Tag: Wwe Smackdown Results

WWE SmackDown live results: CM Punk appears in Chicago

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After costing Drew McIntyre the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash at the Castle, CM Punk is slated to appear on tonight’s SmackDown live from his native Chicago.

Punk has been out since the Royal Rumble, when he tore his triceps, but he’s repeatedly found ways to terrorize McIntyre during his time away from the ring. The most recent example of such came last Saturday when Punk donned a referee’s shirt and refused to count to three when it appeared McIntyre was about to win the title in Glasgow.

Punk has said that he will provide a health update on tonight’s show.

Also on tap, Cody Rhodes responds to The Bloodline’s attack on him at Clash at the Castle. Rhodes took the beating after retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship in an “I Quit” match against AJ Styles.

Three Money in the Bank qualifying matches will take place. Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller vs. Andrade and Randy Orton vs. Tama Tonga vs. Carmelo Hayes will be tonight’s men’s qualifiers, and there will be a women’s qualifier with Bianca Belair vs. Chelsea Green vs. Michin.

Plus, after weeks of bickering, LA Knight is scheduled to confront United States Champion Logan Paul.

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

**********

– A video recapping CM Punk’s involvement at last weekend’s Clash at the Castle began the show. From there, we got footage of Drew McIntyre quitting WWE on Raw.

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show, noting how they were in Chicago. “CM Punk!” chants were heard from the crowd. Cue Living Colour. Punk made his entrance.

The CM Punk segment

This was very good. Very, very good. Promos that open episodes of SmackDown are hit or miss anymore, but everything here was pitch perfect. The crowd. Punk. Heyman. The Bloodline. Cody. Very good stuff all around. The only question now will be … can the crowd stay hot for the rest of the show now that they’ve seen their hometown hero out there already? My guess is yes because Chicago crowds tend to always be some of the best in the United States, but we’ll see. In the meantime, will tonight perhaps mark another Bloodline debut? As I write this in real time, I know no inside baseball information. But something feels like it’s up.

Punk sat cross-legged in the middle of the ring as the crowd chanted his name. Punk was given a microphone and the crowd’s chants grew louder. Punk said it’s great to be alive in Chicago on a Friday night. He played up the pressure of it being live TV. Punk talked more about pressure and wondered if he could handle pressure. Punk referenced 2011 when he said he would walk out WWE Champion. Punk asked the crowd if he embarrassed Chicago and the fans repeatedly yelled “No!” Before long, Punk brought up McIntyre and said he kicked both Punk and Chicago. Punk outlined three options, stay down, turn the other cheek or essentially kill Drew’s career. Shockingly, it was the third option that Punk chose.

The talk turned to Drew quitting. Punk said Drew couldn’t take the pressure and Punk made bad things happen to Drew. Out of nowhere, Paul Heyman’s voice appeared with the “Ladies and gentlemen” line and the crowd gasped before beginning a loud “ECW!” chant. Heyman walked to the ring and said he was running late. Heyman noted how Punk sat next to Heyman’s children when Heyman was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Heyman remembered how he said Punk is his best friend. The crowd began a “We want Roman!” chant, which was awfully loud.

Heyman entered the ring and hugged Punk. The crowd erupted. Heyman teared up and said he needed that hug. Heyman said that he heard on the radio that Chicago is CM Punk’s town. Heyman noted how that pissed off Solo Sikoa. Heyman described Sikoa as the head of the table, but only begrudgingly. Heyman said he was out there to tell Punk that if he doesn’t leave, Sikoa and the Bloodline will come for Punk. Heyman pointed out the extra security there and said Sikoa and his guys are taking things too far. Heyman asked Punk to “please get the hell out of here right now.” Those words inspired more “CM Punk!” chants.

Punk asked if Heyman was serious about Punk leaving. Sikoa’s music hit and he walked to the ring with Tonga Loa & Tama Tonga. Sikoa said Punk had two options. One, Punk pays his respect to the Bloodline or two, they make sure Punk never gets cleared to wrestle again. Punk turned to Heyman, who said if Punk leaves, he wants a favor: For Punk to take Heyman with him. “Yes!” chants began. Punk said he acknowledges the fact that he sees a bunch of “fake-ass Usos” in front of him and a phony Tribal Chief. Punk squared up as the Bloodline got in the ring. Cody Rhodes appeared out of nowhere with a couple baseball bats and the Bloodline retreated.

Cody grabbed a microphone and said he’s already beaten one head of the table, so Sikoa should go backstage. Cody challenged Sikoa to a match later. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair were shown talking backstage. Cargill said she needed to talk to Nick Aldis about a rematch for their tag titles. Belair’s music hit and she made her entrance for the show’s first match.

– Cody vs. Sikoa was made official for later in the show. Cody was shown walking backstage and he ran into Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Orton asked Cody if he really wanted to face Sikoa later. Cody told them to trust him. Owens said the Bloodline always has a plan. Cody said he knows that, but he has a plan, too.

Chelsea Green defeated Michin & Bianca Belair in a triple threat to qualify for the women’s Money In The Bank ladder match [7:25]

A very fun TV match with a surprising outcome. I love the decision to have Green steal the win. If nothing else, it creates the notion that perhaps these MITB qualifiers aren’t as much of a slam dunk as they seem on paper. Green constantly acting surprised at everything she does also kind of cracks me up more than it should. Presumably this means Cargill won’t qualify for the MITB match either next week, so are we finally getting to the part where Cargill and Belair break up?

Michin and Belair teamed up on Green to start the match and Green rolled out of the ring. From there, Michin and Belair went one-on-one for a minute. Green returned to the ring and punched Belair, but Green was quickly dispatched. The action spilled outside, where Belair punched Michin and Michin punched Belair. Out of nowhere, Green landed a suicide dive and acted surprised. The show then went to a commercial break with Green standing tall.

The show returned and Green was the recipient of a tandem back suplex from the top rope. Belair and Michin got to their feet and exchanged strikes until Belair caught Michin and lifted her. Michin countered with a sunset flip and ultimately, Eat Defeat. With Belair on the outside, Green rolled up Michin for a two-count. Green slapped Michin and Michin headbutted Green. From there, Michin hit a Styles Clash on Green and may have won the match if Belair didn’t break up the pin. Belair hit a released German Suplex on Michin and followed that up with a KOD. But wouldn’t you know it – Green threw Belair out of the ring and stole the pin for the win. The crowd went nuts.

**********

– Bayley was shown standing backstage and Blair Davenport approached Bayley. Davenport said she will cash in her MITB briefcase on her after she wins it.

– Sikoa was shown talking to Heyman in the Bloodline room. Sikoa told Heyman to tell the Tongans something, but the audio cut out. Heyman looked nervous and Sikoa said if he tells Heyman to do something, Heyman better do it. Sikoa said that he and Heyman also need to have a talk later.

– A video recapping the Grayson Waller/Austin Theory/#DIY developments from last week aired. Waller was interviewed backstage by Kayla Braxton. Theory was at home so Waller said he would win the MITB qualifying match in Theory’s honor. #DIY walked in the frame and the garage door behind them opened up. A bloody CM Punk was shown laid out as Drew McIntyre stood over Punk. McIntyre fireman-carried Punk from the outside through the backstage and to the ring. McIntyre threw Punk on the ground in the entrance way and kneeled down to take Punk’s friendship bracelet from Punk’s wrist. Nick Aldis appeared and engaged in a shoving match with McIntyre. WWE officials appeared and Punk did a stretcher job. The show went to a break with no commentary.

– Aldis accompanied Punk to an ambulance and told Punk it would be OK after the show returned from break. Punk was not responsive as the ambulance drove off.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Tama Tonga & Randy Orton in a triple threat to qualify for the men’s Money In The Bank ladder match [9:33]

I like it. Just when I was about to make some snarky comment about how Hayes’s entrance wasn’t televised and he’s going to become the latest NXT call-up to stall out once they make it to The Dance … well, look at that. An Orton win seemed too predictable and you had to think the Bloodline would play some sort of role in him not going over, so Hayes as the one who advances to the MITB ladder match is a nice wrinkle, both for Hayes and the actual ladder match itself. Here’s hoping he has a good showing and it can kickstart some momentum for the former NXT champion. As for this match, it was fine. Nothing to write home about, but nothing offensive (save for that odd face-buster from Tonga on Orton). All told, it was a solid television triple threat.

Hayes’s introduction was not televised. Orton stared town Tonga and the heels attacked Orton to start the match. Tonga shoved Hayes so he could stomp Orton and that led to the heels arguing. The action spilled outside, where Orton set up for a back suplex on Tonga, but Hayes stopped Orton. Tonga returned the favor for Hayes. Tonga and Hayes took turns attacking Orton … until Orton inevitably hit that signature back suplex – the first on Tonga and the second on Hayes – onto the commentary table. The show quickly went to a commercial break.

Hayes and Tonga were battling inside the ring as the show came back. Tonga momentarily got the better of Hayes, until Hayes planted Tonga and got a two-count. Tonga came back with a back-breaker, but Orton reappeared and broke up Tonga’s pin attempt. Orton hit a snap powerslam on Tonga and a super-plex on Melo from the second rope. Tonga broke up a pin attempt and worked a sleeper hold on Orton until Orton worked out of it. Tonga hit a clunky facebuster on Orton but Hayes broke up the pin attempt. Hayes and Tonga then started to fight again. Orton came back into the mix and landed a stereo draping DDT on Hayes and Tonga at the same time.

Orton set up for an RKO, but Tonga Loa ran out to distract Orton. As a result, Hayes rolled up Orton and got the win. Hayes posed on the commentary table after the match.

**********

The LA Knight/Logan Paul/Santos Escobar segment

I have no idea how they stretch Paul vs. Knight out to Summerslam if that’s the plan, but the summer is young. For now, the promos, despite Knight still being super over with the live crowds, are starting to get a bit repetitive. And Paul can only be a chicken-s@#* heel for so long with so many people before that starts getting old, too. We’ll see.

Knight told Paul to come to the ring, but nothing happened. Knight recalled how he told Paul he wanted the U.S. title. Knight said Paul no-showed Chicago. Knight said time is running out and next week, after the MITB qualifier between him, Paul and Santos Escobar, Knight will come looking for Paul. Escobar’s music hit and Escobar walked out with a microphone. Escobar said the truth is Knight is delusional and called Knight a desperate fanboy. Escobar said next week, Knight would be wise to remember he’s dealing with Escobar. Knight noted how he beat Escobar each time he met him. This soon led to Escobar eating a BFT.

Knight started to talk into the camera and Paul showed up to attack Knight. From there, Paul knocked Knight out and yelled at the camera while holding his phone.

**********

Andrade defeated Kevin Owens & Grayson Waller in a triple threat to qualify for the men’s Money In The Bank ladder match [9:56]

Good for Andrade. Everything I said about Carmelo Hayes before this, apply it to Andrade as well. He’ll be a sneaky-good addition to the MITB match. Speaking of the current match at hand, it was probably the best of the three MITB qualifiers on this night. The Owens knee story gave things a little more drama and Waller is very good at being Grayson Waller in these types of situations. He probably won’t win, but he always makes you guess a little bit. Good action and a good outcome.

During Owens’s entrance, Owens was attacked by the Bloodline until Randy Orton appeared with a chair and ran the Bloodline off. Owens’s knee was messed up and Owens limped to the ring. Early in the match, Andrade hit Waller with a spinning elbow and got a nice near-fall. The action spilled outside, where Owens hit a Swanton. The three fought on the apron. Andrade somehow hit a Sunset Flip over the top and into a powerbomb on Waller and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and the three were battling inside the ring. Waller briefly had control until Andrade sent Waller into a turnbuckle. Andrade had a brief time to shine until Owens got to his feet and the two brawled. Waller returned and planted both guys, but couldn’t steal a pin. Waller yelled “A-Town Down” and lifted Owens, but Owens worked out of it. Waller took Owens out by kicking his knee. Andrade chopped the hell out of Waller and the two battled on the second rope until Owens popped up and slammed both opponents. Owens went to the top and landed a Swanton on Andrade which led to a good near-fall.

Owens ultimately hit a Stunner on Andrade and went for the pin, but Waller broke it up. Waller kicked Owens’s knee and went for a rolling move on Andrade, but Andrade caught Waller and hit his finisher to get the victory.

**********

– Michin was shown backstage and Tiffany Stratton walked in. Stratton tried to hit Michin, but Michin blocked it and punched Stratton. Nia Jax then showed up and ran Michin into a dresser.

– Next week, there will be three MITB qualifying matches. Candice LeRae, Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton will compete against each other. Naomi, Indi Hartwell and Blair Davenport will be the wrestlers in the second qualifying match. And then there will be the aforementioned Logan Paul, LA Knight and Santos Escobar qualifying match.

Solo Sikoa and Cody Rhodes fought to a no contest [1:40]

Oh goodness gracious, I’ve never seen Jacob Fatu look this trim. Wowzers. That guy looked incredible. His booking was great, too. It was precisely the shot of energy the Bloodline Wolfpack 2.0 needed to get things going. I’m not sure I can fully get on board with Fatu falling into the same Crazed Samoan persona his cousins have taken on since coming over to WWE – and I say that only because Fatu is a great promo and an even better interview, if you’re ever lucky enough to sit down with him for a chat – but I’ll reserve judgment on that for another day. For now … wow. I’m very glad to see him finally make it to this stage, but I’m even happier to see him look healthier than he’s ever looked in a wrestling ring and kick the snot out of people in a way only he can. Hey. I’m a fan of the guy. What can I say?

Cody made his entrance first, which screamed “Angle Alert.” Well, that and the fact there was only eight minutes left in the show. Sikoa and Heyman talked backstage. Heyman CM Punk is very personal to him and even Roman Reigns said Punk is off limits. Heyman called Reigns the Tribal Chief and that didn’t sit well with Sikoa, who noted how Roman Reigns is “not coming back,” whatever that means. Sikoa then walked to the ring and left Heyman dumbfounded. Graves said they’d stick with the match for as long as it took.

After the bell rang, Cody and Solo stood in the ring and stared at each other. Sikoa ran at Cody and the action spilled outside quickly. Cody hit a suicide dive and ran Sikoa into the ring steps. Cody set up for a Crossroads, but Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa ran in to attack Cody. Randy Orton’s music hit and Orton, with Owens, ran to the ring. The six wrestlers brawled as Heyman looked dejected. The babyfaces had the upper hand and were left alone with Sikoa after taking care of Tonga and Loa. They cornered Sikoa and Sikoa smirked. From there, a slimmed down Jacob Fatu appeared and gave Owens a Samoan Drop on the ring steps. Fatu speared Orton through the barricade. Cody tried Fatu, but that led to Fatu slamming Cody onto the ring apron. Fatu put Cody onto the commentary table and climbed to the top rope to hit a splash onto Cody, putting Cody through the table. A “Holy S*@!” chant broke out. Sikoa hugged Fatu and both guys raised their fingers. Loa and Tonga returned to the ring and did the same. The four Bloodline members posed with their fingers in the air to end the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes seeks payback

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After AJ Styles attacked Cody Rhodes to end last week’s SmackDown, Rhodes says he will look for payback on tonight’s show from Louisville, Kentucky.

