of his own for two. Rey came back with a tornado DDT for two. Rey went for a 619, but Paul booted him. Paul was standing on the middle rope, so Rey got under him and actually hit a sit-out powerbomb for two. 

Rey hit a 619, but Paul got his knees up on a frog splash. Paul followed with a right hand and a cool new finisher (a lifting DDT variation) for the clean pinfall win. (McAfee called it the Paulverizer.) 

Paul joins Cena, Punk, and McIntyre in the Chamber.  

— As the show was ending, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods attacked Rey from behind. Their attack lasted about two seconds before the show went off the air.

WWE SmackDown live results: Three Elimination Chamber qualifiers

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Six days after winning their respective Royal Rumbles, Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair will appear on tonight’s WWE SmackDown from Memphis, Tennessee.

Uso eliminated John Cena to walk away victorious from the men’s Rumble last weekend while Flair upended Roxanne Perez to win a title shot at WrestleMania.

Both appeared on Monday’s Raw; Charlotte followed that up by popping up on Tuesday’s episode of NXT. Uso is expected to speak with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes tonight while Flair is set to confront WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton.

Three Elimination Chamber qualifying matches will also take place tonight. On the men’s side, Drew McIntyre — the newest addition to the SmackDown roster — faces LA Knight and Jimmy Uso in a triple threat.

The two women’s qualifiers for tonight are Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven and Alexa Bliss vs. Candice LeRae. Bliss returned in the women’s Rumble and is now wrestling her first one-on-one match since 2023.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as imagery of Memphis aired. LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Jimmy Uso and Charlotte Flair were shown walking backstage (separately, of course). A video recapping the Royal Rumble then aired. Jey Uso was shown out in the concessions area and made his entrance through the crowd for the first segment.

The Jey Uso segment

Boy, I think Jey’s entrance might take up an entire third hour of this show one day. I enjoyed the exchange between Cody and Jey despite it feeling inevitable that Jey will not choose Cody. Adding Fatu into the mix was logical, but I’d hate to see Fatu get a title shot sometime between now and Mania, only to lose and move his way back down from the top of the card. I admit I’m biased towards him, but keeping him strong for as long as possible is probably best for everyone involved – and not just Fatu himself. Only time will tell how that plays out, but as for tonight … do we have a tag match main event on our hands with Cody taking a pin due to his Rumble injuries?

After Jey’s very prolonged entrance, the crowd chanted “One more time!” and they hit his music one more time so everyone could Yeet again. It was 11 minutes past the hour when Jey actually started talking. Jey said he had a hell of a week and he got a lot of love from his family and fans and everyone in between throughout the week. “You deserve it!” chants broke out. Jey said he was there to pick a champion to main event WrestleMania with. He went to say he wanted to stand face to face with the WWE Champion and welcomed Cody Rhodes to the ring.

Cody made his entrance and hugged Jey in the ring. Cody was kind of/sort of limping, selling pain from his ladder match last weekend. The crowd chanted Cody’s name and Cody asked Memphis and Jey Uso what they wanted to talk about … but not really because Cody said he thought he knew what they wanted to talk about. Jey reminded Cody that he has two choices to make (actually, it’s one, but … you get it).

Cody said his hip is out of alignment and he needs fluid drained from his elbow and doctors told him that this week. Cody noted that his heart is full, though, because Jey won the Royal Rumble. Cody said this is going to be Jey’s WrestleMania and he referenced how he and Jey have had some drinks together in the past. Cody mentioned how they could go party on Beale Street later. Cody got on with it and said he’s going to have to win at WrestleMania, so if Jey chooses Cody, they should have some fun tonight because it’ll be the last time they have fun. Jey and Cody shook hands, but out of nowhere, Jacob Fatu’s music hit. Fatu walked out with Tama Tonga.

Tonga shushed the crowd and mumble into the microphone. Fatu then began talking and said last year, Cody took his title from his family. As of now, Fatu said, his family needs that title back. Fatu said that took him to Jey Uso, “Mr. Yeet Man.” Fatu said if there was anybody to bring back to the title to the family, it sure as hell wouldn’t be Jey. Uso hit Tonga with a super-kick and Fatu hit Jey with a super-kick. Fatu then attacked Cody and all his injuries. Fatu went for a hip attack, but Jey cut Fatu off with a super-kick. Jey and Cody then clotheslined Fatu over the top to end the segment.

**********

– My aforementioned potential tag match main event prognostication was officially announced for later in the night.

Bianca Belair defeated Piper Niven to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [8:04]

The story of the match was predictable but effective in its simplistic way: Belair wanted to get Niven up for the KOD and couldn’t do it for eight minutes until … well … she could. And did. And won. I might be in the minority, but WWE needs to do something to freshen up Belair. We forget it at this point, but she was a damn good heel and we all think she had something to do with that attack on Jade Cargill, right? Maybe pull the trigger on whatever is going to happen with that sooner than later? Anymore, Belair feels like she’s spinning her wheels. But Belair is a star and stars shouldn’t spin their wheels. Bah. OK. Sorry. Rant over.

Belair went for a KOD early, but Niven countered. That didn’t stop Belair from having control early in the match. Eventually, Niven clotheslined Belair with assistance from Belair’s braid. Niven ran at Belair, but Belair moved and Niven stumbled to the outside. With Belair against the LED board, Niven hit a splash on her before landing a Senton. Niven posed as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Belair cross-bodied Niven from the top rope for a near-fall. Belair went for a KOD again, but Niven headbutted her way out of it. Niven followed up with a Boss Man Slam for a two-count. Niven went for a Senton, but Belair moved and Belair speared Niven. With Belair in a corner, Niven came at her with a Cannonball and connected with it. Niven went to the top, but Belair cut her off. Still, Niven slammed Belair again and followed up with a Vader Bomb for a two-count.

Niven ran at Belair, but Belair moved and Niven ran into a ring post. From there, Belair got Niven up for a KOD and this time finally hit it. The move was good enough to earn Belair the win.

**********

– Carmelo Hayes and Nick Aldis were shown talking backstage. Aldis said Hayes will face a Raw superstar later in the show. Someone knocked on the door and Tozawa walked in. Hayes smiled and said he’d love to wrestle Tozawa later.

The #DIY segment

Johnny Gargano led things off and told the crowd to give it up for he and Ciampa. The crowd, in turn, booed. Gargano said they are the best tag team in the world. Ciampa said the chances of Motor City Machine Guns ever holding their titles are officially dead. Ciampa said it’s a shame because they respect MCMG and 11 years ago, MCMG were their favorite tag team. Gargano and Ciampa told everyone to stand up and surprisingly, a lot of people in the crowd did. Ciampa asked for a moment of silence and Pretty Deadly’s music hit.

Elton Prince started talking in the entranceway and said it was important to remind #DIY of the help Pretty Deadly gave them in recent months. Nick Aldis walked out with a microphone and said #DIY is in no position to make demands. Aldis said Pretty Deadly will face #DIY and if Pretty Deadly wins, they will receive a title shot. Aldis booked the match for “right now” even though the show instantly went to a commercial break, so maybe “right now” was actually “in a couple minutes.” Also of note: #DIY were in street clothes.

**********

Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) to earn a tag team title shot [2:57 of TV time]

Not much to this, other than between the #DIY promo and the subsequent match, all I could think about was when, how or why MCMG were eventually going to show up. But they didn’t. So this was just kind of there. This tag division needs more than just a shot in the arm; it needs a full-on overhaul.

Turned out “right now” actually meant “right now” because the match was joined in progress. As such, Kit Wilson received a hot tag from Elton Prince. Wilson stomped on Ciampa and sidewalk-slammed Gargano. Prince tagged in and the Pretty Deadly duo hit a springboard Codebreaker on Gargano for a two-count. Eventually, Ciampa and Prince were the only ones left inside the ring and Ciampa landed a lot of strikes on Prince. Gargano pulled on Prince’s hair and Ciampa rolled Prince up, but Prince rolled through and rolled Ciampa up for the win.

**********

– The Miz was shown talking to Andrade backstage. Andrade said he learned how to beat him last week and walked away. Cody Rhodes walked in and Miz asked Cody if he could believe the new crop of talent, being disrespectful and all. Miz said he’d always have Cody’s back and Cody said he didn’t need Miz to have his back. Miz asked Cody if he’d still be Jey Uso’s friend if Jey chooses Cody. Miz said ht’d be a hell of a story and Cody looked concerned as the segment ended.

– Footage of John Cena’s appearance at the post-Rumble press conference aired.

The Drew McIntyre/Jimmy Uso/LA Knight promo

The best 15 minutes of the program so far. You had to know Knight would address the McIntyre rumors coming out of the Rumble because that’s the era of WWE we are in these days and, as expected, it was a lot of fun. Better yet was Drew’s smirk at the “gotta get my stuff in” line. Knight’s speaking range was really on display here because when he turned serious for about 20 seconds, going into the mental health stuff, he had that crowd in the palm of his hands. It was really good stuff – and a worthy sentiment. Jimmy didn’t feel out of place, either, as a talker here, even though we aren’t really used to seeing him swim in solo waters when it comes to top-of-card promos. Everything everyone said worked here and that’s not common.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance and stood in the ring with a microphone. McIntyre said he was officially back on Friday Night SmackDown. McIntyre noted how he went backstage and tore some things up after being eliminated and then drove home. McIntyre said he woke up the next day and asked himself why he was so angry all the time.

Drew said it was because he was the victim of a toxic workplace, which was Raw. McIntyre said he can see clearly now because Aldis called him and told him “Drew will be allowed to be Drew 100 percent” on SmackDown. McIntyre said he was there for Cody and what he has – the WWE Championship. McIntyre was interrupted by Jimmy Uso’s theme music. Jimmy walked out with a microphone.

Jimmy said every single week, McIntyre keeps living in the past. Jimmy said nobody ever stole anything from McIntyre and tonight, Jimmy was there to earn a spot in the Chamber. McIntyre said a couple weeks ago, he’d be angry about what he said, but he’s “cool now, Jey,” which was funny. McIntyre said Jimmy and Jey are similar in every way and perhaps Jimmy would be where Jey is if he just said “Yeet” first. Jimmy said tonight, he needs to punch his ticket to WrestleMania and he’s ready to kick Drew’s ass. Jimmy said, “I’m going to WrestleMania, Uce.”

LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out with a microphone. Knight cut his own music and said he doesn’t have any love for Jimmy because he’s the reason he’s not the WWE Champion. Knight spoke into the camera about mental health and it’s OK to cry. Knight turned that into saying three promises in life: Death, taxes and Drew McIntyre crying like a damn baby. Knight used the phrase “Drew McIncryer.” Knight said he’s going to give Jimmy and Drew something to cry about – dashing their WrestleMania hopes. Knight said, “Oh wait. I forgot to get my stuff in,” and Drew rightly snickered. Knight stepped in the ring for their triple threat.

Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso and LA Knight to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [12:40 of TV time]

This exceeded my expectations, even if they weren’t all that high. Some of the near-falls towards the end had me wondering how this thing was going to turn out and the finish ended up being pretty clever. I wonder where this leaves both Knight and Uso going forward because one feels to be in a purgatory after recently losing a title (Knight), while the other feels like he’s supposed to be on his way up the card, but has no real program to sink his teeth into … yet. As for this match, all three guys showed up to work and the result was a very good WWE television match. This could have main evented the show and I wouldn’t have complained.

The match was joined in progress and all three were going after one another. McIntyre chopped Jimmy and went to work on him while Knight was down in a corner. Jimmy came back with a Samoan Drop, but Knight broke up a pin attempt. Jimmy hopped up and chopped Knight, but Knight came back with a pop-up slam. Knight ran into a headbutt from McIntyre. McIntyre threw Knight and went back to Jimmy and suplexed him. McIntyre whipped Jimmy into a corner and belly-to-belly’d Knight across the ring. McIntyre then smiled.

Jimmy came back and threw McIntyre to the outside, where Jimmy followed up with a dive. Knight joined the two outside and rammed McIntyre’s head onto the commentary desk. Knight did the same to Jimmy. Knight stood on top of the table and posed for the crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from that break, McIntyre chopped Jimmy, who was perched on the top rope. Jimmy essentially crotched McIntyre, but Knight returned and cut Jimmy off while stomping on McIntyre.

Knight leapt to the top for a super-plex, but McInture pulled himself up and hit a German Suplex on Knight, who super-plexed Jimmy in a fun spot. Everyone was down and the crowd chanted “This is awesome!” Knight and McIntyre traded chops and Knight DDT’d McIntyre before going to the top and connecting with an elbow, but Jimmy broke up Knight’s pin attempt. Jimmy lifted Knight, but things ended up with Knight being Spinebuster’d via McIntyre for a near-fall that Knight barely kicked out of.

McIntyre set up for a Claymore Kick, but Jimmy super-kicked McIntyre and clotheslined McIntyre over the top, to the outside. Jimmy super-kicked Knight and landed an Uso Splash on Knight from the top. The referee counted to two, but then McIntyre pulled the ref outside of the ring. McIntyre was laid out on the commentary table and Jimmy went for another splash on Knight, but Knight rolled Jimmy up for a two count. Knight set up for a BFT on Jimmy and McIntyre Claymore’d Knight for the win.

**********

– Damian Priest was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage in a hallway. Braun Strowman walked into the frame and told Priest he has to qualify for the Chamber and next week, it sounds like it’ll be Strowman vs. Priest vs. Fatu in another Chamber qualifying match. Strowman said Priest will be in the ring with a wild animal and a monster next week. Priest said he wasn’t overlooking anyone.

– Video of what happened between Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on Raw aired. Owens cut a promo from his car and talked about how much he and Zayn have been through. Owens said the pain he suffered from his match at the Rumble might never go away and it’s all Zayn’s fault. Owens said Zayn watched as Cody tried to end Owens’s career and did nothing. Owens noted how Zayn rushed to the aid of Roman Reigns later that night while he did nothing for Owens earlier. Owens said Zayn is a horrible friend and a disgusting human being and he will never forgive him. Owens said he will make Zayn pay.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone in hand. In the entranceway, Melo said Tozawa looks like “Cody Rhodes got left in the dryer too long.” Melo said when in Memphis, they call Melo Ja Morant. The only difference between he and Morant, he said, was that Melo would make the all-star team.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Akira Tozawa [7:32]

This was probably a bit overly competitive, considering how Tozawa has been designated as The Guy Who Loses All Of The Matches for quite a while now. And if we are trying to get Melo over as someone who shouldn’t take as many losses as he does, why are we going seven-and-a-half minutes again? Just a question. The opposite side of that? It’s nice to see Tozawa get some TV time and he held his own against one of WWE’s rising stars. That should mean something, right?

Tozawa jumpstarted the match and eventually hit a cross-body onto Melo, who was on the outside. About 30 seconds into the match, the show went to a commercial break. Back from the break, Melo was working on Tozawa’s arm. It wasn’t long before Tozawa fired up and hit a DDT for a two-count. Tozawa went to the top, but Melo moved and beat down Tozawa down. Tozawa tore his shirt off and went to the top, but Melo cut him off. Even so, Tozawa landed a Sunset Flip from the top for a near-fall. The two traded roll-up attempts until Melo hit a clothesline, a springboard DDT and a Nothing But Net for the win.

**********

– Tessitore said they reached out to Paul Heyman for an update on Roman Reigns’s condition after what happened at the Royal Rumble (Seth Rollins’s two-foot stomp), but weirdly enough, they couldn’t get a hold of the Wise Man. As such, Roman’s health status is up in the air.

– Jerry “The King” Lawler was shown in the crowd. Lawlor received a hero’s welcome, as one would expect in Memphis.

– R-Truth was shown with Tozawa backstage and left him once he saw Jey Uso. Truth called Jey “King Of The Ring” and said Tozawa “Yeeted on himself” before leaving. Cody walked up and asked Jey what he’s thinking about when it comes to WrestleMania. Jey said he’s undecided and walked away.

The Charlotte Flair segment

I sort of thought we’d get Jax vs. Stratton at Elimination Chamber, but hell, Valentine’s Day is just as well. Charlotte, man. I don’t know what to do with her and I don’t think the crowds know what to do with her. The heartfelt speech she gave on Monday didn’t go as planned and this felt like it wanted to land somewhere in between acknowledging the backlash she received on Monday and re-establishing her character, but it didn’t quite work. Or in other words … goodness, this felt rehearsed. I feel bad for her at this point. WWE can’t figure out how to book her in anything other than “I’m Charlotte Flair. Respect me because I am Charlotte Flair!” But it’s just not working anymore. Hopefully, they can heat her up by the time Mania comes around.

Charlotte soaked in some “Woooos!” before saying “Hi, Memphis,” to a mixed reaction. She asked the crowd if they loved her or hated her. The crowd cheered the love and booed the hate. Charlotte said when people boo, she sees money and it’s OK because she lives rent-free in fans’ lives. Charlotte said everyone is obsessed with “everything Charlotte Flair.” She said she knows everyone thinks she thinks she’s better than everyone. She asked if people thought she’d actually be gone for 14 months and not win the Rumble. Charlotte called the other women in the Rumble “unserious” and said there was no way she was going over the top rope.

