Tag: wwe results

WWE SmackDown live results: Saturday Night’s Main Event go-home show

Posted on by Marc Quill

Tonight’s SmackDown from Montreal, QC, will see the WWE Tag Titles on the line, as well as a new set of challengers for the Women’s Tag Titles to be determined.

The Wyatt Sicks will defend the WWE Tag Team Championships against The MFTS. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, Giulia and Kiana James, and Lash Legend and Nia Jax will meet in a three-way to determine the next challengers for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Four singles matches are also booked: Carmelo Hayes defending the US title in an open challenge, Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams, Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green, and Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano.

Additionally, Cody Rhodes will be interviewed, and AJ Styles will appear in a segment with GM Nick Aldis.

Tonight’s show is the final WWE event before tomorrow’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will also take place at Montreal’s Bell Centre.

Our live coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.

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– Over a shot of Montreal’s Bell Centre, Michael Cole set the stage for tonight’s show, as the prerequisite shots of wrestlers arriving to the venue greeted us.

Sami Zayn’s Heroes’ Welcome

The hometown boy Sami Zayn received massive cheers as he arrived to a massive reaction from the Montreal crowd. Once he got into the ring, Zayn addressed the crowd in French before he said that he felt like he had all the momentum heading into tomorrow night, because he had a chance to become the Number One Contender. However, before Zayn could continue, the music of Trick Williams (and the chants of “Whoop That Trick”) interrupted.

With mic in hand, Williams said that he and Zayn were not on the same level. He called Zayn “Mr. Too Many Chances” and “Mr. Street Corner” as he said that he knew how to get the job done. Once Williams got into the ring, he said Zayn didn’t know how to get the job done, as he then reminded Zayn of his loss for the Undisputed WWE Title at Elimination Chamber 2023. Williams said that he was here to be the WWE Champion.

Zayn acknowledged that Williams was right about his loss and that the young upstart would be a future star. Zayn then went on to say that he and Williams were not alike, and that Williams would be lucky to be half as good as he was five years down the line. And if Williams didn’t like that, he could do something about it right now, according to Zayn.

Williams refused Zayn’s challenge as he had a lot of things on his mind, like facing Damian Priest in the main event later tonight. He told Zayn that they could take care of business tomorrow. At that point, Damian Priest’s theme interrupted, which brought out Williams’ aforementioned main event foe.

Priest said that he told Williams that he was the guy who did a lot of talking, just like what he was doing to Zayn right now. He then claimed Williams was afraid of Priest because of the way he didn’t talk to his face last week because of what he’d do to him. Priest said that if Williams didn’t want to say something, he could always “do something”.

Williams rebutted by asking if Priest thought he was afraid to pop off. He then told Priest to “watch this”, as he hit Zayn with the microphone. Priest punched away at Williams in the corner as Zayn approached and went after the mouthy Williams in the corner, much to Priest’s dismay. In the chaos, Williams shoved Priest into Zayn and skulked away.

Trick Williams continues to fit like a glove as part of SmackDown’s roster, and he helped make this segment entertaining, despite how long it was starting to feel. He just has that “it” factor and giving him the SNME spot tomorrow night is a huge test to see if he can excel in this high midcard/main event spot.

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– Randy Orton was seen watching what just transpired last night as he was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Orton said that this year was the Year of the Viper and that tomorrow, he’d beat Zayn, Williams, and Priest, then fly halfway across the world to fight Drew McIntyre and beat him the only way he knew how… with the three most dangerous words in sports entertainment.

– On commentary, Michael Cole and Wade Barrett talked about what we’d see tonight, as we saw Earlier Today footage of Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov agreeing to an open challenge match for tonight. The Miz complained to Hayes that nobody truly hated each other. Hayes told Miz that Dragunov gave him more of an opportunity than he ever did.

U.S. Open Challenge Match: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Ilja Dragunov

We got underway as Dragunov countered an early First 48 attempt from Hayes, but the U.S. Champ eventually got the upper hand with chops to the chest of his challenger. Dragunov avoided the last chop and connected with the German suplex and kept the pressure on Hayes. Dragunov chopped down his foe and kept the hold on Hayes’ waist on strong. Hayes muscled his way out of Dragunov’s grip and avoided the Constantine Special before he tried for the springboard clothesline, but that was dodged. A double down between Hayes and Dragunov brought us a picture-in-picture interruption.

Back to the match and Dragunov floored Hayes in the corner with a running lariat. With both men on the apron, Dragunov battered Hayes against the steel ringpost before he went into the ring and suplexed his opponent into the ring. Dragunov applied a chinlock on Hayes, but the champ battled out of it and dropped a back suplex on him. Dragunov slammed Hayes and hit the senton on him for a near-fall.

Dragunov tried for a piledriver, but Hayes escaped and delivered the trademark springboard clothesline. One, two… not quite. Both men got back to their feet and gave each other their best shots, despite both being on spaghetti legs. Hayes caught Dragunov with a back elbow to the knose, which staggered his foe. Dragunov blasted back with a set of rattling chops to the chest of Hayes, followed by a boot to the face. Hayes bounced back with a boot, followed by his version of La Mistica for yet another near-fall.

Dragunov blocked a suplex attempt by Hayes and then hit him in the back of the head with hard elbows. Hayes tried for an answer, but he got blasted by the Constantine Special. The U.S. Champion somehow kicked out at two after that shot. With Hayes trapped in the corner, Dragunov looked to go Coast-to-Coast, but Hayes tried to block it with a First 48. Dragunov was on top of that and caught Hayes to slam him down for another near fall, as this match appeared to be going the distance. And so, we went to another break.

We returned from commercial with Hayes stuck on the top rope and Dragunov looking for a high-risk maneuver. The two battered one another with hard shots, but it was Hayes who appeared to have the upper hand. His attempt at an avalanche move was blocked by Dragunov, who struck his chest and then lifted him from the apron for a impressive deadlift superplex. The two foes rolled to the apron and again traded hard-hitting strikes to the chest. Dragunov lifted Hayes on his shoulders, but that got countered by the U.S. Champion. Hayes then hit a swinging suplex cutter right on the apron, which wiped both him and Dragunov out.

Hayes rolled Dragunov in the ring and headed to the top rope, but the challenger recovered and caught his opponent with a Death Valley Driver right into the corner. One, two, Hayes somehow kicked out! With Hayes still down and out, Dragunov headed to the top rope, but Miz tripped him up from behind,. This allowed Hayes to hit Dragunov with First 48 for the win.

Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov via pinfall

I was enjoying this match a great deal, but of course, we had to have the interference finish. I get that they wanted to mirror how Dragunov initially beat Hayes for the U.S. Title thanks to unwanted interference, doesn’t necessarily mean I enjoyed things going that way. I was content with Hayes and Dragunov just going at it because those two bring the best out of one another.

*********************************

Cody Rhodes interview

As Michael Cole was getting set to interview Rhodes, he was interrupted by Jacob Fatu, who walked into the interview area. Fatu said that he only gave a damn about giving Drew McInytre his receipt for knocking his damn teeth down his throat. Rhodes angrily said that Fatu acting instead of thinking is what got him locked up in the first place. Fatu talked about how he almost got fired before he got to WWE and that the choices he made today got him standing to face Rhodes right now.

Rhodes said this could’ve been a WWE Title match if Fatu didn’t step into the situation last week. Fatu declared that they didn’t make ’em like him anymore, as he told Rhodes that he was very much in control.

I liked this, especially the slight hint of “Homelander” Cody Rhodes when he threw Fatu’s checkered past right in his face. This match should be interesting tomorrow, especially with how either man have a good reason to win.

*********************************

– Chelsea Green tried to recruit Jordynne Grace to her Secret Her-vice, to which Green “agreed” with, if Green stepped up to face Jade Cargill, and that would be up next.

– Roman Reigns was advertised to appear at the Royal Rumble next week, having officially declared for the titular match by way of video package.

Chelsea Green (w/ Alba Fyre & Jordynne Grace) vs. Jade Cargill

Green jumped into Cargill outside the ring as the latter was distracted by Grace’s presence, which gave her the early advantage as the bell sounded.

Cargiill powered out of Green’s attack as she slammed her down and stomped away on the former Women’s U.S. Champion on the corner. Cargill dropped Green on the back, followed by a fallaway slam. Cargill then hit another fallaway slam, which sent Green out of the ring. Cargill threw Green into the ring and talked some trash to Grace at ringside. Again, this gave Green an opening with a dropkick from the top, followed by the double knees to the back of Cargill’s neck.

Green tried for the Un-Pretty-Her, but that got reversed. She went for a rope-assisted pin, but Cargill kicked out. Cargill recovered and dropped Green with the powerbomb. After she warded off Fyre from the apron, Cargill told Grace to “watch this”, as she finished off Green with Jaded.

After the match, Grace said that Cargill’s match had no point other than showing her strength in non-title matches. Grace then declared for the women’s Royal Rumble and that she’d see Cargill on the other side. Grace then challenged Cargill to fight her right here, right now. The WWE Women’s Champion backed down from Grace’s challenge.

Jade Cargill def. Chelsea Green via pinfall

An okay match, just meant to build the Grace/Cargill feud. Not really much more I can say about it.

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WWE Tag Team Championships: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (w/ Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross) vs. The M.F.T.s (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) (w/ Tanga Loa, J.C. Mateo)

Sikoa told Talla Tonga to head to the back with the Wyatts’ lantern in tow before the match started.

Tama slammed Gacy with a scoop slam as Sikoa then tagged into the match and teed away on Gacy with a pair of headbutts, followed by a running elbow. Tama tagged back in, but this gave Gacy time to recover as Lumis entered and hit a nice tag move on Tama alongside Gacy. Lumis avoided an early Cutthroat forearm from Tama, as he then monkey flipped his opponent halfway across the ring. The Wyatt Sicks’ championship duo then went on the apron and barreled onto Sikoa and Tama with stereo cannonball sentons, which led to the commercial break.

We returned to our tag title match with Sikoa working over Lumis in the corner with a running hip charge that would make Umaga proud. Sikoa tried again for the hip charge, but Lumis dodged it and grounded Sikoa with a back suplex. As both men crawled to their corners, Gacy got the hot tag and unleashed a flurry of offense on legal man Tama. Gacy connected with the handspring clothesline after hitting a back suplex on Sikoa. Suplex-into-powerbomb by the Wyatt Sicks, but Sikoa broke up the pin in the nick of time.

Outside the ring, Gacy got thrown into the barricade by Sikoa, but paid for it with a cannonball flip by Lumis. In the ring, Tanga Loa tried to get involved, but Erick Rowan took him out and J.C. Mateo with a massive running crossbody. Meanwhile, Talla Tonga emerged from the back, with lantern in hand. Mateo provided some backup as Talla knocked the redwood down with a big boot. He then threw Rowan over the barricade. Uncle Howdy locked the Mandible Claw on Talla,, but Sikoa got him with the Samoan Spike.

With the ref’s back turned, Sikoa hit Lumis with the lantern, which allowed Tama to hit his not-quite-elevated Cutthroat for the pin and win.

The M.F.T.s def. The Wyatt Sicks via pinfall to win the WWE Tag Team Championships

This match was not that good, and this M.F.T.s/Wyatts feud has been a drag to follow since it started. That its consumed the tag titles and it means teams like Fraxiom, the Street Profits and the Motor City Machine Guns don’t get their time to shine as a result of the “M.F.T./Wyatt Vortex”, as some have coined it, just makes this all the more disappointing. There are good teams that could be making the SmackDown tag division a thriving one like how the U.S. Title scene has been aces in recent months, but the fact they’re not around to make that happen is one of the big disappointments for me in the three-hour era of SmackDown. Now that Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black is over and done with, I can safely say that M.F.T.s vs Wyatt Sicks is probably the worst story going on right now on SmackDown, and I don’t think trading titles and fighting over a lantern will generate any interest whatsoever.

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– Nick Aldis met with AJ Styles, as he tried to ask why Styles would put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble. However, that wasn’t the only reason Aldis invited him to Montreal, as Shinsuke Nakamura met face to face with Styles. This led to Styles vs. Nakamura being booked for Saturday Night’s Main Event tomorrow.

Nathan Frazer (w/ Axiom) vs. Johnny Gargano (w/ Candice LeRae)

Frazer worked over Gargano’s arm to start off, but the former NXT Champion used a floatover to transition into a front facelock in response. Frazer acrobatically got ahead of it and hit an armdrag on Gargano, again focusing on the arm. Frazer picked up speed and hit a dropkick on Gargano to keep him grounded. In the corner, Frazer chopped at Gargano, as he then kicked him on the top rope. Gargano countered and drove Frazer’s face into the top turnbuckle before he pushed him out of the ring and right into the barricade, which took us to the break.

We returned from break as Frazer caught Gargano with an enzuigiri, followed by a springboard reverse DDT. Frazer began to build momentum with strikes to the face, followed by a springboard axe handle. Frazer maintained the attack with an impressive dodge as he then hit a running slingblade. Off the top rope, Frazer dropped down on Gargano with a frogsplash for the two-count. As Gargano rolled out of the ring, Frazer launched himself over the top rope with a splash. He then headed to the top rope and tried for the Phoenix Splash, but Gargano moved out of the way. The two traded kicks to each other’s faces, but Gargano blocked the springboard moonsault with a kick as he hit a modified fisherman’s driver for the near-fall.

Gargano headed to the top rope rather gingerly, which gave Frazer enough time to hit the superplex, followed by the swinging neckbreaker, but not enough to get the three. As Frazer headed to the top, Candice LeRae got on the apron and provided enough of a distraction for him to miss the splash. Outside the ring, Axiom snuck behind LeRae and put the mask on her, which caused her to blindly attack Gargano rather than Frazer. The roll-up and this match was over.

After the match, LeRae got the stolen mask back and ran off, much to Fraxiom’s dismay.

Nathan Frazer def. Johnny Gargano via pinfall

This was a fun little singles match, but considering my take on the SmackDown tag division above, I can’t help but wonder how better off everyone here would be vying for the tag titles. Granted, Gargano would have to find a partner seeing as his #DIY ally Tommaso Ciampa has announced he’s left WWE, but there are ways to work around that. Still, I enjoyted this match for what it was.

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Drew McIntyre speaks

The Undisputed WWE Champion headed to the ring, as proud as ever of his accomplishment.

McIntyre started off by saying “bonjour” to the Montreal crowd, apparenly exhausted his French. He talked about how it’s been a tough time for Montreal since it was 30 years since the Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, but now they had a champion they could be proud of in Drew McIntyre.

McIntyre said he saw Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu’s “therapy session”, as he again insisted that he didn’t kick Fatu’s teeth down his throat, because he’d be bragging about it if he did. He then said that if Rhodes survived Fatu tomorrow, he’d still have to go to the back of the line as there’d be no rematch for the title. He then teed up the four men who would face each other tomorrow for a shot at his title. McIntyre talked about how Sami Zayn might have a whole country behind him as the fans chanted “Ole Ole Ole” loudly. McIntyre said that Zayn was so concerned about winning the big one and disappointing his son, as he then said that the aforementioned son was disappointed when he opened his eyes because Sami Zayn was his dad.

He then said whoever wins the fatal four-way tomorrow will need all the luck when they face him next week at the Royal Rumble.

Just McIntyre speaking his mind, not really much else to say here. Hopefully they give him something more to work with in the near future.

*********************************

– Kit Wilson was interviewed about his attack on Matt Cardona last week. He said that someone had to clean up the “toxic masculinity” that was permeating the locker room, and Cardona was the head of it. This brought Cardona himself to face down Wilson, who said that Cardona had no accountability and he personified toxic masculinity. Cardona told Wilson that they could settle this in the ring.

Women’s Tag Team #1 Contender’s Match: Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia & Kiana James vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend

Legend was getting into it with Giulia as the bell rang, as Flair and Bliss cleared the ring. Once things settled down, James had Legend in the corner with a running shoulder charge. Flair hit her signature clothesline on James as she then sent James out of the ring. The tag to Bliss, who headed up top and flew right into everyone outside the ring, which was the cue for a break in the action.

We returned from break as Legend and Giulia briefly worked together against Flair, but couldn’t get any sort of advantage. Giulia was literally booted out of the ring by Flair, but Legend knocked Flair down with a clothesline. On the apron, Flair recovered and kicked Jax down, as she then hit the crossbody on Legend. Giulia re-entered the fray and took it to both Flair and Legend with kicks for both. James entered the match as Flair hit her and Legend with chops-a-plenty. James knocked down Flair from behind and tried for a suplex, but couldn’t lift her. Legend came in for the assist for the attempted double suplex, but Flair reversed that into a double DDT.

Just as Flair looked like she’d have the tag on Bliss, Giulia pulled down the latter from the apron and threw her einto the barricade. In the ring, Jax was the legal woman for her team as she lifted Flair on her shoulders. James got below Jax and turned the attempted avalanche Samoan Drop into a double powebomb! One, two…. NO!

James started getting into Flair’s face, but she got sent into the corner by Bliss, which allowed Giulia to blind tag. Meanwhile, Bliss entered the match with the hot tag as she looked strong against both Giulia and Bliss. Samoan Drop by Jax was turned into a DDT by Bliss, but that wasn’t enough to put the match away. Off the top rope, Giulia hit Jax with the missile dropkick as Bliss caught her in Sister Abigail position. Legend broke it up with a pump kick to Bliss to break it up. Jax recovered and hit a pop-up headbutt Giulia, as James tagged in and hit her with the 401K. Legend jettisoned Giulia out of the ring as she caught Bliss and hit the Lash Extension. Legend was speared before pin by Flair, but James snuck into the ring and pinned Bliss to secure the No. 1 Contenders’ spot for her and Giulia.

Giulia & Kiana James def. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax & Lash Legend via pinfall

That was a bit rough, I have to say. It looked like nobody really was able to gel that well, but I will say Giulia & Kiana vs. RHIYO should make for an interesting and fun women’s tag title match if that’s what ends up being the match.

*********************************

– Sami Zayn cleared the air that he had no problem with Damian Priest, but Trick Williams was the one he had a problem with. Zayn volunteered to watch Priest’s back, but was rejected as he was told by Priest that he had a bad habit of getting into other people’s business. Zayn’s attention on something we couldn’t see. As Priest left, Zayn walked forward and saw Drew McIntyre. Without saying a word, Zayn slapped McIntyre in the face in response to the words about his son that were said earlier.

– AJ Styles was approached by Cody Rhodes backstage, who wished him the best of luck in his match against unther. He entered his bus, which was defaced with a picture of Drew McIntyre with the WWE Title.

Card for Saturday Night’s Main Event

  • Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu
  • AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn
  • Women’s Tag Team Championship: RHIYO (Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY) vs. The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez)

– Giulia and Kiana James were interviewed about their victory and a chance to become the Women’s Tag Champions. James outlined that it was part of a plan that would see Giulia become the triple champion as she’d be the Women’s U.S. Champion, one-half of the Women’s Tag Champ, and a World Champion when she wins the Royal Rumble.

Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams

Williams and Priest locked it up to start this one as Williams found himself in a headlock early on. Clothesline by Priest was followed by an armbar submission hold. Williams got away from it and struck Priest in the corner as he had the upper hand now. Williams struck Priest in the chest with a chop, but couldn’t throw him. After some effort, Williams delivered the vertical suplex on Priest for a near-fall. Williams connected with the leaping neckbreaker on Priest, but he again couldn’t get the three.

Meanwhile, Sami Zayn emerged from the stage and stared down Williams. Priest rose up from the corner and struck Williams repeatedly before he shared some harsh words to Zayn for being here. Priest tried to go Old School, but Williams tripped him up and sent him out of the ring. Williams took over by throwing Priest into the steel steps and the barricade back and forth, as our main event headed to break.

We returned from the commercial break as Priest and Williams traded fists, but it was the former World Heavyweight Champion who had the upper hand in the exchange. Williams hit his patented side heel kick to stop Priest’s momentum, but only got a two-count out of it. Williams lifted Priest on his shoulders, but couldn’t capitalize. Priest looked like he had South of Heaven set up, but Williams escaped. Williams used a capoeira kick, as he and Priest then knocked each other down with simultaenous 360 pump kicks that hit right on the button.

Outside the ring, Williams gained the upper hand with a flapjack onto the announce table as he then threw Priest onto Zayn at ringside. As the action entered the ring, Zayn charged at Williams and attacked him, which caused the referee to call for a DQ.

Zayn attacked Williams and left him stunned in the corner. Priest stepped up to Zayn, upset that he got involved in the match, but he was attacked by Zayn. Priest knocked Zayn with a superkick, as Williams took him out with the Trickshot knee. Williams appeared to stand tall once again, but he didn’t account for Randy Orton hitting him with the RKO out of nowhere.

Orton posed on the turnbuckles, as Zayn recovered and stared him down. The two exchanged words, but Orton dropped Zayn with the RKO to end tonight’s SmackDown.

Trick Williams def. Damian Priest via disqualification

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Not exactly as stellar as the previous week’s SmackDown episodes were, but still a good, fun show from start to finish. I didn’t exactly fall in love with some of the booking choices, like the tag titles situation as I talked about above and the U.S. Title match’s finish, which hurt the show a bit. Of course, the strengths were there, like the aforementioned U.S. Title match being solid up to the interference finish, a fun Gargano vs. Axiom match, Giulia finally getting a big championship opportunity and the Cody/Fatu backstage segment, which helped carry a lot of the show for me.

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk vs. Finn Balor World Heavyweight title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 19, 2026
Location: SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland 

The Big Takeaway —

AJ Styles will put his career on the line at the Royal Rumble in a singles match against Gunther. Gunther will be pulling double duty as he declared for the Rumble match. Several other women and men also declared for their respective Rumble matches. 

CM Punk retained the World Championship against Finn Bálor, while Becky Lynch retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship over Maxxine Dupri after Natalya turned on Dupri. 

Je’Von suffered an injury, and his match with El Grande Americano was cut short due to a medical stoppage. 

Plus, Adam Pearce invited the suspended Bron Breakker to Raw next week to talk things out.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole announced a sold-out crowd in Belfast, which hosts its first-ever WWE live broadcast. 

CM Punk, Finn Bálor, Maxxine Dupri and Alpha Academy, El Grande Americano and friends, and Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio were shown arriving at the arena. Bálor got a big pop. 

The show kicked off with a big fireworks display, which doesn’t often happen. 

Gunther opens Monday Night Raw in Belfast

They showed a replay of Gunther tapping on purpose last week to escape AJ Styles’ submission and ultimately win the match. Cole admitted it was a brilliant move. 

Gunther entered and was booed and greeted with chants of, “You tapped out.” He was in a good mood as usual lately, and he told the fans to calm down. 

Gunther said Styles made a mistake last week by being singularly focused on trying to make him tap out, because he was in the ring with the greatest wrestler in the company, the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever, a two-time World champion, the man who retired Goldberg, and the man who made John Cena tap out. 

His success would lead him straight back to the World title, and he declared himself for the Royal Rumble. 

AJ Styles entered to a huge reaction. Styles knew Gunther wanted to move on, but Styles didn’t. Styles challenged him to a rematch at the Royal Rumble. (The fans actually cheered even though he didn’t make the challenge for tonight.) 

Gunther said he would win the Rumble and didn’t plan on pulling double duty. He said no. 

Styles accused him of being scared. Styles said Gunter didn’t beat him—he beat himself. Styles showed him mercy when he should have ripped his leg off, but remember—Gunther tapped out like a little bitch. Styles accused him of being scared, and the crowd chanted, “Little bitch.” 

Gunther said he proved he was the better and smarter wrestler. There was no incentive to do it again, so his answer was still no. The crowd kept chanting, so Gunther returned to the ring. The fans called him a wanker. 

Gunther had an idea. He would agree to a rematch only if Styles put his career on the line. Gunther told him to think if that was a hill he was willing to die on, but he wanted an answer by the end of tonight. 

********

Natalya approached Maxxine Durpi as she was warming up backstage. Dupri was thrilled to see her. Natalya wanted to be in Dupri’s corner against Becky Lynch, so we didn’t get a replay of what happened last time. Dupri was happy to hear it. 

Becky Lynch entered. She cut a promo during a commercial break. She was happy to be back and be reminded of why she left. The weather and the food were awful. It was fine for the locals, but she was rich and famous. Her stepfather was actually from there, but he was smart enough to move to Dublin. 

She knew they were going through hard times, so she offered to be their hero. Unlike Rory McIlroy, she wouldn’t lose on the final hole. She was the greatest of all time, and everyone was saying it, including America. 

Intercontinental Championship match: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri (w/ Natalya)

This was their fifth singles match against one another since October. In fact, Lynch has not wrestled anyone else in a singles match since August. 

All three women (Natalya included) wore predominantly red gear. 

Dupri had the edge early on, but Lynch quickly took control as they went to an early break. Dupri fired back after the break with a clothesline, a boot, a corner splash, boots in the corner, and a fisherman’s suplex. Dupri dropped her straps and hit a big leg drop on Lynch’s back for a two count. 

They traded cradles after Dupri blocked a Man-handle Slam before Lynch applied a Disarmer, but Dupri countered out of it and applied an ankle lock. Lynch countered that into a rollup for two. They battled on the ropes until Lynch hit a superplex, followed by a DDT for two. 

Lynch removed the top turnbuckle cover, but Dupri caught her in a schoolboy for two. Dupri followed with a German suplex and a flying crossbody, but Lynch countered her cover into a cover of her own for two. 

Dupri countered the Man-handle slam and (slowly) countered into an ankle lock. Lynch kicked Dupri toward the corner, but Dupri managed to avoid hitting the exposed buckle. Lynch charged at Dupri, but Dupri moved, and Lynch bounced off the exposed buckle. 

Dupri hit a spinning heel kick (she missed completely, actually) and made the cover, but Natalya placed Lynch’s foot on the bottom rope to break up the cover. Dupri was stunned. 

Dupri went after Lynch, but Lynch caught her with the Man-Handle Slam for the pinfall win. 

— Natalya attacked and attacked and attacked Dupri after the match, and placed her in a Sharpshooter. Dupri tapped before a referee broke it up. They cut back to Cole for a moment before cutting back to the ring because Natalya attacked Dupri again. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Maxxine Dupri to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (11:34)

This match was ok. Dupri looked better than usual, at least until the end. It helps that she’s been wrestling the same person over and over again, but this was presumably the last time, and she’ll have to wrestle someone else eventually. 

The post-match didn’t get a ton of heat. The fans only care somewhat about Dupri, and they cared even less about Natalya. 

********

Backstage, Adam Pearce told Styles to think strongly about Gunther’s challenge. Styles said he would go speak to his wife. 

Paul Heyman approached Pearce, and Pearce reminded him that Bron Breakker was suspended. Pearce told Heyman that The Vision better be on their best behaviour tonight. Pearce also told Heyman he would be out there for their six-man match tonight, and Heyman wasn’t thrilled to hear it. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed the Americanos during a break. El Grande said Je’Von Evans’ luck would run out tonight against the greatest luchador of all time. After the interview, Kelley told the audience it was time for more action. She was wrong. 

There was a video package for the Punk vs. Bálor world title match. 

Judgment Day (minus Dominik and JD McDonagh) met backstage, and they were excited about the possibility of them all becoming champions. Liv Morgan admitted to Roxanne Perez that she didn’t like her at first, but now they were friends, and they would become tag team champions. Bálor said they were on his island tonight, and he was not leaving her without the title belt. 

********

Jey Uso entered the crowd (no Jimmy Uso again). He and Jimmy were still focused on the tag titles, but he excitedly declared himself for the Royal Rumble. He planned on becoming a back-to-back Rumble winner. He told Jimmy and Trinity (Naomi) he loved them and issued a warning to the locker room. 

It was time for more talking. New Day and Grayson Waller accosted Pearce backstage. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods said they flew all the way over on MLK Day, their favourite holiday, to challenge The Usos for the tag titles, but instead, Jey was out there declaring himself for the Rumble. 

Pearce told them they would be in a four-way next week to determine the next challengers for the tag titles. Kingston and Woods were pissed. 

*******

The show’s second match started 55 minutes in, and about 20 minutes after the last match ended. 

Six-man tag team match: Rey Mysterio, Penta & Dragon Lee vs. Logan Paul, Bronson Reed & Austin Theory (w/ Paul Heyman) 

Pearce sat ringside to watch the match. 

Logan received a lot of heat. Mysterio got a big reaction when he tagged in (Penta got a nice reaction too). There was a cool dive spot to send us to break. Mysterio hit Paul with an Asai moonsault while Penta and Dragon Lee simultaneously wiped out Reed and Theory with flip dives. However, the Vision took control during the break when Reed clotheslined Dragon from the apron as Theory distracted the referee. 

After a break, Dragon avoided a Reed leg drop, but Reed knocked Mysterio and Penta off the apron before he could even attempt a tag. Reed hit a powerslam, but Mysterio and Penta broke up the cover. Dragon avoided a senton and Theory tagged in, so Dragon gave him a hurricanrana and made a hot tag to Mysterio. 

Mysterio kicked Theory’s leg out of his leg before hitting a hurricanrana and ten punches in the corner, but Theory blocked a 619. Penta made a blind tag and hit a Penta Driver, but Reed broke up the cover. Everyone traded moves, and Mysterio tried a sliding dive to the outside, but Logan caught him and bounced him off the barricade. Dragon and Penta took out Logan with a double baseball slide. 

Penta and Dragon knocked Reed out of the ring with superkicks, and Dragon wiped out Reed with a dive. Theory gave Penta a package neckbreaker for two. 

Heyman went on the apron to distract the referee, so Pearce yelled at him (which also distracted the referee). Pearce showed the ref that Logan handed Theory brass knuckles, and Pearce took them away. Heyman got too close to Pearce, so Pearce backed him up the ramp. 

After all the commotion, the brass knux were left on the apron, so Mysterio grabbed them. Logan tried to warn the ref, but that distraction allowed Mysterio to punch Theory. 

Penta superkicked Logan and gave Theory a Canadian Destroyer for the pinfall win. (So after all those angles, Theory took the loss here.) 