Styles’ attack came after he faked a retirement announcement in the middle of the ring. As part of his attack on Cody, Styles gave Cody a Styles Clash from the ring steps onto the floor. The altercation is expected to lead to a Rhodes vs. Styles match for the Undisputed WWE title at Clash at the Castle.

Also on tap for tonight, Solo Sikoa will officially anoint Tonga Loa as a member of The Bloodline. Loa debuted at Backlash last month as he helped Sikoa and Tama Tonga defeat Randy Orton and Kevin Owens.

Jade Cargill will take on Indi Hartwell after the two had a brief altercation in a backstage segment last week. Hartwell took issue with Cargill, who with her tag team partner Bianca Belair, injured Candice LeRae at Queen & King of the Ring.

Apollo Crews will go one-on-one with Angel, whose interference led to a Crews loss last week against Andrade. And Johnny Gargano will take on Grayson Waller.

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

**********

– A video recapping the AJ Styles/Cody Rhodes developments from last week began the show.

– Cody Rhodes looked angry as he paced backstage and Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show. Solo Sikoa’s music then hit and out came The Bloodline.

The Anointment of Tonga Loa

This was pretty basic outside of Heyman, who always does great work in these segments. I wonder where Randy Orton is because I couldn’t help but think he was about to run out for the save but for the second straight week, he was nowhere to be found. I can’t say I’m a fan of these longer names for Tonga Loa. If you’re going to rebrand them … well, rebrand them. These new monikers feel gratuitous. Heyman retreating quick once Owens’s music hit was a nice touch as well. This has to lead to a six-man tag for later in the show, but for now, it was a fine opening segment.

Paul Heyman spoke first and said he must set the record straight. He then said until Roman Reigns comes back, Solo Sikoa will sit at the head of the table. Sikoa soaked in boos. “We want Roman” chants began. Heyman said a double proclamation will occur and explained that Tama Tonga will be known as only “Tama Tonga The Right Hand Man.” Heyman turned his attention to Tanga Loa and said the story of the Bloodline will never be complete without “The Infamous Tanga Loa.” Heyman said, “With that, Louisville, thank you and goodnight.”

Sikoa then began talking and some boos got loud. “Solo sucks” chants began. Sikoa told Heyman he should thank Loa and Tonga for saving Heyman from Kevin Owens last week. Heyman did so sheepishly. Tonga said they could have let Owens kill Heyman, but they saved Heyman “by orders of the Tribal Chief.” Heyman said he wanted to return the favor and got there early to do what a wiseman does. Heyman said all he had been hearing is that Owens is looking for a piece of any and every member of the Bloodline. Owens’s music then hit and Owens walked out.

Owens ran into the ring and took down Tonga. Owens briefly had control over the three Bloodline members, but the Bloodline members quickly got the upper hand. The Street Profits’ music then hit and the Profits ran out for the save. Owens grabbed a chair and hit everyone in the Bloodline with it. The Bloodline then retreated up the entrance way to end the segment.

**********

– Heyman was shown walking backstage and Sikoa stopped Heyman saying Heyman needed to make a six-man tag for later. Sikoa said if Heyman doesn’t do it, Heyman will face Tama Tonga in the locker room later.

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defeated Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae [6:30]

Not much to this, though it does continue to feel like we are walking towards a triple threat for the women’s tag belts at Clash at the Castle. This is a complete armchair observation, so take it as such, but Cargill doesn’t really look happy. Or, well, she didn’t here. She also doesn’t wrestle much in her team’s matches. Belair takes the bulk of these things and then Cargill gets the shine to finish things up. Is she really that not ready to swim in the deep end on her own yet? She’s a better heel and the sooner she gets to that in WWE, the better it will be for everyone involved. Until then, she feels/looks discontent.

Belair and Hartwell began the match. Instantly, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn – along with Baszler and Stark – walked to ringside. LeRae tagged in and Belair eventually landed a moonsault for a two-count. Hartwell and LeRae took control with a double-team move and the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, LeRae had control, but quickly tagged in Hartwell, who stopped Belair from getting the hot tag … but not for long because Cargill eventually received the tag and took out Hartwell and LeRae with a series of moves including a splash and some suplexes. Cargill hit a superkick on Hartwell, but LeRae broke up the pin attempt. Belair then disposed of LeRae and the champs landed their finisher for the win.

After the match, the four women at ringside jumped Cargill & Belair. Baszler held one of the tag belts while Dawn held the other. The four women then attacked each other until Cargill and Belair returned to the ring and took everyone out.

**********

– Cody was shown fuming backstage again, waiting for Styles to arrive. GM Nick Aldis walked over to Cody and tried to calm Cody down, but Cody was still pretty heated. Aldis walked away.

– Sarah Schreiber was backstage. She interviewed Apollo Crews, who started to talk and was instantly jumped by Angel and Berto. The rest of Legado Del Fantasma ran in until officials broke things up. LA Knight walked into the frame and asked Aldis where Logan Paul was. Aldis said Paul was playing Tetris and Knight was all fired up. Carmelo Hayes walked in. Aldis made Knight vs. Hayes as a match made for later in the show.

Grayson Waller defeated Johnny Gargano [8:15]

This was very good. Or, well, it was very good based on the pretense that my expectations weren’t that high. That’s not meant to be disparaging to either guy, but between the wild bump Gargano took and the wild offshoot Destroyer Gargano hit towards the end of the match, this was better than the typical SmackDown match that typically airs halfway through the night. The march towards Waller and Theory breaking up continues with how Waller pulled Theory into harm’s way. I have high hopes for both guys when it comes to when we get there.

Gargano came out hot, but Waller cut him off and worked some knees. Gargano came back with a bunch of hard chops to Waller’s chest. Eventually, Waller stopped Gargano’s momentum with a back-breaker and the action ultimately spilled outside, where Waller landed a nasty Sliced Bread on Gargano. Like, really nasty. The show then went to a commercial break.

Back from the break, Gargano worked a comeback up inside the ring and landed a springboard spear for a two-count. Waller came back with a a pair of slams and a two-count. The two got to their feet and traded elbows until that evolved into boots and kicks and knees. Gargano, out of nowhere, landed a modified destroyer and Waller rolled to the outside. Gargano went for a splash, but Waller pulled Austin Theory in harm’s way and Theory took the move. Back in the ring, Waller hit his finisher on Gargano and got the win.

**********

– Cody was shown waiting backstage again. Aldis walked in with a gang of officials and Aldis said Styles was going to be there any second. Aldis told everyone to relax and the show went to break.

The Cody/AJ Styles segment

I’m into the idea that this will be an I Quit Match. I also think that means we’ll get World Beater Cody as he takes out Styles, Gallows and Anderson, somehow, all by himself. But, hell. This is pro wrestling. Go with it. I could do without angry Cody. I understand they’re trying to heat this thing up in short order, but Cody is really hard to believe sometimes and him looking like he wants steam to pour out of his ears doesn’t always translate to believable animosity. Still, the match next weekend should be good.

The show returned and Cody was still pacing backstage. Styles pulled up with the Good Brothers and they taunted Cody. Cody walked away and towards the ring. Cody walked into the arena without his music (or any music, for that matter). Cody asked for a microphone and yelled “AJ Styles, get your ass to this ring right now!” Cody said they didn’t need security. Styles’s music hit and Styles walked out with Gallows & Anderson.

Styles had a microphone and told Cody to give Styles what he wants. The crowd chanted “AJ Styles!” Styles said he wanted a championship match at Clash at the Castle. Cody told Styles he’s got it, but it won’t be a regular match; instead, it will be an I Quit Match. Cody then fought through the WWE officials and jumped at Styles, but other officials stopped Cody. As Cody was being held, Styles jumped at Cody and hit Cody. Cody mean-mugged to end the segment.

**********

– Cargill & Belair were shown coming out of Aldis’s office backstage. Belair said they wondered what their match at Clash at the Castle will be. Sure enough, it’ll be a triple threat between them and Fyre & Dawn and Baszler & Stark.

LA Knight defeated Carmelo Hayes [8:32]

They did all they could to protect Hayes and I can’t blame them for that. Knight going over in a type of flukey way didn’t do Knight any favors, but I have to think this means the next stop for him will be Logan Paul. The only question then will be, does Knight finally get some WWE gold? That jury is still out. As for this match, it wasn’t bad. Hayes continues to shine during the main roster opportunities he receives and that’s a good thing for the future of WWE. If he’s not going to work with Knight from here on out, though, what’s next for him?

The two jawed at each other after the bell rang. Hayes beat down Knight once the action began. Knight fought back a little and capped it off with a strong clothesline. Knight threw Hayes over the top rope and the two fought outside the ring. Knight repeatedly slammed Hayes’s head off the commentary table. Hayes ran at Knight and Knight back-dropped Hayes onto the commentary desk. Knight posed on top of the table and the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Hayes had control inside the ring. Hayes hit a springboard clothesline for a two-count. Hayes went to the top, but Knight cut Hayes off. Knight then set up for his running-up-the-turnbuckle spot, but Hayes moved. It didn’t matter because Knight threw Hayes back into the ring and landed a running knee to the side of Hayes’s head. Hayes followed that up with a face-buster and got a two-count.

Hayes hit a chop and a series of strikes. Knight answered with a chop of his own. Knight slammed Hayes but then missed the Megastar Elbow. Knight tried to suplex Hayes, but Hayes rolled Knight up for a two-count. Hayes and Knight traded blows until Knight finally landed the pop-up powerslam and Megastar Elbow. Knight set up for the BFT, but Hayes rolled Knight up … but then Knight rolled Hayes up for the win.

After the match, Knight said he’d bring SmackDown to Paul.

**********

– Backstage, Tiffany Stratton talked to Nia Jax, saying they should team up. Jax walked away and straight into Michin, who threw a drink in Jax’s face. The women then brawled.

– A video chronicling the Bayley/Chelsea Green stuff from last week aired.

The Bayley/Piper Niven/Chelsea Green segment

Umpf. Tough crowd. Needlessly mean crowd, actually. Bayley, Niven and Green tried, but this thing died on the operating table before the surgeons even got into the room. The “What?” treatment has long overstayed its welcome, but damn if it’s not especially annoying when a crowd does it merely only because they’re bored. Niven, Green and Bayley deserved better. It wasn’t the most perfect promo pro wrestling television has ever seen, but Niven was a surprisingly compelling long promo and Green was her usual entertaining self. Bayley did a good job lifting up Niven, too. Here’s hoping that Scottish crowd gets way, way, way up for this match next weekend.

Bayley stood in the ring alone with a microphone. Bayley noted how she will face Piper Niven at Clash at the Castle. Bayley barely got another word in and out walked Green and Niven. Green had a microphone and said Bayley talks a big game for being a big loser. Green then called the fans losers. Green said Bayley was a loser in Saudi Arabia and a loser last week and she’ll be a loser when “little Miss P. finishes you.” Bayley mocked Green for being a mouthpiece and said Niven doesn’t need Chelsea. Bayley said she respects Niven, but not Green. Bayley said she appreciated Niven since she saw her at the Mae Young Classic.

Bayley said it will mean more than just a title match for Niven. Bayley said it will mean everything to Niven and she knows how that feels because she has lost in front of everyone she loved. Bayley said she’ll have fun beating Niven. Niven grabbed the microphone from Green and Niven said she’s going to beat the breaks off Bayley in front of her home country. Niven said Bayley knows nothing about her and her journey. Niven said the MYC was in 2017 and the crowd gave Niven the “What?” treatment. Niven said she’d been wrestling since 2008 and she was a trailblazer. Niven said she won titles in the UK, Europe and Japan. Niven said she was a world champion since before she stepped through the WWE door. Niven said she’d stand over Bayley as the new WWE Women’s Champion at CITC. The heels’ music hit and Niven and Bayley engaged in a stare down to end the segment.

**********

– Logan Paul sent in a message and said he needed an actual challenge, so he’s going to compete in the World Tetris Championships. Paul said he competes with the best in the world and Knight has done nothing to merit his attention. Paul called Knight a hillbilly and told Knight to “go back to the mid-card, where he belongs.”

– Niven and Green were shown walking backstage and they ran into Aldis, who was talking to Naomi. Naomi warned Green to keep her name out Green’s mouth. Naomi got in Green’s face and Aldis stopped everyone, saying he didn’t have time for it. Aldis made a match between Naomi and Green for next week’s SmackDown. Also next week, Michin will face Nia Jax. The Grayson Waller Effect will take place with guests #DIY.

Kevin Owens & The Street Profits defeated The Bloodline (Tama Tonga, Solo Sikoa & Tonga Loa) via DQ [9:42]

Boy, they really are doing their best to get over this Bloodline Wolfpack gimmick. Constantly standing tall and making these guys out to be animals, no matter the crowd response, is certainly a choice. I’m not quite sure it’s where they want it to be quite yet, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think they might be running out of time to get there. Anyway, this was a fine enough six-man tag to end the show. Owens is always a lot of fun and beyond his enthusiasm, the guy can bump with the best of them. Does this lead to a Randy Orton return spot next week? Or will we finally somehow get Jacob Fatu inserted into the mix? Here’s hoping for the latter.

Dawkins and Tonga began the match and Dawkins got the best of things to start things off. Ford tagged in and hit a shoulder block before working over Tonga until Tonga fought back and tagged in Loa, who slammed Ford. Tonga tagged back in and had control for a quick second until Ford hit a clothesline and back body-dropped Tonga over the top to the outside. Sikoa tagged in and beat down Ford, including throwing Ford into a ring post on the outside. Sikoa yelled out into the crowd and the show took its final commercial break.

Back from that break, Sikoa was continuing his work on Ford, who tried to fight back until Sikoa hit a Samoan Drop for a two-count. Sikoa landed a hip attack on Ford and tagged in Tonga. Tonga slammed Ford and hit a running sliding clothesline. Tonga did it twice over. Owens, during all of this, was doing his best to fire up the crowd on the apron in a way nobody has seen since the 1980s. Ford eventually got the hot tag to Owens, who beat the hell out of Sikoa.

Owens landed a Swanton on Sikoa and went for a Stunner, but Sikoa blocked it. The two traded superkicks and Sikoa clotheslined Owens. Sikoa went for a Spike, but Owens ducked it and hit a Stunner. During the pin, Owens was pulled outside by Tonga and Loa. Everything broke down and everyone brawling outside until Sikoa hit Ford with a chair, causing a DQ finish. The match was over, but the Bloodline continued their work on the Profits. Sikoa speared Ford. The show ended with the three members of the Bloodline power-bombing Owens through the commentary table and standing tall, fingers pointed to the sky.