Charlotte reminded everyone that she became the first two-time women’s Royal Rumble winner. She followed that up by talking about how she went to Raw and NXT earlier this week and tonight, she wanted to see if Tiffy … on cue, Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and out, Stratton walked. In the ring, the crowd chanted “Tiffy Time.” Stratton began by congratulating Charlotte and saying nobody is a bigger Charlotte fan than herself. Tiffy said she wasn’t sure if WWE could survive without Charlotte.

Stratton said she came along and ticket sales went up and WWE is hotter than it’s ever been. Charlotte paused and asked Stratton if she said something. Charlotte then said, “Sweetheart, you speak when I say you can speak.” Stratton came back and said she’s always been compared to Charlotte as a “Charlotte Flair wannabe.” Stratton asked Charlotte to pick her for her Mania match because then she’ll be The One And Only Tiffany Stratton. “Tiffy Time!” chants broke out again. Charlotte said she views Stratton as a child begging her to make her a star at WrestleMania. Charlotte said if Tiffy wants Charlotte to choose her, she’s going to have to beg. Nia Jax’s music then hit.

Jax walked out with Candace LeRae and said the “blondie back and forth was cute and all” because Jax is going to be champion by the time WrestleMania. Turns out, next week, it will be Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton for the WWE Women’s Champion. Jax said if Charlotte wants to be a champion at Mania, she’s going to have to go through Jax. Alexa Bliss’s music then hit and Bliss made her entrance. The women watched as Bliss got to the ring for the next match.

**********

Alexa Bliss defeated Candace LeRae to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [10:36]

Bliss is still getting her legs under her in terms of getting back in the ring, so any awkward spots here aren’t even worth noting. The win makes sense as she is one of the company’s biggest stars and the pop she received at the Rumble cemented that. As for tonight, this crowd hasn’t been kind to a lot of people, so I’ll reserve judgment on any continuous excitement for her return. LeRae was the right wrestler to put Bliss in the ring with as she gets back into the mix because LeRae did a very good job making Bliss look as seasoned as she could, considering the layoff. It should also be noted that some Wyatt Sicks distortion things happened for a second or three at one point in the match. Here’s hoping they have something solid in mind for Bliss and that faction.

Things were slow early. Bliss ultimately took control and teased a Sister Abigail, but LeRae turned it around and gained the upper hand. LeRae went to work on Bliss’s neck and back. Bliss eventually tripped LeRae into a turnbuckle and went to the top, but LeRae cut off Bliss. LeRae tried to set up a super-plex, but Bliss knocked LeRae off. LeRae went to the apron and Bliss followed. It was there where LeRae planted Bliss, face-first. LeRae posed a little and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and LeRae was working on Bliss’s back. LeRae ragdolled Bliss until Bliss showed anger and slapped LeRae a couple of times. LeRae rolled to the apron and LeRae landed a neck-breaker on Bliss before heading to the top. From there, she hit a missile dropkick for a two-count. LeRae rolled up Bliss and the two rolled around to no avail for a little. LeRae ran at Bliss and Bliss hit what Tessitore called the Abigail DDT, which looked pretty much how it sounded. That got Bliss the win.

**********

– Backstage, Chelsea Green was interviewed by Byron Saxton. Next week, Green will face Naomi in a Chamber qualifying match. B-Fab and Michin walked into the frame. Michin said Chelsea might not be champion soon. Zelina Vega then came through and said it might be time she gets a shot at Green’s title, too.

– A Street Profits vignette aired and footage from their interference at the Royal Rumble was shown. Dawkins said #DIY’s days are numbered. Dawkins was all types of fired up. Montez Ford said they didn’t like all these strangers coming in and people essentially just teaming up for the hell of it. Ford said they want the smoke. This was great.

– The Machine Guns were interviewed in the locker room and Alex Shelley challenged the Profits the step up. Los Garza walked into the frame and Berto said it’s time for new teams to step up. Shelley started firing back and Santos Escobar walked in. Escobar said the Street Profits started everything by attacking them for no reason. Escobar said next week, it will be Los Garza vs. MCMG.

– A Damian Priest vignette aired. A Braun Strowman vignette aired. A Facob Fatu vignette aired. This all combined for one big vignette chronicling next week’s Elimination Chamber qualifying match.

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso defeated Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga [11:05]

I love the return of Sikoa. I had already been thinking of what to say about him not being around after saying nothing a week or two ago, but this was the best way to reintroduce him into the fold. Does this mean we get Cody vs. Sikoa at Elimination Chamber One Last Time? Maybe. In the meantime, this was a fine-enough main event. I still would have gone with the triple threat from a wrestling standpoint, but it makes sense that this would close the show now that we know Sikoa was on his way back. Cody did a very good job selling the effects of his ladder match at the Royal Rumble and Jey Uso continues to get over as Just A Fun Guy (not to be confused with Just Five Guys … wait, wrong promotion). Sikoa’s return leaves us with a nice hook for next week’s show.

Cody and Tonga started the match. Fifteen seconds later, Fatu tagged himself in to challenge Cody. Fatu immediately hit Cody a few times to establish control. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Fatu still had the upper hand on Cody. Tonga tagged in and Cody instantly fought back. Tonga went for a splash in a corner, but Cody moved and ultimately got the hot tag to Jey Uso.

Jey came in and worked Tonga over, complete with a hip attack on Tonga in a corner for a two-count. Jey hit a pop-up neck-breaker/cutter and things briefly broke down with Fatu super-kicking Jey. Tonga was still the legal man and hit a sliding clothesline for a two-count. Fatu tagged in and knocked Cody off the apron. Fatu lifted Jey and tagged in Tonga, who laned a springboard splash on Jey. Before long, Tonga and Jey clotheslined each other to reset the match with about four minutes to go toward the top of the hour.

Cody received the hot tag and Fatu tagged in, too. Cody hit a Disaster Kick and a drop-down punch. Cody landed a Cody Cutter on Fatu for a one-count. Cody set up for a Cross-Rhodes, but Fatu worked out of it and tagged in Tonga, who planted Cody with a weird Flatliner for a two-count. Cody went to the top, but Fatu pushed Cody off the top and Tonga executed his jumping DDT for a two-count. Fatu super-kicked Cody and ran the ropes, but Jey cut Fatu off and super-kicked him on the outside. Inside the ring, Cody hit a Cross-Rhodes on Tonga for the win.

As Cody has his hand raised, Solo Sikoa ran in with a hoodie covering his face and gave Cody the Samoan Spike. Sikoa stood tall to end the show.

WWE NXT live results: Oba Femi & Trick Williams team up, Charlotte appears

Posted on by Chris Aiken

The road to Vengeance Day continues on WWE NXT tonight.

It’s been announced that Oba Femi will defend his NXT Championship against Grayson Waller and Austin Theory in a triple threat match at the Saturday, February 15 PLE. Tonight, Femi is set to team up with Trick Williams against Waller & Theory. Williams has his sights on getting the NXT Championship back from Femi — and we’ll see if tonight’s tag match gets us closer to Vengeance Day becoming a fatal four-way.

NXT Women’s Champion Giulia also has a triple threat title defense scheduled for Vengeance Day. Tonight, there will be a Vengeance Day Summit with Giulia and both of her challengers: Roxanne Perez and Bayley.

Charlotte Flair — the winner of the women’s Royal Rumble match — will be in NXT tonight for a close look at Giulia. After winning the Rumble, Charlotte teased that she could potentially choose to challenge for the NXT Women’s title at WrestleMania.

Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne and Kelani Jordan vs. Karmen Petrovic have been announced for tonight’s card as well. And there will be a tag team bout pitting Gigi Dolin & Tatum Paxley against Zaria & Sol Ruca.

Plus, Heritage Cup Champion Lexis King appears. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

Stephanie Vaquer defeated Jacy Jayne (with Fatal Influence)

Vaquer pinned Jayne after outside interference backfired. This match is part of the build to Vaquer challenging Henley for the NXT Women’s North American Champion at Vengeance Day next Saturday.

Fallon Henley interfered and distracted Vaquer, allowing Jayne to ambush her. Jayne gets heat on Vaquer during a split-screen commercial break. Vaquer makes a comeback after the show returns from the break, building to a superplex.

Vaquer rally led into them trading high spots on the home stretch. Jayne with a knee strikes for a near falls. They also traded near fall cradles. Vaquero with a 619 and a West Coast Pop, and Vaquero has a lateral press. Jaxmyn Nyz jumps into to interfere and inadvertently hit Jayne instead. The referee let the match go, no disqualification.

Vaquer hits Nyx with a headbutt into the nose guard Nyx was wearing on her face. Nyx sells like she is knocked out. Vaquer with a superkick and her SVB finisher, followed by a three count. Nyx is still knocked out while the referee counts three.

Vaquer glares at Henley, ahead of their upcoming title match.

Backstage skit has Zaria bickering with other women in a locker room. Lash Legend, Jakara Jackson, Sol Ruca, Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolan are all involved. At least Zaria is finally getting a push of some sort. This skit sets up a tag match for later on with Zaria & Sol Ruca against Paxley & Dolan.

Video clips highlight Roxanne Perez at the Royal Rumble.

Sarah Schreiber interviews NXT Champion Oba Femi about his upcoming tag match tonight. Femi says NXT GM Ava might run the promotion, but he runs the ring. Femi is going to show A-Town Down Under they do not belong in the ring with him. Femi is also dismissive of Trick Williams, who is Femi’s tag partner later tonight.

NXT Heritage Cup Champion Lexis King is standing in the ring with his trophy, and he delivers a lengthy monologue. This will lead to the return of Fandango, who is now JDC from The System in TNA.

First King was a lengthy monologue. King wants to be humble, except he is not humble. King brags about himself for what felt like forever. He mentions people in the back that helped him like Williams Regal, only for King to brag on himself.

The promo takes a turn as King starts talking about his father (Brian Pillman), who King called a “lunatic.” King rambles about his father, saying he tried everything to not become him, but King is a l”oose cannon” that wants to win. This is justifying his heel tactics.

King goes on announce the European rules for the Heritage Cup are done. It is now a one fall match. No more rounds. King is boasting about one fall, winner take all, when he is interrupted by a surprise return.

Fandango”s theme music blares, and out comes JDC as Fandango, back in NXT.

JDC exchanges insults with King, and then JDC announces that next week he will challenge King for the Heritage Cup in a match next Tuesday.

A clip from Wild Cards highlights Tony D’Angelo in a special guest role on the CW series. The episode debuts tomorrow night on CW affiliates.

“The Don” is backstage with The Family. They were watching the clip on a backstage monitor, and there is clearly some tension between Stacks and D’Angelo.

Ridge Holland defeated Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo (with The D’Angelo Family)

Holland pinned Stacks after interference by Izzi Dame backfires on The Family.

Stacks is knocked off the ring by Holland. Tony D’Angelo goes to check on Stacks, and Holland shoves D’Angelo. As Holland rolls Stacks back into the ring, “The Don” jumps on the apron to argue with the referee.

Meanwhile, Izzi Dame runs in. This time Holland is ready, and she stops in her tracks. As Holland faces Dame, Stacks with a schoolboy roll up on Holland for a two count. From there, they go home. Holland executes The Redeemer, and he covers Stacks for a pinfall.

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura confront NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazier & Axiom in a backstage skit.

Sol Ruca & Zaria defeated Gigi Dolan & Tatum Paxley

Ruca pinned Dolan after a springboard flip into a cutter (Sol Snatcher). Zaria got to look strong. About time. Hot tag to Zaria, and she runs wild. All four get involved just before they go home. Zaria gives Paxlet a F-5 on Dolan. From there, Ruca springboards into her finisher, and Ruca covers Dolan for a three count.

Video clips from Royal Rumble highlight Stephanie Vaquer in the Women’s Rumble match along with NXT Women’s Champion Giulia.

Trick Williams is interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Williams says the plan is to show why he deserves the title shot instead of Waller & Theory. Williams also warns Oba Femi that he was a receipt coming to him (alluding to Femi powerbombing Trick on a table last week).

Bayley, Roxanne Perez and Giulia are set to meet up in the ring for a “summit” ahead of their triple threat at Vengeance Day. Before Giulia can enter the scene, Perez starts cutting a promo on Bayley. Perez insults Bayley and claims Bayley is only coming back to take advantage of NXT. Perez goes on to say she wants all of the titles.

Bayley says Perez still doesn’t get it. Bayley is here to help NXT. Bayley built the ring here. She had promo class with Dusty Rhodes here. Bayley goes son to say she will win Elimination Chamber and go to WrestleMania.

Giulia eventually joins the “summit” in the ring. Giulia says enough with this. She will beat Perez and Bayley. They are not ready for her “Beautiful Madness”.

Suddenly, out comes Charlotte Flair, who is back in NXT after a long absence. Mama has come home. Charlotte goes on to reminiscence about winning the Rumble and the NXT title. Charlotte puts over both Perez and Giulia, but Charlotte is better.

Cora Jade runs in with her kendo stick, and she attacks Bayley and Giulia. The babyfaces feed into shots from the kendo stick. Perez begs off and she flees the scene.

Ava in a backstage skit tells Je’Von Evans he can have a match against Ethan Page at Vengeance Day, if Evans can get cleared by a doctor.

Karmen Petrovic (with Ashante “Thee” Adonis) defeated Kelani Jordan via disqualification

Jordan initially won via submission, but the referee reverses the decision after Jordan goes full Bob Backlund.

Jaida Parker comes down to ringside during the match, and she joins the announce desk for guest commentary. Adonis also gets involved at one point when he took a crossbody from Jordan.

They were given plenty of time, as the match goes through a commercial break. They worked really hard to have a good match, and they beat the heck out of each other.

At the finish, Jordan glares at Parker while Jordan executes back-to-back split-legged moonsaults on Petrovic. Jordan is glaring at Parker while Jordan applies a crossface chicken wing to supposedly win via submission. More on that in a moment.

Jordan goes full Bob Backlund after the bell, as she snaps and snatches Petrovic in another chicken wing. The referee reverses his decision, and he awards the match to Petrovic via disqualification.

Stephanie Vaquer in a promo vows to win the women’s title at Vengeance Day. Vaquer will see Henley in hell.

Video clips highlight Lash Legend and Jaida Parker at the Royal Rumble.

Bayley rushed into Ava’s office in a backstage skit. Bayley demands a match against Cora Jade, and Ava books the match for next Tuesday on NXT.

Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura both say to Ava they have teams wanting to face them. So, Ava books the most overdone gimmick match in wrestling today — a triple threat match. Briggs & Inamura will face Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and No Quarter Catch Crew.

Waller & Theory cut promos ahead of their match, which leads to them bickering with each other.

Grayson Waller & Austin Theory defeated Trick Williams & NXT Champion Oba Femi

Waller pinned Williams after outside interference by Eddy Thorpe. After the match, Thorpe attacks William even further to set up a strap match.

Williams and Femi argue and bicker at times. Waller and Theory are fodder for Williams and Femi, until the odd couple teammates start to argue. Trick shoves Femi, and Femi retaliates by pulling Trick out of the ring. Trick and Femi argue some more, and Waller wipes them out with a flip dive. From there, the show cuts to a picture-in-picture commercial break.

Heat on Trick as the heel duo works him over. Waller clotheslines Trick on the floor, and Waller follows up by jumping off the barricade with a flying elbow drop. Back in the ring, Waller is cut off by a pop-up punch from Trick.

Hot tag and Femi cleans house. Femi lifts both Waller and Theory for a double-stacked Samoan Drop. Femi is finishing off Waller and Theory when Trick makes a bling tag, much to the chagrin of Femi.

Femi and Trick argue. Meanwhile, Theory tags out unbeknownst to Trick. Waller is the legal man, and he decks Trick. No matter, Trick comes back with a running knee strike.

All four are in the ring as a melee develops. Femi and Theory tumble over the ropes to the floor. In the ring is Waller and Trick. While Trick is measuring Waller, Eddy Thorpe suddenly is at ringside. Thorpe breaks a walking stick on Trick’s back, and Trick sells big. Waller does his dash into a pop-up cutter, and Trick takes the finisher. Waller then covers Trick for a three count.

Thorpe jumps Trick after the match Thorpe punches Trick, with Thorpe also clutching the long strap he’s had for several weeks. Thorpe whips Trick with the strap. This clearly sets up a strap match for Vengeance Day, but the show goes off air without a formal announcement.

The show actually ends with another teaser with the color bars.

WWE Raw live results: Royal Rumble fallout

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: February 3, 2025
Location: Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk will join John Cena in the men’s Elimination Chamber match in Toronto after beating Sami Zayn in a qualifying match. Kevin Owens laid out Zayn with a package piledriver after the match. 

The main event match and post-match were both really good but tainted by a significant amount of glitching of the Netflix feed (which hadn’t really happened before tonight). 

Jey Uso and Charlotte Flair both appeared, but neither announced which champion they would face at WrestleMania. Jey will be on Friday’s Smackdown to address Cody Rhodes, while Charlotte will be on NXT and Smackdown to address Giulia and Tiffany Stratton, respectively. 

Drew McIntyre was not on the show. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Sami Zayn, CM Punk, Judgment Day, Iyo Sky, and Charlotte Flair were shown arriving. There was a long video package highlighting the Royal Rumble. 

Michael Cole announced a crowd tonight of 13,432. 

