Tag: Wwe Smackdown Results

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before Money in the Bank takes place, all of the MITB participants — as well as the four wrestlers competing in the PLE’s star-studded tag team main event — will be in the building for WWE SmackDown.

Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena, World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes, and Logan Paul are all set to make an appearance on tonight’s show. Cena will team with Paul to face Rhodes & Uso at Money in the Bank on Saturday night.

Additionally, the men and women competing in the respective MITB ladder matches will be on the show. On the men’s side, that includes Solo Sikoa, Seth Rollins, El Grande Americano, LA Knight, Penta, and Andrade.

On the women’s side, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Alexa Bliss, and Naomi will appear ahead of their ladder match.

Ripley, Bliss & Vaquer are teaming up tonight to face Naomi, Perez & Giulia in a six-woman tag. Plus, Knight will go one-on-one with Aleister Black.

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

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– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as shots of outside the Intuit Dome aired. The scene then transferred to Bakersfield, where SmackDown was happening.

– Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss, Stephanie Vaquer, Naomi, Giulia, Roxanne Perez and all four members of the new Paul Heyman group were shown walking backstage, outside and everywhere in between. The Heyman group, led by Seth Rollins, made their way to the ring for the first segment.

The Paul Heyman group segment

Rollins soaked in the fans singing his song briefly after the four of them entered the ring. The crowd turning to barking in the key of Bron Breakker. “CM Punk!” chants then broke out. These people just could not make up their minds. Anyway, Rollins eventually just said “Bakersfield,” and ran through his introduction. Rollins said he will take everything at Money In The Bank and then have control over the entire industry. “OTC!” chants began. Rollins said Roman could hear them because he’s off on the island of irrelevancy.

Rollins said they were there to deliver a message – anyone who stands in their way will suffer the same fate as anyone who has already stood in their way. Rollins referenced Sami Zayn, Roman Reigns and CM Punk as people who stood in their way and noted how they are all out of commission. Rollins said Reigns has never cared about the fans while Rollins, indeed, has cared about the fans. Rollins said there is nobody who can stop him. On cue, Solo Sikoa’s music hit and Sikoa walked out with Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo.

Sikoa and his group took their time entering the ring. Sikoa asked Rollins about what he previously said and Rollins reiterated everything. Sikoa said if nobody was going to stop Rollins … well, Sikoa and his group were standing there and they could, in theory, stop them. Sikoa said Rollins had his own Bloodline going on. Sikoa asked if Bron was supposed to be Jey Uso and if Bronson Reed was Sami Zayn. Sikoa looked at Heyman and said, “Long time, no see.” Rollins stepped in and told Sikoa to choose his words carefully. Sikoa said he would win the MITB contract and all the power will be Sikoa’s.

Rollins called Breakker the future of the industry while Sikoa was not. Rollins said Reed could snap Sikoa with his fingers. Rollins said Sikoa’s family would rather stab him in the back than have his back and turned his attention to Fatu. Rollins said it looked like Fatu wanted to say something and Sikoa told Rollins to shut his mouth. Rollins then called Fatu “Solo’s bitch.” Rollins said it took a lot of guts for Sikoa to come out and talk to them. Rollins said he felt a little threatened by one Fatu in the ring, but it wasn’t Sikoa. Sikoa took off his suit jacket and Breakker stepped up. Fatu then stepped up to Breakker. Rollins then stepped to Fatu. The Heyman group left the ring and that ended the segment.

As Rollins and his group left, Jimmy Uso ran in and took out Sikoa and his group. Uso will face Mateo in the first match of the night.

This was fun. I was a little surprised the crowd didn’t side a little more with Sikoa and his boys because there really were a lot of layers attached to the fact that Sikoa led his people out there to confront a group put together by Paul Heyman. They only touched on it briefly, but it was enough to remind some of us that there are a lot of different ways a story like that could go. In the meantime, the Fatu/Breakker stare down was really well done and boy, it was kind of a trip to see Jonah and Jeff Cobb face off on the far side of the ring. We aren’t in New Japan anymore, Dorothy. Good stuff all around and a hot start to a go-home show that appears to have a hot crowd behind it. You can’t ask for much more than that.

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Jimmy Uso vs. JC Mateo

The match was joined in progress and Uso had the upper hand. Uso came off the top and hit a cross-body for a one-count. Uso came off the ropes and Mateo suplexed Uso before going to Uso’s chin and mouth. Sikoa told Uso it wasn’t too late for him to come back to Sikoa’s group. Mateo kicked Uso and slowed things down. Uso fired up, but eventually ran into a back elbow from Mateo. Mateo chopped Uso repeatedly before he ran at Uso and Uso moved, sending Mateo to the outside. Uso hit Mateo with a shoulder block through the ropes and onto the floor. Uso went to the top, but Mateo dropkicked Uso off the top and to the outside of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Uso was rallying until Mateo clotheslined Uso and landed a standing moonsault on Uso. Mateo hit a running elbow in a corner, but Uso came back with a Samoan Drop to reset the match. Uso hit a fury of strikes on Mateo, including a step-up enziguri. Uso came off the top with an Uso In The Wind, and got a two-count out of it. Uso ran at Mateo, but Mateo caught him and hit a spinning back suplex for a nice near-fall. Mateo ran at Uso, but Uso got an elbow up and followed that with a pair of super-kicks and a spear. Uso went to the top, but Sikoa hopped up on the apron. Uso and Fatu then engaged in a stare down, btu Fatu on the apron. Mateo leapt at Uso and Uso moved, so Mateo hit Fatu off the apron. Uso rolled Mateo up for the win. After the match, Fatu left on his own while Mateo yelled at Fatu.

Match result: JImmy Uso defeated JC Mateo (11:23 of TV time)

An OK television match (and that might even be sort of kind). Like it or don’t like it, it’s hard to deny that there was no real reason it should dragged on as long as it did – and through two commercial breaks, to boot. The long walk towards Fatu breaking out on his own continues, but this felt like a significant development because it was Mateo who was fired up after the match and it was the first real time we saw him show any type of emotion since showing up in WWE. Back to the match: Jimmy needed that win, so I’m glad he got it. On the other end of things, we can probably all agree that Mateo will survive even though he now has a loss on his WWE record. The showdown between Mateo and Fatu can’t come soon enough, though, because these Bloodline angles have no problem dragging out much longer than they actually should.

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– Zelina (no Vega, according to the graphic listed on the television screen) ran into Giulia backstage and told Giulia would have to pry the U.S. title from her lifeless body. Giulia said Zelina was confident and Zelina walked away while Giulia looked on.

– Fatu ran into Damian Priest backstage. Priest told Fatu he’s been where Fatu currently is and he doesn’t envy that. Priest said at some point, he’ll be coming for the U.S. title. Fatu said if Priest doesn’t take care of business, Priest will be at the back of the line like everyone else.

Zelina Vega vs. Piper Niven in a Bakersfield Brawl

Good news. Vega got her last name back in the graphic that popped up on her way to the ring. Niven threw Vega to the mat repeatedly to begin the match. Eventually, Vega grabbed a kendo stick from under the ring and worked Niven over with it. For reasons impossible to explain, Vega threw the stick to the outside of the ring and went for a pin, but Niven kicked out right away. “We want tables!” chants inevitably began. The action spilled outside and Niven caught Vega before slamming Vega’s head down on the ede of the apron. Niven followed up with a basement cross-body against the LED screen on the side of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and a chain had been introduced during the break. Niven choked Vega with it before kneeing Vega into the bottom turnbuckle. Niven set up a chair and attempted to slam Vega, but Vega turned it into a DDT on the chair. Niven sold it by rolling outside, where Vega hit a moonsault on everyone, including Fyre, Green and Niven. Vega went to the top, but Niven cut her off. Vega fought back and landed a Super Code Red from the top, but Fyre pulled Vega off Niven. Green then beat down Vega as Niven came to. Niven yelled for Fyre to get a table and Green and Fyre did just that.

Niven slammed Vega on the floor as her crew set up the table inside the ring. With Vega on the table, Niven went to the second rope, but Giulia appeared and attacked Green and Fyre. Giulia hit Niven with the kendo stick and Vega powerbombed Niven through the table. That was enough to get Vega the win.

Match result: Zelina Vega defeated Piper Niven (10:44)

After the match, Giulia entered the ring and raised Vega’s hand before, wouldn’t you know it, attacking Vega. Giulia then picked up the U.S. title and stood tall over Vega.

Vega receives slightly better responses from the live crowd each week and this was no exception. Good for her on that. This was a fairly PG brawl, as one would expect, but the final sequence with Niven going through the table looked like it might leave Niven with an ache or two tomorrow morning. I like the insertion of Giulia into the Vega/Green program and we have to think this leads to Giulia eventually holding that U.S. title, which will instantly give it some much-needed credibility. My only request? Can we get to that point sooner than later? My impatience, these days, knows no bounds.

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– Jey Uso was shown in the locker room and Cody Rhodes came up to talk to him. Jimmy Uso walked into the frame. Jey said they’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow, after Cody and Jimmy asked Jey if he was OK.

– An Aleister Black vignette aired. Black recalled how LA Knight stole his victory in the MITB qualifying match. Black said he wants to take away Knight’s security and he wants things to be Knight and Black to see what’s left of Knight. Black said if Knight beats him, he will shake Knight’s hand and admit defeat.

LA Knight vs. Aleister Black

Before the match, Knight obtained a microphone and held it out as the crowd chanted his name. Knight said it was that time of the year (yeah!) and it’s Money In The Bank season (yeah!). Knight said if you do a little bit of math, this is his third year in a row being in MITB. Knight asked the crowd if they thought the third time will be a charm. Knight said he’s not satisfied with that. He ran down the other participants in the ladder match, including Seth Rollins, with whom Knight noted he hasn’t had a lot of interaction. Knight said Rollins isn’t going to burn anything down because instead, Rollins will get burned by Knight. Before long, Knight capped his minutes off with the catchphrase. Mercifully, the lights went out and Black’s music hit in an attempt to move things towards actually starting the match. Before that could happen, though, the show went to a commercial break.

The two locked up when the show returned, so maybe they just stood there and looked at each other during that two-and-a-half minute commercial break? Some mysteries might never be solved. More locking-up continued all around the ring continuously until the crowd … well, the crowd never really responded to it. Black took Knight down and worked a side head-lock. Knight came back with an elbow and a vertical suplex for a one-count. Knight went for a DDT but Black didn’t comply and instead kicked Knight in the head. Knight came back with a tough clothesline that was good enough for a two-count.

Black landed a jaw-breaker and a step-up knee for a two-count. Black followed up with a snap-suplex, which was good enough for a two-count. Black landed a series of strikes, complete with a leg-sweep. Black went for a springboard move, but Knight charged Black and both wrestlers went over the top and to the outside. The show went to another commercial break as Black and Knight sold the spill.

Back to the action and Black successfully executed the springboard moonsault on Knight inside the ring. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Black went for Black Mass, but Knight ducked it and Knight hit his jumping neck-breaker into his modified powerslam. From there, it was the top-rope elbow attempt, but Black got a boot up. The two went back and forth with punches and kicks. Black went for the moonsault again, but Knight caught Black and hit a Burning Hammer. Black then rolled to the outside. Seth Rollins ran in and gave Knight the Stomp, which was enough to end the match.

Rollins set up for another Stomp, but Black stepped into the ring to stop Rollins. Breakker then showed up and speared the hell out of Black. Reed landed a Senton on Knight and then Breakker speared Knight.

Match result: LA Knight defeated Aleister Black via DQ (10:20)

I’m not a fan of the finish, but this was a good match while it lasted. In fact, it was one of Knight’s better television matches in recent memory and you have to think that as a thing or three to do with Black. Knight seemed fired up and Black got the best out of him because of it. I was wondering how they’d get out of the match because I couldn’t imagine Knight losing going into MITB, but it also seems too soon for Black to lie down. Insert Seth Rollins, and the result writes itself. The way the Rollins group is bulldozing everyone, it kind of feels like an NWO-lite feel and I like that. Oddly enough, that idea feels kind of/sort of fresh these days when it’s done right. And right now, Heyman and Rollins and their guys are doing it right.

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– Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce announced that next week, the King and Queen Of The Ring tournaments will begin. The winners of the tournaments will receive world title shots later at Summer Slam.

– Byron Saxton interviewed Jade Cargill backstage and Saxton asked Cargill about competing in the Queen Of The Ring tournament. Cargill noted how she is the storm and she can’t wait to tear through the Queen Of The Ring tournament. Saxton asked about Bianca Belair and Cargill was going to respond, but Charlotte walked into the frame. Charlotte told Cargill there is only one queen in WWE. Tiffany Stratton then walked in and started her march to the ring for the next segment.

– A Legado Del Fantasma vignette aired. They talked about competing at Worlds Collide. They put over their opponents in the six-man tag at Saturday’s event.

– American Made were interviewed backstage. Chad Gable said his confident was high going into his match with Vikingo at Worlds Collide. Gable said the AAA Mega Championship will come home with him. Andrade walked into the frame and spoke to Gable in Spanish. Penta then pulled up and made fun of Gable in Spanish. Gable got angry and said El Grande will put them both through a ladder tomorrow night. Aldis showed up and made a match pitting Penta & Andrade against the Creeds for later tonight.

The Tiffy Time segment

Tiffy said everyone on Saturday is going to try and pull a Tiffy from last year and reach for the stars. Stratton said everyone in the match is championship match is great, but after the match, whomever wins will have their world revolve around Tiffy. Tiffy asked everyone what time it was and the crowd shouted “Tiffy Time!” Rhea Ripley’s music hit and Ripley walked out. Ripley grabbed a mic once inside the ring and recalled how she’s never had to be in a MITB match before. Ripley said she knows what it feels like to be a champion and she misses that feeling. Stephanie Vaquer’s music hit and out, she came. As Vaquer made her entrance, introductions for the upcoming match was made. As such, Alexa Bliss’s music hit and Bliss made her entrance for the match as well. The show then went to a commercial break.

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Rhea Ripley, Stephanie Vaquer & Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi, Giulia & Roxanne Perez

Vaquer and Giulia started the match and the pace was fast. They traded a bunch of pin attempts and Vaquer set up for the face-planting viral move (Devil’s Kiss), but Giulia countered and planted Vaquer. Naomi tagged in and went for Devil’s Kiss on Vaquer, but Vaquer worked out of it. Things broke down and all six women brawled, highlighted by Vaquer executing the Devil’s Kiss on Naomi. After the things settled down, Naomi and Vaquer were battling in the ring with Naomi getting the best of it, complete with the other heels interfering. Perez tagged in and worked over Vaquer until Giulia tagged in a short time later. Naomi quickly tagged in, too, and lifted Vaquer, but Vaquer worked out of it and tagged in Bliss.

Bliss whipped Naomi into a corner and then pulled her down by her hair. Bliss hit a basement dropkick on Naomi and a dive on Giulia and Naomi on the outside. Perez reinserted herself and threw Bliss into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. The show returned and Naomi was working over Bliss. Naomi ran at Bliss, but went face-first into a buckle. Still, Naomi lifted Bliss to stop a tag, until Bliss DDT’d Naomi and got the hot tag to Ripley. Perez also tagged in.

Ripley hit a fallaway slam on Perez and took out the rest of the wrestlers as the crowd chanted “Mami!” Ripley landed a Razor’s Edge on Perez. She followed up with a boot to the face, but Naomi broke up a pin attempt. The match broke down and Bliss hit Sister Abigail DDT on Giulia. Ripley then tried a RipTide on Perez, but Perez countered into a spike DDT and everyone was down. There was a chant from the crowd that forced the audio to be spotty. Perez tried to tag Naomi into the match, but Naomi left the match after hopping off the apron. The three babyfaces ganged up on Perez and Ripley hit RipTide on Perez for the win.

Match result: Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss & Stephanie Vaquer defeated Naomi, Roxanne Perez & Giulia (12:01)

The match of the night so far. Perez, especially, as acclimated really well to the main roster, despite the footsie that the bookers have played with her between NXT and the main roster. Vaquer looked good, too, and better yet, it really finally feels like Giulia has arrived in WWE. Her NXT run felt a tiny bit off in a handful of ways, but something clicked in the last couple months and this feels like The Real Giulia – or at least the one we’ve come to love from her work in Japan. The Naomi wrinkle was a fun way to get to the finish and I suspect she wins the ladder match Saturday night. In the meantime, this was a very good preview for what’s on tap for this year’s women’s MITB festivities.

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– Sikoa was shown talking to Mateo backstage. Mateo asked Sikoa if he trusted Fatu and Sikoa said as long Fatu follows Sikoa’s lead, everything will be OK. Sikoa said Fatu loves him and Fatu isn’t “all that smart in the head.” Sikoa said all Fatu thinks about is himself and he’s “all gas and no brains.” Sikoa said he has it all under control. As Sikoa and Mateo walked away, it was revealed that Fatu was standing right around the corner, listening to all of it.

– While the Sign Of The Night stuff unfolded, a Bo Dallas/Wyatt Sicks VHS vignette cut in and aired in lieu of it. Dallas/Howdy said he’s watched the tag division and he said they returned not for nostalgia or closure, but to rip open the wound of apathy and take what they are owed. He said the time for repentance has passed and everyone needs to accept their condemnation and they will not be forgotten. The entire SmackDown tag division was shown watching the video backstage together. Montez Ford spoke up and said he knows they are all afraid and they need for forget about the tag title for one moment and instead, need to focus on the Wyatts. Fraxiom said they need to teach the Wyatts a lesson. MCMG told #DIY they want to get their hands on the Wyatts, too. Each team left the scene on their own and left Aldis alone in the room.

Penta & Andrade vs. American Made (Julius Creed & Brutus Creed)

Penta and Andrade jumpstarted the match, landing dives on both Creeds on the outside. Andrade and Brutus started the match, but Julius ran in and Andrade took care of him, too. Andrade hit double-knees on both brothers in separate corners. Penta tagged in and took care of both Creed brothers, too. Penta did the Penta Walk, but the brothers attacked him while doing so and briefly, they took control. Penta quickly recovered and Andrade tagged in, but Julius took out Andrade’s knee. Brutus tagged in and hit a standing moonsault for a one-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Andrade was getting worked over by the brothers until he hit an enziguri on Julius and tagged in Penta, who who unleashed a fury of moves on Julius. With the ref distracted, Gable hopped onto the apron and tried to take Penta’s mask off until Vikingo ran in and took care of Gable. There was some chaos, but Penta hit the Mexican Destroyer on Brutus and got the win.

Match result: Andrade & Penta defeated The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) (7:57)

After the match, Seth Rollins’s music hit and the Heyman group came back down to ringside to face Penta and Andrade. Heyman’s group surrounded the ring and a brawl broke out between Breakker, Rollins, Reed, Penta and Andrade. The crowd booed as the heels got the best of it. Breakker landed a spear on Andrade while Reed hit a Senton on Penta. Rollins then stomped both Penta and Andrade. Reed went to the top and connected with a Tsunami on Penta. Officials ran out to help and the show went to a commercial break.

Again, I really, really, really like this Heyman group takeover stuff. That was a really nice touch to the aftermath of this match. I suspect it won’t continue without the MITB thread after this weekend, but we can appreciate it while it happens. As for the match itself, it was pretty good. I maintain that the women had the match of the night, but this had great action and the crowd was super up for Andrade and Penta, which added to the proceedings. It’s wild to me, watching Vikingo run through GCW talent only a handful of years ago, doing that 720 splash through tables near and far, grabbing a cup of coffee in AEW, and now playing a run-in role in the last match of the night on a SmackDown. This business, man. There’s nothing like it.

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– The show returned and Paul Heyman had a microphone and called everyone “Bakers Bitches.” Heyman said his group doesn’t fear the future because they are the future. Heyman said he didn’t understand why anyone would boo that. Heyman said Rollins already told everyone everything that would happen and all the things he said did, in fact, happen. Heyman asked if the crowd understands that Rollins and the group are “the vanguards of the destiny of WWE.” Heyman said everyone can boo all they want, but at MITB, Rollins will become Mr. Money In The Bank. Heyman said after that, whenever Rollins damn well feels like it, will propel the entire industry into a vision all of his own. Heyman said the greatest honor of his professional life will be calling Rollins the reigning, defending … and then Cody Rhodes’s music hit to cut the whole thing off.

The Cody Rhodes/Jey Uso/John Cena/Logan Paul segment

Cody stood in front of the entire Heyman group to start the segment. Rollins stepped forward. Cody stepped forward as well. Jey Uso’s music hit and Uso made his entrance through the crowd. The show went to a commercial break and when it came back, the Heyman group was out of the ring. Cody asked everyone what they wanted to talk about. Cody mentioned John Cena and the crowd launched into “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants. Cody mentioned how seeing Cena stand next to Paul is like seeing “Michael Hayes standing next to the Hardy Boyz.” The problem with the line was that nobody reacted. At all.

Jey took the microphone and everyone yeet’d, but quickly, John Cena’s music hit and Cena made his entrance to the “John Cena sucks” singalong. Cena cut his music and soaked in the chants coming from the crowd. Cody took off his suit jacket. Cena motioned for the ring announcer to reintroduce him as the greatest of all time, as he’s done in past weeks, and Mr. Nash obliged. Out of nowhere Logan Paul showed up and attacked Cdoy and Uso. Cena hit an AA on Uso. Paul landed a Paul-verizor on Cody. Paul went to the top and hit a frog splash on Cody. Paul followed up with a frog splash on Uso.

Cena grabbed a microphone and said nobody will come to save the fans or wrestling. Cena said he’s been telling everyone for half of a year – “your dream of what WWE is will be ruined. This is your future. I take this home. He takes that to the top.” Cena was talking about the championship belts. Cena said the last real champion and the moment maker, the last future face of WWE, Logan Paul … Cena didn’t add anything to that sentence and Paul and Cena held up the respective world titles. Cena rolled Cody into the ring and hit an AA on Cody. Paul rolled Uso into the ring and Paul hit Uso with his right hand.

Cena yelled “You can’t handle the truth!” It was a play on R-Truth (let’s hope, at least). Cena noted how everyone was hypocrites for chanting for “Truth.” “We want Truth” chants kept going. Cena called everyone losers and said it was his last time in Bakersfield. Cena finished by saying winners write the history books. Again, Cena and Paul held up the respective world titles. The show ended with Uso and Cody selling pain.

Good heat for the heels going into what most of us think is a throwaway tag match Saturday night at MITB. If anything, it will probably be designed to make Jey Uso take some damage going into his world title match against Gunther on Monday, but the way this episode ended, it’s hard not to imagine Cody and Jey going over. We’ll see, I suppose. The only real disappointment of the segment was the fact that it started with Cody staring down the entire Heyman group by himself, only to have the show go to a commercial break and come back without any of the Heyman group in the ring. As Keenan Thompson would say, “What up with that?” All told, it was a fine go-home show. People who expect this to be the typical SmackDown should tune in on a random Friday in July because this usually ain’t it (as the kids would say). Tonight was chaos and fun and build and heat and action. If only they could keep that up … .

WWE SmackDown live results: Money in the Bank qualifiers begin

Posted on by Steve Khan

Date: May 16, 2025
Location: First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, NC

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Show Recap — 

Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax were shown arriving. 

There was a Backlash recap video focusing on the SmackDown matches. 

Opening segment 

Solo Sikoa, Jeff Cobb, and Jacob Fatu entered to kick off SmackDown. They entered to Sikoa’s music and tron. The crowd chanted for Fatu and booed when Sikoa spoke. 

Sikoa said Roman Reigns losing the title at WrestleMania ruined everything and he was here to take it all back. It would start with Sikoa winning Money in the Bank and bringing the title back where it belonged. 

Fatu grabbed the mic from Sikoa. He already told us he was bringing the U.S. title to the family and would step up to anyone who got in their way. Fatu went to do his catchphrase, but Sikoa interrupted him and mocked him in the process. Sikoa wanted to help Fatu, and the title on his shoulder was proof that Sikoa loved Fatu. 

Sikoa wanted to hear Fatu say, “I love you, Solo.” Fatu said it, but not in his usual inflection. Sikoa wanted to hear him say it the way he used to say it. He yanked Fatu by the shoulder to grab his attention, which Fatu didn’t appreciate. 

LA Knight’s music hit. They turned their attention to the stage, but Knight appeared from the crowd. He briefly attacked Cobb, but bailed through the crowd before they could kill him. 

(They kept referring to Jeff Cobb as “J.C.” during this segment. Sikoa said it repeatedly, and Joe Tessitore called him that, too.) 

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There was a segment backstage with Michin and B-Fab, along with Chelsea Green and her crew. Basically, Green wasn’t happy to learn that the outside parties wouldn’t be at ringside for their triple threat match. Alexa Bliss appeared to wish them luck, and she entered for the opening match. Green threatened to put tariffs on everyone. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Alexa Bliss vs. Michin vs. Chelsea Green

Early on, Bliss and Michin repeatedly and easily disposed of Green from the ring. They tried double baseball slide dropkicks and Bliss’ connected, but Green was already down by the time Michin tried hers. Bliss and Mchin were way too proud of themselves, and the time spent celebrating allowed Green to wipe them out with a dive. That led to a break two minutes in. 

Green worked over Bliss during a break until Michin dropped her with consecutive German suplexes and a sit-out powerbomb. Michin twerked before hitting both women with a cannonball in the corner. There was a somewhat convoluted triple-down spot that led to a light “This is awesome” chant. 

Michin hit Green with Eat Defeat, but Bliss broke up the cover. Bliss hit Michin with Twisted Bliss, but Green yanked Bliss out of the ring. Green hit Michin with Unprettier, so Bliss returned the favour by yanking Michin out of the ring. 

Bliss hit Green with Sister Abigail for the pinfall win, which, so far, easily got the biggest pop of the night. 

Tessitore called this an outstanding match. It wasn’t. 

Match result: Alexa Bliss defeated Chelsea Green and Michin (9:01)

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Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa

Fraxiom hit a series of dives early on, and one of them sent Ciampa into some fans in the front row. However, Gargano pulled the ropes down on Axiom as he went for a springboard move, and DIY took over from there. That led to a break three minutes into the match. 

Believe it or not, the heels maintained control during a break, but Frazer made a hot tag and a comeback as soon as they returned. He hit Gragno with a standing shooting star for two. Gargano avoided a Phoenix splash and hit Frazer out of mid-air with a superkick. DIY hit Frazer with a double-team finisher, but Axiom broke up the cover. Ciampa hit Frazer with Project Ciampa for a nearfall. 

Frazer hit Gargano with a superplex, and Axiom superkicked Gargano as Frazer hit a brainbuster, but Ciampa broke up the cover with a running knee strike on Axiom. The crowd got really into this sequence and chanted, “This is awesome.” 

Ciampa ripped at Axiom’s mask until Frazer took him out. Axiom then caught Gargano in a cradle for the pinfall win. 

— DIY attacked the babyfaces post-match until the Motor City Machine Guns made the save. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin raised Fraxiom’s hands. 

This was fun, and the finish left enough for a potential rematch. 

Match result: Fraxiom defeated DIY (11:19) 

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Jax was shown warming up. Naomi could be seen lurking in the background. 

The Street Profits congratulated Fraxiom on their win. Montez Ford let them know they earned a tag title match next week. Fraxiom looked forward to it. Angelo Dawkins warned them that they were 100%, and they hoped Fraxiom were too. (Frazer was pumped for the match, while Axiom tried to keep him focused.) 

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R-Truth sit-down interview 

Wade Barrett sat down with Truth for a sit-down interview earlier today. Barrett asked about John Cena giving him an AA through a table at the press conference. 

Truth said he was under constant pressure—career, family, friends, and bills. But regardless of all that, you could always depend on John Cena. Truth kept spouting Cena’s catchphrases as real-life advice, including “Never give up.” 

Barrett told him he was crazy. Barrett said Truth saved Cena from losing the title, and Cena repaid him by putting him through a table. Truth said that wasn’t the real John at the press conference. Truth didn’t want to fight John, but he would beat him to his senses if he had to. 

The match was set for Saturday Night’s Main Event: John Cena vs. R-Truth. (Non-title, presumably.) 

Truth knew it seemed impossible, but his hero told him to never give up, and he lived by three words: hustle, loyalty and respect. Barrett wished him luck. 

(I hate Dumb R-Truth, so I thought this was dumb and a waste of a John Cena match.) 

********

Damian Priest challenged Drew McIntyre to a cage match. Priest said the hospital would have to identify McIntyre by his dental records. 

Aleister Black vs. Carmelo Hayes (w/The Miz)

Miz pulled Hayes from safety as Black tried a dive. Black looked around like an idiot, acting like he didn’t know where his opponent went, so Hayes wiped him out with a flip dive to take over as they went to break. 

(There appears to be a group of young fans who know that chanting, “This is awesome,” is a thing at wrestling shows, because they randomly started doing it as Hayes had the heat during the break.) 

Black made a comeback as soon as they returned from break and eventually hit a bridging German suplex for two. A Miz distraction allowed Hayes to get back on offence for a couple of two counts. 

Black shoved Hayes into Miz, knocking him off the apron. They did some stuff until Miz attacked Black for the DQ. Stupid. 

— Black dropped Miz with his kick post-match, but Hayes decked Black and laid him out with a diving leg drop. 

Don’t watch this. 

Match result: Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes via disqualification (10:28) 

********

Backstage, Bliss told Byron Saxton she wanted to be the first woman to win MITB twice. She left Saxton to approach Charlotte Flair. Bliss wanted to be friends with Flair and noted that Flair took her under her wing in NXT, but Flair claimed she did not remember that. 