Match result: Penta, Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee defeated Austin Theory, Bronson Reed & Logan Paul (15:02) 

********

CM Punk interview

Jackie Redmond interviewed CM Punk backstage. Punk got a big reaction, even if it may have been a little mixed. Redmond asked how Punk would deal with facing Bálor in Ireland. Punk said he would deal with it by being the best in the world. He was playing an away game, but he wanted the game on his stick in overtime. This pressure is what he wanted to prove he was the best in the world, and not just in the United States. The same pressure that made him the best in the world would break Bálor. 

********

There was a Martin Luther King Jr. Day video set to ‘Ain’t No Better Time’ by Chris Pierce. 

********

Kingston and Woods were interviewed in the crowd during a break. Woods noted that Styles was the former tag champion and wasn’t even trying to win the title back, while Jimmy Uso, the current champion, wasn’t even there. 

Heyman approached Pearce backstage. He said Pearce was the best GM in Raw history, but we’ll miss him when he’s gone. Pearce asked if that was a threat. Heyman said no, and he left as Pearce took a phone call. (Heyman advised him to take the call when he saw the phone.)

******** 

Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY / Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez segment

Ripley and Sky entered, and Ripley welcomed us to Monday Night Rhiyo. Sky said they would show Morgan and Perez that Rhiyo was always on top. Ripley announced that, after retaining their titles, they would both enter the Royal Rumble. 

Morgan and Perez interrupted. Morgan warned Sky that Ripley would turn on her. Morgan knew this because it happened to her. Ripley would let her selfishness take over. Morgan laughed because that wasn’t really her problem. 

Perez announced that all three Judgment Day women would also enter the Rumble, which meant one of them was headlining WrestleMania. 

Ripley laughed. She wondered how that would work (since they can’t all win it — even though the same could be said about her and Sky). Before she could elaborate, she was blindsided by Raquel Rodriguez. The three Judgment Day women laid out Ripley and Sky. Ripley tried fighting back, but Morgan laid her out with Oblivion. 

********

Bayley was talking to herself backstage when she was approached by Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria said she was having a hard time staying positive lately. She hated losing and felt like she was letting her friend down. (It seemed like Valkyria was being a downer on purpose to get Bayley to fire up. It worked.) 

Bayley got excited and psyched up Valkyria. She said the Rumble was up next, which meant one of them could headline WrestleMania. They were both excited about the possibility of winning the Rumble, and Bayley gave Valkyria a big hug. 

******* 

Je’Von Evans vs. El Grande Americano (w/ Bravo & Rayo Americano)

Je’Von Evans may have gotten injured. 

Evans hit a springboard clothesline ahead of a break. El Grande stalled by posing around ringside. He finally got back in the ring, but referee Jessika Carr held him off. 

Evans wound up outside the ring after the break. He seemed to favour his arm or shoulder, and he was checked by the doctor. They called the match off and declared El Grande the winner because Evans couldn’t continue. The doctor and Carr walked with Evans to the back. 

I went back and re-watched the match. There was a miscommunication where El Grande headbutted Evans by accident up high, seemingly on the shoulder, so that may have been it. Evans continued briefly before the springboard clothesline, which was the last physical spot. 

Match result: El Grande Americano defeated Je’Von Evans via medical stoppage (6:22) 

********

Finn Bálor interview 

Redmond interviewed Bálor backstage. Bálor said the magnitude of tonight was not lost on him, but perhaps it was lost on Punk. He respected that Punk was a fighting champion, but he questioned Punk’s judgment. They were on Bálor’s turf, on his island, in front of his people, and tonight in Belfast, there would be a new Irish World Heavyweight Champion. The crowd popped big for this. 

********

There was a video package for Oba Femi. 

Pearce approached The Vision backstage. Pearce told Heyman he wanted Breakker on Raw next week. Heyman figured he was lifting the suspension. Pearce said he wanted to speak to Breakker face-to-face. Heyman said he would be doing the same thing if he got the same phone call Pearce got earlier. Pearce said it had nothing to do with the call—he just wanted to talk to Breakker man-to-man. Heyman was dismissive and told Pearce to be on his best behaviour. The Vision left. 

Styles approached Pearce next. Styles said his wife told him exactly what he was thinking: kick Gunther’s ass. He accepted Gunther’s challenge. Pearce made it official: Styles vs. Gunther at the Rumble with Styles’ career on the line. 

********

An angry Asuka confronted Kairi Sane in the locker room. Asuka said Sane embarrassed her last week. Sane lost their titles, and she lost last week. This hurt almost as much as Sky turning on her. Sane apologized and promised to ensure Asuka would win the Rumble. Sane would do anything. Asuka called her a good girl and said, “Don’t make me yell at you again.” 

******** 

World Heavyweight Championship match: CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Bálor

Punk entered to a big reaction, and the fans sang his song. They cut to break as he made his full entrance. Once he was in the ring, he smiled while telling a fan to get in the ring after he puts Bálor to sleep. He told the fan he would kick him in the teeth and put him to sleep, too. 

Bálor entered last and entered to his original theme song. He got a huge reaction during the in-ring introductions. Punk was cheered during his entrance but was booed during intros. 

This had a big-match feel to it, despite Bálor not having a televised win since September. 

They wrestled back-and-forth, and there were duelling chants (louder for Bálor) until Punk nailed a suicide dive, sending Bálor over the announce table. Punk posed on the announce table to a chorus of boos as they went to break. Bálor avoided a count-out, but Punk took control. 

Punk hit a lifting knee strike and a bulldog after the break for two. Bálor fought back, and they traded strikes until Bálor hit a Pelé Kick. Bálor continued with chops, shots to the midsection, and a headlock elbow drop for two. 

Bálor set up for Coup de Grace, but Punk met him on the top rope and hit a superplex. Before Punk could make a cover, Bálor caught him in a small package for two. Punk fired right back with a clothesline. 

Bálor dumped Punk from the ring and hit a flip dive. Back in the ring, Bálor hit a shotgun dropkick, but Punk dodged the Coup de Grace. The crowd booed as Punk hit a GTS, but Bálor kicked out, and the fans popped. Punk hit a few elbow drops before applying the Anaconda Vice, but Bálor got a rope break. 

Bálor fought out of a GTS and followed with a slingblade, two shotgun dropkicks, and a Coup de Grace for a nearfall. Punk went for a GTS again, but Bálor countered into a rollup for two. 

Bálor went after Punk, but Punk used a single leg takedown, rolled over to his feet and hit a GTS for the pinfall win. Punk retains. 

— Punk helped Bálor to his feet after the match. He had a few words for Bálor before raising his hand. The fans applauded. Punk hugged Bálor, who nodded at Punk before leaving the ring. 

Punk posed for the cheering fans as Bálor watched from ringside. 

Match result: CM Punk defeated Finn Bálor to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (16:14) 

This was a pretty good TV title match, though nothing you need to go out of your way to see. It was laid out exactly as you’d expect, and it never, ever, felt like Bálor would win despite the crowd’s enthusiasm. It’s fine doing matches like this on TV, but it would’ve been nice if they gave Bálor more steam going into it. It’s not like they didn’t know Belfast was on the calendar. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Contender’s tournament begins

Posted on by Marc Quill

WWE SmackDown will take place at London’s OVO Arena.

Last week, Drew McIntyre survived the Three Stages of Hell to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion after a war against Cody Rhodes as he took advantage of a returning Jacob Fatu on the warpath and escaped the steel cage. Tonight, we’ll hear from the new champion.

Also on tonight’s show, four #1 contender’s qualifying matches for McInytre’s newly-won title, with the winners to face each other in a fatal four-way match on Saturday Night’s Main Event next week, and the winner of that match going on to the Royal Rumble to face McIntyre for the WWE Title.

These four matches tonight include: Randy Orton vs. The Miz, Damian Priest vs. Solo Sikoa, Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov, and Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams.

U.S. Champion Carmelo Hayes’ Open Challenge also continues tonight, with a new challenger stepping up to see if they can defeat the champ.

Our coverage begins at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

– Over a shot of London, England, the voice of Joe Tessitore greeted us to tonight’s SmackDown. We then got the pre-requisite arrivals of wrestlers including Randy Orton, The Miz, Damian Priest, Solo Sikoa, Matt Cardona, Trick Williams, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn. Those aforementioned stars will compete in four separate #1 Contender’s Qualifying Matches later tonight.

– In the arena, we went to a shot of commentary as Tessitore was joined by Corey Graves. They discussed the events of last week’s SmackDown, where we got a new Undisputed WWE Champion after Drew McIntyre survived Three Stages of Hell.

The new Undisputed WWE Champion arrives

A procession of bagpipe players appeared at the top of the stage and played a jaunty tune before our new Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre, made his way to loud cheers from the London crowd. McIntyre himself seemed quite moved by the fans’ reaction to his victory as he took his time to make his way to the ring to bask in the cheers. In the ring, he posed with his title as pyro went off on the stage.

After a while, McIntyre took the mic and said that he prayed for this and it happened as the fans chanted “you deserve it” to him. He said that it’s been a rough couple of years in the U.K., but there’s only one man that can bring everyone together, that being the first and only British-born WWE Champion. McIntyre talked about the love and support he’s received in the past week or so in Europe has been overwhelming, but… he only had one thing to say about all that: “screw you”.

McIntyre complained about how nobody was there when he was fired or when Roman Reigns and the Bloodline were screwing him over and when CM Punk screwed him over. Drew said that there was only one person to thank in all of this, and that person was himself. He then turned his attention to the former Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, pointing out that there is no rematch for the title after he had a provision signed before the Three Stages of Hell match last week. As McIntyre declared the era of the “Dangerous and Unpredictable Drew McIntyre” to be here, he was interrupted by Randy Orton, who got a massive reaction from the Wembley Arena crowd.

Orton entered the ring as McIntyre said that he assumed Randy was out to congratulate him. Orton cut right through it and said that he wasn’t here for that, instead to remind McIntyre of the time that he declined kick his head through the announce table a while ago. While McIntyre hesitated, Orton won’t and he’d take the Undisputed WWE Title courtesy of the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R.K.O.

Jacob Fatu’s theme hit, as the man himself made a beeline for the ring and went after McIntyre right away. The brawl was on as Fatu went after McIntyre through the crowd. Meanwhile in the ring, The Miz snuck up on Orton and hit a Skull-Crushing Finale on him as we’re told that their #1 Contender’s Qualifying match will be up next after the break.

Interesting opening segment, and McIntyre immediately going to heeling on the British fans was kind of funny.

**********

#1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Randy Orton vs. The Miz

We returned from commercial with the match already in progress as Miz hit his signature DDT for a two-count. Orton rolled out of the ring and poked Miz in the eye to gain a brief advantage. Orton attempted the back drop onto the announce table, but Miz escaped and hit his own version of Orton’s announce table slam.

As the action spilled back into the ring, Miz and Orton exchanged punches to the face to one another before the latter struck with a hard lariat, followed by the scoop powerslam. As Miz rolled onto the apron, Orton looked like he was going to hit his draping DDT, but his opponent escaped out of it. However, Miz could not avoid the announce table back drop from Orton this time around. This was then followed up by another back drop across the table as the crowd wanted to see it one more time. Orton obliged and slammed Miz onto the table.

Back into the ring, Orton hit the draping DDT on Miz and looked like he was about to put an end to things as he stalked his foe. Orton’s RKO was countered into the Skull-Crushing Finale by Miz, but that wasn’t enough as Orton kicked out at two. Miz attempted another SCF, but Orton escaped it and eventually got the RKO for the three.

Randy Orton def. The Miz via pinfall

Just a standard match with Orton playing his greatest hits in a match that Miz realistically did not stand a chance in. The purpose was to get Orton into the Fatal Four-Way match and I guess job accomplished.

**********

– Backstage, Drew McIntyre skulked about with his Undisputed WWE Title clutched firmly in his arms. He was confronted by Ilja Dragunov and called his shot for the title once he beats Sami Zayn later tonight to advance to the SNME Fatal Four-Way. McIntyre didn’t have time for it as he was looking to escape that “mentalist”, Jacob Fatu. He promised to knock out Dragunov’s teeth at the Rumble if he made it that far.

– We got a Progressive Insurance-sponsored recap of the Wyatt Sicks/M.F.T.s eight-man tag match from last week. After that, remarks from The Wyatt Sicks aired as Bo Dallas stated that the lantern was never meant to be a weapon. He said that he carried the lantern in the dark so that the dark didn’t carry them. Dallas said that he and the Wyatts would not rest until the lantern was home with them as the video ended.

– Charlotte Flair tried to say hello to her partner Alexa Bliss, who said that last week suck, on top of her losing against Giulia and being laid out by Lash Legend & Nia Jax. Bliss wanted to know if Flair was truly too sick to be at her side last week. Flair said that she was actually sick, but that Bliss had a title opportunity that she didn’t. Flair talked about all the chances at the title she could’ve had, but she put her and Bliss’s team first. However, Flair apologized for not being there and said she had Bliss’s back tonight.

As Nia Jax & Lash Legend tried to stir up trouble, Flair wasn’t going to have any of it, telling Jax that Bliss was right in ditching her and that Legend “changed” before walking off.

Giulia & Kiana James vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair

James and Bliss got the match started for their respective teams. James gave her opponent a shove before Bliss answered with a pair of slaps followed by a dropkick. James responded with a knee to the gut of Bliss before dropping her with a suplex. Flair was tagged in as she blasted James with a dropkick. Bliss tagged in again as Flair carried her with an assisted dropkick on James. Giulia entered the match and nailed Bliss with a dropkick as she and James celebrated to take us to the break.

We returned from the break as James & Giulia kept Bliss isolated in their corner. Bliss avoided an attack in the corner, which allowed her to make it to her corner to get the hot tag from Flair. Both Giulia and James fell victim to chops a-plenty from Flair, as the former WWE Women’s Champion then hit her somersault clothesline on James. On the top rope, Flair connected with the crossbody on James for the near-fall. James attempted a boot to Flair’s face, but got felled by a boot to her face instead. As Flair headed up top, Giulia created a distraction to stop her advance. James hit a nice spinebuster on Flair as Giulia tagged in and blasted Flair with the Arrivederci knee. The cover attempt was broken up by Bliss, who then took James out of the ring.

Inside the ring, Flair and Giulia hit each other with their best shots as James blind tagged Giulia to enter the match. Bliss entered the match in a similar manner after a knee strike from James sent Flair onto the ropes. James ran right into a Sister Abigail DDT from Bliss for the win.

After the match, Lash Legend and Nia Jax hit the ring and launched an attack on the victorious team, but not before Giulia got pushed aside by Jax. This naturally riled up the Women’s U.S. Champion, who had to be held back by James before anything could heat up further.

Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair def. Kiana James & Giulia via pinfall

A fun, if basic tag match. The finish with James running into the Sister Abigail was nice and the tease of Giulia maybe wanting to face Nia Jax after the match does add some needed variety to the SmackDown women’s division, so there’s that.

**********

– We got a promo from Solo Sikoa and the M.F.T.s, who talked about how if that the Wyatt Sicks wanted their lantern back, they should put their tag titles on the line. Sikoa said that it was only the beginning and that they were going to go for all the gold. He then concluded that it would start tonight when he beats Damian Priest and get one step closer to the WWE Title before mimicking Bray Wyatt’s lantern blowing out to end the segment.

Cody Rhodes addresses his Undisputed WWE Title loss

The former Undisputed WWE Champion headed to the ring as the crowd serenaded him with a singalong of his theme, as well as a smattering of boos.

Rhodes said that things sounded a bit different but it seemed like things became a lot more “episodic” in his mind as he’d go through the motions of tapping his fist three times, the crowd saying “whoa-oh” and then asking them what they wanted to talk about. The crowd then started chanting “Oh, Drew McIntyre” as Rhodes continued and said that he wanted to be not only the company’s champion, but the people’s champion.

Rhodes talked about how he let things become more episodic and blind him to all the ways he could’ve lost… or was it just that Drew McIntyre was just that good? He could ask that himself, or he could ask Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, or Steve Austin, all of whom were the only ones who won the Royal Rumble two times in a row. Rhodes then declared himself as the first entrant of the 2026 Royal Rumble. Rhodes then turned his attention to Jacob Fatu. He discussed how Fatu was on the come up when he saw him in APW. However, Rhodes said that Fatu should know about the word “receipt”. He then challenged Fatu to come face him or he could go find him to beat the brakes off his ass.

Before Rhodes turned around the crowd by putting over his history in London, I found the crowd booing him to be interesting. While there’s no realistic way that WWE would turn the wrestler who’s undoubtedly their “top guy” a heel, there’s a few ways they could shake things up when it comes to this post-title run for Rhodes. We’ll just have to see where this showdown with Fatu will take him.

**********

– Matt Cardona was interviewed about his upcoming match against Trick Williams in the #1 Contender’s qualifiers. Cardona talked about how he, like both Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, left WWE to reinvent themselves. Unlike them, however, Cardona wasn’t a champion just yet, but he was looking to change that as he was back on a mission to become Undisputed WWE Champion.

#1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Matt Cardona vs. Trick Williams

Williams and Cardona locked up in the middle of the ring before they separated. Williams talked a bit of trash to Cardona and got hit with a series of strikes from the veteran that forced him into the corner. Williams responded with a scoop slam, followed by a running shoulder block that grounded Cardona.

Williams continued to talk trash, but he was met with a dropkick and a flatliner from Cardona. A clothesline from Cardona sent Williams out of the ring, as he then made no mistake with the dropkick from the apron on Williams. The match went into a break at this point.

SmackDown returned from the break as we got a replay of what happened during the break with Williams slamming Cardona onto the apron, face-first. Back to live action, Williams pummeled Cardona with elbows to the face followed by a British Bulldog-style chinlock. Cardona broke the hold, and caught Williams’ axe kick attempt and hit a back suplex instead.

Cardona delivered hard strikes in the corner to Williams, which caused his foe to slump against the bottom turnbuckle. He then hit the Broski Boot, followed by a Zig-Zag for the near-fall. Williams missed with a splash in the corner and ended up in a prone position again, but he avoided the Broski Boot by rolling out of the ring. Cardona did manage to get him with a diving kick to the outside. As Cardona got onto the apron, Williams used the ropes to throw him into the ring and right into a spinning kick. One, two… NO! Williams’ attempted suplex was countered, but he avoided the Rough Ryder. He then followed that with a massive pounce before he picked up the win on a Trickshot Knee.

Trick Williams def. Matt Cardona via pinfall

This was a decent match, and I’ll admit that I’m enjoying Trick Williams’ presentation on the main roster so far. Even though he’s probably not going to be the #1 Contender for the Undisputed WWE Title, this four-way he’s got himself into should be a good showcase of Williams’ skills.

**********

– After the match, the infectious theme of Kit Wilson interrupted, which brought the “international sensation” out to the ring. Wilson noticed Cardona around ringside and attacked him. He threw Cardona into the steel steps and yelled “Toxic!” at him. The crowd chanted along with his theme song as this segment ended.

– Damian Priest talked about his qualifying match against Solo Sikoa coming up later tonight and said that like before, it was one versus all, but he was ready to do whatever he can to get a shot at the Undisputed WWE Title.

– Back in the ring, Kit Wilson had a mic and talked about how there was a problem and that he was the solution. He said that we needed leadership and a tonic for the toxic masculinity problem. As he was talking, Jacob Fatu snuck up and attacked Wilson, as the crowd booed. He hit his moonsault on Wilson as he then demanded a microphone.

Fatu said if Cody Rhodes wanted to say something to his face that he bring out his punk-ass to the ring right now. Rhodes obliged Fatu’s challenge and ran straight into the ring. The two began to brawl as a gaggle of security, as well as SmackDown GM Nick Aldis entered to separate the two. Rhodes broke free and jumped right into Fatu as we abruptly went into another commercial break, as if it were the TNA on AMC premiere. We learned after the break that we’d see Rhodes vs. Fatu at Saturday Night’s Main Event next week.

#1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Solo Sikoa (w/ The M.F.T.s) vs. Damian Priest

Sikoa locked Priest in a headlock but was forced out with a shove. Sikoa headbutted his opponent and punched him in the face. Priest responded with a jumping kick, followed by a superkick that sent Sikoa out of the ring. Priest attempted to hit a running attack, but was stopped by the human wall created by the M.F.T.s. This allowed Sikoa to get a bit of a breather. With the ref distracted, Tama Tonga shelled Priest with a diving clothesline from the steel steps, which took us into the mid-match break spot.

This match resumed from commercial as Sikoa crushed Priest with the running hip attack into the corner. Sikoa tried again with the hip attack, but Priest rose from the corner and knocked him loopy with a spinning kick. Both men got up to their feet and traded blows. It turned into an exchange of kicks as Priest got the better of Sikoa with a running lariat. Sikoa attempted another Samoan Drop, but got countered as Priest hit a flatliner for the near-fall.

Priest headed up top as Sikoa was being checked up on the referee. Talla Tonga tripped Priest up, but he was ejected by the referee despite his best efforts. Priest recovered and hit Sikoa with the Razor’s Edge for yet another near-fall. As Priest had Sikoa in sight for South of Heaven, the M.F.T.s provided a distraction. This allowed Sikoa to connect with the Spinning Solo. Dive from the top by Sikoa, but Priest managed to kick out. The Wyatt Sicks’ video glitches hit, which heralded the arrival of the group in the darkness, with Erick Rowan notably absent. The Wyatts brawled with the M.F.T.s at ringside as Uncle Howdy eyed the lantern. Sikoa threw Howdy into the steel steps and had the lantern in his hands. In the ring, Priest caught Sikoa with the South of Heaven chokeslam for the win to advance to the SNME Fatal Four-Way.

After the match, Howdy took the lantern in the ring, but got ambushed from behind by Talla Tonga, who struck Howdy with a big boot. Talla took the lantern and extracted Sikoa from the ring.

Damian Priest def. Solo Sikoa via pinfall

The Priest vs. Sikoa match was fine, but the greater M.F.T.s/Wyatt Sicks feud remains a heatless one for me, personally. It just hasn’t clicked for me at all since it started and I’m not sure what can be done to make it interesting.

**********

– Backstage, Sami Zayn was confronted by Drew McIntyre, who taunted him for betting on Cody Rhodes next week. Zayn told McIntyre that he was going to beat Ilja Dragunov tonight, and then win it in his hometown before heading into the Royal Rumble. McIntyre reminded Zayn of his losing record against him, stating that he’s beaten Zayn 11 times and it wouldn’t change if they got a chance to face each other again.

U.S. Title Open Challenge: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Leon Slater

The TNA X-Division Champion was revealed to be Hayes’ Open Challenge opponent, and was addressed as such in his entrance.

We started this match hot with fast and furious chain wrestling between Slater and Hayes. In the corner, Slater avoided Hayes acrobatically, but got hit with the springboard clothesline afterwards. Hayes was on the offensive with chops in the corner, as Slater answered with a hard chop of his own. The fast start to this match remained as Hayes got hit with a nice enzuigiri by Slater. The X-Division Champion kept the momentum with a handspring back elbow to Hayes, followed by an athletic dive to the outside. High crossbody by Slater nearly got the win as Hayes had to kick out at two there, and we went to a commercial break at that point.

This U.S. Title match resumed from commercial as we saw both Hayes and Slater down after a springboard Spanish Fly by the latter during the break. Eventually, both men got back to their feet and exchanged strikes and chops. Hayes avoided a sweeping kick from Slater as he connected with La Mistica, followed by a lifting suplex cutter. One… two, not quite! Hayes attempted a First 48, but Slater countered that into a serious single-leg crab. However, Hayes escaped that maneuver, so Slater got him with a side kick for the near-fall.

Slater and Hayes fought on the apron, as the challenger hit an amazing leaping legdrop across the neck., With both men back in the ring, they got into a duel of pins before Slater hit a hurricanrana for another close near-fall. Hayes got sent over the apron as he favored his hurt knee. This allowed Slater to hit an incredible diving leg drop over the ringpost and onto Hayes outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Slater headed up top and looked to finish Hayes off with the 450 Swanton, but the U.S. Champion avoided disaster and instead got Slater with the First 48. One, two…. 2.99999999!!!!!!!!! Hayes tried to go up top, but Slater met him at the pass and looked like he was going to hit a superplex from the top. Hayes recovered and turned that into an avalanche cutter for the victory and the successful U.S. Title defense.

Carmelo Hayes def. Leon Slater via pinfall to retain the U.S. Championship

This was a fantastic match, as all these U.S. Title challenge matches have been every week. I’ve made no secret of how much I love these matches and this one with TNA’s X-Divsion champion was no exception. However, I do want to address the fact that Leon Slater, was stated to have been pulled from the TNA Impact on AMC premiere last night due to travel issues, which doesn’t seem to be a promising sign when it comes to TNA’s seeming autonomy in this partnership with WWE moving forward.

**********

– Shinsuke Nakamura was seen watching the match we just saw before Tama Tonga confronted him. Tama said that Nakamura had his chance, and it was his time to take the U.S. Title for the M.F.T.s. He warned Nakamura to stay out of his way as he brought up their past in New Japan. Nakamura responded, seemingly not afraid of Tama’s threat.

– Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae discussed amongst themselves about their brilliant ploy against Fraxiom. He was confronted by Axiom, before another person in an Axiom mask appeared. Gargano got waylaid by the second person in Axiom’s mask, who revealed himself to be Nathan Frazer. We found out that Frazer went to Nick Aldis earlier and got himself a match booked against Gargano for next week.

Chelsea Green (w/ Alba Fyre) vs. Jordynne Grace

Jade Cargill was at ringside to watch this match.

Grace showed off her power by pushing Green down fiercely. Grace connected with a powerful spinebuster on one half of the AAA Mixed Tag Champions before she hit a nice stalling suplex. Green got momentum on her side by pulling at Grace’s hair and shoving her into the corner. While the referee was distracted, Alba Fyre hit Grace with a superkick, as Green then slammed her face down.

Green’s momentum was all too fleeting as she was slammed across the turnbuckle multiple times by Grace. A barrage of clotheslines from Grace kept her advantage, as did the suplex. Grace finally got the win with the Direct Effect — a cartwheel/Death Valley Driver hybrid maneuver — and the three.

After the match, Grace addressed Cargill as she said that she was glad the champ was glad at ringside to watch her. Grace challenged Cargill to step into the ring right here and right now. Cargill got on the apron and faced off with Grace. Meanwhile, Green attempted to run at Grace, but whiffed badly as she barreled into Cargill instead. The WWE Women’s Title clattered onto the mat, as Grace picked it up in her hands and taunted Cargill with it before throwing it out of the ring.

Jordynne Grace def. Chelsea Green via pinfall

A short contest meant to showcase Grace’s strengths, and I think they did an admirable job with that. This feud with Jade Cargill should help add much needed variety to SmackDown’s women’s division, which has been lagging at the top as of late. I’m looking forward to it.

**********

– Trick Williams was interviewed about advancing to the SNME Fatal Four-Way as Damian Priest then appeared and seemingly issued a challenge to face him one-on-one next week.

Next Week on SmackDown

  • Women’s Tag Title #1 Contenders’ Triple Threat Match: Giulia & Kiana James vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax & Lash Legend
  • WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) vs. The M.F.T.s
  • Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest

#1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Sami Zayn vs. Ilja Dragunov

Zayn and Dragunov didn’t waste time and started right away with dueling strikes. After he withstood a strike to his knee from Dragunov, Zayn cracked his foe with a clothesline. In the corner, Dragunov beckoned Zayn to hit him harder, to which the Canadian obliged. Dragunov answered with a hard boot to the face before he took voer with a chop in the corner to Zayn, followed by the running boot to the side of Zayn.

Dragunov dropped the knee from the top rope to the sternum of Zayn. Another attempt at the diving knee was avoided by Zayn, who countered with a suplex for a near-fall. Zayn slowed the pace of the match down as he punched at Dragunov for a bit. Both men traded German suplexes through a struggle of standing switches. Dragunov got the better of Zayn with one last German suplex in this exchange as he headed up top. Zayn got up and intercepted Dragunov at the top. Through a long struggle, Zayn hit the superplex as both men were left down and we were left with one final break in the action.

SmackDown’s main event continued as Zayn again tried to go to the top rope. Dragunov, who was busted open by a particularly hard shot from Zayn during the break, met him at the pass. Zayn got the better of Dragunov and hit a sunset flip powerbomb, but that wasn’t enough to get the win. Not yet. Dragunov countered a Blue Thunder Powerbomb from Zayn and turned it around into a Constantine Special. Dragunov headed to the top and hit the missile dropkick on Zayn for the near-fall.

With Zayn down and out, Dragunov had him in sight for the H-Bomb. A last-second boot saved Zayn as he looked for the corner exploder suplex. Dragunov shelled him with a kick, as he followed it with a pair of running clotheslines into the corner. Zayn recovered and tried to follow Dragunov with the Helluva Kick, but he missed badly on that. Both men fought on the apron, as Dragunov landed Torpedo Moscow and they both came crashing down onto the mat outside the ring.

As Zayn and Dragunov entered the ring, the latter hit the powerbomb on his opponent and headed to the top once more. Dragunov’s senton attempt was met by a knee from Zayn that hit the back of his neck. Zayn capitalized with the exploder suplex into the corner, followed by the Helluva Kick and the three. This rounded out our Fatal Four Way for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

After the match, Trick Williams attacked Zayn from behind with a cheap shot. He took Zayn out with the Trick Shot knee as the Levesque & Fitting producer credits saw us out on this week’s SmackDown.

Sami Zayn def. Ilja Dragunov via pinfall

Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal card so far

  • Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way: Randy Orton vs. Trick Williams vs. Damian Priest vs. Sami Zayn
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Jacob Fatu

**********

The outcome of that main event was a bit of a formality given Saturday Night’s Main Event being in Zayn’s hometown, but it didn’t make it any less enjoyable. It’s always a treat seeing Dragunov and Zayn get into a hard-hitting battle, and we got plenty of hard hits in that main event.

As for the rest of the show, it’s actually astonishing how watchable these three-hour SmackDowns have been. They’ve been far from the terribly middling shows I’ve recapped for the latter half of 2025, and it’s honestly made things a bit more enjoyable. I mentioned Ryan Ward last week now reportedly overseeing creative on SmackDown and I have to say he’s done a good job.