Jey Uso segment 

Jey Uso entered to a huge reaction. He really kept the crowd going, and his entrance lasted a good five minutes. His music cut and fans chanted, “One more time.” So they played his music again, and he Yeeted along with them again. They followed with loud “You deserve it” chants. 

An emotional Jey Uso caught his breath and removed his shades to address the fans. He took an additional moment to gather himself as the fans chanted, “Yeet.” He thanked the fans. Jey said, “To be honest, I don’t even know what to say.” Everyone yelled, “Yeet,” and he responded, “Man, besides that!” 

He said he came into the game about 15 years ago. He and Jimmy tried to make a good living and carry on their family legacy. They did that. He went through the pandemic era and the Bloodline. They were cool chapters of his career. But, after that, he was scared because he didn’t have the confidence to be a singles star. But after coming out here tonight, he realized: “I got it now.” 

Jey said, “I worked really hard to get to this spot, man. I worked hard to get to this position.” He began tearing up as he thanked the fans. He even struggled to get the words out because he was so emotional. He thanked the fans because, thanks to them, he was the 2025 Royal Rumble winner, and he was going to the Mania main event. 

Gunther entered. He wanted to offer his congratulations, but really, he was disappointed. This possible matchup didn’t appeal to him. Jey couldn’t even lace his boots. Gunther learned box office and learned how to make the fans think he was barely holding onto the title. But the reality was he was always in control. 

Gunther refused to do this with Jey again. Beating him at Mania would add nothing to his legacy, unlike beating John Cena, Roman Reigns or CM Punk. Jey had everything to gain, while Gunther had everything to lose. Gunther said, “If you choose me, Jey, every week is going to be hell, with WrestleMania being the most horrible display of violence this business has ever seen. I’m going to hurt you, Jey. I’m going to put you down like a diseased dog.” Gunther said Jey had options, and he would be wise to consider them. 

Jey asked if Gunther wasn’t tired yet. Jey was tired. He was tired of everyone telling him what he can and cannot be. Jey said he would go to Smackdown and holler at Cody Rhodes. But no matter who he chose, he would go into Mania as the Rumble winner, and he would walk out of Mania as the champion.

(It’s always nice seeing guys show genuine emotion, and I thought Jey came across great here.) 

******** 

There will be an update on Roman Reigns tonight after getting stomped repeatedly by Seth Rollins on Saturday. 

They aired a clip of John Cena declaring for the Elimination Chamber in Toronto. (The reporters in the room clapped for him when he left.) 

********

Kaiser entered during a break and cut a quick promo on Penta. This was a first-time-ever match. 

Penta defeated Ludwig Kaiser (9:58) 

Kaiser hit a rolling DVD onto the apron, which led to a break two minutes into the match. Kaiser maintained control through the break, but Penta fired up with chops and a clunky backstabber for two. They exchanged chops before Penta wiped out Kaiser with a flip dive, followed by a flying crossbody for two. 

Penta hit consecutive superkicks, but Kaiser came back with a Finlay roll for two. Penta snapped the arm of Kaiser and hit Penta Driver for the pinfall win. This was fine. 

— Jackie Redmond went to interview Penta in the ring, but they were interrupted by Pete Dunne as he entered to his music. Kaiser took the opportunity and laid out Penta from behind. Dunne looked surprised but not upset. 

*********

They showed pictures but not video of JD McDonagh’s dive last week that resulted in broken ribs and a punctured lung. Cole said this is why you don’t try this at home. 

An annoyed Finn Bálor approached Judgment Day. He said he’s been gone for two weeks, and everything has fallen apart. Dominik stole his tag title match and got his partner injured. Bálor thought they might need a babysitter for Dom. 

Liv Morgan interjected to stick up for Dom. She informed Bálor that Adam Pearce would have given their tag title match to another team if Dom hadn’t stepped in. She blamed the War Raiders for McDonagh’s injury. 

Morgan had good news. She had a qualifying match for the Chamber, and Dom got her and Raquel Rodriguez a tag title shot. On top of that, Dom got Bálor a qualifying match in the Chamber. 

Bálor was surprised to learn it was Dom. Dom said they were family. An excited Carlito (with an apple) asked Dom what he got for him. Dom shrugged and said, “I got you that apple.” 

********

Charlotte Flair segment 

Charlotte entered to a mixed reaction. There were people booing as she began speaking, although it wasn’t that loud. She said that booing would have bothered her a year ago. But she missed them. She’s been gone over a year and missed the fans booing and cheering her. 

She said last year sucked. She thought she was unbreakable, but last year broke her mentally and physically. People booed. There was a point where she didn’t think her knee would get better. People booed. She said she would embrace the booing because she loved the fans. Their reaction didn’t change the fact that she was the greatest superstar in the history of this business. People booed. Last year broke her, but she fought because this ring was her passion. This was the thing she wanted to be the very best at. 

Rhea Ripley interrupted. The crowd chanted, “Mami.” Ripley said this was her show, and they had the opportunity to go to war again. Ripley respected Charlotte and hoped she picked her because the last time they fought at Mania, “I beat you.” Charlotte reminded Ripley that she won the first time they wrestled at Mania. Ripley said she was just a kid back then. 

Charlotte said she had plenty of time to make her decision. She planned to attend NXT tomorrow to see if Giulia inspired her and planned to attend Smackdown to see if Tiffany Stratton inspired her. Charlotte said Ripley jumped the gun by coming out here, which just showed her that Ripley was still just a kid. 

Ripley said Charlotte didn’t respect her and told Charlotte to pick her so she could beat the respect into her.

(This wasn’t good. Charlotte didn’t come across well in any fashion. She was booed but didn’t get a ton of heat, and she played it off poorly.) 

********

Redmond interviewed Sami Zayn backstage about facing CM Punk for the first time ever tonight. Zayn said it was tough losing the Rumble because he thought this was his year. He didn’t have time to think about that because he could have another shot at the Chamber, and Punk was all he had on his mind. 

Redmond asked about Kevin Owens but Zayn ended the interview upon seeing Jey Uso offscreen. Jey tried to tell him that he wasn’t trying to eliminate him from the Rumble. Zayn didn’t want to hear that. He hugged Jey and told him this moment was his. Zayn said, “You did this, you got here, now go all the way.” Jey wished him luck against Punk. 

Karrion Kross approached Zayn and asked what it was like to see everyone else live out his dream. Zayn was tired of seeing him and said they would have a problem soon if this didn’t stop. Kross issued a warning. 

********

New Day entered to new music. They cut a promo during a break. Kofi Kingston said a crime was committed when they were excluded from the Rumble. Kingston has given them more memorable Rumble moments than anyone. Xavier Woods said the fans were booing the truth, which made them liars. Kingston said they couldn’t wait to get out of Cleveland, just like Myles Garrett. 

******** 

Ripley bumped into Iyo Sky backstage. Sky said she might see her at Mania. After Ripley left, Morgan attacked Sky until Ripley ran back in to chase her away, but Rodriguez tackled Ripley over some equipment boxes. 

******** 

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defeated Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee (11:18) 

Logan Paul entered to his music about three and a half minutes into the match. He was booed in his hometown and later received loud “F*ck you, Logan” chants. They did their best to censor it. Cole said Paul has a Chamber qualifying match against Rey next week. 

Paul’s entrance distracted the good guys. Kingston used Dragon Lee’s mask to yank him off the top rope. Rey, who has been wrestling for 36 years, turned his back completely to the ring to watch Paul walk out, so Woods shoved him off the steps and into the barricade. 

Rey made a hot tag after a break, but Woods saved Kingston from a 619. Rey hit Kingston with a seated senton outside the ring. Paul got in Rey’s face, so Rey shoved Paul on his ass. He also posted Kingston, while Dragon Lee gave Woods a hurricanrana off the apron. 

As Kingston distracted the referee, Paul yanked Rey out of the ring onto the black mats. Kingston followed with Trouble in Paradise for the pinfall win. 

(Cole reminded us that Paul will face Rey in a qualifying match next week. Perhaps Kingston should be in that match now, too?)

******** 

Cole gave us a non-update on Reigns. He said they could only share what Reigns would allow them to share, and that was that he’ll be out “for the foreseeable future.” 

******** 

Cathy Kelley interviewed CM Punk. Punk said the silver lining from last night was that Rollins and Reigns did not win the Rumble. Punk apologized to the Zayn fans because Punk was going to the Chamber. He set a goal to go to Mania, and the pressure was on everyone else. 

******** 

During a break, there was a confrontation between Alpha Academy and A-Town Down. 

McAfee put over Cleveland but said their teams all stink. Cole reminded him that the Cavaliers are good this year. 

They aired a Rumble clip of IShowSpeed assisting in Otis’ elimination before getting killed by Bron Breakker. They claimed this clip had more than 300 million views in less than 24 hours on social media. 

There was a video package for Lyra Valkyria vs. Bayley next week. They were both shown in the audience. 

******** 

Elimination Chamber qualifying match: Liv Morgan (w/Raquel Rodriguez) defeated IYO SKY via disqualification (12:12) 

Morgan has a higher rating (91) than Sky (89) in WWE 2K25. 

They were having a really good match until the finish. 

Sky hit a suicide dive ahead of a break, but Morgan took control after knocking her off the top rope. Morgan hit three amigos after the break, but Sky came back with a knee strike. Sky hit a great-looking missile dropkick and double-foot stomp for two. Morgan hit a backstabber (Cole said she learned the move from Carlito, but she’s been doing it a long time.) 

Sky went to the top but a distraction by Rodriguez allowed Morgan to knock her off. Sky fought her off and hit a springboard moonsault. Sky tried something off the top but Morgan countered into a Codebreaker for a nearfall. Sky came back with a Frankensteiner and double knee strike in the corner. 

Sky went for a moonsault, but Rodriguez distracted her again, allowing Morgan to get her knees up on the moonsault. Morgan went for Oblivion, but Sky countered into a German suplex. 

Ripley ran out to take out Rodriguez. Morgan grabbed at Ripley’s hair, so Ripley turned around and punched her. The referee called for a DQ, and they announced Morgan as the winner. This was so stupid. 

Ripley tried reasoning with Sky, but Sky left. 

********

Kelley interviewed the War Raiders. They said JD McDonagh earned their respect. Chad Gable and American Made interrupted. Gable called them pathetic for injuring a stud like McDonagh and running away just barely clinging to their belts. He said they weren’t championship material, unlike his boys, the Creed Brothers. Ivar told them to be prepared to go to war if they wanted the titles. The War Raiders left. 

Gable told his team, “Guys, I have to leave you for a bit. I’m going on a quest on my own to conquer the dark arts of Lucha libre.” When he got back, he wanted to see Ivy Nile with the IC title and the Creeds with the tag titles. 

********

There was a video package for AJ Styles. Pearce said he made one more move before the transfer portal closed and announced that Styles was now a member of Raw. He’ll be on next week. 

Bron Breakker entered and advised Pearce to keep Styles away from him. Bron also wanted to know what was next for him and didn’t think Pearce was showing him much respect. They left to discuss it. 

*********

Seth Rollins/Sami Zayn segment 

Rollins entered wearing his newest ridiculous outfit. He said it stung that he didn’t win the Rumble, but he was happy and proud of Jey Uso. He loved seeing good people get what they deserve. He also loved that Punk lost. He loved seeing a scumbag and a piece of trash get dumped by that idiot Logan Paul. 

Rollins said Roman Reigns also lost and may not make it to Mania at all. Reigns was hurt, but Reigns and Paul Heyman wouldn’t admit it. WWE wouldn’t tell them the truth but Rollins knew that he hurt Reigns. Rollins wasn’t in the wrong because, for the past four years, Reigns has done nothing but hurt those closest to him. Reigns had a limited schedule, so if anything, Rollins did him a favour. 

Rollins said his path to Mania now went to the Chamber, and he had a qualifier in a couple of weeks against Finn Bálor. Rollins wanted to talk to Zayn and called him out. 

Zayn entered. Rollins led the crowd in a chant for Sami. Rollins admitted they haven’t seen eye-to-eye lately, but that was in the past. Their future could be the Chamber or Mania, but Zayn’s immediate future was Punk. Everyone knew Rollins hated Punk, but Rollins knew how much Zayn hated Punk, too. 

Rollins said Zayn put on a brave face at War Games, but tonight was not the night for that. Rollins reminded Zayn that Punk said he wasn’t on his level. Punk was delusional if he thought that. Zayn main-event Mania. Zayn was also a good person, something Punk has never been. Punk wasn’t on Zayn’s level because Zayn was levels above. 

Rollins wanted Zayn to keep Punk out of the Chamber. People like Zayn belonged in the match, not Punk. “Put his WrestleMania dream in the dirt for good, and come fight me in that Chamber.” 

As Rollins was leaving, Punk’s music hit, and they met in the aisle. They tried to exchange fists, but referees quickly got between them. Rollins continued to the back while Punk went to the ring. 

(Rollins gave the fans so many reasons to boo him here, but they never really did. He may not necessarily be turning, though.) 

******** 

Elimination Chamber qualifying match: CM Punk defeated Sami Zayn (14:57) 

(The Netflix feed glitched a few times earlier tonight, mostly in backstage segments, but it happened a lot during this match, particularly toward the end.) 

Zayn hit a superplex ahead of a break. He came off the top rope, but Punk caught him mid-air with a dropkick. There were duelling chants, which led to both men colliding with simultaneous crossbody attempts. After a break, Zayn hit a tornado DDT. Zayn wasn’t able to make a cover because of an injury to his elbow, which Punk worked on earlier. 

Punk avoided a Blue Thunder Bomb and hit a kick to the head, followed by a shoulder tackle and running knee. Zayn countered a bulldog into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. Zayn avoided another tackle, and Punk went shoulder-first into the post. Punk kicked out of a cradle and applied an Anaconda Vice, but Zayn got a rope break. 

Punk hit a knee strike and taunted Zayn, telling him to look at the Mania sign. Zayn tried to catch him off guard with a Helluva Kick, but Punk saw it coming and dodged it. Punk went for a GTS but Zayn countered into a small package for a nearfall. (This was one of those nearfalls where Punk may not have kicked out in time, but it wasn’t the planned finish.) 

Zayn avoided the GTS again and hit an exploder into the corner. Zayn set up for Helluva Kick, but Punk caught him with the GTS for the pinfall win. 

The screen glitched like crazy as Punk looked up at the Mania sign. The glitching was so bad post-match that I would’ve turned it off if I wasn’t writing this report. 

This match was really good, glitching aside. 

— Punk shook Zayn’s hand after the match. 

Kevin Owens showed up out of nowhere and attacked Zayn from behind. (Zayn bumped into Punk, who fell out of the ring.) Owens gave Zayn a package piledriver as the crowd booed. The show ended with a shot of Owens wearing a “Sami Zayn Forever” t-shirt.

WWE SmackDown live results: Royal Rumble go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Royal Rumble weekend in Indianapolis begins with tonight’s SmackDown from Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

On the eve of the Rumble, Chelsea Green and Michin once again face off for the Women’s United States title. Green beat Michin in the finals of a tournament to crown the inaugural champ in December, but the two have continued their feud since then. Most recently, Michin pinned Green in a tag match last week as she and B-Fab defeated Green and Piper Niven.

An eight-man tag match is also on tap for tonight with Motor City Machine Guns teaming up with Los Garza to take on DIY and Pretty Deadly. It comes in advance of Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin challenging Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa for the WWE Tag Team titles in a two-out-of-three falls bout at the Royal Rumble.

Naomi vs. Liv Morgan and Jimmy Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes are set for tonight as well. Plus, Joe Tessitore interviews Kevin Owens in advance of his ladder match against Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on Saturday.

The first hour of tonight’s show is airing commercial-free. Join us for live coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Michael Cole welcomed everyone to the show as footage of the city of Indianapolis was shown. Liv Morgan, Naomi, Bianca Belair, Michin, Chelsea Green and Damian Priest were shown walking through portions of the arena earlier in the day.

– Cole was at a small desk in the crowd, ala Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cole then introduced Pat McAfee and said he was the reason the Royal Rumble will be in Indianapolis this year. McAfee made his entrance and stood at the small desk with Cole. The crowd chanted “McAfee!” and McAfee called Indianapolis the greatest host city on earth. McAfee said the city is world-class and it hosts Final Fours, National Championships and the like and the people there are the best in the world. McAfee said he was “so damn thankful to be here.” Cole then threw to Joe Tessitore in the ring.

The Kevin Owens Interview

This was really good. Not necessarily on Punk/Cody level from Monday, but intriguing nonetheless, if only for how loud Owens has been about not liking Punk in or out of the ring (of course, this is professional wrestling, so who really knows where the real life truth lies, but the tension here felt palpable). Owens looked legitimately unhappy that he had to be out there with Punk and Punk looked as happy as the Young Bucks taking their victory lap as he smirked his way through this thing. It all added up to a fun way to open the show and it has me hopeful that we might actually get Owens vs. Punk someday in WWE one way or another.

Both belts that will be up for grabs at the Royal Rumble were hanging in the middle of the ring. Tessitore said it’s difficult to look past Owens’s latest actions. Tessitore played up the idea that he plays a big role covering wrestlers, so he wanted to give Owens fair time. Tessitore asked Owens what everyone was missing about how Owens feels about Cody. Owens began to talk and the crowd started to drown him out with boos. Owens called Tessitore a Cody Rhodes fan boy and lamented that everyone was talking about how they would face Cody at WrestleMania, but Owens said he will win the title at the Rumble and go onto WrestleMania himself.