Giulia left Nick Aldis’ office, and Aldis introduced her as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. (Fans cheered.) Aldis invited Flair into her office to discuss MITB. Before she did, Flair told Bliss to stay out of her way because he didn’t need her.

******** 

There was a video package for Stratton vs. Jax tonight. 

Drew McIntyre promo

McIntyre entered to a mixed reaction. It seemed more positive than negative. 

McIntyre addressed Priest’s promo. He said Priest claimed he was in the McIntyre vortex. McIntyre has been stuck in this vortex for over a year, and being stuck there was the only reason Priest was relevant. McIntyre said he beat Priest “clean” in a street fight. Priest was obsessed and jealous. 

McIntyre was everything Priest ever wanted to be, but McIntyre was better in every single way, and he would’ve been a grand slam champion if not for Priest. Priest was trying to take out the competition. That’s why he chokeslammed him off a platform and onto the concrete. 

McIntyre accepted the cage match (for SNME). McIntyre guaranteed that only one man would walk out of the cage, while the other would leave on a stretcher. (Notably, McIntyre didn’t guarantee who would be leaving on a stretcher.) 

As McIntyre left, he crossed paths with Solo Sikoa and crew as Sikoa entered for his match. 

This was a typically good McIntyre promo for a feud that should be over. 

********

The announcers ran down the card for SNME: 

  • Cage match: Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest 
  • John Cena vs. R-Truth (non-title) 
  • CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker 
  • Jey Uso vs. Logan Paul for the World Heavyweight Championship 

******** 

Jeff Cobb accompanied Sikoa to ringside and was officially referred to as JC Mateo. 

Money in the Bank triple threat qualifying match: Solo Sikoa (w/JC Mateo & US Champion Jacob Fatu) vs. Jimmy Uso vs. Rey Fénix

Sikoa wanted to form an alliance with Jimmy Uso, but, of course, he did not comply. Fénix wiped out Uso and Sikoa with a flying crossbody outside the ring, but Sikoa caught him moments later with a Spinning Solo in the ring. Even though that’s his finisher, he did not go for a cover. Instead, Sikoa gave Jimmy a Spinning Solo on the announce table, likely knowing it was time to head to commercial break. 

After a boring heat segment during a break (Sikoa stalking over both guys), things were meant to pick up when they returned, but there was a big mix-up. Fénix waited forever as Sikoa held him up for a Jimmy dive. Jimmy finally went for the dive, but Fénix ducked. Jimmy caught him in a roll-up, but the referee simply did not count. The crowd chanted for tables. 

Twelve minutes into the match, Fatu decided to get involved, but Jimmy superkicked him off the apron. Sikoa gave Jimmy the spike, but Fénix hit Sikoa with a rope-walk punt. Fénix knocked “JC” off the apron, but the distraction allowed Sikoa to hit Fénix with the spike for the pinfall win. 

This was no good. 

— LA Knight attacked the heels post-match. He held a chair as they surrounded him on the announce table. Aldis entered and made a match between Knight and “JC” right now. 

Match result: Solo Sikoa defeated Rey Fénix and Jimmy Uso (13:05)

******** 

LA Knight vs. JC Mateo (w/Sola Sikoa & US Champion Jacob Fatu)

Making his WWE in-ring debut, Jeff Cobb/JC Mateo wrestled in black jeans, black dress shoes, and a black t-shirt. 

This went through a break as the fans watched silently. Knight did not make his comeback immediately after the break. Instead, JC cut him off with an overhead suplex. 

Knight fought out of a long bear hug spot as the Toronto Maple Leafs went up 2-0 against the Florida Panthers and finally made his comeback, but JC responded with a spinning back suplex and a standing moonsault for two. 

Knight took out Sikoa and Fatu with a dive off the middle rope, but JC caught him with Tour of the Islands for the pinfall win. 

Boy, did this ever feel like time-filler. It’s not his fault, but this wasn’t a particularly interesting debut for Cobb, even if he won. 

Match result: JC Mateo defeated LA Knight (15:21) 

********

Angel Garza met with Santos Escobar backstage. Escobar urged him to find Berto and bring him home. Escobar wanted loyalty from Angel. 

Shinsuke Nakamura cut a pre-taped promo on LA Knight and Aleister Black. 

Next week on SmackDown: 

  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Aleister Black vs. LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura 
  • MITB triple threat qualifier: Charlotte Flair vs. Giulia vs. Zelina Vega 
  • The Street Profits vs. Fraxiom for the Tag Team Championships 

********

Jade Cargill warned Tiffany Straatton that she would win her MITB qualifying match and face the winner of tonight’s title match. Stratton said Cargill would never be good enough to cash in on her. 

WWE Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

Early in the match, Jax used a hip attack to drive Stratton’s head into the ring post. It was a good spot, and even Tessitore, who often sounds on the verge of sleep, really sold it big. This led to commercial break two minutes into the match. 

Stratton tried fighting back during the break, but Jax hit a middle rope Samoan drop for two. After the break, Jax tried a hip attack again, but Stratton moved, and Jax collided with the ring post. Jax shoved her over the barricade, but Stratton leaped off the barricade and hit a hurricanrana into the post. Stratton followed with a flying crossbody for two. Jax responded with a pop-up Samoan drop and senton for two. 

Stratton hit a back handspring elbow and a spinebuster for two. The crowd chanted for Stratton as Jax hit her with consecutive powerbombs. Jax did not pin her for some reason, but instead hit a running leg drop for two. Jax went for an avalanche body slam, but Stratton countered into a powerslam. 

Naomi entered with a chair to her music, about ten minutes in. Cargill entered to her music and chased Naomi through the crowd. 

Jax missed a tackle and went shoulder-first into the ringpost. Stratton followed with a PME for a close nearfall. The announcers freaked out and said Jax was the first to kick out of Stratton’s finisher. 

Stratton went back to the top, but Jax shoved her off and hit a Samoan drop onto the announce table (which didn’t break). 

Jax went for the Annihilator, but Stratton slipped underneath for a powerbomb attempt. Stratton couldn’t hit the move, and Jax fell on top of her for the Annihilator, but Stratton just barely got a rope break. (This wasn’t a perfect-looking spot, but it looked brutal, which made for a great nearfall.) 

Jax was pissed because she thought she had it won, so she left the ring and grabbed the title belt. Jax gave the belt back to the referee to distract him and grabbed a chair instead. As the ref put the belt away, Stratton dropkicked the chair right into Jax’s face. It was a stiff chair shot, and Jax’s head bled immediately. 

Stratton followed with PME for the pinfall win, and the crowd popped. 

This was pretty good, with lots of nearfalls and an exciting closing sequence. Hopefully, Jax is ok from the dropkick. 

Match result: Tiffany Stratton defeated Nia Jax to retain the WWE Women’s Championship (13:47)

WWE SmackDown live results: Backlash go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before John Cena steps up for the first defense of his 17th World title reign, the Undisputed WWE Champion will return to SmackDown tonight.

Cena is set to renew his rivalry with Randy Orton at Backlash on Saturday. Orton appeared on last week’s SmackDown episode and cut a promo on Cena, who did not make an appearance. Tonight, we’ll get Cena’s final words before facing Orton.

Also tonight, Solo Sikoa will team with Jacob Fatu to face the duo of LA Knight & Damian Priest. Knight and Priest will be two of the participants in a fatal four-way for Fatu’s United States title at Backlash. The fourth competitor will be Drew McIntyre.

Jade Cargill and Nia Jax will square off to determine the number one contender to Tiffany Stratton’s WWE Women’s Championship. Cargill teamed with Stratton last week to defeat Jax and her partner Naomi.

Plus, Aleister Black is set for action against Carmelo Hayes.

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

**********

– The show opened with Damian Priest walking towards the ring. Byron Saxton interrupted his walk and asked him about the Backlash Fatal Four-way. Priest was talking and LA Knight walked up and Knight told Priest that anyone who gets in the way of him and his U.S. title will receive backlash tomorrow night. Priest said he was concerned that Knight wouldn’t have his back in the opening tag match. Knight said if Priest has his back, he’ll have Priest’s back and Knight told someone to hit his music. Knight then made his entrance for the first match.

LA Knight & Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa

Priest and Knight argued about who was going to start the match and Sikoa attacked both of them. Priest ended up officially starting the match for his team. Priest bounced back from the initial attack and took Sikoa down before posing in Fatu’s face. Priest successfully executed Old School on Sikoa and fired up the crowd. Priest went for a clothesline, but Sikoa rolled to the outside. Priest then hit a double axe-handle on Sikoa and jawed at Fatu, who was taken out by Knight’s dropkick through the ropes. With the heels down, Priest and Knight bickered as the show went to its first commercial break.

The show returned and Sikoa was working Priest’s neck back inside the ring. Priest struggled to get the tag to Knight, but Sikoa knocked Knight off the apron once Priest got free. Sikoa capitalized with a Samoan Drop and a two-count. Fatu tagged in and landed a running Senton. Fatu headbutted Priest and followed that up with a hip attack. Sikoa tagged back in and soaked up boos. Sikoa got a running start, but Priest fired out of the corner with a kick to Sikoa’s head. Knight and Fatu tagged into the match.

Knight had the upper hand and hit his spots, including a jumping neck-breaker and a leaping elbow. Knight set up for the jump-up elbow, but Priest tagged himself in and clotheslined the hell out of Fatu. Priest set up for South Of Heaven and Knight tagged himself in. Sikoa took advantage of the babyfaces arguing … until Knight landed the BFT on Sikoa for the win.

Match result: LA Knight & Damian Priest defeated Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa (10:07)

After the match, Knight and Priest threw punches at each other until Fatu broke it up and attacked both babyfaces, ramming them into ring posts and hitting hip attacks. Fatu held up his U.S. title as the crowd cheered … until Drew McIntyre showed up and Claymore Kicked Fatu. McIntyre then held up the U.S. title.

I liked the disruption to the cookie-cutter approach SmackDown has been taking to open its shows. They had a match, a commercial break and a post-match beatdown all within the first 20 minutes whereas we’ve been seeing far too many 20-plus-minute promos to begin Friday nights. Hopping directly into a match was a welcome change of pace. I’m also glad they got this match out of the way early because … well … it didn’t feel like a lot of thought was put into that booking, considering the last few weeks. Anyway, the match was fine. Standard. Inoffensive. Pick any of those words and you wouldn’t be wrong. The “babyfaces arguing for the sake of creating tension” is a tired trick – and especially in WWE – so the Knight/Priest stuff only annoyed me. Perhaps I’m just grumpy. And finally, while Sikoa taking the loss was the expected outcome, do we see him play a part in Saturday’s four-way finish that separates him from Fatu? The crowds love to cheer Jacob. Why not pull the trigger on an official turn?

**********

– R-Truth was standing outside with a “Let’s Go Cena!” sign. Jimmy Uso walked up and told Truth that Cena sucks. Jimmy Yeeted and walked away as Truth kept chanting for Cena.

– McIntyre was walking backstage and Saxton rushed over to talk to him. McIntyre said the U.S. title match should be a one-on-one match between him and Fatu. McIntyre noted how Knight shouldn’t be in the match because he lost at WrestleMania. McIntyre questioned why Priest is in the match, too, because Priest lost at Mania, too. McIntyre said he wants to take the title off Fatu to become a Grand Slam Champion. McIntyre mocked Fatu’s “All gas and no breaks” catchphrase and said he’d be the next U.S. champion.

– The Secret Hervice and Chelsea Green were shown in Nick Aldis’s office and they were mourning losing the Women’s U.S. title. Zelina Vega and Aldis walked in. Green said Vega has no girlfriends, so Vega challenged Green and Niven to a tag match. Vega said she’d bring one of her girlfriends. The show went to a commercial break after Green and the Hervice’s entrance.

– An Aleister Black vignette aired. Black said he buried his former WWE character and what he found six feet under wasn’t death – it was the truth. Black said he came back because he is the consequences the company needs. Black said he’s more than a man who whispers in shadows. Black said it’s bigger than good vs. evil because he’s there to confront everyone mentally and physically. Black said he hasn’t figured Carmelo Hayes out yet and the vignette ended.

– Vega made her entrance for the next match first and then pointed to the entranceway to introduce … Alexa Bliss.

Alexa Bliss & Zelina Vega vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

Niven and Vega started the match and Niven got the best of Vega. Green tagged in and went for a splash, but Vega moved. Vega then went to work on Green, setting up Vega (and Niven) for a dual 619. Vega landed it and got a two-count out of it. Vega teased tagging Bliss into the match, but Green attacked Vega. As a result of all that, the heels got the upper hand and Green tagged in Niven, who put Vega down. The heels saluted the crowd(?) and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Vega was crawling towards Bliss, but Niven cut off Vega. Niven lifted Vega, but Vega countered with a DDT and alas, Bliss received the hot tag. Green tagged in, too, and Bliss worked over Green with a series of strikes and even a dragon-screw leg-whip. Bliss landed a Blockbuster on Green for a two-count. Bliss ran into an elbow and Green climbed to the top, but Bliss cut off Green and dropkicked Green. Bliss hit Twisted Bliss on Green, but Niven broke up a pin attempt. Vega landed a Code Red on Niven. Bliss followed that up with a Sister Abagail DDT on Green for the win.

Match result: Zelina Vega & Alexa Bliss defeated Chelsea Green & Piper Niven (8:19)

I’m a little lost on returning Bliss like this (other than the obligatory home state factor). Isn’t the plan for her to work with the Wyatt Sicks? Why waste her return on a throwaway tag match with an ice cold secondary women’s champion … on WWE’s worst weekly television program? I hope there’s a plan for her moving forward. That aside, this was a fine match and it was nice to see Bliss get her greatest hits in. Green and Niven did a really good job putting both Vega and Bliss over and while Vega took the bulk of the match, Bliss hit a nice stride as everything went to the finish. Here’s hoping something big is on the horizon for Bliss, who always packs a punch when she returns.

**********

– Rey Fenix ran into Santos Escobar backstage and Fenix reminded Escobar that he beat him last week. Escobar said he had something to say and Los Garza attacked Fenix, running him into road cases. Andrade showed up and showed concern for Fenix.

– An SUV pulled up to the arena and Charlotte Flair stepped out of it.

– A video package on John Cena and Randy Orton’s history aired.

The Charlotte Flair segment

Charlotte told Dayton that their queen has arrived and some people cheered. Charlotte said she had the greatest match in WrestleMania history and recalled how she was out for two years, but still took Tiffy to her limit. A photo of Tiffy at Mania was shown on the big screen. Charlotte said she was there to announce her path to the WWE Women’s Championship. People booed and Charlotte acted petulant, saying she’s the GOAT of women’s wrestling. Charlotte said if the crowd continued to be disrespectful, she would leave Dayton and never come back. The crowd booed heartily. Charlotte threw the microphone down and left the ring. As Charlotte left, Jade Cargill’s music hit and Cargill made her entrance. Charlotte stood in the entranceway and the two engaged in a stare down.

Cargill got a microphone once she stepped into the ring and told Charlotte to head to the back of line because Charlotte had her chance. I’m not sure if this was scripted because Cargill kept talking over her theme music, so either production got it wrong or Cargill took a chance.

I like this approach for Charlotte. She’s a better heel than she is a babyface anyway, and the story of her playing into the boos each week could have her positioned as the next Dominik Mysterio, heat-wise. Plus, the segments don’t need to be long. Come out. Throw a fit. Soak in the reactions. Storm off. Maybe they’re finally going to get it right with her after all?

**********

– Charlotte and Aldis were walking and talking backstage. Aldis told Charlotte to be a leader, not leave and not throw a temper tantrum. Charlotte got back to her SUV to, in fact, leave, and Alexa Bliss stood there. Bliss told Charlotte that they should chat.

Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax

Before the match began, Tiffany Stratton’s music hit and Tiffy walked out to ringside. Stratton sat next to the commentary table, but she did not sit in on commentary. Cargill and Jax locked up to begin the match. Jax jawed at Tiffy and then turned her attention back to Cargill, taking Cargill down repeatedly. Jax mocked Cargill’s pose. Eventually, as the crowd chanted, “You can’t wrestle!” Cargill hit a flying shoulder tackle, which took Jax down. Jax bounced back and hit a Samoan Drop on Cargill before landing a leg drop for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Jax went to sit on Cargill, but Cargill moved. Cargill lifted Jax and delivered a Samoan Drop on Jax. Cargill suplexed Jax and landed a super-kick – plus a spinebuster – for a two-count. Cargill went for a boot, but Jax countered into a powerbomb. Jax stood on the second rope, but Cargill cut her off and pressed Jax to the mat. Cargil climbed to the top and landed a frog splash for a nice near-fall. Cargill tried to set up for Jaded, but Jax threw Cargill across the ring. Cargill came right back with a running kick to Jax’s head.

Out of nowhere, Naomi appeared and attacked Stratton. Cargill saw Naomi and took her attention away from Jax. As a result, Jax attacked Cargill, hit her finish and won the match.

Match result: Nia Jax defeated Jade Cargill to become the No. 1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship (10:03)

This was pretty good. Cargill really has improved her in-ring work and it shows in little ways – the way she fires up, the commitment to selling, etc. – and as such, these two worked hard to put on a good television match. I tend to wonder how this Naomi/Cargill program will eventually be blown off. Does it involve Bianca Belair? A Hell In A Cell? At this point, with the rinse/repeat stagnation in which they appear to be, it’s going to have to be something big. I’m not saying their feud isn’t working; I’m just saying it’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out. In the meantime, this was a nice offering from Jax and Cargill, even if I can’t say I’m thrilled to see another Cargill/Stratton match/program.

**********

– The Street Profits were walking backstage and ran into Michin and B-Fab. The women told the Profits that they look banged up, but they still look good. Montez Ford said something brief and the Profits continued their walk to the ring.

– A Becky Lynch vignette aired.

The Street Profits segment

Ford and Dawkins walked out with various parts of their body taped up, selling the impact of the TLC match a couple weeks ago. Ford said the Profits have been the talk of the town and they put on the greatest TLC match of all time a couple weeks ago. Ford said, “That’s right, the guerrilla fears us.” Ford said what happened is what will always happen, and it’s that the Street Profits will come out on top. Fraxiom’s music hit and they walked out with microphones. Nathan Frazer said it feels good to be on Friday Night SmackDown.

Frazer said the Profits could be the best tag team in the game right now. Fraxiom stepped into the ring and said Frazer Shawn Michales told them to take any opportunity they get. Axiom spoke up and said the tag titles would look great on Fraxiom. Dawkins said Fraxiom has one only two matches and he was wonder if they really think they deserve a title shot. Ford yelled about Fraxiom wanting a title shot. Aldis walked out, so you know what that means: Aldis booked a match between Fraxiom and the Profits right now. A referee showed up and the show went to a commercial break.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)

The match was joined in progress and Frazer had the upper hand, working over Dawkins. The action spilled outside and Dawkins ran Frazer into the corner of the commentary table. Axiom checked on Frazer and rolled Frazer back into the ring to beat the count. Ford tagged in and hit a splash on Frazer while selling rib pain. Ford kicked the back of Frazer and tagged in Dawkins, who landed a splash on Frazer for a two-count. Dawkins hit his spinning splash on Frazer in a corner for a two-count. Eventualy, Frazer fired up and kicked Dawkins before tagging Axiom into the match. Fraxiom executed an array of their quick moves, complete with dives to the outside. Frazer and Axiom fired up the crowd and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Frazer and Dawkins were both down in the middle of the ring. Axiom and Ford tagged in and Ford landed a bunch of clotheslines on Axiom. Ford hit a back suplex and continued to sell rib pain before launching into a standing moonsault for a two-count. Axiom kicked Ford and Frazer tagged in. Frazer rolled up Ford quickly, but then ran into a kick to the head from Ford. Ford was perched on the top rope and Frazer went to the top with him. Dawkins tagged himself in and put Frazer on his shoulders. From there, they hit the super-duper Blockbuster on Frazer, but Axiom broke up the pin attempt.

“This is awesome!” chants broke out. Ford went to the top, but jumped into a kick from Axiom. Dawkins then kicked Axiom. The match broke down and Frazer ran into a punch from Dawkins. With Dawkins on the top rope, Axiom hit a Spanish Fly and Frazer followed it up with a Phoenix Splash. At the very last tenth of a second, Ford broke up the pin attempt while attacking Axiom and all four men were down to reset the match.

Dawkins ran into a Golden Ratio from Axiom on the outside of the ring. Ford, meanwhile, went to the top rope inside the ring and missed a frog splash. Fraxiom connected with the Catapulta Infernal and that was enough to get them the win with Axiom pinning Ford.

Match result: Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom) defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) in a non-title match (13:25 of TV time)

After the match, the teams shook hands inside the ring and they all raised their arms together.

Fantastic stuff all around. I’m even sort of annoyed that I missed the first few minutes because the match started during a commercial break. The Profits told a great story, selling the pain from their TLC match a couple weeks ago and giving them an out for losing to the main roster rookies. Speaking of those main roster rookies, I can’t recall a better tag team debut run for a team in recent WWE memory. Motor City Machine Guns made a splash by winning the tag titles on their debut night, but the live crowds never seemed to buy into them. Fraxiom, however, seem to connect with the live crowds and their flashy, quick, aggressive offense is striking a chord. Run this back on a PLE with five more minutes and a title change and I’ll bet you 5,000 MJF Coins that it’s one of the best WWE matches of 2025.

**********

– Tiffy was looking for people backstage and ran into Jax and Tiffy said she’d save a spot at the loser’s table for Jax and it will be right next to Charlotte Flair.

– A video package on Gunther vs. Pat McAfee aired.

– The Miz was talking to Melo backstage and told him it’s all about him and showing everyone that Melo is the 10th Wonder Of The World. Miz said Melo will run the plays exactly as Miz designed them. Miz kept asking Melo, “Who’s Him?” Melo responded in kind. Miz yelled a lot. Miz and Melo made their entrance for the next match.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Aleister Black

The bell rang and the two stood in their respective corners. About 20 seconds into it, they locked up and traded hold attempts. Melo went for a springboard splash, but Black moved and the two stared at each other for a few seconds. Black kicked Melo and Melo wound up on the outside. Black followed up with a moonsault onto the floor. Black returned to the ring to break the count and ran at Melo, but missed and found himself hung up on the crowd barrier. Melo then dropkicked Black over the barrier and posed as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Black kicked Melo right in the face. Black followed up with a leaping knee, which took Melo down. The two were out on the canvas and the match reset. Back on their feet, the two traded blows. Black eventually got the best of it and hit a springboard moonsault from the second rope for a two-count. The two traded a handful of moves until Black slowed it back down with a Brainbuster. Miz hopped up on the apron and Black went over to him. Melo ran at Black, but Black moved and Melo hit Miz. Black then rolled up Melo for the win. After the match, Black hit Black Mass on Miz and sat in the entranceway.

Match result: Aleister Black defeated Carmelo Hayes (9:14)

This was as good as expected, but if we’re being honest, I was secretly hoping it would be better than expected. Between the finish and the post-match, it’s hard to think Miz, Melo and Black are now moving on from all this, so maybe we’ll soon get a 15-minute TV classic in the vein of the work Melo did with Andrade last year. Melo was great in selling the viciousness of Black’s strikes and Black was much smoother than he was last week against Miz. I like this slight shift in attitude for the Black character. Like he said in the vignette earlier, he’s not all smoke and mirrors and he’s not just a guy who speaks in riddles anymore. He feels like a real fighter now more than ever before. It’s subtle, but it’s needed.

**********

– Sikoa and Fatu were shown talking in a dark area backstage. Sikoa said they need a plan for Backlash and Fatu flipped out. He ended by calming down and saying he’s all gas and no breaks. He asked Sikoa if he knew what he meant and Sikoa said he did. Fatu walked away.

– Fraxiom ran into MCMG backstage and MCMG said it will eventually be Fraxiom vs. MCMG, but wouldn’t you know it – #DIY showed up and attacked both teams. Ciampa and Gargano focused more on Fraxiom and lectured them before storming off into the ether.

Rey Fenix & Andrade vs. Los Garza (Berto & Angel)

Fenix started the match and Los Garza put the boots to him. Berto became the legal man went to work on Fenix, complete with a dropkick for a two-count. Berto lifted Fenix, but Fenix knee’d his way out of it and tagged in Andrade. Angel tagged himself in and Berto knocked Fenix and Andrade to the outside. Berto and Angel went to the top and hit dueling moonsaults on Andrade and Fenix on the ringside floor. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Berto was working Andrade in the ring. Andrade eventually ducked a couple kicks and hit a Poison-Rana. Both guys were down and Andrade got the hot tag to Fenix. Angel tagged in as well and Fenix took care of both heels as Escobar looked annoyed. Angel lifted Fenix and kicked him in the chest. Things broke down and all four wrestlers executed moves on each other and all four were down in the middle of the ring. “This is awesome!” chants began. Angel and Fenix traded chops on their knees. Angel had Fenix in a corner and Berto tagged in to hit a moonsault on Fenix before Andrade broke up the pin attempt.

With Berto in a corner, Fenix hit a spinning animal kick. Escobar hopped onto the apron and distracted the ref as Berto had Fenix pinned. Fenix kicked out eventually and we were back to having all four wrestlers involved in the action. Andrade hit a back spinning elbow on Angel while Fenix landed the Adios Amigo on Berto. Fenix landed a splash on Angel outside the ring as Andrade hit The Message on Berto for the win.

Match result: Andrade & Rey Fenix defeated Los Garza (Angel & Berto) (10:23)

After the match, Escobar entered the ring and scolded Berto, who slapped Escobar’s hand away from his chest. Berto left the ring and Angel looked confused. Berto stormed off to the back and Angel remained in the ring with Escobar.

It’s about time to split up Legado Del Fantasma, don’t we think? Elektra Lopez is out of the company. Los Garza keeps having solid tag team matches, but the faction is as cold as anything else on the show (which, to be fair, is a lot these days when it comes to SmackDown). Escobar, Berto and Angel are all very talented, but outside of these throwaway tag team matches that Berto and Angel are almost guaranteed to lose, they don’t have a lot behind them. As for this match, the four wrestlers delivered well enough, even if it was a bit odd to see Fenix team with someone not named Penta. Everybody worked hard, though, and there are many worse ways to fill 10-and-a-half-minutes on a show like this.

**********

– The commentary team ran down the card for Saturday’s Backlash show.

The John Cena segment

Cena made his entrance to a mixed response. The “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks!” chants were loud. Cena called in Ring Announcer Nash to do the introduction bit he’s been doing. Someone threw a Michelob Ultra bottle into the ring and Cena actually picked it up while stopping Nash from speaking. Cena threw the bottle out of the ring and told Nash to keep going. Nash completed his introduction and the crowd cheered as much as they booed. Cena snarled.

Cena said, “Tomorrow, your childhood dies.” He added that the reason they are reduced to throwing empty bottles of beer is because they know how important Backlash is. Cena noted how Randy Orton wasn’t there and Orton was smart for not being there. Cena said Orton is preparing for the biggest moment of his career. Cena said he first wrestled Orton 25 years ago and since then, they have shared almost 100 appearances together. Cena said they are the two names that define what it is to have “Ruthless Aggression.” Cena said if you are of a certain age, you either cheer Cena or Orton and the crowd cheered loudly for Cena.

Cena said at Backlash, it will be Cena vs. Orton for the final time. He reiterated that everyone’s childhood will die at Backlash. Cena said he will prove three things – life isn’t fair, winners write the history books and Randy Orton is a liar. Cena said the person Orton has been lying the most to has been himself. Cena brought up the Hustle, Loyalty and Respect stuff. Cena said Orton has used his stardom and connections to keep him from doing hard work. Cena said Orton is the GOAT of wasting his potential. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am hustle.”

Cena called out Orton for cashing a check and called Orton lazy in clever way that included being a piece of furniture. Cena said Orton is over-celebrated and over-paid. Cena said Orton is the GOAT at doing the bare minimum. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am loyalty.” Cena mocked Orton for reminding everyone that he’s a third-generation superstar. Cena said the only thing Orton has ever done in life is ride Cena’s coattails. Cena said at Backlash, Orton will kill the legend of Randy Orton. Cena said Orton will be “just like his 2006 drug test – a failure.” Cena said Orton is the GOAT at making a mockery of what a WWE superstar shoudl be. Cena said Cena is the GOAT because “I am respect.”

Cena said Saturday is a historic moment for WWE and he held up his belt saying he is what the last world champion looks like. Someone in a Randy Orton hoodie ran into the ring, but Cena gave him an AA. The Real Randy Orton then appeared and RKO’d Cena. Cena stood tall as the crowd cheered loudly for him. Orton picked up Cena’s belt and kissed it. Orton then held it high as his music played. The show ended with Orton looking to the crowd and holding up the title while standing on the second rope.

Cena felt rushed, but damn it if he didn’t memorize a ton of lines for this thing. Kudos to him for that. Turns out being a Hollywood superstar really can help certain aspects of your pro wrestling career. I wasn’t expecting much from this segment and I didn’t get much. It’s Cena ridiculing the fans, whining about everyone around him and giving his now-signature pouty face. It might have been novel when it started a couple months ago, but this is so one-note, it’s almost hard to watch. There’s no way Orton takes the strap off him at Backlash, but I’m already so over this Cena bit that I would actually be happy if they somehow decide to go with Orton in his hometown. Overall, this served as a fine-enough go-home show for Backlash, which is a below-mid PLE, so it doesn’t say much. Either way, below-mid knows below-mid. And I can attest to that.