WWE SmackDown live results: The coronation of Nia Jax

Posted on by Colin McGuire

Nia Jax will be coronated Queen of the Ring on tonight’s SmackDown from Albany, New York.

Jax earned the honor by defeating Lyra Valkyria in the Queen of the Ring tournament finals last weekend. With the victory, Jax is now in line to challenge for the WWE Women’s Championship at SummerSlam. Bayley currently holds the title.

Also set for tonight, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) will take on the former Guerrillas of Destiny, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa. This will be the first time the Bloodline’s Tonga & Loa have teamed together in a WWE ring after their years as a duo in Japan.

Andrade will compete in his first SmackDown match since being selected by the brand in the WWE Draft. He’s going one-on-one with Apollo Crews tonight.

Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is also expected to make an appearance following his successful title defense against Logan Paul at King & Queen of the Ring. Our live coverage starts at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

**********

– The show opened with a shot of the Bloodline walking backstage. The same was shown for the Street Profits.

– A video recapping last Saturday’s King & Queen of the Ring PLE aired.

Nia Jax’s Queen of the Ring coronation

It really does feel like WWE is doing its best to limit Jax when it comes to promo time, but I wouldn’t mind seeing her given the chance to talk more at this point. We can all probably agree that Jax’s most recent WWE run has been her best and she’s made a marked improvement all around; why not give her the opportunity to get after it on the mic? Either way, this was a little shorter than I thought it would be, but the attack from Niven on Bayley was effective. With Green as Niven’s mouth piece, the build to the inevitable Niven/Bayley title match should be fun.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis stood in the middle of the ring and said there was no better feeling than when one of your top draft picks comes through in the clutch. From there, Aldis welcomed Nia Jax to the ring. One Jax entered the ring, Aldis said the floor was hers. Jax then put on her crown and took the microphone. The crowd chanted “You suck!” Jax said she wanted everyone to get their facts straight and it was a fact that she was their Queen of the Ring. Jax said as queen, she gets a title shot at SummerSlam. Jax then commanded that Bayley join her in the ring.

Bayley’s music hit and Bayley made her entrance. As Bayley walked down the entrance, Piper Niven and Chelsea Green ran out and attacked Bayley. Or, well, Niven did most of the attacking. The action spilled into the ring and Niven hit a splash on Bayley as Jax looked on, kind of confused. Green told Jax she didn’t have to worry about facing Bayley because by the time SummerSlam comes around, the new WWE Women’s Champion will be Niven. Jax said she didn’t give a damn who the champion will be because Jax will annihilate whomever it is no matter what. Jax’s music hit and Jax left the ring to end the segment.

**********

– Aldis was walking backstage and AJ Styles was waiting for Aldis in Aldis’s office. Styles asked Aldis for some time for him to address his future. Aldis asked Styles if there was something Styles wanted to tell him. Styles said it’s going to be hard enough to do it once, so he’d like to do it in the ring later tonight. The two shook hands.

– Backstage, Bayley was being attended to by a trainer. Naomi walked in and asked Bayley if she could fight tonight. Bayley said she could, so a tag-team match appeared imminent.

Tommaso Ciampa defeated Austin Theory [9:43]

Well, this is sort of fun. #DIY teased a break up and now Waller and Theory appear to have tension. All four guys in both teams could benefit from getting a true singles run, but the question has to be asked: Will WWE simply just start invested in any true tag teams? Or are tag teams just simply over and done for? Anyway, the match was an OK TV bout and Ciampa did a very good job selling his neck pain. I guess this means #DIY gets a tag title shot? Meh. The whole thing screams meh.

The two locked up to begin things. Ciampa had control early until Grayson Waller got mildly involved and Theory took control with a modified suplex onto Theory’s knee. Theory hit a series of elbows and ran at Ciampa, but Ciampa got a knee up to briefly take control … until Ciampa missd a dive. From there, Theory landed a draping neck-breaker on Ciampa onto the outside. The show then went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Theory was in control, working a chin-lock. Theory went for a rolling move, but Ciampa hit Theory with a boot. Ciampa fired up and hit a leaping clothesline before landing a reverse DDT for a two-count. Ciampa sold neck pain and stomped away on Theory until Ciampa set up for the FairyTale Ending, but Theory countered into a suplex for a good near-fall. Theory tried A-Town Down, but Ciampa stopped Theory and the two traded chops and big boots. Ciampa then hit a running knee and both men were down. Theory jawed at Wade Barrett at ringside, yelling that Theory is only relevant because of the Grayson Waller rub. Theory looked confused as he listened to Waller and Ciampa rolled Theory up for the win.

**********

– Aldis was shown talking to Blair Davenport backstage and Naomi walked in, demanding a tag match later. Davenport was angry Naomi interrupted her time with Aldis. Davenport said Naomi will eventually know who she is and walked away. Aldis made the tag match official and LA Knight then walked into Aldis’s office. Knight asked Aldis if Styles was going to retire and Aldis said he didn’t know. Knight said he was looking for Logan Paul was and he couldn’t find him. Knight and Aldis sat down to talk and the show went to a commercial break.

– Video highlights of Cody Rhodes vs. Logan Paul in Saudi Arabia from last weekend aired.

– Knight was shown walking out of Aldis’s office. Kayla Braxton approached Knight and asked him what he talked about with Aldis. Knight said there wasn’t much to say; it was only that Logan Paul wasn’t there this week. Knight spoke to the camera and said he wanted the U.S. title. Carmelo Hayes walked into the frame. Hayes mistakenly called Paul “Knight” and Knight funnily corrected Hayes. Hayes talked some trash and left to end the segment.

Andrade defeated Apollo Crews [7:06]

Hey, good for Apollo Crews for getting nearly 10 minutes on TV. That’s about all there is to say about this. The match wasn’t much of anything, and I could do without an Andrade vs. Fantasta feud; in fact, things might actually be more interesting if Andrade just joined the faction. But I digress. Andrade has been spinning his wheels since returning to WWE and it felt like a lot of us had a lot of high hopes for him. Right now, he’s lost in the shuffle (some may even say buried), but here’s hoping creative has something good for him because he’s got talent.

Things were even at first until Andrade hit a dropkick. Andrade landed a belly-to-back suplex for a one-count. Andrade went to the top, but was distracted by Angel, who walked out (footage of Angel offering Andrade a spot in Legado Del Fantasma and Andrade turning him down aired before the match). Crews kicked Andrade off the top to the outside of the ring. Crews followed that up with a moonsault and the show went to a commercial break.

Upon return, Andrade hit a high cross-body from the top on Crews and both guys were down momentarily. Back on their feet, Crews and Andrade traded blows until Andrade got in a flying forearm. Andrade hit a running double knees for a two-count. Crews came back with a German Suplex. Crews lifted Andrade and dropped him before hitting a standing moonsault for a two-count. Angel got on the apron and Crews ran at him. The distraction was enough for Andrade to follow that up with a spinning back below and his finisher for the win.

After the match, Santos Escobar walked out and appeared to appreciate Andrade. Andrade walked toward Fantasma and instead of stopping to say hello, walked past the faction. Escobar appeared angry and Escobar stared at Angel.

**********

– Solo Sikoa was shown talking to the rest of the Bloodline backstage and Paul Heyman walked in to tell Sikoa he’s been doing a lot of thinking about how he could better serve Sikoa. Heyman talked about how Roman Reigns preserved the family through violence. Heyman said he sees Sikoa recruiting a lot of violent men into the Bloodline, but he doesn’t see strategy at all. Heyman said the strategy has to be that when Roman comes back, they have Cody Rhodes in check. Sikoa said “we” have Cody in check and he doesn’t even know it. Heyman asked Sikoa who “we” is, and Kevin Owens’s music hit inside the arena. Sikoa told Heyman he had to go out there and fix it now.

– Andrade was shown in the locker room and Angel tried to talk to him. Out of nowhere, Apollo Crews showed up and attacked Angel.

The Kevin Owens/Bloodline segment

Boy, oh boy, Heyman is good. Shoot. Owens is good, too. Great, actually. They’re both great. I don’t mind this Bloodline story dragging only because Heyman is so entertaining as the guy who nobody will listen to but obviously seems to know best. As for if I truly view Sikoa, Loa and Tonga as awe-inspiring fear-inducing giants … that’s another story (but one Jacob Fatu may hopefully be able to change). This was the best segment of the night (to this point). Very, very good stuff all around.

Owens sat on a top rope in a corner and thanked the crowd. Owens said last week, he went all the way to Saudi Arabia to make sure he had Randy Orton’s back. Owens said over the last few years, Orton has had Owens’s back. Owens offered a side comment about how Orton didn’t really lose the KOTR finals because his shoulder wasn’t down. As Owens spoke, Heyman did his “Ladies and gentlemen” line and walked out alone without music. Heyman said he was out there to talk to him because he feels like there is a mutual interest he could serve.

Heyman got in the ring and the crowd chanted “We want Roman!” Heyman said he didn’t think there was a person who wanted Roman there more than Heyman wanted Roman there. Heyman said Reigns has great respect for Owens and anything they went through together was because Reigns viewed Owens as a threat to his championship. Heyman said Sikoa has no respect for Owens and Sikoa has been recruiting bloodthirsty “thugs” looking for an excuse to take Owens out. Heyman told Owens that if he keeps calling out Sikoa’s name, those guys are going to “do something really bad about it.” Heyman asked Owens to back off the Bloodline.

Owens asked Heyman if he really is trying to help Owens. Owens asked Heyman how he could think Owens would trust Heyman. Owens said he wasn’t falling for it and Owens said he believed Heyman was still pulling all the strings. Owens asked Heyman if Heyman wants to make sure everyone fears Sikoa and his guys. Owens said the Bloodline gave Owens everything they had and Owens is still standing. Owens said that was Jey, Jimmy and Roman – guys he respects. Owens said Sikoa and his guys are not the Bloodline and Owens promised he will keep fighting those guys. Owens said he didn’t want or need Heyman’s help.

Heyman said maybe he’s not trying to help Owens and instead, he’s trying to save Owens. Heyman referenced their kids and mocked the idea of himself ever redeeming himself. Heyman said, “Oh, let’s not listen to the Hall of Fame Wise Man” and kind of flipped out. Heyman screamed, “Why won’t anybody listen to me!” and accidentally hit Owens. The crowd chanted their requisite cuss phrase and the show’s audio went out. Owens stepped toward Heyman and out came Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. The Street Profits appeared and stood next to Owens. The six guys brawled with Sikoa and Owens brawling through the crowd. Dawkins hit a splash on Loa and Tonga to send the show to a break.

**********

The Bloodline (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) defeated The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) [12:09 of TV time]

The former GOD looked all right in their SmackDown tag debut. Some of those shots from Tonga were stiff and those were the pleasantly surprising moments. Loa wasn’t as featured as much, but he held his own fine enough. Nobody tripped over their own two feet and Loa didn’t have another viral (for all the wrong reasons) moment. So no harm, no foul. All told, it looks like the Profits have become the WWE Main Roster Gatekeepers, because those guys don’t win much, but they always seem to be featured when it comes to introducing a new team. In the meantime, the countdown to Jacob Fatu continues, I suppose.

The match was joined in progress and the Profits had control until Tonga came back, eventually hitting a pair of sliding clotheslines on Ford. Loa tagged in and slammed Ford. Tonga tagged in and landed a springboard elbow on Ford for a two-count. Ford got the hot tag to Dawkins before long and Dawkins hit his series of splashes and clotheslines and an enziguri for a two-count. Loa tagged in and landed a stiff clothesline and a Saito Suplex before throwing Dawkins to the outside, where Loa toyed with Dawkins. Tonga hit a leaping clothesline and the show went to a break.

When things returned, Tonga was beating down Dawkins. Heyman looked concerned at ringside. Tonga went for an elbow and Dawkins moved, inevitably getting the hot tag to Ford after suplexing Tonga. Ford took out Loa and Tonga with a combination of strikes and suplexes. Dawkins tagged in and Dawkins lifted Loa onto his shoulders. Ford hit the Blockbuster from the top for a two-count. Tonga tagged in and after Ford went to the top to hit a Frog Splash, Tonga ran in to hit his finisher on Ford for the win.

**********

– Highlights of the women’s tag team title match from the King & Queen of the Ring PLE aired. Cargill and Belair were shown walking backstage and they ran into Indi Hartwell, who said Candice LeRae is hurt because of Cargill and Belair. In response, Cargill and Belair essentially told Hartwell to go away.

– Kayla Braxton was backstage with Michin and asked Michin about Styles potentially retiring. Michin began to talk, but Nia Jax interrupted Michin and wondered why people are talking about Styles. Jax told Michin not to step to her, but wouldn’t you know it – Michin stepped to Jax. The segment ended.

Chelsea Green & Piper Niven defeated Naomi & Bayley [8:27]

A fine television match and it earns bonus points for Green and Niven getting a meaningful win. While it felt they’d get it, I had to wonder, considering the star power on the opposite side of them. But naturally, Green gets the fluke(ish) pin on Naomi while Niven and Bayley continue to try and heat up their (what feels like it will be short) feud. It’s wild to think Clash at the Castle is only two weeks away.

Bayley and Green began the match and Green quickly tagged in Niven. Bayley went at Niven, but Niven slowed Bayley down and tagged in Green. Bayley hit a suplex on Green and tagged in Naomi, who dominated Green. Bayley tagged in and the two clotheslined Green over the top rope. Naomi then hit a suicide dive on Green on the outside. Bayley attacked Niven on the outside. Naomi and Bayley hugged as the show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Niven was working over Bayley inside the ring. Green then tagged in and punched Bayley. Bayley landed some punches back, but Green forced Bayley back into her corner. Niven tagged in and Bayley ultimately worker her way away from Niven to tag Naomi as Green tagged in. Naomi spiked Green, went to the top and hit a cross-body on Green. Naomi dropkicked Niven off the apron and got the crowd behind her. Naomi dropkicked Green and landed the split-legged moonsault on Green for a two-count.

With Green and Niven on the outside, Naomi hit a splash on them. Green was inside the ring and Naomi went to the top, but Niven pushed Naomi off the top. Bayley went after Niven, but Niven cut Bayley off and ran Bayley into the ring steps. Inside the ring, Naomi landed a hip attack on Green, but Niven hit a splash on Naomi and Green covered Naomi for the win.

**********

– Next week, Jade Cargill will face Indi Hartwell. Johnny Gargano will go up against Grayson Waller. Apollo Crews and Angel will wrestle. And Solo Sikoa is set to anoint Tonga Loa.