The U.S. Title scene is far and away the shining star of SmackDown, but things like Drew McIntyre as undisputed WWE Champion throwing a wrench into rumored WrestleMania 42 plans, Trick Williams getting a big spotlight, and steadily improving women’s division have been nice to see. The otherwise dull M.F.T.s/Wyatt Sicks feud — and the side-effect of it holding the tag titles hostage — is about the only thing I generally hate about SmackDown since the move to three hours.

So, yes, it’s 3-for-3 in terms of the three-hour SmackDown shows being watchable, and let’s hope that they can keep it up.

WWE Raw live results: Gunther vs. AJ Styles in Germany

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 12, 2026
Location: PSD Bank Dome Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany

The Big Takeaway —

AJ Styles made Gunther “tap out” in the main event, but the referee didn’t see it, so Gunther won after a low blow and powerbomb. 

Adam Pearce suspended Bron Breakker indefinitely after Bron put his hands on him. However, the suspension may not last long because, as Paul Heyman noted, Pearce put his hands on Bron first. 

Next week in Belfast, CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Bálor. Also, Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri will wrestle for the Women’s Intercontinental Champion. Yes, again.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole said there would be over 11,000 in attendance today in Düsseldorf, Germany. The country is hosting Raw for the first time in almost 29 years. 

CM Punk, The Vision (minus Bron Breakker), Je’Von Evans, El Grande Americano and friends, AJ Styles, and Gunther arrived at the arena. 

IYO SKY & Rhea Ripley kick off Raw in Germany

Rhea Ripley welcomed Düsseldorf to Monday Night Riyho. She talked about their win over Asuka and Kairi Sane for the tag titles, and the crowd chanted, “You deserve it.” Iyo Sky stole a line from Asuka and stated, “No one is ready for Rhiyo.” 

Ripley was about to issue a challenge to the locker room when they were interrupted by Liv Morgan and Roxanne Perez. Morgan sarcastically congratulated them before noting she was a former tag champion who never lost her title. 

Bayley and Lyra Valkyria interrupted next. Bayley paused her promo so the fans could sing for her. Bayley said Morgan may not have lost her title, but Perez did lose them. Plus, Bayley beat Perez a few weeks ago, so if anyone deserved a shot, it was her and Valkyria. 

Sky yelled at everyone in Japanese until Asuka and Sane appeared out of nowhere to attack Sky and Ripley from behind and yank them from the ring. The remaining teams brawled until Ripley and Sky re-entered to clear the ring. 

As standard an opening segment as there ever was. 

********

Jackie Redmond interviewed AJ Styles about Gunther. Styles learned early in his career that this business was about respect. Respect for the ring, your fellow wrestlers, and those who came before. 

He and John Cena weren’t always on the same page, but they bonded over respect. Gunther disrespected Cena week after week, so Styles smacked him because Cena couldn’t. Styles would teach Gunther about respect tonight. Styles ended with: “In fact, I’m going to make you tap out like a little bitch.”

******** 

There will be a number one contender’s triple threat tag match tonight: Morgan & Perez vs. Asuka & Sane vs. Bayley & Valkyria. 

Morgan and Perez approached Finn Bálor backstage. Bálor was playing the WWE video game. Morgan wondered what he was doing, and she didn’t mean the game. She said he claimed he wanted gold but wondered if that was all talk. Judgment Day didn’t wait around for things to happen. Raquel Rodriguez didn’t wait for her title shot, and neither did they. It was time to stop playing games. Perez agreed with Morgan. After they left, Bálor responded, “Just you wait.” 

Je’Von Evans vs. Bravo Americano (w/ El Grande Americano & Rayo Americano) 

El Grande attacked Evans after Rayo distracted him. Evans fought back anyway and hit Bravo with a leaping dive and a nice running knee strike for two. Bravo responded with an airplane spin, which Cole noted looked familiar. 

Bravo went to the top, but Evans brought him down with an avalanche Spanish Fly, followed by an OG Cutter for the pinfall win. 

— El Grande attacked Evans after the match and chucked him over the announce desk. Evans re-emerged atop the barricade. They tried to swarm him, but he leaped right over the desk and escaped through the ring and up the aisle. 

Match result: Je’Von Evans vs. Bravo Americano (6:20)

This was a good little showcase for Evans, and they didn’t overthink it. I could have done without him running away post-match, but I’m sure he’ll be making his way through all three guys in the coming weeks. 

********

Paul Heyman approached Adam Pearce backstage. Pearce told Heyman that if Bron Breakker plans to arrive with bad intentions, he should turn around and go home. Pearce wasn’t in the mood and would not tolerate it. Heyman said he would relay the message (with exactly as much sincerity as you’d expect). 

During a break, Jey Uso entered the crowd to his music to cut pretty much the same promo he and Jimmy cut last week. This was just a bit for the live crowd, really. 

******** 

CM Punk and Finn Bálor segment 

Punk entered. He said he would never grow tired of being their world champion. He planned on being champion forever, but he knew they were on the road to WrestleMania and anything can happen—just ask Cody Rhodes. But with the fans behind him, Punk felt like he could do the impossible. 

Before WrestleMania, there was the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber. Two opportunities for guys to call their shot, and the road to WrestleMania went through him. He survived a battle with Bron Breakker last week, so he and The Vision were behind him. 

With the fans’ support, he looked forward to finding out who his next challenger would be. Punk thanked the fans and was about to leave, but was interrupted by Finn Bálor. 

Bálor said he wasn’t waiting for the Rumble or Chamber. Bálor didn’t want any hand-outs, but did recall Punk mentioning his name as a potential challenger after he won the title. 

Punk said he did mention Bálor’s name among a long list of talented wrestlers, but he wondered where Bálor’s ambition was because that was months ago. Punk saw Bálor playing video games and was preoccupied with helping Dominik and JD McDonagh. Punk wondered if Bálor was too busy shining Liv Morgan’s shoes. 

Punk asked if he would be facing Bálor or Bálor and the Judgment Day. Punk already dealt with the numbers game successfully over Breakker and the Vision. 

Punk acknowledged that he was a fan of Bálor. He also wanted to be a fighting champion, so he would go to the back and put his boots on so they could do this tonight. The crowd cheered and chanted for Punk. 

Bálor smiled when Punk accepted, but he said timing was everything. Bálor wasn’t just jumping into anything with Punk. Anyone who watched Bálor’s career knew that the line started with him. Punk didn’t have to worry about Dom or JD, but he wouldn’t be alone. 

Bálor previously watched as Punk repeatedly utilized home-field advantage in Chicago. But next week, they were in Belfast, Ireland. They would wrestle for the title next week, and there would be a new Irish World Champion. 

Punk accepted. He apologized to the fans in Düsseldorf because they wouldn’t get to see him work. He also apologized to the fans in Belfast because they’d have to watch their countryman go to sleep after a GTS. 

********

There was a video package for Gunther vs. AJ Styles. 

Number one contender’s triple threat tag team match: Asuka & Kairi Sane vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez

The teams brawled outside until Sane wiped out everyone with an Insane Elbow off the top. The two heel teams took turns on offence during a break until Valkyria made a hot tag following the break. 

Valkyria gave Perez an enziguri for two. Bayley hit Asuka with a back suplex, preventing Asuka from going after Valkyria from behind. Everyone (minus Asuka) then did a big stacked up powerbomb out of the corner, with Sane getting the worst of it. 

Asuka wasn’t pleased, so she hit Perez with a German suplex before hitting Bayley and Valkyria simultaneously with a double German suplex. Asuka held down Valkyria so Sane could hit an Insane Elbow, but the referee did not count the fall because Sane was not legal. 

(This wasn’t the plan because everything stopped for a moment, and Morgan still flew in to break up the cover that wasn’t being counted. Bayley could clearly be seen talking to Asuka and the referee as they reset.) 

Everyone traded moves until Valkyria caught Sane as she attempted a flying crossbody. Valkyria hit a backbreaker, and Bayley followed with a flying elbow drop, but Asuka broke up the cover. Perez hit Bayley with Pop Rox, but Sane broke up that cover. 

Sane chucked Perez from the ring, but Morgan flew in and hit Sane with Oblivion for the pinfall win. 

Morgan and Perez will challenge Ripley and Sky for the tag titles at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Montreal on January 24th. 

Match result: Liv Morgan & Roxanne Perez defeated Kairi Sane & Sane and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria (13:02)

******** 

Becky Lynch cut a pre-taped promo. She wasn’t happy that mediocre Maxxine Durpri was already getting a rematch, while it took her almost two months to get hers. She claimed corruption from power-mad Pearce, but was confident she would retain the title next week in Belfast. Dupri would have to say goodbye to the big time. 

Byron Saxton interviewed Je’Von Evans during a commercial break. He was happy to pick up his first win as an official member of Raw, and was excited to be in Europe for the first time. He came across as being genuinely excited and let everyone know he would not let them down. 

Redmond interviewed Maxxine Durpi (with Alpha Academy). Dupri was disappointed he lost the title, but she proved to everyone that she belonged. She turned to Otis and Akira Tozawa and said she became champion because she believed in herself and wanted to see the same from them, because they were capable of great things. Dupri turned her attention to Lynch, who had to cheat to beat her. Dupri fired up and said she would break Lynch’s ankle. 

******** 

Raquel Rodriguez and Stephanie Vaquer segment 

Cole interviewed Raquel Rodriguez by the stage and asked her why she laid out Stephanie Vaquer last week. Rodriguez remembered when she was the girl who waited politely and patiently for her turn at the title. 

But things change, and people change. She was cheated out of the world title week after week. She would not stop until she had Vaquer in the ring one-on-one. When Big Sexy Raquel Rodriguez stood tall as the new champion, then everyone could go ahead and feel sorry for Vaquer. 

Vaquer entered, wearing a walking boot, as officials surrounded her. Rodriguez mockingly limped to the back as Vaquer stared her down. Vaquer looked at the camera and said this injury would not stop her. She held up the title belt and said, “Come get it.” 

Of course, Rodriguez ran in and attacked Vaquer again. Rodriguez slammed the title belt over Vaquer’s walking boot as the crowd chanted, “You suck.” Officials checked on Vaquer as Rodriguez left. 

(This segment was fine, and Rodriguez did well, but these officials looked so incompetent, being the only ones in the world who did not see this coming again.) 

********

They showed clips of Drew McIntyre’s appearance as the WWE Champion in Glasgow, Scotland, and plugged his upcoming appearance on SmackDown. 

Otis and Tozawa approached Jey Uso backstage. Otis asked Jey for a tag title shot. Jey didn’t seem to be taking it seriously until Otis got in his face. Jey realized he was serious, so he said he would talk to Jimmy. However, he warned them they would be standing in the ring with the best tag team in the game. Tozawa said Yeet. 

Bronson Reed & Austin Theory (w/ Paul Heyman & Logan Paul) vs. Penta & Dragon Lee

Penta was all over Theory, but took too much time posing, so Theory just dropped him with a boot. Reed tagged in, but Penta and Dragon Lee worked together to take him down. Dragon hit a dropkick in the corner, but Reed emphatically kicked out at one. 

Reed caught Dragon’s flying crossbody attempt and slammed him. After Dragon spilled out of the ring, Theory (not the legal man) decked him right in front of the referee. (The babyfaces are always stopped from getting involved when they aren’t legal, but the heels get away with it.) 

Dragon Lee hit Reed with a DDT after a break, and Penta made the hot tag, hitting Theory with a backstabber for two. Dragon and Penta handed out superkicks to everyone, including Logan Paul. Dragon then wiped out Logan and Theory with a flip dive. 

As Dragon Lee posed outside the ring, Bron Breakker ran down and speared him for the DQ. Penta invited Bron into the ring, so Bron jumped in and speared him, too. 

Bron was about to kill Dragon Lee with a running spear outside the ring, but Pearce suddenly got in his face. As Pearce admonished Bron, Reed laid out Penta with a Tsunami in the background (this was shot well by the cameraperson). 

Pearce popped into the ring to get in Reed’s face, but that allowed Bron to spear Dragon Lee. 

Pearce flung Bron around by his shoulder and told him he was sick of this shit. Bron aggressively grabbed Pearce and shoved him into the corner. Bron screamed at Pearce as the rest of the Vision held him back. Pearce yelled at Heyman and Vision to get Bron out of here. 

Match result: Dragon Lee & Penta defeated Bronson Reed & Austin Theory via disqualification (9:27) 

(This match was a waste of time, but Bron came across well in the post-match.) 

Medical staff checked on Penta and Dragon Lee backstage. Je’Von Evans approached and told them to let him know if they needed anything. 

Pearce found Bron backstage and kept screaming at him. Pearce suspended him indefinitely. Bron got in Pearce’s face, but Reed pulled him away. Heyman told Pearce just made a big mistake. Heyman reminded Pearce that he was the one who put his hands on Bron first. 

********

There was a WrestleMania commercial with Triple H. He received video calls from Peyton Manning, Jon Bernthal, Pete Davidson, Eric André, IShowSpeed, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Lil Yachty, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Haliburton, Tony Hinchcliffe, Cam Skattebo, and Travis Barker. They all tried pitching WrestleMania ideas involving themselves, which stressed out Triple H. 

Among the comedy here was Hinchcliffe suggesting he win the Women’s title, and André calling Triple H a sissy. 

********

Next week on Raw in Belfast (3 pm ET/12 pm PT start time): 

  • Becky Lynch (c) vs. Maxxine Dupri for the Women’s Intercontinental title 
  • CM Punk (c) vs. Finn Bálor for the World Heavyweight title 

There was an Oba Femi video package and a plug for NXT. 

******** 

Redmond interviewed Gunther. He called Styles disrespectful for smacking him in the face over something he had no involvement in. It was disrespectful to do that to the best wrestler in this company, and disrespectful to do that to the man who made Cena tap out like a little bitch. If Gunther could do that to the so-called greatest of all time, Styles should be worried about what happens to him after the bell rings. (If you don’t watch regularly, Gunther gets a lot of heat the second he mentions tapping out Cena.)

Gunther vs. AJ Styles 

Styles was all over Gunther early on, and he targeted Gunther’s leg with a series of kicks. Gunther slammed Styles on the apron, but Styles fought back with a sliding knee strike. Gunther cut off Styles again with a clothesline in the ring, but Styles kept fighting back until Gunther chopped him off the top rope. 

Gunther held control through a break and continued with chops following the break. Styles tried firing back with strikes, but Gunther decked him with a clothesline. There were dueling chants until Gunther did the ‘you can’t see me’ gesture. The hesitation allowed Styles to mount a comeback, and he hit three consecutive dragon screws (again targeting the leg). 

Styles avoided a clothesline and hit a Pelé kick. Styles applied the Calf Crusher, but Gunther got a rope break. Styles went to the apron and hit a forearm, but he ‘slipped’ on whatever he tried next, so Gunther chopped him. Gunther tried applying a sleeper, but Styles wrenched his leg in the ropes. 

Styles hit a springboard somersault leg drop to the leg of Gunther for two. (That was cool, and came completely out of nowhere.) Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Gunther dodged it, and they traded counters until Gunther hit a clothesline and powerbomb for two. 

They traded strikes and chops until Styles applied the Calf Crusher again, but Gunther escaped by smashing Styles’ head against the mat. Gunther popped up and hit a shotgun dropkick, but Styles again managed to apply the Calf Crusher. 

Styles suddenly let go and told the referee to raise his hand, claiming that Gunther tapped out. Styles motioned as though Gunther submitted by tapping his (Styles’) leg, but the referee had no idea what he was talking about, and he told the ring announcer, Alicia Taylor, that the match would continue. 

Styles was pissed, but went after Gunther. The ref was in the middle of talking to Taylor, so Gunther gave Styles a low blow. Gunther followed with a powerbomb for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Gunther defeated AJ Styles (17:53)

This was an excellent match until the finish. They showed a replay to explain what happened, and Wade Barrett suggested that Gunther tapped on purpose, knowing that the referee wouldn’t see it, and that Styles would let go. Styles looked like a goof for letting go despite a call not being made, so the follow-up will be important. I’m sure the fans will be into the Calf Crusher when they do the inevitable rematch, which was ultimately the point. 

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker World title match

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: January 5, 2026
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York 

The Big Takeaway —

CM Punk successfully retained his world title over Bron Breakker in an excellent main event, worth checking out if you missed it. There was a bunch of interference at one point, but they got everyone out of the way with enough time. 

Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky won the Women’s tag titles, while Becky Lynch regained the Women’s Intercontinental title. 

Je’Von Evans signed with Raw during a commercial break. 

Chris Jericho was not on the show.

**********

Show Recap — 

Michael Cole and Corey Graves (wearing a Hellfire Club t-shirt) welcomed us to a sold-out Barclays Center for a Stranger Things-themed edition of Raw. The graphics were all Stranger Things-related, and the establishing shot of New York was made to look like the Upside Down. There were also cars and other show gimmicks around the stage. 

Bron Breakker (and The Vision), CM Punk, Liv Morgan and Judgment Day, Becky Lynch, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley were shown arriving as the Stranger Things song played. 

(It was sort of funny—and fitting—seeing Breakker sternly march through the back ready for his first-ever world title while the Stranger Things track played.) 

Tonight’s sold-out crowd is 14,728. 

Women’s Tag Team Championship: Asuka & Kairi Sane (c) vs. Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY

After all the Stranger Things stuff, they went to commercial break 10 minutes into the show and just 39 seconds into the first scheduled match of the night. 

Ripley took control by hitting a cannonball off the apron ahead of the break, but when they returned, Sane pulled Asuka to safety on another attempt, and they drove Ripley into the barricade to take over. 

Ripley fought back and tagged in Sky, whose offence included a slingblade. That prompted Graves to mention Hiroshi Tanahashi and his retirement, which was nice. The heels got the advantage of Sky anyway, and Sane hit a leaping footstomp to Sky’s back while she was draped over the top rope—leading to another break barely 8 minutes in. 

Ripley got the hot tag and hit Sane with a Razor’s Edge, and Sky tagged back in. Sky followed with a flying dropkick for a nearfall. Crowd wanted a title change. 

Ripley gave Sane a Rip-tide as Sky set up for a moonsault, but Asuka shoved Ripley into Sky to knock her off the top, and followed with a Codebreaker on Ripley. Asuka tagged in and gave Ripley a German suplex (as Ripley yelled, “Oh, shit!”). Asuka and Sane double-teamed Ripley until Sky made the save and dumped Sane from the ring. Sky tagged in and hit Asuka with a running meteroa into the bottom rope. 

Ripley tagged in and hit Asuka with a Rip-tide, and Sky followed with a moonsault. Sky wiped out Sane with a dive, and Ripley covered Asuka for the pinfall win. New champs. The fans popped big. 

Match result: Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY defeated Asuka & Kairi Sane to win the Women’s Tag Team Champions (16:27) 

A pretty good, exciting match with a happy finish to kick off the new year. 

********

There was a video package for Punk vs. Breakker set to ‘This Land’ by Des Rocs. 

Adam Pearce congratulated the new tag team champs backstage. After they left, he was confused upon seeing a Demogorgon. 

Gunther approached Pearce next. Pearce advised Gunther that there were a lot of eyes on the show tonight, and a lot of eyes on Gunther, including from those in the locker room. He advised Gunther to mix in a little respect in his promo tonight. Gunther chuckled.

The next segment had a chapter title card like Stranger Things. It was Chapter Two: He who remains. (I assume they did this earlier, but I didn’t see it.) 

Gunther and AJ Styles segment

Gunther entered. He said he was told by management to show some respect, but people should be respecting him, the one man who made John Cena tap out. 

AJ Styles interrupted. The fans chanted for Styles as he got in Gunther’s face. Gunther called himself the greatest wrestler in this company (the crowd booed that), and that included Styles, because he was the man who made Cena tap out like a little bitch. Gunther wondered what “little AJ” was going to do about it. 

Styles smacked Gunther in the face. Gunther got in Styles’ face but didn’t retaliate. Styles wasn’t surprised and said, “That’s what I thought—nothing.” Styles chucked the microphone at Gunther and left the ring.

******** 

There was a video package for the Women’s IC title match. 

Ivy Nile told Pearce she didn’t plan on going to the back of the line and wanted the winner of tonight’s IC title match. Pearce wasn’t in the mood and told her that we’ll see. Nile reiterated that she would not go to the back of the line. (Someone should tell her it’s not a long line.) 

Gunther confronted Pearce and wanted Styles. Styles jumped in and told Gunther they could fight right now and asked if he would just stand there like a bitch. Gunther ignored Styles and demanded a match for next week. Pearce made it official. Styles was glad. 

******** 

The next title card was Chapter Three: It’s Not Just Her Saying It. 

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Becky Lynch 

Lynch wore gear inspired by her character in the upcoming Star Trek show. 

Lynch tried yanking Dupri off the apron, but Dupri countered by doing a pointless cartwheel. Dupri hit a boot to take control, but Lynch took control during a break by yanking Dupri off the middle rope. 

They returned from break, and there was a modest and brief “Y2J” chant. Dupri fired up and applied an ankle lock, but Lynch got a rope break. They traded come counters until Lynch hit a middle rope superplex and transitioned into a DDT for two. Lynch hit a back suplex, but Dupri came back with one of her own and a flying crossbody for two. 

Lynch set up for a powerbomb out of the corner, but Dupri slipped out and applied an ankle lock (this did not look good). Lynch tried flipping out of it, but Dupri held on while lying on the mat. 

Dupri’s back was down, so Lynch leaned backward, grabbed the bottom rope, and pinned Dupri for the win. Lynch is a two-time IC champion. 

Match result: Becky Lynch defeated Maxxine Dupri to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (11:37) 

This was not good at all, but the right person won. Moving on. 

********

Je’Von Evans signs with Monday Night Raw 

Pearce entered and showed a video for Je’Von Evans, who joined Pearce on the stage. Pearce officially signed Evans to a Raw contract, and the fans applauded. 

The good: doing this on the stage made Evans feel special. The bad: this happened during a commercial break. 

After the break, they aired a commercial for season two of WWE: Unreal. 

********

The Usos segment 

Jimmy and Jey Uso entered in the crowd and remained there. Jimmy had them cut Jey’s music, but played it back for the fans before they cut their promo. 

The Usos shouted out Styles and Dragon Lee for their match, but that was last week and last year. 2026 was the year of the Usos. This was a warning shot to every tag team in the game. Standing in front of you was the best tag team in the game. They’d be waiting right here for anyone who wanted to run up on them. 

********

Stephanie Vaquer walked through the back and passed The Creed Brothers, who were hanging out in a Scoops Ahoy boat from Stranger Things. 

Chapter Four: To Kiss a Devil 

Stephanie Vaquer segment 

Vaquer entered in a walking boot for an in-ring interview with Jackie Redmond. Cole said Vaquer suffered an ankle injury during last week’s successful title defence. 

Vaquer spoke about her special year—winning four titles, including the world title. She became emotional as she talked about her accomplishments and thanked everyone for their support. She spoke in Spanish about her title defence last week over Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. She pointed to her walking boot and said the injury would not stop her. 

She posed with the belt, but was attacked from behind by Rodriguez. Rodriguez repeatedly slammed Vaquer’s injured foot against the mat before hitting a Tejana Bomb. 

Rodriguez grabbed a chair and was about to Pillmanize her leg, but Pearce and other officials ran out to stop it. The crowd booed as Rodriguez confidently walked to the back. 

Officials helped an upset Vaquer to the back during a break. 

After the break, only two medical staff members remained with Vaquer to help her walk. Rodriguez charged right back in and attacked Vaquer again. Pearce, who left Vaquer on her own, ran in and screamed at Rodriguez. He threatened to fine her until she had nothing left. 

******** 

Backstage, Rey Mysterio gave Dragon Lee words of encouragement and said he would be champion again. Dragon Lee appreciated the advice and left to speak with Styles. 

Penta approached Rey to say he was happy to come back early to help him against the Vision (I guess they haven’t talked since that segment ended). Rey thanked him for having his back. Rey said Penta understood the tradition, honour, and respect of lucha libre, everything the Vision wanted to destroy. Penta told Rey he would always be there for him. 

Elle Duncan was ringside. 

Lyra Valkyria (w/ Bayley) vs. Liv Morgan (w/ Roxanne Perez)

This went through a break, and the crowd was relatively quiet until a wild-looking spot about 7 minutes into the match. Valkyria set up for Nightwing, but Morgan countered into what was likely supposed to be a Codebreaker. It basically was, but Valkyria took the move almost like a DDT, so she landed right on her head. It likely sounded and looked worse than it was for Valkyria, fortunately. 

Morgan distracted the ref, so Perez dropped the rope on Valkyria. Bayley went after Perez, but the ref stopped her, so Perez used that distraction to chuck Bayley into the timekeeper’s area. Bayley “snapped,” grabbed a chair, and chased Perez through the ring and to the back. 

Valkyria was not paying attention to her opponent, so Morgan flew in and hit Oblivion for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Liv Morgan defeated Lyra Valkyria (8:56) 

Valkyria has not won a match since October, and she wasn’t presented like she deserved to win this one. 

********

CM Punk interview 

Redmond interviewed CM Punk backstage. Redmond said some thought Breakker could win the title tonight with one spear. 

Punk said everyone had an opinion. They would rather talk about him, because if they talked about themselves, nobody would pay attention. Breakker could claim spear 1-2-3 if he wanted. But if Punk was the underdog, you were underestimating him, and that meant a GTS and a nap. It could happen to anybody, but tonight, it was Bron. 

********

Byron Saxton interviewed Logan Paul and Austin Theory during a break. It doesn’t really matter what they said. Logan got a ton of heat, while the monotonous Theory got none. 

The only thing announced for Raw in Germany next week (2 pm ET/11 am PT start time) is Gunther vs. AJ Styles for the first time ever. 

******** 

Chapter Six: The Best vs. The Badass.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Bron Breakker (w/ Paul Heyman)

Punk wore a Rick Steiner-inspired Varsity Club jacket with “CM” on the front. This was his first official title defence since winning the title back on November 1st.

They wrestled back and forth through an early break until Bron sprinted the ropes and clobbered Punk with a clothesline. Bron held control until Punk tried a desperation GTS, but Bron countered into a back suplex. Bron remained in control until Punk again tried a GTS, but Bron countered into a gutbuster for two. 

Punk spilled out of the ring, and Bron saw his opportunity to hit a running spear, but Punk cut him off with a clothesline ahead of a break. Punk followed with a clothesline off the barricade and a flying crossbody in the ring for two. Punk hit a running lifting knee strike and tried another, but Bron drove him into the middle turnbuckle and hit a standing moonsault for two. 

After a break, Bron went for a Frankensteiner, but Punk did not come down for it, and Bron almost fell on his head. This was not the planned spot, and they did not show a replay (instead, they randomly replayed Bron’s standing moonsault). Punk did know well enough to follow up with a flying elbow drop for two. 

Punk went back to the top, and Bron successfully hit the Frankensteiner. Bron got him up for a press slam, but Punk countered into a DDT. Punk hit a lifting knee strike, a clothesline, and a flying elbow drop. 

Punk called for a GTS, so it was time for interference. Paul Heyman jumped on the apron, so Punk chased him off. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Bronson Reed ran out and leaped on the apron, but Punk chased them all off, too (all right in front of the referee). 

Bron shoved Punk into the referee, who fell out of the ring, and Theory took the opportunity to hit Punk with a curb stomp. Bron made the cover for a nearfall. 

Penta, Rey and Dragon Lee all appeared from the crowd (after Penta’s music played) to attack the Vision and chase them away through the arena. 

That left Bron and Punk alone in the ring. Bron went for a spear, but Punk dodged it, and Bron went shoulder-first into the post. Punk followed with a GTS, which for sure felt like the finish, but Bron kicked out. The crowd was super into this sequence. 

Punk followed with a rare piledriver (“didn’t get all of it,” Cole said) for a two count. Punk went for another GTS, but Bron countered into a Fujiwara armbar. Punk slipped into a cover, but Bron reapplied the hold. Punk reversed that into an Anaconda Vice. Bron simply sat up to counter the hold to Punk’s surprise. Bron followed with a gutbuster and clothesline for a nearfall. 

Bron called for a GTS and went for the move, but Punk countered into an STFU. Bron got a rope break, so Punk went to reapply the move but became distracted by Heyman on the apron again. Punk punched Heyman. 

Bron tried to spear Punk, but Punk dodged it, and Bron spilled out of the ring. Punk went for a suicide dive, but Bron punched him in the face, and Punk splatted on the outside. Punk gathered himself by the announce desk, so Bron put him through it with a wild flying clothesline off the apron. 

Bron shoved Punk into the ring, dropped his straps, and went for a spear, but Punk got his knee up to block it. Punk followed with a GTS for the pinfall win. The crowd went nuts. 

Punk posed with his title belt as the show ended. 

Match result: CM Punk defeated Bron Breakker to retain the World Heavyweight Championship (26:34)

This was awesome. Both guys needed a match like this. Bron showed he can have a main event singles match, and Punk looked like a rightful world champion—and he got his first big title defence since returning to the company. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Three Stages of Hell stipulation reveal

Posted on by Marc Quill

The first WWE SmackDown of 2026 from Buffalo, New York is also the first of the year to be in a three-hour format.

The show will be headlined by the reveal of the stipulations for the upcoming Three Stages of Hell match between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.

There will also be a rare ambulance match between bitter rivals Damian Priest and Aleister Black where the winner must send their opponent packing in an ambulance.

A star-studded eight woman bout is on tap when Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss take on The Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax & Lash Legend. The match will be a preview for the WWE Women’s Tag Team title match between Asuka & Kairi Sane against Ripley & SKY on Raw this Monday.

The WWE Women’s United States Championship will be on the line as Chelsea Green defends against former titleholder Giulia.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

**********

– Over a live shot of the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY, Michael Cole welcomed us to the first SmackDown of 2025. Cole then tossed to a recap of last week’s events involving Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre, which included the Three Stages of Hell match coming next week being set up.

– Shots of the aforementioned Rhodes, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, plus the Kabuki Warriors and the team of Lash Legend & Nia Jax arriving to the arena were shown. Inside the SmackDown arena, we saw an Ambulance situated next to the stage for the Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black match later tonight.

– As Cole and Corey Graves were talking, they were interrupted by The Miz, who angrily said that we weren’t moving on to 2026 until he aired his grievances for 2025.