WWE SmackDown live results: Fenix debuts

Posted on by Marc Quill

After spending a few weeks in Europe, WWE is back in the United States for tonight’s SmackDown.

Former AEW star Fenix will make his WWE debut. No word on what Fenix’s plans are for tonight, but it’s expected that his first WWE program will be against Andrade.

Two weeks from tomorrow, CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins will headline night one of WrestleMania 41. All three competitors are set to appear live tonight. It’ll be a favorable environment for Punk with SmackDown being held in his hometown of Chicago.

A pair of number one contender’s matches are scheduled. Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY will decide the next challengers for WWE Tag Team Champions The Street Profits — and Jacob Fatu and Braun Strowman will clash with a shot at LA Knight’s United States title on the line.

Plus, there will be a grudge match with B-Fab taking on Naomi.

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

**********

– Following the WWE signature open, we opened with shots of the Chicago skyline, Allegiant Stadium (WrestleMania 41 in 15 days), and subsequent clips of Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, LA Knight, #DIY, The Motor City Machine Guns, B-Fab, and Naomi at the arena.

– As always, the dynamic duo of Joe Tessitore & Wade Barrett welcomed us to SmackDown, as we got a recap of last week’s CM Punk/Seth Rollins/Roman Reigns contract signing. Following that, it was back live to the arena as CM Punk himself arrived to a great ovation from his hometown Chicago crowd.

CM Punk opens SmackDown

Punk started by putting over the Chicago crowd for being loud as he took a TV camera to let the fans cheer as loud as they can for the whole world to see. He said that his goal was to make new fans, but tonight, he was here to thank the 16,000 strong hometown crowd that was here to see him tonight. Punk pointed towards the WrestleMania sign as he reminded everyone that he was in the main event of WrestleMania 41 (one of them, at the very least). Punk said that he earned that opportunity and that through all his life, he was told “you were not supposed to be here” and that he had to work hard to be here. He said that now, the hard work begins.

Punk thanked everyone, starting with his wife April and his puppy Larry first. He said that he would not be who he was without the city of Chicago as he once again thanked everyone. Punk promised that he would whoop Seth Rollins’ ass, put a beating to Roman Reigns at the main event of WrestleMania.

Paul Heyman interrupted proceedings with his trademark “ladies and gentlemen” spiel. Heyman apologized for being late and that there was not disrespect intended to his “best friend” Punk by interrupting him. Punk welcomed Heyman into the ring, stating that he was just getting to him. Heyman said, “ask not what Chicago can do for you, but what your Wiseman can do for you.” He said that Punk belonged in the ring and in the main event of WrestleMania.

Heyman reminisced about the time he begged Punk to take him the last time both were in Chicago as he then talked about the WarGames offer to Punk. He thanked Punk for helping save the Bloodline before he said that he had one more favor to ask of Punk. Heyman asked Punk to tell him what the favor that he owed him.

Punk found out from Heyman that Roman Reigns wasn’t in the building yet, as he then told Heyman that he was going to talk about this favor once Reigns arrived in the arena at some point in the evening, and it was one that would have a direct effect on Reigns himself.

A fine opening salvo from Punk to help set up what’s sure to be an interesting payoff for the favor that Heyman owes him.

**********

Rey Fenix def. Nathan Frazer

Frazer was already in the ring ahead of Fenix’s entrance, as the newest arrival to WWE got a great ovation from the Chicago crowd.

Fenix and Frazer opened with dueling flips as we got an early standoff amidst the chain wrestling action. Fenix hit an impressive dodge between the ropes before he hit Frazer with a side kick. Frazer sent Fenix to the outside as he tried for a dive between the ropes, but he clipped the middle rope and didn’t get all of it. Fenix went up top and soared for a dive onto Frazer at ringside as the action went to a commercial break.

SmackDown returned with Frazer and Fenix battling it out on the top rope. Frazer leapt up from the canvas up top for a springboard superplex and a Final Cut neckbreaker for the two. Frazer went up top and looked for a Phoenix Splash on Fenix, but couldn’t get it.

Fenix had Frazer trapped across the top rope and ran across it for an impressive leaping kick. Fire Driver by Fenix on Frazer got an incredibly close two-count. Frazer nailed Fenix with an enzuigiri to the head, but found himself hit with a superkick. Fenix hit Frazer with the Goodbye Amigo kick, as he then hoisted him on his shoulders to finish this off with the Mexican Muscle Buster for the 1, 2, 3 and the win in his WWE debut.

After the match, Byron Saxton interviewed the victorious Fenix in the ring. Fenix said he had a lot of history in Chicago (he competed in a trios match with Rey Mysterio and Bandido against the Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi at the original All In event in 2018) and that tonight was the rebirth of Rey Fenix. He said he was reborn with rage and animo, as he concluded with “I am WWE! Animo!”

A fun debut match for Fenix, and seeing Nathan Frazer from NXT be his first opponent was a pleasant surprise, especially as someone who watches a lot of NXT for the purpose of keeping abreast for their PLEs. I enjoyed Fenix’s time in AEW, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in his WWE career.

**********

– Backstage, Legado Del Fantasma were seen watching Fenix, as Berto said that he was better than Fenix. Santos Escobar told Berto that he was going to talk to Nick Aldis to make that match between Berto and Fenix happen.

– An eyepatch-wearing Drew McIntyre addressed Damian Priest, stating that nobody cared about him unless he was “feasting upon his scraps”. McIntyre talked about how Priest lurked in the shadows last week to ambush him. He said that he was going to pray, as “whenever Drew McIntyre prays, bad things happen.”

– Saxton interviewed Braun Strowman ahead of his Last Man Standing against Jacob Fatu before Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga interrupted. LA Knight barged in and told Strowman to save his energy for Fatu, which led to him trashing Tama as his match against him was up next.

LA Knight def. Tama Tonga (w/ Solo Sikoa)

Knight started off strong with strikes against Tonga, who answered with a dropkick. That wasn’t enough to deter Knight, who dropped Tonga with a suplex. Tonga responded by tripping Knight up, which allowed him to seize advantage, but it didn’t last long. Knight had Tonga trapped in the corner for a series of stomps, followed by a running knee to the face. Knight sent Tonga out of the ring and threw his head repeatedly against the announce table. Solo Sikoa got on the apron to briefly distract the referee, which allowed Tonga to send Knight crasing to the floor below. That took us to a break in the action.

SmackDown returned from break with Knight fighting out of a Tonga resthold as he regained momentum with a victory roll and a two-count. Tonga maintained command with a fierce clothesline that nearly took Knight’s head off, much to the approval of Sikoa at ringside. Tonga got up on the middle turnbuckle and attempted a diving elbow after mocking Knight’s taunt, but he missed big time. Knight fought back and got his second wind with multiple strikes and a neckbreaker. After he slammed Tonga in the middle of the ring, he dropped his signature elbow on Tonga.

Knight had Tonga in position for the BFT, but couldn’t connect. Sikoa tried to hit Knight with the Samoan Spike with the ref distracted. Knight managed to dodge it, however. Rollup by Tonga is reversed as Knight finished this match off with the BFT and the win.

Pretty much a standard match for the U.S. Champion, though Tama Tonga continues to be an entertaining presence.

**********

– Paul Heyman was interviewed as he addressed the camera that whatever the favor was that he owed CM Punk, the answer was “yes”. A car slowly pulled up behind Heyman, which he assumed was Roman Reigns. Unfortunately for Heyman, it was Seth Rollins, who said that he had a plan for Punk and that he also wanted to be present for when the favor would be revealed later.

– Another smoke-filled teaser aired, giving us a glimpse of someone, as well as a symbol of some sort. Is this Aleister Black? Stay tuned…

Charlotte Flair & Tiffany Stratton Face-Off

Wade Barrett was in the ring to moderate this face-off between challenger Flair and Women’s Champion Stratton.

Flair responded to the fans booing her by saying it was “power” before Barrett asked her why she chose Stratton as her WrestleMania opponent. Flair maintained her claim that Stratton was desperate and that her choice was to show the “smartest fans in the world” that there was no comparison.

Stratton said Flair’s biggest battle wasn’t in the ring, but with the crowd, and it was a battle that Flair would never win. She said that no matter how many titles Flair wins, she’d always come second to her dad Ric Flair, and at WrestleMania, she’d come second to Tiffany Stratton.

The crowd booed Flair loudly, which prompted Stratton to respond by throwing back “it’s power” to her face. Flair tried to talk, but couldn’t get in a complete sentence as the Chicago crowd continued to jeer loudly. Stratton mocked Flair for not being able to say anything, with the fans continuing to boo her. Flair conceded and said that Stratton could have the last word.

Stratton said that at age 25, Flair was failing to get into volleyball and “drinking in daddy’s basement”, while at this age, she was heading into WrestleMania as the World Champion. Stratton said that outside the ring, Flair was the Queen of Shit. Stratton capped off her promo by stating that at WrestleMania, Flair would end up alone, just like outside the ring, as she brought up Flair’s previous failed relationships (“0 for 3”). Stratton walked off and headed up the ramp with her WWE Women’s Title held high above her head.

For better or worse, that segment was memorable. That being said, I wasn’t a fan of it at all. The Stratton vs. Flair WrestleMania feud has felt kind of weak, and I’m not sure if Stratton throwing out zingers about Flair’s failed relationships is the way to heat things up.

**********

– Nick Aldis was backstage and announced a Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet would happen next week on SmackDown, with the winners going on to face Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s Tag Titles at WrestleMania.

WWE Tag Team Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) def. #DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa)

Sabin & Gargano started things off in the ring with chain wrestling. Sabin got the upper hand with arm drags as Ciampa tagged in. Shelley entered the match and hit a nice double team move on Ciampa with Sabin’s help. The Machine Guns’ took advantage as they teed off on both Ciampa & Gargano. As a chase took place at ringside, Gargano got the blind tag and hit Shelley with a slingshot spear, which led to a picture-in-picture break.

We returned to live action with Sabin naling a double crossbody on #DIY as he held his own impressively. Shelley re-entered the fray while Sabin hit a suicide dive on Gargano & Ciampa. The MCMGs had Ciampa isolated and hit him with their array of double team moves for a near-fall. As Ciampa had the referee distracted, Gargano caused Sabin to drop down, which allowed for the top rope turnbuckle to be exposed.

Back in the ring, Ciampa got the near fall on Project Ciampa, as #DIY went to work on Sabin. Shelley made the save and got thrown out for his troubles. Ciampa and Gargano had Sabin in their sights for Meet in the Middle, but Sabin avoided calamity.

Another Skull & Bones attempt is foiled by Gargano as Ciampa tried to use a leverage pin to take advantage, but the referee caught Ciampa in the act. In the end, Sabin sent Ciampa into the exposed turnbuckle, which led to the roll up and the victory for the Machine Guns. Sabin and Shelley are now the number one contenders to the Street Profits’ WWE Tag Team Titles.

The SmackDown tag division is entertaining ring-wise, yes, but I think the biggest flaw plaguing them is the lack of promo time or anything substantial to get us to care about most of these teams. It was mentioned on commentary that the MCMGs and DIY had some shared history, but it would’ve been better if we got that history laid out in promos or segments. That said, I did enjoy this match regardless.

**********

– The Miz & Carmelo Hayes confronted Pretty Deadly backstage, as they insulted the two for being losers. Elton Prince & Kit Wilson responded by mocking Miz’s role in The Marine movies, as they called him the “Leonardo DiCaprio of tag team wrestling”. They said that Hayes was wasting his time being Miz’s partner, to which Miz replied by citing his past as a nine-time champion.

Naomi def. B-Fab

As Naomi made her entrance, Jade Cargill ambushed her from behind and got in some good shots before security broke it up. Naomi stumbled her way to the ring as the match proper then got underway.

B-Fab held the advantage on Naomi as she was still left shell-shocked by Cargill’s surprise attack. B-Fab hit a nice slam on Naomi that got a count of two. Naomi managed to regain some semblance of control as she dodged a kick from B-Fab and hung her in a tree-of-woe position. Naomi then got the victory with a modified kneeling lungblower on B-Fab.

After the match, Naomi tried to call out Cargill, but was met with a pump kick from the target of her enmity. Cargill tried to hit Naomi with Jaded, but security separated the two. Nick Aldis appeared on stage and announced that Cargill and Naomi would face each other at WrestleMania.

The match itself was what it was, a short affair and meant more to set up the Naomi vs. Jade match at WrestleMania. In that regard, job well done. The match itself should be great and it’s always nice to see a women’s feud culminate at WrestleMania and not revolve around a title.

**********

– Damian Priest addressed Drew McIntyre and his failures to remain focused on his goals, as he claimed McIntyre repeatedly screwed himself. He called McIntyre a hypocrite and a “junkie” that gets a high from making cheap-ass jokes every week. Priest challenged McIntyre to face him next week in the ring, as he promised to make McIntyre his victim for WrestleMania.

– Kevin Owens was seen walking backstage in casual clothes and a forlorn expression on his face. We’d hear from him coming up next.

Kevin Owens announces injury

Nick Aldis was in the ring and talked about how that this was the part of his job that he didn’t like, and that there was a fine line of being fine and never coming back again. He introduced Kevin Owens as he wanted the fans to hear from the man himself.

Owens entered without his usual pomp and circumstance and took the microphone. He talked about how in the 25 years he’s spent in the ring, he’s gotten to do amazing things and take care of his family as his result. He said that there was a toll that everyone in the locker room had to pay and that it was time for him to pay that toll. Owens said that he’s been wrestling for the past four months with a severe neck injury, to a point that he needs to take time off for surgery.

Owens said that it was an unfortunate timing as he was looking forward to facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania. Owens sincerely said that he was sorry and that he didn’t know when he’d ever return to the ring.

Randy Orton’s music interrupted as the Viper walked out just as Owens was getting ready to leave. Owens left the ring afterwards. Aldis broke the bad news to Orton that with Owens’ injury, he no longer has a match for WrestleMania. Orton looked devastated as he hit an RKO on Aldis in response to this news.

It’s been reported that Kevin Owens’ neck injury is indeed a legitimate one and obviously, it’s terrible news. We wish KO a speedy recovery and we can’t wait to see him return fully healthy in the future.

**********

Last Man Standing: Jacob Fatu def. Braun Strowman (Winner Faces LA Knight for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania)

These two monsters didn’t waste any time as Fatu went after Strowman outside the ring to start us off. In the ring, Fatu dropped Strowman with a running neckbreaker and looked to head up top. Strowman intercepted and tried for a Running Powerslam. Fatu fought out of it and hit running elbow. He went up top once again and hit consecutive jumping moonsaults on Strowman. The referee began her count as Strowman was forced to roll out from the ring just to stay on his feet, which led to a commercial break.

We returned to the match with Fatu in firm control as Strowman responded with a spinebuster that sent Fatu crashing to the canvas. As Fatu tried to roll himself back up, Strowman pulled out a table from under the ring. Strowman set the table against a corner of the ring. Strowman tried to run towards Fatu, but got sent outside the ring. Fatu charged from inside the ring right into Strowman, which sent him over the commentary table.

Fatu sent Strowman into the ringpost and had him in position for a charge into the barricade. Instead, he was met with a chair to the face courtesy of Strowman. With a full head of speed, Strowman ran all around ringside and barreled right into Fatu for a trainwreck-like crash through the barricade. Both men struggled as they barely got themselves back up on their feet. We then went to yet another break in the action.

Things picked up from the break with Strowman and Fatu fighting in the production area within the crowd. Strowman lifted Fatu and hit a mighty suplex onto a set of tables. Both Fatu and Strowman once again struggled to stand up, but they made it before the count of ten. As both Fatu and Strowman made their way back to ringside, both of them could barely remain standing. Strowman got himself back in the ring, but was right in the line of fire for a Fatu running hip attack through the table set up in the ring. Fatu managed to get himself to a vertical base as Strowman failed to stand up, which brough this Last Man Standing match to an end.

Just a fun little Last Man Standing match between two big men. With the victory, we now get Jacob Fatu versus LA Knight for the U.S. Championship at WrestleMania, and it should be a good one. With Fatu getting increasingly over with fans, could this match be the time to give him a title? We’ll soon find out in two weeks.

**********

– We got a recap of Cody Rhodes & John Cena’s confrontation from Raw this past Monday.

– Next Week on SmackDown: Cody Rhodes returns to SmackDown; Women’s Tag Team Gauntlet Match (Winners earn Women’s Tag Title Match at WrestleMania 41); Rey Fenix vs. Berto; Damian Priest & Drew McIntyre Face-to-Face

– Paul Heyman was seen waiting for Roman Reigns in the parking lot, and we’re told that Reigns is arriving at “any minute”. After the break, Reigns arrived in his truck and made his way down to the ring without the usual grandeur.

Paul Heyman’s Favor to CM Punk Revealed

Reigns started things off, as per usual, by asking the Chicago crowd to acknowledge him. He asked his Wise Man if CM Punk was in the building. He asked Heyman if Punk was still asking for the favor, and if he should share a secret with Chicago. Reigns said that Punk wouldn’t be back in WWE if it weren’t for him. He took credit for Punk being in the WrestleMania main event, as he called the Chicago crowd “good people, but not very smart.” Reigns said that Punk may have wrestled everywhere, but he wouldn’t have a sniff at the WrestleMania main event if it weren’t for the Tribal Chief. Reigns then called out Punk so that we could finally hear what the favor was.

Instead of the static of “Cult of Personality”, the cry of “BURN IT DOWN!” from Seth Rollins’ theme played, which brought Rollins himself out to these proceedings. Rollins was his usual trollish self as he made his way into the ring with a mic in his hand. After Rollins did his opening spiel, he said that he wasn’t going to miss this for the world as he might’ve not known what the favor was, but he knew it was going to knock Reigns’ socks off. Rollins said that reality has a history of biting Reigns’ in the ass, bringing up The Heist of the Century from WrestleMania 31 and Cody Rhodes beating Reigns last year at WrestleMania 40.

Rollins said that you cannot underestimate or ignore CM Punk, and the reality is that we now have to live with Punk in the main event of WrestleMania 40 as a result. Rollins noted that he took a break and it gave him perspective on two options: you either get left behind or you adapt and control reality.

Reigns responded by calling Rollins untrustworthy and that he was a man of his word, because he made a promise to CM Punk. Rollins said that there was only thing missing: CM Punk himself. That, of course brought out the Chicago Made Punk himself to complete this trifecta.

With a mic already in his hand, Punk said that this was about friendship, legacy, promises made and promises kept. This was about loyalty. He addressed Heyman and that this goes way back to when he took a chance on Punk when nobody did. Punk brought up the time Heyman left the company and how he mistakenly made it about himself, and he asked what he could do for him. Heyman said at the time that when Punk main evented WrestleMania “force them to deal with us”. Punk said that he was going to force Reigns to leave his comfort zone, as he revealed that the favor was that Paul Heyman would be in Punk’s corner at WrestleMania.

Reigns laughed at the idea of Punk’s favor because Heyman would never turn against Heyman because he loves him and is loyal to his Tribal Chief. Reigns asked Heyman to “let this fool down easy”, to which Heyman apparently refused.

Heyman continued to refuse Reigns’ demand, much to the Tribal Chief’s protestations. Reigns threatened Heyman to tell Punk “no”, but Heyman said “no, my Tribal Chief, I can’t do that. As Heyman was being intimidated by Reigns in the corner, Punk got the jump on Reigns and hit a GTS on him. With Reigns out cold, Punk and Rollins stared one another down briefly, as Rollins made his exit. SmackDown closed out with Punk standing tall.

**********

Well, the favor didn’t turn out to be something like a future title match as many were expecting, but I don’t hate the idea of it being Paul Heyman managing CM Punk, especially since this whole thing was kickstarted by Punk doing Heyman a solid by joining the Bloodline WarGames team. In any case, this triple threat match at WrestleMania should be a good one and the intrigue of Heyman cornering Punk should make things interesting.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes addresses John Cena’s heel turn

Posted on by Colin McGuire

SmackDown’s Elimination Chamber fallout episode takes place tonight from Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Less than a week after John Cena’s shocking heel turn, Cody Rhodes will appear for the first time since rejecting The Rock’s offer to be The Rock’s champion.

Cena laid out Cody last Saturday at the direction of The Rock with help from rap star Travis Scott. Cena won the men’s Elimination Chamber match and is scheduled to challenge Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 for the Undisputed WWE Championship next month.

Both the women’s and men’s United States title will be on the line tonight. Women’s US. Champion Chelsea Green defends her title against Michin in a street fight, while Shinsuke Nakamura will take on LA Knight for the men’s US belt.

Also on tap, Braun Strowman faces off against Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso takes on Drew McIntyre in a rematch from two weeks ago.

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

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– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as shots of Philadelphia aired. LA Knight, Nakamura, Braun Strowman, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Solo Sikoa, Drew McIntyre were all shown walking around backstage and outside the arena until it got to McIntyre, who ran into Damian Priest and McIntyre laid out Priest.

– A video package recapping Elimination Chamber weekend aired.

– Randy Orton’s music hit back inside the arena and Orton made his entrance.

The Randy Orton segment

I’m a fan of them building Orton vs. Owens on the basis on Orton finally connecting with the punt kick on Owens. Owens has been in so many furniture fights over the last months – and we’ve already established the danger of the piledriver – why not take the simple road with this and just return to one of Orton’s most beloved and menacing spots? I also liked the fact that Owens didn’t show up here. Give Orton his reintroduction time; there’s enough space between now and Mania where Owens and Orton can jaw at one another in real time. With Orton’s voices back in his head (THEY TALK TO HIM), it should be a fun build to their presumed Mania showdown.

Orton soaked in a ton of cheers before he started to talk. Orton said a lot of crazy stuff has happened since he’s been gone. Orton mentioned John Cena and the crowd booed loudly. Orton said Cena has always been on the top of their profession and now he’s “just a bottom for The Rock,” and that gives a whole new meaning to the term “Rock Bottom.” I’m not so sure the crowd got it, so Orton fired up and officially welcomed everyone to SmackDown. The crowd cheered.

Orton brought up Kevin Owens and said they have both done vile things to get jobs done. Orton said they always did what they did in the name of business. Orton said he respects Kevin Owens The Wrestler and touted Owens’s journey to WWE. Orton said it’s Kevin Owens The Man who he has a problem with. Orton said never underestimate a jealous man’s ability to destroy another man and he thinks of Owens when he thinks of that cliche.

Orton brought up how Owens tried to ruin Cody’s career because Owens was jealous about the gold around Cody’s waist. Orton noted how Owens tried to drop Sami Zayn on his head at Elimination Chamber because Zayn had become a bigger star than Kevin Owens. Orton said Owens was once his friend, but Owens dropped Orton with a piledriver because Orton was trying to protect his own friend. Orton recalled how Owens main-evented WrestleMania not once, but twice – including his brawl with Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Orton explained how he was told his spinal fusion would be career-ending for him a year and a half ago. Orton said he busted his ass to come back, but once he got back, he wasn’t going to let anyone piss him off … but Kevin Owens pissed Orton off. Orton talked about how he RKO’d Owens at Chamber, but that didn’t satisfy Orton because his voices started talking to Orton again for the first time in a decade. Orton said he wanted to punt kick Owens so hard, his family wouldn’t recognize him. Orton said he will prove that Pat McAfee is only the second-greatest punter in WWE and threw his microphone. Orton’s music hit and that was the end of the segment.

**********

– Footage of Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green in Nick Aldis’s office from earlier today aired. Stratton told Green to shut up and turned her attention to Piper Niven, challenging Niven to a match. Green said Niven couldn’t do that because of Green’s match later. Naturally, Aldis made the match official instead and Stratton’s music hit for the first match of the night.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Piper Niven [7:43]

A fine television match. The outcome was never in doubt, and I’m a little surprised how long it went and how much offense Niven got in, but we got to where we needed to go, complete with the post-match attack from Charlotte. The bigger story is how this highlights how thin the women’s mid-card is on SmackDown. Stratton needed a win against someone to then set up Charlotte’s attack, and instead of giving a new face a chance, they threw Niven, who will most likely be in another segment later on in the show, out there. Nothing against Niven – she’s great! – but this could have been used to elevate someone else. The problem? There really isn’t a someone else to elevate in the SmackDown women’s midcard scene. Maybe that will change after the presumed Draft after Mania.

Niven came to the ring without Green. Niven and Stratton locked up to to begin the match and Niven took Stratton to the mat. Niven went for a running Senton, but Stratton moved and hit a basement dropkick. Stratton followed that up with a springboard splash, but Niven kicked out at two. Niven then caught Stratton and threw Stratton to the outside, where Niven landed a cannonball on Stratton as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Stratton was giving it back to Niven, taking her down and connecting with her gymnastics splash in a corner. Stratton followed that up with a basement dropkick and a two-count. Niven ran at Stratton, but Stratton moved and went to the top. Stratton then connected with a Swanton for a near-fall. Niven came back with a Boss Man Slam and a near-fall of her own. Niven dragged Stratton to a corner and set up for a Vader Bomb, but Stratton moved, hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and that was the end of the match.

As Tiffy was celebrating, Charlotte Flair ran out and chop-blocked Stratton. Charlotte then worked a Figure-Eight as Tiffy screamed in pain. Officials ran out to break it up and Charlotte’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Nick Aldis hosted a segment in his office and the segment was designed to dissect the SmackDown tag team division. Next week, The Street Profits will take on #DIY for the tag titles. Meanwhile, Pretty Deadly, MCMG and Los Garza will compete in a triple threat tonight to determine who gets the next shot at the tag titles after the Profits get their shot. Yeah. I don’t know, either.

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) and Los Garza (Berto & Angel) to become the No. 1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championship [7:05]

A mild surprise when it comes to the finish, but in the end, none of this really matters. The tag division (on both brands, really) is cold and I understand the “Hey, it’s chaos!” approach to try and heat things up, but it just isn’t working. The truth is, a nuclear bomb needs to fall into the WWE tag division and the whole thing needs reset. It isn’t that I don’t think I’m capable of buying into a serious tag program between any of these teams; it’s just that at this point, so many wins are traded and so little attention is paid to the booking of the division that I could care less about who does what anymore. The MCMG experiment was fun while it lasted, but at this point, even The Dark Profits can’t breathe life into things.

Angel tagged himself in and Angel received a dropkick from Wilson. Angel came back with a dropkcik of his own and then ripped his own pants off. Shelley tagged himself in. Berto did the same. None of it mattered because all six guys ended up brawling from there. Los Garza hit stereo moonsaults on the other wrestlers on the outside and all six guys were down on the outside of the ring as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Shelley fired up, complete with a hot(ish) tag to Sabin, who came and cleaned house. Sabin landed a Tornado DDT on Berto for a two-count. Prince tagged himself in, but things broke down again and Sabin hit his dive to the outside on the other two teams. MCMG lined up for Skull And Bones, but Prince got in a backslide on Sabin and Pretty Deadly stole the win.

**********

– A video package highlighting Jade Cargill’s attack on Naomi at the Chamber aired.

– Members of the Philadelphia 76ers were shown in the front row and boy, they got a storm of boos raining down on them from the live crowd (and rightfully so). Put that on First Take, Stephen A.

The Bianca Belair/Naomi segment

As The SmackDown Turns. Days Of Our SmackDown. The Young And The SmackDown. A tip of the cap to the women, who sold this thing all the way to hell and back, even if the live crowd wasn’t all that kind at times (anyone who shouts “WHAT?” in the year 2025 should be banned from all live wrestling events). WWE people correctly take flak for being bad actors, but I don’t really think Naomi or Bianca were bad actors here. Even if they were reciting lines and they’ve taken “learn how to cry on demand” classes, I think this worked really well. If nothing else, it was leaps and bounds beyond what we usually see from emotionally charged promos on WWE TV. I’m not sure where they go from here because that’s two shows in a row that Cargill just simply appeared and ran through Naomi. But the dynamic between Belair and Cargill should be interesting to watch unfold as the weeks pass, especially considering how it’s WrestleMania season.

Belair made her entrance and was not all smiles. Instead, she was wearing all black and walked to the ring with purpose. The crowd felt a little confused as to how it should react and Belair stood in the ring in silence for a few seconds. Belair said she should feel like she’s on top of the world, but instead, it’s hard to do that when “two of your friends are fighting.” Belair talked about how close she became with Naomi after they formed their tag team. Belair said she doesn’t believe that Naomi would attack Jade Cargill. Belair said she needed answers and asked Naomi to come out and give her some answers. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi walked out in a neck brace.

The crowd booed and Belair asked Naomi, “What in the hell is going on?” Naomi said it’s not what it looks like. Naomi asked Belair who stepped up when Cargill couldn’t compete. Belair told Naomi to stop and asked Naomi if she attacked Cargill. Naomi said “all the outside noise is distraction,” and they need to focus on getting their tag team titles back and Belair getting to WrestleMania. Belair told Naomi to stop talking about everything else and to talk about Jade.

Naomi repeated Cargill’s name and said the truth is the way she sees Cargill, Cargill has been piggybacking off Belair all this time. Naomi said she had been forced to watch someone like Cargill succeed off Belair’s hard work. Naomi said she let Belair and Cargill get their flowers. Naomi got emotional and said she doesn’t give a damn about Cargill because Cargill doesn’t give a damn about Belair. The two talked over each other and started shouting at each other until Belair grabbed Naomi and told her to stop.