– AJ Styles was shown walking backstage and LA Knight approached Styles. Knight said, “If the rumors are true … respect.” Cody then appeared and shook Styles’s hand. Styles whispered something into Cody’s ear. Styles ran into Gallows and Anderson and Styles thanked them for going with him to the ring.

The AJ Styles segment

A swerve that was never really a swerve. Styles did his best to sell it throughout the night, but I never quite bought into the idea of him retiring. Either way, I like the ruthlessness of the angle. I don’t even mind WWE going back to Styles vs. Cody after freshening it up in this way. With Gallows and Anderson behind him, this should be a fun heel run for Styles, who was in need of a spark. Is this Clash at the Castle or Money In The Bank?

Styles looked forlorn in the ring and said he’s been thinking about having to go to the back of the line after losing to Cody at Backlash. Styles said he understood that, but he just couldn’t bust his body anymore and he couldn’t work his way back from the back of the line. Styles stopped himself mid-sentence and the crowd cheered him. Styles said his son graduated high school this past week and he got to be there. Styles talked about the graduation party and it was beautiful. It hit him, he said, and wondered how many of those types of parties he missed. Styles said maybe he should stay at home and be a phenomenal father.

Styles asked Gallows and Anderson to join him in the middle of the ring. Styles said he couldn’t have done it without them. Styles said they are better than friends; they are brothers. Styles put up the “Too Sweet” and Gallows and Anderson complied. The three hugged and Styles was teary. Styles said before he goes, he wanted to call out Cody, whose music hit and Cody walked out to the ring. Styles said he wanted to look Cody in the eyes and tell him he had one of his greatest matches ever with Cody in France. Styles said if he was ever going to have one last match, that was it. Styles said it was still the house that AJ Styles built … and he called Cody out there to hand Cody the keys.

Cody noted how the two exchanged text messages after Backlash and Cody raised Styles’s hand across the ring. In a move everyone could see, Styles eventually clotheslined Cody and attacked him outside the ring. Styles then gave Cody a Styles Clash off the ring steps onto the floor outside the ring as Gallows and Anderson held off officials trying to stop Styles. The show ended quickly after that.

WWE SmackDown live results: King & Queen of the Ring go-home show

Posted on by Colin McGuire

One day before the first WWE Saudi Arabia Premium Live Event of 2024 is held in Jeddah, the final King & Queen of the Ring semifinals will take place tonight on SmackDown.

In the King of the Ring semifinal, Randy Orton will square off against Tama Tonga. The winner of the match will meet Gunther in the KOTR finals on Saturday.

In the Queen of the Ring semifinal, Bianca Belair will go one-on-one with Nia Jax to determine who faces Lyra Valkyria in the Queen of the Ring finals on Saturday.

WWE has confirmed that both tournament winners will receive title shots at SummerSlam.

Also set for tonight, Cody Rhodes and Logan Paul will have their final confrontation before their Undisputed WWE Championship match at the PLE.

After a confrontation backstage last week, WWE Women’s Champion Bayley will take on Chelsea Green.

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

**********

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show as shots of Jeddah aired.

– Bianca Belair and Nia Jax were shown walking into the building from earlier in the day. Footage of Paul Levesque announcing that the KOTR & QOTR winners will receive title shots aired. Bianca Belair’s music hit and Belair made her entrance for the first match.

Niz Jax defeated Bianca Belair to advance to the finals of the Queen of the Ring Tournament [11:15]

A very good opening match. It makes sense that Jax went over, but in the meantime, Belair showed great fight. The fact that they told the story of Belair’s knee throughout the tournament gave Belair somewhat of an out. Either way, this was a good win for Jax and I don’t think Belair lost anything in the loss. Plus, Belair got her share of offense in, and played the part of plucky underdog very well. Jax becomes Queen of the Ring, right?

The two locked up early and Jax threw Belair to the mat. Jax threw Belair around until Belair hopped on Jax’s back, but Jax ran Belair into a corner. Eventually, Belair tried to work corner punches, but Jax countered until Belair returned to the top and hammered away at Jax for an early advantage. Jax ran at Belair but Belair moved and Jax ran into a ring post. With Jax outside, Belair landed a springboard cross-body over the ropes as the show went to a commercial break.

Once the show returned, Jax had control and pulled out a tiny crown to put on her head. Jax toyed with Belair and worked Belair’s knee. Jax landed a Samoan Drop for a two-count. Eventually, Belair went to the top and hit a cross-body for a two-count. Belair followed that up with a series of forearms, but Jax took Belair down and went back to work on Belair’s knee. With Jax on the top, Belair lifted Jax for an impressive powerbomb and got a good near-fall out of it.

The crowd chanted “This is awesome!” Belair tried to lift Jax for a KOD, but Jax fought out of it and went back to Belair’s knee. Jax climbed the ropes again, but Belair caught Jax and lifted Jax for a KOD, but this time, Belair’s knee buckled and the women fell. Jax then hit a Samoan Drop and her finisher and got the win.

After the match, Jax was interviewed by Kayla Braxton. Lyra Valkyria was at ringside and Jax told Lyra she was going to buzz through Lyra to become Queen of the Ring on Saturday. Jax said she will be both queen and champion after she starts by buzzing through Lyra.

**********

– Backstage, Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae were taunting Belair for losing until Jade Cargill walked in and saved the day. Cargill said she was going to go talk to someone about it.

The Grayson Waller Effect with Carmelo Hayes & LA Knight

This was simple, yet effective. Pretty much everything one might hope from a Grayson Waller Effect segment. The insertion of Hayes was fun and him working a program with Knight makes a lot of sense for both guys at this point. I still don’t understand why the Waller Effect isn’t a regular segment on SmackDown because that guy is very good at what he does, but what do I know?

Waller and Austin Theory hosted. The crowd chanted “STD” I think? Theory started to introduce LA Knight, but Carmelo Hayes’s music hit and Hayes walked out. Hayes said it sounded like they were describing Hayes and that’s why he walked out. Hayes called himself the hottest new superstar on SmackDown. Theory looked unhappy about it, but Hayes said “guys like them” should stick together. Waller and Theory agreed that Knight does suck after all. Hayes said they have to be the ones to show the veterans how it’s done. Theory brought up Bobby Lashley and said the only advice he gives is how to lose. Hayes said those guys are jealous and egomaniacs.

Hayes said speaking of egomaniacs … LA Knight. The crowd erupted in “LA Knight!” chants. Waller said Knight can’t win the big one. The three heels took pot shots at Knight and Knight’s music hit. As a result, the crowd went nuts as Knight trotted to the ring. Knight wrecked the Grayson Waller Effect set. After Knight’s music ended the crowd chanted “LA Knight!” Knight did the “Let me talk to ya!” line and said he’d keep it short and sweet. Knight confronted Hayes and said if he keeps knocking on his door, he’ll bite the hell out of Hayes.

Knight went to leave the ring, but Hates attacked Knight, who quickly fought back. Theory and Waller immediately joined in and stomped on Knight. The Street Profits’ music then hit and the tag team ran down for the save. I have a hunch this will turn into a six-man tag.

**********

– A Blair Davenport vignette aired.

The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) defeated Austin Theory, Grayson Waller & Carmelo Hayes [9:11]

Give the people what they want! Oh, wait. Wrong show. This was a fun six-man tag that was predictable in all the right ways. I’m interested in seeing how Knight and Hayes work together (presuming they still have more left in their program) before Knight (again presumably) moves onto Logan Paul. With Hayes and Knight, it’s one of those programs that could help both guys involved, so hopefully WWE can thread the needle. Time will tell. In the meantime, I can’t name a single city in this world that doesn’t pop hard for LA Knight … still … after all this time … and despite WWE’s best efforts to change that.

Turns out, my hunch was right. Who woulda thunk? Hayes and Montez Ford began the match. Ford had control to begin, but the two traded wrist-locks until Ford hit a dropkick and danced. Dawkins tagged in and Hates gained control by landing a face-buster. Knight and Theory tagged in and the crowd went crazy for Knight. Waller tagged in, but Knight kept the upper hand until Dawkins tagged in and hit a series of moves on Waller. Dawkins tried a splash, but Theory pulled Waller out of the way. With Dawkins on the outside, the heels posed and the show went to a commercial break at about the four-minute mark.

Back from that break, Hayes was working over Dawkins. Hayes went for a springboard move, but Dawkins caught him with a back suplex. On the outside, Knight took out the heels and got on the apron to receive the hot tag. Knight stomped a mudhole in Waller and clotheslined Hayes. Knight landed a flying tackle and pop-up powerslam on Waller. Knight followed that up with an elbow for a two-count. Things broke down and all six wrestlers hit their signature moves on each other. Waller went for a rolling move, but he ran into a BFT. Knight and Hayes fought over the commentary desk. Ford, meanwhile, hit the frog splash on Theory for the win.

**********

The Cody Rhodes/Logan Paul segment

This was pretty standard, though Cody showed good fire as the segment went home. I can’t find it in me to care much about this match because there’s no way in hell Cody is dropping that belt to Logan Paul a month and a half after he won it, but you can’t fault both guys for trying to turn up the heat on the story.

Paul walked down the aisle with a microphone and called Cody a victim. Paul said he had facts for Cody and said all the bleach much be getting to Cody’s brain. Paul said he’s a better athlete and entertainer than Cody. Paul received the “What?!” treatment. Paul eventually got into the ring and Cody told Paul that his experience would lead him to believe Paul is just a scared kid and that Paul fears that someone will see Paul as a fraud. Cody said he has seen how good Paul is, but Paul has a case of imposter syndrome. Cody said Paul probably had brass knucks on him.

Cody told Paul to prove he’s not a liar. Cody asked a ringside referee to check Paul out to see if Paul has brass knucks on him. The referee first checked Cody and Cody was clean. The referee then checked Paul and the referee found the brass knucks in Paul’s pants pockets. Paul responded by noting the knucks were for his protection and not for the match tomorrow. Paul said he does not need brass knucks to beat Cody. Cody said the knucks were the difference because it was a crutch for Paul. Cody said his title is his whole life and the crowd chanted “Cody!” Cody said he didn’t think of Paul as a You Tuber; instead, Cody said he thinks Paul is a pro wrestler. But until Paul respects the wrestling business, he will never be on Cody’s level. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Randy Orton backstage. Orton said Tama Tonga is vicious, but unfortuantely for Tonga, Orton is unhinged and tonight, Tonga will get hit with the three most dangerous letters – R, K. O.

– Bayley was shown walking backstage and she walked by Nia Jax, who told Bayley to keep her title clean. Bayley then made her entrance.

– The Street Profits were shown backstage and #DIY walked into the frame. #DIY poured out the Profits’ cups and the show went back to the ring.

Bayley defeated Chelsea Green [4:44]

The match wasn’t much to write home about, considering how it was less than five minutes and split by a long commercial break, but I’m all for it being more of an angle to set up Niven vs. Bayley. It’s about time Niven got some booking love and it’s a lot of fun that it comes against Bayley, who also happens to be the WWE Women’s Champion. While the match was a big load of nothing, it set up some intriguing things for what might be next.

Green knocked Bayley down early. Green went to the top and hit a dropkick from the top rope for a two-count. Bayley came back with a jaw-breaker, but Green countered by kicking Bayley’s head into the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break at the minute mark. When things returned, Green still had the upper hand and landed a Rough Rider for a two-count. Green ran at Bayley, but that turned into a powerbomb/Rose Plant combo for Bayley to get the win.

After the match, Piper Niven attacked Bayley. Niven stood tall to end the segment after hitting a series of Sentons.

**********

– AJ Styles was shown in Nick Aldis’s office. Styles said he was one second from beating both Cody and Randy Orton. Styles asked for one more chance – either against Logan Paul or Cody Rhodes. Styles said he needed it. Aldis said he knew Styles wanted to be WWE Champion. Aldis said if it was personal, he’d say yes, but right now, he couldn’t give Styles what he wanted. Instead, Styles had to earn his chance and that takes time. Styles said Aldis knows Styles doesn’t have time. Aldis said he can’t help Styles. Styles then walked out of Aldis’s office.

– A vignette featuring Andrade aired. Andrade spoke in Spanish with subtitles and talked about his destiny. Andrade said he knows who he is and what he wants.

– Backstage, Legado Del Fantasma spoke about the video, but weirdly, as Santos Escobar was speaking, the segment cut off and the show went to the commentary team (or at least this happened during my feed). A video recapping last week’s KOTR matches aired.

– Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga were shown backstage. Tonga yelled at Heyman. Sikoa grinned. Randy Orton’s entrance then commenced. To the main event, we went.

XXX

Randy Orton defeated Tama Tonga to advance to the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament [11:09]

If it wasn’t so predictable, this would have been better than good. Still, this was the best Tama Tonga match he’s had since coming to WWE. Good on both Orton and Tonga for that. All told, it was a good match that both guys clearly worked to make stand out. Gunther vs. Orton means for the KOTR final means Gunther wins … unless Cody vs. Orton means a better SummerSlam main event, right? This is fun.

Tonga jumpstarted the match with an attack on Orton. Tonga then walked into a fallaway slam from Orton. Orton followed that up by running Tonga into ring posts, shoulder-first. Orton went to the second rope and worked a series of punches in Tonga’s head before throwing Tonga outside the ring. Orton went to suplex Tonga onto the commentary table, but Tonga countered by chop-blocking Orton. The show went to its final commercial break as Orton favored his knee.

The show returned and Tonga continued to work Orton’s leg. Tonga went for a frog splash, but Orton moved and things reset. Orton teased the draping DDT, but Tonga fought out of it. From there, Tonga kept focusing on Orton’s knee. Tonga worked a sleeper hold until Orton backed Tonga into a corner … but Tonga wouldn’t let go. It wasn’t until Orton hit a back suplex that the hold was broken. Orton landed a bunch of clotheslines and a snap powerslam. Tonga came back by back-body-dropping Orton over the top.

On the outside, Orton suplexed Tonga onto the commentary table. Twice over. Back inside the ring, Orton hit the draping DDT. Orton set up for the RKO and went for it, but Tonga pushed him away. Almost instantly, Orton landed the RKO for the win. After the match, Sikoa attacked Orton until Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens rna into beat the hell out of Sikoa until Sikoa ran away. The babyfaces stood tall to end the show.

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes & Logan Paul contract signing

Posted on by Colin McGuire

About one week before their champion vs. champion match, Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and United States Champion Logan Paul are set to meet for a contract signing.

Rhodes and Paul will both be appearing live on tonight’s SmackDown from Jacksonville, Florida. They’ll make their title match official for WWE King & Queen of the Ring, which is taking place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, May 25.

Also set for tonight are King & Queen of the Ring quarterfinal matches. Carmelo Hayes will face off against Randy Orton, while LA Knight goes one-on-one against Tama Tonga.

On the women’s side of things, Bianca Belair will compete against Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill will take on Nia Jax. Belair and Cargill are the newly crowned WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. If both win tonight, they’ll be in line to face each other in the Queen of the Ring semifinals.