Owens asked Tessitore if he thought he was a tough guy and Owens did not accept Tessitore’s initial apology for not giving him mic time. Owens then grabbed the winged-eagle belt as it hung in the middle of the ring and went to leave, but CM Punk’s music hit and Punk walked out. Owens looked less than thrilled. Punk grabbed a microphone and the crowd loudly chanted “CM Punk!” and Punk took it in. Owens and Punk stood silent and started at each other for a minute while “Holy s-!@#” chants broke out in the crowd.

Owens asked Punk if he could help him and Punk said no. Instead, Punk said he was there to offer two apologies – one for interrupting him; the other was for Owens thinking Punk was looking past Owens for WrestleMania. Punk said when he wins the Royal Rumble and if Owens makes it past an angry Cody Rhodes, the main event of WrestleMania could be Kevin Owens vs. CM Punk. Punk said if Owens wins at the Rumble, then Owens’s title reign won’t last long.

Owens said he felt conflicted because on one hand there are 29 guys in the Rumble that he likes more than Punk. But at the same time, Owens said the thought of Punk vs. Owens in the main event at WrestleMania – or Owens beating Punk’s ass at WrestleMania, he corrected himself to say – appealed to him. Owens played up the fact that all Punk wants to do is main event WrestleMania and it’s right at Punk’s fingertips. Owens said the idea of Punk never getting to main event WrestleMania is so good to Owens. Owens said he loves the thought of Punk never completing that dream. Owens stepped towards Punk and said Punk will go to his grave as a miserable failure. Owens said he hopes Punk doesn’t win the Royal Rumble and dropped the mic to leave.

Punk, however, kept going. Owens stood on the ring apron. Punk said he had never lost five title matches at the Royal Rumble while Owens has. Punk said he had never lost to Logan Paul, but Owens has. Punk said he had never tried to manipulate his best friend to help him win a title, but Owens has taken short cuts. Punk noted how he has to throw 29 other people over the top rope while Owens has to survive a pissed off Cody Rhodes in a ladder match. Punk invited Owens back into the ring and said he’d kick his ass. Punk told Owens to not be afraid. Owens dropped his mic. Punk did, too. Owens teased getting into the ring and instead walked away with his winged-eagle belt. Punk’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– The Miz was talking to Nick Aldis backstage and said if Andrade was standing right there, right now, he’d punch Andrade in the face. Andrade asked if Miz issued a challenge. Andrade suggested The Miz vs. Andrade later tonight and Miz said if Andrade wanted a lesson in greatness, that’d be fine. Aldis made the match for later tonight.

– Carmelo Hayes walked to the ring with a microphone and called Jimmy Uso not “The One,” but “The Two.” Melo said he won’t miss because his name isn’t Tyrese Halliburton. The show naturally cut to the Indiana Pacers star, who was sitting in the front row. Jimmy tried to jumpstart the match, but Melo quickly countered and the first match was under way.

Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes [8:31]

I was expecting more from the Melo/Halliburton interaction, but maybe they are saving something for Tyrese later in the show. Another thing I was expecting was Jimmy getting a clean, easy win, but Uce had to kind of/sort of cheat to win and Melo, for what it’s worth, got a lot of offense in before taking the loss. Maybe this means they run it back sooner than later. While it helped Melo to be competitive here, he still took the loss and it’s probably about time for him to earn some wins now that he’s gone nearly a year as the No. 1 draft pick for SmackDown. Time will tell. As for this match, it was fairly boilerplate. Melo looked more crisp than Jimmy, but Jimmy’s power stood out. A fine-enough way to fill television for about 10 minutes.

Melo kept control for a good part of the first minute until he tried to headbutt Jimmy, but that turned out to hurt Melo more than it hurt Jimmy. Melo ran into an uppercut from Jimmy and Jimmy yeeted. Jimmy clotheslined Melo over the top rope and went for a dive, but Melo cut Jimmy off with a clothesline inside the ring. Melo landed a hip attack and went for another one, but Jimmy moved and tried a pop-up move, but Melo turned it into a DDT for a two count.

With Jimmy on the outside, Melo landed a dive and jawed at Halliburton. Jimmy attacked Melo from behind and rolled Melo back into the ring to hit an enziguri. Jimmy then went for a hip attack, but Melo moved. It didn’t matter because Jimmy came back with a pop-up Samoan Drop for a two count. Jimmy went to the top rope, but Melo cut him off and went for something of his own, but Jimmy denied him and landed some type of arm-drag suplex on Melo to reset the match as both guys were down.

Jimmy kicked Melo, but then ultimately jumped into Melo’s First 48, but Jimmy kicked out at two-and-a-half. Melo went for a springboard move, but Jimmy move and super-kicked Melo for a good near-fall. Jimmy went to the top and went for a splash, but Melo go the knees up and rolled Jimmy up for a two count. Melo then hit a running knee and went to the top, where Melo landed a splash of his own for a nice near-fall. Melo looked shocked.

Melo went back to the top rope, but Jimmy cut him off with a kick. Jimmy went for something, but Melo countered into a rollup. Jimmy kicked out and rolled Melo up for the win. Jimmy had a handful of tights to help him get the win.

**********

– The Royal Rumble “By The Numbers” video aired and man, those are always so good.

– Chelsea Green was interviewed by Byron Saxton backstage. Green said last week, Michin tried to destroy the face of the United States and tonight, Green will return the favor. Green then said she will win the Royal Rumble Saturday night. Green also called Piper Niven her “Secret Hervice” and it was damn funny.

Michin defeated Chelsea Green via DQ [6:21]

Eh. OK. That’s fine. I guess. I think. Maybe. Probably. It was hard to think a clean finish was coming when this was slotted 45 minutes into the episode, and I have no problem with them stretching this program out a little more, but it was a disappointing finish and if Green vs. Michin isn’t about to walk over the line, it can certainly see the line from where it sits currently. It’s hard to think of Green dropping that belt anytime soon, but the way they have built this feud, I can be convinced that Michin would be the best opponent to eventually take it from her. Either way, this was a bit too short to really get going. As an aside: Without Green in WWE and Toni Storm in AEW, professional wrestling on all American channels would be a lot less interesting. God bless them for that.

The two traded pin attempts to begin the match and Green rolled outside the ring to roll back into it. Michin hit a series of German Suplexes and Green went to the outside, where Michin landed a dive through the ropes. Back inside the ring, Michin went for Eat Defeat, but Green got away from it. Michin pounded on Green until Green pushed Michin over the top and to the outside. Back inside the ring, Green worked a chin-lock. Eventually, Green went to a head-lock.

Michin fought back with a series of kicks, including a running strike. Michin set up the Long Back Attack and hit a Cannonball and got a two count out of it. The two traded pin attempts until Michin landed Eat Defeat, but Green rolled to the outside. B-Fab rolled Green back into the ring, but Green escaped again, but Michin chased after her. Green kept running away regardless. Green found the kendo stick and hit Michin with it to end the match. After the match, Michin got a hold of the stick and worked Green over with it.

**********

– Saxton interviewed Belair and Naomi backstage. Saxton asked what will happen if Naomi and Belair are the final two in the Rumble on Saturday. They both said they’d support each other, no matter the outcome. Saxton noted how Liv and Raquel have their eyes on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship.

– Another Charlotte Flair vignette aired.

– Stephanie McMahon was shown sitting in the crowd with a child.

The Damian Priest/Jacob Fatu Segment

The future of SmackDown, probably, and it’s hard to be mad at that. Fatu vs. Priest is a nice way to introduce Priest to Fridays – and it’ll be even better if they can figure out how to involve a title with all this. Knight being there makes sense, too. I will now insert the complaint I keep writing each week these days: Why wouldn’t they advertise this tag match ahead of time? It has some of the brand’s biggest star power. Don’t you think people might tune in if they knew this was coming ahead of time? Anyway, Fatu saying he and Tonga run SmackDown now is mighty interesting considering how Solo Sikoa walked out of the entire arena without saying a word the last time we saw him. Something’s going to eventually give with all that … right?

Priest said he wanted to make an impact after coming up to the main roster and he went from a nobody to a heavyweight champion. Priest said he doesn’t want to live in the past, though, because now he’s on SmackDown. Priest said the goal on SmackDown is championships and it will start at the Royal Rumble as he secures his spot at WrestleMania. On cue, Jacob Fatu’s music hit and Fatu walked to the ring.

Fatu screamed into the mic and said he sees Priest and he knows who he is, what he’s done. Fatu said Priest has accomplished so much more than the others in the back. Fatu said they’re alike because they both got out the gutter and they both came from the streets. The difference, Fatu said, was that Fatu spent time in jail. Fatu said he’s all gas, no breaks now, and if Priest thinks he’s going to make a name for himself on SmackDown, that’s not going to happen. Fatu said Priest can lay down or he could “beat his ass down.” Fatu said he and Tama Tonga are running SmackDown now and yelled “Fatu!”

Priest asked Fatu if that was supposed to intimidate him. Priest then spoke in Spanish. Priest said Fatu should know better and asked Fatu why they’re even talking at all. Priest then super-kicked Tonga. Fatu glared at Priest and removed his vest. The two circled each other. A “Holy SH$#@” chant broke out and the two brawled with each other. Tonga got up and inserted himself. The two played the numbers game on Priest until LA Knight’s music hit and Knight ran down to make the save. Knight hit Fatu with a chair and grabbed the mic. Knight challenged Fatu and Tonga to go up against Priest and Knight later in the show. Knight offered up his catchphrase to end the segment.

**********

– Santos Escobar was shown talking to Los Garza backstage. MCMG walked in and Escobar pointed out that MCMG have their opportunity to win gold at the Rumble. Meanwhile, Legado Del Fantasma have to fight for what they have. Alex Shelley said they will have Los Garza’s backs tonight. Angel said if MCMG because #DIY at the Rumble, they want the first shot at the tag titles.

– Footage of the moment HHH was told he’d be inducted into the Hall Of Fame this year from earlier this week aired.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) and Los Garza (Angel & Berto) defeated #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) and Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) [12:08]

This went pretty much as expected, but there’s nothing wrong with that. MCMG getting the win for their team all but promises that they will continue to be in chase mode with #DIY coming out of the Royal Rumble Saturday night. Then again, this is a new era, so perhaps new things can and will happen. I got a kick out of how MCMG kept trying to tag each other in, only to have Los Garza members cut them off. It was a tiny touch, but a necessary one in order to make sure we all know that Los Garza are still heels. Here’s hoping that 2-out-of-3 falls tag match gets at least a half hour at the Rumble Saturday night. Seeing, as always, is believing.

Berto and Prince were the first to lock up. The show almost immediately went to a picutre-in-picture break, but it came right back and Ciampa was the legal man for the heels. Berto landed a rolling moonsault on Ciampa for a two-count. Shelley tried to tag in, but Angel tagged himself in … but Sabin tagged himself in. Gargano was the legal man briefly and things broke down. The babyfaces hit stereo dives on the heels on the outside of the ring and the show went to another PIP break, weirdly.

When the show returned this time around, Prince was working over Sabin. Wilson tagged in and Sabin hit a double clothesline on both Prince and Wilson. Sabin tagged in Angel (who stole the tag from Shelley). Angel fired up and ripped off his pants. Angel went to the top and hit a cross-body on Wilson for a two count. Gargano tagged himself in and things broke down again with all eight wrestlers getting a signature move in, complete with a moonsault from Angel onto Pretty Deadly on the outside.

Berto powerbombed Gargano inside the ring for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants began. Sabin tagged himself in, but Angel stopped Sabin from entering the ring. Los Garza jawed at Sabin and left ringside, leaving MCMG on their own. Ciampa, meanwhile, worked out Sabin on the outside of the ring, throwing him into the crowd barrier. Shelley popped up on the apron, but Gargano pulled Shelley to the floor.

Ciampa clotheslined the hell out of Sabin. Ciampa accidentally kicked Prince in the head and as a result, Pretty Deadly walked away. Sabin then rolled Ciampa up and got the win for his team.

**********

– Fatu and Tonga were shown walking backstage and saw the tag titles laid out on a road case. Ciampa and Gargano walked up and grabbed them. Tonga “Yeeee Yeeee Yeeee”-ed at #DIY. Ciampa ran into and yelled at Pretty Deadly. Gargano said the tag title match at the Rumble is the biggest match of their lives. Elton Prince told Gargano and Ciampa that tomorrow night, they will be on their own.

– Cole and McAfee were shown at their tiny desk and McAfee introduced Tyrese Halliburton, who joined the two at the tiny desk in the crowd. Halliburton said he was excited to have the Rumble in his town. McAfee noted how it’s Pacers vs. Hawks at 5 p.m. tomorrow and wondered if we could see Halliburton in the Rumble. Halliburton said the plan is to beat the Hawks and then show up at Lucas Oil. Footage of Cole and Cody crowdsurfing earlier in the day aired.

– A vignette focusing on Owens vs. Rhodes aired.

Naomi defeated Liv Morgan [10:21]

Boy, it sure does feel like Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez are going to be the next in line for those WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles, doesn’t it? That’s fine and all, but what about the other end of the equation? At what point does Jade Cargill get re-inserted into the Naomi/Belair circle? And when do we find out about the attacker? All of this feels like it will develop sooner than later, but this viewer is starting to get at least a tiny bit impatient. In the meantime, this was a mildly surprising result and a well-worked match on both ends. Morgan was just one of the biggest champions in the company. Now she’s losing in the second-to-third hour of SmackDown in a match with little stakes. Perhaps there is a plan. There’s always a plan. Right?

The women locked up to begin things. Morgan got the best of it at first, but Naomi came back with an arm-drag and a head-scissors takedown. Morgan rolled to the outside. Back inside the ring, Naomi kicked Morgan a handful of times. Naomi then hit her split splash for a two count. Naomi landed a vertical suplex for a two count. Raquel hopped up on the apron to distract Naomi and Morgan too advantage of that with a backstabber for a two count. The show went to a break.

Back to the show, Morgan pinned Naomi, got a two count and then worked a chin-lock. Naomi Stunned Morgan to even things out. Naomi kicked Morgan in the head and followed up with a clothesline and back elbow. Naomi ran Morgan’s face into the second turnbuckle and went to the top. From there, Naomi landed a cross-body for a two count. Morgan ultimately came back with a running knee and a Codebreaker from the top for a near-fall.

Naomi hit a Rear View out of nowhere and went for the split-legged moonsault, but Raquel distracted Naomi. Even so, Morgan and Naomi traded pin attempts in the wake of the distraction and Naomi got the best of it, rolling Morgan up for the win. After the match, Raquel attacked Belair and Naomi. Morgan joined in on the fun and Raquel powerbombed Morgan onto both Naomi and Belair.

**********

– A video recapping the Fatu vs. Strowman match from SNME aired.

Andrade defeated The Miz [10:02]

The expected outcome in a match that would have gone too long if this didn’t involve a commercial break. I’m a fan of the back elbow being a finisher for Andrade, so here’s hoping that sticks around. Speaking of “here’s hoping,” here’s hoping Andrade gets somewhat of a kickstart in the wake of WrestleMania season. The Melo/Andrade program was filled with fireworks but both guys haven’t really found a safe place to land since then. Facing The Miz in a throwaway third hour of SmackDown proves as much on Andrade’s side. Here’s hoping he gets back to something meaningful sooner than later.

The two locked up and Miz hit an arm-drag before posing. A lock-up happened again and Andrade got the best of that one. The Miz actually landed a flying head-scissors and the crowd cheered as the action spilled outside. Andrade followed it up with a springboard moonsault on Miz and the show went to a commercial break at about the two-minute mark.

Back from the break and Miz was in control, giving Andrade some Miz Kicks. Andrade popped up and chopped the hell out of Miz. From there, Andrade hit a Dragon-Screw Leg Whip and a flying elbow before firing up the crowd. Andrade then landed the double-knees onto Miz in a corner. Andrade booted Miz in the face, but Miz came back with a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a nice near-fall. Miz clotheslined Andrade in a corner and went to the top. but Andrade cut him off. With the two on the top, Andrade pulled off a top rope Spanish Fly for a good near-fall.

“This is awesome!” chants broke out (let’s not get carried away, friends). Andrade missed a moonsault attempt and the two traded rollup attempts, but nothing came of it. Andrade then hit his spinning back elbow and that, surprisingly enough, was good enough to get Andrade the win.

**********

– Priest ran into Escobar backstage. Priest wondered why Escobar was even talking to him in the first place. Escobar told Priest he’d see him around. R-Truth appeared and told Priest they were at Raw. Priest told Truth to never change and turned into LA Knight. Nakamura was standing in the shadows as Knight and Priest talked to each other. Truth hopped in and said “Welcome to Raw!” to both Knight and Priest.

– Tiffany Stratton was shown walking and she ran into Zelina Vega, who said she had her eyes on Tiffy’s title. Tiffy talked down to Vega and it turns out Stratton is going to talk to Cole and McAfee next.