Belair said it’s a yes or no. Naomi cried – like, actually cried tears – and said, “I did it.” The announcement drew a huge pop from the live crowd. Naomi said she did it for Belair. Belair cried and yelled at Naomi to not touch her. Belair said it hurt so bad because she loves Naomi. Belair said things between her and Naomi are done and walked out of the ring. Naomi continued to cry and begged Belair not to walk away. Naomi shouted at Belair that she wished she would have pushed Cargill “harder” and “sooner.” Naomi yelled at the crowd that everyone turned on her. Naomi then called Belair an “ungrateful bitch.”

Belair turned around and a car pulled up on the big screen. Jade Cargill stepped out of it and the camera followed her as she marched to the ring. Cargill walked out and stood beside Belair before walking to the ring with purpose. Cargill hopped on the apron and chased Naomi out of the ring. Eventually, Cargill grabbed Naomi and ran Naomi into the announce table. Cargill ran Naomi into a ring post. Cargill hit Jaded on Naomi and stood tall to end the segment.

**********

– Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage and ran into Byron Saxton, who said McIntyre’s attack on Priest earlier in the show was unprovoked. McIntyre noted how Priest stole a pin from Drew at the Chamber and Drew said because of Priest, Drew has nothing to give but violence on the way to WrestleMania.

– Footage of Cody telling Lex Luger he will be inducted into the WWE Fall Of Fame this year aired.

– Saxton interviewed Charlotte backstage. Charlotte said the women’s division has gone soft and every time Charlotte comes back, she has to remind people that there are levels to what they do. B-Fab walked into the frame and Charlotte said no one compares to Charlotte. B-Fab said nobody is interested in bowing down to Charlotte anymore. Charlotte said everyone eventually bows down to the queen. Charlotte challenged B-Fab to a match next week in Spain.

Braun Strowman defeated Solo Sikoa va DQ [6:55]

Strowman and Fatu had a nice WWE-style brawl afterwards … but it was still a WWE-style brawl and it’s hard to see Jacob Fatu in that setting knowing how much harder he’s willing to go. I knew the Philly crowd would side with Fatu (and they pretty much did), because I’ve covered many an MLW tapings in that town, in person, where Fatu absolutely owned the 2300 Arena, so the home-away-from-homecoming was kind of nice to see. As for the match between Sikoa and Strowman … lest we be reminded that Solo Sikoa just main-evented a SummerSlam with the company’s biggest babyface no more than eight months ago. What’s the plan for Sikoa for Mania? Perhaps more apt: Is there a plan for Sikoa for Mania? Hmm.

Sikoa ran into Strowman a couple times, to no avail. Strowman ultimately took Sikoa down and sent him to the outside. Strowman went for his run-around-the-ring spot, but Sikoa ran Strowman into the ring steps and hit a hip attack on Strowman, who was down against the crowd barrier. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Strowman was on the receiving end of a headbutt and an impressive Samoan Drop from Sikoa. From there, Sikoa followed things up with a hip attack in the corner. Sikoa went for another, but he instead ran into a big boot. Strowman followed that up with a cross-body and another boot. Sikoa rolled to the outside, where Strowman successfully hit the Strowman Express. Back inside the ring, Strowman lifted Sikoa, but Sikoa got out of it and ran Strowman into the corner repeatedly. Sikoa ran at Strowman, but Strowman caught him to hit his signature powerslam. It looked like Strowman would win, but Tama Tonga ran in and that was the end of the match.

Strowman attacked Tonga and Jacob Fatu’s music hit. Fatu walked out and Fatu and Strowman engaged in a stare down. Both guys got onto the apron and the crowd went crazy with “Fatu!” chants. Both guys stepped into the ring and started to brawl. Fatu super-kicked Strowman to the outside and went for a dive through the ropes, but kind of/sort of tripped and Strowman threw Fatu over the commentary table. Fatu popped right up and hit a leaping elbow from the commentary table. Fatu threw Strowman into the crowd and the two battled through the crowd. They eventually found their way onto some road cases and Fatu tried to set up a Samoan Drop, but instead, Strowman chokeslammed Fatu through some tables. It wasn’t long until Fatu just simply got up and stumbled his way to the back.

**********

– Saxton interviewed LA Knight backstage. Knight talked about Fatu going through the table and said there will be no distractions for his match later with Nakamura. Knight called Philly the birthplace of the United States and said they are standing in the place that will be the rebirth of his U.S. title reign. Knight said everyone will pledge allegiance to the United States Champion with everybody saying “L.A. Knight. Yeah.”

– Chelsea Green was talking to Piper Niven backstage and Zelina Vega walked into the frame, saying she will challenge whomever wins the women’s U.S. title. Green then made her entrance dressed as Cactus Jack. Niven was behind her, stumbling, selling pain from her earlier match.

Chelsea Green defeated Michin in a Street Fight to retain the United States Championship [10:01]

This was really fun. I don’t quite know why Alba Fyre got to stick around and do this while Isla Dawn had to hit the road, but I kind of like the wrinkle of adding Fyre to the Green/Niven mix (perhaps this was the part Blair Davenport was at one point rumored to take in Green’s faction?). It didn’t feel like it was quite right to take the belt off Green so soon, so the outcome was hardly in doubt, but they had me wondering after Niven and B-Fab brawled to the back. All women worked hard here and I’m a fan of this mid-card title feud, assuming it’s not over now that Green stole another win from Michin. Good stuff from everyone here.

The two jumpstarted the match and Michin broke out a baking sheet early. Michin then emptied her trash can and threw a bunch of weapons into the ring, including a crowbar, a chain, a chair, a kendo stick and the trash can itself. Michin hit a drop-toe-hold onto a chair and posed with chains in her hands. Green came back with a trash can shot, but Michin back-dropped Green onto the chains. Michin then bit Green’s fingers. Michin went under the ring and pulled out a table, but Green stopped her and pushed the table back under the ring. The crowd booed and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Green was selling pain inside the ring. Michin grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed Green. Michin then successfully grabbed a table from under the ring. Niven then attacked Michin and slammed Michin on the commentary table. Green went to the top and Niven held Michin’s head against the trash can. Green then hit a Coast To Coast for a good near fall. B-Fab walked out and picked up a Kendo Stick. B-Fab worked over Niven with said stick. The two ran through the crowd and to the back.

Back in the ring, Michin had her own Kendo Stick and worked Green over with it. Michin threw a trash can at Green and then hit a Cannonball in the corner with said trash can on Green. Michin got a two-count out of it. Michin made a pile of chairs in the middle of the ring. Michin then got the table into the ring. Out of nowhere, Green slammed Michin on the bottom of the table and then set it up properly. All of this ended with Michin giving Green an Eat Defeat, which left Green on the table. It looked like Michin was going to win, but Alba Fyre showed up, gave Michin a Canadian Destroyer onto the pile of chairs and placed Green on Michin. Green got the win. After the match, Fyre presented Green with her U.S. title and saluted Green.

**********
– Backstage, Santos Escobar was shown yelling at Los Garza. Escobar said things have to start changing for Legado Del Fantasma. Escobar said he won’t expect it; he’ll demand it. Andrade walked in and spoke to Berto individually. Andrade told Berto that he deserves better.

The Cody Rhodes segment

Cody showed great fire, but man, that black eye is gnarly. You have to think Travis Scott is going to get a receipt someday. Cody has such a weird body in that when it gets hurt, he almost as a secret power to make his injury look worse than the same injury on anybody else’s body. Case in point: That HIAC torn bicep. I maintain that this program will suffer the more Cena doesn’t come around. There are only so many “Ra! Ra!” promos Cody can cut between now and Mania without having an adversary around to talk about it with, but we’re only a week into the build, so we’ll see. For now, this was a solid follow-up to one of WWE’s biggest moments in recent memory.

Cody was subdued in his entrance and had a massive black eye. He even sat out on the “Whoa!” His music cut and the crowd chanted his name loudly. Cody looked around, took his time, and the crowd eventually launched into “Cena sucks!” chants. Cody asked Philadelphia what they wanted to talk about, but he was forlorn. Cody said it was obvious because what happened on Saturday was the most-watched moment in WWE history. Cody talked about how his daughter asked him what happened to his face. Cody said he lied to his daughter and said he ran into a wall.

Cody said it wasn’t entirely untrue, because he ran into a wall designed by the Final Boss, his associate, Travis Scott, and, of course, John Cena. The crowd booed loudly. Cody said he drove John around for two years, trying to get all the knowledge he could. Cody said he thought Cena was a hero. Cody said one day, he’ll tell his daughter what actually happened: A great man who did great things and said he’d never give up … gave up. Cody apologized for the language he used on Saturday. Cody said if Cena doesn’t owe it to Cody, he owes it to his fans, to know why he did what he did.

Cody said Cena will have a well-crafted retort and Cena will feel bullet-proof and justified, but there is no justification for John Cena. Cody said he was aware he was talking to the whole world, but for those in the room in Philadelphia, Cody wanted to remind everyone that Philly was the one place Dusty was always afraid to perform in. Cody referenced how he finished his story last year at WrestleMania. Loud “Cody!” chants broke out.

Cody said speaking of WreslteMania 40, you could see John Cena celebrate with Cody in the ring after his match. Cody noted how Cena told Cody that “it gets heavier every day” while referencing his title. Cody said he was holding his championship and it’s not heavy enough. Cody said he’s been holding his championship for 300-something days. Cody said Cena is convinced he is the last of his kind, but he is not and at Mania, Cody screamed at John Cena to “come and get some,” and threw the mic down. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– The Miz was talking to Melo backstage and Nick Aldis was around. Miz pitched “Melo Don’t Mizz TV.” Melo said if the Final Boss came to him, he would have done what Cena did and referenced Fortnite. Randy Orton walked into the frame and also talked about Fortnite. Aldis said it looked like Orton is itching to get back into the ring and Aldis made the match for next week: Melo vs. Orton.

Drew McIntyre defeated Jimmy Uso [7:17]

I think literally – literally! – half this match was lost to a commercial break. So, there’s that. It was all about Drew getting the win back that he lost a couple weeks ago and then doing everything they can to heat up this McIntyre/Priest program that seems destined for WrestleMania. I’m not sure it’ll get to the temperature they want, but that’s another story for another day. In the meantime, I can’t help but think about this: Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso and the entire Bloodline is essentially MIA these days when it comes to important stories in WWE. That’s kind of wild when you consider the past three or four years and how their story has carried the company. Jimmy goes from accompanying Roman Reigns down the aisle for every single Most Important Match Of The Night on every Important Show for years to losing to Drew McIntyre in a seven-minute TV match that’s lost to commercial time. It’s a cold business.

Jimmy jumpstarted the match and attacked Drew. Jimmy went for a suicide dive on Drew, who was on the outside of the ring, but Jimmy ran into an elbow. McIntyre kicked Jimmy in the gut and rolled to the outside, where he hit a forearm onto Jimmy, who was draped over the apron. McIntyre lifted Jimmy, but Jimmy fought out of it and slammed McIntyre into the commentary table. Jimmy tackled Drew over the table and the show went to a commercial break about 1:45 into the match.

The show returned and Jimmy hit a Samoan Drop on McIntyre for a two-count. Drew went for a high-risk move from the top, but it resulted in a super-kick from Jimmy for a nice near-fall. Drew sold knee pain and Jimmy went to the top for a splash, but Drew moved and ultimately hit a Claymore Kick for the win. Drew teased walking to the back, but turned around and started walking back towards the ring, but Damian Priest showed up and attacked McIntyre outside the ring. Officials ran out and pulled Priest off McIntyre, who said he would kill McIntyre. Priest said every week, he will be coming after McIntyre.

**********

– A Street Profits vignette aired.

– #DIY were interviewed by Saxton backstage. Gargano said the tag division is on fire, and there is a lot of great teams, but the best team in the world is #DIY. Ciampa said all the teams want what #DIY has. Ciampa talked about the Profits’ new attitude and Gargano chimed in saying hope is a dangerous thing and the Profits have hope – but their dream is already dead. Ciampa then did his Moment Of Silence bit, this time for the Profits’ dream of becoming tag champs.

– Next week in Barcelona, #DIY will take on The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championship. Also, Charlotte vs. B-Fab will happen, Melo vs. Randy Orton will go down and Miz TV will feature Cody as Miz’s guest.

LA Knight defeated Shinsuske Nakamura to win the United States Championship [11:09]

I liked the finish a lot more than I thought I would. Having the thought that it was very possible Knight would win his title back tonight, I was hoping for anything but the boilerplate finishes that Knight matches have these days. Instead, I was going back and forth in the last minute, wondering who actually might pull the victory out. Good on both guys for that. The questions remain: Why did Knight drop the title to begin with? Why did Nakamura get this run without ever really defending the belt? What happens to Nakamura, who we barely see anyway, now that he is beltless? Those answers may never come, but for now, this was a good title change with a creative finish. I’m not sure where either guy goes from here, but perhaps something for one (or both) can heat up between now and Mania.

Knight came out with some quick offense, but Nakamura rolled to the outside. Knight followed him and Nakamura kicked Knight in the gut before hitting a running knee. Nakamura then hit a cartwheel elbow on Knight. Nakamura ran at Knight and hit a sliding German Suplex on Knight. Nakamura ran into a boot, which turned into a bulldog from Knight from the second rope. Nakamura rolled to the outside and Knight hit his modified baseball slide/basement dropkick on Nakamura. The show then went to its final commercial break of the night.

The show returned and Knight clotheslined Nakamura. Knight followed up with a cutter and a pop-up powerslam. Knight then dropped an elbow for a two-count. The two battled on the top rope, but it resulted in Knight going for his pop-up super-plex. Nakamura countered and worked over Knight with some back elbows and a back suplex from the second rope. That resulted in a two-count for Nakamura. Knight hit Nakamura with a clothesline as Nakamura went for a Kinshasa. Both guys were down to reset the match.

Nakamura kicked Knight in the back of the head and went to the top, and it was here where Knight hit his pop-up super-plex. Knight went to the top and hit his step-up leaping elbow. Knight called for the BFT, but Nakamura pushed Knight away and rolled to the outside. Knight went to the outside and stopped Nakamura from hitting him with a chair and then stoped himself from hitting Nakamura with a chair. Nakamura took advantage of that and hit a back elbow. Back in the ring, Nakamura had a chair, but referee Charles Robinson grabbed the chair and threw it away. Nakamura went for the mist, but accidentally misted Robinson. Knight tried to roll up Nakamura, but there was no ref for Knight. From there Nakamura hit a Scorpio Rising, but the ref was still down.

Nakamura grabbed the chair, but Knight kicked it out of Nakamura’s hands and then landed a BFT on the steel chair. A referee ran down and counted to three for Knight to get the win. Fireworks went off as Knight posed on the second rope with his U.S. title and the show quickly ended.






WWE SmackDown live results: Elimination Chamber go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One night before he is scheduled to give a response to The Rock, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Toronto.

The Rock told Cody last week that he wants his soul and wants Cody to be his champion. Cody will give Rock his answer at Saturday night’s Elimination Chamber PLE, and tonight we’ll hear Cody’s final remarks before he makes that decision.

A United States title match between Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight was supposed to go down tonight, but there will instead be a mini-tournament to decide a definitive number one contender to Nakamura’s title. Knight vs. Santos Escobar, Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman, and Andrade vs. Solo Sikoa will all happen tonight with the winners advancing to a triple threat later in the show to determine Nakamura’s next challenger.

Trish Stratus is set to make an appearance in advance of teaming with Tiffany Stratton against Nia Jax & Candice LeRae at Elimination Chamber.

Finally, Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green will be in action against a mystery opponent.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as scenes from Toronto aired. A video recapping last week’s Rock appearance followed that.

– Cody was shown walking backstage and a couple dudes came up to guide Cody to his new locker room “courtesy of the Final Boss.” Trish Stratus was then introduced and Stratus made her way to the ring.

The Trish Stratus segment

This was fun, and it was nice to see Trish get her flowers in her home country. Stratton continues to come off as weirdly uncomfortable in a babyface role – almost as if she really, really, really doesn’t want to work as a face, but she’s trying because that’s the direction in which they are going … but she’d just rather … well … not. Pairing her with Stratus was a good idea in terms of moving that transition a step forward and throwing them out there on a SmackDown in Toronto couldn’t and didn’t hurt. Green, meanwhile, is straight box office, no matter what she does. Heeling on the crowd with the Matthews jab was perfect. There just aren’t a lot of wrestlers anywhere who can walk out to deafening cheers and get those cheers to become boos in a matter of seconds, but Chelsea never disappoints. Green is one of the best in the world these days, full stop.

“Thank you, Trish!” chants broke out as she stood in the middle of the ring. Stratus appeared to get emotional and the crowd cheered her, complete with another round of “Thank you, Trish!” chants. Stratus thanked Lilian Garcia for introducing her and asked the crowd what year it was considering how she was back, the Rock was back and Garcia was introducing her. Stratus pointed out a little girl in the crowd and said that her dad probably had a poster of Stratus on his wall. The line got some laughs.

Stratus noted how Saturday night will be the first time her kids will see her wrestle live. Stratus said she was beyond excited to be teaming up with Tiffany Stratton and that in mind, Stratus introduced Stratton, who then made her entrance to a loud ovation. Stratton was wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey. Stratus set them up to say, “It’s Trishy Time and it’s Tiffy Time!” Stratus and Stratton removed their Maple Leafs jerseys, kissed them and threw them into the crowd. Stratton said they were going to beat Jax and LeRae tomorrow. Chelsea Green’s music then hit and Green walked out.

Green said, “Nobody wants dumb and dumber hogging the air time,” and loud “Chelsea!” chants broke out. Green said she’s the best thing to step in the arena tonight. She also took a shot at Auston Matthews. Green said once she left Canada, everything got better for her because the people are better in America. Stratton said she’s from America, and Green doesn’t represent her as a U.S. title. Stratton challenged Green to a match tonight, but Green said she couldn’t because she had plans. Nick Aldis sent a referee to the ring and the match was set to kick off.

**********

Tiffany Stratton defeated Chelsea Green via DQ [3:12 of TV time]

Not much to this. Just an angle to further the story of tomorrow’s tag match involving Stratus and Stratton. It’s a shame, too, because I would have loved at least five more minutes of Green and Stratton in a straight up singles match. It was not to be on this night. I hope Stratton is OK. Jax and LeRae didn’t catch her during that flip dive to the outside and Stratton came up favoring her arm. Let’s hope it’s nothing serious.

The match was joined in progress and Stratton quickly gained the upper hand. Stratton landed her gymnastics flip routine splash in a corner and went for a double stomp, but Green moved and came back with a leaping leg drop for a two-count. Stratton came right back with a tough double stomp and set up for the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Piper Niven pulled Green to the outside. Stratton then hit a dive onto NIven and Green on the outside and Stratton landed hard. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae then showed up and attacked Stratus and Stratton to end the match.

Jax set up for her finisher on Tiffy, but Stratus interfered and saved the day. Stratton set up for her moonsault on LeRae, but Jax pulled LeRae out of the ring to safety. Jax and LeRae backed up the entranceway.

**********

– Solo Sikoa was walking backstage and ran into Jacob Fatu, who said what happened last week was an accident. Sikoa said what happened last week made him realize his family needs to make a statement. Sikoa said he wants Fatu to bring home the U.S. title to their family. Sikoa said everything he’s doing is to show Fatu how much he loves Fatu.

– Cody was shown in his fancy locker room and there was fancy food and fancy wine and a bunch of fanciness … including R-Truth, who popped up and said maybe Cody should think about teaming with The Rock. Truth told Cody not to be “shell fish,” and Cody invited Truth to eat more. Truth also asked for Cody to ask Rock for some jelly rolls.

Jacob Fatu defeated Andrade to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [8:21]

This might end up being the best match of the night after all is said and done. Andrade is so good. So, so good, and they really don’t use him all that much, which is wild considering how we now have 83-hour episodes of SmackDown each week. Jacob Fatu, for his part, is Jacob Fatu, and boy, these live crowds continue to shower him with more love each week. You have to wonder if that type of crowd support will alter WWE’s plans for him as a heel. Either way, this match had a ton of energy, some really tough-hitting spots and an outcome that might have felt predictable, but never suffered because of it. Really good work from both guys.

Loud “Fatu!” cheers came from the crowd to begin the match. Fatu shoulder-blocked Andrade to the canvas. Fatu went for a splash, but Andrade moved and eventually went to the top, where he connected with a cross-body. The action spilled to the outside and Andrade hit a moonsault onto Fatu as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Fatu was the victim of a poison-rana to reset the match as both guys were down. They got to their feet and Andrade hit a series of clotheslines and a flying forearm. Andrade set up for a double-knees, but Fatu threw his body at Andrade and took him out. “Fatu!” chants began. Fatu went for a hip attack, but Andrade moved and kicked Fatu in the head. Andrade finally did connect with the running double-knees. He followed that up with the double moonsault spot for a nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out.

Andrade set up for his finisher, but Fatu countered and sat on Andrade. Fatu followed that up with a pair of hip attacks and an Impaler DDT. Fatu hit his jump-up moonsault after that and got the win, much to the delight of the live crowd.

**********

– Footage from earlier today aired where the Street Profits spoke with Nick Aldis and the Profits said they won’t stop what they are doing until they get a tag title shot. Legado Del Fantasma showed up and Santos Escobar wanted an apology for falsely accusing them of attacking the Profits. Dawkins said they won’t apologize for anything. Aldis made the Profits vs. Los Garza match for later in the night.

– The Street Profits were making their entrance for their match and Gargano and Ciampa ran out to attack them. Los Garza got in on things and the Profits bounced back and stomped mud holes in #DIY. Pretty Deadly ran out and attacked the Profits. Gargano and Ciampa came back to life and attacked Pretty Deadly. Motor City Machine Guns ran out and they worked over Gargano and Ciampa. MCMG and the Profits faced off in the ring, but Los Garza and Pretty Deadly cut both teams off and it was bedlam. Eventually, MCMG and the Profits got their hands on each other, but only briefly. WWE officials weirdly stood around, not doing much to intervene for a very long time … until they did. Even so, various brawls continued to break out until the show cut to Drew McIntyre walking backstage. Drew ran into Cody and said he doesn’t know what he’d do if he was in Cody’s position regarding the Rock. Drew told Cody that Rock will find out that Cody actually sold his soul a long time ago. Drew then walked away.

– A John Cena Elimination Chamber vignette aired. Drew McIntyre interrupted the vignette while walking through the live crowd. McIntyre made his way to the ring and called Cena a hypocrite. McIntyre stood on the commentary table and called out everyone for not talking about Cena over the past handful of weeks. McIntyre sat on the table in the way CM Punk sat during his pipe bomb promo.

The Drew McIntyre/Damian Priest/Seth Rollins/CM Punk/Logan Paul segment

You really have to feel for the fans who you know really wanted to see Cena pop up, but I’m a sucker for the “play someone else’s music” heel trick and I got a kick out of it here. It wasn’t as good as Kevin Owens punking everyone out with Stone Cold’s theme, but Paul’s arrival here did pack a punch. This felt needlessly long – not unlike last week’s Cody/Rock talking segment, which landed at the same spot in the show last week. Punk showed good fire, McIntyre did a great job leaning into what he wants people to perceive him as, Priest (kind of) held his own (but came off cooler than some others out there), Rollins still hates Punk and Paul worked an SNL Weekend Update segment with his one-liners that didn’t come nearly as close to landing as I’m sure whoever wrote them thought they would. It wasn’t a bad segment; it just could have actually used Cena to distract from its length and tie a bow on all of it.

McIntyre said Cena only returns for ego trips and he called Cena out for Cena’s bald spot. McIntyre talked about how Cena could politically end a career anytime he wants. McIntyre said he will bury Cena at the Elimination Chamber. McIntyre brought up a Toronto Screw Job and Damian Priest’s music hit. Priest walked into the ring and told McIntyre it was enough and McIntyre was delusional. McIntyre all he does is tell the truth and Priest said R-Truth tells more truth than McIntyre.

Priest talked about how because Drew had a weird obsession with Punk, Drew lost his WWE Championship. Priest called Drew out for looking like Punk in the way he sat and Drew said he drops the pipe bombs now. “CM Punk!” chants broke out. Drew stood up and Priest said he once dropped McIntyre in the arena they were in and he would do it again if Drew just stepped through the ropes. From there, Seth Rollins’s music hit and Seth walked out.

The crowd sang Rollins’s song as Rollins stepped into the ring. Rollins thanked Toronto and said he wanted to join the party as Priest and McIntyre were talking about Elimination Chamber. Rollins called McIntyre’s MITB cash-in the worst of all time and said it won’t be the same Seth Rollins that hobbled into WrestleMania last year. Rollins said nobody stands a chance against him in the Elimination Chamber match. Naturally, CM Punk’s music hit and out, Punk came.

Punk stood at ringside and said, “Is it great to be alive on a Friday in Toronto or what?!” Very loud “CM Punk!” chants broke out. Punk started with Rollins and told him he looked like an oven mitt. Punk said he has no personal issue with Priest, but Priest could be collateral damage in the Chamber. Punk said Drew and Seth are obsessed with him, but Punk is obsessed with having his WrestleMania main event. Punk said Drew doesn’t have a soul to sell while referencing the Rock/Cody stuff. Punk called out how Cena hasn’t shown up for dates on his retirement tour and God bless him for that.

Rollins said Punk will not main event Mania over his dead body. Drew said he owes Seth one and he owes Punk and Priest chimed in saying after the Chamber, all Drew will do is complain on the internet. Seth said all of Punk’s chants will die along with Punk’s Mania dreams. John Cena’s music then hit and instead of Cena, Logan Paul walked out to massive boos. Paul said John Cena doesn’t care about Canada as he stood in the entranceway.

Paul turned said Cena can’t show up because he’s a “classic celebrity wrestler,” which was kind of funny. Paul called out Punk and then went to Rollins, calling him the peacock of WWE. Paul said Rollins was wearing curtains. Paul went to Drew and said he can’t win a championship just like the Toronto Maple Leafs. Paul flat out called Priest irrelevant. Paul went back to Punk and talked about how he slapped Punk on Monday. Punk ran up and chased Paul away to end the segment.

**********

– Footage from the women fighting at the Chamber kickoff show aired to set up a six-woman tag match.

LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [11:14]

I enjoyed the fact that this didn’t end up being the regular LA Knight match, which has really become a thing over the last few months. He kind of plays the hits, does what you expect, and hits the BFT for the win. Here, he took a top-rope Frankensteiner and the BFT came out of nowhere (which, all told, is something I’ve been waiting for, for a long time now. the BFT is so similar to the RKO, I’ve been wondering why they haven’t figured out a way to make the move pop up in a surprising way to end a match and they finally did it here). Escobar needs a shake up. He’s talented, but LDF just hasn’t clicked on the main roster and now that Elektra Lopez is gone, it might be an idea to see how everyone does in a singles setting. He got a lot of offense here, which was good, but he never felt like a threat to win.

Escobar and Knight traded control for the first two minutes. Knight went for his jump-up elbow-drop early, but Escobar moved and eventually found his way to the outside of the ring, where Knight went for his sliding dropkick, but Escobar moved and threw Knight into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back to the show, Escobar chopped Knight inside the ring. Knight came back with a slap of his own. The two traded blows until Escobar kicked Knight’s leg and followed that up with a headbutt. Knight came back with a leaping neck-breaker for a two-count. Escobar ran Knight’s head into the middle turnbuckle and worked on Knight’s arm. Knight fired up and slammed Escobar. Knight followed that up with an elbow and set up for a BFT, but Escobar countered and eventually tripped Knight.

Escobar placed Knight on the top and Escobar hit a Frankensteiner from the top rope for a near-fall. Escobar kicked Knight in the head a couple times and went to the top, and jumped at Knight, but Knight caught him for a BFT and got the win.

**********

The Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens segment

I want to have a lot of fire for this match, but it said a lot that these two sort of took the lazy way out in this go-home promo. To be fair, they both know they’ve already said and done it all with one another, so it will forever be hard to really get people to believe these two actually aren’t BFFs in real life, but this just felt boilerplate. The wrinkle that Owens spoke from the Chamber venue was a fine touch, but it ultimately meant nothing. I have no doubt that they’ll have a great match; there just isn’t much either could say to the other that would move the needle at this point.

Zayn took his time to speak and soaked in some cheers. Zayn said that it’d be an understatement to say he and Kevin Owens has been through a lot together. Zayn said he knows for a fact that Owens is in Toronto tonight and as such, he wanted to invite Owens into the ring to stand in front of all their countrymen and say his final peace. Owens’s voice popped up, but Owens was in the Rogers Centre, where the Chamber will be on Saturday.

Owens said tomorrow night will be the biggest match they have ever had against each other. Owens said he is not the bad guy and everything that happens to Zayn on Saturday will be something Zayn deserves. Owens said after Saturday, when Zayn is stuck to a wheelchair, Zayn needs to know Owens will not help Zayn’s family and Owens will watch Zayn’s family suffer. Zayn said he’s been nervous all week – but not about what might happen to him, but what he’s going to do to Owens. Zayn said he’s nervous that Owens’s parents and wife and kids won’t be able to forgive him after their match. Zayn said if they don’t forgive him, he can live with that because he’s prepared to end Owens. Owens said he’d see Zayn tomorrow night and ended the segment.

**********

– The Miz and Melo were talking backstage and Melo told Miz to stay back for his match. Melo left and Cody walked into the frame. Miz asked Cody what he was going to do. Miz said Rock runs Hollywood. Miz said the audience doesn’t get it because they see Cody as the face of the company, but they both know that there is so much more Cody can accomplish. Miz said the only way Cody can get it is if he takes Rock’s offer. Miz introduced the idea that someone else could take the Rock’s offer if Cody doesn’t.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Braun Strowman via DQ to advance in the U.S. title No. 1 contender tournament [1:28]

Eh. All right, then.