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

**********

– A video hyping the King and Queen of the Ring tournaments aired to open the show. The video chronicled everything that has happened thus far in both tournaments.

– LA Knight and The Bloodline were shown arriving to the building earlier in the day. Jade Cargill and Nia Jax – as well as Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes – got the same treatment.

Bianca Belair defeated Tiffany Stratton to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament [13:15]

This was one of the best opening SmackDown matches of 2024. These women went out there to put on a show and they did just that. The near-falls towards the end of it had the crowd biting on every second and these two showed that they have really good chemistry. Even better, they were given time to cook and at nearly 15 minutes, there was barely a move or minute wasted. Good stuff all around. Run this back in a year or two with 15 more minutes and a handful of rematches under their belts for a major title and that will be special.

The crowd was hot as the bell rang. Belair backed Stratton into a corner and posed. The two traded pushes before Stratton slapped the hell out of Belair. Stratton followed that up by taking Belair down via Belair’s braid. Belair fired up, slapped Stratton and repeatedly slammed Stratton. Belair went for a scissors move, but Stratton kicked Belair to get the upper hand. Belair hit a moonsault while selling knee pain that began in Belair’s previous QOTR match.

With Stratton on the outside, Stratton grabbed Belair’s braid and whipped Belair to the apron, draping Belair’s bad knee. Stratton ran Belair into the ring steps knee-first and Stratton posed as the show went to a commercial break at about the four-minute mark. The show returned and Stratton kept working Belair’s knee until Belair kicked Stratton to the floor with her good leg. Stratton tried to pull Belair to the ring post, but Belair used her momentum and slammed Stratton into the ring post.

With both wrestlers back in the ring, Belair fired up and hit a series of slams on Stratton. Belair capped her run off with a kind of modified spinebuster. Belair looked to set up for Jaded, but that led to the two exchanging roll-ups. Belair went for the KOD, but Stratton countered it and landed a double stomp for a nice near-fall instead. Stratton went for a splash in a corner, but Belair caught her and hit a high German Suplex for another nice near-fall. “This is awesome!” chants ensued.

Belair tried to drag Stratton into the ring and Stratton grabbed the apron. With the referee distracted, Stratton got a thumb to the eyes to gain control. Stratton followed that up with a sliding elbow for a good near-fall. Stratton tried the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, but Belair cut Stratton Off on the top rope, lifted her for the KOD and got the win.

After the win, Cathy Kelley interviewed Belair in the middle of the ring. Belair said her knee wasn’t 100 percent, but she was going to keep showing up and showing out. The crowd chanted “EST!” Belair said nothing will stop her from becoming Queen of the Ring.

**********

– Logan Paul was shown backstage and he ran into LA Knight. The two stared at each other for a second before Paul was grabbed by GM Nick Aldis to go talk.

– A video profiling WWE personalities hanging out with members of the US Navy and Corey Graves noted how it was Military Appreciation Month.

– Byron Saxton interviewed Jade Cargill backstage. Cargill called Nia Jax a beast and an irresistible force, but to Cargill, Jax was “just in her way.” Belair walked into the frame and the teammates talked about the possibility of standing across the ring from each other in the next QOTR round. Cargill then walked away.

– A video recapping last week’s Bloodline developments aired. The Bloodline were then shown backstage. Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman spoke and Heyman asked Sikoa if he had talked to Roman Reigns today. Sikoa said “all the time” and walked away.

– LA Knight was interviewed backstage. Knight said the Bloodline doesn’t look the same these days and he’s going to move on to win the KOTR. Carmelo Hayes walked into the frame and said he wanted to give Knight the ability to welcome him to SmackDown. Knight talked about how people didn’t know who the first draft pick was the year Tom Brady was drafted, taking a shot at Hayes bragging that he was the first draft pick. Knight did his catchphrase and told Hayes to “go play somewhere; I’m busy.” Entrances for the next match then began.

Tama Tonga defeated LA Knight to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament [8:48]

The writing was on the wall for Knight losing once Knight had his tiny moment with Logan Paul backstage (and not to mention the interaction with Carmelo Hayes). Take the loss to put over the Bloodline; move into a post-PLE program with one of WWE’s brightest active mainstream stars. The match itself was OK. I wasn’t expecting much – neither guy has a reputation for consistently producing in-ring classics – but none of it was terrible. The Bloodline has an odd problem right now because I’m not so sure the Solo Sikoa era is working when it comes to getting over all that well. It’s too early to cast judgment, but here’s hoping Jacob Fatu’s inevitable debut gives the whole thing a shot in the arm.

The crowd was mega-hot for LA Knight, chanting his name loudly before the bell rang. Knight began with a fury of punches and an elbow that took Tonga down. Tonga tried to work a sleeper hold, but Knight quickly countered that. It didn’t matter, though, because Tonga hit a tough clothesline. Knight responded with a clothesline of his own. Knight hit a back body-drop and stomped a mud hole on Tonga. Sikoa walked onto the apron and got Knight’s attention. Tonga Loa did the same until Knight intimidated them off the apron. Tonga took advantage of that and ran Knight into a ring post. Tonga followed that up with a stiff clothesline on Knight, who was on the outside of the ring. The show then went to a commercial break at about the three-minute mark.

The show returned and “We want Roman!” chants were loud as Tonga kept control over Knight inside the ring. Tonga went to the top and tried a splash, but Knight moved and followed that up with a series of strikes and a cross-body before clotheslining Tonga over the top rope. Knight slammed Tonga’s head on the apron repeatedly. Back inside the ring, Knight hit his powerslam, elbow drop combination. The crowd chanted “BFT” but Loa pulled his brother outside the ring. Knight dropkicked Loa and found himself in a stare down with Sikoa. As soon as Knight returned to the ring, Tonga hit his finisher on Knight and got the win.

**********

– Knight was shown walking backstage and he ran into Hayes again. Knight and Hayes jawed at each other beofre things were broken up by Charles Robinson.

The Cody Rhodes/Logan Paul contract signing

Eh. On one hand, it’s hard to fault WWE for pulling away from the champion vs. champion angle here. Paul doesn’t seem ready to lose his U.S. title because the act is working and we don’t need another pseudo double-champion at the top of the WWE ladder. On the other hand, this all but eliminates any question to the finish at the PLE next weekend. Paul’s not walking out of there with that Undisputed belt and at least the champion vs. champion format felt like it brought a tiny bit of intrigue. Either way, this was a quality segment. The crowd was white-hot for Cody and had a lot of fun at Paul’s expense. Cody, for his part, showed great fire and Paul even held his own as the obnoxious heel he is. This was fun if nothing else.

The crowd was nuclear hot for Cody, who soaked it up. Cody grabbed a mic and did the “Duval” thing for Jacksonville and then asked everyone what they wanted to talk about. Cody said he loves Jacksonville and everyone should know that (Hey! E.W.). Cody asked Paul if he knew that it was the War Games 1992 anniversary and that the match took place in Jacksonville. Cody touted how he is a fan of pro wrestling while Paul is not a fan. Cody called Paul a tourist who only makes viral memories. Cody said it’s time for Cody to become a WWE Grand Slam Champion.

Paul started to respond and the crowd drowned him out with boos. Paul asked Cody if he was stalling because he didn’t come to listen to Cody talk. Paul said he came to sign a contract. Paul said it was a horrible crowd and he was going to sign the contract. Paul looked at the contract and said there was “one little thing.” Paul then tore up the contract as the crowd chanted “He can’t read!” Paul said he agreed to wrestle Cody for only the Undisputed WWE Championship. Paul said he did not agree to put his title on the line. Paul brought his lawyer, which presented a new contract. Paul tried to hand Nick Aldis the new contract and told Aldis to “get this done.”

Aldis said this wasn’t what they agreed to. Aldis called it bad business and it’s unprofessional and Aldis said he won’t stand for it. Paul’s lawyer asked Aldis if he was threatening his client. Cody chimed in and said Aldis is doing a great job. The crowd cheered. Cody asked Aldis if he could have the ring with Paul and he’d bring Aldis the paperwork later. Aldis left the ring. Paul said he signed the contract so it’s done and the match is made. Paul said Cody hasn’t done anything to deserve a shot at his U.S. title and it was funny. Paul told Cody to sign the contract and threw it at Cody.

Cody stood up and got terse with Paul. Cody said the honeymoon with Paul is over. Cody noted how Mike Tyson will knock Paul’s brother out in eight days. Cody signed Paul’s contract and took out Paul and his crew. From there, Cody powerbombed one of Paul’s stooges through a table. Cody threw the U.S. title at Paul, who was on the outside of the ring. Cody’s music hit to end the segment.

**********

– Cathy Kelley interviewed Niz Jax backstage. Jax interrupted Kelley and said everyone says Jade Cargill is so strong and impressive. Jax said Cargill will not be the Queen of the Ring because Nia Jax will be the Queen of the Ring. Jax’s music hit and Jax walked to the ring with a camera following her from behind.

Nia Jax defeated Jade Cargill via DQ to advance in the Queen of the Ring Tournament [2:12]

Umpf. I didn’t like this at all. Two minutes and a dumb finish that took nearly a minute to see through. Not much more to say.

Jax took Cargill down quickly to start things out, but Cargill bounced back quickly and slammed Jax. The action spilled outside, where Jax threw Cargill down in front of Cargill’s daughter. Jax told Cargill’s daughter that her mom sucks. The women got back into the ring, but Cargill ran Jax back outside of it. Cargill ran at Jax, but Jax moved and Cargill ran into a ring post. Jax then roughed up the commentary table and threw some chairs. Jax raised a chair, but Cargill caught the chair and hit Jax with the chair. That marked the end of that. The two continued to fight after the bell and the crowd chanted “Bullsh–!” As a result, WWE, in its infinite PC wisdom, censored the show for a bit. Jax and Cargill had to be separated as the segment ended.

**********

#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) defeated Legado Del Fantasma (Humberto & Angel) [8:37]

There wasn’t much to this, but it’s nice to see Gargano and Ciampa getting some booking love. Will this be the time said love sticks? Only time will tell, but I continue to fall on the side that says it would be nice to see them get a tag title run at some point on the main roster. Plus, Waller and Theory do almost nothing for me as tag champs (pull the trigger on their split already … maybe?). Perhaps this was only to set up a tag title match next Saturday, but even if that’s so, good on Gargano and Ciampa for getting a TV win.

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller sat in on commentary. Gargano and Humberto started the match and Humberto quickly had control until he took Humberto down and tagged in Ciampa. From there, Ciampa cleaned house on both LDF guys. Ciampa and Gargano landed stereo suicide dives on LDF, who were on the outside. Back inside the ring, Ciampa was running the ropes and Angel held the top rope, sending Ciampa to the outside. The show went to a commercial break.

The show returned and Ciampa was beating down Angel until Humberto tagged in and hit the Garza Special. Humberto got a two-count out of it. Humberto and Ciampa tried to suplex each other multiple times until Ciampa got the best of it and suplexed Humberto. Gargano then received the hot tag and took both Humberto and Angel out. Gargano landed a slingshot spear on Humberto and went to the top. Santos Escobar distracted the referee as Elektra Lopez grabbed the leg of Gargano. The referee ejected the rest of LDF from ringside, but #DIY hit Meet Me In The Middle for the victory.

**********

– Graves and Wade Barrett talked about the mysterious QR codes that have been popping up. Whatever happened on the WWE Twitch channel this week was profiled.

– AJ Styles was interviewed backstage via Saxton and Saxton asked where Styles goes from here. Styles said next week, he’s going to go to Nick Aldis’s office and he’ll find out where he goes from there (which was odd; why not go now?). Styles walked away and the show went back to the ring for the main event.

– Bayley was interviewed backstage by Saxton and Chelsea Green and Piper Niven cut her off. Green said Bayley was the reason Niven lost last week. Bayley said they should talk “in the ring” next week.

Randy Orton defeated Carmelo Hayes to advance in the King of the Ring Tournament [10:28]

So … we’re either getting Tonga vs. Jey Uso in the KOTR final, or we’re getting Orton vs. Gunther, aren’t we? Either match should be interesting – the former because of the ongoing Bloodline drama and the latter because holy hell, Orton vs. Gunther might be wild – but I can’t say I’m particularly excited to see Orton vs. Tonga next week. Still, this match was fine for what it was. These days, Orton should get credit for showing up on almost every SmackDown to compete in its main event, but at the same time, there is very much a Randy Orton Match Formula and these matches never really stray from that. Either way, Hayes looked strong in defeat and this was a worthy TV main event.

Things started slowly with the two feeling each other out. Hayes targeted Orton’s knee, which was wrapped, early. Hayes slapped Orton and jawed at the crowd. Orton slowly got up and approached Hayes, kicking Hayes and throwing Hayes into a ring post repeatedly. Orton got in a series of European Uppercuts and threw Hayes over the top rope. Orton went for his now-signature back suplex on the commentary table, but Hayes countered it … only to have Orton sweep Hayes’s legs and then hit that back suplex not once, but twice. The table did not break either time. Orton rolled into the ring and the crowd chanted “one more time!” Orton went back outside the ring, gave the crowd what it wanted, and the show went to its final commercial break.

Back from that break, Hayes was working Orton’s knee inside the ring after gaining control during the break. The crowd chanted “Let’s go Randy!” and Hayes ran to kick Orton’s knee, but Orton moved and came back with a series of clotheslines. Orton set up for the snap powerslam, but Hayes grabbed the ropes and Orton clutched his own knee. Soon after, Orton was successful in his snap powerslam attempt. Hayes came back with a First 48, which was good enough for a two-count.

Hayes pounded on Orton’s knee and went to the top rope. Hayes went for Nothing Nut Net, but Orton moved and landed the draping DDT. Orton teased the RKO, but Hayes rolled up Orton for a near-fall. Hayes went for a springboard cutter, but Orton caught him with the aforementioned RKO. That was enough to get Orton the win. After the match, Kelley tried to interview Orton in the ring, but Tama Tonga’s music hit and out came the Bloodline. Orton had a microphone and wondered if the Bloodline was trying to intimidate him. Orton fired up and listed off his credentials. Orton said next week, he was going to introduce his foot “directly up the ass” of Tama Tonga. Orton shouted “RKO” and the show went off the air.

WWE SmackDown live results: King & Queen of the Ring matches

Posted on by Colin McGuire

With two weeks remaining until the King & Queen of the Ring finals in Saudi Arabia, SmackDown’s tournament action gets underway on tonight’s episode from Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Randy Orton vs. AJ Styles, Angelo Dawkins vs. Tama Tonga, and Carmelo Hayes vs. Baron Corbin are tonight’s opening-round matches in King of the Ring.

Dawkins is replacing Bobby Lashley, who WWE said is unable to compete after suffering an injury during training this week.