The Tiffany Stratton segment

Nia Jax is working overtime these days between SNME and SmackDown. Good for her. I have to think this means the story isn’t over between Stratton and Jax, no matter how Saturday night turns out. Tiffany, for her part, needs to decide if she wants to be a proper heel or a proper babyface. She heel’d on Vega backstage and then sold like a babyface after Jax attacked her in the ring. We all feel like it’s going one way, but the more WWE denies it, the more unnatural – and more frustrating – her entire presentation feels.

McAfee and Cole were in the ring and Cole introduced Stratton, who made her entrance. Cole asked Tiffy how her life has changed since she won the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy said she has always been championship material. Stratton said now everybody knows she’s championship material. McAfee said everybody wants what she has and McAfee listed off wrestlers who might win the Royal Rumble, including Nia Jax. Tiffy said it doesn’t matter who wins because it will always be Tiffy Time.

As Tiffy was talking, Candice LeRae’s music hit and LeRae walked out with a microphone. LeRae called Tiffy pathetic and said Tiffy didn’t deserve to even say Nia’s name. LeRae said Tiffy betrayed both Jax and LeRae. The crowd started the “WHAT?” treatment as LeRae stepped into the ring and called Tiffy jealous. LeRae told Tiffy to enjoy what little bit of Tiffy Time she has left. LeRae said she has entered the Rumble. Tiffy backed LeRae into a corner and Jax tried to attack Tiffy, but Tiffy moved and Jax splashed LeRae. Jax rebounded quickly, and hit a leg drop and her finisher on Tiffy. Jax stood tall to end the segment.

**********

– The commentary team ran down the card for the Royal Rumble.

LA Knight & Damian Priest defeated Jacob Fatu & Tama Tonga [14:44]

A good-enough main event for the Royal Rumble go-home show, but “good-enough” isn’t by much. It’s no secret that SmackDown has lost its luster over the last few months and with Raw On Netflix now the shiny new thing, it was clear that SmackDown was going to be given the short end of the stick. To see it come this early is a little disheartening. You have one of your four (probably three?) biggest shows of the year tomorrow night and your main event is a throwaway tag that has no real implications for anything significant in the immediate future? Or, well, probably more accurate: No Big Time Stars in the last 10 minutes of TV leading up to A Very Important PLE? No Cody? No Roman? No Punk? Not even Owens? Switch out the Monday and Friday shows and you’d have something. Tonight, though? Not so much.

Knight and Priest jumpstarted the match and ran into the ring to attack the heels. Fatu was kicked to the outside and Tonga and Priest turned out to be the legal men. Priest got the best of him and tagged in Knight. Still, Tonga came back, corner Knight and tagged in Fatu. Knight landed a neck-breaker on Fatu and stomped a mudhole in him. Knight then ran into a knee from Fatu, but Knight came back with another neck-breaker.

Priest tagged in and worked over Fatu until Tonga distracted Priest and Fatu capitalized with a hip attack. Tonga tagged in and took some punishment from Tonga. Fatu tagged in and worked Priest’s neck. Priest came back and threw Fatu to the outside. Knight tagged in and Knight went after Fatu, complete with his top-rope elbow. Out of nowhere, Fatu landed a leaping elbow on Knight to settle things down. The show then went to its final commercial break.

The show returned and Fatu went for a hip attack on Knight, but Knight moved. From there, Knight back-suplexed Fatu and ultimately got the hot tag to Priest, who came in and cleaned house. Priest hit a Flapjack on Tonga and fired up the crowd. Priest sent Tonga flying over the commentary table and then planted Fatu on said table. Back inside the ring, Priest walked the top rope, ala Undertaker, and hit a cross-body for a near-fall that the referee kind of/sort of gave away before Tonga kicked out.

Priest set up for a Razor’s Edge, but Tonga countered into a sleeper hold. Priest tried to fire up, but it didn’t really work at first. Eventually, it worked and Priest got out of it. Tonga landed the Hanging DDT on Priest inside the ring and Knight tackled Fatu over into the timekeeper’s area. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Tonga ran at Priest, but Priest caught him and eventually clotheslined the hell out of Tonga. Priest then hit South Of Heaven on Tonga for the win.

After the match, Fatu ran into the ring and attacked Priest, complete with super-kick, pop-up Samoan Drop and a moonsault. The show barely made it off air before fitting all of this in. Everything ended with a shot of Fatu scowling.

WWE Raw live results: Royal Rumble go-home show

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 27, 2025
Location: State Farm Arena in Atlanta, GA 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

Lots of seeds were planted on the final Raw before the Royal Rumble. Sami Zayn lost again to Drew McIntyre and mistakenly knocked out Cody Rhodes with a Helluva Kick. The show ended with CM Punk addressing Rhodes and calling his shot for WrestleMania. See more below. 

**********

Show Recap — 

Cody Rhodes, Brandi Rhodes and their daughter were shown arriving at the arena. Naomi and Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, Sami Zayn, and Drew McIntyre were also shown. A dizzying drone shot showed us the packed State Farm Arena in Atlanta before Pat McAfee quickly ran down the SNME results. 

Seth Rollins kicks off Raw, Gunther and Logan Paul interrupt 

Rollins entered to a good reaction. It was his favourite time of year—WrestleMania season, which kicked off on Saturday when he won the Royal Rumble. He admitted that 2025 got off to a bad start. He suffered the worst loss of his career on the first Raw of the year and suffered a black eye. (The crowd chanted for CM Punk, so he remarked that Punk looked no better off than he did when the match was over.) 

After he lost, Rollins wondered who he was and who he wanted to be. But he knew who he was, he was Seth freakin’ Rollins. When he was the most focused version of himself, there was no one on the planet better than him. He started his path to redemption when he beat McIntyre last week, and it would continue on Saturday. 

He had no problem tossing out John Cena, Jey Uso, McIntyre, Sami Zayn or Roman Reigns. He especially hoped to toss out Reigns. He dreamt of CM Punk being the final person in the ring with him so he could crush his Mania dream to dust. 

The real question was which title he would go after when he won. We all knew Gunther was just holding the world title until he decided to go after it. But it would be poetic if he took the same title from Rhodes that he helped Rhodes win last year. 

Gunther interrupted. He informed Rollins that he wasn’t keeping the belt warm for him. He wondered where Rollins has been while he has been defending the title. He beat that clown Jey Uso on Saturday. The crowd Yeeted, so Gunther reiterated that he beat Jey’s ass. Gunther advised Rollins to ignore the drama and focus on the Rumble, but he wondered if Rollins still had it in him. 

Rollins said the World Heavyweight title that he held only existed because of him. Rollins wasn’t Jey Uso or Damian Priest or Finn Bálor. 

Gunther knew that and called Rollins one of the best wrestlers to ever step foot in this company. But it was 2025, and he was no longer the best in the company—Gunther was. Gunther wanted Rollins to face him at Mania so he could feel the same way as everyone else when they faced him. 

Logan Paul interrupted. He was booed a decent amount when he entered, but it got exponentially louder the more he spoke. He said the Netflix era needed a new face, one that oozed with charisma. He said Gunther and Rollins were both great in the ring but they reached their peak. (It was hard to hear what he said next because the crowd loudly chanted, “You suck.”)  

Paul announced he was entering the Rumble. He had no plans to eliminate 29 other men because that was grunt work. He would be smarter than that. He would win the Rumble and main event Mania. The crowd gave him the “What” treatment. Rollins was amused. 

Gunther changed his mind and said he wanted Paul to win the Rumble so he could knock the smirk off his face. The crowd cheered. Rollins got the last word and said he would be getting his title back—if he chose to. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed CM Punk backstage. Punk didn’t care about Paul and planned on winning the Rumble. He’d throw out Kelley if he had to. 

Zayn interrupted to ask about Punk’s comment last week about them not being on the same level. Zayn said that was true because only one of them was a WrestleMania main-eventer. They said they’d see each other at the Rumble. 

Karrion Kross approached Zayn after he walked away. Kross basically advised him to listen to Kevin Owens because there was a world of opportunity at his feet. After Kross left, Rhodes suddenly appeared and patted Zayn on the back. Zayn acted surprised to see him. Zayn quickly patted him on the chest and left. 

********

There was an interview during commercials with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller in the crowd. 

After the break, Noah Centineo, Lil Yachty, 2 Chainz, Quavo, Theory and Waller, and The Creed Brothers were shown in the crowd. 

******** 

The War Raiders defeated Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh to retain the World Tag Team Championships (11:54) 

There was a scary spot early in the match where McDonagh hit a springboard moonsault to the outside (on Ivar), but his head bounced right off the announce table. Michael Cole freaked out and repeatedly asked that somebody check on him. They showed a replay, and it looked brutal. McDonagh got to his feet and to the apron and actually got a nice applause from the crowd. 

During a break, the doctor checked on McDonagh, and he waved her off. 

Erik and Ivar went for their finisher, but McDonagh ducked it and headbutted Erik. Ivar went to the top, but McDonagh brought him down with a suplex. Cole said McDonagh must be the toughest man in the WWE the way he’s still going. 

Dom tagged in, but Ivar hit him with a spinning kick. As McDonagh distracted the referee, Carlito spat an apple in Ivar’s face. This allowed Dom to hit a 619, and McDonagh followed with a moonsault. Dom hit a frog splash for a nearfall after Erik shoved McDonagh into Dom to break up the cover. (Cole suggested the ref look at all the apple bits in the ring.) 

Dom went for another 619, but Erik tagged himself in, and they hit Dom with War Machine for the pinfall win. This turned into a pretty good match. 

********

Ludwig Kaiser approached Pete Dunne backstage. It seemed like Kaiser wanted to form an alliance, but before they could say much, they were approached by New Day. Even these heels wanted nothing to do with New Day, so they walked away. Kelley approached New Day for an interview. 

Kofi Kingston said Atlanta’s favourite son was home. Kelley thought they meant Bron Breakker. They said no. She also guessed Austin Theory and Cody Rhodes. Woods said he was Atlanta’s favourite son, and he would beat the brakes off Rey Mysterio in front of his town and his mother, father and sister. His family wasn’t there yet, but Woods knew they would show up because he spent a lot of money on their front-row seats. 

********

New Day entered during commercials. They were booed. Woods wanted the crowd to show respect, and Kingston said he would bring Atlanta something that Kirk Cousins and the Falcons never could—a win. (Because they were still in a break, Cole remarked that they were really bad guys now because they ran down the local sports team.)  

Lil Baby and Miller Mike were shown in the crowd. Also shown were the empty reserved seats that Woods paid for. 

Cole announced that this was Zelina Vega’s final night on Raw because she was being sent to Smackdown as part of the transfer portal. 

Cole also announced a sold-out crowd of 12,432. 

Rey Mysterio (w/LWO) defeated Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston) (10:56) 

Woods wrestled in black jeans (and black knee pads), as Kingston did in his recent match. Woods cut off Rey’s comeback attempt after a break, but Rey hit a sunset flip powerbomb off the ropes, followed by a Code Red for two. However, Woods shoved Rey into the announce desk moments later. 

Woods noticed that his parents and sister finally arrived, sitting next to Lil Yachty in the front row. Woods approached them only for his parents to reveal they were wearing “New Day Sucks” t-shirts. Lil Yachty was wearing one, too, which was funny. Woods’ sister tossed a shirt at his face. 

Woods was pissed, so he went back into the ring, where Rey gave him a 619 and springboard splash for the pinfall win. Woods’ family cheered. 

Rey put on a “New Day Sucks” shirt and posed with Woods’ family. 

*******

Rollins approached Zayn backstage. Zayn wanted him to know the Helluva Kick last week was a mistake. Rollins knew that but said you could understand why he may have thought otherwise. If it happened again, Rollins would not think of it as a mistake. They shook hands. Rollins told him to get his win over McIntyre tonight. 

********

Jey entered through the crowd alongside Quavo. He got a huge reaction. Jey told the crowd he needed that, and he thanked them. He lost on Saturday, but he knew he could beat Gunther. Now Rollins had his name in his mouth, too. Jey knew what he had to do. He would toss all their assess out in the Rumble, and he would become the world champion at WrestleMania.

******** 

Pat McAfee kept the crowd warm during commercials. He interviewed Woods’ family and Lil Yachty. McAfee asked Lil Yachty if he’d ever get into the ring. Lil Yachty said he’d only be interested if it involved Rhea Ripley. The crowd was amused by that. (He held up a Ripley shirt earlier in the show.) 

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria was ready to defend her Intercontinental Championship, but she also announced that she was entering the Rumble. 

American Made interrupted. Chad Gable told Valkyria that Ivy Nile would be winning the belt for him… and for them. Valkyria said this was as close as any of them were getting to the IC title. Nile got in her face, but Valkyria brushed it off. 

American Made bumped into Otis and Akira Tozawa, who were dancing nearby for Maxxine Dupri’s cameraphone. Gable called them pathetic for doing TikTok dances. 

(It makes sense that Valkyria would enter the Rumble, but this segment also made it pretty clear they don’t have much of a plan for her first IC title challenger.) 

********

Cole plugged Belair and Naomi defending their tag titles against Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson on tomorrow’s NXT.

Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez defeated Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi in a non-title match (12:33) 

Belair made a hot tag shortly after a break and ran wild on Morgan. Rodriguez tagged in and gave Belair a spinebuster. She also powerbombed her partner onto Belair for a two count. Naomi tagged in and hit an X-Factor for two. Rodriguez followed with a fallaway slam. Morgan tagged in and hit Belair with a Codebreaker. 

Morgan went for Oblivion, but Belair caught her and hit a KOD. However, Dom distracted the referee from making a cover. Belair wiped him out with a slingshot dive. 

Naomi hit Morgan with a split-legged moonsault, but Rodriguez pulled Naomi out of the ring to break up the cover. This happened right in front of the referee, who, instead of admonishing Rodriguez, played dumb and checked on Morgan instead. This allowed Rodriguez to slam Naomi onto the apron. Morgan crawled into a cover for the pinfall win. 

This was a weak finish. It’s also odd that Belair completely disappeared after hitting a simple dive. The crowd was quiet for the match, but they were into Belair when she was doing stuff. 

********

Kelley interviewed Ripley. She said it didn’t matter who won the Rumble because she would brutalize them if they faced her. Bayley appeared and issued a warning. Ripley chuckled and wished her luck. She left. Iyo Sky approached Bayley and sternly told her, “See you Saturday.” 

********

There was a Penta video package. He thanked the fans for their reaction, but this was only the beginning. He wanted to be the best in the world, but the only way to do that was to face the best. He was entering the Rumble, and he would get his WrestleMania moment. This was good. 

The announcers ran down the Royal Rumble card, which begins at 6pm ET (3pm PT). 

  • 30-man Royal Rumble match 
  • 30-woman Royal Rumble match 
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a ladder match for the WWE Championship 
  • DIY vs. Motor City Machine Guns in a 2-out-of-3 falls match for the WWE Tag Titles 

********

Paul Heyman/Drew McIntyre segment 

Paul Heyman sauntered out to the ring to announce that Roman Reigns is the cover man for WWE 2K25. A banner dropped from the ceiling showing the cover. The crowd chanted, “OTC.” 

Heyman said Reigns was coming back for his championship. He said it would be 29 vs. 1 at the Rumble because he knew that all 29 other men were coming for Reigns. Reigns was the biggest star in WWE, on Netflix, on this planet and would be the biggest star on Mars when Elon Musk colonized it. He called the rest of the locker room Reigns-wannabes. 

Drew McIntyre entered before Heyman could leave. Heyman was nervous, but McIntyre told him to relax because the only person who should be nervous around here was Zayn. McIntyre just wanted to talk. The crowd chanted, “We want Roman.” McIntyre said he was responsible for all the success Heyman was having. The crowd chanted, “We don’t care.” 

McIntyre said they will care. He called himself the daddy of the Bloodline and said, “I hate it, but I’m the catalyst of it all.” McIntyre said he eliminated Reigns to win the Rumble (in 2020) and slayed the beast at WrestleMania. That beast was Heyman’s client. (He never said Brock Lesnar’s name.) 

After that, McIntyre said, Heyman found Reigns at a low time and harnessed his talent for evil. Heyman went on to make more money than ever. Heyman was even on the video game cover. (McIntyre pointed to Heyman bowing to Reigns on the very bottom-right of the cover.) McIntyre just wanted a ‘thank you’ from Heyman. 

Heyman thanked him but said, “You’re crowding me right now.” McIntyre backed off but asked Heyman for a favour: tell your boy that I will target him and toss his carcass over the top. Heyman sarcastically agreed to deliver the message to Reigns. McIntyre said he wasn’t talking about Reigns—he was talking about Punk. Heyman left looking distressed. 

*******

Redmond interviewed Bron Breakker. He called half the other Rumble entrants senior citizens. They’d realize they were no match for the badass because it wasn’t 2014 anymore. He declared himself for the Rumble. He was interrupted by Penta (wearing a suit). He made the “cero miedo” gesture without saying a word, and the crowd chanted along. 

******** 

Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn (14:27) 

Zayn came up bleeding from the tip of his nose early in the match. (I’m not sure where it happened but he did get booted in the face a couple of times.) McIntyre went for a Claymore outside the ring, but Zayn ducked, and McIntyre landed on the announce table. 