Strowman threw Melo around to start things out. Melo rolled to the outside, where Strowman hit his running shoulder-block and tore off his shirt. Tama Tonga ran to ringside and Solo Sikoa hit Strowman in the back with a chair. Strowman took the chair and hit Sikoa. Strowman then threw Tonga over the commentary table. Back in the ring, Melo had the chair and did the Eddie Guerrero spot, throwing the chair so Strowman would hold it as Melo fell down. The ref called for the bell and DQ’d Strowman. After the match, Strowman powerbombed Tonga in the middle of the ring.

**********

– Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi were shown talking in the locker room. Belair said may the best woman win at the Chamber. The three walked towards the ring for the next match.

Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez defeated Bayley, Bianca Belair and Naomi [8:53]

I’m a big fan of Perez getting the pin over Bayley. It makes me wonder if the blow-off for Bayley and Perez will be at Stand & Deliver or WreslteMania. Or, maybe, neither. Either way, I’ve really grown to like their program and kudos to Bayley for clearly going out of her way to elevate Perez. The Bliss appearance after the match was fun because I, for once, really was not planning on seeing her tonight, so the surprise made it a worthwhile layer for this viewer. The match itself was lost a little to the commercial break, though that is expected anymore with a lot of these SmackDown bouts (they’ve just become way too formulaic). At the end of the day, good work from everyone involved.

Morgan and Naomi brawled to start things. Naomi dropkicked Morgan in the corner and Morgan rolled to the outside. Ultimately, all six women got into the ring and a fight broke out. Morgan and Naomi were still the legal women and Morgan rolled to the outside and Bayley tagged in to hit a splash on Morgan on the outside. Bayley did the same to Perez on the outside and Rodriguez on the outside. Bayley pointed to the WrestleMania sign and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Rodriguez was working Bayley, who ultimately got the tag to Belair, who flew into the ring from the top and worked over Rodriguez. Belair suplexed Rodriguez and fired the crowd up with a handspring moonsault for a two-count. Naomi tagged in and Belair hit some type of odd back-breaker on Morgan, who ran in. Rodriguez lifted Naomi and slammed Naomi on the top rope. Perez tagged herself in and threw Naomi into a corner, where Naomi kicked Perez in the head.

Bayley tagged in and landed an elbow drop from the top on Perez, but Morgan broke up a pin attempt. Things broke down and Rodriguez and Naomi fought to the outside. Perez and Bayley were alone in the ring and Perez hit Pop Rocks on Bayley for the win. After the match, Perez pointed at the Mania sign and Alex a Bliss popped up out of nowhere to give Perez the Sister Abigail DDT.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Charlotte Flair backstage. Saxton asked about Tiffy’s tag match at Chamber and Charlotte said her team is cute, but once the smoke clears, Tiffy will have a bigger problem to deal with, and that problem will be Charlotte. We got a “Woooo!!!” to end the brief segment.

– A Nakamura vignette aired with subtitles. He said he will humiliate whomever his next challenger ends up being. “The other dogs will see what happens when you bit my hand,” was a line he used. It was menacing.

– Jacob Fatu cut a promo while walking towards the ring and said the U.S. title is coming to him. Fatu yelled “Hit my music!” as he made his way through guerilla. Fatu made his entrance – alone – for the final match of the night.

LA Knight defeated Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu to become the No. 1 contender for the U.S. title [12:23]

Knight winning felt obvious, but the surprise came (to me, at least) in the form of Fatu not coming away the winner and Solo Sikoa not having anything to do with that loss somehow, even if it would have been by mistake. Melo was always going to take the pin – there’s nothing wrong with that – but Knight winning by pulling Fatu out of the ring and Fatu selling that like he was actually hurt after no-selling everything else in the match felt curious. So it goes. This was a fine-enough way to get Knight his U.S. title shot if they weren’t going to do it this week. I know it hasn’t been all that long, but Fatu already feels like he needs a push-through moment, where he gets a big win in one of these situations. Mania, maybe?

Knight hit Fatu into Melo near the beginning of the match. Knight hit a Bulldog on Fatu from the second rope, but Fatu popped right back up. Knight threw Fatu to the outside and slammed Melo. Knight then hit the jump-up elbow on Melo. Fatu got involved again and threw Knight to the outside, where Fatu headbutted Knight and slammed Melo against the apron. Melo fought back against Fatu until Fatu punched the hell out of Melo. Knight reinserted himself into the proceedings and was ultimately thrown into the crowd barrier via Fatu. Fatu then tried to tackle Knight and Melo through the crowd barrier, but they both moved and Fatu went flying. The show went to a commercial break after that.

Back to the action, Fatu had complete control over both Melo and Knight. Fatu threw Melo everywhere and draped Knight across the top rope. Knight ran into a stiff flying elbow from Fatu and Fatu then super-kicked Melo. The crowd cheered him … and then he missed a Senton on Melo, who followed up with a DDT. It didn’t matter because Fatu popped right up and hit a pop-up Samoan Drop on Melo. Knight came at Fatu and hit a neck-breaker for a two-count.

Knight and Melo teamed up on Fatu, but Fatu wasn’t having that. Knight hit a BFT on Fatu, but at the same time, Melo landed a First 48 on Knight for a nice near-fall on Knight. Melo went to the top, but Knight pushed Melo onto Fatu, who was on the outside. All of this resulted in Knight hitting a springboard splash on Fatu into the commentary table. Melo rolled Knight back into the ring and went to the top. Melo hit Nothing But Net on Knight and should have won, but Fatu broke it up late. From there, Fatu hit his moonsault on Melo and was going to win, but Knight pulled Fatu out of the ring and covered Melo to steal the win.

**********

– Cody was walking backstage and ran into CM Punk, who asked Cody what Rock wanting Cody’s soul actually meant. Punk said if he was younger, he would have taken it, but now, he’s happy that offer didn’t come to him. Punk told Cody to take Rock’s offer … shine it up real good, turn it sideways, and shove it up Rock’s ass. Punk then told Cody he will win the Chamber and see Cody in the main event at Mania.

The Cody Rhodes segment

My favorite part of this was WWE constantly promoting how SmackDown would feature Cody’s “final words before Elimination Chamber” or something of the sort … only to have Cody almost literally say nothing during this segment between Michael Cole interrupting him and The Rock sending in a loud video from a tarmac. I’m probably in the minority, but I actually believe that Cody has done a very good job being a Capital-A Actor in these segments, both last week and this week. He does a good “I’m conflicted” face and I’m not so sure he could have done that, say, five years ago. Or, for that matter, at any point in his AEW run. The Rock gets a lot of criticism for being The Rock these days, but you’d be lying if you said you think this whole pop-up angle for Elimination Chamber isn’t making the event more interesting. On to Saturday, I suppose.

Michael Cole stood in the ring and introduced Cody. Cody shook Cole’s hand and hugged him. By the time the talking began, it was 10:53 p.m. EST. Cole said there was a lot to talk about. “Cody!” chants broke out. Cole said Cody will have to make a decision on if he will sell out to The Rock. Cole said the Cody Rhodes he knew would never take the offer and talked about how Cody finished his story last year. Cole said Cody was living up to the legacy of his father. Cody started to talk and Cole said Cody was trying to deflect. Cole said Cody could be the Corporate Champion and Rock could give Cody a seat on the TKO board. Cole said “no more live events in small towns,” and Cody could get rid of his bus and be home with his wife and daughter.

Cole stopped himself from talking and said he was being told there was a special gift for Cody. A Ford truck tricked out in Cody Rhodes insignia drove its way into the entranceway. A video of The Rock in his similar truck aired on the big screen. The Rock, in the video, told Cody he will make the decision of a lifetime. Rock said Cody will do the right thing. Rock told Cody should enjoy his gift because he knows Cody likes driving in the open, dangerous, beautiful and dusty road. Rock said he’s been talking to Cody’s daddy all week and he referenced Sturgill Simpson, which was most definitely not on my BINGO card for anything Rock or WWE ever in the history of ever.

Rock said he and Cody will embrace as brothers and Cody will give Rock his soul at the Chamber. Rock reiterated that all of Cody’s dreams can come true. Rock revealed a weight belt that had “Cody’s Soul” written on it with the date of Dusty’s death written on it as well. Rock said he wants Cody to make Rock embrace him as his champion. Rock said, “I love you brother.” and Rock’s video ended. Cody looked conflicted and the credits ran to end the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Jimmy Uso defeated Drew McIntyre [11:17]

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

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

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

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

**********

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

– A video package highlighting the Elimination Chamber participants aired.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Rock segment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Three Elimination Chamber qualifiers

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

The Jey Uso segment

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

The #DIY segment

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

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

**********

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

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

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

**********

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

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

The Drew McIntyre/Jimmy Uso/LA Knight promo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

Carmelo Hayes defeated Akira Tozawa [7:32]

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

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

**********

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

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

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

The Charlotte Flair segment

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Royal Rumble go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

The Kevin Owens Interview

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes [8:31]

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

Michin defeated Chelsea Green via DQ [6:21]

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

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

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

**********

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

– Another Charlotte Flair vignette aired.

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

The Damian Priest/Jacob Fatu Segment

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

– A vignette focusing on Owens vs. Rhodes aired.

Naomi defeated Liv Morgan [10:21]

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

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

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

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

**********

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

Andrade defeated The Miz [10:02]

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

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

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

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

**********

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

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

The Tiffany Stratton segment

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

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

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

**********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WWE SmackDown live results: Women’s title match, Solo Sikoa returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After winning a fatal four-way last Friday against Naomi, Nia Jax & Bianca Belair, Bayley gets her WWE Women’s Championship shot versus Tiffany Stratton on tonight’s SmackDown.

Stratton won the title two weeks ago after betraying Nia Jax and cashing in her Money in the Bank briefcase. This will be Stratton’s first title defense since winning the belt.

Bloodline member Solo Sikoa will return to television after he lost a Tribal Combat match to Roman Reigns on Raw two weeks ago. Not only did Sikoa lose the match, but he lost the Ula Fala to Reigns as a stipulation of the bout.

Los Garza (Humberto & Angel) will be in action against Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin). The former defeated Pretty Deadly while the latter beat A-Town Down Under last week to set up tonight’s match.

Also on tap, Jax will team with Candice LeRae to take on WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Belair & Naomi. Plus, Carmelo Hayes goes one-on-one with Jimmy Uso.

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

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show. Tessitore was shown walking through the crowd with Wade Barrett as he spoke about the history of the building. Barrett then yelled that it is Tiffy Time because she will make her first title defense tonight. Stratton was then shown walking in the parking lot earlier in the day. Bayley was shown walking backstage. Jimmy Uso and Carmelo Hayes were featured in similar spots. Tessitore then said there was only one person deserving of opening the show. Barrett called him the Hometown Hall Of Famer himself. Rey Mysterio’s music hit.

The Rey Mysterio/Kevin Owens segment

The Big Royal Rumble Declaration Announcement was cute the first few times WWE did it on SmackDown and Raw, but can we please agree it has run its course by now? Rey Mysterio is a legend by every metric fathomable, but this didn’t do much for me – not even the delusional Kevin Owens could make it compelling. Nobody actually thinks Mysterio can win the Rumble (and, for that matter, nobody actually thinks Owens is WWE’s current Undisputed Champion, either). The hometown pop was nice, and it’s always welcome to see Mysterio not have to spin his wheels in the midcard, like he’s been doing for months on WWE TV, but this fell a bit flat.

Rey stood in the middle of the ring while the crowd cheer. He soaked in “619!” chants. Rey formally welcomed everyone to Friday Night SmackDown and said it was the home of the 6-1-9. Rey said it was good to be home in front of his people. Rey said he requested to be out there because he wanted to declare his entry into the 2025 Royal Rumble. Rey noted how in 2006, he entered at No. 2 and became the winner of the Rumble match that year. He followed that up by reminding everyone how he became a world champion at WrestleMania 22.

Rey said the competition is heavy for this year’s Rumble match. He cited Drew McIntyre, CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and John Cena. Rey reflected on the fact that when he won in 2006, he did it for a friend and the crowd went bonkers with “Eddie!” chants. Out of nowhere, Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out with the Winged Eagle belt. Owens stood in the entryway with a microphone.

Owens said he was sorry for interrupting Rey, but he had to go out there because he heard Rey talk about how he was going to win the Rumble. Owens said he doesn’t respect many people more than he respects Mysterio. Owens touted how he main evented ‘Mania with Stone Cold Steve Austin and won the tag titles with his then-best friend at a WrestleMania. Owens said he stood there as the true, rightful WWE champion.

Owens said there was one thing left for him to accomplish and that was step into the ring with Rey Mysterio. Owens said he will root for Rey to win the Rumble match, but he wants Rey to promise to pick Owens as his champion to face at ‘Mania after Owens beats Cody and Rey wins the Rumble match. Rey told Owens he wasn’t the champion – with all due respect. Rey said if he goes on to win the Royal Rumble and Owens beats Cody, Rey would be more than happy to face Owens. Owens yelled at Rey, saying he is the champion and he earned it and he deserved it.

Mysterio tried to calm Owens down. Mysterio told Owens he was acting delusional – like Owens was his son Dominik. Owens tried to attack Rey with the Winged Eagle, but Rey thwarted the attempt and ran Owens out of the ring. Rey’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Naomi and Bianca were talking backstage and they talked about how they still didn’t have any leads on who attacked Jade Cargill forever-and-a-day ago. Naomi said they need to focus on tonight and getting their get-back against Jax and LeRae. Naomi told Belair to wrap her braid so they don’t repeat what happened last week when there was some miscommunication in the fatal four-way.

– Nick Aldis was shown talking to Mysterio backstage and Aldis told Rey that he will face Owens later on in the episode. Cody Rhodes walked into the shot and Rhodes told Aldis he had been cleared with a clean bill of health. Aldis said he had an addendum for the ladder match at the Rumble contract and he’d need Cody to sign it. Cody said he’d sign it once Owens signed it.

Bianca Belair & Naomi defeated Nia Jax & Candice LeRae [10:35]

A fine television match. Nothing special, but not necessarily because of the women’s work, but because these four have been stuck in a SmackDown vortex for what feels like years. Either singles or tags. Throw in Cargill, whenever she was around. Add Bayley and Tiffy every now and then. Nothing about this felt fresh. It was even kind of surprising that Jax and LeRae took the clean loss because Jax went from being Women’s Champion to losing in non-title tag matches in a matter of weeks. SmackDown’s women’s division needs a shot of life. Here’s hoping slotting Tiffy as its champion will provide that, but only time can tell.

Jax attacked Naomi to start the match. LeRae took out Belair. Jax and Belair ended up being the legal women and the heels had control. LeRae tagged in and Belair gained the advantage over LeRae. Jax interfered, but it didn’t sway Belair, who pressed LeRae out of the ring and onto Jax. Belair posed for the crowd and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the heels had control. LeRae went to the second rope and went for a cross-body, but Belair rolled through and lifted LeRae for a slam, but LeRae grabbed Belair’s braid to take Belair down. It looked like Belair would tag Naomi, but Jax pulled Naomi off the apron and Belair was stuck with LeRae in the ring. LeRae kicked Belair and tagged in Jax, who Samoan Dropped Belair.

Jax ran at Belair, but Belair moved. LeRae intervened and it was enough for Jax to get to the second rope and lift Belair. Belair fought off Jax and landed a cross-body on Jax from the top rope. Naomi then received the hot tag and kicked Jax in the head before she planted Jax for a two-count. Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Jax, but LeRae broke up the pin. Belair tagged in, but Jax fired up against the two and dropped them both.

LeRae tagged herself in as Belair landed a spear on Jax. Belair went for a springboard move, but LeRae cut her off with a basement dropkick. Jax hit a Senton on Belair and LeRae covered Belair for a good near fall. LeRae ran at Belair, but Belair threw LeRae into a corner. Belair covered LeRae, but Jax tried to break it up with a leg drop. Belair moved and the leg came down on LeRae. Naomi then tagged in and hit her finisher on LeRae to get the win for her team.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Bayley earlier in the day. Saxton asked Bayley what the match against Tiffy means to her. Bayley said the night will be huge for her and reflected on last year around this time when she won the Royal Rumble and beat IYO SKY at ‘Mania. Bayley said she felt like she could have done better as WWE Women’s Champion and her reign was cut short because of Tiffany Stratton. Bayley noted how Tiffy turned on her best friend and that makes her want to beat Tiffy that much more.

– Michin was shown talking with B-Fab in the locker room. B-Fab told Michin to keep her head up because Michin will eventually take Chelsea Green down. Piper Niven and Green entered the shot and Green correctly pointed out that she is the only women to successfully defend the Women’s U.S. title in history. B-Fab stood up and Niven got in her way. B-Fab said she was going to talk to Aldis about getting a match with Niven later tonight.

– Jimmy Uso was walking backstage and towards the ring. Jimmy said his brother is getting a title match, so it’s time for Big Jim to step up and try to get his. Jimmy’s music hit and the camera followed Jimmy through the entranceway and into the ring.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone. Hayes walked out and said Roman is going to the Rumble while Jey has a world title shot, but Jimmy has nothing going. Melo asked Jimmy how he could take shots at him while he’s sitting on the bench. Melo told Jimmy he’d show him why Melo don’t miss.

Jimmy Uso defeated Carmelo Hayes via DQ [11:53]

This was better than I thought it would be and it’s a shame the finish was nonsense. Then again, you had to think it would be, what with Sikoa’s return advertised and Jimmy not having enough of a story with Melo to warrant a match just yet. Some of those near-falls towards the end of the match had me and they did a great job of grabbing the live crowd, too. Or, at least, the “This is awesome!” chants suggested as much. Fatu looked almost stand-offish as Sikoa made his entrance, so this next segment should be interesting to digest.

Jimmy jumpstarted the match when Melo stood on the apron and Jimmy threw Melo into the ring. Jimmy unloaded on Melo briefly, but Melo came back and stomped on Jimmy. Melo chopped Jimmy before running into an arm-drag neck-breaker combo that Jimmy hit. Jimmy went for a hip attack, but Melo moved. It didn’t matter much because Jimmy punched Melo and then suplexed Melo on the apron. Jimmy followed that up with a dive on Melo on the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and it was just about 9 p.m. EST. Hayes had control, as is typically what happens when babyfaces have the upper hand and the show goes to break – the heels turn it around by the time the program comes back. Anyway, Jimmy attempted to fired up and went a splash, but Melo moved and hit Jimmy with a springboard reverse DDT for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and both guys hit clotheslines on each other at the same time. Both wrestlers were down to reset the match.

Jey took control when the two re-engaged, but Melo came back and planted Jimmy for a two-count. Melo ran the ropes and that brought into a tall pop-up Samoan Drop from Jimmy, which led to a good near-fall. Jimmy fired up the crowd and went to the top rope, but he jumped into a First 48 from Melo and that resulted in a great near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants from the crowd broke out. Melo went to the top rope, but Jimmy moved out of a Nothing But Net attempt. Jimmy followed it up with a super-kick and that led to an even better near-fall.

Jimmy landed a hip attack and lifted Melo, but Melo rolled Jimmy up for a two-count. Jimmy then speared Melo and went to the top, but Jacob Fatu appeared and stood on the ring apron. Tama Tonga then pushed Jimmy off the top rope to earn Jimmy the DQ win. After the match, Fatu hit a hip attack on Jimmy while Tonga DDT’d Jimmy. Fatu and Tonga stomped on Jimmy and Melo got to his feet to congratulate Fatu, but Fatu clotheslined Melo. Fatu then hip attacked Jimmy. Solo Sikoa’s music then hit and Sikoa walked to the ring.

**********

The Solo Sikoa/Jacob Fatu segment

Oh, boy, I loved the Fatu portion of this. He showed excellent fire and even though the crowd tried to hit him with the dumb “What?” treatment, he pushed through to prove his point. This was a much more grounded Fatu, too, and not just a blind follower who yells about his love for his Tribal Chief. The more serious he is, the better, and this was the most serious we’ve seen him on the mic in WWE. Anyone who has seen his work in MLW knows he has a lot more to offer than “I love you Solo!” and this was the first time WWE fans got to see that – even if it was a tiny example. As for Sikoa dropping the mic and saying nothing … I love that, too. The more open-ended things are with that side of the Bloodline 2.0, the better.

Sikoa stood in the ring and Fatu handed Sikoa a microphone. The crowd booed the hell out of everything. Before Sikoa said anything, he dropped the mic, took off his red jacket and left through the crowd. Fatu stared at Sikoa as he walked away. Fatu didn’t look happy (but when does he?). Fatu picked up the microphone Sikoa dropped. Fatu screamed, “So, this is what it comes to, huh?” Fatu said he was tired of the disrespect and the hate and the envy. Fatu said even on a bad day, nobody could touch him. Fatu said he could give a damn if anyone cheers or boos him, but one thing he won’t do is let people think he never got his.

Fatu asked if people thought he was losing it and was crazy. Fatu said the craziest thing about the situation is that he’s just getting started. LA Knight’s music then hit and Fatu squared up, but Knight ran in from the crowd and took out Fatu and Tonga. Or, well, he tried to, at least, until Fatu got the upper hand. Braun Strowman’s music then hit and Braun walked out. Tonga tried to hit Strowman with a splash, but Braun caught Tonga and disposed of him. Fatu and Braun engaged in a stare down, but Tonga pulled Fatu out of the ring to end the segment.

**********

– Los Garza were shown backstage and Santos Escobar walked up to them. Escobar was happy they exposed Pretty Deadly as liars last week. Escobar said Los Garza will take a tag title opportunity away from Motor City Machine Guns tonight. Escobar said if they want respect, they must take it. The LDF members came together as the scene ended.

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated Los Garza (Angel & Berto) [11:57]

This was another better-than-expected special. It’s easy to forget that Angel and Berto can work, and you had to know that MCMG would bring out the best of them, anyway, and that’s what happened here. All told, it was probably one of the better MCMG matches in WWE (save for the Pretty Deadly silliness at the end here). This presumably sets up a rematch between MCMG and #DIY, but we’ll see (Saturday Night’s Main Event, perhaps?). It’s happening slowly, but it’s also happening surely: The crowds are responding more and more to MCMG each week. It’s encouraging, even if it feels like baby steps.

Shelley and Angel started the match. They traded a series of quick moves until Angel choped Shelley and tagged Berto in and he landed a rolling moonsault on Shelley. The move was good enough for a two-count. Shelley came back with a series of chops and things broke down between the four wrestlers for a brief minute. Ultimately, Sabin and Berto were the legal men and Sabin worked a head-lock. Berto caught Sabin eventually and spin him around until Angel kicked Sabin and pulled off his rip-away pants. Berto and Angel landed kicks to the front and back of Sabin and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Berto landed a wild double-team roll-over face-buster on Sabin. Angel tried to keep Sabin from gettin the hot tag to Shelley, but it didn’t work and Shelley took the heels out after becoming the legal man. Sabin tagged in and and the two hit dragon-screw leg whips on Berto multiple times for a two-count. Shelley tagged back in and worked a figure-four on Berto. Angel tried to run in, but Sabin caught him and put him in a figure-four, too. Berto got to the ropes for a break and things calmed down.

Shelley was pushed into the second rope turnbuckle via Berto and Berto followed it up with a fallaway slam for a two-count. With all four wrestlers in the ring, Los Garza hit some type of odd double-team move on Shelley (and Sabin, I guess?) to get a near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants broke out. Los Garza lifted Shelley, but Sabin saved the day and cleared the ring. Sabin hit a suicide dive on Angel and Berto on the outside. Back insdie the ring, MCMG set up their finisher, but Pretty Deadly intervened. The interference didn’t work and MCMG hit Skull and Bones on Berto for the win.

**********

– Aldis was walking backstage and ran into Kevin Owens. Aldis needed Owens to sign the addendum to the world title match at the Royal Rumble, but Owens said he wouldn’t sign it until Cody signed it. Owens told Aldis to stop trying to distract him as he prepares for his match against Rey Mysterio.

Piper Niven defeated B-Fab [2:18]

A glorified squash to keep the story between Michin and Green going, so it’s hard to be too mad at it. As a bonus, B-Fab got some TV time out of it, too, which is always good because as I said earlier, the SmackDown women’s division needs a freshening up and putting faces on TV that we don’t see each week is a way to do that. Let me guess: A tag involving these four wrestlers that leads to a rematch between Michin and Green for the U.S. title? You heard it here first.

Niven ran at B-Fab, but B-Fab moved and Niven ran into a corner. B-Fab planted Niven for a one-count. B-Fab ran at Niven, but Niven caught her and slammed her. With the two back on their feet, B-Fab DDT’d Niven for a two-count. B-Fab kicked Niven to the outside. B-Fab rolled Niven back into the ring and clotheslined Chelsea Green on the outside. B-Fab rolled back into the ring and Niven hit a Senton and Piper Driver for the win. After the match, Green and Niven attacked B-Fab until Michin’s music hit and Michin ran out with a kendo stick. Michin worked over Niven. Green and Niven retreated to end the segment.

**********

– Tessitore led a tribute to Bob Uecker, who died this week.

– Saxton interviewed Tiffany Stratton backstage. Saxton said Bayley was extremely driven to win the WWE Women’s Championship. Tiffy said Bayley has had a career of big moments, but Tiffy has had big moments, too. In fact, Tiffy said, she is a Big Moment and now it’s Tiffy Time. Tiffy said toodles and left Saxton standing in the hallway.

Kevin Owens defeated Rey Mysterio [15:33]

So … what’s this addendum Nick Aldis is adding to the contract for Cody v. Owens at the Royal Rumble? I thought this match was going to set up that reveal, but all we got was yet another brawl between Cody and Kevin. In the meantime, the match was pretty good, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel like Rey going 15 minutes doesn’t seem like the best idea these days. He held his own for the most part – and Owens made sure to take care of him – but this lost some steam as it wore down and I’m a little surprised we got a kick-out of the Stunner. So much for that move being protected to the millionth degree on WWE TV anymore. Still, it was nice to see Rey out there and even better to see a (semi) clean finish. The post-match stuff was fairly boilerplate.

Both wrestlers tuned into the crowd after the bell rang and let things simmer. Rey got the best of Owens once the two engaged. Owens threw a fit. Owens eventually knocked Mysterio to the outside. Mysterio returned to the ring and took down Owens before he tried again and Owens caught Mysterio for a slam. Owens followed it up with a Senton. Owens ran Mysterio chest-first into a corner. Owens hit a knee on Mysterio and the action spilled outside. Mysterio did the 619 spot on Owens and sent Owens into the barrier on the outside. From there, Mysterio landed a sliding splash under the bottom rope. Both guys sold pain outside the ring as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Owens had the upper hand inside the ring, throwing Mysterio into a corner chest-first. Owens ran at Mysterio, but Rey moved and Owens ran into the ring post. Mysterio went to the top and hit a splash on Owens before landing a bulldog for a two-count. Rey set up for a 619, but Owens got back to his feet and super-kicked Mysterio. Owens went for a pop-up powerbomb, but Mysterio turned it into a tilt-a-whirl DDT for a two-count.

Owens was perched on the top rope, but Owens headbutted his way out of it. Owens then hit a frog splash for a near-fall. The crowd launched into “Eddie!” chants. Owens set up for a super-plex, but Rey turned it into a sunset flip from the top and he followed that up with a modified Destroyer for a near-fall. Mysterio went for a springboard splash, but Mysterio missed. Owens followed up with a Stunner and Mysterio actually kicked out of it at two.

Owens went to the top rope and went for Swanton, but Rey got his knees up and hit the 619. Mysterio went to the top, but Owens stumbled into the referee, which knocked Mysterio off the top rope. From there, Owens landed the pop-up powerbomb to get the win. After the match, Owens threw his belt aside and pulled Mysterio up to shake his hand. Owens bowed at Mysterio and set up for a package piledriver, but Cody’s music hit and Cody ran out to attack Owens. Tons of officials ran out to break the brawl up to varying degrees of success. Owens stood in the crowd and posed with his belt. Cody looked angry in the ring and the show went to a commercial break.

**********

– Aldis was shown talking to Cody backstage. Aldis said Cody and Owens are out of control. Aldis said next week at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Owens and Cody will relinquish their belts and sign the contract with the addendum (whatever that is), with the special enforcer for the signing being Shawn Michales. Also at SNME, Braun Strowman will take on Jacob Fatu.

– Next week on SmackDown, LA Knight will take on Tama Tonga. Also worth noting, Pretty Deadly will go head-to-head with MCMG.

– Pretty Deadly were walking and ran into #DIY. Ciampa was angry that Pretty Deadly “handed” the victory to MCMG earlier in the night. Ciampa said Pretty Deadly were a joke and everyone was laughing at them. Ciampa left and Gargano told Pretty Deadly it was tough love and they truly believe in Pretty Deadly. Gargano said they want to make life better for Pretty Deadly and walked away. Apollo Crews then walked in and told Pretty Deadly working with #DIY has gotten them nowhere. Gargano ran in and attacked Crews by throwing him into a road case.

– Bayley made her entrance for the main event and the camera showed Roxanne Perez sitting in the crowd. So. Well. Angle alert.