On the women’s side of the tournament, three matches are scheduled for tonight’s card. Bianca Belair goes head-to-head with Candice LeRae, Jade Cargill competes against Piper Niven, and Naomi goes up against Nia Jax.

Tonight’s SmackDown also features the fallout from Backlash, which saw Belair & Cargill become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Styles at Backlash and will make an appearance tonight.

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

**********

– A video recapping Backlash from last weekend opened the show.

– Corey Graves ran down the brackets for the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments. Graves threw it to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis, who was in the ring. Aldis introduced Cody Rhodes and Cody made his entrance.

The Cody Rhodes segment

This was fun. For whatever reason, I never considered Paul to be next up in the line of wrestlers Cody will face as Undisputed WWE Champion, but I like it. Paul played his pest heel role well and Cody did a nice job putting him over as becoming a credible wrestler in such a short amount of time. Plus, the “Logan Paul Levesque Era” cracked me up. No way that match ends with a clean finish in two weeks, right? Also, as an aside, did anyone else have All In flashbacks when they saw Cody and Nick Aldis in the ring together? What a tangled web pro wrestling weaves.

The crowd chanted “Cody!” and Cody soaked it in before Aldis congratulated Cody for his win at Backlash. Aldis said they must turn their attention to the King & Queen of the Ring PLE. Aldis said Cody wants to be a fighting champion and because of that, Aldis had determined his next challenger. Aldis introduced Logan Paul and Paul walked to the ring. Paul grabbed a microphone and Cody said he thought he knew what Paul wanted to talk about.

Paul said he wanted a champion vs. champion match at the PLE to truly kick off the “Logan Paul Levesque era.” The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!” Cody said he liked the challenge from Paul and Paul then cut Cody off as Cody was talking. Paul noted how he is the longest reigning champion in WWE, which was wild. Paul called himself the greatest attraction in the company and said he was a superstar. Paul said “Happy Birthday” to a kid in the crowd. Paul talked about how everyone remembered Paul’s spot with Ricochet at the Royal Rumble that Cody won. Paul also noted how he and Cody debuted on the same night three years ago at WrestleMania.

Paul asked Cody how he could finish the story when it wasn’t even Cody’s story. Paul said he would knock Cody out in the ring on top of his Prime logo and walk out of Saudi Arabia as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Cody responded by calling Paul a dumbass. Cody said he wasn’t going to call Paul an influencer, podcaster or anything like that – instead, Cody put over Paul’s skills as a wrestler and the fact that he won the U.S. title this early in his career. Cody said if he won the U.S. title, it would make Cody a WWE Grand Slam Champion.

Cody called Paul disrespectful, delusional and self-centered. Cody said at King & Queen of the King, Paul will find out where Paul stands within WWE. Cody’s music hit as the two champions held their titles up and engaged in a stare down to end the segment.

**********

– AJ Styles was interviewed backstage. Styles said he had Cody beat at Backlash, but he was distracted. Styles said it should be Styles vs. Logan Paul and Saudi Arabia. Styles said the next time he meets Cody, he will beat him and winning the King of the Ring tournament would be a step in that direction.

Nia Jax defeated Naomi to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament [10:07]

This was more competitive than I thought it might be, but I’m not complaining. Naomi got some nice spots, but WWE has done a good job protecting Jax since Jax came back to the company, so it felt inevitable that she’d get the win here (speaking of wins and losses, why can’t Naomi string together some wins sometime soon … please?). All told, it was a fine television match and a worthy first-round tournament bout.

Jax had control early and threw Naomi around. Jax hit a splash and an elbow. With Naomi in the corner, Jax ran at Naomi, but Naomi moved and the match turned with Jax running into the ring post. Naomi then landed a suicide dive on Jax, who was on the outside. Jax bounced back with a Samoan Drop on the outside and the show went to a commercial break.

Back from that break, Jax had control and draped Naomi over the top rope. Jax headbutted Naomi to the outside. Naomi eventually went for a sunset flip into the ring, and Jax tried to sit on Naomi, but Naomi moved to even things out. Naomi tried a clothesline and a back elbow, but it was a modified Disaster Kick that took Jax to her knees. Naomi planted Jax onto the apron and landed a split-legged moonsault for a near-fall.

Naomi hit a leaping elbow and lifted Jax onto the top rope. Naomi went to the top and landed a top-rope Frankensteiner for another near-fall. Naomi hit a series of super-kicks until Jax caught Naomi and power-bombed Naomi. Jax executed a leg drop and followed that up with the Annihilator for the win.

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed Baron Corbin backstage and Corbin talked about how he found himself in NXT. Carmelo Hayes walked into the frame and condescendingly asked Corbin when he got drafted. Hayes gave Corbin advice and said he should have pulled out of the KOTR tournament the way Bobby Lashley did.

– A DIY vignette aired.

Carmelo Hayes defeated Baron Corbin to advance in the King of the Ring tournament [6:31]

Poor Baron Corbin. Fans seem to want to get behind him more often than not anymore, and it really did feel like he got a shot in the arm by teaming with Bron Breakker in NXT … but Carmelo Hayes is The Guy these days, so Corbin’s fate was sealed. Here’s hoping Corbin can get something going on the main roster sooner than later, though. As for the match, it was fun to see Hayes play the plucky heel while Corbin (as a babyface?) came off as the respected veteran well enough. For six-and-a-half minutes, it worked.

Hayes initially jumped out to a quick edge, landing a dropkick to Corbin’s knee and slapping Corbin, but Corbin got angry, landed some strikes and took Hayes out. With Hayes on the outside of the ring, the show went to a commercial break early in the match. The show returned and Hayes landed a springboard clothesline and a facebuster for a two-count. Corbin came back with a Death Valley Driver and a vertical suplex for a two-count.

Ultimately, Hayes hit the First 48 and went to the top, but Corbin moved and clotheslined the hell out of Hayes. Corbin landed a suplex/cutter for a two-count. Corbin then went for an End Of Days, but Hayes rolled through and rolled Corbin up for the win.

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Bayley backstage. Bayley said there were a lot of talented women in the QOTR tournament. Bayley was cut off by Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Green said Niven was going to kick Jade Cargill out of the tournament. Cargill, meanwhile, was shown walking backstage.

– Randy Orton was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Orton said he has accomplished a lot during his WWE tenure, but he hasn’t accomplished being the King of the King. Orton said Styles is great, but it will feel phenomenal to hit an RKO on him later. Orton then talked to Tama Tonga and said he hasn’t forgotten about how he and the Bloodline took out his friend Kevin Owens. Orton said when he crosses paths with Tonga, it won’t be out of nowhere and he’ll make sure Tonga sees it coming.

Jade Cargill defeated Piper Niven to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament [5:15]

Well, that’s the most I’ve ever seen Cargill sell, no matter the company, so that’s a good thing. She could spend some more time learning how to take those short-arm clotheslines, but that’s for another day. Despite the clunky moments, it wasn’t a terrible five-minute match. It might not be the best bout of the night, but it didn’t embarrass anybody. Cargill is a star. There’s no denying that. How much further she can get down the road on that star power alone, only time will tell. She’s getting better in the ring, but there continues to be work to do.

The two locked up and jawed at each other quite a bit to start things out. They traded shoulder blocks, but neither wrestler moved when they were on the receiving end of one. Eventually, Cargill took Niven down with a shoulder block, but Niven came right back, caught Cargill and slammed Cargill before hitting a Senton for a two-count. With Cargill draped over the second rope, Green slapped Cargill as the referee wasn’t looking.

Niven slammed Cargill and hit a short-arm clothesline. Niven did it again. Niven went for a third one, but Cargill blocked it and landed an impressive Blue Thunder Bomb for a two-count. Cargill hit a series of splashes in the corner and punched Green off the apron. Cargill teased Jaded, but Niven blocked it and knocked Cargill down before hitting a Cannonball in the corner for a two-count. Niven tried to climb to the top, but Cargill cut her off, hit a pump kick and landed Jaded for the win.

**********

Bianca Belair defeated Candace LeRae to advance in the Queen of the Ring tournament [2:54]

Not much to this. I remain confused as to why the main roster doesn’t want to do any favors for Candace LeRae because she has considerable talent, but this was little more than a squash match. And in a tournament, no less.

Belair had control early despite Indi Hartwell attempting to interfere. LeRae targeted Belair’s knee and spent the middle of the match working on it until Belair fired up and evened things out with a fallaway slam. Belair tried a vertical suplex, but LeRae worked out of it and hit a chop block. Still, with one good knee, Belair caught LeRae and hit the KOD for the win.

**********

– Paul Heyman was shown talking to Solo Sikoa backstage. Sikoa was still angry about how the Bloodline was drafted in the third round of the SmackDown draft. Sikoa blamed Heyman for taking money out of Sikoa’s pocket. Sikoa mentioned how Heyman looked at Jey Uso last week and asked if Heyman was trying to give Jey a signal. Sikoa told Heyman he had spoken to Roman Reigns since WrestleMania while Heyman hasn’t and Roman said Sikoa is now in charge of the Bloodline. As such, Sikoa explained that Heyman is now Sikoa’s wise man. Sikoa told Heyman, “I love you wise man,” and hugged Heyman to end the segment.

– An Andrade vignette aired.

Tama Tonga defeated Angelo Dawkins to advance in the King of the Ring tournament [2:09]

Another match that didn’t have much to it. You have to wonder if this would have gone differently if Bobby Lashley wasn’t injured. Tonga probably would have advanced. But in two minutes? Maybe not. Either way, this Bloodline 2.0 stuff is getting more intriguing as Heyman appears to be reluctantly taking Sikoa’s orders. That Roman Reigns return will be quite the event whenever it happens.

Tonga jumpstarted the match and attacked Dawkins in a corner. Tonga ran at Dawkins, but Dawkins moved and hit Tonga with a fury of clotheslines, punctuated by a flying elbow. Dawkins then hit a shoulder block that took Tonga outside. Dawkins then punched Sikoa before Montez Ford took out the rest of the Bloodline with a splash on the outside. Dawkins then slammed Tonga before Sikoa hit the Spike on Ford on the outside. That distracted Dawkins enough for Tonga to hit his finisher on Dawkins for the win. After the match, Sikoa hit Dawkins with a Spike before the Bloodline left the ring.

**********

– Next week, the contract signing for Cody vs. Paul will take place. Two men’s KOTR matches are on tap while two QOTR matches will go down as well.

Randy Orton defeated AJ Styles to advance in the King of the Ring tournament [17:07]

This was a very good WWE television main event between two of the company’s most notable stars. My fear coming out of Backlash was that Styles might fade back into loss-laden obscurity and it appears we may be headed in that direction after this defeat. Still, he showed good fire, was given a lot of offense and was able to prove that he still belongs near the top of the card in the company. Orton, for his part, looks to be having some of the most fun of his career (with perhaps a heel turn on the way soon? Maybe?). The result here was a worthy SmackDown main event and one of the better matches of the KOTR tournament so far.

The crowd was hot for this, chanting Orton’s name as the match began. Orton clotheslined Styles to the floor and posed on the second rope early in the match as the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Orton was punching Styles repeatedly. Styles got a bit of wind and landed a pair of sliding elbows/knees. Orton was on the outside of the ring and Styles went out there with him. Orton responded by dropping Styles on the guardrail. Orton then dropped Styles on the announce table. Orton did it again and bowed to the crowd.

Back in the ring, Styles went to work on Orton’s knee with a dropkick and a running chop block. Orton rolled to the outside and Styles ran around the ring to land another running chop block on Orton’s knee. The show then went to its final commercial break. Styles continued to focus on Orton’s knee when the program returned. Styles was on the first rope and Orton kicked Styles over the top and to the floor. When Styles tried to return to the ring, Orton kicked Styles.

Orton landed a series of clotheslines on Styles until Styles rolled Orton up for a two-count. Orton came back up and hit a European Uppercut, which took Styles to the apron. From there, Styles yanked on Orton’s knee over the second rope. Styles set up for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Orton cut Styles off and knocked Styles off the top rope. Styles worked a Calf Crusher but Orton managed to turn it into a rear chin-lock to get out of it. Orton followed that up with a power-slam and a two-count.

Orton placed Styles on the top rope, but Styles slipped out of whatever Orton had it mind. It didn’t matter because Orton caught Styles for a draping DDT. Orton set up for an RKO, but Styles pushed Orton away. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm and hit it this time, but Orton got to the ropes to break up a pin attempt. Styles signaled for a Styles Clash, but Orton pushed Styles away, hit the RKO and got the win. The show almost instantly ended after the pin.

WWE SmackDown live results: The 2024 draft begins

Posted on by Colin McGuire

The 2024 WWE Draft kicks off on tonight’s SmackDown at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Both brands will draft twice per round for a total of 16 picks between SmackDown and Raw.

NXT wrestlers will be eligible while WWE’s champions (except for the Women’s Tag Team Champions) cannot be drafted and will remain on their respective brands. The second night of the event is slated for Monday on Raw.

Plus, Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles will sign the contract for their Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match that’s taking place at Backlash. Styles defeated LA Knight last week to earn the shot at Rhodes.

The LWO’s Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee vs. Legado del Fantasma’s Angel & Humberto is also set. It’s Lee’s first televised match since suffering a backstage attack the night before WrestleMania 40.

We are also slated to find out what’s next for Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga after they attacked Kevin Owens on last week’s episode.

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

**********

– The show began with video of Cody signing weight belts backstage. Shots of AJ Styles walking outside the building followed that. Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair walking backstage was shown. From there, the show went to the arena, where a draft podium was set up. Corey Graves then went over the draft rules. 

– Kayla Braxton was backstage with Paul Heyman, who said Roman Reigns has withdrawn from eligibility from the 2024 draft. Heyman said it’s not a negative; it’s a positive. Heyman then ran down all of Reigns’s accomplishments and asked why he would hog the No. 1 draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future. Heyman said the pressure is now on Nick Aldis and Heyman is intrigued. 

– From there, the show went to Jackie Redmond, who was in Orlando at the WWE Performance Center. The crowd in Orlando was loud as NXT wrestlers sat in chairs. Redmond asked “Who’s next?” and threw it back to SmackDown. Corey Graves was in the ring. 

The Cody Rhodes/AJ Styles contract signing

This was refreshing. No fighting. No nonsense. The trash talk was a little weak, but at least it didn’t follow the tired pro wrestling contract signing formula. It didn’t heat up the match, but it didn’t damage it, either. The Cody/Carmelo match set for later in the show was a fun surprise and it should be a good way to showcase Hayes to an audience that might not know him all that well. This was a solid first half-hour of SmackDown, and that’s not always promised. 