The Miz’s 2025 Grievances

Miz started off by stating that he should’ve been the one to make John Cena tap out because of their shared history. He said that while Cena was out riding off into the sunset, he was stuck in Buffalo instead. Grievance #2: Young superstars who didn’t heed his advice and that everybody didn’t respect him enough. Grievance #3: He was passed over for Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme. Grievance #5: Miz said that He (in reference to Joe Hendry) ruined his final SmackDown of 2025 and that Hendry bringing back a very “untrue” nickname (“Tiny Balls”) hurt him. Miz said that we would not bring that nickname back, as he called himself the new face of WWE after John Cena left. Miz made a cheap local sports team heat reference by stating that unlike Buffalo’s sports teams, he won championships as he boasted his accolades, which in Miz’s eyes, made him the locker room leader.

Before Miz could continue on, the long-awaited sounds of “Voices” hit, which signaled the return of one Randall Keith Orton to SmackDown. Orton got a great ovation from the Buffalo crowd, as they serenaded him with a singalong of his entrance theme. As Orton got into the ring, he made Miz flinch by pretending to go after him before he posed on the turnbuckle. After a good while of posing for the crowd and the crowd chanting for him. Miz tried to hype himself and Orton as the gatekeepers of the locker room and the faces of the WWE, as he suggested “Miz-KO” as a name for them.

Orton’s response to this idea? An RKO out of nowhere to the hapless Miz. The crowd chanted for Orton to do it one more time. And with a “Happy New Year, Miz!” Orton obliged the crowd’s request with one more RKO.

I think this was an effective way to bring Randy Orton back into WWE, though I am curious about what’s in store for him, especially with previous teases of him eyeing the Undisputed WWE Title. Will the long-awaited feud with Cody Rhodes finally happen at some point? Only time will tell.

**********

– Lash Legend & Nia Jax talked with the Kabuki Warriors and said that they were owed a Women’s Tag Title shot after their team-up tonight. Asuka and Kairi Sane brushed off the idea as they got ready for the big eight-woman tag match coming up next.

– After the break, Randy Orton met up with Cody Rhodes and explicitly stated to the Undisputed WWE Champion that he is gunning for the title once Rhodes dealt with Drew McIntyre next week. Nick Aldis warned Rhodes about the “no-touch” stipulation when McIntyre shows up later tonight to lay out the Three Stages of Hell stipulations. Rhodes said that he’d get a handle of it.

Eight-Woman Tag Match: Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss vs. Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane), Nia Jax, Lash Legend

The bell rang with the heel women attacking their foes as Ripley was left to face Asuka off to start this match. Asuka stomped away on Ripley, but had her last kick blocked. Asuka got sent to the outside by Ripley, as did Sane. Tag to Alexa Bliss, who barreled into the Kabuki Warriors with a dive from the apron as we took the first of (surely many) commercial breaks for tonight.

We returned from the break as Jax and Legend were double teaming Bliss, to no avail. Legend got thrown out of the ring as Bliss then flattened Jax with a tornado DDT. Bliss got the tag to Flair, who hit both Legend and Jax with the crossbody. Flair teed off on both her opponents with chops as Legend got dropped by the somersault clothesline. Flair connected with Natural Selection on Jax as she then headed to the top rope and made no mistake with the moonsault. However, Jax managed to kick out at two.

On the apron, Flair hit Legend with a boot, but failed to connect with a slingshot spear as Jax blocked that maneuver. Asuka got the tag but immediately got stacked up for the pin by Flair, who then applied the Figure Eight submission. However, Sane got on the top rope and hit an Insane Elbow on Flair. Sane got thrown out of the ring by Bliss, while SKY was tagged into the match and unleashed her wrath on both Kabuki Warriors. Double missile dropkick on both Asuka and Sane by SKY, as Ripley was pulled down from the apron just as she was set for the tag.

In the ring, SKY was taken out by a powerful boot from Legend, but that wasn’t enough to put this one away as we got a sports-style replay of said boot before we took another break in the action.

The match continued from commercial as SKY created some needed separation between her and Sane, but Asuka knocked Bliss off the apron. SKY dumped Asuka as Ripley entered the match for the hot tag. Ripley was on fire as she used an unorthodox offensive move by using Sane as a weapon to knock Asuka down. Things began to break down when Jax attacked Ripley and we got all the women in the ring taking one another out. Sane was caught by Ripley after a failed high-risk maneuver and got hgit with Riptide. SKY got the tag and hit the Over The Moonsault to pick up the win for her team.

IYO SKY, Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair, and Alexa Bliss def. The Kabuki Warriors & Nia Jax and Lash Legend via pinfall

A fun eight-man tag match to kick us off officially in 2026 as all eight women in this match can really go. Was certainly a good call to have SKY and Ripley pick up the win for their team as a mean to set up match against the Kabuki Warriors on Raw next week.

**********

– Backstage, Nick Aldis was talking with NXT’s Jordynne Grace, who was informed by Aldis that SmackDown’s 2026 could involve her. Chelsea Green appeared and tried to beg off of facing Giulia for the Women’s U.S. Championship. Mr. Aldis wasn’t buying it and threatened to “impeach” Green by stripping her of the Women’s U.S. Title.

– Several Buffalo Bills players (sans Josh Allen) were shown in the crowd enjoying the show.

Kit Wilson vs. Matt Cardona

Before the match, Wilson introduced himself as redefining masculinity as he took shots at the Bills Mafia and called them the “most toxic sports fans” in America. He was interrupted by the music of Matt Cardona (nee Zack Ryder), who was Wilson’s opponent.

The match kicked off with Wilson attacking Cardona as we were informed that the latter was officially part of SmackDown’s roster. Cardona fought back and stomped away on Wilson in the corner, as he then dropped him with a face-first flapjack. Cardona clotheslined Wilson out of the ring and hit him with a sliding dropkick. Wilson regained momentum with a kick to the back of Cardona’s head in the corner. Wilson targeted Cardona’s head with punches to the face as he then placed him in the top turnbuckle and looked like he had something big planned. Cardona countered with a dropkick from the top rope as he followed that up with a facebuster.

Cardona stunned Wilson and blasted him with the Broski Boot, followed by a double-underhook powerbomb for the near-fall. Wilson sent Cardona face-first to the turnbuckle and connected with the Tourniquet, but Cardona kicked out at two. Cardona got the victory with the move called the Rough Ryder.

Matt Cardona def. Kit Wilson via pinfall

That was decent, and I will say Cardona coming into WWE under his real name and the commentary acknowledging that was a bit interesting. Not sure where Cardona will fit in, as far as his placement on the card, though.

**********

– Damian Priest was interviewed about his Ambulance Match against Aleister Black later tonight, as he said that he was put through hell for six months by Black. Priest promised that his foe would be the one who would fade to black when all is said and done.

– The Wyatt Sicks had a video promo about Solo Sikoa and what the “meaning” of family was. Bo Dallas said that SIkoa didn’t comprehend the force that he is up against as he said that the Wyatts’ family was filled with millions of fireflies of around the world that will always remember. Dallas said that it was time to chop down Sikoa’s family tree, as he said that when the dust settles, they’d be the ones.

Sami Zayn returns to SmackDown

The former United States Champion made his return to SmackDown for the first time in quite some time, as he said that the last time we saw him, he got a chance to see John Cena’s last match with his son. Zayn said that Cena’s last match really hit him in some way as his son asked him why they called Cena “The Never Seen 17”. Zayn talked about how his son then asked how many times his dad has won it, as he recounted how it doesn’t make sense to that son has been wrestling all these champions and why that World Championship was missing.

Zayn said that it made him sick that he had to talk about being a World Champion last year, so he wants to do something about it as 2026 would be the year he’d be coming for the WWE Championship. The theme of Trick Williams interrupted Zayn, which brought the former two-time NXT Champion and former TNA World Champion to the scene.

Williams said that the “sexiest and most entertaining superstar” had finally arrived as he introduced himself to Zayn. He said that he was here for one reason: Nick Aldis called “1800-WHOOP-THAT” as SmackDown needed someone of his caliber. Williams said that Aldis needed someone on SmackDown who looks like a champion and that he was here to be World Champion. Williams said he wasn’t like Zayn, that he wasn’t someone who can almost get the job done like Zayn.

Zayn said that he had been watching Williams and that Aldis might’ve been right on the assessments made about him, but he told Williams that he hadn’t been humbled yet. Zayn declared that if Williams had no problem about interrupting him, Zayn said he’d have no problem with teaching him about what it means to be humbled.

Trick Williams joining the SmackDown roster and right away entering a feud with Sami Zayn is actually an interesting one for sure, and I think it’ll lead to a good match out of these two down the line. The story of “veteran wants to humble cocky rookie” is a simple, but effective one.

**********

– Carmelo Hayes was walking backstage when Ilja Dragunov approached him. The former U.S. Champion said taht he wanted to fight the best, and that Hayes gave him that for sure. Dragunov said that he believed it wouldn’t be the last time they’d face. Dragunov asked Hayes if he’d keep the U.S. Open Challenge going, to which Hayes said that he’d continue it once he dealt with Johnny Gargano.

– Rey Fenix was sharing a chat with Nick Aldis as Trick Williams complained about what Sami Zayn did moments ago. Aldis said that maybe Williams needed to be taught a lesson as he booked his debut for next week against Rey Fenix.

United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

Hayes went on the attack right away as he avoided a cheapshot from Gargano and threw him out before the match could get underway. Once the bell finally rang, Hayes met Gargano with a dropkick as he continued the attack in the corner. Hayes hit a nice leg drop on a downed Gargano and didn’t seem like he was going to lose momentum until a rolling kicked stopped the roll the U.S. Champion was on. Gargano’s advantage was fleeting as Hayes knocked him out with a knee to the face. On the outside, Gargano used Candice LeRae as a shield to avoid a dive as he nailed the U.S. Champ with a slingshot spear. A dive to the outside by Gargano on Hayes sent us to a break in the action.

Our match continued from the break with Gargano maintained his aggressive attack on Hayes, but a blocked boot allowed Hayes to hit his springboard lariat with authority. Hayes followed that up with his version of La Mistica for the near-fall as he hyped himself up. In the corner, Hayes hit Gargano with a kick to the back of the head as he hit the Fadeaway legdrop on his prone foe. On the top rope, Hayes connected with a frog splash, but Gargano kicked out again at two.

Hayes knocked Gargano down with a clothesline as he headed up top. Gargano intercepted him and struck hard, which left Hayes stunned. At the top, Hayes avoided an avalanche Air Raid Crash and attempted a superplex. However, Gargano reversed that into a final cut suplex as the sports-style replay tossed us to another break in this match.

We returned from the break as Hayes blocked Gargano’s springboard attempt from the apron with a cutter using the top rope, followed by a DDT onto the apron itself. In the ring, Gargano countered a facebuster attempt into a tornado DDT as Hayes just managed to kick out at two. Hayes stopped Gargano’s slingshot spear with a boot as he headed to the top rope. Candice LeRae created a distraction long enough for Gargano to finally hit the avalanche Air Rade Crash on Hayes. One, two… NO!

Gargano and Hayes got into a pinning exchange, but the former connected with First 48, followed by Nothin’ But Net and the three for the successful first U.S. Title defense.

Carmelo Hayes def. Johnny Gargano via pinfall to retain the U.S. Championship

A solid first defense for Hayes as the U.S. Title scene on SmackDown maintains its hot streak that kept it the most entertaining part of the show nearly every week. I’m glad that Hayes is also continuing the Open Challenge as mentioned before this match, because covering these U.S. Title matches always manages to be a highlight for me.

**********

– Tama Tonga was seen watching the match we just saw as Shinsuke Nakamura confronted him. With some history between these two former NJPW stars, Nakamura taunted Tama before he left. Solo Sikoa talked to Tama about how next week, it’d be the M.F.T.s & Wyatt Sicks in a four-on-four match, and that once their issues were settled with the Wyatts, they’d be gunning for those WWE Tag Titles.

– Jade Cargill was interviewed about what happened to Michin during a live show as she suffered a real injury during it. Cargill said that she deserved what happened as Jordynne Grace appeared and had some words for the WWE Women’s Champion. Grace turned Cargill’s words of being called “a bitch” back towards her, stating, “I’m Jordynne Grace, but you’re definitely one of those (i.e. “a bitch”).

– Elsewhere, Cody Rhodes asked Sami Zayn about Drew McIntyre’s whereabouts, and seemed a bit taken aback about Zayn’s championship ambitions. Before the conversation could linger on further, Nick Aldis appeared and was asked by Rhodes about McIntyre. With no clear answer, Rhodes said he’d be heading to the ring soon to see what’s what.

– We got another Oba Femi teaser, presumably again hinting his arrival to the SmackDown roster.

Cody Rhodes has some words for Drew McIntyre

The Undisputed WWE Champion made his way down to the ring, as promised. He entered the ring and immediately took of his suit and grabbed a microphone.

Rhodes rhetorically asked how one obtains the richest prize in sports entertainment, and that it was his mentality when approaching anyone in a WWE ring that led him to championship glory. That mentality being that he gets to the arena early with the belt in tow, because he wants the people to see him. Rhodes said that Drew McIntyre reeked of envy, but he was grateful for it, as he was just a mountain that he couldn’t wait to climb.

Rhodes said that while he was backstage, he was “playing dumb” and that he saw Drew McIntyre as nothing more but “lunch”. That’s because he’s the one who calls himself The Champ, and it won’t change in Berlin.

McIntyre interrupted from the Titantron and said Rhodes was as vanilla as it gets, as he said he thought hard to determine what the three stages of hell would be. McIntyre said the first Stage would be a traditional wrestling match, the second being Falls Count Anywhere. McIntyre declared that the third fall, if the match got that far, it would come down to a steel cage. He promised to break Rhodes physically next week, but he wanted to get ahead of things as he talked about how he ransacked Rhodes’ bus. McIntyre said that he got one item that meant so much to Cody, that being a photo of him and father Dusty Rhodes.

McIntyre mocked Rhodes and said that it would get real chilly down in hell, as McIntyre stomped on the photo. Rhodes angrily ran to the back and was stopped by security as McIntyre soon appeared in the ring and tried to goad Rhodes to come get him. “Happy New Year, Cody” McIntyre said as he took a lighter to the picture of Rhodes and his father and set it on fire.

An… interesting and good way to garner heat, I’ll admit. It just hurts that McIntyre will be taking yet another three-second tan next week in Berlin, and all this fantastic heel work as of late will be certainly going to waste. I know a lot of people will probably disagree with me on this front, but this feud with Rhodes has honestly soured me on McIntyre’s current character with the way he’s lost repeatedly and remained stuck in place. Feels like reliving Groundhog Day, if you ask me. A refresh of sorts for McIntyre is needed after this match, but I’ll happilly eat crow if somehow, he wins the title next week, even for a short while.

**********

Next Week on SmackDown – Berlin, Germany

  • Three Stages of Hell for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
  • Rey Fenix vs. Trick Williams
  • The Wyatt Sicks vs. The M.F.T.s

Women’s U.S. Championship: Chelsea Green (c) vs. Giulia

The challenger was aggressive from the get-go as she struck against Green in the corner with fierce stomps. Giulia grabbed Green by her hair and threw her across the ring. Another big boot by Giulia sent Green to the outside as Alba Fyre checked up on her ally. At ringside, Giulia maintained her ruthless attack on Green, but Fyre created a distraction at ringside, which allowed Green to get ahead with a dive from inside the ring. With Giulia down and out for the moment, we took a break.

We returned from commercial as Giulia had Green in a sleeper hold, but the Women’s U.S. Champ managed to escape that hold. The two then began trading strikes in the middle of the ring, as Green got the best of her foe with a set of clotheslines, followed by a kick. With Giulia stunned across the middle rope, Green connected with double knees to the back of her head.

In the middle of the ring, Green attempted the Un-Pretty-Her, but couldn’t capitalized. Green hit the Rough Ryder, but Kiana James got on the apron to distract the referee. Alba Fyre pulled James off the apron. Back with the match, Giulia intercepted Green on the top rope and hit an avalanche underhook DDT and rolled through for the Northern Lights Bomb on Green for the three to win the Women’s U.S. Championship.

Giulia def. Chelsea Green to win the Women’s United States Championship

It’s nice to see Giulia win gold once more, but disappointing that her victory barely got a reaction whatsoever, though that’s largely on the booking with regards to the SmackDown’s women’s division being kind of a mess, and it’s hurt the standing of stars like Giulia as a result. Hopefully, Giulia getting back the Women’s U.S. Title — and hopefully getting away from fighting Chelsea Green and company — means things are starting to change.

**********

– Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY spoke about becoming how they’d be the Women’s Tag Team Champions again on Raw this Monday. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss stated that they were next in line if Ripley & SKY win on Monday. However, Bliss stated that she wanted to wish SKY and Ripley the best of luck for Monday.

– Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae were licking their wounds after the former’s loss to Carmelo Hayes as Fraxiom confronted the two. Axiom said that he was going to talk to Nick Aldis to make a match between him and Gargano, and that he’d take back his mask once he beat Gargano.

The Ambulance backed onto the stage as the rules of this main event was explained just before the entrances.

Ambulance Match: Aleister Black vs. Damian Priest

Black attacked Priest from behind before he could even take off his entrance robe, which got this match underway. Priest eventually battled back and threw Black out of the ring as the action spilled to the outside. Black responded with a boot to the face as the battle made its way to the stage area and the ambulance. The doors were opened while Black tried to put Priest inside the vehicle. Priest pulled out a stretcher from the ambulance and pushed it onto the ribs of Black, as it was followed by a throw onto the base of the stretcher. We took a picture-in-picture break at this point of the match.

We returned to full-screen action with the action back inside the ring as Black and Priest traded kicks to one another. During the break, we saw footage of Black sending Priest through the table with a Meteora. Back to live action as Priest nailed Black with a lariat. As Black was stunned in the corner, Priest barreled into him with a splash. Outside the ring, Priest sent Black over the commentary table with a running pounce while Zelina looked on in concern.

Black shoved Priest into the ringpost as he grabbed a chair and hit his opponent in the spine with it. Black put Priest’s face across the seated portion of the chair and kicked it to cause more pain. As Black teed up another chair shot to Priest, he was grabbed by the neck and chokeslammed across the hardest part of the ring.

Inside the ring, Priest kicked Black as he was sat on the top rope, and hit a massive hurricanrana from the top rope. Black responded with a spinning kick as both men were down for the count and we headed to another picture-in-picture break.

The SmackDown main event returned with Priest and Black brawling it out on the stage. Black got the best of Priest with a throw to the LED screen as Black told Zelina to open the ambulance doors. As the doors opened, Rhea Ripley was awaiting Zelina and chased her to the ring. Inside the ring, Ripley took Zelina out of the equation with a Riptide. Back on the stage, Black battered Priest with stomps and tried to drag him into the ambulance, to no certain avail. After a struggle, Black managed to put Priest in the ambulance, but couldn’t get both doors closed.

With a crutch in hand, Priest struck it across the back of Black, as he then drove the handle portion right onto the chest. Priest was pushed into the ambulance door with Black following that up with a knee to the face. Priest managed to prevent further calamity with a fire extinguisher shot to the face of Black. This was followed up by Priest throwing a fireball in Black’s face, which left the Dutchman writhing in pain. Priest closed the ambulance doors and pulled out an equipment table from the stage as he grabbed Black and looked like he was going to hit the Razor’s Edge. Black escaped that fate and hit Priest with another knee to the face.

Black attempted to throw Priest onto the side of the ambulance, but found himself thrown there instead. Priest was stunned by a knee from Black. An equipment case was pulled by Black, but Priest countered and hoisted him up for a Razor’s Edge onto the windshield of the ambulance. Priest took Black’s lifeless body and put himself on top of the ambulance. With both men on the top, Priest held Black and threw him through the equipment table that was setup beside the rear ambulance doors.

With Black unable to fight back, Priest dragged him to the ambulance doors and threw him inside. Priest then shut the doors to put an end to this match and pick up the win.

Damian Priest def. Aleister Black via pinfall

**********

As a feud-ender (hopefully), that match seemed rather lifeless and didn’t feel like it was worthy of being the main event for this three-hour SmackDown. Things really didn’t pick up until Rhea Ripley’s cameo and the table spots by the ambulance near the end. I’ve been on record with saying that this Priest vs. Black feud has been a drag to follow since June of last year, and I just feel relief that things are seemingly over now and the two can finally move on to other things.

As far as the rest of the first three-hour SmackDown was concerned, it was a mostly entertaining show and not as terrible as I had feared it to be. The U.S. Title scene once again stole the show and picked up right where they left off, and the Rhodes/McIntyre title match is at least getting some good head ahead of next week — even if I feel that McIntyre can stand to do better. Plus, debuts like Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace helped tease exciting developments ahead.

Whether or not SmackDown being okay in a three-hour format is sustainable remains anyone guess, but I will admit that tonight was not a bad start at all on that front.

WWE Raw live results: Two title defenses

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Two title defenses headline tonight’s live WWE Raw from Orlando, Florida.

In one, WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends against both Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez in a triple threat. Vaquer has defended against both women individually with Bella interfering in the Rodriguez match two weeks ago.

WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee will look to defend their titles against The Usos who are looking for their first title reign since April 2023.

In his first singles match since his return, The Vision’s Austin Theory will battle Rey Mysterio after Theory pinned him in a tag match last week.

The announced card is rounded out by an appearance from The Vision (Theory, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman) who will kick off the show at 8 pm Eastern.

**********

It’s the final RAW of 2025, which means we will hopefully get a glimpse into some of what might be coming down the pipe in early 2026! The Royal Rumble is just over a month away and we are knocking on the door of Wrestlemania season.

The show opened with a recap of Austin Theory’s return as the masked man and as a new kind of “taker” now that he’s aligned with The Vision. Then they showed Rey Mysterio Jr with his dog and the Usos arriving to work. Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer also arrived to work without incident.

Backstage, The Vision; Austin Theory, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman all met up and headed to the ring. As he does, Heyman spoke for the group first. Before he could fully let us know what his name is though, the crowd began chanting “CM Punk.”

Heyman said that Punk could have been in Vision if he had listened to him, but he stupidly placated the audience instead. Heyman claimed that in five years, fans would look back at all the Wrestlemania main eventers standing in the ring right now started their journey tonight.

Heyman then officially welcomed Theory to The Vision, but did so without mentioning his awesome new coat. Theory took the mic, saying he had waited his entire life and career for this moment. Before he could get too deep into it though, In Living Colour played out sauntered the World Heavyweight Champion, one Chick Magnet Punk.

Punk said that he didn’t come out here to listen to Theory, he came out here to talk to Breakker. Punk said, yeah The Vision could attack him, but it would probably mean that there wouldn’t be a title match between him and Breakker on Jan 5th.

With that safety net in place, Punk asked Breakker to send The Vision away so they could talk one on one. Breakker guaranteed Punk’s safety and invited him into the ring, sending the other members of the Vision to ringside.

Punk and Breakker went nose to nose and Breakker said that he’s tired of people saying he’s the “future” he’s the “now” and Punk shouldn’t take his experience lightly. He got really animated and sounded very much like a Steiner in this moment.

Breakker went on to say that because of his family name his entire career has been under a microscope and so what if he didn’t “pay his dues” on the indies? On Jan 5th, Breakker said that he is willing to die for the World Heavyweight Champion and knows Punk is too, and he’s more than happy to bury him.

Punk said that he knows Breakker is ready for the big time, but Punk isn’t ready to give it up to him. Punk put the belt on the mat and dared Breakker to pick it up. Punk said that Breakker doesn’t get that the title is a heavy privilege, and Breakker isn’t CM Punk and that’s the difference. Punk will see him on Jan 5th, and with that the segment was over.

-Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez was interviewed about her spot in the triple threat match for the Women’s World Championship. Before she could get into it though, Liv Morgan showed up and told Rodriguez that she needs to win for the Judgement Day. Rodriguez said she could handle it and that she didn’t need luck.

Triple Threat Match for the WWE Women’s World Title: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs Nikki Bella vs Raquel Rodriguez

Here’s what I like about Stephanie Vaquer: Everything.

However, Rodriguez and Bella have both had multiple bites at the apple and if one of them can’t get it done here, then hopefully Vaquer and the title will move into a new feud, possibly with the literal Christian Devil who wants their horns back.

The bell rang and they started arguing with Bella declaring “Ima legend!” Rodriguez took that opportunity to throw her to the ground and Vaquer tried to steal one with a rollup. They moved to the outside and fought with Bella taking control.

It was here that the announce team decided to let us know that Dirty Dom Mysterio is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury (!!!). They also added the context that JD McDonagh is out as well, so The Judgement Day could really use this win.

Anyway, back in the ring Bella and Vaquer fell victim to Rodriguez’s power. Bella was taken out and Vaquer fought back with a headbutt, but Rodriguez immediately struck back and put her in twisting wristlock before throwing her to the mat for an elbow. Vaquer kicked out at two.

Bella leapt off the top turnbuckle, but Rodriguez caught her and threw her aside. She grabbed Vaquer and put her in a Gory Special, trying to make her tap. Vaquer was able to keep her cool and reverse it into a sunset pin, but Bella broke it up.

Vaquer took control and went for a Devil’s Kiss on Bella, but Rodriguez broke it up and sent Bella to the outside. Vaquer tried to go up top, but Bella pulled her off, then ripped Rodriguez’ leg out from underneath her. Bella locked an STF on Rodriguez, but Rodriguez out powered here and reversed it into a leg lock.

Vaquer flipped them both over and delivered a double Devil’s Kiss to both women. She then put them both in opposite corners for duelling meteoras. She hit a dragonscrew on Bella and then twisted Rodriguez’ knee with another.

Bella slipped to the outside and tripped Vaquer on the apron (the Devilest part of the ring!) and Rodriguez knocked them both to the outside. Rodriguez bounced Bella’s head off the announce table and tried for a pin on Vaquer, but no dice as Vaquer kicked out.

Rodriguez came back with a lariat and exited the ring to make sure Bella wasn’t an issue by dropping her face first on the ring apron. She tossed her back in the ring, but Bella kicked her off before she could make a pin. Rodriguez was still in control though and hit a twisting Vader bomb on Bella.

She then went back to Vaquer in the corner, peppering her with elbows. She set Vaquer up on the turnbuckle, but Vaquer kicked her in the face about it and put on a rope-assisted armbar. Bella broke it up though because we can’t have nice things.

All three climbed to the top turnbuckle and somehow Bella got a double superplex on them both. She couldn’t land a pin on either woman though and went for an AA on Vaquer, but Rodriguez interrupted it with a big boot. She then tried a powerbomb, but Bella got free and walked right into Vaquer hitting a big angel wing piledriver. Rodriguez broke up the pin though.

Vaquer hit a jawbreaker on Rodriguez but she blocked the next move and Vaquer was forced to resort to a small package that didn’t land. Rodriguez dragged Vaquer to the corner and went for a high move, but Bella pulled Vaquer out of the way and tried to get a quick pin.

Rodriguez then picked up Vaquer and Bella, but Vaquer worked herself out and Bella took the brunt of a powerbomb. Vaquer then threw Rodriguez out of the ring after she had given Bella a tahana bomb and scooped up Bella for the pin to retain the title.

Match Result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez

-Backstage Gunther was interviewed about his disrespectful behaviour but was interrupted by John Cena’s #1 fan, R-Truth. Truth called Gunther some bad names and warned him that after retiring Goldberg and Cena, there wouldn’t be a third. Gunther laughed and said “see you in the ring” to Truth, so I assume they are having a match eventually. Maybe even tonight!

-Next, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Auska and Kairi Sane aka The Kabuki Warriors came to the ring with fans and parasols at the ready. They danced through a commercial break and a recap of Auska and Rhea Ripley’s match last Monday.

Auska grabbed a mic and gloated about beating Ripley last week. She then did a lot of yelling in Japanese (probably saying that she really was enjoying herself and had a nice dinner) and then switched to english to call the crowd “stupid babies.”

Sane went next and talked for a bit, but Auska grabbed her mic and said that Rhea and Iyo Sky would pay for their disrespect. Suddenly we were all treated to her brutality as Ripley’s music hit and she and Iyo Sky marched to the ring. The Kabuki Warriors bailed, but that didn’t stop Ripley and Sky who started a brawl.

Ripley took out Auska, but Sane threw Sky back-first into the announce table. When Ripley went to check on her, Auska jumped her and the Kabuiki Warriors set her up for the Insane Elbow. Sky came back though and broke it up. They both took out the champs who slunk away with their belts, setting up a match between the two teams for Jan 5th.

-Backstage, Rey Mysterio was warming up and chatted with CM Punk. Mysterio said that he’s covered tonight and Punk doesn’t need to worry about him. Punk said OK, and left, presumably to take Mysterio’s Dog out for a piddle.

Gunther vs R-Truth

So hey, look at that! Gunther absolutely soaked up the crowd’s hatred of him, loving being the heeliest of heels that ever done heeled. He climbed up on the announce table and took off his jacket to reveal he was wearing a shirt that looked like he made himself with a picture of John Cena tapping out and the words “Tap Like a…” underneath (more than likely now available at wweshop.com).

Gunther grabbed a mic and said that the audience’s anger is misdirected. They should be mad at Cena who tapped out like “a BITCH!” (this was during a commercial break so they can use devilishly salty language if necessary).

Truth arrived to avenge his childhood hero and went right at Gunther off the bell. He caught him looking and peppered him with punches and kicks for a few minutes until Gunther chopped him into next week. Truth tried to fight back, but Gunther was in control and went for a powerbomb. Truth countered but still ended up getting chopped in the corner.

Gunther threw a devastating lariat and asked if Truth was going to give up. He pounded on Truth again and again, doing the Cena “you cant see me” gesture. That fired up Truth and he hit a shoulder tackle, but unfortunately, Gunther has huge shoulders and he barely felt it. Gunther then powerbombed Truth, pinned him, but pulled him up at two.

Gunther laid in some elbows then put Truth in the same sleeper he put Cena in. Truth tapped out and Gunther celebrated his victory.