– A Charlotte Flair vignette aired. It almost looked like a set-up package for a “Love Is Blind” story. To be fair, it was a mildly different vibe for the former champ.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Bayley to retain the WWE Women’s Championship [20:03]

Eh. Underwhelming. The women worked hard, but this crowd decided early it wasn’t going to do its part and that hurt the match. There were a few clunky spots and the Bayley/Perez story didn’t really advance outside of a quick exchange of glares towards the end of the thing. It’s kind of tough throwing Stratton – who is still very young and very much a rookie(ish) – into a 20 minute match, even if Bayley is the sort of gatekeeper these days in the women’s division, what with Charlotte out, and Sasha and Becky gone. I was hoping for more, but it just never kicked into another gear. Even so, it’s a credibility-building win for Stratton and that can’t hurt.

The match started with about 20 minutes until the top of the hour. The two locked up repeatedly, but no one got the better of it. They traded pin attempts to no avail and locked up again. Tiffy posed a few times and Bayley set up for a Bayley-To-Belly, but Stratton blocked it. Bayley clotheslined Stratton over the top and with Stratton on the outside of the ring, the show went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Bayley hit a draping neck-breaker and the action spilled outside. Bayley went for some dropkicks, but Stratton telegraphed it and ran Bayley into a ring post. Back inside the ring, Stratton went to work on Bayley’s arm. With Bayley on the apron, Stratton took out Bayley’s legs two times to plant Bayley on said apron. Stratton ran around the ring – but it only led to Stratton running into a forearm from Bayley.

Bayley rolled Stratton back into the ring and the two traded forearms. Stratton clotheslined Bayley and went for a running hip in the ropes, but Bayley moved. As a result, Bayley went for a suicide dive, but Stratton caught Bayley and trapped her between the ring and the ring curtain. Stratton then hit a hip attack of her own. Bayley tried to get back into the ring, but Stratton hit a knee to keep Bayley on the outside. Stratton went for a splash on the outside, but Bayley caught her and landed a Bayley-To-Belly. Both wrestlers were down on the outside of the ring and the show went to its final commercial break of the night.

Back to the action, Bayley hit a suplex from the second rope (sorry, but a super-plex comes only from the top rope, damn it) for a two-count. Bayley went back to the top, but Stratton cut her off and went to the top herself. Stratton landed a Senton and a powerbomb for a good near-fall. Stratton worked a version of an arm-bar, but Bayley rolled out of it and threw Stratton to the outside. Bayley slammed Stratton onto the announce desk and then suplexed her before she jawed at Roxanne Perez in the crowd.

Bayley went to the top rope and connected with the flying elbow for a nice near-fall. Bayley worked a cross-face until Stratton got out of it and hit a spine-buster for a two-count. Bayley hit a Bayley-To-Belly on Stratton after a few seconds of nothing for a near-fall. The crowd was nearly silent for all of this. Stratton set up for Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Bayley cut her off and sunset-flipped her into a corner for a two-count. Bayley slammed Stratton for a near-fall, but Stratton came back and got a two-count from a backslide. Stratton finally hit her Alabama Slam and followed it up with the PME for the win. Stratton quickly walked up the aisle as the credits rolled to end the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: Two title matches, Tiffany Stratton appears

Posted on by Colin McGuire

WWE is at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, tonight for the second SmackDown of 2025.

Both the men’s and women’s United States Championships will be on the line on the three-hour show. After dropping the men’s U.S. title to Shinsuke Nakamura at last November’s Survivor Series, LA Knight gets his rematch.

In another rematch, Chelsea Green defends the women’s U.S. title against Michin. Green defeated Michin in a tournament final at last month’s Saturday Night’s Main Event to become the inaugural champion. This is her first title defense.

Also set for tonight, new WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton will appear. Stratton will address her betrayal of Nia Jax from last week when she finally cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase to become champion. The cash-in happened after Stratton helped Jax defeat Naomi in last week’s main event.

Join us for live coverage starting at 8 PM Eastern time.

**********

– Joe Tessitore welcomed everyone into the show as outdoor scenes of Portland, Oregon aired. Wade Barrett was Tessitore’s broadcast partner and the two stood at ringside. Footage of Nakamura and Tiffany Stratton from earlier today aired. Paul Heyman was shown making his way to the ring for the opening segment. A video recap of Raw then aired.

The Paul Heyman/Cody Rhodes segment

This was good. And for the second week in a row, I don’t know why they don’t advertise these types of things beforehand. A Paul Heyman/Cody Rhodes segment would have been noteworthy and maybe even drew some more eyeballs to the show; is there a reason we can’t know this is going to happen ahead of time? Anyway, Roman entering the Royal Rumble is mildly intriguing because that notion isn’t one that’s been talked about much when it comes to all the fantasy booking scenarios involving Cody, Roman, about a dozen other people and WrestleMania. Heyman put Cody over pretty well here – to the extent that it looked like Cody was genuinely choking up for a second. The Owens touch was nice because everybody has been whining about The Rock and Cody’s interaction on Monday and someone needed to say it out loud. Also, and finally, did that final sequence mean Cody vs. Fatu is on the horizon? Lots of stuff here to open the show. I like it.

Paul Heyman walked into the ring and did the “My name …” bit. Heyman said he was excited to be there and announced that there is only one reigning, defending undisputed Tribal Chief of the WWE Universe and the entire Island of Relevancy and that Tribal Chief is Roman Reigns. The crowd cheered and “OTC!” chants broke out. Heyman said Reigns authorized Heyman to tell everyone what Roman intends to accomplish next. Heyman said he wanted to share the news with one man in particular – and that man is Cody Rhodes. Cody’s music hit and Cody’s entrance began.

Cody and Heyman shook hands once Cody entered the ring. Heyman said Cody deserved the response he received from the crowd and Cody has done something few have ever done, which is earn the respect of Roman Reigns. Heyman talk about how great of a champion Cody has been. Because Cody has been a great champion, Reigns told Heyman to go out there and tell Cody that Roman wants his title back. Heyman said Reigns wanted Cody to know how he intends to get his title back. Heyman declared that Roman Reigns will be in the Royal Rumble this year to earn his way into a match against Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Heyman then asked Cody what he wanted to talk about, which was funny.

The crowd chanted Cody’s name as Cody fetched a microphone for himself. Before Cody could speak, Kevin Owens’s voice was heard and it turned out that Owens was in the crowd with a microphone. Owens said just when he thought it couldn’t get worse, it did get worse because Cody went and shook hands with The Rock on Monday. Owens brought up how Heyman just mentioned how Roman Reigns wants his title back. Owens said he should have let the Bloodline rip Roman to shreds. Owens kept rambling and Cody ran out of the ring and brawled with Owens in the crowd.

With Heyman alone in the ring, Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu showed up. It looked like they were going to attack Heyman, but Jimmy Uso’s music hit and Jimmy ran out for the save. Jimmy grabbed a chair and hit Fatu and Tonga with it, but all it did was wake Fatu up. Fatu hit Jimmy with a flying elbow and the two worked Jimmy over. Fatu kicked a referee in the face, which made the rest of the referees scared to enter the ring. Cody made his way back through the crowd and towards the ring. Cody threw Tonga out of the ring and Fatu and Cody faced off. Cody clotheslined Fatu over the top and to the outside. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Fatu and Tonga were shown being thrown out of the building by officials. Fatu fought back and started yelling at them. LA Knight showed up and threw Fatu out of the building himself, saying he has a title to win later. So … um … oh no, LA Knight?

Chelsea Green defeated Michin to retain the Women’s United States Championship [8:42]

I was surprised they went back to this match so quickly, but I’m also happy that it doesn’t appear as though Green and Michin’s story is over, considering the holding of the tights and the post-match developments. In some ways, I feel like these two could work together through the Royal Rumble and it would still be entertaining each week. Green is impossible not to like and she has great, worn-in ring chemistry with Michin, so their matches rarely disappoint. As such, this match didn’t disappoint. Are we in for Dumpster Match Part Two? Or is there another stip out there with which these two could have fun?

Green went for a kick and Michin moved. Michin then held control of the match early, complete with a dropkick and a pin attempt. Michin stretched Green over the top rope, but it wasn’t long before Green fought back and threw Michin to the outside. Green threw Michin into the crowd barrier, but Michin made it back into the ring to beat a count out. Green kept her offense up as the show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Green had the upper hand and worked a chin-lock. Michin got out of it via a back suplex. Michin landed a shotgun dropkick and danced before hitting a Cannonball on Green in a corner for a two-count. Michin went to threw Green, but Green countered by planting Michin face-first. Green went to the top, but missed a dropkick and Michin took control with a running knee. Michin went on the apron and kicked Piper Niven in the face. Michin then went to the top and hit a cross-body, but Green rolled through and held Michin’s tights to get the win.

After the match, Michin tried to attack Green, but Niven interfered and hit a Senton on Michin, allowing Green to get away.

**********

– Footage from last week’s tag title match aired. Motor City Machine Guns were shown complaining to Nick Aldis earlier today. Pretty Deadly, A-Town Down Under and Los Garza were in the shot, too. Aldis told everyone to shut up. Pretty Deadly and Los Garza will face each other while MCMG and A-Town Down Under will square off with the winners potentially wrestling each other for a shot at the tag titles.

Los Garza (Angel & Humberto) defeated Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) [8:56]

So this is why SmackDown went to three hours, eh? Give some folks some TV time and grant the viewing audience that Los Garza vs Pretty Deadly bout they’ve been craving for months now? Cool. This match was just kind of there despite everyone’s efforts to heat up this mini feud last week. My biggest problem? Since when did Los Garza or anyone in Legado Del Fantasma start working as babyfaces? The crowd cheered them here (or at least crowd sounds, wherever they did or did not come from, cheered them here), but I can’t really figure out why they’d do that other than they played the role of Not Pretty Deadly. But even then – even then! – wouldn’t Pretty Deadly be better babyfaces in this scenario because of their silly, comedic musical skits that have popped up through the weeks? My head is spinning. Either way, the match was harmless.

Los Garza jumpstarted the match and Humberto hit a suicide dive on Wilson on the outside. Back inside the ring, Humberto hit a standing moonsault for a two-count. Angel tagged in and the two hit Wilson with a double super-kick for a two-count. Humberto tagged in and landed a dropkick for a two-count. Prince got a blind tag and dragged Humberto over the top and to the outside via a gnarly neck-breaker. The show went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Humberto was doing his best to turn things around against Prince, but couldn’t do so. Wilson then tagged in and missed a splash immediately, which allowed Humerto to get the hot tag to Angel, who fired up and landed a cross-body from the top rope for a two-count. Angel did the take-his-pants-off spot, which hasn’t been shown on WWE TV in ages. He threw the pants at Wilson and kicked him for a two-count. Prince reasserted himself and planted Angel while the referee was distracted. With the ref still distracted, Santos Escobar crotched Prince. From there, Los Garza hit their finisher on Prince for the win.

**********

LA Knight defeated Shinsuske Nakamura via DQ [14:06]

This was much better than their Survivor Series match and it would have been even better if we got a clean finish out of it, but after Knight went and gave an f-word when it wasn’t his turn to give an f-word (to, in a censored way, quote “The Wire”) with Fatu earlier in the show, you could see this finish coming from a million miles away. I hope Nakamura and Knight get to run it back at some point (I still think Knight gets that belt back sooner than later) because this proved that they could go deep and it could work. I’m as entertained by Knight as anybody, but he isn’t typically considered as one of the best in-ring fellas in the game. Here, though, he went into deep waters and it worked. Good job from both guys.

The match started slow with neither wrestler getting the upper hand for long. Nakamura eventually got control and hit a running knee on Knight, who was draped over the ring apron. Knight tried to fight back, but Nakamura cut him off and went to work on Knight’s knee. Knight found himself on the outside of the ring and ultimately clotheslined Nakamura and sent him to the floor. Knight followed that up with a baseball slide and proceeded to repeatedly pound Nakamura’s head on the commentary table. Back inside the ring, Knight clotheslined Nakamura over the top to the outside again. Nakamura ran Knight into the ring post twice and the show went to a picture-in-picture break.

The show returned and the two traded blows until Knight took over and slammed Nakamura before hitting an elbow for a two-count. Knight lifted Nakamura, but Nakamura worked his way out of it. Nakamura pulled the turnbuckle pad off the second rope and followed it up with a sliding German Suplex. With Nakamura on the top, Knight ran up the ropes and super-plexed Nakamura for a good near-fall. Knight sunk in a weird version of a reverse Boston Crab (surely, Excalibur knows the name of the move), but Nakamura made it to the ropes for a break.

Nakamura went for an arm-bar, but Knight rolled Nakamura up for a two-count. Nakamura popped up and kicked Knight. Knight went for a BFT, but Nakamura countered with a back elbow. Nakamura followed that up with the Kinshasha, but Knight got his leg on the bottom rope to break up the pin attempt. Nakamura put Knight’s head on the exposed turnbuckle, but Knight moved and Nakamura ran into the exposed turnbuckle. Knight then hit the BFT but Tonga and Fatu showed up and attacked Knight to end the match.

Fatu hit all his greatest hits on Knight until Cody and Jimmy ran back out. This time, Cody was dressed in wrestling attire. They double super-kicked Fatu and Fatu and Tonga retreated through the crowd. Cody grabbed a mic and yelled for Nick Aldis to make a match between Cody and Jimmy and Fatu and Tonga. Aldis made the match.

**********

Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) defeated A-Town Down Under (Austin Theory & Grayson Waller) [12:06]

A solid match, and a much better tag match than the other tag bout on this show earlier. MCMG seem to be kind of/sort of finally clicking in WWE Land, and I hope whatever that is continues to grow. Meanwhile, Theory and Waller looked pretty good holding their own against the veteran former tag champs. In fact, Waller and Theory were given a lot of offense here and they made the most of it, which doesn’t always happen in these scenarios. Does this mean we get Los Garza vs. MCMG soon? Or does MCMG skip the line and head right back to #DIY?

Shelley and Waller began the match. Waller had the upper hand and Theory tagged in. Theory threw Shelley chest-first into a corner and followed it up with a clothesline. Sabin tagged in and gave MCMG control briefly until Waller tagged in and hit a series of knees to Sabin’s head. Waller then landed a spinning right hand for a two-count. Waller then went to work on Sabin’s arm. Sabin ran the ropes and Shelley bling-tagged himself in. MCMG kicked and clotheslined Waller over the top rope. Sabin went for a splash, but Theory tripped Sabin. From there, Waller hit a rolling Flatliner on Shelley inside the ring for a two-count. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Waller and Theory stayed on top of Shelley. Theory worked a chin-lock on Shelley. Waller tagged in, but Shelley ran Theory into Waller and super-kicked Theory. Shelley rolled and tagged Sabin, who landed a series of punches on Waller. Sabin went to the second rope and hit a missile dropkick on Waller. Shelley tagged in and the two landed stereo baseball slides on Theory and Waller. MCMG followed that up with Sabin’s suicide dive through the top and second ropes.

Inside the ring, Shelley tagged in Sabin and while Waller ran the ropes, Theory tagged himself in. The action spilled outside and Sabin ran at Waller, but Theory cut Sabin off with an elbow. Waller tagged in and the heels hit a double punch to Sabin’s head for a two-count. Shelley eventually tagged in as things broke down and all four wrestlers were down. Sabin tagged in and took Waller out. Shelley and Sabin singled Theory out and hit Skull & Bones on Theory for the win.

**********

– Ciampa and Gargano were shown upset backstage. They ran into Pretty Deadly, who asked #DIY why they didn’t help them out earlier. Gargano said Pretty Deadly will get their title match eventually and Pretty Deadly need to trust them. Apollo Crews walked into the scene and if they were dumb enough to believe #DIY, they’ll deserve everything coming their way.

– Nia Jax and Candice LeRae were talking in the locker room. Jax wondered what Tiffany Stratton would say later. Jax then walked to the ring and said she was going to congratulate Stratton herself.

The Tiffy Time segment

Wow. And speaking of not advertising things that should have been advertised … . My goodness. A Fatal Four-Way for a shot at Stratton seems like a thing they could have announced ahead of time, but again, what do I know? Nothing. That’s the answer. Nothing. Anyway, everyone here showed good fire, most of whom was Jax, who really seemed really pissed and sold it really well. Bayley and Naomi, meanwhile, had good logic. And Tiffy is settling in nice into her spot as a sort of pesky tweener champion (make her an official babyface already!). This upcoming four-way should be fun.

Stratton came out to a big positive reception from the crowd. Byron Saxton was in the ring and reminded Stratton that she became the new WWE Women’s Champion last week. Saxton congratulated Stratton and Stratton yelled “It’s Tiffy Time!” She also called it a “tiffy-turn-of-events.” Stratton then recapped her run so far on the main roster and said she is better than “your favorites.” The crowd cheered her. Saxton started talking about Jax bullying Stratton, but Stratton cut off Saxton. Stratton said she got JAx to trust her and Jax thought Stratton was just a dumb blonde and Jax let her guard down. As a result, Stratton said, she stole Jax’s most prized possession. Stratton yelled to put respect on her name and to tell her what time it is.

On cue, Jax’s music hit and Jax walked out with a microphone. Jax looked angry. Jax called Stratton and “ungrateful little s-@#.” Jax said she could kill Stratton. Jax said Stratton would be nothing without Jax because Jax made Stratton. Jax said it took Stratton long enough to take advantage of her. Jax walked onto the ring apron and then into the ring. The crowd chanted “Tiffy Time” and Jax said “Time’s up,” before telling Stratton to give Jax her title back or Jax said she’d take it back. Out of nowhere, Bayley’s music hit and Bayley walked out with a microphone.

Bayley told Jax to shut the hell up and told Stratton she always thought Stratton was stupid. Bayley recalled how Jax took Stratton under her wing and Stratton still outsmarted Jax. Bayley stepped into the ring and said the only reason Jax had her title was because Jax had Stratton’s help. Bayley said it was only fitting that Bayley takes Stratton’s title from her. Naomi’s music then hit and Naomi walked out with a microphone and Bianca Belair.

Naomi said everyone knew Naomi had Jax beat last week. Naomi said if it wasn’t for Stratton, Naomi would be holding two titles. Naomi said Jax has to see her first before going after Stratton. Jax said nobody cares about Naomi. Jax attacked Belair and Naomi. As Naomi, Bayley, Belair and Jax were fighting, Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault on everyone and left them lying as she walked away with her title.

Aldis showed up with a microphone and said he had an idea. Aldis announced that there will be a Fatal Four-Way right now to determine who will be the No. 1 contender for Stratton’s title.

**********

Bayley defeated Nia Jax, Naomi & Bianca Belair to become the No. 1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship [17:16]

An unexpected outcome, but a welcome outcome nonetheless. Bayley and Stratton should have a quietly very good-to-great match and I’m looking forward to that. I was convinced Jax would win to get her rematch, but that next beat in the Jax/Stratton program will clearly come at a later date. I’m a fan of this being the longest match on the show and even more a fan of how much space these women were seemingly given when it comes to putting this match together. It was almost like an AEW match – move after move after move after move with bouts of little-to-no-selling until the match reset itself a couple times. Lots of fun stuff in here and maybe – just maybe – this will win Match Of The Night honors after it’s all said and done.

Naomi and Belair teamed up on Jax early until Jax tried to suplex both at the same time and barely got them over. Bayley returned to the action and pounded on Jax until Jax threw Bayley away. The babyfaces went after Jax, but Jax pushed them all away. Naomi, Bayley and Belair stared each other down and Jax pulled Belair to the outside. Bayley and Naomi then locked up inside the ring and Naomi got the best of it early until Bayley came back and the two traded pin attempts. Bayley was pulled to the outside by Jax and Jax threw Bayley into the crowd barrier.

Inside the ring, Naomi landed a chin-breaker on Jax. Naomi leapt at Jax, but Jax caught her and slammed her for a two-count. Belair tried to lift Jax, but Jax stopped her. In all, it turned into a dropkick from Belair into Jax. Belair pounded on Jax in a corner. Jax powerbombed Belair, but Bayley broke up a pin attempt. Bayley suplexed Jax and went to the top, but Jax cut Bayley off. Jax lifted Bayley for a Samoan Drop, but Naomi and Belair ran in and slammed Jax, who slammed Bayley, and all four wrestlers were down. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from break, Jax slammed Naomi, but Belair and Bayley broke up a pin attempt. Bayley and Belair took turns punching Jax. Bayley and Belair sent Jax to the outside and then went after each other. Bayley rolled up Belair for a two-count. Bayley rolled Belair up again, but Jax broke that up. Naomi returned to the action and kicked Jax before landing a Russian Leg Sweep. Naomi hit a Split-Legged Moonsault on Jax for a near-fall.

Bayley came form the top rope and hit an elbow drop on Jax for a two-count. Belair then came off the top and hit a 450 splash on Jax, but Bayley broke that pin attempt up. The babyfaces tried to pin Jax at the same time and it didn’t work. LeRae then walked down to the ring and Naomi and Belair worked some double-team moves on Bayley. That left Naomi and Belair alone to fight each other. Instead of going at it, they went at Bayley and Jax on the outside. Jax caught Naomi and ran her into the ring apron.

Jax returned to the ring and was the recipient of a shoulder-block from Belair. Bayley then hit Bayley-To-Belly on Belair, btu Naomi broke it up. Naomi hit a Rear Vew on Bayley, but Jax broke that up. Jax dropped Naomi and Belair broke up that pin attempt. The match reset again with all four wrestlers down in the middle of the ring. Belair planted Bayley and hit a moonsault on her for a two-count. Belair lifted Bayley for a KOD, but LeRae broke it up by pulling on Belair’s braid. Belair then accidentally hit Naomi with the braid.

Jax and Belair took each other over the commentary table. Inside the ring, Bayley hit the Rose Plant on Naomi and that was good enough for the win.

**********

– Cody and Jimmy were shown talking backstage and Cody said he knew Roman would want his title back so all was good. Cody walked away and Carmelo Hayes walked up to Jimmy and half-threatened Jimmy. Jimmy talked about how Melo shoots nothing but bricks and then half-yeeted.

– Bayley was walking backstage and ran into Byron Saxton, who said Bayley’s match against Stratton will take place next week. Bayley said she’s grown up in this business and she pointed out that Stratton has never beaten Bayley. Also set for next week, MCMG will take on Los Garza. Solo Sikoa is set to return to SmackDown next week as well.

– Jacob Fatu was yelling while walking backstage and towards the ring with Tonga. Fatu’s tone has shifted from crazed Solo Sikoa follower to a more serious approach and it’s great.

Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu defeated Cody Rhodes & Jimmy Uso [13:18]

I love it. I love Fatu getting the win, even if that means it was because Cody was taken out of the match. Keep that version of The Bloodline strong, even after Solo’s loss and let’s get some heat for the eventual Solo vs. Jacob showdown. If Jimmy and Cody would have won, this would have felt like a regular dark match that was designed to send the live crowd home happy; instead, we further the strength of Fatu – and even Tonga, to a degree. Really good booking here, at least in terms of WWE (yes, I know you hate WWE, but be reasonable). On the other hand, that weird final spot with the makeshift spear that Cody just kind of leaned into felt a little odd. But we got to where we needed to go. A very good way to end an unusually better-than-solid SmackDown these days. Let’s see how next week goes.

Cody and Tonga started the match and Cody dropped Tonga. Cody went to Tonga’s arm and tagged in Jimmy, who went to the top and came down on Tonga’s left arm. Tonga fired up and beat Jimmy into a corner. Fatu tagged in and Fatu went to work on Jimmy. Fatu landed his pop-up Samoan Drop on Jimmy and the show went to a PIP commercial break.

The show returned and Tonga tagged in to dropkick Cody and work Jimmy’s leg and yell odd things. Fatu tagged in and landed a Senton on Jimmy after hitting Cody off the apron. Fatu landed a hip attack on Jimmy. He did that two times over. After the second time, Fatu got a two-count out of it. Fatu placed Jimmy on the top rope and screamed “I love you Solo!” Jimmy then fought back and knocked Fatu off the ropes. Jimmy eventually hit a spinning splash on Fatu and Cody received the hot tag.

Cody snap-powerslammed Tonga, who also tagged in. Tonga received a Disaster Kick. Cody lifted Tonga, but Tonga got out of it. Fatu and Tonga were on the outside and Cody landed a suicide dive on both heels. Back in the ring, Cody did the Dusty punches/elbow on Tonga for a two-count. Cody set up for a CrossRhodes on Tonga, but Tonga countered into a DDT for a two-count. Cody lifted Tonga and perched on on the top while Jimmy tagged in. Cody and Jimmy did a variation of the Power And Glory finisher, but Fatu broke things up. As a response, Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Fatu and Jimmy sent Fatu over the commentary desk.

Kevin Owens walked down the aisle. Cody saw him and Cody and KO brawled to the back. Inside the ring, Jimmy hit a spear on Tonga and went to the top and hit the Uso Splash, but Fatu pulled Jimmy to the outside. Fatu then tagged in and slammed Jimmy’s head on the commentary table before rolling himi back into the ring. Fatu hit an Impaler and his moonsault and that got him the win.

Meanwhile, Owens and Cody brawled back into the arena and onto traveling equipment. Owens set up for a powerbomb, but instead the two traded punches. From there, Cody speared Owens and the two went through two tables in the crowd. Both guys sold pain and that’s how the show went off the air.

WWE SmackDown live results: Nick Aldis addresses Kevin Owens

Posted on by Colin McGuire

The final WWE SmackDown episode of 2024 takes place live tonight from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

A six-woman tag match has been announced for the show with WWE Women’s Champion Nia Jax set to team with Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae against Bianca Belair, Naomi & Bayley. Naomi recently replaced Jade Cargill as Belair’s Women’s Tag Team Championship partner after Cargill was forced out of action following a mystery attack.

Also set for tonight, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis will address Kevin Owens’ assault on Cody Rhodes that took place after their match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Rhodes has yet to appear on WWE television since that attack. We’ll see if that changes tonight.

Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green will hold a celebration on SmackDown. Green won the title after beating Michin in the finals of a tournament to crown the inaugural champ.

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

**********

– Video of Cody calling out Kevin Owens from last month opened the show. From there, the video extended to the high points of their ongoing feud.

– Nick Aldis spoke backstage. Aldis said Owens is not a champion, but Owens is in possession of the Winged Eagle Belt. Aldis said the belt represents greatness and Owens has no claim to the belt. Aldis said Owens has until the end of the night to relinquish the belt or he will face severe consequences that will effect his future in WWE.

– Cathy Kelley was shown in guerrilla interviewing Naomi and Bianca Belair. Naomi said she was grateful to hold the tag titles with Belair. Belair said they won’t forget about what happened to Cargill. Bayley stepped in and asked Belair if they were good. Belair said they were and then her music hit. The three walked out for the first match.

– Nia Jax made her entrance with a microphone and reiterated that they didn’t mess with Cargill. Jax half made fun of Stratton and called out Belair for doing fine without Cargill. Jax said she thinks Belair is trying to avoid suspicion on Belair. Jax said Belair couldn’t stand the share the spotlight with Cargill because Cargill is better than Belair. Jax said Belair snapped. Jax told Belair to own up to what she did or Jax will make Belair own up to it.

Naomi, Bianca Belair & Bayley defeated Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax & Candice LeRae [16:10]

A fine six-woman television tag match. We’ve officially reached The Point Beyond when it comes to Stratton teasing cashing in her MITB briefcase because this is far past old these days. It’s to the point where you almost think it will be one of those cash ins that are called ahead of time and it turns into a regular planned match and that’s never fun. We’ll see. As for the match, there were some fun spots and I can’t say Jax didn’t say the things a lot of us are thinking about Belair as we watch the fallout of the Cargill attack unfold. Again, we’ll see.

Stratton and Belair started the match. Belair had control early. With the heels outside of the ring, Belair, Bayley and Naomi all took them out with various mistimed splashes. The show then went to a quick commercial break. The show returned and Jax was taking punches from Belair inside the ring. Naomi gave Jax a stink face after tagging in. Jax came right back and planted Jax and got a two-count out of it. LeRae tagged in and kept control for the heels. Naomi made a brief comeback and Belair tagged in to hit a pair of splashes on LeRae.

Belair pounded on LeRae until Stratton distracted Belair and Jax tagged in. From there, Jax hit a leg drop on Belair and earned a two-count. LeRae tagged in and then Stratton hit a splash from the top rope after a blind tag. Stratton yelled at LeRae about not being tagged in enough and it ultimately leg to Belair tagging in Bayley. LeRae tagged in and was the recipient of a back suplex. Bayley went for a dropkick through the turnbuckles onto LeRae, but LeRae ran Bayley’s head into a ring post. LeRae planted Bayley face-first on the ring apron and the show went to another commercial break.

The show returned and Bayley and LeRae were down in the ring. Stratton tagged in and Naomi tagged in, too. Naomi kicked Stratton in the head and followed it up with a Mule Kick and a Bulldog for a near-fall. Things broke down and everyone traded power moves. Jax found herself on the second rope and Naomi pulled her off with her legs before hitting a split-legged moonsault, but Stratton broke a pin attempt up. With Jax down, Stratton teased cashing in her briefcase, but LeRae pulled the briefcase away from Stratton. LeRae tagged herself into the match and fit a full-nelson slam on LeRae for the win.

**********

– Grayson Waller and Austin Theory were talking to Aldis backstage and Sami Zayn walked in. Zayn told Aldis they should talk. The show then went to a commercial.

– Back from that break, Zayn was still talking to Aldis and said he thinks it’s only fair he gets his crack at The Bloodline. Carmelo Hayes walked into the room with Christmas cards to hand out and Zayn told Melo to wait his turn. Zayn crumpled up a card and threw it in Melo’s face. Melo told Zayn to stay off Melo’s show. Zayn told Aldis that The Bloodline stuff could wait and instead, he wanted to face Melo later. Aldis said, “Consider it done.”