During a break, McIntyre chucked Zayn into the barricade. Zayn and his bloody face managed to crawl back into the ring. However, after a break, McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two and a sit-out powerbomb for two. Zayn came back with a sunset flip powerbomb out of the corner for two. McIntyre suplexed Zayn and kipped up to his feet, but Zayn nailed a boot and Blue Thunder Bomb for two.  

Zayn went to the top, but McIntyre brought him down with a suplex. He tried a Claymore, but Zayn countered into a cradle for two. McIntyre ran shoulder-first into the ring post, and Zayn hit an exploder into the turnbuckles. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but McIntyre dodged it and covered Zayn with his feet on the ropes for the pinfall win. 

That’s 11 straight losses for Zayn against McIntyre. 

— As Zayn pleaded with the referee, McIntyre attacked him from behind. Cody Rhodes ran out to make the save, but Kevin Owens ran out next to attack Rhodes. Rhodes fought him off, but McIntyre attacked Rhodes from behind. Zayn tried to make the save, but he hit Rhodes with a Helluva Kick by mistake. 

Owens stood next to Zayn and smiled. He patted Zayn on the chest and left the ring. 

Zayn was distressed as he looked down at Rhodes. Cole wondered if he would choose a title opportunity over his friends. 

— The camera followed Zayn during a commercial break. Zayn was upset as he walked toward the back. He even got some boos. He looked back toward Rhodes and repeatedly said, “I’m sorry.” Zayn left. 

(For a moment, I thought the show was over when they faded to black on a shot of a sullen Sami Zayn. But it continued.) 

******** 

Cody Rhodes/CM Punk segment

Rhodes got to his feet to address his hometown fans. He looked up at the two WWE Championship belts hanging above the ring. He said he’s learned that being champion was not about the physical belt despite what Owens has convinced himself of. It was a mindset. It was about the work. Nobody in WWE worked more matches than him. He showed up first and left last. He was so looking forward to Saturday when he could finally move past Owens. 

CM Punk interrupted. Punk asked if Rhodes was feeling alright. Rhodes was his friend, and Punk was worried about him. It seemed like everything was finally getting to him. Punk knew what the title could do to a man. 

Punk was champion for a historic 434 days. Somewhere around the 300-day mark, it started to weigh on him. He was burned out, and it turned him into somebody he didn’t enjoy being most days. He lost friends, and it’s happening to Rhodes now. He understood Rhodes wanted to be Bruno Sammartino and John Cena, but none of them could be Superman. 

Rhodes said he didn’t have a lot of friends, but “CM Punk, you’re my friend, right?” Punk said Yes, that’s why he was out there. Unlike everyone else, Punk would always be his friend. Not just because of a promise he made to Dusty but because he loved him. But not even Dusty could’ve prepared Cody for this. When you were on top, there were no friends because you had a target. 

Rhodes asked Punk what was next for him. Punk said he knew Rhodes wasn’t going to get much sleep because he either had an early call time or he’d be thinking about the biggest match of his career against Owens—one of the toughest SOBs in the locker room. If he got past that, there would be more waiting for him after that. That’s what’s next for Rhodes. Less time with his family, feeling alone ironically in front of sold-out crowds. Meanwhile, somebody in the best shape of their life would win the Rumble and take advantage of Rhodes and take his belt. And that was the good news. 

Rhodes wanted to hear the bad news. Punk responded, “The bad news is that somebody is me.” Unlike everyone else who stabbed Rhodes in the back, Punk would win the Rumble and stab him in the front. 

Rhodes had a story. When he showed up in OVW, he met Punk, and they were the only ones who wanted to learn arm drags from Greg Gagne. Everyone there wanted to be Punk. They chased him. Punk got called up, and Rhodes followed later. Rhodes chased Punk. Everyone chased Punk. But that dynamic changed because Punk was now chasing him. 

Rhodes wanted Punk to win the Rumble “because I want you to catch up.” Rhodes wanted to see the look on Punk’s face when he realized the “best in the world” wasn’t the best in the world anymore. Rhodes’ music played, and the show ended. 

(This was a strange segment. Mostly because of Rhodes’ behaviour. He sounded upset in the first part of his promo, where he spoke about doing the work. Instead of sounding like a proud champion, he sounded annoyed and even whiny. He was also oddly confrontational to Punk from the get-go and a bit overdramatic—even for him. Perhaps we’re to feel like he’s losing it a bit, but that also came out of nowhere. This was also very long. It didn’t help that the show felt like it ended 15 minutes ago.)

WWE NXT live results: Three championship bouts

Posted on by Chris Aiken

A slate of title matches is set for tonight’s episode of WWE NXT on The CW Network.

In his first defense since becoming NXT Champion, Oba Femi defends against Eddy Thorpe in tonight’s main event. Femi won the title from Trick Williams at New Year’s Evil two weeks ago in a triple threat match that also included Thorpe. Now Femi and Thorpe will attempt to settle their issues one-on-one.

Ridge Holland gets his shot at the men’s NXT North American Championship tonight when he challenges Tony D’Angelo. The Heritage Cup will also be on the line as Lexis King and Charlie Dempsey once again face off for the trophy.

Plus, new NXT Women’s Champion Giulia will make an appearance following her victory at New Year’s Evil. She dethroned Roxanne Perez to win the title.

We’ll see if WWE has any follow-up tonight after Perez was confronted by Bayley last week.

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

**********

Corey Graves is back on commentary alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T.

NXT North American Champion Tony D’Angelo (with The Family) defeated Ridge Holland to retain his title

Lots of closed fist punches back and forth from the start. The match goes through a commercial break with a split-screen. As the show cuts to commercial, out comes Shawn Spears.

During the break, Holland posted D’Angelo twice. Holland then smacked an arm on the ring post, and Holland went to work on the arm. Holland is working the arm as the show returns from the break.

D’Angelo makes a comeback, and “The Don” gets a near fall with a fisherman’s buster suplex. Slugfest starts again, before D’Angelo is dropped on his head. “The Don” still comes back with a spear. Spears soon gets involved in the match.

Spears jumps on the apron and gets punched by D’Angelo. That brings out Spear’s goons, which includes Brooks Jensen and Niko Vance. They brawl with The Family at ringside. That takes the referee’s attention away from the the ring.

That allowed Izzi Dame to suddenly interfere, after she got in the ring. She boots Holland in the face with a high kick. D’Angelo delivers a spinebuster, and he covers Holland for a three count. Dame at ringside says she and “The Don” are now even.

A locker room skit sets up two singles matches for Wes Lee. One against Dion Lennox for tonight, and another next week with Trick Williams. In the skit, Williams gives Lee an open hand slap.

Bayley is up next for a monologue. Her and Roxanne Perez has an altercation in a cliffhanger angle from last week. Bayley is here to address that.

Bayley said she was there last week to talk with Perez, because Bayley cares about all that Perez has done. That that got her was a slap in the face.

Bayley goes on to talk about Perez confronted her from the front row on Raw and Smackdown. At some point, Bayley name drops Giulia. So, out comes Giulia to join Bayley.

Giulia says Perez may not look up to Bayley, but Giulia herself does. Bayley and Giulia sing each other’s praises until they are interrupted by Cora Jade and Perez.

Both Perez and Jade cut promos on Bayley. Perez claims the current NXT exceeded anything the Four Horsewomen did, and that is really way Bayley is here. That ignites a brawl, and the fight is on. The heels powder as Bayley and Giulia stand tall. This angle clearly sets up a tag team match.

Cut to the women’s locker room, where Kelani Jordan is arguing with Jaida Parker. Karmen Peterovic wants to calm them down since she is in love now.

Cut back to ringside and the brawl between the two teams is on again.

Wes Lee defeated Dion Lennox

Lee pinned Lennox in a short match that was more of a backdrop for the angle that followed with Trick Williams. Lennox did get a close near fall, but Lee strikes with a Cardiac Kick. Lee then covers Lennox for a pinfall.

Lee in a post-match promo says he is going to handle Trick next week since Trick slapped him earlier. That brings out Trick, and he is a house of fire. Williams drops Tyson Dupont and Tyriek Igwe, who both were at ringside with Lee.

Trick then storms into the ring and lays out Lee. Trick grabs the microphone and accepts the challenge for next week at Center Stage in Atlanta.

Lexis King is the focus of a video package, and he defends the Heritage Cup up next.

But first, an interview with Stephanie Vaquer. Sarah Schreiber conducts the interview. Vaquer cuts a decent promo. It is not her fault they do not have her in a focused angle.

NXT Heritage Cup Champion Lexis King defeats Charlie Dempsey (with No Quarter Catch Crew) to retain the cup

This match got a lot of time, but that was somewhat a given with the round system. The match went through a commercial break, and they did a fall during the break. When the show returned from the break, Vic Joseph on commentary remarked how that shows you have to pay attention during the split-screen break.

King is saved by the bell in the first round. Dempsey applied a crossface chicken wing that would make Bob Backlund proud. Time runs out on the round with King still locked in the hold. The closing moments of this round were really good.

A camera shot shows brass knuckles in King’s corner as the show cuts to commercial. That is when they did the finish during the break. King scores a pin he counters a sunset flip into a pinfall. King is up 1-0.

Dempsey evens the score in round 3, as Dempsey scores pin using a butterfly suplex. Between rounds, King teases using the brass knux. But he thinks better of it.

Later on, King fires up and leaps over the ropes with a flip dive on No Quarter Catch Crew. They go back-and-forth in the closing moments. After deciding against the knux, King still wins with a heel move. King with a mule kick low blow, and the ref didn’t see it. King then executed the Coronation, and King scores the deciding pinfall.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Naomi cut promos on Meta-Girls (Lash Legend & Jakara Jackson). Next week in Atlanta, Meta-Girls challenge for the tag titles in a featured match.

Karmen Petrovic enters with her love interest, Ashante “Thee” Adonis. Petrovic has a match up next.

Andre Chase is followed around in a skit, but he is depressed. Some trainees are watching old Chase promos, but Chase is still super depressed.

Karmen Petrovic defeated Jaida Parker

Petrovic rolled up Parker to score the pin, after interference by Kelani Jordan. Parker looked strong throughout much of the match.

Jordan shows up and she goes to slap Parker, but Parker blocks the slap. The referee is right there the whole time, but somehow this is not a disqualification. Petrovic then rolls up Parker, and the referee counts the pin.

Petrovic celebrates after the match with Adonis.

A locker room skit has Sol Ruca and Zaria talking with Meta-Girls. Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolan are also there. This was a waste of time I will never get back.

Brooks Jensen & Niko Vance defeated Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino

Vance pinned Stacks to win the match. For the finish, Jensen with a somersault kick and Vance follows up with a lariat. Stacks does a flip to sell it, and Vance covers him for the pinfall. This was a great way to introduce Niko Vance.

NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazier & Axiom are being interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura interrupt the interview. Briggs is upset they went to TNA when Briggs claims they had “next” up. This did not go anywhere as the director cuts away to a brawl happening backstage. Then, the show cuts to commercial.

More melodrama after the break, this time within The Family. Stacks is upset that “The Don” was not out there with them. D’Angelo responds that Stacks has been Underboss for a while now. He needs to figure it out on his own. “The Don” then leaves.

Ethan Page is cutting a sadistic promo on Je’Von Evans in a video package sponsored by an insurance company. Would have made sense if it was medical insurance, but it was automobile insurance.

Evans is then in GM Ava’s office. Evans is still selling his jaw, but he wants a match with Page. Ava says he is still hurt, which he clearly is selling like he is hurt. Evans can barely talk. Ava then brings in Cedric Alexander, who is booked against Page in a match next week at Center Stage.

In comes Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. Apparently, next week at Center Stage is “The Grayson Waller Effect” in Atlanta. What have we done to deserve this?

Oba Femi is heading to the ring for his match when he crosses paths with Trick Williams backstage. They exchange glances just before the show cuts to a commercial break.

After show returns from the break, Diamond Dallas Page is shown sitting front row ringside.

NXT Champion Oba Femi defeated Edddy Thorpe to retain his title

This wasn’t Flair-Steamboat, but thank goodness it wasn’t another skit. It was actually pretty good too, especially by the end. At least for action. Psychology might be another story.

For a champion who’s nickname is “The Ruler”, Femi ends up selling a lot. Maybe too much, but as champ I guess he has to give the illusion he might lose. Him selling so much takes away from his aura. Thorpe cuts off Femi before the show’s final commercial break, and Femi is in peril during much of the picture-in-picture. Why is Femi fighting from underneath?

Back from the commercial break, and comeback by Femi. Led to a near falls after Femi delivers a spinebuster. Thorpe counters an attempted chokeslam with a triangle. Femi tries to power out, but Thorpe counters that into a hurricanrana. Two count for Thorpe.

Thorpe again counters Femi. This time Thorpe uses a stunner after blocking a suplex attempt. Thorpe climbs to the top rope and he leaps off with a mighty flying elbow drop. Near fall.

Thorpe and Femi trade strikes and moves. Femi goes off his feet after Thorpe gives him a snap German suplex. Thorpe goes for another flying elbow, but Femi blocks it to deliver a chokeslam. Thorpe gets a shoulder up to break the count at two and three quarters.

Femi posted himself on a missed charge in a corner. Femi looks to be in trouble, until he tossed Thorpe across the ring. Femi then executes his pop-up powerbomb, and Femi covers Thorpe for a pinfall.

The psychology seemed way off in this match, but the work itself was really good. Grayson Waller & Austin Thoery were watching from a perch overlooking the ring. They are trying to jaw with Femi. Meanwhile, Trick Williams is in the ring to confront Femi.

Williams then drops Thorpe when Thorpe goes for a cheap shot. Williams an Femi are face-to-face as the show goes off the air.

WWE Raw live results: Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 20, 2025
Location: American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX 

********** 

The Big Takeaway —

Kevin Owens appeared and offered Sami Zayn words of encouragement for the Royal Rumble match. Owens made it clear that he wanted Zayn to win so the two men could main-event WrestleMania against one another. Owens also suggested that he would have Zayn’s back at the Rumble if Zayn had his (against Cody Rhodes).

Zayn saved Seth Rollins from a Drew McIntyre beat-down at the end of the show, only for Zayn to hit Rollins with a Helluva Kick by mistake. 

The inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria was advertised for the show but did not appear.

**********

Show Recap — 

Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, and CM Punk (wearing a t-shirt of Marvel’s The Thing) were shown arriving. Rhea Ripley was shown earlier today, too, but she was attacked by Nia Jax. They also plugged Penta against Pete Dunne. 

Michael Cole said Dallas was hosting Raw for the 27th time. Wade Barrett is filling in for Pat McAfee, who is at the College Football National Championship. 

Jey Uso and Gunther segment

Jey Uso entered to a huge reaction. Cole danced like an idiot, and instead of heading to the announce desk with Barrett, he awaited Jey to slap hands with him. 

Gunther quickly cut off Jey’s promo. Gunther called him a funny little man for thinking he would win the world title. Gunther was looking forward to facing him—until today. Until he saw Jey acting like their conversation hadn’t happened last week. Acting like a complete dork and a company mascot. At this point, Gunther may as well be facing Jimmy Uso. 

Jey warned him not to talk about his brother. Gunther asked, “Or what?” because Jey never followed up on his words. Jey claimed he bet on himself, but he wouldn’t be doing that if Roman Reigns, Sami Zayn or Cody Rhodes came calling for help. Jey was just a useful idiot. Jey’s words and actions didn’t align, but Gunther’s did. Gunther would expose Jey on Saturday. 

Jey said Gunther was right again. Jey was the mascot, but the fans were his team. Because they ride with him, and they would be with him when he beat Gunther for the title. Jey respected Gunther, and Gunther would respect him, too. Only one of them had main evented WrestleMania, and it wasn’t Gunther. 

Gunther heard enough and attacked, but Jey fought him off and sent him out of the ring with a superkick. Jey held up the world title belt, and the crowd popped. 

********

The New Day ran into JBL backstage. Kofi Kingston was glad JBL was doing commentary for his match and slid cash ($2) into his coat pocket to butter him up. Kingston and Xavier Woods assumed he would be on the same page as them because he cut the dead weight of his own tag partner and went on to the most success of his career—just not as much success as them. 

JBL gave them a backhanded compliment. He understood why they cut ties with Big E because the fans loved him way more than them, and he figured they wanted the fans to pay more attention to them. New Day didn’t appreciate this, so they left. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Bayley. She announced she was officially back on Raw and declared herself for the Royal Rumble. She said she could go after either brand’s champion if she won. She was about to tease perhaps going after the NXT champion but was cut off by Jax. Jax wanted Tiffany Stratton for herself and planned on winning the Rumble. 

Professional bull riders Mason Taylor and Austin Richardson, and PBR announcer Matt West were shown in the crowd. 

JBL entered for commentary. 

********

The crowd booed New Day heavily as they entered. They were pissed at the fans constantly booing them since they were walking Hall of Famers, unlike JBL. Kingston took back the two bucks out of JBL’s coat pocket. 

Rey Mysterio defeated Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods) (10:30) 

Kingston wrestled in black jeans (with black knee pads). Kingston worked over Rey and had a lot of heat until Rey drove him into the steel steps ahead of a break. Interference by Woods behind the referee’s back allowed Kingston to take over. The crowd chanted, “Let’s go, Rey,” and he fought back with a seated senton and low dropkick for two. 