Match Result: Gunther defeated R-Truth

-Backstage, the Usos were shown with Jimmy in high spirits, but Jey seeming a little down in the dumps. Jey said that he feels like everywhere he turns, he’s losing. He doesn’t want to put his brother in a bad spot. Jimmy said that was nonsense, Jey’s a world champion and multiple tag champion. He’s got everyone ready to yell “yeet” and he needs his brother. Jey stood up, seemingly back into it, but took a bit of a lingering moment to leave after Jimmy.

-Teenage moustache enthusiast Byron Saxton interviewed Finn Balor at ringside about the state of the Judgement Day. Balor said that they are ending 2025 on a rough note with injuries and failed championship attempts. Balor said that all of it had him thinking about the success he had in NXT. Balor said that he was going to put The Judgement Day on his back like he did for NXT and carry them all into 2026.

-World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee were shown talking to Je’Von Evans backstage. They said that they were proud of Evans no matter where he ends up. They were interrupted by El Grande Americano and his Americanos. They stepped to Evans, but Styles and Lee had his back. They all spoke a lot of Spanish (I assume they were discussing the Toronto Maple Leaf’s chances at a Stanley Cup) and then left with Evans and Styles admitting they had no idea what was said.

-Austin Theory was shown warming up backstage. The rest of the Vision showed up to encourage him and welcome him to The Vision. Again. Someone made the mistake of giving Logan Paul a chance to talk and he admitted that he was a little nervous joining the Vision, but Theory has it locked down. Heyman suggested that Paul and Theory bond by having Paul walk Theory to the ring for his match against Rey Mysterio.

Austin Theory vs Rey Mysterio Jr.

Theory came down to the ring with Paul, new music and a new entrance pose. So couple that with his new haircut and jacket and things are going pretty good for AT!

The bell rang and Theory aggressively went at Mysterio, throwing him into the corner. Mysterio countered with a back elbow and hurricanrana. Theory popped back up and laid some haymakers on Mysterio though, until Mysterio countered with a jawbreaker.

Theory kept up the agression until Mysterio got him in position for a 619. Theory rolled out of the ring and Mysterio followed. Theory caught him and slammed him into the ring post (the postiest part of the ring!) and the ring apron (The mysterioest part of the ring!) before tossing him back in for an irish whip off the turnbuckle.

Theory stomped Mysterio’s hand then set him up for a flapjack, but Mysterio tried to roll him up and steal one. Theory kicked out at two and began stomping Mysterio’s knees. A sneering Theory continued beating Mysterio from post to post, working his back and legs, both of which Mysterio has a history of injuries with.

Theory put Mysterio in a tree of woe, but Mysterio countered when he charged and hit a West Coast Pop into a hurrucanrana. He then punched him in the head 10 times, but Theory countered with a big boot. Paul began offering advice and Theory picked up Mysterio in a torture rack position. Mysterio countered into a DDT, but could only get a two count.

Mysterio set Theory up and landed a 619, but after that Paul tripped him from the outside causing a DQ.

Match Result: Rey Mysterio defeated Austin Theory via DQ.

After the match, Paul and Theory beat down Mysterio until who should arrive? PENTA! He came down and made the save, setting up Paul for a 619 before throwing him over the top rope via lariat. The two Luchadores celebrated in the ring as Theory and Paul slipped away.

-Backstage, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky cut a pre-taped promo about how they are going to beat the Kabuki Warriors next week.

-Then AJ Styles and Dragon Lee were shown working out in preparation for their match with Lee working out WITH HIS DRAGON WINGS ON. Amazing. In my head, he now wears them everywhere.

-Next, The New Day joined Byron Saxton at ringside and cut a promo about how the WWE Tag Division is dead with Lee and Styles as Champions. If the Usos win tonight, then the division will be in Hell. Woods took the mic and reminded everyone who the most decorated tag team in WWE is. (spoiler, it’s them). Woods said that the audience should thank gaaaaaaaawd for the New Day, and it was over.

-Then Joe Tessitore reminded everyone that Smackdown and Saturday Night’s Main Event are coming to Montreal in January and I can afford to go to neither of them.

-After I’d finished crying about that, Women’s Intercontinental Champion Maxxine Dupri came to the ring to “you deserve it” chants from the crowd. Dupri said that Becky Lynch can complain about not being champion all she wants, “but on Jan 5th–” and then then Man came around and Lynch walked to the ring mic in hand, denying that she tapped to Dupri last week.

Lynch said the only thing she tapped over was living in Orlando. She went to enter the ring and Dupri stopped her, threatening to make her tap again. Lynch called her a “moody Maxxine” and said she came to give Dupri credit. She used to think Dupri was awful, the worst she’d ever seen. But over the last few weeks, she’s gotten a tiny bit better and managed to steal a title, so that’s pretty good.

Dupri said that she earned this title and will prove it next week as she defends her title against Lynch again. Lynch became enraged, saying she came out here to be nice and is a “very nice person” but Dupri has nothing on her. She is the greatest female wrestler of all time and even Sports Illustrated and The Bleacher report say it (No F4W shoutout, I see. Such a heel).

Lynch said that Dupri needs to ask herself if shes as good as she thinks and then welcomed Dupri to “the big time” and left.

-Trick Williams was shown talking with Adam Pearce in the back. Trick is in a bidding war between RAW and Smackdown and left a card with Pearce. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria arrived complaining about their lack of Women’s Tag Championship matches. Bayley called Pearce an idiot and they left. Pearce called for a drink.

WWE World Tag Team Championship Match: AJ Styles and Dragon Lee (c) vs The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

The Usos Yeeted their way through the crowd (giving this reporter a chance to pee) and the Main Event of the evening was here. Lee and Styles came to the ring prompting me to wonder aloud to no one “how is this team not called Dragon Style?” I recieved no answer from the empty room, so I went back to focusing on the match at hand.

Jey and Styles started things off with a lockup. Jey got Styles into the corner and the ref broke it up. Off of that, Jey dodged a Styles charge and threw a fist in his face. Styles responded with a dropkick and tagged in Lee. They double teamed Jey who rolled out of the ring. Jimmy tried to intervene and they sent him out too.

Lee and Styles let them collect themselves and get back up on their corner. Jey was still legal and faced off against Lee, who had him out of the gate with some hard punches. Lee used Jey’s Yeet gesture and tagged Styles back in who went for a quick cover. Jey kicked out at two.

Jey managed to get near enough his corner for Jimmy to tag in and he locked a wrenching headlock onto Lee, twisting his neck back and forth. Lee started fighting out of it, but Jimmy threw him at the ground and locked it back in, working the head and neck even harder.

Lee got out of it and landed a double stomp on Jimmy to change the momentum. Styles made a blind tag and chopped Jimmy against the ropes. He delivered a back elbow to Jimmy and Jey hit a high kick through the ropes while the ref’s back was turned.

Jey tagged in officially and stomped Styles’ midsection. He tagged in Jimmy and held Styles for Jimmy to throw some chops. Lee tagged in and hit a headscissor on Jimmy. He then hit a springboard dropkick in the corner and charged Jimmy as he staggered to his feet. Jimmy dodged it and tagged in Jey.

Lee caught Jey in a sit out powerbomb, but Jey kicked out at two. Jey rolled out and Lee went to dive after him, but Jimmy grabbed his ankles and dragged him to the outside. Jimmy pulled the cover off the announce table, but Styles leapt off the stairs to stop him. Jey leapt over the top rope to take out Styles and put Jimmy back in the ring.

Lee rolled back in and the crowd chanted for tables. Jey tagged in for a headbutt on Lee, then Jimmy tagged back in. They traded shots and tags on an isolated Lee for a few minutes, cutting him off from making the tag to Styles.

Jey snuck another shot to Lee behind the ref’s back and Jimmy pounded him in the corner. “Lets Go Usos/AJ Styles” chants broke out, much to Jimmy’s confusion. Jey tagged in and knocked Styles off the apron. Jimmy tagged back in and chopped Lee in the corner, setting him up on the top turnbuckle.

Jimmy went for a DDT, but Lee countered it into a big double stomp. Lee got the hot tag to Styles as Jimmy got one to Jey and they met in the middle of the ring. Styles started spamming kicks and punches, taking out Jey and Jimmy. He set Jey up for a Styles Clash, but Jey powered out and hit a spear before tagging in Jimmy who hit an Uso Splash off the top.

Jimmy pinned Styles, but he kicked out at 2.9. Jimmy went up top for another one, but Lee pulled him off the turnbuckle. Jey charged him, but Lee dodged and Jey hit his head on the ring post. Jimmy moved to the outside and Lee dove after him driving him onto the announce table.

Back in the ring, Styles and Jey battled until Styles was able to get a Styles Clash in. He pinned Jey, but he kicked out at two. “This is awesome” chants rained down as all four caught their breath and returned to their corners.

Lee hit a double stomp, and Styles went for another Clash, but Jimmy came back in and took out Lee. Styles went for the Phenonmenal Forearm but met a double superkick from the Usos. The Usos quickly hit a flurry of moves including a 1D on Lee to pin Styles to win the World Tag Team titles for the ninth time!

Match Result: The Usos defeated AJ Styles and Dragon Lee

The Usos celebrated as they left through the crowd with their titles and as the fireworks went off, I dare say that Jey Uso has found his smile again.

WWE SmackDown live results: Drew McIntyre returns

Posted on by Marc Quill

On the final SmackDown of 2025 — and the final two-hour edition before a return to three hours starting next week — Drew McIntyre makes his return to SmackDown to address being granted another WWE Championship shot against Cody Rhodes. We’ll find out more information about that upcoming title bout tonight.

Joe Hendry makes his official SmackDown debut tonight when he faces The Miz in one-on-one action. Miz took exception to Hendry and R-Truth attacking him at Saturday Night’s Main Event and is looking to spoil the debut of Hendry.

The United States Championship open challenge continues on as Ilja Dragunov is set to take on a mystery foe after he and Carmelo Hayes dispatched #DIY in short order last week.

Tonight’s show was taped last Friday at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Full spoilers can be found here.

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

**********

– Previously on SmackDown: Cody Rhodes addressed the Drew McIntyre situation and declared himself “the law”, much to the chagrin of Nick Aldis.

– Following that, we saw Rhodes being confronted by Nick Aldis, who reminded him if McIntyre issued the apology to referee Dan Engler and paid the fine, Rhodes cannot touch him or he’d be stripped of his Undisputed WWE Title. After Rhodes left, The Miz angrily demanded that Joe Hendry’s music not be played. However, just as Aldis said his name, the ever-infectious music of Mr. Hendry hit and we cut to the ring.

Joe Hendry arrives on SmackDown

In the ring, Hendry was with people dressed as Santa (which included Alpha Academy’s Akira Tozawa and Otis) and the Easter Bunny. Hendry then proceeded to sing a song about how Miz supposedly has “tiny balls” in the style of Jingle Bells. The Miz himself interrupted in anger as he marched down to the ring. Hendry said that he knows the reason why Miz was upset, it was because he wasn’t here to sing the song with everyone. Hendry then continued his song as Miz raised his hand to shut everyone up.

Miz said that he was chasing a legacy earned with pain, while Hendry was chasing choruses. And now with John Cena retired, Miz claimed he earned the right to be the locker room leader to lead WWE in the future. Miz then challenged Hendry to a match right now. GM Aldis interjected and said that this Miz vs. Hendry match would be a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.

This segment was a decent primer on who Joe Hendry is, but not sure if I approve of the whole “tiny balls Miz” bit continuing to be a thing. Honestly, just not my kind of humor.

**********

Miracle on 34th Street Fight: Joe Hendry vs. The Miz

The ringside area was surrouned by Christmas-themed decorations, as well as Santa Otis, Tozawa, and the Easter Bunny.

As the bell rang, Hendry went for a side headlock takeover and escaped a hold by Miz. In response, Miz kicked Hendry in the gut, but got dropped by a shoulder block. Hendry lifted Miz for a long stalling suplex, which sent his opponent rolling out of the ring. As Hendry headed out of the ring, he opened a gift and found a guitar inside it. Meanwhile, Miz pulled out a ukelele, and then a pair of small ornaments — because he supposedly has tiny balls, you see.

Hendry hip tosssed Miz into a Christmas tree as he pulled out the Slim Jim-branded table from underneath the ring, which then set up inside the ring. Miz snuck up on Hendry and tried for a roll-up pin, to no avail. Skull-Crushing Finale was countered by Hendry, who then attempted a Standing Ovation on his opponent. Miz managed to escape that move. An incensed Miz began to elbow drop a gift thrown in the ring by the Easter Bunny as we took a break in the action.

The match returned from commercial as Hendry and Miz willed themselves to get back on their feet. Hendry was first as he nailed a clothesline on the Miz before he requested Santa Otis and Tozawa to hand him the Christmas tree from ringside. With tree in hand, Hendry struck Miz as he then delivered a fallaway slam on him. Hendry then took the tree and did a fallaway slam on it that sent the tree towards Miz.

Hendry got himself hyped as he went for another Standing Ovation, Miz countered and escaped the ring as he kicked Tozawa. He took a candy cane kendo stick and struck the Easter Bunny with it before Santa Otis blocked the shot from the weapon. This opened Miz up for a kendo stick strike from Hendry. Santa Otis, Tozawa and the Easter Bunny entered the ring with Hendry as they surrounded Miz. Hendry delivered another fallaway slam as Santa Otis then hit a very festive Caterpillar on Miz. Tozawa hit the senton from the top rope on Miz following that. The Easter Bunny then unmasked to reveal it was R-Truth underneath all along. “Happy Easter!” shouted Truth as he did the Five-Knuckle Shuffle. Hendry hit Miz from behind with the guitar as he then hit Standing Ovation through the table for the victory in this match.

Joe Hendry def. The Miz via pinfall

Just a fun little match, and a perfect way to integrate Hendry into the SmackDown roster. These holiday-themed street fights are always entertaining.

**********

– Backstage, Carmelo Hayes was talking with Fraxiom before Ilja Dragunov interrupted and asked to speak with Hayes. Dragunov said that he enjoyed teaming up against #DIY with Hayes last week, but it eats him alive that his U.S. Title match against Hayes went the way it did a few weeks back. Dragunov said that the Open Challenge was closed because it’d be him against Hayes for the U.S. Championship. Hayes shook Dragunov’s hand as the match was set for tonight.

– Drew McIntyre was shown arriving and immediately asked about what stipulation he’d choose for his match against Cody Rhodes. McIntyre said he was tired from the flight for Scotland, but he promised that tonight, we’d have all the answers as it related for this match.

– We got another promo from Aleister Black as he talked about a talented man named Damian Priest, as he and Zelina discussed that they were there to remind him about what he buried, and that they made him supposedly honest. Black said that this would end when he says it ends, and that he would end what he created. We learned that these two would face off on next week’s SmackDown.

– Byron Saxton interviewed WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill about her fight with Michin, as she challenged her to a fight. Elsewhere, Michin & B-Fab discussed how things would get bad real quick because of the current situation. Michin said that nobody respected Cargill in the locker room and that she needed to be humbled. And that lesson in humbling would come next week, according to Michin.

Lash Legend (w/ Nia Jax) vs. Charlotte Flair (w/ Alexa Bliss)

Flair sized up her massive foe as the bell rang before the two got into a test of strength. Legend showed her strength as she had the advantage on Flair early on. Legend dropped Flair with a scoop slam as she got chopped in the chest in response. Legend fought back with a hard clothesline that left Flair reeling as she then slammed her opponent’s face on three separate turnbuckles. Flair avoided calamity in the corner, but could not avoid the big roaring uppercut by Legend for the near-fall.

Legend missed with a running boot in the corner and got kicked on the side of her head by Flair. However, she slowed down her foe with a pop-up powerbomb as we took a break in the action.

SmackDown continued from the break with Legend hoisting Flair and repeateadly dropping her up and down across the middle and bottom ropes before she hit a scoop slam. Legend then applied a resthold on Flair that was promptly broken out of. Flair showed some fire with a rally of strikes, followed by her signature turnbuckle dodge and a big boot to Legend. Flair headed up top and connected with the crossbody, which fired her up.

Flair chopped away at Legend as only she could as she tried for her somersault clothesline. Legend countered that with a hard big boot for a cover that Flair kicked out of. Legend lifted Flair up for a powerbomb, but got turned into a sunset flip pin for a two-count of her own. Legend attempted the Lash Extension, but Flair reversed it into a DDT instead. Flair climbed to the top rope and connected with a moonsault for another near-fall.

Flair targeted Legend’s leg as Nia Jax got on the apron to cause a successful distraction. Outside the ring, Alexa Bliss attacked Jax for a bit. Back in the ring, Flair got the victory with a quick roll-up pin from the corner.

Charlotte Flair def. Nia Jax via pinfall

A good little match and Legend did manage to keep pace with a veteran like Flair. 2025 has been a fantastic revitalization for Charlotte Flair, which is nice to see. This run with Bliss has been one of the few highlights in WWE in an otherwise dull year.

**********

– In Nick Aldis’s office, Trick Williams from NXT was here to meet with Aldis, stating that he was expecting a huge offer from Raw to sign with them, so he wanted Aldis to hurry up on a deal of his own. Cody Rhodes appeared and had a brief staredown with Williams, who left. Rhodes asked if Drew McIntyre has apologized to Dan Engler and paid the fine yet. Aldis said that Rhodes needed to control his emotions. Williams returned and said he wasn’t done and told Rhodes to hold onto that Undisputed WWE Title real tight.

– Solo Sikoa and the M.F.T.s addressed the Wyatt Sicks, stating that his group doesn’t run from fear, they crave fear. Sikoa said that the fireflies were fading away and concluded by again mockingly singing “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”.’

United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Carmelo Hayes

The match started fast with both Dragunov and Hayes striking one another as things turned into hard-hitting violence right away. Dragunov hit Hayes with repeated knee strikes as he then stunned him with an enzuigiri. The U.S. Champion then connected with his German Suplexes on Hayes, that the challenger valiantly tried to escape. On the third attempt, Hayes tried to escape, but got battered by hard elbows to the back of the head from Dragunov.

Dragunov threw Hayes overhead with a modified back suplex, as he then hit him hard with a chop. In the corner, a big boot from Dragunov sent Hayes crashing into the floor as we took a break in the action.

As this U.S. Title match resumed from commercial, Dragunov still had the momentum with strikes in the corner on Hayes, who was barely surviving the onslaught. Hayes blocked a big boot from Dragunov and hit him with a slap across the face. Hayes was on the offensive as he hit a hard clothesline on the U.S. Champion. Hayes ducked a strike from Dragunov and leapt from the second rope for a springboard clothesline. Dragunov blocked an attempted hurricanrana from Hayes and then hit him with a running knee to the face. Dragunov headed up to the top rope and missed with the senton as Hayes dodged at the last second. This allowed Hayes to hit his own version of La Mistica for the near-fall.

Hayes kicked at Dragunov’s head repeatedly as he then chopped away at his chest. Dragunov beckoned him to hit harder as he then responded with a strike. Dragunov teed up Hayes for the H-Bomb, but was met by a kick instead. Hayes leapt again from the second rope and hit an incredible look-from behind DDT on the U.S. Champion. That, however, was still not enough to clinch the victory. Hayes headed up top and looked like he was going to go for Nothin’ But Net, but Dragunov caught him. Constantine Special from Dragunov managed to hit its target successfully as he had equal success on the senton. One, two… Hayes just kicked out at two! We took another break in the action in this fantastic match.

As we returned to the action, both Hayes and Dragunov were struggling to get themselves back up, but the champion was up first as he exposed his left knee. He demanded Hayes to get back up and fight, to which the challenger obliged with a superkick. Dragunov caught Hayes’ attempt at First 48 and placed him on the top turnbuckle. Dragunov was met with a punch and headbutt from Hayes that sent him down on the mat. Hayes again went for Nothin’ But Net, but he was intercepted by a kick from Dragunov. The champion fought with his challenger on the apron and lifted him up for a superplex.

Hayes blocked the H-Bomb with a knee, but got rocked by a big boot stomp. Standing uranage from Dragunov, but that was somehow not enough as Hayes kicked out at two. In the corner again, Hayes and Dragunov dueled on the top turnbuckle. Dragunov looked like he had a superplex all set, but Hayes countered it into a cutter! One, two… Dragunov kicked out at 2.9999999!!!!!!! On the apron, Dragunov lifted Hayes on his shoulders, but couldn’t capitalize on whatever move he was going to hit. The two men battered one another until Dragunov got the best of him and hit a Death Valley Driver on the hardest part of the ring.

Dragunov headed for the top rope and appeared to have Hayes right where he wanted him lying on against the bottom corner. Coast-to-Coast…. NO! Hayes intercepted with a First 48 on the U.S. Champion as he headed up top right away and connected with Nothin’ But Net. One… two… THREE! Ladies and gentlemen,. we have a new U.S. Champion.

After the match, Dragunov took the U.S. Championship belt and respectfully crowned Hayes as our new U.S. Champion.

Carmelo Hayes def. Ilja Dragunov to win the United States Championship

An incredible match from start to finish, and could be in conversation for best WWE weekly TV match of the year. As far as a finale for Dragunov’s fantastic run as United States Championship, this was as good as ending as you could hope for. The way that Dragunov and Hayes had the crowd invested in this battle was just excellent. I critique a lot of what goes on every Friday on SmackDown, but the U.S. Title scene has remained one of the consistent highlights of the blue show ever since Sami Zayn won the title back in September. I’m optimistic that the trend will continue with Carmelo Hayes as champion.

**********

– Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss talked strategy about regaining their WWE Women’s Tag Titles back while we saw Nick Aldis talking with Dan Engler in the background. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY appeared and talked about how they’d become the next WWE Women’s Tag Champions. Just then, Lash Legend and Nia Jax, as well as the Kabuki Warriors confronted both teams as we got a yelling contest between everyone. Aldis then announced that we’d see an eight-woman tag match between everyone present in this altercation on the first SmackDown of 2026.

– Carmelo Hayes was interviewed about his U.S. Title victory. He talked about how the jerseys were going up the rafters and he was ready to elevate his game before Johnny Gargano ambushed him from behind and declared that Hayes ruined everything. Gargano declared that he’d take the U.S. Champioship.

Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre vs. Giulia & Kiana James

Green and James got things going in this tag match with a lock-up in the middle. Green complained that James was pulling her hair as she then attempted a flash roll-up to no avail. James targeted Green’s arm as Giulia made the tag. Green retreated to her corner and tagged Fyre into the match. An angered Giulia yelled at Green to stop hiding as James found herself back in the match.

Fyre attempted a tornado DDT, but James blocked it successfully and attacked Fyre in the corner. On the second go-around, Fyre connected with the springboard-off-the-ropes DDT for a near-fall. Green tagged in and hit James with a sliding clothesline as she applied a resthold on her opponent. Green threw James out and saluted the crowd, which allowed James to enter the ring and tag Giulia into the match. Giulia threw Green across the ring Biel-style before she hit a snap suplex. On the top rope, Giulia dropped Green with a missile dropkick. Fyre got involved and found herself thrown out of the ring by Giulia. This left the Women’s U.S. Champion at the mercy of Giulia’s Northern Lights Bomb for the three.

Giulia & Kiana James def. Chelsea Green & Alba Fyre via pinfall

Giulia’s main roster booking confounds me, if we’re being honest. She had a strong run on NXT, but hasn’t been really used to the best of her abilities, and it’s resulted in crowds not really caring about her and her feuds. I hope it’s something that can be rectified in the new year, and it starts by just elevating her into the barebones-as-it-is WWE Women’s Title scene.

**********

– In Nick Aldis’s office, Kit Wilson was discussing his “crusade” against toxic masculinity and wanted an opportunity to continue that. Aldis said that there’d be a new opportunity for Wilson next week on SmackDown. Cody Rhodes entered Aldis’s office and asked Dan Engler if he had been apologized to yet. Engler said no, as Rhodes said it was the end of the night and ready to do something as Drew McIntyre’s theme music hit. Aldis asked for Rhodes to control his emotions as he went to go deal with McIntyre.

– We got a vignette for Oba Femi, presumably heralding his arrival on either Raw or SmackDown.

Next Week on SmackDown (1/2/26)

  • Eight-Woman Tag Match: Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, and IYO SKY vs. Nia Jax, Lash Legend, Asuka, and Kairi Sane
  • Jade Cargill vs. Michin
  • Damian Priest vs. Aleister Black

Drew McIntyre’s apology?

Nick Aldis was in the ring with Dan Engler as the two stood in front of Drew McIntyre. Aldis said things were getting way out of hand between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes, but that things really got off the rail when McIntyre attacked Engler. Aldis said that it was McIntyre’s chance to be a man of his word, so that he can finally focus on his title match.

McIntyre said he was indeed a man of his word as he gave Aldis the fine. He then turned his attention to Engler and said he was “genuinely” sorry for hitting a Claymore kick on him. He claims that he should’ve never attacked a WWE official and asked Engler to accept his humble apology. McIntyre continued as he said that he apologized that it was Engler’s dream to become a wrestler and that he wasn’t good enough so he had to be a referee. McIntyre said that he apologized to Engler’s wife Melissa for having to watch him kick her husband in the face and that she supposedly wished that she had a husband like Drew who stood on his convictions. McIntyre railed on as he called Engler a corporate stooge and dared him to hit back.

Cody Rhodes emerged from the ramp and looked like he was going to fight McIntyre, despite Aldis’s protestations. McIntyre tried to goad Rhodes into hitting him so that he could be stripped of the Undisputed WWE Title. McIntyre said that he wished Rhodes’ children and wife could see a real man looks like. McIntyre said that we would see this title match in Germany in a Three Stages of Hell match. Rhodes accepted the challenge as McIntyre said that there was one more thing. When it was time for McIntyre to send Rhodes to hell, to say hi to his dad for him. This allowed McIntyre to hit a sneaky Claymore kick on the champion. McIntyre took the Undisputed WWE Title

**********

I know this Three Stages of Hell match will be good and McIntyre had some good lines in his promo, but I cannot begin to tell you how tired I am of seeing this guy bottling it at every turn and seemingly being stuck in a perpetual cycle of his “Twitter hater” bit and beating up Cody Rhodes, only to get beaten soundly and we do it all over again. I think he deserves better than this and hopefully 2026 is the beginning of getting him away from that road (or Rhodes, if you prefer…)

That said, this episode of SmackDown was mostly enjoyable and hard-carried by that excellent U.S. Title match. I loved Hayes vs. Dragunov quite a bit and it was a fantastic match, as I stated a few paragraphs above. With the third hour of SmackDown coming next week, hopefully everything else is elevated and doesn’t feel like a chore to watch through, despite the length. Will Executive Producer Paul Levesque and company manage that feat? We shall see.

Lastly, on a more positive note, I just want to wrap up by wishing you a Merry Christmas on behalf of myself, Steve Khan, Jeff Moss, Corey Michaels, Ryan Howard, and everyone here at WON/F4W. Thank you for your continued support this year. Stay frosty, everyone.

WWE NXT live results: Women’s United States title match

Posted on by Chris Aiken

WWE NXT celebrates Christmas week with a pre-taped episode airing tonight on The CW.

After defeating Bayley at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sol Ruca has been awarded a title match by NXT General Manager Ava. She gets her shot tonight against Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green. Ruca already owns a victory over Green from a tag team match that took place on SmackDown back in October.

A tournament begins tonight as WWE decides the next challenger for men’s Speed Champion Jasper Troy. The first-round matchups are Tavion Heights vs. Eli Knight and Andre Chase vs. Lexis King.

Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame is also set to air on the episode. Along with that, there will be a mixed tag team match with WWE LFG winners Skylar Raye & Shiloh Hill taking on Arianna Grace & Stacks. It’s billed as a no holds barred Christmas Chaos match.

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

**********

NXT was taped in front of a live studio audience. From a sound stage at the Performance Center in Orlando, NXT is on the air with a holiday-themed episode.

Opening the show is a singles match in the women’s division.

Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame (with The Culling)

—

The match goes through a commercial break, with Dame escaping a sleeper hold just before the show cuts to commercials. When the show returns from the break, Vice escapes a Boston crab. Vice then begins a comeback with a few near falls and an Umaga splash.

At ringside, Shawn Spears distracts Vice trying to trip her feet. That allowed Dame to boot Vice in the face. Suddenly, the noise a chain saw fills the arena. Tatum Paxley is Chainsaw Charlie, as she busts through a gimmicked section of the set wielding a chainsaw. No actual chain on the saw but the motor was revved up, so Shawn Spears ran for his life.

Dame was distracted by the chain saw run-in, and she walked into a spinning back fist from Vice. Dame drops like a stone, and Vice covers her.

Match results: Lola Vice defeated Izzi Dame via pinfall.

In a post-match angle, Kelani Jordan runs in and ambushes Vice. Jordan pummels Vice and stands over her with a scowl.

— NXT Women’s North American Champion Thea Hail talks with Jordynne Grace in a locker room skit. They are watching Hail’s title win from last week. Hail then leaves, as she heads to the ring for a monologue.

— NXT Men’s North American Champion Ethan Page cuts a cocky promo on Myles Borne in another backstage skit. Page talks down to Borne. Page also says people think the main roster is the shark tank, but Page insists that NXT is the shark tank. Sharks from all over the ocean come here. Page says live up to the task or move on. Page also tells Borne he can watch Page take care of TNA’s best talent next week in a match.

Blake Monroe confronts Thea Hail

—

Thea Hail enters the ring with her newly won Women’s North American title belt. Hail acknowledges last week was controversial, and though she cannot believe she won, Hails still won the title! This has been the greatest week of her life.

Hail gets emotional as the studio audience chants she deserved it. Hail emotions Andre Chase teachings, along with lessons from her friendships have all lead to her becoming the youngest Women’s North American Champion in history.

Blake Monroe interrupts the monologue, and Monroe still looks panicked after last week. Monroe also appears disheveled. Monroe rants about Hail’s title win being a fluke and a mistake. Monroe wants her title back, but Hail says no. Hail insists that Monroe lost clean. Monroe buries the referee from the match.

Hail eventually says she will grant Monroe a rematch next week for the title. Monroe then hits Hail with a cheap shot, and they brawl around the ring until officials separate them.

— Sarah Schreiber interviews Sol Ruca and Zaria. “You can’t control the wave, but you learn how to ride them,” Ruca says. Sage advice from Sol Ruca. She won a match on Saturday Nights Main Event. Thus, Ruca earns a title shot against Chelsea Green. Zaria says Sol deserves her title back, and Zaria will be in her corner to help.