Braun Strowman defeated Austin Theory [7:26]

A result that was never in doubt. In fact, this was probably a little more competitive than it should have been. That said, I also understand they needed this to fill a space that included a commercial break, so as always, television rules all. Still, I wonder if Theory was actually supposed to land his finisher on Strowman near the end and the two stumbled, of if what we got was what the plan was supposed to be. Either way, this amounted to nothing more than a long squash that cements Strowman in the middle of the card, which is a bit of a shame, but that’s a conversation for another day.

Strowman face-palmed Theory out of the ring to start. Strowman followed that up with a series of strikes and eventually, after Strowman threw Theory, Theory rolled out of the ring. The show went to a commercial break after that. The show returned and Theory hit a DDT on Strowman. Theory chop-blocked Strowman and punched Strowman for a one-count. Strowman dropkicked Theory and Theory rolled to the outside. Strowman pulled Theory up to the apron and eventually threw Theory onto Waller on the outside.

Strowman clotheslined Theory on the outside of the ring and threw Theory back into the ring. Strowman then went to the top rope, but Waller stalled Storwman and Theory went for an A-Town Down, but Strowman stumbled out of it and landed a running powerslam on Theory for the win.

**********

– Owens cut a car promo and said he heard what Aldis said. Owens said he deserves to have the winged eagle belt because he is the true WWE Champion. Owens said he think he and Aldis need to have a discussion and he’ll come into the arena on only his terms – no security guards or office people, with just Aldis and Owens. In that case, they can talk.

The Chelsea Green Celebration

Meh. I was hoping this would be better, but a lot of this felt forced. It just wasn’t as witty or as funny as you could tell the people who wrote it thought it would be and the crowd didn’t help matters. Even so, it was entertaining enough. I have so much hope that Michin and Green can get their program over – especially with a brand new title involved – but we’ll see. It should be interesting to see how things shake out as WWE gets a mild reset with the Netflix premiere and a new calendar year on the horizon.

Piper Niven stood in the ring behind a podium that looked like it could be used for an American president. Niven introduced Green. The crowd cheered when Green’s music hit and Green walked out dressed as the Statue Of Liberty. Green stepped to the podium and thanked the crowd. Green said she wanted to address the people of the WWE universe and said they have officially turned the blue brand into the green house. Green called herself the most glamorous, most … you get it … Women’s United States Champion. Green walked over to Niven and teased giving Niven credit, but instead gave herself the credit for helping herself.

Green spoke to Michin and said she had two words for her: Good riddance. Green said she’d say Michin could be a champion, but she doesn’t want to say that because she doesn’t lie. Green challenged the crowd to ask themselves not what Chelsea Green could do for them, but what they could do for Chelsea Green. She said 2025 will be the year of Red, White and Green. Michin’s music hit and Michin walked out with a kendo stick. Michin said she’d introduce Green to her little friend – her kendo stick – and walked to the ring. Michin hit Niven a bunch with the kendo stick. Michin entered the ring and went after Green, but Green got out of it. The segment ended with Niven carrying Green to the back.

**********

– #DIY and The Street Profits were shown talking to Aldis backstage and Aldis asked #DIY who attacked The Profits a couple weeks ago. Pretty Deadly walked in and it turns out, they were witnesses to the attack. Pretty Deadly tried to bribe everyone and nobody bit. They said it was Garza who attacked the Profits and the Profits went looking for Garza and Berto. They found them and brawled. Aldis then made a match for the teams after the break.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) defeated Los Garza (Berto & Angel) [11:04]

Another weirdly overly competitive match for acts that just aren’t on the same level, speaking in terms of the booking these teams have received in the recent past. In some ways, good for Berto and Angel because they have been throwaway characters for so long; on another level … yeah, if I’m Montez Ford, I’m probably a little fed up with the irrelevant booking his team has been receiving for a long time now. As such, the match was pretty good and I like the edge that the Profits continue to show. In fact, I’d like to see more of it, going forward, but seeing is believing.

The match was joined in progress and the four wrestlers fought in and out of the ring. Ford and Berto ended up alone in the ring and Ford clotheslined Berto. Dawkins tagged in and the two hit a double flapjack on Berto. Angel tagged in and the two worked over Dawkins. Angel pummeled Dawkins and tagged in Berto. Dawkins fired up and took Berto down. Ford tagged in and things broke down between the four wrestlers. They brawled outside of the ring and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Angel had control over Ford, complete with a spinebuster. Berto tagged in and kept the momentum up. Angel tagged in and before long, Ford hit a DDT to even things out. Ultimately, Dawkins received the hot tag and Dawkins came in to take out both heels. Ford tagged in and Berto was on Dawkins’s shoulders, but Angel broke things up. Berto and Angel threw Ford off the top and Berto landed a moonsault on Ford for a nice near-fall.

Angel tagged in to become the legal man, but it wasn’t long before Dawkins tagged in to take care of the heels. With Berto and Angel on the outside, Ford landed a splash and then the Profits set up for their finisher and this time they hit it for the win.

**********

– An Andrade vignette aired during which Andrade was taking aim at Nakamura. Next week, Naomi will face Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship and Andrade will take on Nakamura for the U.S. title.

– Pretty Deadly were shown walking backstage and ran into #DIY. Pretty Deadly said they scratched #DIY’s backs, so they hope they can scratch theirs. The Profits walked in and B-Fab told Pretty Deadly they were thankful they told them the truth. The Profits started walking and ran into Motor City Machine Guns, who said they deserve a title shot. Apollo Crews walked in and told the Profits that it was #DIY who attacked the Profits. Crews then walked away as everyone looked confused.

Sami Zayn defeated Carmelo Hayes via DQ [11:34]

A good match and a worthy main event, match-wise. The smoz finish was expected, but it’d be nice to see Zayn get a clean win sometime soon, considering how many loses he’s been taking from Drew McIntyre. The Strowman wrinkle was fun and I hope we see more of that moving forward (as referenced above). Kevin Owens appearing to get involved in Sami Zayn business – even if it’s just his music hitting after an unrelated angle is show – is always a nice way to get people to wonder about what might happen next, so kudos to the cleverness of those involved.

The two locked up to begin things and “Sami Uso!” chants broke out in the crowd. Zayn chopped the hell out of Melo until Melo came back with a dropkick for a one-count. Melo found himself on the outside of the ring and Melo dragged Zayn to the outside. Ultimately, Zayn landed a moonsault off the crowd barricade onto Melo and then the show went to a break.

The show returned and Melo had control. Melo landed a springboard splash onto Zayn and worked a ground and pound. Zayn fired up and hit a clothesline to reset the match. Zayn went to the second rope and hit a double axe-handle. Zayn hit his Blue Thunder Bomb for a good near-fall. Zayn went to the top and missed a splash, which turned into a First 48 from Melo for a very good near-fall. Melo landed a springboard DDT on Zayn and went to the top, but he leapt into a clothesline from Zayn, who then fired up.

Zayn landed an Exploder on Melo into the corner. Zayn set up for the Helluva Kick, but Melo rolled to the outside and started to walk to the back, but Strowman appeared and Melo ran to the back. Out of nowhere, The Bloodline appeared and attacked Zayn, so Zayn got the DQ win. Strowman was shown bringing Melo back to the ring and saw what was happening and threw Melo down to walk to the ring and battle Solo Sikoa. Strowman shoulder-blocked Sikoa to the ground and Jacob Fatu stared down Strowman. The crowd went wild. Tama Tonga cho–blocked Strowman before anything could happen and Sikoa hit a Samoan Spike on Strowman. Zayn came back into the fold, but the Bloodline took Zayn out all over again.

Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out with the winged-eagle belt. He walked slowly, so his entrance didn’t really have much to do with the carnage in the ring.

**********

The Nick Aldis/Kevin Owens segment

A good segment to end the show. Cody showed great fire and Owens keeps trying to get heat as a heel, but these crowds are slowly but surely rallying behind him and it will be very fun to see how this all shakes out by the time the Rumble comes around. At some point, we should pay attention and give credit to the fact that Owens and Cody have managed to work a program that keeps people interested all these months into it. The ladder match should be very good, but it’s going to have to be the end of the road for these two … maybe? … Hopefully?

Aldis told Owens to do the right thing and hand over the winged eagle belt. Owens told Aldis to explain why he’d give the belt back because it’s the only bargaining chip he has. Owens said he’d give the belt back if he can get a rematch with Cody. Owens said he had Cody beat and everyone knows it. Aldis noted how he said it’s not a negotiation and because of that, Owens needed to hand the belt over or Owens would never step in a WWE again. Cody’s music hit to a huge pop. Cody walked out with a microphone and Aldis told Cody to turn around and let Aldis handle it.

Cody said he wasn’t going to walk away and he didn’t want Owens to be a martyr. Cody brought up how Owens claims Cody teamed with Reigns and that’s why Cody is a bad person. But, Cody argued, Owens attacked Cody at SNME like Reigns would have. Cody listed off all the people for whom he does what he does. Cody said it’s his responsibility to take the winged eagle back. Cody said he wanted a match with Owens and entered the ring. Cody challenged Owens to a ladder match and to put the winged eagle up there with the Undisputed Championship. Aldis announced that at the Royal Rumble, it will be Cody vs. Owens for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a ladder match. Owens stuck out his hand and said he’d see Cody there. Cody didn’t shake it and Owens attacked Aldis before attacking Cody. Owens eventually walked away and yelled that he was the true champion. The show ended with Owens holding up the winged eagle and walking to the back.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes appears, MCMG vs. Street Profits

Posted on by Colin McGuire

With just over a week until his next title defense, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will kick off tonight’s SmackDown from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

After weeks of going back and forth, Rhodes will defend against former ally Kevin Owens at the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 14.

WWE Tag Team Champions Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) have a title defense against The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) tonight. The match was made despite protests from Tommaso Ciampa that DIY are more deserving of a title shot.

The next match in the inaugural Women’s United States title tournament will take place as Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, and Elektra Lopez will battle to see who takes on Michin in the second round.

Following their WarGames loss at Survivor Series, Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline is slated to make an appearance to address what’s next.

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

**********

– A video recap of what happened at Survivor Series opened the show. Michel Cole and Corey Graves checked in from ringside and explained that Bronson Reed suffered a broken foot at Survivor Series. In other injury news, Tonga Loa suffered a torn bicep and Jimmy Uso came out of War Games with a broken toe. Video of all three injuries was shown.

– Apollo Crews was entering the building and it just so happened Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline was entering the venue at the same time. Jacob Fatu kicked Crews in the head and then beat up the security crew. Back at ringside, Cody’s music hit.

The Cody Rhodes Segment

This was a pleasant surprise. I’m not a fan of making a mockery out of the phoney baloney brand split, but WWE has done it so often, so shamelessly through the years, that it’s hard to get as annoyed as I once did (and, as Cole explained, we are getting into the season where brand loyalty is all but gone). Cody showed good fire and Gable felt like he belonged in there with one of WWE’s biggest attractions, so this was a win for everybody involved. The match between Gable and Cody screams “KO interference,” but it should be fun while it lasts.

Cody yelled into the microphone, “So, Minneapolis, what do you want to talk about?” The crowd cheered. Cody touted the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Cody said it’s the honor of a lifetime just to compete on SNME, but it’s not that simple for him because of Kevin Owens. Out of nowhere, Chad Gable’s music hit and Gale made his entrance flanked by American Made.

Gable spoke in the entranceway and called himself the greatest athlete to ever come out of Minnesota and the crowd responded favorably. As it goes, Gable said there is a transfer window and Gable and his crew may come to SmackDown permanently. Gable then called everyone in the crowd simple minded and gullible. Gable entered the ring and loud “You suck!” chants broke out for Gable. Gable said Cody was once the beacon for what Gable wanted to be – unmatched work ethic, dressing the part, etc. Gable said that’s easy, but what’s not easy is being a good friend, and Cody has not been a good friend to Kevin Owens.

Gable said Cody isn’t who he thought he was. Gable called Cody superficial because all Cody cares about is what everyone thinks about Cody. Gable mentioned how Cody went so far as to team with “the one guy who made Kevin Owens’s life a living hell.” Gable said whatever Cody has coming to him, Cody deserves it. Cody asked the crowd if they’d be his friend and the crowd cheered. Cody said he’s disappointed that Gable said what he said because he sees a lot of himself in Gable. Cody said Gable has taken things not special and made them special and maximized his minutes. Cody brought up “Shorty G” and the crowd promptly started a “Shorty G!” chant.

Cody said, “Shorty G, you’re looking at Stardust.” A “Stardust!” chant ensued. Cody said he knows all about what Gable is going through and he said Gable probably thinks he has nothing to lose, but Cody asked Gable what happens when he fails again. Cody referenced losing at WrestleMania 39 and asked Gable about being the leader of American Made. Cody put over everyone in American Made until Gable cut Cody off. Gable said if he didn’t have a suit on, he’d whoop Cody’s ass. Cody asked Gable if he really said what he said. Cody asked Gable to talk to Nick Aldis about going one-on-one with him tonight. Cody threw the mic at Gable to end the segment.

**********

– Cole, from ringside, explained how wrestlers will move from show to show in the coming weeks.

– Backstage, Naomi and Bianca Belair were shown talking. Belair wished Naomi good luck in her triple threat match. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven walked into the frame and mocked Belair for looking into who attacked Jade Cargill. Belair wondered if Niven was the one to attack Cargill. Belair went after Green and Niven, but Green and Niven fought back and Belair sold pain from War Games as well as the attack.

– Jesse Ventura was shown in the front row as Cole touted Ventura joining the broadcast team for SNME.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi and Elektra Lopez to advance in the Women’s United States Championship Tournament [7:16]

A feel-good win for Stratton, who should settle in nicely as a full-time babyface sooner than later. No better place to test the waters than her home state and the proof of concept worked here. Of the four first-round matches, this result felt the most predictable, but the women did a good job making sure the match didn’t suffer because of that. This was a fine end to the beginning of the tournament.

Naomi and Tiffy started brawling to beign the match. Lopez inserted herself and threw Naomi out of the ring, but Naomi came right back and Stratton then attacked Lopez, with a ton of support from the live crowd (Stratton is from Minnesota). Stratton kicked Lopez and shoulder-blocked Lopez to the canvas. Stratton then landed a basement dropkick on Lopez for a two-count. “Tiffy Time!” chants broke out. Stratton posed for the crowd and Naomi re-inserted herself in the match with a cross-body on Stratton. Naomi nearly fell over the top rope, but caught herself and the match got back on track as Naomi slammed Lopez.

Stratton pounded on Naomi until Naomi fought back and hit a double Stunner on Stratton and Lopez all at once. Naomi then landed a splash on Lopez and went for one on Stratton, but Stratton got her elbow up. Stratton then double-stomped on Naomi on the apron. Stratton turned her attention to Lopez and landed a snap suplex on Lopez. Before long, Lopez sank in a half-crab on Stratton. Lopez rolled Stratton up for a two-count. The women all traded multiple pin attempts to no avail. Lopez caught Naomi when Naomi leapt at Lopez and Lopez slammed Naomi. Lopez hit a version of a Blue Thunder Bomb on Naomi, but Stratton broke up the pin attempt and all three women were down.

Everyone got to their feet and brawled and Naomi got the best of it, complete with a Rearview on Stratton. Candice LeRae showed up and distracted Naomi. Lopez briefly took advantage of that, but Naomi hit a split-legged moonsault on Lopez. Stratton came back and took care of Naomi before hitting the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Lopez and pinning her for the win.

**********

– Cole threw to the backstage area, where Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were shown laid out. Nick Aldis was there and said they both needed medical attention badly. Aldis then ran into MCMG and told them the Profits got attacked. Johnny Gargano showed up and said if Aldis needs a title match, #DIY can step in. Shelley said if Gargano wants their match, they got it. Aldis made the match for later on.

Bianca Belair defeated Piper Niven [12:17]

This was very good. SmackDown does this more often than it gets credit for: throws an unannounced match out there and said unannounced match ends up kind of/sort of stealing the show. If I’m not mistaken, this is how the Andrade/Carmelo Hayes saga began. Anyway, it was great to see Niven wade into the deepest television waters she’s ever been in on the main roster, going nearly 15 minutes, and even better yet, holding her own against one of WWE’s most established women. It felt like this might be a good spot to give her a big win, with Belair still selling injuries from Survivor Series, but it was not to be. Still, Niven earned a lot in defeat here and Belair deserves a good amount of credit for that – to take nothing away from Niven’s effort, too.

Belair had control early and the two fought over Belair’s braid. Niven won that battle and hit a splash on Belair to gain the advantage. Niven worked over Belair in a corner and lifted Belair for a slam, but Belair countered with a kick. Belair ran the ropes and Green caught Belair’s foot. Niven followed that up with a sidewalk slam for a two-count. The show then went to its first commercial break about 38 minutes into the program.

The show returned and Niven still had control. Belair tried to fire up, but Niven cut her off with a running Senton, two times over. That was enough to earn Niven a two-count. Niven worked a waist-lock, which turned into a bearhug. Belair fought her way out of it and eventually tried to choke out Niven, until Niven shook Belair off and went for a splash, but Belair moved. Belair ran between corners and smashed Niven’s face off the turnbuckles. Belair went to the top and hit a cross-body for a nice near-fall.

Belair punched Niven repeatedly and before long hit a spear for a two-count. Belair tried to lift Niven for her finisher, but that didn’t work and Niven countered with a Saito belly-to-back suplex. Niven ran at Belair and Belair countered with a spinebuster. Belair went for a moonsault, but Niven got her knees up. Niven then went for a Cannonball, but Belair moved and Niven tumbled into a corner. Belair ran at Niven, but Niven caught Belair for a Piper Driver, which is really just a stiff powerbomb. “This is awesome!” chants began.

Niven went to the second rope, but Belair cut Niven off. Green hopped onto the apron and Belair dragged Green into the ring. Belair then successfully lifted Niven and hit a KOD on Niven, slamming Niven onto Green. That was enough to earn Belair the win.

**********

– A video package on Nakamura winning the U.S. title aired.

– Belair was shown walking backstage and ran into Naomi. Belair apologized for Naomi losing earlier. Byron Saxton showed up and told the two that he knew Piper Niven didn’t attack Cargill because he saw where Niven was during the attack. Naomi listed off all the women who could have done it. Belair said when she finds out who did it, it will be “on site.”

The U.S. title/Bloodline segment

I really like the unexpectedness of a lot of what’s happened so far tonight. Knight and Andrade being involved with Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline? I’m all for it. Nakamura barfing up black ooze and not going to battle with Sikoa and his fellas? Even better. The best parts of SmackDown these days are the parts where things seem fresh and this felt fresh in its own way. Does this mean we get a triple threat between Knight, Nakamura and Andrade for the U.S. title? Or, perhaps, will Fatu be inserted into that mix as well? Maybe none of this interaction matters in the long run, but even if that ends up being the case, it made for a welcome change of pace on an early-December episode of SmackDown.

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance for … reasons unknown? … because as Nakamura posed in the ring, LA Knight’s music hit and Knight walked out with a microphone. Knight correctly noted that he was “in the building in Minneapolis.” Knight said Nakamura isn’t the real deal and Nakamura was holding something that belonged to Knight. Knight said he wanted his rematch and he wanted it right away (despite Knight not being in his wrestling gear). Nakamura did and said nothing. Knight put on his “LA Knight mist-blockers” (sunglasses) and walked into the ring … or at least tried to because Andrade’s music hit and Andrade walked out with a microphone.

Andrade hopped onto the ring apron and Tama Tonga attacked Andrade. Jacob Fatu then attacked Knight. Nakamura just sort of stood around and eventually, black goo came out of Nakamura’s mouth. Nakamura then left the ring and Solo Sikoa went for a Samoan Spike on Andrade, but Knight made the save. It was only for a short moment because Sikoa went through with the spike on Knight. Sikoa grabbed a microphone.

Sikoa said to anyone who thinks they aren’t The Ones anymore, he dares them to step up because The Bloodline will lay everyone out every single time. Sikoa said he’s tired of people not taking him serously and that he’s a joke. Sikoa said everyone can laugh all they want because he’s still their Tribal Chief. Sikoa said he is still the head of the table. Sikoa said he still has the Ula Fala. Sikoa said if anyone comes down to the ring, they will do what everyone else has to do – acknowledge him. The segment ended with Fatu, Tonga and Sikoa’s fingers raised in the air.

**********

– Ciampa and Gargano were shown talking backstage and Ciampa was still ornery about Gargano. Ciampa said he’d see Gargano out there and left the scene.

– Kevin Owens cut a promo in his car. Owens said it sucked to be told to be in Minneapolis for a Michael Cole interview. Owens said he’s been showing up to SmackDown for weeks and if Cole wants to interview Owens, Cole would have to go out to the parking lot and find Owens in his car because Owens was not going to come inside the building.

#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) defeated Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) to win the WWE Tag Team Championship [10:39]

I have mixed feelings on this. Sabin and Shelley simply were not getting any reactions any time they appeared on WWE TV, but I was hoping the powers that be would see it through a little longer to see if perhaps the crowds could come around. Either way, it’s really neat to see them in WWE and was even neater to see them hold gold in WWE. The turn here was very well done and I’m into a heel #DIY running a smug ruckus on the SmackDown tag division. The match told a great story, with Ciampa showing fire and us all (or, well, at least me) being convinced that this would end in a manner we’ve seen a million times in WWE: Ciampa and Gargano break up and MCMG retain their titles. The swerve here was warranted and welcome. My only fear is that we never see MCMG come close to WWE gold again, no matter the brand. Time will tell.

Ciampa jumpstarted the match and attacked Sabin. Sabin came right back with a pair of arm-drags and a knee to Ciampa’s midsection. Shelley tagged in and the two hit a fury of moves on Ciampa before Shelley worked a head-lock. Ciampa worked out of it and tagged in Gargano, who worked Shelley’s arm. Ciampa tagged himself in and chopped Shelley repeatedly. Ciampa yelled at Gargano to “pay attention.” Shelley elbowed Ciampa and Sabin tagged in to take out Ciampa on the outside. The show went to a commercial break as MCMG posed on the apron.

The show returned and Ciampa had the upper hand on Shelley, working a head-lock. Shelley worked out of it with a chin-buster and then when Ciampa went to give Shelley a boot, Shelley moved and Ciampa kicked the hell out of Gargao. Ciampa yelled at Gargano that he was stupid. Ciampa went for a Fairytale Ending, but Shelley countered it and got the hot tag to Sabin, who cleaned house, complete with a cross-body from the top on Ciampa for a two-count.

Shelley tagged in and MCMG worked over Ciampa. Shelley went for a pin after they planted Ciampa and got a two-count. Gargano was still down at ringside. Ciampa got in some strikes on Sabin and Shelley and ultimately landed a twisting neck-breaker for a two-count. Gargano reappeared on the apron. Ciampa threw Shelley to the outside and tagged Gargano in. Gargano rolled Shelley back into the ring and Ciampa confronted Gargano for doing that. Gargano and Ciampa traded shoves. Gargano told Ciampa to leave and Ciampa stormed off to grab a chair. As MCMG set up their finisher, Ciampa distracted the referee and Gargano hit a low blow on Sabin. Gargano then super-kicked Shelley and Ciampa smiled. Gargano tagged in Ciampa and hit Meet In The Middle on Sabin to win the titles.

Gargano smirked a knowing smirk after the match and ran around the ring, Young Bucks style.

**********

– Gargano and Ciampa were shown celebrating backstage. Candice LeRae showed up and was super pumped about the whole thing.

The Kevin Owens/Michael Cole interview

This was sort of fun in a Carpool Karaoke kind of way (mind you, I never liked Carpool Karaoke, but the game is the game). Silly. Moved Owens’s frustrations forward. Made Cole look dumb. I half expected Owens to attack Cole to write him off SmackDown so Cole can reunite with his buddy Pat McAfee on Raw, which became a headline this week. But instead, we got innocent fun – with a new batch of very reasonable complaints from Owens, even. My only complaint is that I could have used another three to five minutes of it.

Cole walked outside and Owens invited Cole into his car. Owens noted how many times he’s been told he wasn’t allowed to come inside the arena in recent weeks. Cole said he wanted to do an unbiased interview and Owens mocked him for that idea. Cole cited their friendship and how he’s been a big supporter of Owens. Owens said he doesn’t understand how Cole doesn’t see things the way Owens sees them. Owens ran through his grievances about Cody and Roman Reigns again. Owens mocked Cody for leaving WWE in 2016. Owens then mocked Cody’s pyro for his entrances.

Cole said everyone thought it was good to help Roman. Owens said that Jimmy and Jey were always pawns for Roman anyway and one day, he’ll catch up with Sami Zayn. Owens said Cody stabbed Owens in his back. Cole told Owens he was being petty and Owens should look in the mirror. Cole said Owens is the problem. Owens yelled at Cole and told him to get out of his car. Owens called Cole back to his car, only to roll up the window on Cole. Owens drove off in his rental car.

**********

– Next week, Bayley will face Chelsea Green and Michin will take on Tiffany Stratton in the semifinals of the women’s U.S. title tournament.

– Gunther was shown talking to Aldis backstage and Carmelo Hayes walked in. Melo was mad at Aldis for not talking to him and Melo wanted to know where he fit in. Melo said “Monday Night Melo” sounds good and Aldis said that would be good for Aldis because Melo is such a headache. Aldis said he has someone special in mind for Melo and walked away.

Cody Rhodes defeated Chad Gable [12:27]

Good storytelling here. Gable softens Cody up for his match with Owens. And maybe – just maybe – Owens gets the upset at SNME because of Cody being banged up? It’s probably wishful thinking, but in the meantime, this was a very good match and one of the better SmackDown main events in recent months. We all know Gable can go and all told, Cody benefited the most from that reality in this match. Nothing against Cody, but Gable seemed to bring out something more in Cody, enough to take what could have been a fine-enough main event and turn it into a very good main event. Here’s hoping Gable gets a true reboot and/or push sooner than later. It felt like he was on that track for a minute, but that momentum has subsided recently. Maybe 2025 will be his year. This performance alone proves more than anything that he deserves it to be.

The two felt each other out to start the match. There was some fine capital “W” wrestling and then Gabel took Cody down, but Cody kicked his way out of it and the match reset. Cody went on the offensive from there and landed the drop-down punch, followed by a suplex with a sustained vertical hold. Cody went to run the ropes and Ivy Nile hopped on the apron to stop Cody. Gabe went right to work on Cody’s ankle/leg with a dragon-screw leg-whip. Gable slammed Cody’s leg on the ring post and the show went to its final commercial break.

The show returned and Gable kept his focus on Cody’s leg. Angle went for an ankle lock, but Cody sent Gable into the second rope. It didn’t matter much because Gable dropkicked Cody’s leg. Gable then roughed Cody up with a ton of chops to the chest. Gable hit a flying headbutt from the top rope for a two-count. Gable went to the top rope, but Cody cut him off and landed an inverted super-plex, which proved to be a wild spot.

The two got to their feet and traded blows. Gable ran at Cody and Cody turned that into his snap powerslam. Cody hit a Disaster Kick despite selling leg pain. A Cody Cutter followed that. Julius Creed pulled Gable to the outside and the referee sent all of American Made back to the locker room as a result. Gable took Cody’s boot off and worked an ankle lock. Cody countered by sending Gable into the second rope turnbuckle. Cody went to the top and hit a Cody Cutter from the top rope. With one boot on, Cody went for a Cross-Rhodes, but Gable countered into an ankle lock until Cody made it to the ropes for a break. Gable German Suplexed Cody and went to the top rope, but missed the moonsault and then finally, Cody landed the Cross-Rhodes and got the win.

After the match, Kevin Owens appeared and stomped on the ankle that had no boot on it. Officials quickly ran out and separated Owens and Cody …. until Cody leapt at Owens and the brawl continued with a suicide dive from Cody onto Owens. The two kept going at it on the outside of the ring. The show went off the air as Cody broke through the officials and the two went back to brawling. “Let them fight!” chants echoed throughout the arena.

WWE SmackDown live results: Final build to Survivor Series

Posted on by Colin McGuire

With just one day left before Survivor Series, CM Punk and Roman Reigns are slated to talk tonight on WWE SmackDown.

Punk joined team Bloodline OG last week when Paul Heyman returned to WWE TV and announced him as their final member for WarGames. Punk and Reigns engaged in a brief stare down before posing as the show went off the air. We’ll see if they are on the same page ahead of teaming up at Survivor Series.

Speaking of the men’s WarGames match, Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu will square off tonight with the advantage on the line.

After interacting backstage last week, Cody Rhodes goes head-to-head with Carmelo Hayes tonight. Rhodes does not have a match at Survivor Series but is slated to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens at the return of Saturday Night’s Main Event next month.

The Women’s United States Championship tournament continues tonight with Michin, Piper Niven, and Lash Legend competing in a triple threat to see who advances to the next round.

Tonight’s episode was taped last week in Salt Lake City, Utah. Join us for coverage starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

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– A video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments opened the show.

The Women’s War Games Promo

This was pretty basic. Nothing wrong with that, of course. I’m just not all that sure there’s much they could do to heat the women’s War Games match up. As I keep saying, it’s a War Games that needs some wrestlers, and not some wrestlers that need a War Games. Ripley and Liv have their blood feud, but everything else here seems secondary. My hope is that the payoff to the Cargill angle will eventually make Saturday’s match mean more than it looks like it will, but seeing is believing. For now, I’m more interested in what comes next for everyone involved after this weekend.