Cody and AJ sat at different tables. In the middle was a mantle with the Undisputed WWE Championship. The crowd was hot. Styles stood up and said before he signs the contract, he wanted to point out that two Georgia boys will be mixing it up for the first time for the biggest prize in the game. Styles talked about how he got his composure back after WrestleMania and he earned the right to face Cody. Styles then said he respects Cody because they’ve been down the same roads and they had to prove themselves outside WWE. The crowd gave Styles the “What?” treatment.

Styles mentioned Dusty Rhodes and the crowd broke into a “Dusty!” chant. Styles said he learned a lot from Dusty and that Dusty was a good man. Styles said Dusty taught him how to carry himself and how to carry the weight of being a champion. Styles said the weight of the title isn’t just leather and gold and at Backlash, he wants to see if Cody can carry it. Styles then signed the contract. Graves picked up the contract and placed it in front of Cody at Cody’s table. 

Cody started by saying, “Cincinnati, what do we want to talk about?” Cody noted how he said Styles is the modern day excellence of execution. Cody said all their respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. Cody said Styles implied that Cody couldn’t carry the weight of the championship. Cody said it isn’t about winning the title; it’s about keeping it. Cody said he respects Styles’s familiarity with his last name, but at Backlash, it will be a level playing field and it won’t be a dream match for Cody. Rather, Cody said it will be a must-win. The crowd chanted “Cody!” and Cody stuck out his hand to shake. 

Styles said it was a beautiful thing to see Cody finish his story and win the title, but it will be a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles then shook Cody’s hand and Styles left the ring. Cody picked up his title and raised it as his music played. Cody left the ring to end the segment. As Cody walked up the walkway, Triple H’s music hit and Triple H walked out.

Round 1 of the 2024 draft

– Triple H welcomed everyone into the first round of the 2024 draft. Hunter was flanked by Cody at the podium. Hunter talked about the GMs for Raw and SmackDown and said Cody will be staying on SmackDown. From there, Cody announced the first SmackDown pick, which was Bianca Belair. 

– Triple H announced that the second pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Main Event Jey Uso. The crowd chanted “Yeet!”

– Cody announced the third pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Carmelo Hayes. 

– Triple H announced the fourth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

– Carmelo Hayes made his entrance with a microphone. Hayes said when they talk about who’s next up and who’s the hottest out, they call him Carmelo Hayes. “Whoop that trick” chants broke out. Hayes spoke to Cody and said when Hayes shoots, he doesn’t miss and as a first-round draft pick, he couldn’t think of a better way to shoot his shot than to shoot it against Cody. Hayes set his microphone down. Cody picked the microphone up and played with the crowd about the possibility of him wrestling tonight. Cody accepted the challenge for later in the show. 

**********

LWO (Dragon Lee & Rey Mysterio) defeated Legado Del Fantasma (Humberto & Angel) [5:25]

A five-minute match with a two-minute commercial break in the middle of it. Perhaps those first couple segments ran a bit longer than anticipated. Either way, this was just a vehicle to close the loop on the Dragon Lee attack from a few weeks ago, but with the draft happening this weekend, I see this as being little more than a way to set up Dragon Lee vs. Carlito at Backlash. I could be wrong. That happens a lot. Anyway, the match was fine enough while it lasted for what we saw. As I said last week about these performers, here’s hoping the draft gives everyone involved here something else to do coming out of it.

Humberto and Dragon Lee started the match. Lee had control early and landed a suicide dive on Humberto, who was on the outside. Back in the ring, Lee hit a cross-body and worked a head-lock. Lee was running the ropes and Angel held the top rope, spilling Lee to the outside. The show then went to a commercial break. Back from break, Lee got a hot tag to Mysterio. Angel tagged in as well. Mysterio hit a sitting Senton and Code Red for a two count. Angel lifted Mysterio, but Mysterio countered into a 619. Lee then tagged in to hit Project Dragon for the win.

After the match, Santos Escobar walked out and said he didn’t lie when he said he didn’t attack Dragon Lee before WrestleMania. Escobar cued up tape as to whom attacked Lee. The footage revealed it was Carlito who attacked Lee. In the ring, Carlito attacked Dragon Lee again and ran out of the ring, through the crowd, looking weirdly unsure of himself. 

**********

Bron Breakker defeated Cedric Alexander [0:16]

Bron ran at Alexander and Alexander countered briefly because Alexander went for a back springboard move and Breakker caught him with a spear for the win.

**********

– A video chronicling last week’s Bayley/Naomi/Tiffany Stratton developments aired. 

– Nick Aldis was shown walking out of his office and he was stopped by Stratton, who asked for a title match. Aldis said that tonight, Stratton will face Naomi again and the winner will face Bayley at Backlash for the WWE Women’s Championship. Stratton asked whose idea that was and Bayley walked into the frame, saying it was her idea. Stratton then invited Bayley to sit at ringside during the match later. 

– Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson were shown coming out of separate rooms, walking to the ring to make the next draft announcements with Wilson representing Raw and McCool representing SmackDown. 

Round 2 of the 2024 draft

– Michelle McCool announced that the fifth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Randy Orton. 

– Torrie Wilson announced that the sixth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Bron Breakker.

– McCool announced that the seventh pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Nia Jax.

– Wilson announced that the eighth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Liv Morgan.

**********

– A video recapping the Bloodline attack on Kevin Owens last week aired. 

– Heyman was shown backstage waiting and a car pulled up. Heyman opened the door and Solo Sikoa exited the vehicle. Sikoa asked Heyman if the Bloodline got drafted yet and Heyman said no. Sikoa asked for all the details. Heyman said Reigns withdrew from the draft and nobody knows what they’re getting if they draft the Bloodline now. Tama Tonga appeared from the other side of the car. Sikoa told Heyman to repeat what he said. Kevin Owens ran in out of nowhere and attacked Tonga. Officials instantly rushed in to break things up. 

– Kayla Braxton was standing in the entrance way to the ring and brought out Bianca Belair. Braxton asked Belair about the tag match at Backlash between Belair/Cargill and the Kabuki Warriors. Belair said she’s had a lot of history with Damage CTRL and Jade Cargill is the perfect person to help her deal with Damage CTRL. Belair said the Kabuki Warriors won’t have a reason to show up to SmackDown after they win the women’s tag team titles at Backlash. Asuka and Kairi Sane made their entrance and held up their titles. Cargill’s music then hit and Cargill walked out to stand next to Belair. The teams jawed at each other. 

In the background, Owens and Tonga brawled out of the entrance way and into the ring. Owens was pummeling Tonga but Sikoa ran out and attacked Owens to give the Bloodline the upper hand. Tonga beat up random security people. Randy Orton’s music hit and Orton walked out to save the day. Orton went for an RKO on Sikoa but Sikoa got out of it. Orton and Owens stood together in the ring and Owens hugged Orton. 

– Bubba Ray Dudley was shown coming out of the SmackDown draft room, walking to the ring. D-Von was shown coming out of the Raw draft room, walking to the ring. 

Round 3 of the 2024 draft

– Bubba announced that the ninth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was LA Knight.

– D-Von announced that the tenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Ricochet. 

– Bubba announced that the eleventh pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Solo Sikoa, MFT Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman, AKA, The Bloodline. 

– D-Von announced that the twelfth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Sheamus. 

**********

Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton via DQ [6:22]

The finish was trash. I really thought we were destined to get Stratton vs. Bayley locked up for Backlash, but maybe a tag match is in the works for the PLE. Either way, it’s a good way to reintroduce Jax to the SmackDown audience and she looked as dominant as ever, which is a good thing. I’m just not a fan of these lazy finishes that does nothing for any of the wrestlers who actually compete in the actual match. Still, the women worked hard and the match, short as it was, was better than expected and probably the best these two looked together in the ring.

Bayley was on commentary for the match. Naomi hit a Thez Press to begin the match. Naomi sent Stratton to the ropes and Stratton stopped herself, going to the outside. Naomi landed a dropkick to the outside and rolled Stratton back into the ring. Naomi went to the top, but Stratton moved and draped Naomi over the second rope, hitting a hip attack. Naomi came right back and landed a modified piledriver and a split takedown on the floor. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, Stratton had control until Naomi hit a back kick and drove Stratton’s head into the mat for a two count. Before long, the two landed the same move on each other, slamming each other down. Naomi came out of it with the upper hand and hit an enziguri. Out of nowhere, Nia Jax showed up and attacked Bayley at ringside. Naomi went to help and Jax attacked Naomi, giving Naomi the DQ win. 

After the match ended, Stratton set Naomi and Bayley up, went to the top and for the second week hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever on Naomi and Bayley. Stratton posed to end the segment. 

**********

– Byron Saxton interviewed the Street Profits and B-Fab backstage. Next week, the Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the tag team titles. B-Fab said they are going to take the heels down and Austin Theory and Grayson Waller appeared, talking trash. Bobby Lashley showed up and scared Theory and Waller off. 

– Teddy Long was shown coming out of the SmackDown draft room, walking to the ring. JBL was shown coming out of the Raw draft room, walking to the ring.

– Karrion Kross was shown backstage and Kross dragged the camera man to show the Final Testament beating up Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne.  

Round 4 of the 2024 draft

– Long announced that the thirteenth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was AJ Styles.

– JBL announced that the fourteenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Chad Gable, Otis, Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri, AKA Alpha Academy. 

– Long announced that the fifteenth pick of the draft, which went to SmackDown, was Andrade. 

– JBL announced that the sixteenth pick of the draft, which went to Raw, was Kiana James. 

**********

– A video package on Kiana James aired. Jackie Redmond interviewed James in Orlando. James said being drafted meant the world to her, but she’s ready to show Raw why James is the One Percent. Shawn Michaels appeared and whispered things into James’s ear. Michaels and James hugged. 

– A package recapping Trick Williams winning the NXT Championship on Tuesday aired. 

– Braxton interviewed Nick Aldis backstage. Aldis said he felt good about his draft selections. Aldis then announced that Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Stratton for the WWE Women’s Championship will take place at Backlash. Teddy Long then announced that Owens and Orton will take on Sikoa and Tonga at Backlash as well. 

– Next week’s SmackDown will feature Cody and AJ going face to face. New Catch Republic will take on AOP. The Street Profits vs. A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championship will also go down. Finally, The RKO Show will commence for the first time ever. 

Cody Rhodes defeated Carmelo Hayes [8:41]

Good for Hayes, holding his own after being thrown into the fire on his first SmackDown as an official member of the roster. There wasn’t any mystery when it came to the outcome, but that didn’t mean both guys dropped the ball on their performances. It’s clear WWE is high on Hayes – and rightfully so – and as such, I’m curious to see how his main roster will begin in earnest after this loss. A fine TV main event, if nothing else. 

The two locked up to begin things as the crowd chanted “Cody!” Cody landed the dropdown punch early and Hayes came back with a springboard takedown. Cody responded with a clothesline The show then went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Cody had control until Hayes stopped Cody with a chop. The two eventually traded a bunch of chops and Cody back-dropped Hayes, but Hayes came back with a Facebuster and a springboard fadeaway DDT for a two-count. 

Before long, Cody hit a Disaster Kick for a two-count. The two, on their knees, traded blows until Cody lifted Hayes and hit a running powerslam for another two-count. Cody landed a Cody Cutter after that for a nice near-fall. Out of nowhere, Hayes landed the First 48 before heading to the top rope. Cody moved and hit a super-lkick. The two attempted springboard moves, but both missed. Cody sold shoulder pain as a result of the missed move, but hit CrossRhodes for the win.

Cody was posing after the win and AJ Styles showed up in the ring out of nowhere. Cody and AJ engaged in a stare down and shook hands to close the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Cody Rhodes and Bayley appear

Posted on by Marc Quill

After winning the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes will make his first SmackDown appearance as the company’s top champion tonight.

Rhodes won the title from Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania 40 night two. Reigns’ loss put an end to his dominant 1,316-day run as champion.

Tonight, WWE will begin determining Rhodes’ first challenger.

Two triple threat matches will take place on tonight’s SmackDown: Bobby Lashley vs. Santos Escobar vs. LA Knight and AJ Styles vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Kevin Owens. The winners advance to face off in a number one contender’s match next Friday to determine who’s first in line for a shot at Rhodes.

An appearance by new WWE Women’s Champion Bayley has also been announced for SmackDown. Bayley defeated her former Damage CTRL stablemate IYO SKY for the title at WrestleMania.

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

– A recap of WrestleMania XL Night Two’s main event kicked off the show, as Cody Rhodes finished the story and became the Undisputed WWE Champion by defeating Roman Reigns.

Cody Rhodes opens the show

Corey Graves and Wade Barrett welcomed us from inside the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan for SmackDown.

The new Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a great ovation from the Detroit crowd.

Rhodes talked about how the Rock’s appearance on Raw made him think of a particular Detroit native and a particular line they’re known for, “who the hell told you it was open mic night, bitch?” (in reference to Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes)

He addressed how Rock’s confrontation on Monday felt like a “wartime overture” and that he’d be waiting for the Rock once he returned to Hollywood. He switched gears to the upcoming Backlash Premium Live Event in France, as he sized up the competition he could potentially face, pending the results of the two Triple Threat matches this evening.

Rhodes said that he was no longer the hunter, but the hunted, and that if the six men vying for the a shot at him, “they’d best not miss,” as he reintroduced himself as “once undesirable, undeniable, and now the Undisputed WWE Champion.” Rhodes posed with his championship as the crowd cheered him on.

**********

– Bayley and Rey Mysterio were shown walking backstage.

– Backstage, the Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso were shown standing in front of Cody Rhodes’ locker room, which was formerly the Bloodline’s locker room. Kevin Owens walked into the room as Sikoa said he’d take care of it. Paul Heyman told Sikoa that Rhodes was the champion and that winning and losing mattered, carrying consequences with it. He said that by orders of the Tribal Chief, the Undisputed WWE Championship needed to return to the Bloodline.

– A promo for Raw from Montreal this coming Monday hyped Sami Zayn versus Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Title and Sheamus’ return.

Number One Contender’s Triple Threat Match: LA Knight defeated Santos Escobar and Bobby Lashley

Once the bell rang, Escobar ran at Knight before he got double-teamed by Knight and Lashley. Knight tried to roll up Lashley, but to no avail.

Lashley was pulled out of the ring by Knight as they brawled for a bit before Escobar dove onto the two of them. SmackDown went to commercial at this point of the match.

We returned from break with Lashley and Escobar fighting in the ring. Both men were on the top turnbuckle as Escobar desperately tried to escape. Knight jumped up the top rope and tried to go for a superplex, but Lashley powerbombed both Knight and Escobar for the near-fall.

Knight fought out of a Phantom Driver attempt by Escobar, as he hit his Megastar Elbow on him. Escobar was in the crosshairs of Knight before Legado Del Fantasma attacked Knight and flattened him with the triple powerbomb. They laid waste to Lashley before the Street Profits ran in to fend off Angel and Berto.