Eli Knight vs. Tavion Heights in a Speed tournament match

—

Of course, the match was quick with a three-minute time limit, but it was pretty dang good while it lasted. Heights won with a belly-to-belly suplex. Knight got a fly, and he shined during the match. He and Heights shook hands and embraced in a show of good sportsmanship.

With the win, Heighs advanced from the first round of the number one contender’s tournament for a shot at the WWE Speed Championship.

Match result: Tavion Heights defeated Eli Knight via pinfall to advance in the WWE Speed Championship number one contender’s tournament.

— TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater and NXT Champion Oba Femi are sitting down for a face-to-face interview alongside Kelly Kincaid.

TNA X-Division Champ Leon Slater face-to-face with NXT Champ Oba Femi

—

The successful year of Femi is discussed first, with them pointing out many of Femi’s highlights like his run as champion of NXT and wrestling Cody Rhodes. Femi has proven himself as “The Ruler” in NXT. When he recently returned, Femi looks to prove he is the ruler of not just NXT — but WWE itself.

Slater talks about being turned on to wrestling via video games, DVDs, and action figures. He started training at nine years old. It is not so crazy when you have his passion for it. Slater makes moment, and me will make another moment next week at New Year’s Evil when he defeats Femi for the NXT title.

Femi responds by warning Slater’s story will not have a happy ending. Slater insists they will see who speaks louder in their title match. Femi smirks as he agrees, and they shake hands.

Je’Von Evans and Ricky Saints face-to-face

— NXT General Manager Ava is in the ring to host the face-to-face meeting of Saints and Evans. Ava is flanked by security as Saints and Evan enter separately.

Evans wonders why they are talking and not throwing hands. Saints remarks that Evans is so impulsive while speculating he lacks emotional intelligence. Saints takes a dig at Evans over him being too young to rent a car, let alone be the face of the NXT brand.

They banter back-and-forth. Evans accuses Saints of being jealous, so that is why Saints attacks Evans during his match with Oba Femi. Saints scoffs as he rants about how he could be on Good Morning America. Saints further insults Saints about the way he talks.

Evans says that may be true, but Evans points out he was on Raw and Smackdown. Saints was not there. Nor was he on the card for John Cena’s last match like Evans. They banter some more before Ava cuts them off and says they will settle this feud next week in a match. Security keeps them apart. And scene.

— In a backstage skit, Fatal Influence confronts Wren Sinclair and Evolve Women’s Champion Kendal Grey. NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne challenges Sinclair to a “warm-up match” next week on NXT. Sinclair accepts the challenge.

Shiloh Hill & Skylar Raye vs. Arianna Grace & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo in a mixed “Christmas Chaos” match

—

This was a hardcore match with a Christmas theme, and it was pretty decent in spite of the cheesy holiday gimmick. They took some crazy bumps in the name of comedy. Cliches are king, with holiday-themed weapons like a kendo stick wrapped as a candy cane. Ornaments, presents, wreaths and some yuletide are all used as props.

Hill & Raye jump the heels before the bell, and the brawl is under way. Gimmicks come into play earlier and often, as they brawl through a commercial break. They play on the bowling ball spot from ECW decades ago, except this time it is slapstick comedy. With Hill tied in the corner by a strand of Christmas lights, Grace presents Stacks the gift of a bowling ball. Except she inadvertently gives Stacks a low blow and drops the ball on his foot. Comedy ensues.

On the floor, Grace takes a bump on a Christmas tree in another comedy spot. Hill puts a wreath around Stacks before delivering a guillotine legdrop. Hill & Raye then toss sugar cookies into the crowd, until they are cut off. Moments later, Hill takes Santa’s sack and dumps pines cones on a table. Hill then powerbombs Stacks through the table. Raye then leaps off the top rope with a frog splash on Grace, and Raye covers her for a three count.

Match result: Shiloh Hill & Skylar Raye defeated Arianna Grace & Stacks in a Christmas Chaos match when Raye pinned Grace.

— Joe Hendry appears in a skit where Darkstate are in Ava’s office. Dion Lennox and Darkstate offer warnings to Hendry. After Darkstate leaves, Hendry pitches to Ava a live concert for next week.

— OTM and Swipe Right are on a collision course after another backstage skit. Kelly Kincaid is interviewing OTM when the Vanity Project trio roll up to give Kincaid gifts they originally got for Blake Monroe. OTM take exception to the interruption of their interview, and they issue a warning to Swipe Right.

Andre Chase vs. Lexis King in a WWE Speed tournament match

—

They both had inset promos like this was an old episode of Superstars of Wrestling from back in the day. Much like matches on that show, this bout was short. That was more because it was a Speed match, instead of a squash. Chase got to shine, but King wins after executing The Coronation.

King advances to the final round of the tournament, where he faces Tavion Heights for a shot at WWE Speed Champion Jasper Troy.

Match result: Lexis King defeated Andre Chase via pinfall to advance in the WWE Speed Championship number one contender’s tournament.

— Hank & Tank gives Tavion Heights a pep talk in a backstage skit that also involved Myles Borne.

Chelsea Green (with Alba Fyre & Ethan Page) vs. Sol Ruca (with Zaria) for the WWE Women’s United States Championship

—

On commentary, Booker T is able to reference Killer Tim Brooks. That popped me at least. Booker was unhinged at times, and it was hilarious. Meanwhile, a title bout ensues that goes through a commercial break. Green takes a bump outside the ring, which sets up Ruca doing a back flip off the top into a moonsault on the floor. Green and the Secret Hervice are the target.

Ruca gets to shine, and they go on to trade near falls. They also took some big bumps. After Ruca does her signature cartwheel into a DDT, she hooks a leg on Green. Ethan Page interferes by putting Green’s leg on the rope, thus breaking up the pin attempt. Zaria confronts Page at ringside, and she yells at him. Suddenly, Moose runs down to attack Page. They brawl their way off stage.

For the finish itself, Ruca goes for her finisher. However, Alba Fyre interferes by grabbing Ruca’s foot. That allows Green to counter Ruca, and Green drops her with an Unprettier. Green then covers Ruca for a three count. And still…

Match result: WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green defeated Sol Ruca via pinfall to retain her title with the help of outside interference.

In a post-match attack, Zaria spears Green and Fyre. Ruca then executes a double Sol Snatcher on Green and Fyre. Happy ending of sorts as they send viewers into the holidays. But first, a hard sell for next Tuesday night on NXT.

WWE Raw live results: CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. The Vision

Posted on by Steve Khan

Air Date: December 22, 2025 (taped Dec 19, 2025)
Location: Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI 

The Big Takeaway —

Austin Theory teamed with Bronson Reed to beat the team of CM Punk and Rey Mysterio, with Theory pinning Rey after a curb stomp. It was an audition for Theory, who is not yet a member of The Vision. 

It was a taped show and easy to get through, with a runtime of about 90 minutes. 

**********

Show Recap — 

This show was taped on Friday, so the announcers were Michael Cole and Corey Graves (instead of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett). 

I realized during the opening match that the feed isn’t being treated as ‘live’ on Netflix, so you can just skip ahead if you want. 

CM Punk & Rey Mysterio, Judgment Day, Je’Von Evans, Gunther, and The Vision were shown arriving.  Cole said Evans was a soon-to-be free agent. 

Paul Heyman approached Austin Theory and asked him what the hell he was doing. Theory said he wore the mask because he wanted everyone to feel his actions before they saw his face. He made some mistakes in the past. He got comfortable before getting injured. He appreciated that the Vision didn’t wait around. They take. Theory said that was him now. He wanted to take that opportunity and help out. Heyman was skeptical but intrigued. 

********

Rhea Ripley asked Iyo Sky to stay in the back for her match tonight. She wanted Sky to take care of herself after getting laid out last week. 

Rhea Ripley vs. Women’s Tag Team Champion Asuka (w/ Kairi Sane)

Because this show is taped, we’re not getting the usual commercial breaks, but they are still cutting to break as if it were live. Asuka took control thanks to a Kairi Sane distraction, and they acted as if they were heading to break as usual (90 seconds into the match, as usual), but the action picked right back up. 

Ripley tried mounting a comeback but was tripped from the outside by Sane. Ripley mounted a comeback anyway and fended off a flurry of offence by Asuka ahead of another “break.” Ripley applied the standing cloverleaf, but Asuka countered with a German suplex and sliding kick for two. 

Asuka blocked a Razor’s Edge attempt and later hit a German suplex on the apron. Asuka came off the top, but Ripley hit her with a mid-air thrust kick, followed by a cannonball off the apron. (Ripley used more kicks in this match than usual.) 

Ripley went to the top but was tripped by Sane, so Sky ran out (while selling her back) to attack her. Sky jumped on the apron to yell at the referee for allowing Sane to interfere yet again, but Sane used the opportunity to drop her on the apron. 

Asuka used that distraction to catch Ripley in a cradle for the pinfall win. 

As Cole mentioned, Asuka was winless in 8 singles matches against Ripley before this. 

Match result: Asuka defeated Rhea Ripley (approx. 11:30 of TV time) 

********

Backstage, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker seemed skeptical about Theory. Heyman said they were both much better off today than they were months ago, and that was thanks to him. That all happened thanks to his vision.

He did not pimp that out easily. He was selective, and he had a vision for Theory. Tonight, it would be Theory and Reed against Punk and Mysterio. Either Theory carried out their vision, or the two of them could carry Theory’s ass out of WWE. (This immediately made me think of Steve Austin and Kurt Angle kicking Buff Bagwell out of the arena that one time.) 

********

Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri segment 

Lynch stormed out wearing a fur coat. She said we would not be getting a celebration for Maxxine Durpi. There was a corrupt referee in their match, and Lynch was still the rightful Women’s Intercontinental Champion. 

If petty Pearce wouldn’t do anything about it, Lynch knew some powerful people who would. She had the most powerful lawyers in the country, but the bigwigs at Netflix advised her to go to miserable Michigan and take matters into her own hands because she was the greatest of all time. 

Dupri interrupted. She agreed with Sports Illustrated that Lynch was the greatest of all time. Dupri herself was just a rookie—but this rookie just beat the greatest of all time. (Dupri’s first match was in 2023.) Dupri bragged that she beat Lynch three times (the other two were by DQ and count-out), and said she would give Lynch a rematch anytime, anyplace. 

Dupri fired up and said she would stop at nothing to beat her again. She would train until her blood, sweat and tears on the mat. She added, “Not only am I their Intercontinental Champion, I am your Intercontinental Champion.” 

Dupri wanted Lynch to admit that, but she knew Lynch wouldn’t take it on the chin like the Man she said she was. In this moment, Lynch didn’t look like the greatest of all time. Lynch looked like someone who was afraid her best years were behind her. 

Lynch decked Dupri with a suckerpunch and held up the IC title belt. Lynch was about to leave, but went for another attack, so Dupri picked the leg and applied an ankle lock until Lynch tapped out. Dupri let go, and Lynch bailed. 

Dupri was good here. 

******** 

Pearce spoke to Je’Von Evans backstage. Pearce wished him luck in his match tonight and wanted to talk about his future afterward. Evans was in a good mood, and he left for his match. 

Stephanie Vaquer approached Pearce next. She wanted to face both Nikki Bella and Raquel Rodriguez. Pearce was happy with that and made a triple threat match for the world title next week.  

******** 

There was a video package for The Usos, who face AJ Styles and Dragon Lee for the world tag team titles next week. Well, that was a quick road back to title contention.

Je’Von Evans vs. Rayo Americano (w/ El Grande Americano & Bravo Americano) 

Cole said he tried a Wikipedia search on Rayo Americano but couldn’t find anything, even though a Google search for him takes you right to Pete Dunne’s results. 

Evans hit a flip dive ahead of a “break,” but Rayo brought him off the top rope with an arm drag after the break to take control. Evans fought back with a forearm, a vertical suplex (where he pops right back up to his feet), and a springboard clothesline for two. 

El Grande Americano distracted the referee while Bravo and Rayo double-teamed Evans. Rayo followed with a Michinoku Driver for a nearfall. Evans avoided a Rayo moonsault attempt and hit an OG Cutter for the pinfall win. 

El Grande and Bravo tried to attack Evans, but he escaped the ring and smiled back at them. 

Match result: Je’Von Evans defeated Rayo Americano (approx. 7:00 of TV time) 

This was fine. A mostly easy win for Evans, and they really pushed hard that he’s a pending free agent. 

********

Cathy Kelley interviewed Styles and Dragon Lee about facing Jimmy and Jey Uso, who have been a tag team a lot longer than they have. Styles and Lee weren’t worried because they’ve beaten established teams like Judgment Day and New Day. Styles said having the titles meant they were better than the best. 

Bron Breakker promo 

There was a pre-taped Breakker promo package. Breakker said Punk thought they had a personal vendetta because of the barbs he mentioned about his family, but the reality was that Punk didn’t care about his wife. He never cared about anyone other than himself. 

Breakker wondered which version of Punk would show up on January 5th: the watered-down 2025 version, or the best in the world. Either way, the result would be the same. Breakker was the mountain Punk couldn’t climb, and the dog he couldn’t outrun. In Punk’s words, he was only here to make money. Breakker hoped Punk saved his money, because after he beats him, Punk won’t be worth a dollar to anyone. 

This was really good. 

********

Nikki Bella segment 

The announcers were talking when Nikki Bella interrupted. She called herself “the most famous person.” She reminded the fans that she was Nikki Bella, a Hall of Famer and a former champion. 

She said they wouldn’t know what a champion looked like because they cheered for the Detroit Lions. The Lions wished they were the Philadelphia Eagles or, better yet, Ohio State. 

Bella was the star of the division. She destroyed Rodriguez’s face, and she would destroy Vaquer’s reign. Vaquer was a big deal in the ring, but Bella was a big deal everywhere. It was about time the title was around the waist of a true global superstar. 

******** 

Bayley (w/ Lyra Valkyria) vs. Roxxane Perez (w/ Liv Morgan)

Perez worked over Bayley’s knee (through a break) until Bayley made a comeback. Raquel Rodriguez appeared at ringside and was about to slide into the ring, but Valkyria took her out with a spinning kick to stop her from interfering. Morgan responded by chucking Valkyria over the announce desk. 

Perez distracted the referee while Morgan tripped Bayley. (This precise spot happened in the opening match.) Perez used the distraction to drop Bayley face-first into an exposed turnbuckle, but the idiot referee was distracted by Rodriguez on the apron. Valkyria wiped out Rodriguez and Morgan with a dive off the table. 

Valkyria psyched up Bayley and slapped her in the face. This fired up Bayley (and healed her knee), and she hammered away at Perez before hitting a flying elbow drop for the pinfall win. 

Another match filled with interference and distractions. It’s especially exhausting when it happens in multiple matches in a row every single week.

Match result: Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez (approx. 7:00 of TV time) 

********

In the locker room, Reed told Theory he was in the big leagues now and to follow his lead, kid. Theory told him he wasn’t his kid. Theory said he would start the match, and Reed would follow his lead. 

Elsewhere, Rodriguez argued with Morgan and Perez. Rodriguez was pissed because she had a world tile match to prepare for, so she bailed. 

Gunther segment

Gunther entered and was booed heavily again. He took his time basking in the heat. He said the fans shouldn’t be mad at him, they should be mad at the guy who tapped out like a little bitch. (He definitely got a ton of heat, but it also sounded like they manipulated the sound to make it pop louder.) 

CM Punk marched out to his music. He very quickly got into the ring and straight into Gunther’s face. The fans loudly chanted for Punk. Gunther laughed in his face before leaving the ring. Gunther gave him the ‘you can’t see me’ gesture before taking off. 

Gunther was confronted next by Rey Mysterio in the aisle. The disappointed Rey put his hands on his hips and shook his head (like he was looking at his own son). Gunther laughed at him and left. 

After a break, Styles confronted Gunther backstage. Styles said Gunther didn’t know when to shut up. Gunther said, “Guess I don’t,” and he laughed. 

********

World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk & Rey Mysterio vs. Austin Theory & Bronson Reed (w/ Paul Heyman) 

Punk and Rey both wore pink and black gear. 

The Vision got the heat on Punk as Theory used his familiar offence and held Punk in a rest hold after a break. Reed took his turn next until Punk rolled out of the way of a senton and made the hot tag to Rey, who knocked Theory off the apron. Reed tried to squish Rey, but Rey avoided it and hit a running seated senton off the ropes. 

Theory tagged in, but Rey got rid of him with a hurricanrana and a seated senton off the barricade. After a “break,” Theory was suddenly in control. Fortunately, they showed a replay of what happened during the break, which was Reed clubbing Rey from behind. Reed’s offence on Rey included a standing frog splash and a delayed vertical suplex. 

Theory worked over Rey next as Cole asked Graves what looked different about Theory tonight. Graves said he looked more focused, but besides his hair and his pants, the answer is nothing. 

Rey hit Theory with a bulldog and made the hot tag to Punk, who hit Theory with punches, a neckbreaker, corner knee strikes, and a bulldog. Theory avoided a GTS and tagged in Reed, but Punk fended him off and hit a flying clothesline for two. 

Rey tagged in and set up Reed for a 619, but Theory made a blind tag and levelled Rey with a running clothesline. Rey fought him off anyway to hit a 619 and a springboard splash. Rey had it won, but Reed yanked him out of the ring to break up the cover. Punk hit Reed with a suicide dive and clotheslined him over the barricade (taking them both out of the mix). 

Rey went to the top rope, but Theory tripped him and hit a curb stomp for the pinfall win. (Rey looked great all match, and the crowd was into this until Theory won.)

— Punk chased Theory out of the ring post-match. Breakker tried a sneak attack as Punk was distracted, but Punk fought him off. Punk fought off Theory next, but that distraction allowed Breakker to nail a spear as the taped show quickly went off the air. 

Match result: Austin Theory & Bronson Reed defeated Rey Mysterio & World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk (approx. 15:00 of TV time)

WWE SmackDown live results: Tag Team titles on the line

Posted on by Marc Quill

As we head deeper into the holiday season, WWE presents a pre-taped edition of SmackDown tonight.

Cody Rhodes’ dream match at Saturday Night’s Main Event against Oba Femi was ruined when Drew McIntyre attacked him for the disqualification. In retaliation, Rhodes invaded McIntyre’s home that weekend to brawl with him.

On tonight’s show, the WWE Champion returns with a lot to talk about.

The WWE Tag Team titles will be on the line tonight as Joe Gacy & Dexter Lumis of The Wyatt Sicks defend against two members of The MFTs.

In non-title action, WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) will battle Lash Legend & Nia Jax, who are looking to earn a shot at the belts.

WWE United States Champion Ilja Dragunov teams up with Carmelo Hayes against #DIY.

The announced card is rounded out by Giulia vs. Alba Fyre.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– Previously in WWE: It was John Cena’s last match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. He tapped and he retired. After that recap, we went to Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett at commentary (as this episode of SmackDown was taped earlier this week), who talked about Cody Rhodes’ home invasion attack against Drew McIntyre. We then saw shots of Rhodes himself, and then the M.F.T.s arriving to the arena.

Damian Priest kicks off SmackDown

Fresh off a mixed-tag match victory on last week’s episode against Aleister Black & Zelina, Damian Priest arrived to SmackDown and had some words to say following that huge win.

Priest thanked the Hershey, PA fans for their energy because it has been a tough few days thanks to John Cena’s retirement. Priest praised Cena for being the Greatest of All Time, as he said “Thank you, Cena”. He then said it was time to talk about some good times, namely when Aleister and Zelina got their “asses dropped” by the Terror Twins. Before Priest could continue with talking about his 2026 plans, Zelina interrupted him.

Zelina said that Priest was a hypocrite and that he shouldn’t be celebrating because he didn’t get the pin. She noted that Black broke Priest, and that he had to live with the decision that Black had made. As Black’s theme played, he snuck up in the ring to attack Priest from behind. The brawl broke out between the two in the ring as the action spilled into ringside. Priest dropped Black on the apron with a modified South of Heaven chokeslam before he pulled out the Slim Jim-branded table from underneath the ring. Meanwhile, Black recovered and hit Priest with a chair in the chest. The two continued to fight until Black hit a diving Meteora from the apron through the table.

I’m just going to get out front here and say that the idea of Priest vs. Black continuing on longer does not move me in the slightest. That this feud, like the Energizer Bunny, just keeps going and going (and has been since July) is not something I want to see every week. Without a doubt, one of the reasons why SmackDown is languishing in terms of engaging stories.

**********

– Backstage, Byron Saxton was with Lash Legend & Nia Jax for remarks about Legend’s win over Alexa Bliss. The two noted that it was not an upset as Legend dominated her foe last week.

– Elsewhere, as Damian Priest was being helped by a litany of referees, Aleister Black attacked and continued his assault, ending with a Black Mass kick.

The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) vs. Lash Legend & Nia Jax

Sane and Legend started off for their respective teams. Sane tried to get a sleeper hold on Legend, but got shoved into the corner instead. She avoided a pump kick from Legend as she then climbed to the top rope. Sane leapt, but got caught by Legend instead. Sane got out of her predicament with a hurricanrana, but Legend responded with a fierce running elbow as she tagged Jax in.

The two crushed Sane in their corner as Jax got the pin, but no three. Sane managed to tag in Asuka as the Women’s Tag Champs used teamwork to keep Jax grounded momentarily. Jax created some space with a pop-up spinebuster. However, she found herself on the backfoot with a double dropkick from the Kabuki Warriors. Legend also got sent to the outside, which gave Sane time to launch herself from the top rope and onto both Legend and Jax at ringside, which took us to the commercial break point.

We returned from break with Jax working over Sane in the corner as we saw a replay of Legend hitting a pump kick on Sane during the break. Back to the match, Legend applied a resthold on Sane for a bit until she slammed her foe down by the head. Jax was tagged in as she knocked Asuka off the apron. Jax and Legend tried to go for a double suplex, but Sane turned that into a double DDT, which gave her enough time to finally tag Asuka in.

Asuka got on the top rope and hit a double missile dropkick on Jax and Legend. A little bit of friendly fire as Asuka avoided Legend’s running attack, which sent her into Jax instead. Asuka then locked in the armbar on Jax, who used her power to escape out of it. Asuka connected with a Shining Wizard, but Legend broke it up. Things began to break down as all four women were in the ring as Asuka headed up top. Legend pulled at Asuka’s leg, which allowed Jax to head up top for an attempted avalanche Samoan drop. Legend pulled Asuka out of the ring and threw her into the steel steps. Sane took Legend out of the equation with a divking knee. However, Jax recovered and knocked Sane out, which let her get the victory with the Annihilator.

Jax and Legend didn’t get time to celebrate their win as Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss ran down to start a fight with them. The former Women’s Tag Champs got the best of Jax and Legend in the melee.

Lash Legend & Nia Jax def. The Kabuki Warriors via pinfall

A decent tag match, and I do think the women’s tag scene is heating up, so not much in the way of complaints as far as this match is concerned.

**********

– Jackie Redmond was set to interview Giulia, but was told by her representative Kiana James to address her properly before she could do so. Once she did, Giuia said that she was going to make sure that Alba Fyre would be left saying arrivederci.

Cody Rhodes attacks Drew McIntyre at home

We got footage of Nick Aldis & Drew McIntyre’s meeting over the weekend. This meeting had Aldis & McIntyre agree on terms for an Undisputed WWE Championship match, where McIntyre gets to pick a stipulation, and an agreement that Cody Rhodes cannot attack McIntyre before that match or he will be stripped of the Undisputed WWE Title.

Afterwards, Rhodes appeared at the driveway of McIntyre’s house and proceeded to fight him as police tried to separate the two. Rhodes shouted “Merry Christmas, asshole!” at McIntyre while the two were being separated.

– Mr. Aldis addressed the situation, where he was placed in a tough situation due to everything surrounding Rhodes & McIntyre, which has created a lot of legal headaches due to the personal situation. The Miz appeared and demanded a match against Joe Hendry (referrring to him as “He Who Shall Not Be Named”) next week, to which Aldis agreed to. R-Truth then imitated Hendry, misnaming him as “Joe Pesci”.

Giulia (w/ Kiana James) vs. Alba Fyre (w/ Chelsea Green)

Giulia didn’t waste time as she came right at Fyre with a tackle, followed by strikes to the face. Giulia had Fyre in the corner and punched away at her, as she taunted Chelsea Green on the outside. Giulia maintained advantage with an attempted surfboard, but Green’s distraction allowed Fyre to avoid that fate.

Fyre took over with a tornado DDT for the near-fall. Giulia recovered and pulled at Fyre by her hair to slam her down on the canvas a couple of times. Fyre found herself trapped in an octopus stretch, but escaped as she and Giulia rolled around the ring to get a pinfall attempt in. Fyre kicked Giulia in the face, but could not put her away.

In the end, Giulia caught Fyre with the Arrivederci Knee and ended it in short order with the Northern Lights Driver.

Giulia def. Alba Fyre via pinfall

Not sure if a heel vs. heel match was the right call here, but seems like the crowd was a bit muted for this match, and honestly, with the way Giulia has been booked post-NXT, I can’t say I blame them.

**********

– The Wyatt Sicks addressed Solo Sikoa via their videos. They said that Sikoa’s greed has let him down to a dark path, and this image he portrays will drive him into a new world filled with adversity and abandonment.

Cody Rhodes addresses the Drew McIntyre situation

The Undisputed WWE World Champion made his way down to the ring and got ready to talk about what was on his mind, but not before asking what the Hershey crowd wanted to talk about.

Rhodes started that yes, he did go to Drew McIntyre’s house and throw a few cops in the water, but McIntyre did state that in his eyes “WWE was an unsafe working environment”. Rhodes said that McIntyre was surrounded by MMA fighters, second-generation wrestlers NIL standouts, and asked if Staples would be a safe work environment for McIntyre. Before Rhodes could continue, the SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, interrupted.

Aldis said that because of Rhodes going to McIntyre’s house, he was forced into a bad situation, and that Rhodes was not “above the law”. Aldis said that Rhodes should’ve trusted him and now as a result of the situation, once McIntyre returns to issue his public apology, Rhodes cannot physically touch McIntyre. Otherwise, he’d be stripped of the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Rhodes responded that Aldis should know who he’s talking to, as Wade Barrett and Marty the cameraman could. Rhodes then listed off his accomplishments, as he declared himself “QB1”, and “the law” around these parts. Rhodes said that he didn’t work for Mr. Aldis, but he worked for the fans, and that Mr. Aldis “worked” for him.

What interested me about this Cody segment was the rather boastful tone he took there near the end of it. Whether that gets paid off as a road to a potential heel turn down the line is anyone’s guess, but still something interesting to think about.

**********

– Carmelo Hayes & Ilja Dragunov discussed their upcoming tag match against #DIY. Fraxiom approached the two and declared that if Hayes and Dragunov missed, they’d be there to go after Gargano & Ciampa. In the background, Tama Tonga was seen scheming.

Ilja Dragunov & Carmelo Hayes vs. #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) (w/ Candice LeRae)

Gargano & Ciampa went after Hayes and Dragunov immediately, but found themselvse being shelled by the double team. Dragunov and Hayes blasted Ciampa with consecutive running boots in the corner before things settled down in the ring.

Dragunov chopped down Ciampa and then dragged him to his corner as Hayes tagged in. With Ciampa down on his back, he got hit with a running leg drop from Hayes before Dragunov re-entered the match. The U.S. Champion stunned Ciampa with a suplex as he headed up top. Candice LeRae got on the apron to distract the referee, as Gargano pulled Dragunov down. This allowed Ciampa to crack his foe with a running knee, which sent Dragunov flying into the commentary table. #DIY surveyed the damage from the apron as we took a break in the action.

Back from commercial, as Ciampa and Dragunov exchanged strikes in the ring. After Ciampa got dropped, Dragunov connected with the Constantine Special on Gargano. This allowed Hayes to enter the match as the hot tag. Like a house of fire, Hayes dropped Gargano with a springboard clothesline. He then followed that up with a nice rendition of Mistico’s La Mistica finishing move for the near-fall. After Hayes tagged in Dragunov, he leapt over the top rope with a pitch-perfect Fosbury Flop on Ciampa. Back in the ring, Dragunov landed the senton on Gargano, but that wasn’t enough to end the match.

As Hayes tagged himself in, #DIY regained momentum with a superkick from Gargano, followed by Project Ciampa by its namesake. Dragunov broke up the pin, but was thrown into the ringpost at ringside by Gargano. In the ring, Hayes tried to springboard again, but Ciampa caused a distraction, which allowed LeRae to interfere. However, Hayes kicked out of Ciampa’s knee to the face. #DIY teamed up with the Fairytale Ending and superkick on Hayes, but again, Hayes kicked out at two.

Gargano & Ciampa were in opposite corners and had Hayes in position for a Meet in the Middle, but Gargano was blasted by Dragunov’s Torpedo Moscow as Hayes connected with First 48 on Ciampa. With Ciampa left alone, Dragunov got him with the H-Bomb, and Hayes finally finished it off with Nothin’ But Net for the win.

Carmelo Hayes & Ilja Dragunov def. #DIY via pinfall

This was entertaining, and as I said before, I find the U.S.Title scene to be quite enjoyable and often the highlight of SmackDown. Even without an Open Challenge match this week, I loved this here and seeing Melo start to win over the crowd is a nice bonus, too.

**********

– Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss were asked about why they attacked Lash Legend & Nia Jax. The two said that Jax and Legend were in their way as they called their shot for the Women’s Tag Titles. WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill then appeared and had a brief staredown with Flair & Bliss. Interviewer Jackie Redmon then tried to get a word with Cargill about why she attacked Michin. Cargill said that since it was the season of giving, she was going to give Michin a bit of credit for getting back up, and that she’ll give her a spotlight soon enough. But, Cargill promised to knock Michin’s lights out once that was done. Michin appeared from behind and struck Cargill with a kendo stick.

Next Week on SmackDown (12/26/25)

  • Ilja Dragunov’s U.S. Title Open Challenge
  • The Miz vs. Joe Hendry
  • Drew McIntyre returns

WWE Tag Team Championship: The Wyatt Sicks (Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy) (w/ Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan) vs. The M.F.T.s (J.C. Mateo & Tonga Loa) (w/ Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga)

As Solo Sikoa walked to the Gorilla Position, he said that the fireflies were going to bear witness to the M.F.T.s winning the WWE Tag Titles as he had the whole world in his hands, again invoking Bray Wyatt.