Kingston poked Rey in the eyes behind the ref’s back and hit a splash on Rey’s back for two. Rey set up for 619, but Woods blatantly tripped him, so the ref tossed him out. Woods argued, so Rey knocked him off the apron. Rey hit a 619, but Kingston got his knees up on a springboard splash. 

Kingston went for an SOS, but Rey reversed into a cradle for the sudden pinfall win. 

— Woods attacked Rey from behind and attacked him alongside Kingston until the LWO ran out to make the save. New Day bailed, but as LWO checked on Rey, New Day ran back down through the crowd, and Kingston posted Joaquin Wilde. New Day bailed again before Rey or Cruz Del Toro could get them. 

(New Day running back down just to attack one of the LWO guys was pretty funny.) 

*******

There was a video package highlighting Penta’s debut. 

Kelley interviewed Chad Gable, who was pissed off. He spoke of his recent struggles in the ring with Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio. He realized he knew a man who could help with his luchador problems, and that was Dominik Mysterio. 

Ivy Nile and the Creed Brothers stated their intentions of winning gold. Gable said they would all be wrapped in gold, and it would be glorious. 

********

During a break, Jackie Redmond interviewed Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross dismissed the Wyatt Sicks. He said, “I’m the only guy to beat Uncle Howdy. I derailed all their momentum. He’s gone, I won, they lost.” He had his eyes set next on Rollins, Punk, and Zayn. 

******** 

The announcers spoke briefly about pro wrestling’s history in Dallas. They aired a clip of one of the many things to happen in Dallas: Wade Barrett winning the first season of NXT. 

*******

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens segment 

Zayn entered and announced he was in the Rumble after speaking with Adam Pearce. His conversation with Rollins last week really made him think about what he wanted. It opened up a lot of thoughts. 

He thought about his 14-year-old self and all the people who grew up wanting to be wrestlers. He thought about the few thousand who did become wrestlers and the many fewer who actually got to WWE. He thought about the even smaller group of guys, the upper echelon of five or six or seven guys. 

He considered himself in that group, and all of those guys were in the Rumble with him. The only difference between them and him was that they had a world championship in their name, and he didn’t.  He has had a great life and career. He didn’t need the world title to feel complete. 

The fans have supported him throughout the years, and their support has meant more to him than any world title could ever mean. “So no, I don’t need the world champion. But dammit, I want it!” Because 14-year-old Sami wanted the championship, and 14-year-old Sami was still with him. 

Kevin Owens interrupted. (Owens wore a Bret Hart zip-up jacket.) Zayn said he knew it was just a matter of time before Owens came. Zayn asked how he wanted to do this. Owens didn’t know what he meant. Zayn brought up his issues with Rhodes after he teamed with Reigns. 

Owens wasn’t here for that. Owens admitted he was upset when Zayn teamed with Reigns, but it wasn’t the same as Rhodes. Zayn and Reigns had a lot of history, just like they did. Reigns did terrible things to Zayn that he chose to overlook. Owens did terrible things, too, and Zayn forgave him, just like he forgave Reigns. Zayn did that because he was a good person. 

Owens called Zayn his best friend and brother. Owens wanted to tell Zayn, “You can and will win the Royal Rumble.” Zayn deserved to win the Rumble and go on to Mania to win the title. They’ve done a lot together, but there was one more thing they could do, and that was main event WrestleMania one-on-one for the WWE Championship. 

Owens said that could only happen if Zayn won the Rumble—and if Owens walked out as champion. Owens knew that would happen because he had Zayn’s back, and Zayn would have his back. Owens ended with, “As my brother, if I need you, I know you’ll be there.” Owens left as Zayn contemplated what he said. 

********

Kelley interviewed Sheamus backstage. Sheamus said he may have had the best career backwards. He beat John Cena just six months into his career for the WWE title. But ironically, the Intercontinental title drew him to WWE as a kid and it’s the title he has been chasing for five years. The stars were aligned on Saturday where he would beat Bron Breakker for the title. 

Breakker interrupted. Bron said he would beat Sheamus and break him like an old man. Bron advised him to retire. Sheamus shoved Bron, who laughed and backed away.

******** 

They aired a memorial graphic for Bob Uecker. RIP.  

******** 

Nia Jax defeated Bayley (12:21) 

Roxanne Perez watched from the front row (squeezed between two regular fans). Perez tried to slap Bayley, but Bayley blocked it and slapped her instead. Perez was about to jump the barricade, but a random security guard grabbed her and held her way up in the air with one arm. She was carried away (off-camera). 

Bayley was amused, but Jax attacked her from behind as they went to break. After the break, Jax missed a leg drop on the ring apron, and Bayley hit a sunset flip powerbomb into the post. Bayley followed with an Annihilator (Jax’s finisher) and an elbow drop off the middle rope for two. 

Jax responded with a shoulder breaker. Jax drove her shoulder-first into the ring post and squished her into the post. Bayley blocked an Annihilator attempt and hit a running knee strike for two. 

Jax went up for her finisher again, but Bayley brought her down with a powerbomb for two. Bayley followed right away with a flying elbow drop off the top for a nearfall. Jax followed with a pop-up Samoan drop, senton, and Annihilator for the clean pinfall win. 

— After the match, Ripley ran out to attack Jax, but the brawl was quickly separated by security. As you can imagine, they broke through the pack a few times which led to Ripley knocking everyone down with a cannonball off the announce table. Ripley angrily challenged her to a match at SNME. 

********

Gable eagerly asked Dom for help with his Lucha problems in the Judgment Day clubhouse. They didn’t seem to want him there and even Dom initially resisted his request. However, Dom handed him a piece of paper containing the name of someone who could help. Gable was excited, and he dismissed the rest of Judgment Day as he left to learn the dark arts of Lucha libre. They weren’t sure why Dom would help him, but Dom said it wasn’t the worst thing for Gable to owe them one. 

JD McDonagh was worried because they were getting a tag title rematch next week, but Finn Bálor was out. Dom offered to take Bálor’s place, and McDonagh accepted. McDonagh was worried Bálor may not like this idea but Liv Morgan assured him that he would. Morgan poked fun at Dom for trying to be helpful like he was (or wasn’t) in her match against Ripley. Dom said he would make it up to her. 

********

There was a video recap of Lyra Valkyria winning the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. (She was advertised for the show but never appeared.)

******** 

There was a Martin Luther King Jr. tribute video. 

******** 

Zayn approached Rollins to let him know that his words got through to him last week. Rollins knew it and was glad to see this side of him. However, Rollins wouldn’t hesitate to throw him out of the Rumble. Zayn said he would toss him out first. They had a friendly face-off before Zayn left, and Rollins continued to warm up. 

******** 

Penta defeated Pete Dunne (10:02) 

Cole mentioned that these two first wrestled at RevPro years ago (2017), which is true. 

Dunne tried a backflip off the top, but Penta superkicked him out of mid-air. Penta went for a dive, but Dunne cut him off with a forearm ahead of a break. Penta fought back after the break with a slingblade, corner dropkick and DVD for two. Penta followed with a Canadian destroyer, but Dunne rolled out of the ring, so Penta hit a flip dive. 

Dunne blocked another destroyer attempt and hit a DeadEye for two. Dunne snapped Penta’s fingers and applied an arm bar, but Penta hoisted him up and hit a backbreaker, The Sacrifice (armbreaker) and Penta Driver for the pinfall win. 

This was pretty good. The crowd was into Penta’s entrance. They got into the match more toward the end and popped for the win. 

******** 

There was a Logan Paul video package. 

********

CM Punk promo 

CM Punk entered. He basically stole Jey Uso’s entrance. He entered from the concourse through a sea of fans. He joined Redmond in the stands for an interview. She asked Punk about the Rumble, a match he’s never won against a stacked field.  

Punk called himself the maker of history. He made history by main-eventing the first Raw on Netflix, where he beat Seth Rollins. He would make history at the Rumble by beating 29 other superstars, and nobody was better than him when the people were behind him. 

Punk ran down the names Redmond listed. He dismissed the idea of John Cena or Roman Reigns eliminating him and he already put Drew McIntyre in the ground. (He got some light boos for his line about Cena.) 

He didn’t want to hear about Sami Zayn because Zayn wasn’t on his level. You could put Hulk Hogan in the Rumble, but Punk would throw his dusty ass out and kill Hulkamania. (The fans cheered, which is exactly what Punk was hoping for.) 

Punk said he would settle a score and would call in a favour or two if he needed to. Only one man would get his hand raised, and that was CM Punk. 

********

Kelley interviewed the War Raiders (who spoke in their normal guy voices). Ivar said they were always ready to defend the tag titles. They would return honour and prestige to the division, something that was tarnished by Judgment Day. Erik said they weren’t overlooking any teams, but no one was taking their titles. 

********

IYO SKY & Dakota Kai defeated Zoey Stark & Shayna Baszler (6:24) 

Early in the match, Stark obliterated Kai with a springboard dropkick, and the crowd buzzed at the spot. (The ref checked on Kai, and the match continued.) 

Sky eventually made the hot tag, and the fans chanted her name. Sky took out Baszler with a German suplex and suicide dive. Sky hit Stark with a missile dropkick and a running double knee strike for two. 

Sonya Deville tried to distract Sky, so Kai wiped her out. Sky was distracted instead by Baszler taking out Kai. Stark knocked Sky off the top and suplexed her for two. Baszler hit a running knee but Kai broke up the cover. Kai hit Stark with a PK, and Baslzer knocked Kai off the apron. 

Baszler put Sky in the Kirifuda Clutch, but Sky slipped out of it and hit a moonsault for the pinfall win. This was more or less a showcase for Sky. The fans were into her. 

********

There was a video package for Rollins vs. McIntyre. Rollins entered ahead of a break, and if you are among the lucky people who get to watch during the breaks, you got to hear Rollins’ music play and play and play. 

(The main event began at 10:15 pm ET.) 

Seth Rollins defeated Drew McIntyre (16:59) 

Rollins hit a suicide dive, but McIntyre caught his second attempt and suplexed him over the announce desk. After a break, McIntyre tried a reverse Alabama Slam, but Rollins countered into a victory roll for two. Rollins followed with jabs and chops and drove McIntyre shoulder-first into the ring post three times. Rollins followed with a flying knee and running boot for two, followed by a springboard senton for two. 

McIntyre went to the top, but Rollins brought him down with a superplex. Rollins tried to transition into the falcon arrow but McIntyre hit the falcon arrow instead. Rollins ducked a Claymore, but McIntyre hit a spinebuster for two. Rollins hit a falcon arrow for two. 

They traded counters until Rollins applied a crossface, but McIntyre got a rope break. Rollins got in McIntyre’s face (in the ropes), and as the ref pulled him away, McIntyre poked Rollins in the eye. McIntyre followed with a Future Shock DDT for a nearfall. 

McIntyre hit consecutive clotheslines and seemed to think Rollins was done. He took his time pacing around the ring, so Rollins caught him in a jackknife cover for the sudden pinfall win. 

— McIntyre was pissed, so he attacked Rollins after the match and nailed a Claymore Kick. 

McIntyre placed Rollins’ head against the ring post and was about to kill him with a Claymore but Zayn ran out to make the save. Zayn checked on Rollins, but McIntyre headbutted Zayn. 

McIntyre taunted Rollins in the corner. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick, but McIntyre moved out of the way just in time, and Zayn kicked Rollins instead. McIntyre was amused. Zayn explained himself to Rollins as they went off the air (at about 10:36 pm).

(They had a good match but the crowd was pretty quiet for it. There was nothing on the line, and Rollins hasn’t been the most endearing babyface lately, so that could explain it. 

One negative was they repeated a few spots we saw earlier tonight. The shoulder-into-the-post spot was done multiple times, as it was in the Bayley-Jax match. Although Bayley and Jax varied it a bit. McIntyre poked Rollins in the eye to set up a nearfall, only for Rollins to win with a flash pin. In the opening match, Kingston poked Mysterio in the eye to set up a nearfall, only for Mysterio to win with a flash pin.)

WWE SmackDown live results: Women’s title match, Solo Sikoa returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After winning a fatal four-way last Friday against Naomi, Nia Jax & Bianca Belair, Bayley gets her WWE Women’s Championship shot versus Tiffany Stratton on tonight’s SmackDown.

Stratton won the title two weeks ago after betraying Nia Jax and cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase. This will be Stratton’s first title defense since winning the belt.

Bloodline member Solo Sikoa will return to television after he lost a Tribal Combat match to Roman Reigns on Raw two weeks ago. Not only did Sikoa lose the match, but he lost the Ula Fala to Reigns as a stipulation of the bout.

Los Garza (Humberto & Angel) will be in action against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin). The former defeated Pretty Deadly while the latter beat A-Town Down Under last week to set up tonight’s match.

Also on tap, Jax will team with Candice LeRae to take on WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Belair & Naomi. Plus, Carmelo Hayes goes one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Tessitore was shown walking through the crowd with Wade Barrett as he spoke about the history of the building. Barrett then yelled that it is Tiffy Time because she will make her first title defense tonight. Stratton was then shown walking in the parking lot earlier in the day. Bayley was shown walking backstage. Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes were featured in similar spots. Tessitore then said there was only one person deserving of opening the show. Barrett called him the Hometown Hall Of Famer himself. Rey Mysterio’s music hit.

The Rey Mysterio/Kevin Owens segment

The Big Royal Rumble Declaration Announcement was cute the first few times WWE did it on SmackDown and Raw, but can we please agree it has run its course by now? Rey Mysterio is a legend by every metric fathomable, but this didn’t do much for me – not even the delusional Kevin Owens could make it compelling. Nobody actually thinks Mysterio can win the Rumble (and, for that matter, nobody actually thinks Owens is WWE’s current Undisputed Champion, either). The hometown pop was nice, and it’s always welcome to see Mysterio not have to spin his wheels in the midcard, like he’s been doing for months on WWE TV, but this fell a bit flat.

Rey stood in the middle of the ring while the crowd cheer. He soaked in “619!” chants. Rey formally welcomed everyone to Friday Night SmackDown and said it was the home of the 6-1-9. Rey said it was good to be home in front of his people. Rey said he requested to be out there because he wanted to declare his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble. Rey noted how in 2006, he entered at No. 2 and became the winner of the Rumble match that year. He followed that up by reminding everyone how he became a world champion at WrestleMania 22.

Rey said the competition is heavy for this year’s Rumble match. He cited Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and John Cena. Rey reflected on the fact that when he won in 2006, he did it for a friend and the crowd went bonkers with “Eddie!” chants. Out of nowhere, Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out with the Winged Eagle belt. Owens stood in the entryway with a microphone.

Owens said he was sorry for interrupting Rey, but he had to go out there because he heard Rey talk about how he was going to win the Rumble. Owens said he doesn’t respect many people more than he respects Mysterio. Owens touted how he main evented ‘Mania with Stone Cold Steve Austin and won the tag titles with his then-best friend at a WrestleMania. Owens said he stood there as the true, rightful WWE champion.

Owens said there was one thing left for him to accomplish and that was step into the ring with Rey Mysterio. Owens said he will root for Rey to win the Rumble match, but he wants Rey to promise to pick Owens as his champion to face at ‘Mania after Owens beats Cody and Rey wins the Rumble match. Rey told Owens he wasn’t the champion – with all due respect. Rey said if he goes on to win the Royal Rumble and Owens beats Cody, Rey would be more than happy to face Owens. Owens yelled at Rey, saying he is the champion and he earned it and he deserved it.

Mysterio tried to calm Owens down. Mysterio told Owens he was acting delusional – like Owens was his son Dominik. Owens tried to attack Rey with the Winged Eagle, but Rey thwarted the attempt and ran Owens out of the ring. Rey’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Naomi and Bianca were talking backstage and they talked about how they still didn’t have any leads on who attacked Jade Cargill forever-and-a-day ago. Naomi said they need to focus on tonight and getting their get-back against Jax and LeRae. Naomi told Belair to wrap her braid so they don’t repeat what happened last week when there was some miscommunication in the fatal four-way.

– Nick Aldis was shown talking to Mysterio backstage and Aldis told Rey that he will face Owens later on in the episode. Cody Rhodes walked into the shot and Rhodes told Aldis he had been cleared with a clean bill of health. Aldis said he had an addendum for the ladder match at the Rumble contract and he’d need Cody to sign it. Cody said he’d sign it once Owens signed it.

Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Nia Jax & Candice LeRae [10:35]

A fine television match. Nothing special, but not necessarily because of the women’s work, but because these four have been stuck in a SmackDown vortex for what feels like years. Either singles or tags. Throw in Cargill, whenever she was around. Add Bayley and Tiffy every now and then. Nothing about this felt fresh. It was even kind of surprising that Jax and LeRae took the clean loss because Jax went from being Women’s Champion to losing in non-title tag matches in a matter of weeks. SmackDown’s women’s division needs a shot of life. Here’s hoping slotting Tiffy as its champion will provide that, but only time can tell.

Jax attacked Naomi to start the match. LeRae took out Belair. Jax and Belair ended up being the legal women and the heels had control. LeRae tagged in and Belair gained the advantage over LeRae. Jax interfered, but it didn’t sway Belair, who pressed LeRae out of the ring and onto Jax. Belair posed for the crowd and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the heels had control. LeRae went to the second rope and went for a cross-body, but Belair rolled through and lifted LeRae for a slam, but LeRae grabbed Belair’s braid to take Belair down. It looked like Belair would tag Naomi, but Jax pulled Naomi off the apron and Belair was stuck with LeRae in the ring. LeRae kicked Belair and tagged in Jax, who Samoan Dropped Belair.