In the arena, the babyfaces in the women’s War Games match made their entrance. Inside the ring, Rhea Ripley spoke first and said friendship doesn’t matter because tomorrow, they’ll all step into War Games. Ripley said they all have someone they want to get their hands on. Ripley said nobody will be able to stop her team from brutalizing their opponents. Ripley listed their opponents by name and Naomi chimed in.

Naomi said Nia Jax and “her lapdogs” will get what they deserve. Belair took her turn and said all five of their opponents can “get it.” Ripley said Liv Morgan will wish she never met Ripley. IYO SKY they would destroy them and Morgan’s music hit. The women’s War Games participants made their entrance. Morgan said it’s funny how confident the babyfaces are. Jax mentioned how Bayley and SKY tortured Bianca for years and SKY turned her back on Bayley earlier this year. Jax said they’re going to implode before they get to the ring.

Naomi told Jax to shut up. Bayley noted how Jax is manipulating Stratton and Jax might not have any friends coming out of War Games. Morgan said they are a united front. Morgan followed that up by pointing out how Cargill got attacked and it is suspicious that Bayley is not on the War Games team. Ripley said Morgan will soon not be able to hide behind anyone because there is nowhere to run inside the cage.

Morgan responded by saying she’s going to break Ripley’s face on the steel cage. Ripley laughed and said she’s cave Morgan’s face in so bad that Dirty Dom won’t even want to look at Morgan. The heels teased rushing the ring, but Morgan held everyone back. The babyfaces then ran after the heels and the two teams brawled in the entranceway. Eventually, officials broke it all up and Ripley’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Andrade [10:32]

For whatever reason, I couldn’t get the end of the Carmelo Hayes/Andrade series out of my mind while watching this. So, they have this series of matches that over-performs on every level, get it to 3 wins apiece, and … that Game 7 LA Knight nonsense is really going to be all we get by way of resolution? Did nobody want to do a job? Is there a bigger story being told? If it’s the latter, then I don’t know what that story could be because now Andrade is back to taking losses to the type of wrestler who was out for seven months, just returned and now randomly gets a U.S. title shot. Not a fan. The match itself was fine. Andrade was given a lot of it and his offense looked good, which was encouraging, but there was no way Nakamura was losing this, heading into his (rushed) showdown with Knight tomorrow. It all adds up to a bad taste in my mouth, and I’m not even the one with black goo inside of it.

Nakamura made his entrance to a slowed-down, more ominous rendition of his signature song. Nakamura had control early, until Andrade came off the top with a cross-body. Nakamura came back with a series of shoulder-blocks and strikes. Nakamura ran at Andrade, but Andrade rolled Nakamura up. With Nakamura on the outside, Andrade ran into a boot from Nakamura. Back inside the ring, Andrade dropkicked Nakamura over the top, back to the outside. Andrade then went to the top and hit a moonsault onto Nakamura on the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Nakamura had control briefly, but Andrade fought back, complete with a dragon screw leg whip. Andrade ran at Nakamura, but Nakamura countered and the two ended up on the second rope, where Andrade elbowed Nakamura to the mat. Andrade went to the top and hit his second-try moonsault for a good near-fall. Andrade set up for The Message, but Nakamura worked out of it and went for a knee, but Andrade countered with a back elbow for a two-count.

Andrade executed the first two of the Three Amigos and for the third go-around, Andrade suplexed Nakamura into the corner turnbuckles. Andrade went for the double-knees, but Nakamura moved and took a turnbuckle with him, so Andrade ran into an exposed turnbuckle. Nakamura finished Andrade off with the Kinshasa.

After the match, LA Knight ran to the ring, but Nakamura spit black mist in Knight’s face. Knight sold the hell out of it.

**********

– Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline were backstage and Nick Aldis walked in. Aldis said everybody is banned from ringside for Jacob Fatu’s match against Jey Uso later. Sikoa said they understood.

– Ciampa was shown yelling at Gargano backstage. Ciampa brought up how Gargano’s family thinks they’re losers and Ciampa’s family thinks they’re losers. Ciampa called out Alex Shelley and said his friendship with Gargano means more to Gargano than getting their titles back. Ciampa said Gargano has one week to figure it out, and if Gargano doesn’t, it’s all going to happen Ciampa’s way.

– A Kevin Owens video aired. Owens explained why he’s right. January 1, 2021, Roman Reigns threw Owens off a 15-foot-high scaffolding. From there, at the Royal Rumble, Reigns ran Owens over with a golf cart. Owens went to the 2023 Royal Rumble, where Reigns ordered for Owens to get super-kicked over and over again. Cody was at the arena that night, Owens said, but he didn’t help. Those are just three examples of what Reigns has done to Owens and those are among the reasons Owens says he’s right about everything. Owens said he will turn the American Nightmare into the Canadian Dream.

Cody Rhodes defeated Carmelo Hayes [11:14]

A typical television match for the world champion – though I would argue that perhaps it went a little too long. Melo hasn’t proved much on the main roster, story-wise, so I don’t know why it would take the company’s top guy almost 12 minutes to get through him, but the other side of that conversation says that Melo gained something in defeat here and that’s probably not wrong. I couldn’t have been the only one waiting for Owens to attack Cody after the match, right?

Melo made his entrance with a microphone in his hand. Halfway down the aisle, Melo said Owens was right – Cody did turn his back on Owens. Melo said, “Who needs enemies when you got friends like Cody Rhodes.” This must have been thrown in solely to explain to the live crowd why the match was booked in the first place. The two traded strikes and reversals to start things. Melo then slapped Cody and worked a side head-lock. Cody clotheslined Melo over the top rope and hit a suicide dive on the outside.

Back inside the ring, Cody stepped into the ring and Melo kicked Cody’s knee. Cody came right back with a Disaster Kick and the show went to a commercial break. The show returned and Cody cut Melo off as Melo went to the top. Cody lifted Melo and held him there for a while before suplexing Melo from the second rope. Melo came back and landed a tilt-a-whirl facebuster before attempting to lift Cody, but Cody countered with a running powerslam. Cody then worked a figure-four. Melo got to the ropes for a break.

The two got to their feet and traded blows. Cody went to the second, rope, but Melo cut Cody off and kicked Cody in the neck. Melo suplexed Cody and that was good enough for a two-count. Melo went to the top rope, but Cody ducked a splash attempt. After a few failed attempts at moves, Cody landed a Cody Cutter. Cody then hit the Cross-Rhodes for the win.

**********

The CM Punk-Roman Reigns sit down

Ahhh, the cinema-ification of WWE continues. This was pretty good. Punk, Reigns (outside of his weird forced scowl he went to one too many times) and Heyman all played their parts very well. I’m intrigued by the idea that Heyman now owes Punk a favor … because wasn’t it Punk who owed Heyman a favor at one point? Is this just a never-ending trading of favors? Is Heyman the one who gives Seth to Punk to finally set that program up? Whatever it is, they have my attention.

Paul Heyman sat between Reigns and Punk. Punk was late and Reigns was annoyed. As Reigns was about to get up and leave, Punk walked in and said he didn’t have a lot of time. Reigns called Punk out for being late and Punk said he didn’t show up for Reigns; he showed up for Heyman. Reigns told Punk he didn’t need his help. Punk said he figured Roman would feel that way. Punk reiterated that he wasn’t there for Roman; he was there for Heyman. Roman said he didn’t like Punk’s tone or attitude or him. Reigns said he doesn’t want to team with Punk at War Games.

Heyman chimed in and said Sikoa has had them at check mate since the Friday after WrestleMania. Heyman said if they don’t take the help, it’s over. Heyman told Punk that if they don’t win War Games, Solo’s Bloodline will come after Punk because he knows Punk is a threat. Heyman said “divided, we all fall to Solo; united, at best, we survive.” Punk said he didn’t care if Roman doesn’t like his attitude and asked Roman if he wanted his Ula Fala back. Punk said if they survive War Games, they can revisit the conversation. Roman said one time. Punk said, “one time, one favor.” Punk called Heyman “our wise man” and said Heyman will now owe Punk a favor after War Games.

Reigns asked Heyman what the favor is that Punk will want. Heyman told Roman they need to get through War Games and after that, they will have all the time in the world to talk about it. Roman looked pissed; Heyman looked intimidated. The scene faded to black.

**********

Michin defeated Piper Niven and Lash Legend to advance in the Women’s U.S. Title Tournament [10:16]

This turned out better than I expected it to turn out as the requisite throwaway first-round match, considering how its initial star, Jade Cargill, wasn’t in it anymore. Michin getting the win is a nice development, though, and when you consider how both her and Chelsea Green advanced to the second round, you have to be at least a little excited to see how this tournament ends up. Legend continues to hold up her end of the bargain each time she’s called upon to perform on the main roster, so I can’t see how they justify keeping her in NXT for very long, but there’s never any real rhyme or reason to the things pro wrestling bookers do. Still, this was another good showing for her, and that deserves to be noted.

Michin hit Legend to start things and then Niven planted Michin. Niven hit a splash on Michin, but Legend broke up the pin attempt. Legend caught Niven, but Michin dropkicked Legend to complete the splash attempt. Michin and Legend battled and the action spilled outside, where Michin kicked Niven. Michin hit a moonsault on Niven and Legend on the outside and then Michin rolled Niven back into the ring. Michin tried to get back into the ring, but Chelsea Green cut Michin off. B-Fab ran out and fought Green to the back. Niven ran into a pump kick from Legend inside the ring as Green disappeared to the back. The show then took a break.

The show returned and Niven hit her finisher on Michin inside the ring, but Legend broke up the pin attempt. Legend lifted Niven – or at least tried to – because Niven worked out of it and tackled Legend. Niven landed a Vader Bomb on Legend, but Michin broke up that pin attempt. Legend caught Michin and hit a back-breaker on her before Niven returned to the mix. Legend choke-slammed Niven for a nice near-fall. Legend was arguing with the referee and Michin kicked Legend, but Legend then powerbombed Michin for a two-count. All three women were down.

Niven was the first to her feet and landed a running Senton on both women. Niven ran into a boot from Michin, but Niven then cut Michin off when Michin went to the top. Niven set up for a Piper Driver from the top, but Legend broke the spot up. Niven headbutted Legend and went for a splash on Legend, but Legend moved and Legend hit her Lash Extension finisher on Niven, but Michin came out of nowhere to land a Senton on Legend to get Legend off Niven. As a result, Michin stole the win.

**********

– LA Knight was shown backstage being tended to after Nakamura’s mist. Byron Saxton walked in and interviewed Knight. Knight said he could barely see. Knight noted how Nakamura has been gone for a little bit, but now, Nakamura has a big problem. Knight said he’s going to thrive and continue to be the U.S. Champion. Knight said he’ll drop Nakamura on his head and did his catchphrase the end the segment.

Jacob Fatu defeated Jey Uso to gain the advantage for War Games [13:48]

Hey, that’s a big win for Jacob Fatu. Jey Uso is a former multi-time champion in WWE and this was clean (if we count slamming someone on a commentary table clean, but Randy Orton does it weekly and nobody seems to blink an eye). I love it. Keep building Fatu. Keep throwing obstacles in the original Bloodline’s way. War Games makes the most sense, historically, when the heels had the advantage, so this made all the sense in the world; Jacob going over in that fashion, though, took things to a higher level. Good stuff from both guys.

The two circled each other to start things and then locked up. Fatu pushed Jey and Jey came right back and worked a head-lock until Fatu shot Jey off and hit a shoulder-block. Fatu choked Jey and yelled, “I love you Solo!” Jey clotheslined Fatu over the top before long and went for a suicide dive, but Fatu caught him and threw Jey into the ring post and over the commentary table. The show then went to its final commercial break.

The show returned and Fatu had control. Fatu stomped on Jey and worked Jey’s neck. Jey eventually ran Fatu into the ring post and Fatu ran at Jey, but Jey moved and Fatu ran into the ring post. The two got to their feet and Jey punched Fatu a handful of times. Jey kicked Fatu, which finally put Fatu to the mat. Jey followed that up with a hip attack and that got Jey a two-count. Jey came off the second rope, but Fatu caught him and slammed Jey before hitting the springboard moonsault for a two-count.

Fatu hit Jey with a hip attack in a corner. Fatu yelled “I love you, Solo!” again. Jey landed a super-kick out of nowhere, but Fatu answered that with a pop-up Samoan Drop for a near-fall. Fatu went for a moonsault off the top, but Jey got his knees up and hit a spear before heading to the top and landing an Uso Splash, but Fatu kicked out at two. “This is awesome!” chants began. Fatu went to the outside and Jey landed a suicide dive on Fatu, to crashed into the commentary table.

Jey ran towards Fatu, but Fatu super-kicked Jey. From there, Fatu Samoan Dropped Jey on the commentary table, which did not break. Fatu rolled Jey back into the ring and hit a DDT, followed by his step-up moonsault. That was good enough to get the pinfall victory. After the match, Solo’s Bloodline showed up and Solo hugged Fatu. The show ended with Solo and his faction holding up their acknowledging fingers.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens face-to-face

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens are set to go face-to-face on tonight’s WWE SmackDown. The altercation will take place two weeks after Owens hit Randy Orton with a piledriver, leading The Viper to be stretchered out of the ring and taken to an ambulance, where Rhodes joined Orton in his ride to the hospital.

Rhodes called Owens out last week and told SmackDown GM Nick Aldis that he would handle Owens, even if he won’t be allowed to do so in a WWE ring. Aldis then invited Owens to tonight’s show — and he accepted via a remote promo.

Also tonight, the women’s United States Championship tournament continues as Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green and Blair Davenport square off. Last week, Bayley defeated Candice LeRae and B-Fab to advance in the tournament to crown the first-ever champion.

The men’s United States title is scheduled to be defended tonight as Santos Escobar challenges LA Knight. Plus, Bayley & Naomi team up against Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae.

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

**********

– Michael Cole welcomed everyone into the show as Salt Lake City scenery was shown. A video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments was shown. Solo Sikoa’s music hit back inside the arena and Sikoa make his entrance with his War Games team.

The Bloodline 2.0 segment

Not much to this. I wonder if there was a travel issue or something of the sort that actually did lead to Reigns not being in the building yet because this segment felt incomplete. Either way, it’s a good hook for the rest of the show to see what happens once Roman comes around.

Loud “OTC!” chants broke out. Sikoa had a microphone and told Salt Lake City to acknowledge him. The crowd instead booed. Sikoa said he and his crew are ready to dominate War Games. “OTC!” chants broke out again. Sikoa said Roman Reigns isn’t ready because he wasn’t even in the building. Sikoa said when Roman gets there, he wants Roman to meet him in the middle of the ring later to accept his terms of surrendering. Sikoa said once Roman surrenders, Roman and his crew will acknowledge him.

**********

Chelsea Green defeated Blair Davenport and Jade Cargill to advance in the women’s U.S. title tournament [9:50]

And so that’s how you protect Belair but give the beloved Green a welcome win in an important spot on television. Kudos to the production team because it really did look like a crime scene backstage with Cargill laid out on top of the hood of a car. I didn’t know someone in WWE cannon hated Cargill so much that they would attempt to actually kill her, but here we are. Back to the match. It was good and I was glad to see the under-used Davenport get some time to enjoy a spotlight here and there. Green going over was the right call; my only fear now is I’m not sure she actually wins the whole thing, and it’ll be quite the disappointment when she loses, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there. For now, this was a good, action-packed 10 minutes.

Green made her way to the ring without Piper Niven. Green rolled up Davenport to start the match, but Belair rolled up Green and then Green rolled up Davenport and then Belair rolled up Green. None of the pin attempts resulted in a win. Obviously. Davenport was on the outside and Belair hit a standing moonsault on Green for a two count. Davenport reasserted herself, but it wasn’t long before Belair landed a splash on Green, who was on the outside. Davenport then landed a double stomp on Belair on the apron. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Belair had control over both wrestlers. Belair was working over Davenport, but Green broke it up and hit a Rough Rider on Belair. Davenport followed that with a double stomp on Green. Belair went for a moonsault, but Davenport got the knees up. Green then dropkicked Belair and landed on Davenport for a two count. Belair came back and landed a German Suplex on Davenport and Green at the same time. Belair got a two count out of it.

Belair ran at Green, but Green moved and Belair hit the ring post. Davenport climbed to the top, but Green cut Davenport off and landed a super-plex from the second rope. Belair hit a 450 on Davenport and went for the pin, but Green pulled Belair off Davenport. Belair returned the favor and got a good near-fall on Davenport. Video then cut in to show Jade Cargill on top of a car with a cracked windshield. Belair left ringside to tend to Cargill. Back inside the ring, Green hit her finisher after a Davenport rollup and Green got the win.

**********

– Belair was shown hopping in an ambulance with Cargill right before the ambulance sped away. Naomi and Bayley were also shown showing concern.

LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar to retain the United States Championship [8:13]

A fine-enough match, even if the shadow of Nakamura hung over the entire thing, between his physical presence at the end of the bout and the opening-match video. Escobar was given a ton of offense, which was a little surprising, considering Knight’s standing in the WWE food chain. I’m all for this mini reboot for Nakamura and I continue to be intrigued by his pairing with Knight. The clash in styles should be something to watch, for better or perhaps for worse. Here’s hoping this doesn’t end up being a quick three-to-four week arc for Nakamura and then he quickly gets defined down for the 59th time. I’d love to see him be a main player each week.

Before the match began, the lights went out and a Nakamura video aired. Nakamura said he had been watching LA Knight and now knows Knight better than Knight knows himself. Nakamura said Knight is insecure and consumed with fear. Nakamura said Knight’s fears are justified because this is the beginning of Knight’s end. The lights turned back on and Escobar attacked Knight, who was befuddled. Escobar hit a splash on Knight, who was on the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Escobar continued to have control inside the ring, chopping Knight. Finally, Knight fought back for a few seconds, but Escobar cut Knight off and landed a Senton for a two-count on Knight. Escobar stretched Knight until Knight fought out of it. With Knight on the apron, Knight hit a slingshot shoulder tackle on Escobar. Knight punched Escobar repeatedly. Knight landed a neck-breaker for a near-fall.

Escobar came back and perched Knight on the top. Knight headbutted Escobar away and was going to try his elbow drop, but Nakamura appeared and distracted Knight. Escobar took advantage and hit a frog splash from the top. Escobar set up for his finisher, but Knight countered out of it into a BFT for the win. Nakamura immediately hit the ring and attacked Knight, throwing Knight into the ring post repeatedly. Nakamura then landed a running knee to the back of Knight’s head and left the ring.

**********

– Johnny Gargano was seen talking to Motor City Machine Guns backstage apologizing for Ciampa’s actions last week. Gargano wanted a tag title match, but MCMG said the next shot goes to the Street Profits. The Profits then appeared for a quick second, said a few words, and Gargano kept talking as a shot of Roman Reigns and his Bloodline walked backstage.

– Nia Jax and Nick Aldis were talking backstage. Aldis asked if Jax knew what happened to Cargill. Jax laughed and said she wants to take Cargill out at War Games. Aldis ran away to stop Cody from going to the ring. Aldis said he didn’t think Owens was in Salt Lake City and Cody said he didn’t think so because he didn’t think Owens would miss the opportunity. Cody then continued his trek to the ring as his entrance music hit.

The Cody Rhodes/Kevin Owens segment

Lots and lots and lots and lots of fire here. Cody has really showed up for this program with Owens, albeit for only a couple weeks at this point, but there is a noticeable difference in Cody’s delivery, passion, focus – all of it. The logic here is a little bit flawed, but there’s no use in being that picky. There is a reason Owens is often looked at as the only reasonable wrestler in pro wrestling with the things he says in promos, babyface or heel, and this was no exception. For years, he did take on Roman Reigns. For years, Roman Reigns was trying to kill his career. For years, he supported Cody in his fight against Roman Reigns. Then, at the drop of a dime, Cody forgives and forgets Roman Reigns in the name of a tag team match? As one of Owens’s (not so) favorite people has been known to say, tell me where Owens is telling lies. Either way, this was really inspired on both ends. Good stuff.

Turns out, Cody will be a guest on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Thanksgiving night next week. The crowd showered Cody with loud “Cody!” chants. Cody noted how Randy Orton wasn’t there. He also said he didn’t believe that Owens wasn’t there. Cody then begged Owens to come to the ring. Cody kept shouting and Owens’s voice could be heard as Owens walked through the crowd with a microphone.

Owens said he was summoned to be on SmackDown because “The Great Cody Rhodes wanted me here.” Owens noted how Owens was wearing his best tuxedo t-shirt while Cody didn’t even wear one of his suits. Cody yelled about Owens coming to the ring and Owens said he doesn’t get what he wants because he wants it. Cody hopped out of the ring, but officials stopped Cody from going into the crowd. Owens asked Cody what has him so upset because what’s happened to everybody has been Cody’s fault. The two yelled over each other and Owens walked to ringside.

Owens stood on the commentary table and said for four years, he fought the Bloodline and they tried to end his career. Owens said Roman Reigns tried to end Owens’s career, but Owens kept fighting and then Cody came back and Owens stood by Cody to fight the Bloodline. Owens noted how he celebrated with Cody when he beat Roman Reigns and finished his story. But then when Roman needed a partner “because he’s pissed off everyone around him,” Cody agreed to be Roman’s partner. Owens said Roman tried to take Owens’s life and yet Cody still teamed with Roman.

Cody screamed “enough!” and told Owens that if Owens wants to justify his actions because Cody teamed with Roman, that’s fine, but in reality, Owens always has to be a victim. Cody said nobody holds Kevin Owens down more than Kevin Owens. Cody said Owens’s self-sabotage is next level and Owens is obsessed with being the No. 1 guy and he doesn’t realize it’s a team effort. Cody said Owens is a Grand Slam Champion and one of the best superstars in recent memory. Cody said everyone knows that except Owens.

Cody said at Bash In Berlin, Owens didn’t pull the trigger on Cody and if he did, he could have become Universal WWE Champion. Cody said Owens eventually did pull the trigger – but not on Cody and instead on Orton. Cody said Orton didn’t deserve was Owens did to him. Cody said Owens crossed every line he possibly could. Cody said this lesson won’t happen in a promo; instead, Cody will have to beat it in Owens. Cody said wherever it is, it’s coming, and the ball is in Owens’s court.

Owens grinned and asked Cody if he wanted to fight him. Owens said Cody will get his match when Owens says it’s happening. The crowd booed and Owens said it’s definitely not happening tonight now. Owens said when it does happen, he’ll just be doing his job. Owens said he loved Randy Orton, but he hates Cody Rhodes. Owens walked back through the crowd as Cody shouted at Owens. Cody said he didn’t think Owens hates Cody and instead, Owens hates himself. Now that he knows the lengths to which Owens will go, Cody said there isn’t a single line he won’t cross, either. Cody’s music hit and that ended the segment.

**********

– Roman and his Bloodline were shown sitting around backstage. They were tossing around ideas for a fifth man. Someone suggested Cody, but Roman said no because Cody is old news and he’s moved on. Sami Zayn suggested Seth Rollins and Roman gave Zayn a nasty look, so that idea was out. Roman said he didn’t think they needed anyone else because if they go out there together, they’re good. And if they die, they die together, too. Jey, Jimmy and Sami agreed and Sami asked Roman what the plan would be. Roman thought about it and said, “I don’t know.”

– Cody was shown walking backstage and Carmelo Hayes it was about time someone told the truth about Cody. Cody pushed Hayes and Aldis quickly appeared to break things up. Cody told Aldis he should evaluate his first-round draft pick. Cody looked angry and the show went back to the ring for the next match.

Naomi & Bayley defeated Tiffany Stratton & Candice LeRae via DQ [7:48]

Not much to this. A standard match with the expected bickering between Stratton and LeRae. The most interesting thing to me was to see if Bayley and SKY would have a tiny reunion after the post-match attack angle, but the show didn’t stick with things long enough to see if that was a thing either way. They are doing their best in trying to heat up the women’s War Games match, but I just don’t think they can get there in time. This wasn’t a feud that needed a War Games; it’s a War Games that needed a feud, and as such, it just doesn’t feel imperative.

Naomi went after Stratton to begin the match. Naomi kept control until Stratton rolled to the outside. Naomi followed Stratton and the heels hid behind Nia Jax. The heels took advantage and attacked Naomi and Bayley. Back inside the ring, LeRae tagged in, but Naomi quickly fought off both heels. Bayley tagged in and hit a suicide dive on Stratton on the outside. Bayley hit a dropkick on LeRae between the ropes and Bayley and Naomi posed as the show went to a commercial break.

Upon return, Stratton had the upper hand on Bayley inside the ring. LeRae tagged herself in while Stratton was posing and the heels bickered. LeRae still stopped Bayley from tagging in Naomi, completely with a moonsault from the second rope. Stratton tagged herself in and hit a boot to Bayley’s face for a two-count. Naomi took out LeRae on the outside and Stratton missed a splash in the corner. When Bayley went to tag Naomi, Jax pulled Naomi off the apron to give Naomi and Bayley the win.

After the match, the heels were beating down the babyfaces, but IYO SKY’s music hit and SKY ran out for the save. SKY hit a springboard dropkick on Jax, but out of nowhere, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez showed up and joined in the fun. Rhea Ripley’s music hit and Ripley ran to the ring with a kendo stick. Ripley took everyone out with said kendo stick.

**********

Montez Ford defeated Tommaso Ciampa [7:49]

These guys worked hard for the time they were given and I like the attitude that both Ciampa and Ford has developed in recent weeks (Dawkins, too, but he didn’t show up until the post-match stuff). It’s odd in that I was convinced the Profits were turning heel after last week and this week, the crowd was behind Ford and they kind of managed to keep the heel intensity while keeping the babyface ethos. How long can they successfully walk that line, only time will tell. I applaud all the teams involved in this. That tag division needed a kick in the nuts, and these three teams – MCMG, #DIY, Street Profits – are doing their best to give it just that.

Ciampa walked to the ring slowly and in an ominous way. Ciampa ran at Ford to start the match, but Ford moved and stomped Ciampa. Ford landed a nice dropkick and kicked Ciampa’s back for a quick pin attempt. Ciampa chopped Ford’s throat to get control, but it didn’t last for long because Ford clotheslined Ciampa before landing a step-up enziguri, which took Ciampa to the outside. Ford followed it up with a flip onto Ciampa, but Ciampa came right back and kneed Ford from the apron into the commentary table. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back to the action, Ford powerbombed Ciampa from the top to reset whatever happened during the break. Ford hit a back elbow, clothesline and back suplex to take control. Ford added a standing moonsault for good measure. The two traded blows until Ford kicked Ciampa’s midsection. Ciampa landed a spinning neck-breaker for a two-count. Ciampa set up for a Fairytale Ending, but Ford countered with a knee. It wasn’t long, though, before Ford ran into a knee from Ciampa. Ciampa went for his finisher again and Ford instead rolled Ciampa up for the win.

After the match, Ciampa attacked Ciampa until Dawkins ran out and took care of Dawkins. Gargano then showed up to pull Dawkins off Ciampa. Gargano and Ciampa bickered and Ciampa pushed Gargano to the mat. MCMG then joined the party and Ciampa left the ring as MCMG helped Gargano to his feet. Ciamped yelled “Whose team are you on?” at Gargano as he retreated up the entranceway.

**********

– Next week, Cody will take on Carmelo Hayes. The women’s U.S. title tournament will continue featuring a match between Michin, Piper Niven and a mystery third competitor, who was supposed to be Jade Cargill.

The Bloodline(s) segment

I love it. I whined last week about Seth Rollins potentially being the fifth guy and even followed that up by whining some more about it in a column and a podcast appearance for another website this week. I knew the possibility of Heyman returning to call in a favor from Punk would be on the table, but these types of things often get leaked these days and the piss is taken out of it before it’s even revealed. Not this time. And hat’s off to Punk, who somehow finds a way to consistently make impactful returns to whatever company he’s in after he goes away for a tiny bit. We know he’s around and he’s back in the wrestling business. And we also knew, going into Survivor Series, there was a chance something like this could happen. But once it finally happened, even here, it somehow felt jarring in a good way. This sets up so much coming out of Survivor Series and into next year. What a fun wrinkle.

Solo’s version of the group entered first. Roman’s music then hit and his group walked out. The teams stared at each other inside the ring and Soo had a microphone. The crowd erupted in “OTC!” chants. Solo told Roman he wasn’t there to fight him and in fact, Solo said he still loves all four of this counterparts. Solo said he wanted Roman to understand that if Roman and his team joined Solo’s team, they could run the company for decades. Solo said Roman doesn’t have a fifth man, a wise man and no choice, so Roman should surrender and join his team – or Roman and his guys will die where they stand.

Solo gave Roman the microphone. The crowd returned to its “OTC!” chant. Before Roman could speak, Paul Heyman’s voice was heard saying, “Ladies and gentlemen!” The crowd went nuts as Heyman walked to the ring. Heyman noted how he was put through a table, so perhaps his math was off, but he knew there was no way to do War Games four vs. five. Heyman said that math didn’t make sense to the wise man. So, Heyman said, it won’t be four vs. five. Instead, Heyman said it will be five vs. five and from there, CM Punk’s music hit. Punk walked to the ring with purpose and all 10 men brawled in the ring.

With everyone else down, Roman and Punk were the two left standing inside the ring. “CM Punk!” chants erupted. Punk and Roman shared a moment and Heyman hopped up on the apron. “This is awesome!” chants began. Heyman grinned as Punk and Roman stared at each other. The rest of the Bloodline hopped in the ring. Punk’s music hit and Punk pointed at Heyman, signaling he was there for him. The show just kind of ended as the Bloodline stood on one side of the ring and Punk stood on the other.