Lumis got ahead on Loa by sliding underneath him, then hitting two uppercuts on him. Lumis connected with a back suplex, followed by a leg drop on Loa for an early pin attempt. Gacy was tagged in, but Loa recovered and managed to catch him by surprise with stomps in the corner. Mateo entered the match and continued the punishment on Gacy. However, that M.F.T. advantage was temporary as Gacy delivered a dropkick on Mateo. Lumis tagged in and hit a nice double team move on Mateo, who rolled out of the ring for a breather.

Gacy tagged in again and looked like he was about to launch himself over the top rope, but Loa got out of the way. Mateo then barreled into Gacy with a hard clothesline, as he then caught Lumis and slammed him against the ringpost, followed by a slam on the floor. This took us into the break.

The SmackDown main event continued from commercial with the M.F.T.s in firm control as they isolated Lumis in their corner. Mateo flattened Lumis with a powerslam for the near-fall as Loa got tagged in and landed a powerslam of his own. Lumis woke up and hit a superkick on Loa as Mateo tried to stop the hot tag. He, too, got superkicked by Lumis as Gacy got the hot tag.

Gacy hit a suplex on Mateo as he knocked Loa off the apron. He then slammed Mateo with a stalling Saito suplex, but he missed with a springboard dive, which opened him up for a spinning side suplex. One, two, not quite. Gacy rebounded off the rope with his handstand clothesline on Mateo, as Loa also found himself a victim of this unique move afterwards. With both M.F.T. members outside the ring, Gacy launched into them with a top rope dive.

The Wyatt Sicks hit a double team suplex/powerbomb combo as Lumis headed up top for a high-risk maneuver. The spalsh from Lumis as Loa broke up the pin. Outside the ring, Talla Tonga kicked Gacy with the referee’s back turned. Erick Rowan then attacked Talla and things broke down into a massive brawl between the Wyatt Sicks and the M.F.T.s at ringside, which forced the referee to throw out the match.

In the ring, Gacy and Lumis were held up by Mateo, Loa, and Tama as Talla launched himsellf off the top rope onto everyone. Rowan then took Talla out with a dropkick and a clothesline. Nikki Cross wanted herself some too, and Rowan obliged as he threw her onto Talla at ringside. Solo Sikoa snuck up on Rowan and dropped him with a Samoan Spike. As Sikoa bragged, he was in position for Uncle Howdy’s Sister Abigail, but Tama jumped him. The brawl continued unabated as the Levesque & Fitting producer credits were up to end this show.

The Wyatt Sicks vs. The M.F.T.s. ended in a No Contest

**********

You’re probably all aware about my feelings on this feud, and this main event was just average. The brawl was a least bit interesting, but still, not really a good way to end another just decent episode of SmackDown.

This week, the show wasn’t really terrible, just kind of there, which has been a nagging problem for the blue show as of late. There are peaks — the U.S. Title situation being the most notable — but the valleys are many and the show does suffer in quality as a result.

WWE NXT live results: Number one contender’s match

Posted on by Chris Aiken

On WWE NXT tonight, we’ll find out Oba Femi’s challenger for New Year’s Evil.

Joe Hendry, Leon Slater, Myles Borne, and Dion Lennox are set to battle it out in a fatal four-way number one contender’s match. The winner advances to New Year’s Evil on January 6 to face Oba Femi for the NXT Championship. It was originally supposed to be Je’Von Evans challenging for the belt, but Evans instead got his match last week and lost to Femi after Ricky Saints interfered.

Jacy Jayne vs. Kendal Grey for the NXT Women’s Championship is set for the New Year’s Evil special. Tonight, Grey & Wren Sinclair team up against Jayne’s Fatal Influence allies Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid.

The NXT Women’s North American Championship will be up for grabs tonight as Blake Monroe defends against Thea Hail. Plus, Hank Walker & Tank Ledger take on Bronco Nima & Lucien Price in tag team action.

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

**********

The show begins with a recap of current events and happening in NXT, and cut to Je’Von Evans in the parking lot waiting for Ricky Saints to arrive. NXT General Manager approaches Evans and tells him to come inside and talk. Evans stayed outside and Ava remarked sarcastically this was a great start to her night.

NXT is on the air in front of a live studio audience on a sound stage at the Performance Center in Orlando. Opening the show is a women’s title match.

Blake Monroe vs. Thea Hail for the NXT Women’s North American Championship

—

They were having a decent enough match, then came a perplexing finish after the title bout went through a commercial break.

Monroe applies a tarantula hold in the ropes just before the show cuts to a break. The match continues with a split screen. Back from commercial, Hail eventually makes a fiery comeback. She somersaults and springboards into a trust fall senton.

After the senton, Hail covers Monroe and the referee counts three to the astonishment of most everyone. Monroe seemingly got her right shoulder up, but the ref counted anyway. Did he think the shoulder was down and count like it was a shoot? Was it an audible? Who is getting worked here? So many questions, but the only answer is Hail has apparently won the title.

Hail cries when she realizes she is the new champ, while Monroe is in shock. Monroe talks with the ref as Hail parades around the ring with the North American title belt. Much like the opening skit on this episode, this was bizarre. And new…

Match result: Thea Hail defeated NXT Women’s North American Champion Blake Monroe via pinfall to win the title.

— The Culling faction acts weird and get scared of a doll that reminds them of Tatum Paxley. Izzi Dame basically reassures the group she has things under control.

— North American Champion Ethan Page is headed to the ring for a monologue as the show cuts to a commercial break.

— After the break comes a recap of the title change from moments ago, just in case viewers thought it was a fever dream.

Triple confrontation between Ethan Page, Stacks, and Moose

—

Co-holder of the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship and current NXT Men’s North American Champion, Ethan Page, saunter down the aisle for a in-ring promo. Page is angry about being attacked by Tony D’Angelo, who jumped Page as part of a gimmick makeover that began at the last NXT PLE. Page cuts a promo on D’Angelo.

Page is interrupted by a former associate of D’Angelo, which is TNA International Champion Stacks. He is joined by Arianna Grace, who is wearing his title belt around her like a sash. Stacks says Grace wants more gold for Christmas, and they have their sights on the AAA Mixed tag titles. Page objects to Stacks interrupting him.

Out comes Moose to interrupt the proceedings, and he objects to someone from NXT holding a TNA title. But this is Stacks’ lucky day because Moose currently has his sights on Page and his title. Moose reveals that Page will defend his North American title against Moose on December 30.

Scuffle ensues and Page powders. He flees to fight another day, like December 30 perhaps.

— Leon Slater is outside in the parking lot trying to convince Je’Von Evans to come inside the building. Slater wants Evans in his corner tonight, and Evans agrees to have Slater’s back in his match later on. They go inside.

Hank Walker & Tank Ledger vs. OTM (Bronco Nima & Lucien Price)

—

These teams rematch in a hoss fight, and they trade wins in a continuation of their feud. The finish here could easily lead to a rubber match. This particular hoss fight goes through a commercial break, and they were given a lot of time to beat the heck out of each other.

Nima & Price look strong as the show cuts to commercial break, having thrown Hank & Tank into each other. Double power bombs. Hank & Tank are down, but they fight back when the show returns from the break. They take their jerseys off as they fire up for the finish. OTM seemingly cut them off, but not for long.

Haphazardly, there is a collision as Nima attempts to suplex Hank. Tank springboards into a shoulder block that sends Price crashing into his partner. That allows Hank to secure a small package on Nima for a three count out of nowhere. Hank & Tank get their win back.

Match results: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger defeated Bronco Nima & Lucien Price when Hank pinned Bronco.

— Ricky Saints arrives and exits a SUV along with a gang of security.

— WWE Speed Champion Jasper Troy is talking with Ava when she informs him a new Speed tournament starts next week. The tournament decides Troy next challenger, but Troy vows to destruction on any challenger.

Attack on Ricky Saints backfires for Je’Von Evans

—

Ricky Saints delivers a monologue before he is attacked by Je’Von Evans. Saints, despite his security acting as bumbling henchmen, thwarts the attack. Saints then puts Evans through the announce desk for his troubles. Saints is now a dastardly heel after being a babyface character mere weeks ago. At this rate he will turn more times than Jerry Lawler in Memphis.

First, Saints cuts a promo while drowned in boos from the live studio audience. Saints is not here to offer any apologies, and Saints proceeds to lay out his grievances pertaining to his recent heel turn. Saints cuts a promo on Evans, which leads to Evans running in for an attack.

Saints’ security team cannot handle a fiery Evans. Saints and Evans brawl on the floor, where Saints sends Evans crashing into the metal steps. Saints then gives Evans a Roshambo on the announce desk, and Evans crashes through the desk. Evans is laid out as Saints stands tall.

Fatal Influence (Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid) vs. Wren Sinclair & Kendal Grey

—

NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne is ringside for guest commentary alongside Vic Joseph and Booker T. She would go on to interfere in the match.

The tag match itself went through a commercial break, as they were given some time. Jayne distracts Sinclair before the break, allowing Henley to swing around the ring post to kick Sinclair. Heat on Sinclair during the break, and the babyface team eventually get a hot tag.

Grey runs wild after a hot tag, and she gets a near fall on Henley. Grey goes or an armbar, but Jayne jumps on the apron to cause a distraction. Jayne is knocked off the apron, and Sinclair leaps off the top turnbuckle with a high cross on Jayne and Reid.

Grey is somewhat distracted, but she kicks out when Henley goes for an O’Connor Roll. They then go into the finish, where Grey takes down Henley with a cross armbar. Henley tapped out and the babyface team wins by submission. Jayne’s next challenger won the match for her team, much to chagrin of Jayne and company.

Match result: Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair defeated Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid when Grey submitted Henley.

— New Women’s North American Champion Thea Hail is interviewed by Kelly Kincaid in a backstage skit. Hail says she has been crying over winning the title. Enter Jordynne Grace, who congratulates Hail on winning the title. Former champ Blake Monroe enters the scene to bitch about losing the title, but Grace tells her to get out of here. Hail then hugs Grace to end a goody skit.

— Izzi Dame is talking on a phone, as Niko Vance is missing. The skit leads to Lola Vice having words with Dame, and Vice then bickers with Kelani Jordan. She was returning to the locker room, and Jordan argues with Vice while unpacking her belongings.

— In another skit, a mixed tag match is set up with the LFG winners against Arianna Grace & Stacks. Shiloh Hill is chatting with Skylar Rayer when Stacks barges in alongside Grace. This led to challenge for a mixed tag bout.

— Main event time and all of them in a fatal four-way get an entrance. Darkstate enters with Lennox, but the rest of the faction leaves before the match starts.

Dion Lennox vs. Joe Hendry vs. Leon Slater vs. Myles Borne in a fatal four-way NXT Championship number one contender’s match

—

Why a fatal four-way? Why not?! It makes more sense than most of the things on this show. They are at least trying to get people over, for better or worse. The four-way match was at least pretty dang good. All four got to shine, and they did some cool spots at time. That includes a Tower of Doom spot after a commercial break.

Near falls and false finishes as they go home. Hendry fires up and is on a roll. He military presses Slater and tosses him outside the ring into the waiting arms of Lennox. Slater himself was able to shine earlier on his array of aerial offense.

They tease Hendry winning the title as h executes a finisher on Borne. Hendry goes for a cover, but Lennox pulls Hendry out of the ring to break the count. Hendry and Lennox then brawl at ringside, as they seem programmed together in a feud. Slater leaps off the top rope with a Swanton 450, and he hooks a leg to cover Borne for the deciding pinfall.

Match result: Leon Slater defeated Myles Borne, Joe Hendry, and Dion Lennox in a fatal four-way match to become number one contender for the NXT Championship.

In winning, Slater is now the number one contender for the NXT Championship. Vic Joseph on commentary noted a TNA wrestler won the chance for a NXT title match.

NXT Champion Oba Femi enters the sound stage for a stare down with Leon Slater. Femi poses with the title belt, and the camera pans over to show Tony D’Angelo looking on above the crowd.


WWE Raw live results: Gunther appears after retiring John Cena

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: December 15, 2025
Location: GIANT Center in Hershey, PA 

The Big Takeaway —

Austin Theory is the masked man. 

CM Punk cut a fiery promo on Bron Breakker, repeatedly insulting the intelligence of Bron, as well as Rick and Scott Steiner. Breakker speared him for his efforts at Raw’s conclusion. 

Gunther opened the show and received a ton of heat. He called John Cena a bitch for tapping, and his words were so upsetting that he was kicked out of the arena by Adam Pearce (facing off with AJ Styles as he left). 

**********

Show Recap — 

There was a big video package recapping John Cena’s retirement match and loss to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The video showed Cena’s career flashing before our eyes while he was locked in the sleeper before tapping out. They included the “Thank you, Cena” chants (and only those chants) as the video ended with him walking off. 

Gunther kicks off Monday Night Raw

Gunther walked out to an absolute ton of heat, and he was all smiles. A few fans chanted, “You tapped out,” but it quickly turned into more booing as he tried to speak. 

Gunther stated, “I did what I said I would do. I made John Cena give up! And when he gave up, he tapped out like a little bitch!” 

Gunther dropped the mic and left as the crowd loudly (and I mean loudly) booed. Gunther returned to the ring to pose on the turnbuckle and bask in the heat. He teased leaving again, but instead posed on the announce table with one more statement. 

“I made John Cena tap out like a little bitch! It is my time now. I will forever be the man that made John Cena give up.” 

Gunther continued to smile as he left to a chorus of boos. The camera followed as he walked to the back, where he bumped into Otis and Akira Tozawa. Otis asked if Gunther felt good rubbing it in. Gunther said he did. Gunther then bumped into R-Truth, who called him a piece of trash. Gunther was cool with that. 

Gunther bumped into Adam Pearce next. Pearce was pissed that he was walking all over Cena’s legacy because he knew Cena wasn’t coming back. That didn’t make him the Ring General—that made him an asshole. Pearce told him he was done for the night and to find the exit. 

Gunther gladly left the arena. He bumped into AJ Styles outside. Styles got in his face, but did not say anything. He motioned to Gunther to get in his car. Gunther rolled the window down to give Styles the “You can’t see me” gesture before driving off. 

(It felt like all of these people were overreacting, but Gunther was perfect here.) 

********

Arriving at the arena were The Vision, Stephanie Vaquer, Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers, and CM Punk. 

The Usos vs. The New Day (w/ Grayson Waller) 

Jimmy and Jey Uso entered and were about to run back their entrance music, but The New Day interrupted.

I believe this was the first time these teams have wrestled each other in three years. 

The New Day took control ahead of an early break, and Jimmy Uso made a comeback as soon as they returned, but a Waller distraction allowed New Day to take over again. 

Jey made a hot tag and missed a Stinger splash, colliding head-first into the ring post. He bounced right back and hit Xavier Woods with a superkick for two. Wade Barrett credited Jey’s “Samoan head” for being able to absorb the damage. Jey followed with a dive and flying crossbody for two, leading to a second commercial break. 

New Day took control again during the break. Jey began his comeback when they returned, but he was tripped by Waller, who was kicked out by the referee. The Usos handed out superkicks to Woods and Kofi Kingston before hitting Woods with a double splash for a nearfall. 

Kingston shoved Jey into the steel steps, and Woods followed with a tornado DDT to Jimmy off the apron. New Day hit their double-team finisher on Jimmy, but Jey broke up the cover. 

Jimmy came back with superkicks before Jey nailed Woods with a spear outside the ring. Jimmy speared Kingston in the ring, and the Usos hit him with 1-D for the pinfall win (Jey pinned Kingston). 

Match result: Jimmy & Jey Uso defeated Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods (17:25) 

This match was pretty boring until the finishing sequence. 

******** 

Confirmed for the January 5th edition of Raw: CM Punk vs. Bron Breakker for the world title, and Asuka & Kairi Sane defend the tag titles against Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley. 

Asuka and Kairi Sane cut a pre-taped promo in Japanese. They accused Iyo Sky of betraying them, even though they loved her, and choosing Rhea Ripley over them. Asuka said they would retain their tag titles on January 5th. 

Byron Saxton interviewed Dominik Mysterio during commercials. Dom was happy to be the last person to beat Cena in a title match. It made him the greatest Mysterio of all time and the greatest luchador of all time. Dom was excited to see Raquel Rodriguez bring more gold home to Judgment Day tonight. 

The Vision meets backstage 

Logan Paul was gushing with Bronson Reed over what they did to LA Knight. Bron Breakker told them Knight was gone and they should focus on CM Punk. Logan agreed, and he assumed the masked man would show up to help. Paul Heyman didn’t know who the masked man was, but they had a lot on their plate, so he would take the help if the masked man was on the same page. 

Breakker pulled Heyman aside to tell him he would take out Punk if he showed up tonight (they already showed Punk arriving earlier). Heyman urged him to wait for January 5th and do it with the title on the line. Breakker wasn’t thrilled with this. Logan calmed him down and asked for his help getting ready for Rey Mysterio. 

********

Asuka & Kairi Sane attack Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley 

Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley entered, presumably for an in-ring promo. However, Ripley looked back into the crowd to find Asuka, who misted her in the face. Sane wiped out Sky as she checked on Ripley. 

Officials ran down to try to break things up, but Asuka and Sane continued the assault. Asuka held down Ripley for Sane to do the Insane Elbow, but Sky crawled on top of Ripley to take the brunt of the damage. Sky sold her back, while officials checked on Ripley. 

(A good, simple heat segment that felt more spontaneous than the usual angles.) 

********

The second match of the evening began 1 hour and 5 minutes into the show. 

Maxxine Dupri wore all black (with silver boots). Gunther wore all black earlier, and both the Usos (black and silver) and The New Day (black and gold) wore mostly all black gear as well. Ivy Nile had a lot of black, too, but at least her gear had the American flag incorporated into it. 

Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Maxxine Dupri (c) vs. Ivy Nile 

This was a title match between two wrestlers who have one pinfall win between them in the last year, and that one win was Dupri beating Becky Lynch for the title (thanks to interference). The crowd was understandably quiet for it. 

Dupri applied an armbar trapping Nile between the ropes, but she lost the grip, and Nile slammed her into the apron. Nile followed with a safe-looking German suplex on the outside and maintained control through a break. 

Dupri mounted a comeback, but Nile ducked a spinning kick and hit a powerbomb. Dupri responded with a sit-out powerbomb of her own (dropping Nile on her lower back/rear end) for two. There was a moment where Dupri was stuck upside down in the ropes and fired up by dropping her straps, but even that didn’t get much of a reaction. 

Dupri applied an ankle lock, and Nile kept trying to counter, but Dupri blocked every attempt. Dupri grapevined the leg, and Nile tapped out. 

Match result: Maxxine Dupri defeated Ivy Nile to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship (9:57)

******** 

Je’Von Evans met with Pearce backstage. Pearce was impressed with his performance at SNME. They were approached by El Grande Americano and the other two. El Grande spoke ill of NXT and Evans, so Evans basically told him to watch his mouth. Pearce suggested a match for next week, and Rayo stepped up for the challenge. Pearce made it official. 

CM Punk promo

Punk stormed to the ring to his music. He was not in a good mood, and he ripped the logo cover off the microphone before cutting his promo. 

Punk said he missed two consecutive Raws because people smarter than him said he wasn’t cleared to compete or fly. What happened to him at WarGames hurt, but it wasn’t as painful as having to listen to Bron Breakker talk. Punk called him a cross-eyed Neanderthal nepo baby. 

Punk recalled Breakker being mad at him for trying to end his career at WarGames. Punk knew brains didn’t run in Bron’s family, and reminded him that he didn’t sign up to play board games. Punk congratulated him on the win, but said Breakker had the audacity to claim it was easy to beat him. 

Breakker wanted the 2011 version of Punk, but Breakker couldn’t beat the 2025 version of him without a lot of help. Breakker got assists from a Brock Lesnar F5, Bronson Reed Tsunami, and Drew McIntyre spitting his head open. Not to mention the masked man. Breakker earned a title match, but he didn’t do it alone. 

Punk has been here many times before. This wasn’t the first time Heyman gassed up a talent too fast, too soon, only to watch him wilt under the bright lights. If Punk had a dime for every time someone not as smart as him gassed up a wrestler to be a future WrestleMania main eventer, he’d have a pocket full of dimes. 

Punk warned Breakker not to mention his wife again, or this would get personal faster than he could run. This wouldn’t be about the belt anymore. Punk would rip his eyes out of his head and piss on his single-digit IQ brain. 

Punk would challenge Breakker to show up alone to fight him for the title, but he knew he didn’t have the balls. Punk invited Breakker to invite the Vision, his dumb father, and his even dumber brother Scott, because he would need all the help he could get. 

Punk would win, and Heyman would leave Breakker to move on to the next next big thing. Meanwhile, Reed would be forced to do TikToks with the YouTube scammer. All Bron would have left was dumb and dumber—his father and uncle—and even with Steiner math, they would realize GTS equalled 1-2-3.

******** 

Judgment Day met backstage. Dom was excited for the Women’s title main event. Liv Morgan said they’d all have a great Christmas, but she wondered where Finn Bálor was. Dom said he was with JD McDonagh, who would be out a while. 

Morgan approached Raquel Rodriguez and was excited to see her become world champion, before she and Roxanne Perez became tag team champions. Rodriguez was pumped up, and she left for the match. 

Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez 

This went through a break, and the crowd was quiet until Vaquer hit Devil’s Kiss. Rodriguez came back with a clothesline before the fight spilled to the outside. 

Nikki Bella suddenly appeared to attack Vaquer for the DQ. Bella laid out Vaquer with “Rack Attack 2.0.” 

Match result: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Raquel Rodriguez via disqualification (8:43) 

********

Pearce wanted Heyman to tell him who the masked man was. Heyman said he didn’t know. It could be Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Nick Aldis, or Bruno Sammartino. Heyman left because he wanted to get Logan ready for Rey Mysterio. Pearce wanted to know the masked man’s identity by the end of the night. 

After Heyman left, Ripley approached Pearce and demanded a match with Asuka. Pearce made it official for next week. 

********

Punk approached Rey backstage and told him he’d have his back tonight. Rey appreciated it. 

Jackie Redmond asked AJ Styles and Dragon Lee about the “throwback” match between The Usos and New Day earlier. Styles appreciated their rivalry, but he and Dragon Lee were the team to beat. Dragon Lee said they would face any team, any time. They left to speak to Pearce. 

Bella approached Redmond because she had something to say. She would not apologize for putting people beneath her in their place. She was sick of these women not respecting the road she paved. Vaquer and Rodriguez should be polishing her boots. 

********

Next week on Raw: 

  • Bayley vs. Roxanne Perez 
  • Je’Von Evans vs. Rayo Americano 
  • Rhea Ripley vs. Asuka 

******** 

Bayley congratulated Dupri on retaining the title, and Dupri said it meant the world coming from her. Durpi showed off her bloody finger, perhaps from losing a nail, so she left to take care of it. 

Lyra Valkyria approached Bayley. Bayley admitted she didn’t feel great losing to someone so much less experienced (she didn’t mention Sol Ruca’s name). Bayley wondered if there was truth to what Asuka said about her. 

Valkyria purposely egged her on by shoving her and saying that wasn’t the Bayley she knew, and called her an idiot. It worked because Bayley fired up and said she would destroy Perez next week. Bayley called Valkyria an idiot and left. Valkyria was happy her plan worked. 

******** 

Rey Mysterio vs. Logan Paul (w/ Paul Heyman)

Rey played cat-and-mouse with Logan early on and taunted him while doing so. They went back and forth before Rey hit a seated senton off the apron. However, Logan took over during a break after shoving him into the barricade. I think Logan tried a bronco buster of sorts during the break, but he just kind of sat with his crotch in Rey’s face for a few moments before getting up. 

Logan went to the top rope, but Rey cut him off with ten punches and a hurricanrana for two. Rey tried a springboard moonsault, but Logan caught him and hit a running powerslam for two. 

Rey went for a 619, but Logan hit an ill-timed boot to cut him off, followed by the most deliberate three amigos suplexes. Instead of hitting the third suplex, Logan placed Rey on the top rope. Rey fought him off and hit a sunset flip powerbomb. Logan spilled outside the ring, so Rey hit a sliding splash. 

This brought out the Brons, but Punk immediately ran out behind them with a chair. He attacked them with the chair and chased them to the back. Rey caught Logan in a crucifix pin for a nearfall. Logan blocked a hurricanrana and hit an alley-oop facebuster. 

Heyman handed Logan the brass knuckles as the referee checked on Rey. However, Rey tripped Logan and hit a 619. 

Logan dropped the knux, and Rey considered grabbing them. Rey did grab them and placed them on his hand, but the masked man appeared and hit him with a curb stomp. Logan followed with a frog splash for the pinfall win. 

Match result: Logan Paul defeated Rey Mysterio (14:59) 

— The masked man faced off with Logan Paul, but scampered into the crowd upon seeing Punk run down to the ring. 

Punk stood on the turnbuckle as the camera focused on the masked man, who removed his face mask to reveal it was Austin Theory. (The reveal didn’t get a big reaction, but people did chant his name as he stood in the crowd.) 

Punk dropped down from the ropes and was speared by Breakker. 

Breakker grabbed the world title belt. He told Punk that this was business, but if Punk ever talked about his family like that again, he would never walk on two feet ever again. Breakker held the belt up high as the show ended.

WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event live results: John Cena’s final match

Posted on by Jeff Moss

For the final time ever, John Cena will perform in a wrestling ring in the headliner of tonight’s WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Cena’s retirement tour comes to an end in Washington, DC, as he faces former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Gunther who won The Last Time is Now tournament to earn the opportunity.

The show will also feature several main roster vs. NXT bouts.

In one, reigning WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will face NXT Champion Oba Femi in a non-title match.

Another will see former WWE Women’s Champion Bayley vs. former NXT Women’s North American Champion and former Speed Champion Sol Ruca.

The main show is rounded out by WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee defending against TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater & NXT star Je’Von Evans.

Our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern.

**********

Here it is, friends. The Time is Up, The Time is Now. John Cena announced his retirement tour last year and it has been quite a ride since then. Heel turns, dream matches, unrealized stories, this run truly had it all. Now, here on this the night of our Lord, Saturday, and the event known as “Main,” Cena will step through the ropes one last time.

So much has been deservedly said about Cena, his contribution to wrestling and his final run in the weeks leading up to tonight, that I don’t feel the need to say much else here. I always saw Cena as a gateway for new fans (and old fans with kids) and I’m pretty sure that’s how his work was meant to be seen. He was the ultimate personality, making money with the people who loved him and making money with the people who hated him. That ability to play both sides is rare in life and even rarer in pro wrestling.

Now, we find ourselves at the end of his career and he’s going out on his terms. Another rarity, especially in wrestling. Nothing else matters up to this point. Like him, hate him, whatever, it’s now all about this last match and going out in style in one of the rare events that has the eyes of the entire industry. An event that reminds us that we as fans are a community. We look to share these experiences (and then rant about them on the internet) with each other and mark the history and work of Wrestler, Actor, Jorts Enthusiast and GOAT-contender, John Cena.

-Leading into the official start of the show, Lillian Garcia gave one hell of a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and the scene moved into footage of a very hyped crowd. Everyone was doing the “you can’t see me” gesture from attendees to merch sellers.

HBK, Johnny Gargano, Trish Stratus, Kurt Angle Mark Henry, actor Jon Berenthol and raper Metro Boomin’ were all shown in the crowd and backstage. Then, a GOAT-themed video retrospective of Cena’s career aired. WWE has always been #1 in all of sports and entertainment when it comes to these video packages and this one was no different.

Fireworks exploded around the arena at the video’s end and the traditional Wrestlers Arriving To Work footage was shown for the undercard matches. Gunther arrived to a smatering of boos and Stephanie McMahon was at the hosting desk with Joe Tessitore.

Stephanie gave Cena his flowers for including the up and coming NXT talent tonight and asked if we were ready. Spoiler: We were.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. NXT Champion Oba Femi

Femi won the chance to face Rhodes by re-acquiring the NXT Championship from Ricky saints at Deadline. He also defended the title against Je’Von Evans on Tuesday’s episode of NXT, so he’s been busy. This will be Femi’s first Main Roster match and if you’ve seen him in NXT, you know that it will definitely not be his last. Rhodes has been Undisputedly Championing since August when he took the title from the Man of The Hour, John Cena at Summerslam.

The only thing in the ring bigger than Femi was Cody’s neck tattoo as the two locked up in a feeling out process. Femi usually overpowers his opponents and Rhodes was no exception, with Femi throwing him into the corner. Rhodes came back with a headlock though, showing Femi he’s got some strength and agility as well.

Femi picked Rhodes up while the headlock was on and Rhodes tried to quickly zip around Femi, but he was caught by the throat. Femi landed a backbreaker as he methodically started picking Rhodes over. Femi whipped Rhodes into the corner and Rhodes started throwing punches.

Femi didn’t like that and he picked up Rhodes and tossed him across the ring. Rhodes dodged a charge and went for a powerslam, but Femi blocked it and hit a powerslam of his own. Every time Rhodes threw a kick or shot at Femi, the NXT Champion just shook it off and delivered one of his own.

Femi hit another backbreaker and pulld Rhodes to his feet. He hoisted him up, but Rhodes rolled out. Femi charged and Rhodes dodged it, sending him into the ringpost. Femi staggered back and Rhodes hit that powerslam and then a Cody Cutter, but Femi kicked out at two.

Rhodes tried another cutter but Femi caught him. Rhodes twisted Femi to the outside and went to diave afater him, but Femi caught him with an uppercut on the way through. Femi charged in the ring again, but Rhodes pulled down the top rope, sending him outside to land a suicide dive on the outside.

Back in the ring, Rhodes came off the ropes again, but Femi caught him and hit a spinbuster. Femi scooped up Rhodes, but again, Rhodes dropped out of it. Femi clotheslined him over the top rope. Femi went to the outside and hit a sprinting European uppercut onto the announce desk, busting Rhodes open.