Jax ran at Belair, but Belair moved. LeRae intervened and it was enough for Jax to get to the second rope and lift Belair. Belair fought off Jax and landed a cross-body on Jax from the top rope. Naomi then received the hot tag and kicked Jax in the head before she planted Jax for a two-count. Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Jax, but LeRae broke up the pin. Belair tagged in, but Jax fired up against the two and dropped them both.

LeRae tagged herself in as Belair landed a spear on Jax. Belair went for a springboard move, but LeRae cut her off with a basement dropkick. Jax hit a Senton on Belair and LeRae covered Belair for a good near fall. LeRae ran at Belair, but Belair threw LeRae into a corner. Belair covered LeRae, but Jax tried to break it up with a leg drop. Belair moved and the leg came down on LeRae. Naomi then tagged in and hit her finisher on LeRae to get the win for her team.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Bayley earlier in the day. Saxton asked Bayley what the match against Tiffy means to her. Bayley said the night will be huge for her and reflected on last year around this time when she won the Royal Rumble and beat IYO SKY at ‘Mania. Bayley said she felt like she could have done better as WWE Women’s Champion and her reign was cut short because of Tiffany Stratton. Bayley noted how Tiffy turned on her best friend and that makes her want to beat Tiffy that much more.

– Michin was shown talking with B-Fab in the locker room. B-Fab told Michin to keep her head up because Michin will eventually take Chelsea Green down. Piper Niven and Green entered the shot and Green correctly pointed out that she is the only women to successfully defend the Women’s U.S. title in history. B-Fab stood up and Niven got in her way. B-Fab said she was going to talk to Aldis about getting a match with Niven later tonight.

– Jimmy Uso was walking backstage and towards the ring. Jimmy said his brother is getting a title match, so it’s time for Big Jim to step up and try to get his. Jimmy’s music hit and the camera followed Jimmy through the entranceway and into the ring.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone. Hayes walked out and said Roman is going to the Rumble while Jey has a world title shot, but Jimmy has nothing going. Melo asked Jimmy how he could take shots at him while he’s sitting on the bench. Melo told Jimmy he’d show him why Melo don’t miss.

Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes via DQ [11:53]

This was better than I thought it would be and it’s a shame the finish was nonsense. Then again, you had to think it would be, what with Sikoa’s return advertised and Jimmy not having enough of a story with Melo to warrant a match just yet. Some of those near-falls towards the end of the match had me and they did a great job of grabbing the live crowd, too. Or, at least, the “This is awesome!” chants suggested as much. Fatu looked almost stand-offish as Sikoa made his entrance, so this next segment should be interesting to digest.

Jimmy jumpstarted the match when Melo stood on the apron and Jimmy threw Melo into the ring. Jimmy unloaded on Melo briefly, but Melo came back and stomped on Jimmy. Melo chopped Jimmy before running into an arm-drag neck-breaker combo that Jimmy hit. Jimmy went for a hip attack, but Melo moved. It didn’t matter much because Jimmy punched Melo and then suplexed Melo on the apron. Jimmy followed that up with a dive on Melo on the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and it was just about 9 p.m. EST. Hayes had control, as is typically what happens when babyfaces have the upper hand and the show goes to break – the heels turn it around by the time the program comes back. Anyway, Jimmy attempted to fired up and went a splash, but Melo moved and hit Jimmy with a springboard reverse DDT for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and both guys hit clotheslines on each other at the same time. Both wrestlers were down to reset the match.

Jey took control when the two re-engaged, but Melo came back and planted Jimmy for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and that brought into a tall pop-up Samoan Drop from Jimmy, which led to a good near-fall. Jimmy fired up the crowd and went to the top rope, but he jumped into a First 48 from Melo and that resulted in a great near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants from the crowd broke out. Melo went to the top rope, but Jimmy moved out of a Nothing But Net attempt. Jimmy followed it up with a super-kick and that led to an even better near-fall.

Jimmy landed a hip attack and lifted Melo, but Melo rolled Jimmy up for a two-count. Jimmy then speared Melo and went to the top, but Jacob Fatu appeared and stood on the ring apron. Tama Tonga then pushed Jimmy off the top rope to earn Jimmy the DQ win. After the match, Fatu hit a hip attack on Jimmy while Tonga DDT’d Jimmy. Fatu and Tonga stomped on Jimmy and Melo got to his feet to congratulate Fatu, but Fatu clotheslined Melo. Fatu then hip attacked Jimmy. Solo Sikoa’s music then hit and Sikoa walked to the ring.

**********

The Solo Sikoa/Jacob Fatu segment

Oh, boy, I loved the Fatu portion of this. He showed excellent fire and even though the crowd tried to hit him with the dumb “What?” treatment, he pushed through to prove his point. This was a much more grounded Fatu, too, and not just a blind follower who yells about his love for his Tribal Chief. The more serious he is, the better, and this was the most serious we’ve seen him on the mic in WWE. Anyone who has seen his work in MLW knows he has a lot more to offer than “I love you Solo!” and this was the first time WWE fans got to see that – even if it was a tiny example. As for Sikoa dropping the mic and saying nothing … I love that, too. The more open-ended things are with that side of the Bloodline 2.0, the better.

Sikoa stood in the ring and Fatu handed Sikoa a microphone. The crowd booed the hell out of everything. Before Sikoa said anything, he dropped the mic, took off his red jacket and left through the crowd. Fatu stared at Sikoa as he walked away. Fatu didn’t look happy (but when does he?). Fatu picked up the microphone Sikoa dropped. Fatu screamed, “So, this is what it comes to, huh?” Fatu said he was tired of the disrespect and the hate and the envy. Fatu said even on a bad day, nobody could touch him. Fatu said he could give a damn if anyone cheers or boos him, but one thing he won’t do is let people think he never got his.

Fatu asked if people thought he was losing it and was crazy. Fatu said the craziest thing about the situation is that he’s just getting started. LA Knight’s music then hit and Fatu squared up, but Knight ran in from the crowd and took out Fatu and Tonga. Or, well, he tried to, at least, until Fatu got the upper hand. Braun Strowman’s music then hit and Braun walked out. Tonga tried to hit Strowman with a splash, but Braun caught Tonga and disposed of him. Fatu and Braun engaged in a stare down, but Tonga pulled Fatu out of the ring to end the segment.

**********

– Los Garza were shown backstage and Santos Escobar walked up to them. Escobar was happy they exposed Pretty Deadly as liars last week. Escobar said Los Garza will take a tag title opportunity away from Motor City Machine Guns tonight. Escobar said if they want respect, they must take it. The LDF members came together as the scene ended.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Los Garza (Angel & Berto) [11:57]

This was another better-than-expected special. It’s easy to forget that Angel and Berto can work, and you had to know that MCMG would bring out the best of them, anyway, and that’s what happened here. All told, it was probably one of the better MCMG matches in WWE (save for the Pretty Deadly silliness at the end here). This presumably sets up a rematch between MCMG and #DIY, but we’ll see (Saturday Night’s Main Event, perhaps?). It’s happening slowly, but it’s also happening surely: The crowds are responding more and more to MCMG each week. It’s encouraging, even if it feels like baby steps.

Shelley and Angel started the match. They traded a series of quick moves until Angel choped Shelley and tagged Berto in and he landed a rolling moonsault on Shelley. The move was good enough for a two-count. Shelley came back with a series of chops and things broke down between the four wrestlers for a brief minute. Ultimately, Sabin and Berto were the legal men and Sabin worked a head-lock. Berto caught Sabin eventually and spin him around until Angel kicked Sabin and pulled off his rip-away pants. Berto and Angel landed kicks to the front and back of Sabin and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Berto landed a wild double-team roll-over face-buster on Sabin. Angel tried to keep Sabin from gettin the hot tag to Shelley, but it didn’t work and Shelley took the heels out after becoming the legal man. Sabin tagged in and and the two hit dragon-screw leg whips on Berto multiple times for a two-count. Shelley tagged back in and worked a figure-four on Berto. Angel tried to run in, but Sabin caught him and put him in a figure-four, too. Berto got to the ropes for a break and things calmed down.

Shelley was pushed into the second rope turnbuckle via Berto and Berto followed it up with a fallaway slam for a two-count. With all four wrestlers in the ring, Los Garza hit some type of odd double-team move on Shelley (and Sabin, I guess?) to get a near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Los Garza lifted Shelley, but Sabin saved the day and cleared the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive on Angel and Berto on the outside. Back insdie the ring, MCMG set up their finisher, but Pretty Deadly intervened. The interference didn’t work and MCMG hit Skull and Bones on Berto for the win.

**********

– Aldis was walking backstage and ran into Kevin Owens. Aldis needed Owens to sign the addendum to the world title match at the Royal Rumble, but Owens said he wouldn’t sign it until Cody signed it. Owens told Aldis to stop trying to distract him as he prepares for his match against Rey Mysterio.

Piper Niven defeated B-Fab [2:18]

A glorified squash to keep the story between Michin and Green going, so it’s hard to be too mad at it. As a bonus, B-Fab got some TV time out of it, too, which is always good because as I said earlier, the SmackDown women’s division needs a freshening up and putting faces on TV that we don’t see each week is a way to do that. Let me guess: A tag involving these four wrestlers that leads to a rematch between Michin and Green for the U.S. title? You heard it here first.

Niven ran at B-Fab, but B-Fab moved and Niven ran into a corner. B-Fab planted Niven for a one-count. B-Fab ran at Niven, but Niven caught her and slammed her. With the two back on their feet, B-Fab DDT’d Niven for a two-count. B-Fab kicked Niven to the outside. B-Fab rolled Niven back into the ring and clotheslined Chelsea Green on the outside. B-Fab rolled back into the ring and Niven hit a Senton and Piper Driver for the win. After the match, Green and Niven attacked B-Fab until Michin’s music hit and Michin ran out with a kendo stick. Michin worked over Niven. Green and Niven retreated to end the segment.

**********

– Tessitore led a tribute to Bob Uecker, who died this week.

– Saxton interviewed Tiffany Stratton backstage. Saxton said Bayley was extremely driven to win the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy said Bayley has had a career of big moments, but Tiffy has had big moments, too. In fact, Tiffy said, she is a Big Moment and now it’s Tiffy Time. Tiffy said toodles and left Saxton standing in the hallway.

Kevin Owens defeated Rey Mysterio [15:33]

So … what’s this addendum Nick Aldis is adding to the contract for Cody v. Owens at the Royal Rumble? I thought this match was going to set up that reveal, but all we got was yet another brawl between Cody and Kevin. In the meantime, the match was pretty good, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel like Rey going 15 minutes doesn’t seem like the best idea these days. He held his own for the most part – and Owens made sure to take care of him – but this lost some steam as it wore down and I’m a little surprised we got a kick-out of the Stunner. So much for that move being protected to the millionth degree on WWE TV anymore. Still, it was nice to see Rey out there and even better to see a (semi) clean finish. The post-match stuff was fairly boilerplate.

Both wrestlers tuned into the crowd after the bell rang and let things simmer. Rey got the best of Owens once the two engaged. Owens threw a fit. Owens eventually knocked Mysterio to the outside. Mysterio returned to the ring and took down Owens before he tried again and Owens caught Mysterio for a slam. Owens followed it up with a Senton. Owens ran Mysterio chest-first into a corner. Owens hit a knee on Mysterio and the action spilled outside. Mysterio did the 619 spot on Owens and sent Owens into the barrier on the outside. From there, Mysterio landed a sliding splash under the bottom rope. Both guys sold pain outside the ring as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Owens had the upper hand inside the ring, throwing Mysterio into a corner chest-first. Owens ran at Mysterio, but Rey moved and Owens ran into the ring post. Mysterio went to the top and hit a splash on Owens before landing a bulldog for a two-count. Rey set up for a 619, but Owens got back to his feet and super-kicked Mysterio. Owens went for a pop-up powerbomb, but Mysterio turned it into a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a two-count.

Owens was perched on the top rope, but Owens headbutted his way out of it. Owens then hit a frog splash for a near-fall. The crowd launched into “Eddie!” chants. Owens set up for a super-plex, but Rey turned it into a sunset flip from the top and he followed that up with a modified Destroyer for a near-fall. Mysterio went for a springboard splash, but Mysterio missed. Owens followed up with a Stunner and Mysterio actually kicked out of it at two.

Owens went to the top rope and went for Swanton, but Rey got his knees up and hit the 619. Mysterio went to the top, but Owens stumbled into the referee, which knocked Mysterio off the top rope. From there, Owens landed the pop-up powerbomb to get the win. After the match, Owens threw his belt aside and pulled Mysterio up to shake his hand. Owens bowed at Mysterio and set up for a package piledriver, but Cody’s music hit and Cody ran out to attack Owens. Tons of officials ran out to break the brawl up to varying degrees of success. Owens stood in the crowd and posed with his belt. Cody looked angry in the ring and the show went to a commercial break.

**********

– Aldis was shown talking to Cody backstage. Aldis said Cody and Owens are out of control. Aldis said next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Owens and Cody will relinquish their belts and sign the contract with the addendum (whatever that is), with the special enforcer for the signing being Shawn Michales. Also at SNME, Braun Strowman will take on Jacob Fatu.

– Next week on SmackDown, LA Knight will take on Tama Tonga. Also worth noting, Pretty Deadly will go head-to-head with MCMG.

– Pretty Deadly were walking and ran into #DIY. Ciampa was angry that Pretty Deadly “handed” the victory to MCMG earlier in the night. Ciampa said Pretty Deadly were a joke and everyone was laughing at them. Ciampa left and Gargano told Pretty Deadly it was tough love and they truly believe in Pretty Deadly. Gargano said they want to make life better for Pretty Deadly and walked away. Apollo Crews then walked in and told Pretty Deadly working with #DIY has gotten them nowhere. Gargano ran in and attacked Crews by throwing him into a road case.

– Bayley made her entrance for the main event and the camera showed Roxanne Perez sitting in the crowd. So. Well. Angle alert.

– A Charlotte Flair vignette aired. It almost looked like a set-up package for a “Love Is Blind” story. To be fair, it was a mildly different vibe for the former champ.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Bayley to retain the WWE Women’s Championship [20:03]

Eh. Underwhelming. The women worked hard, but this crowd decided early it wasn’t going to do its part and that hurt the match. There were a few clunky spots and the Bayley/Perez story didn’t really advance outside of a quick exchange of glares towards the end of the thing. It’s kind of tough throwing Stratton – who is still very young and very much a rookie(ish) – into a 20 minute match, even if Bayley is the sort of gatekeeper these days in the women’s division, what with Charlotte out, and Sasha and Becky gone. I was hoping for more, but it just never kicked into another gear. Even so, it’s a credibility-building win for Stratton and that can’t hurt.

The match started with about 20 minutes until the top of the hour. The two locked up repeatedly, but no one got the better of it. They traded pin attempts to no avail and locked up again. Tiffy posed a few times and Bayley set up for a Bayley-To-Belly, but Stratton blocked it. Bayley clotheslined Stratton over the top and with Stratton on the outside of the ring, the show went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Bayley hit a draping neck-breaker and the action spilled outside. Bayley went for some dropkicks, but Stratton telegraphed it and ran Bayley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Stratton went to work on Bayley’s arm. With Bayley on the apron, Stratton took out Bayley’s legs two times to plant Bayley on said apron. Stratton ran around the ring – but it only led to Stratton running into a forearm from Bayley.

Bayley rolled Stratton back into the ring and the two traded forearms. Stratton clotheslined Bayley and went for a running hip in the ropes, but Bayley moved. As a result, Bayley went for a suicide dive, but Stratton caught Bayley and trapped her between the ring and the ring curtain. Stratton then hit a hip attack of her own. Bayley tried to get back into the ring, but Stratton hit a knee to keep Bayley on the outside. Stratton went for a splash on the outside, but Bayley caught her and landed a Bayley-To-Belly. Both wrestlers were down on the outside of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

Back to the action, Bayley hit a suplex from the second rope (sorry, but a super-plex comes only from the top rope, damn it) for a two-count. Bayley went back to the top, but Stratton cut her off and went to the top herself. Stratton landed a Senton and a powerbomb for a good near-fall. Stratton worked a version of an arm-bar, but Bayley rolled out of it and threw Stratton to the outside. Bayley slammed Stratton onto the announce desk and then suplexed her before she jawed at Roxanne Perez in the crowd.

Bayley went to the top rope and connected with the flying elbow for a nice near-fall. Bayley worked a cross-face until Stratton got out of it and hit a spine-buster for a two-count. Bayley hit a Bayley-To-Belly on Stratton after a few seconds of nothing for a near-fall. The crowd was nearly silent for all of this. Stratton set up for Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Bayley cut her off and sunset-flipped her into a corner for a two-count. Bayley slammed Stratton for a near-fall, but Stratton came back and got a two-count from a backslide. Stratton finally hit her Alabama Slam and followed it up with the PME for the win. Stratton quickly walked up the aisle as the credits rolled to end the show.