Back in the ring, Femi planted Rhodes with a chokeslam, but only got a two count. Rhodes was bleeding profusely from the ear, sparking fears of a broken eardrum. Femi tried another pop up, but Rhodes countered it into another Cody Cutter.

Suddenly, Drew McIntyre showed up and started punching Rhodes. The ref called for the DQ and Femi grabbed McIntyre, very mad that his match was interrupted. Femi showed no fear, shoving him to the mat. Then Rhodes hit a cutter on McIntyre and Femi put the exclamation point on it with a chokeslam.

Match Result: Cody Rhodes vs Oba Femi went to a no contest after Drew McIntyre interfered

After the match, Rhodes picked up the NXT title and handed it to Femi, with both champions standing tall and celebrating.

That was a great match with a really disappointing ending. Rhodes is always at his best when he’s fighting uphill and Femi looked dominant against the veteran champion. Killer stuff until the interference, which I get (gotta protect those guys!) but at the same time, I really hope they get to finish that match one day.

-Next a video package with more celebrities like Peyton and Eli Manning, Snoop Dogg, and Jimmy Fallon wishing Cena well aired. An package featuring the likes of Tom Brady, Lil Yachty Vanessa Hudgens, and Jimmy Kimmel aired earlier.

-Back from break, more accolades for Cena from Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, Bayley, Rey Mysterio Jr, Charlotte Flair, Jey Uso, Stephanie McMahon, and a tearful CM Punk via video package. Tyreese Haliburton and Chuck Zito were shown in the audience.

Bayley w/Lyra Valkyria vs Sol Ruca w/Zaria

Much like her fans, Bayley just kinda wanted something to do. That turned out to be competing against anyone from NXT at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and it was none other than former NXT Women’s North American and Speed Champion, Sol Ruca. The match was made on the Dec. 5 SmackDown and last Tuesday on NXT, Ruca invited her BFF Zaria to the Saturday Night party, which was nice of her. Bayley stopped to hug WWE vets Trish Status and Eve Torres on her way to the ring.

The bell rang and they locked up. Bayley managed to get a headlock on off the top and transitioned to a waistlock takedown. Ruca tried to roll her over, but Bayley kept her cook and went for a whip wristlock. Ruca turned it into a cartwheel and Bayley started working Ruca’s arm.

Ruca took down Bayley with a flipping ‘rana headscissor that really pleased the crowd. Bayley went back to the arm, but Ruca countered it into an X-Factor. Bayley rolled to the outside to recover, and lured Ruca to the ropes. When she got there, Bayley hung her up on the ropes and the fight moved to the apron.

Ruca kicked Bayley to the ground and went for a flip from the apron, but Bayley moved and she hit the floor. Bayley threw Ruca back into the ring and the two searched for a pin with neither getting one. Ruca planted a kick in Bayley’s face and sent her back to the outside. Ruca hit a handspring over the top rope and landed right on her.

Ruca put Bayley back in the ring and went for a springboard splash, but Bayley moved and hit a front suplex, hitting Ruca’s head on the second turnbuckle. Bayley took control from there with a knee to the back of Ruca and a high knee to the face. Bayley charged Ruca in the corner, but Ruca stepped away and hit a series of back elbows.

Ruca got up on the top rope and walked it into a DDT for a two count. She went for another springboard, but walked right into a Bayley to Belly suplex. Bayley hung Ruca up in a tree of woe and delivered a running elbow.

Ruca came back with a kick and a backslide, but Bayley transitioned it into a rose plant, but Ruca countered it with a shining wizard of sorts. Ruca went for a springboard, but Bayley caught her in another Rose Plant. Bayley made the pin, but Ruca’s foot was on the rope, forcing a break.

Bayley hit a back suplex and went up top to hit a big elbow, but Ruca got her knees up. Ruca scrambled up the turnbuckles and hit a Sol Snatcher, but Bayley rolled it through into a pin attempt. Ruca did the same and shockingly got the 1-2-3 to win the match!

Match Result: Sol Ruca defeated Bayley

Bayley approached Ruca after the match and shook her hand. All four in the ring did the Cena saulte and Zaria and Ruca hugged.

That was fun! Very cool to see Ruca get the quick win over Bayley. Especially when you consider that Bayley is an NXT OG and Ruca is a star in the making. Great stuff.

-Next, Sheamus, Rob Van Dam, Corey Graves, Becky Lynch, Micheal Hayes, Cameraman Tom Stewart, Micheal Cole, Cody Rhodes, Undertaker, and The Rock all wished Cena well via video. Michelle McCool and Rob Van Dam were also shown in the audience along with Sami Zayn. Cole also mentioned Corey Graves, JBL, Jerry Lawler, Jim Ross and Taz as colleagues who’ve called icon Cena matches with him over the years.

WWE World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans & Leon Slater

Why is this match happening? Who cares! World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee vs Je’Von Evans and TNA X Division Champion Leon Slater is a collossal clash of wrestling’s past and it’s future. If you’ve never seen Evans, dude be bouncy. Like, really bouncy. Slater is the current X-Division Champion in TNA, a title and division that was literally defined by Styles. Styles has said repeatedly that his time in wrestling is growing short, so maybe this will be the start of his own retirement tour.

Evans and Slater did not waste time, Superkicking Lee and Styles to the outside and diving after them. The speed was about 100 mph as Slater and Evans traded splashes on Lee in the ring. Evans and Slater isolated Lee in their corner and tagged in and out, delivering splashes, kicks and forearms.

Lee managed to kick he way free and pulled the top rope down to sent Evans to the outside. Slater came in through and tried a clothesline, but somehow Lee countered and worked it into a sit out powerbomb.

Evans and Styles made tags and Styles hits a leaping forearm and then a neckbreaker. Slater tried to interfere and took a slam. Styles went outside and Evans followed via moonsault, but not one was home. Lee hit a flying Rana on Slater, sending him into Styles’ arms, but Evans stopped him before he coult hit a Styles Clash.

Back in the ring, Evans hit a massive cutter from about 15 feet in the air, followed by a swanton 450 from Slater. Slater went for the pin, but Lee broke it up. “This is awesome” chants were loud and plentiful.

Lee hit a big dive on Evans on the outside and Slater set up Styles in the ring, but Styles reversed it, trying to get a clash on. Slater wiggled free, but couldn’t get away from the Phenomenal Phorearm. Unfortunately, Styles slipped on the top rope and couldn’t land it.

Slater went up top, but Styles caught him into a Styles Clash and that was it. Styles pinned Slater to get the win.

Match Result: Dragon Lee and AJ Styles defeated Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater

Great match, I love it when the WWE guys get a chance to speed things up and Evans and Slater are all about speed. Lots of high spots with big moves and a solid finish.

-Next, after showing a litany of tweets from pro sports teams congratulating Cena, Kane, R-Truth, The Miz, Big E, Kofi Kingston, Alexa Bliss, Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn and Xavier Woods all thanked Cena in video messages.

-When we came back from break, they threw to Stephanie McMahon and Joe Tessitore at the Host position. However, you could see someone in the ring behind them, who interrupted with an “Aaaaaawwwwwsome!” It was the Miz, being mad about being left out of all the celebration for Cena, since he beat him at Wrestlemania. That brought out R-Truth who said that Miz stole someone’s oppourtunity in the Last Time Is Now tournament.

Truth handed Miz the ball with the name of the person who’s spot he took. Miz opened it and said the name “Joe Hendry.”

As is legally required, his name was said and he appeared! Truth believes in Joe Hendry and Hendry took out Miz. Truth and Hendry then hit a stereo 5-Knuckle Shuffle on Miz. Hendry hit a Standing Ovation and Truth counted to three. They did the wave and posed as the segment ended.

-A “Thank You Cena” video package aired that rivaled the “My Sacrifice” vignettes from way back in the day. It touched on Cena’s accomplishments, his relationship with his fellow wrestlers and the impact he’s made in people’s lives.

Then, the lights went out and Gunther made his way to the ring. While he was walking down the ramp Cole noted that Cena has not tapped out in 20 years. Gunther actually got out of the ring after his entrance to allow Cena his moment.

Cena’s music hit and the crowd exploded. He walked out of the entrance ramp and took it in as the crowd sang along word for word with his music. Even Cena looked surprised by this. He took the camera off the shoulder of Tom Stewart and gave him his thanks. Cena then threw his towel into the audience and sprinted to the ring for the last time.

The Last Time Is Now: John Cena vs Gunther

During his retirement year, Cena had faced the likes of Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, AJ Styles, Sami Zayn, Logan Paul, R-Truth, Dominik Mysterio and more. Now hes up against one of the best in the world, the Ring General, Gunther. Gunther defeated NXT’s Je’Von Evans, Carmelo Hayes, Solo Sikoa and, LA Knight in the Last Time Is Now tournament for the right to face Cena. Gunther notably also retired Goldberg earlier this year, so beating Cena would be another notch on his considerable belt.

Cena looked emotional as he got out of the ring and thanked all the WWE legends that were at ringside including Kevin Owens, Meng, and Booker T before getting back into the ring and throwing up his signature hand gestures.

LIllian Garcia did the introductions, her voice shaking as she announced “the greatest of all time, never seen, seventeen, …for one final time, the last real Champion, John Cena.”

Cena tossed his hat and shirt into the crowd and the bell rang. They locked up collar and elbow, with Cena breaking free. Gunther then stepped out of the ring, playing mind games and trying to calm the crowd. There would be no calming though as he stepped back in and started throwing European uppercuts.

The crowd went with a “F*ck You, Gunther” chant, which actually seemed to rattle the Austrian a bit. He continued punching Cena though, knocking him to his knees with some chops. Gunther scooped slammed Cena, then whipped him into the corner.

Gunther went for a chop and Cena caught it. He threw hands at Gunther and then laied him out with some shoulder tackles and a back breaker. Cena then looked to the audience and called for the 5-Knuckle Shuffle. He executed it perfectly and the crowd went nuts.

Cena went to hoist Gunther into the AA, but Gunther countered and turned it into a suplex. He drove a knee into Cena’s face and locked in a tight sleeper hold. Cena flipped out of it though and locked in an STFU. Gunther was far from the ropes and as the crowd went berserk he slowly crawled his way there.

Cena broke the hold before Gunther could get to the ropes and Gunther kicked him off. He then powerbombed Cena, leaving him flat in the ring. When Cena got up, Gunther clotheslined him back down.

After every strike, Gunther made the ref check Cena, promising that he was going to make Cena give up tonight. A third clothesline repeated the process as Gunther talked trash. A fourth clothesline from Gunther, but Cena got back up. That led to a fifth clothesline, shades of Brock Lesnar and his suplexes.

Cena ducked the sixth clothesline and began to rally with a shoulder block. He hit a second 5-Knuckle Shuffle and nailed an AA. Gunther, however, kicked out at two. Cena grabbed Gunther for another AA but Gunther got out of it and locked in a sleeper in the middle of the ring.

Cena powered out of it and put a sleeper of his own on Gunther. Gunther squirmed and wiggled until his foot touched the rope and Cena had to break the hold. Gunther slid out of the ring and Cena followed, only for Gunther to backdrop him on the ring apron (the Cena-est part of the ring!).

Gunther then threw Cena into the steel steps and dragged the other set up against the announce table. He mocked Cena for the crowd atop the stairs and then went back for Cena himself. Gunther dragged him up the steel steps and cleared the table.

Gunther set Cena up for a powerbomb, but Cena countered and hit an AA, sending Gunther through the table!

Cena threw Gunther back into the ring for a cover, but Gunther kicked out. The two lay in the ring, exhausted. Cena got to his feet first though and went up top for a big leg drop. Gunther kicked out at two though.

“You’ve still got it!” chants broke out, but Cena quieted the crowd and asked if they wanted one more 5-Knuckle Shuffle. As it turns out, they did, so Cena did that, but before he could land it, Gunther popped up and superkicked him. Gunther then hit a powerbomb, but Cena kicked out.

Gunther went up top, but Cena met him there with an uppercut. He grabbed him and set him up for a seccond rope Avalanche AA, but Gunther refused to go down and kicked out at two.

Both men got up and started trading potatoes in the middle of the ring. They went blow for blow until Cena ducked one and tried another AA. Gunther countered it with a powerbomb though and went up top. He hit a massive frog splash, but Cena kicked out at two.

The crowd chanted for “Super Cena” as Gunther showed frustration and locked on another sleeper. Cean started fading as he sank down to the ring apron. He found his guts though and stood back up, peeling Gunther’s arms from around his neck.

Gunther reset and Cena started to fall back to the mat. Cena powered out again and tried for another AA, but Gunther just put that sleeper right back on. Cena dug deep and stood, with Gunther leaping onto his back for leverage.

Cena kept his wits though and drove Gunther back into the corner. Gunther ran back at him though and put him back in the sleeper. Cena, as billed, would not give up and sent Gunther back again. This time. when Gunther charged, Cena hit another AA. Gunther kicked out though and immediately put the sleeper back on.

Cena clenched his fists as the crowd chanted “don’t give up!” Gunther wrapped his legs around Cena’s body and the ref checked Cena’s arm. Two fell, but ont he third, Cena raised his fists and powered back. Gunther started pummeling Cena’s chest with elbows before putting the sleeper on yet again.

Then John Cena shocked everyone by tapping out, giving Gunther the win.

Match Result: Gunther defeated John Cena

Shots of the astonished crowd were shown, a scene I haven’t seen since Lesnar broke The Streak. Gunther laughed as he walked from the ring, leaving Cena sitting in the middle of it.

The crowd showed their displeasure, chanting “bullsh*t” at the ending.

Cena for his part though, stayed calm. He patted the ring gently as the chants changed to “thank you, Cena.”

He stood in the ring and thanked everyone, saying “that’s all I’ve got.” He bowed as the crowd applauded.

Triple, H, Stephanie, HBK, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Undertaker, Bruce Pritchard and the producers and workers in the back came out. The crowd screamed “you fu*ked up” at them.

Rhodes and Punk laid their title belts on Cena’s shoulders and the crowd applauded for him. The rest of the locker room surrounded the ring as Cena held the titles high amongst the “thank you, Cena” chants.

Cena played with the crowd, hoisting the titles around the ring to great cheers. He gave the belts back and Triple H grabbed Cena for a big hug. He pointed to the big screen and a video package began to play.

While Cena watched, picture in picture, It recapped Cena’s greatest moments and featured comments from his Mom and Dad, his colleagues, his rivals and his never ending quest to give time to every kid, fan and person out there.

The shocking part was that Vince McMahon himself was included speaking about Cena in the video. It was from an old interview, but it was still a surprise to see VKM on WWE TV in any capacity.

Cena took one more bow after the video’s end, surrounded byt his colleagues, friends, and fans. He slowly stepped out of his shoes (showing off his “U CANT SEE ME” socks) and laid his wristbands next to them in the middle of the ring.

With that, he walked up the ramp, touching as many hands as possible. He stopped at the entrance and took it in for a moment. With one final salut, Cena said “it’s been a pleasure serving you all these years” and walked through the entrance.

The show went to black as a true era ended. With all that said and done, there’s only one thing left to say on behalf of wrestling fans, journalists, and workers:

Thank you, Cena.

WWE SmackDown live results: Last stop before Saturday Night’s Main Event

Posted on by Marc Quill

Tonight’s WWE SmackDown in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania is the last stop before Saturday Night’s Main Event.

John Cena himself is not scheduled to appear on SmackDown, but on the eve of his last match ever, WWE will take a special look back at the 17-time World Champion’s career.

WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is set to take on NXT Champion Oba Femi tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event in an exhibition showdown. Tonight, Rhodes addresses that upcoming bout.

Tommaso Ciampa finally gets a shot at the United States Championship tonight after an incensed Ilja Dragunov took exception to Ciampa’s unwanted interference during his open challenge defense last week against Carmelo Hayes.

And Damian Priest reunites with his fellow Terror Twin Rhea Ripley as they face Aleister Black and Zelina Vega in mixed tag team action. Black has continued to be a thorn in Priest’s side, enlisting the aid of his wife Vega to help. This has led to Priest calling on Ripley to even the odds.

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

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– The show opened with a recap of the Cody Rhodes/Drew McIntyre situation that opened up last week’s SmackDown, including Rhodes’ attack on McIntyre and demanding that he be reinstated so he can exact some revenge on him.

– Corey Graves & Michael Cole welcomed us to the show as they discussed a post on social media that SmackDown GM Nick Aldis posted earlier regarding an invitation he sent out to McIntyre. Backstage, Cody Rhodes is confronted by Mr. Aldis, who has a letter from McIntyre’s attorneys claiming an unsafe working environment is why he will not be at SmackDown tonight. Rhodes took the paper and crushed it up before he walked down to the ring for our opening segment.

Cody Rhodes opens SmackDown

As Rhodes made his way to address the crowd, the commentators discussed his match tomorrow night at Saturday Night’s Main Event against NXT Champion Oba Femi and the possibility that the McIntyre business could become a distraction for Rhodes.

“What do you want to talk about,” started Rhodes as he turned the subject immediately to the aforementioned McIntyre and the claims that SmackDown is an “unsafe work environment”. Rhodes said that there’s a reason McIntyre is kicking officials and not mingling with the crowd and the reason why he’s not WWE Champion is because he’s “half in”. Rhodes noted that if he were McIntyre’s boss, he’d fire him, but he can’t, so that’s why he’ll just kick his ass instead.

Before Rhodes could go on further, he was interrupted by the NXT Champion himself, Oba Femi. Without missing a beat, Femi marched to the ring and stood face to face with the Undisputed WWE Champion.

Femi opened his piece by saying he liked Rhodes’ passion, but he was worried about the wrong man because McIntyre wasn’t here, when he should be worrying about the man standing before him. Femi introduced himself to Rhodes, stating he was “the mountain that you cannot conquer”. Femi claimed that the future isn’t some far away thing, and the future was here and now — it was him. Femi then quoted Cena’s entrance music, declaring that Rhodes’ time was up, and that his time was now.

Rhodes responded that it was admirable Femi quoted Cena, but he said that he was the man that beat John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Title. As Rhodes tried to leave, Femi stopped him and raised his NXT Championship over his head. Rhodes then raised his WWE Championship in response as the two men faced off to end the segment.

A great segment to sell us on this Rhodes/Femi match for tomorrow night. It’s probably the one match I am looking forward to. And if I’m being honest, it’d be amazing if Femi pulled off the upset on Rhodes to get the win tomorrow.

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– Ilja Dragunov was met by Fraxiom, who offered to help him even the odds against Tommaso Ciampa if Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae got involved. Dragunov respectfully declined the offer, stating that he was going to follow John Cena’s example and bring the fight to Ciampa and #DIY if they wanted it so badly.

United States Championship: Ilja Dragunov (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa

Ciampa backed Dragunov into the corner right away and teed off with strikes and chops to the champ. The two then got into an exchange of hard-hitting attacks against one another, but Dragunov got the best of the exchange with a hard boot to the jaw of Ciampa. The challenger took advantage by hitting the injured knee of Dragunov, as he followed that with a running knee.

Dragunov forced Ciampa into the corner and struck him with a hard running boot to the face. Outside the ring, Ciampa barely avoided a running charge from Dragunov, who couldn’t stop his forward momentum and ended up crashing into the steel steps. Ciampa took over with a suplex that caused Dragunov’s hurt knee to impact against the side of the steps as we took a break in the action.

This U.S. Title match returned from commercial as Dragunov fought out of a rest hold from Ciampa. He attempted the Constantine Special, but his bum knee buckled at the last second, rendering him unable to hit his bread & butter. Dragunov, however, did manage to ground Ciampa with a nice jumping enzuigiri to the side of the head of his foe. The U.S. Champion struck with his interlocking German suplexes on Ciampa, connecting with two of them as he then struck him with hard elbows. Dragunov tried to lift Ciampa up, but he couldn’t do it due to the knee. With some effort, Dragunov finally lifted up Ciampa with his standing uranage for the near-fall.

Dragunov had to hobble his way up to the top rope, which gave Ciampa enough of an opening to kick him aside onto the apron. Ciampa then hoised Dragunov and hit an Air Raid Crash on the hardest part of the ring, but that still wasn’t enough to put Dragunov away. In another top-rope skirmish, Dragunov got the better in a duel with Ciampa, as he then took off with a missile dropkick to the side of the challenger’s head. We then went to a picture-in-picture break with both men down.

We returned to full-screen action with Dragunov attacking Ciampa, who was left stunned seated on the top rope. A hard chop left Ciampa in a bad way as Dragunov got on the top rope. The challenger targeted Dragunov’s knee, which allowed him to hit with an avalanche Air Raid Crash. One, two…. NO! In the preceding skirmish, Dragunov had his nose busted open as it dripped with blood.

Both men faced off in the middle of the ring and got into it again with a battle of brutal strikes, as Ciampa targeted Dragunov’s knee with a dragon screw. Dragunov countered a German suplex by Ciampa and hit the Torpedo Moscow. At this point, Johnny Gargano ran in and distracted the referee, while Candice LeRae attacked Dragunov. This opened Dragunov up for a running knee from Ciampa. However, that wasn’t enough to put the determined U.S. Champion away. Dragunov finished this match off as he countered Ciampa’s Fairytale Ending into a pinning combination to retain the U.S. Title.

After the match, Gargano and Ciampa attacked Dragunov until Carmelo Hayes made the save, much to the delight of the Wilkes-Barre crowd. As #DIY beat a hasty retreat, Hayes helped Dragunov back up to his feet as the two shared a moment of respect.

Ilja Dragunov def. Tommaso Ciampa via pinfall to retain the U.S. Championship

Another amazing entry in the U.S. Title match lineage — even if it wasn’t officially part of the Open Challenge. Ciampa and Dragunov beat the absolute hell out of each other and these U.S. Title matches continue to be one of the few reliable shining lights of SmackDown. The way Dragunov wrestles and how he sells really added a lot to this match and it really looked like we were going to see a new U.S. Champion. That’s how good this was.

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– Cathy Kelley was with Je’von Evans, who was asked about his big match tomorrow teaming up with TNA’s Leon Slater against AJ Styles & Dragon Lee. The Miz interrupted and complained about how he wasn’t booked tomorrow for John Cena’s final show. This led to Evans challenging Miz to a match for later tonight. We got a Wyatt Sicks VHS interruption thing that declared that they were here.

The Wyatt Sicks issue a challenge

The group led by Uncle Howdy made their way down to the ring in their usual manner. Once the group was assembled in the ring, Howdy talked about Solo Sikoa’s attempts to discredit his family as of late, stating that Sikoa might not have the power to within to look himself, but Howdy did. He said that Sikoa’s real family (the original Bloodline) turned their back on him because he used and abused those he claimed to love. Howdy called Sikoa delusional for claiming that the M.F.T.s ran SmackDown, because as long as the Wyatt Sicks had the WWE Tag Team Titles, the M.F.T.s run nothing. Howdy then issued a challenge to Sikoa and the M.F.Ts that if they wanted the tag titles, they should come and get them.

Solo Sikoa’s entrance music played, but he and his M.F.T.s appeared on the titantron. Sikoa said that the Sicks didn’t call the shots, he did. He said that they were going to do things his way, as the Wyatts had better prepare for war. Sikoa threatened the Sicks by telling them to give the tag titles to the M.F.T.s, as he ended his promo by invoking Bray Wyatt as he told the Sicks to “run”.

Interesting segment, and the attempts to by Solo to use Bray Wyatt’s words as a way to get into the head of Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas is at least something that adds some needed heat to an otherwise dull feud.

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– Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss were in their locker room as the former tried to get the latter hyped up for their match with Lash Legend coming up next. Rhea Ripley appeared and wished Bliss luck on her match that was coming up after the break.

– Clips of celebrities and sports heroes like Eli and Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Snoop Dogg, Jelly Roll, among others congratulating John Cena on his career were shown. In the crowd, Bayley and Sol Ruca were shown ahead of their one-on-one match tomorrow night in Washington, D.C.

Alexa Bliss (w/ Charlotte Flair) vs. Lash Legend (w/ Nia Jax)

Bliss avoided a jumping kick from Legend early as she then got on her massive opponent’s shoulders. Bliss then sent Legend out of the ring with a hurricanrana. As Bliss tried to leap from the apron, she was caught by Legend, who then threw Bliss rib-first onto the top of the timekeeper’s barricade.

Back in the ring, Legend targeted Bliss’s left arm as she then lifted her high before dropping her for a hard clothesline to the face. Legend leapt up for a massive splash on Bliss for a near fall. Legend again used her strength to catch a leaping Bliss, but she got felled when Bliss countered her move into an armdrag. Legend weathered Bliss’s offensive onslaught and caught her with a forearm referred to as “The Lash Minute”. On the apron, Jax tripped up Bliss as Flair got involved and took her down. Legend then headed outside and hit Flair with a boot to take her out of the equation. In the ring, Legend finished off Bliss with her impressive-looking Lash Extension finisher.

Lash Legend def. Alexa Bliss via pinfall

Hard to say much about a match that didn’t really have enough time to cook, but credit to Bliss for selling the heck out of Legend’s impressive offense, so I suppose the job of making Legend look like a threat was accomplished.

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The Miz vs. Je’von Evans

Miz got the advantage early with a shoulder block on Evans as he taunted the crowd. The Young OG got himself back up after being shoved by Miz and hit him with an athletic dropkick, followed by a springboard hurricanrana that sent Miz out of the ring. As Evans tried to go for a high-risk move, Miz got ahead of him and hit a knee on Evas. That advantage was fleeting as Evans leapt on the apron and floored Miz with a standing moonsault.

The veteran took over the match as he sent Evans into the ring post, as he then targeted the arm, which led to a break in the action.

We returned from break as Miz had Evans trapped in a crossface submission, but the rookie turned that into a pin attempt to escape theh old. Evans mounted a comeback with a leaping punch, followed by his rebound enzuigiri kick on Miz, but that was only enough for a two-count. Evans headed to the top and looked for a moonsault, but Miz got out of the way and dropped his foe instead. Miz then connected with the Faux-Knuckle Shuffle before he tried his own take on the Attitude Adjustment. Evans landed on his feet and sent Miz to the outside before he soared over the top rope with a high-flying dive.

Miz tried to counter the OG Cutter into a Skull-Crushing Finale, but got rolled up into a pin. After a sneaky cheap pin attempt on Evans by Miz, this match came to its end with Evans finally connecting with the OG Cutter to pick up the victory.

Je’von Evans def. The Miz via pinfall

A good showcase for Evans and his high-flying offense, but I think we’ll hav e a much better chance to see him show out especially as he teams up with Leon Slater against AJ Styles & Dragon Lee.

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– Rhea Ripley was confronted by Nia Jax and Lash Legend, who threatened to do what they did to Alexa Bliss to her. Ripley was unmoored by the threat as she told them that she and IYO SKY were gunning for the Women’s Tag Titles. Afterwards, Ripley was met by WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill.

– Just as Michin was walking down for her match with Jade Cargill, she was attacked by the WWE Women’s Champion in the Gorilla Position, which put her out of commission. Cargill then walked out to the ring, the apparent match she was going to have now cancelled.

In the ring, Cargill said that what happened to Michin was what was going to happen to those who’d mess with her, because she was that bitch. A battered and bruised Michin emerged from the back with a kendo stick as she struck the champion repeatedly. Cargill recovered and hit a big boot, as she then put a table away. In the ring, she chokeslammed Michin and stood tall over her.

If we’re being honest, I’m not sure what this accomplishes with regards to Cargill’s title run. It’s probably the biggest casualty of how barebones the SmackDown women’s division is, and I’m not certain if even adding a third hour to the show starting January 2nd, 2026 will be a cure for that.

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Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena’s Final Match card

  • The Last Match: John Cena vs. Gunther
  • Showcase Match: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee vs. Je’von Evans & Leon Slater
  • Champion vs. Champion: Cody Rhodes vs. Oba Femi
  • Showcase Match: Bayley vs. Sol Ruca

Mixed-Tag Match: The Terror Twins (Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley) vs. Aleister Black & Zelina

Black attacked Priest as he was posing on the top rope to start us off, but he soon found himself shelled by a clothesline from Priest that sent him out of the ring. Priest pointed towards Ripley and made the tag even as Zelina leapt on his shoulders. Back in the ring, Ripley blasted Zelina with clotheslines followed by a knee to the face, and then one more clothesline as we took a picture-in-picture break.

SmackDown’s main event continued as Zelina targeted Ripley’s arm with a submission over the corner, followed by the Meteora from the top rope for a near-fall. Zelina went after Ripley’s knee and whiffed on some sort of leg scissors move that she tried for. Zelina opted to connect with a DDT instead. Ripley caught Zelina and threw her down as she got the hot tag for Priest.

Priest took on legal man Black and dropped him with a suplex that got a near-fall. He had Priest targeted for a clothesline, but Zelina provided a good enough distraction, which allowed Black to hit Priest with a discus knee strike, then a bridging German suplex for the near-fall. As Ripley tagged in, things began to break down with Black and Zelina nailing stereo moonsaults on their respective foes on the outside.

Zelina tried to go for a crossbody, but she was caught by Ripley and had her set for Riptide. Zelina escaped and hit a rough looking Code Red before hitting a proper one for a near-fall. Ripley recovered and lifted up Zelina before she slammed her to the ground. Black broke up the subsequent pin attempt by pulling at Ripley’s leg.

Ripley and Priest had Zelina and Black at their mercy as they hit dual Razor’s Edges on them. This match then came to an end with Ripley getting the win from Riptide on Vega. The show simply ended with the Terror Twins celebrating their victory.

The Terror Twins def. Zelina & Aleister Black via pinfall

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An okay main event marred by some rather sloppy spots on the part of Zelina, especially with how rough the landing was on those spots for both her and Ripley. Fortunately, things didn’t turn out for the worse on those spots.

Other than that, this week’s episode was actually decent, and the focus on future stars like Oba Femi, Lash Legend, Je’von Evans, and Ilja Dragunov was a nice tie-in and lead-up to tomorrow’s Saturday Night’s Main Event show. The U.S. Title scene continues to be the one thing that’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of carrying SmackDown, in spite of how poorly booked it can be at times under the purview of Brian “Road Dogg” James. Those matches are reliably entertaining and often end up being the highlight of a given episode, something that has been very consistent since late August.