Lashley took Escobar down with a Flatliner and looked to have him finished off with a Spear. Escobar dodged it, which caused Lashley to crash into the ringpost. Knight snuck up behind Escobar and got the win with the B.F.T.

A fun triple threat opener to kick off SmackDown, and LA Knight as the winner is the right call. Whether or not he goes on to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship remains to be seen, but it could be an interesting match if it somehow happened.

**********

– Backstage, the LWO were interviewed. Rey Mysterio said that whether it was Santos Escobar or Ridge Holland, karma was going to bite them. Kayla Braxton told Mysterio that Escobar denied attacking Dragon Lee last week, but Mysterio switched topics by saying that he was going to win the No. 1 Contenders’ Triple Threat Match later on and that although he was a WWE Hall of Famer, he might have one more championship run in him.

– Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman made their way to the ring, as we’d hear from them up next on SmackDown.

The Bloodline address the fallout of WrestleMania

Paul Heyman started off by saying that the Bloodline offered no excuses for what happened at WrestleMania. He said by orders of Roman Reigns, the Bloodline needed to accept accountability. Heyman said that Cody Rhodes ‘flipped the script’ on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40 before he pointed out that Seth Rollins stayed true to the word of being Rhodes “Shield”.

Heyman talked about how Reigns gave into temptation and got distracted by the lust of revenge on Rollins for the Shield’s destruction, and that Rhodes took advantage of it to become the new Undisputed WWE Champion.

Before Heyman could continue, Solo Sikoa grabbed the mic and said that winning and losing mattered, and that “consequences needed change”. Sikoa stared down Jimmy Uso and gave him an embrace. “You’re my brother, I love you,” said Sikoa.

Suddenly, a man in a black hoodie appeared and attacked Jimmy from behind, revealed to be Tama Tonga. As Tonga continued the attack, he held him up for Sikoa to hit multiple Samoan Spikes on Jimmy. In the corner, Heyman begged for his life, but Sikoa just grabbed him so he could join in the Bloodline salute. Heyman tried to call for Roman Reigns on his phone, but Sikoa smashed it before he went to ringside and grabbed a steel chair.

Sikoa placed the chair around Jimmy’s neck as he once again said, “I love you, brother”. Heyman shouted “this is not what the Tribal Chief wants!” as Sikoa ran right into the prone Jimmy Uso on the corner.

Sikoa and Tonga left the ring, while Heyman looked nervous about what went down in the ring. 

Very effective introduction for Tama Tonga as a new Bloodline member, showing up to punish Jimmy Uso for his failures. Tonga being brought by Sikoa and seemingly not under orders of Roman Reigns creates a very interesting divide within the Bloodline, and there’s a very good chance that a certain Final Boss may have carried out this edict. All in all, a good way to keep the Bloodline story going with Reigns and The Rock looking like they’ll be absent for the foreseeable future.

**********

Bron Breakker defeated Cameron Grimes

Breakker got started right away with two suplexes until Grimes fought out of it. Breakker recovered and got a full head of speed to hit a hard-hitting clothesline on Grimes. 

Grimes escaped and tried to leap at Breakker, who planted him with a slam. Breakker pulled down the straps and ran through Grimes with a vicious Spear for the easy victory.

Short, but sweet squash to keep Breakker in focus after his recent farewell to NXT. Nothing much more to say.

– The Progressive Insurance Match Flo was a recap of some of WrestleMania XL’s moments, including Bayley winning the WWE Women’s Championship, which segued into Bayley herself walking backstage, as we’d hear from her up next.

– AJ Styles spoke backstage about the upcoming Triple Threat Match that’s main eventing SmackDown. He said that Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens were in the way of something bigger, and that tonight would be a taste of what LA Knight would feel next week.

Bayley speaks about her WWE Women’s Championship victory

The new WWE Women’s Champion Bayley entered to a massive reaction from the Detroit crowd. She took time to high five some of the fans on her way to the ring.

The crowd chanted “you deserve it!” at Bayley as she entered the ring. She said that it felt good to hear the crowd chanting that.

Bayley said that she felt damn proud to be called the new WWE Women’s Champion. She said that her win at WrestleMania felt so special because it was different. She said that it felt different because she got to be the champion of a new, exciting era, which represented the best women’s locker room in memory. Bayley gave thanks for the fans who have been there for her for 11 years, thanking them for never giving up on her.

Before she could continue, Bayley was interrupted by Tiffany Stratton, who started by saying how rude it was that she never got her opportunity at WrestleMania. She said that she accepted Bayley’s supposed open challenge, because it was Tiffy Time.

Bayley said that there wasn’t an open challenge and that she had someone in mind for her next challenger, namely Naomi. Stratton protested, which prompted Naomi herself to enter the scene.

Stratton bragged about having already beaten Naomi, which prompted an immediate response. Naomi said that she couldn’t accept Bayley’s challenge just yet, because she wanted to take on Tiffany Stratton right here and right now. 

– Kayla Braxton stood in front of the doctor’s office, as she discussed about what happened with Jimmy Uso and Tama Tonga earlier. Paul Heyman stepped out of the room with a concerned look on his face and was confronted by Tonga, who said “by orders of the Tribal Chief.” Sikoa appeared next to Tonga as the two left the scene. Heyman wondered what it all meant.

Naomi defeated Tiffany Stratton

Back in the ring, the match started during the commercial break. Naomi hit a nice leg drop on Stratton for a two-count. She continued the attack on Stratton’s arm afterwards. Bayley was at ringside, encouraging Naomi.

Stratton recovered and began to attack Naomi in the corner with repeated shoulder thrusts. Stratton tripped up Naomi and then hit a running hip strike to her prone opponent along the middle rope. 

Naomi fought back with a dropkick as she hit Stratton with a kick from the apron. Stratton shoved Naomi into the ring post to send her crashing outside, which sent us to a mid-match commercial.

SmackDown resumed with Naomi hitting a flying crossbody, then a springboard kick on Stratton. She followed this up with a running dropkick in the corner on Stratton. With her foe in position, Naomi got the splash, which Stratton barely kicked out of.

Stratton with the O’Connor Roll, followed by the double stomp. Naomi kicked out at two. Stratton countered Naomi in the corner to flatten her with a nice Alabama Slam. Naomi avoided the Prettiest Moonsault Ever and got the jackknife pin for the surprise victory. The win earned Naomi a future shot at Bayley’s WWE Women’s Championship.

A good match between Naomi and Stratton, and while some might be disheartened by Stratton losing this match, it’s probably too soon for her to be competing for the title in a match she’d probably lose. A loss against Naomi certainly won’t hurt her future stock. And as far as a first challenger goes for Bayley, Naomi isn’t a bad option.

**********

– An A-Town Down Under vignette was shown before we went to the office of SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who had the Street Profits & New Catch Republic with him. Aldis said that they’d find a challenger for Austin Theory & Grayson Waller next week.

– United States Champion Logan Paul was at his house, as he cut a promo about his successful WrestleMania weekend defending his title. He boasted about how he had a hand at WrestleMania’s success.

– Earlier Today footage showed Chelsea Green and Piper Niven talking to Nick Aldis, who told them that he had some opponents in mind for them.

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair defeated Chelsea Green and Piper Niven

Cargill and Belair were revealed as Green and Niven’s mystery opponents that Nick Aldis lined up for them.

Belair started off with a standing spinebuster on Green, who quickly tagged Niven in. As Belair tried to tag Cargill, Niven grabbed her hair and then hit a sitdown powerbomb. Belair avoided the diving splash, which gave her time to tag Cargill in.

During the match, part of the screen glitched briefly to display a cryptic message of “you forgot about us”.

WIth Green as the legal woman, Cargill made short work of her, as she put this match to a quick end with Jaded.

It’s clear that Cargill and Belair are being set up as the team that will defeat the Kabuki Warriors, and it’s not a bad place for them, to be honest. This helps Cargill get her reps in and a nice set up for a potential feud between the two when the time comes for it. Cargill’s presence is as impressive as ever, with her grand, superhero-like entrance and it’s always a treat to see every week.

**********

– Kevin Owens was with Byron Saxton backstage. Owens wondered about the cool camera shots they’ve been doing recently, as he grabbed Saxton’s mic and began to talk about his upcoming match with Rey Mysterio and AJ Styles. The camera followed Owens as he made his entrance with a custom Detroit Tigers championship belt.

– Next Week on Smackdown: WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley versus Naomi; Tag Team Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contenders’ Match: Street Profits versus Authors of Pain versus New Catch Republic versus Legado Del Fantasma; LA Knight versus AJ Styles (winner faces Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash)

Number One Contender’s Triple Threat Match: AJ Styles defeated Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens

The match started with Mysterio and Styles mixing it up, as Owens clotheslined Styles to the outside. Owens threw Styles against the barricade and rammed into him for the Cannonball. Mysterio flattened Owens with a splash, which sent us to the last commercial break for the evening.

We returned to live action with Styles, Owens, and Mysterio all in the ring. Mysterio countered an attempted Owens powerslam into a DDT, as he then reversed Styles’ attempt at a piledriver into a move of his own for the near-fall.

Mysterio had Styles set up for the 619, but Styles grabbed Mysterio’s legs and lifted him up for the ushigoroshi. Styles then began to fight Owens in the corner until Mysterio sent him outside the ring. Mysterio met Owens in the corner and got hit with a nasty superplex from the top rope. Mysterio managed to kick out at two.

Owens avoided a standing moonsault from Styles and hit a superkick. Pop-up Powerbomb countered into a Pele Kick. Mysterio kicked Styles to stop a Styles Clash attempt. Owens hit a powerful double-stack German suplex on both Styles and Mysterio.

Owens flipped Mysterio into Styles, who got sent into the ropes for another 619 attempt. Mysterio connected, but couldn’t capitalize because Owens got him with the Stunner on the apron.

Swanton by Owens blocked by Styles, as Mysterio fought Styles on the top rope. Styles got the upper hand and hit an Avalanche Styles Clash on Mysterio right on the prone Kevin Owens to get the victory. Styles will now face LA Knight next week for a shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash.

After the match, Knight appeared in the ring to talk trash with Styles to end the show.

**********

A very solid main event between three excellent competitors, and I enjoyed the chemistry that Styles, Mysterio, and Owens had. Obviously, Styles versus Knight for a shot at Cody Rhodes’ title was the call, and it seems like they’re going to have Styles be Rhodes’ first title challenger. I’m interested in how they get there next week.

Speaking of Cody Rhodes, I would’ve liked to see at least another segment with Rhodes, because it seemed odd that he just appeared in the opening segment and not anywhere else. I did like the implication that as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, he now gets the locker room formerly belonging to the Bloodline.

Tama Tonga’s introduction and the implications for the Bloodline was the night’s strongest segment. The intrigue of where Tonga’s loyalties truly lie and whether or not Solo Sikoa has taken over the Bloodline or acting on the orders of a new Tribal Chief is a great story thread to develop over the next little while with The Rock off shooting his new movies and Roman Reigns on a well-deserved break.

All in all, I enjoyed this SmackDown and it was a good post-WrestleMania show that sets up a very interesting new chapter for the Bloodline, while setting the stage for challengers to the new champions of the blue brand.

WWE SmackDown live results: Final stop before WrestleMania 40

Posted on by Colin McGuire

On the eve of WrestleMania 40, SmackDown takes place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia tonight.

The 2024 Andre the Giant Battle Royal is part of the SmackDown lineup. Andrade, Ricochet, Chad Gable, Bronson Reed, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Omos are among those advertised to compete in the match.

One day before he’s set to take on his twin brother at WrestleMania, Jey Uso will battle Solo Sikoa tonight.

A KO Show segment with Kevin Owens and Randy Orton is also set. Owens and Orton are both challenging Logan Paul for the United States title in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 40 night two this Sunday.

Zelina Vega will go one-on-one with Elektra Lopez after the two were part of the brawl between the LWO and Legado Del Fantasma last week. And New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) will face Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson). 

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

**********

– A video hyping WrestleMania began the show. The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal statue was shown. The building was set up without the big video screen and instead, a simple walk way. Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens walked out for the first segment. 19,833 was the announced attendance. The Spanish Announce Team was also present for commentary. 

The KO Show

Really not a lot to say about the first 20 minutes of the show. Owens and Orton chasing Paul up and down the side of I-95 is a fun hook for the rest of the show. WWE packed a lot of people into that arena and the crowd is hot. Philadelphia is a great wrestling town. Let’s see if that holds up until after midnight when, presumably, the Hall of Fame will conclude. 

Owens soaked in the cheers as he stared at the WrestleMania sign and the crowd chanted “KO!” Owens eventually welcomed everyone into “a special edition of The Kevin Owens Show.” Randy Orton was officially introduced and out, Orton walked. The two sat in separate chairs and Owens outlined their WrestleMania match and noted how both Orton and Owens hate Logan Paul. The crowd chanted “Logan sucks!” Owens asked Orton to rate how awful Paul is and Paul started to talk into a microphone – from the WrestleMania stage across the street at Lincoln Financial Field. 

Paul said he’s two steps ahead of Owens and Orton. Owens said the stadium is, in fact, right across the street. As a result, Owens and Orton threw their microphones down and left through the crowd to get to the Link. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller climbed out from under the ring and ran after Owens and Orton through the crowd. The show then went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Owens and Orton grabbed a golf cart and started the ride across the street. Waller and Theory chased them through the parking lot. The show went back inside the arena. 

**********

– A video package set up the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Big Bronson Reed won the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal [10:10]

I’m sorry, but 10 minutes for a battle royal just isn’t enough. I have all the love and respect for Andre The Giant and I’m all for a way to keep his name alive all these years later, but I’m not sure this is it anymore. Not only is it relegated to the SmackDown before Actual WrestleMania, but it’s usually nothing but comedy (and to be fair, this felt like more comedy than usual). Reed getting the win made sense as WWE seems to always want to do something with him, but they never appear to want to do it enough to, you know, actually do something with him. This might be the first step in a post-Mania push and that could be a lot of fun. As for this battle royal, I’m not even sure “fun” is an accurate word. 

Pretty Deadly tried to go after Omos to start things off while everyone else stood around and watched. Omos eliminated Kit Wilson. Elton Prince then eliminated himself. The match started in earnest and Angel and Berto were immediately eliminated via Del Cruz and Wilde. Cameron Grimes was quickly eliminated. This was all within the first minute of the thing. Jinder Mahal and Apollo Crews were eliminated. The Creed Brothers got rid of Indus Sher. Omos slammed JD McDonagh and the show went to a commercial break. All of this happened before the three-minute mark. 

Back form that break, a replay showed Omos accidentally eliminating himself while eliminating the Creeds. Ivar tossed out Cedric Alexander. Ivar eliminated Shante Thee Adonis. The final five were Otis, Bronson Reed, Ivar, Ricochet and Tozawa. The three big men squared off and Ivar and Reed hit dual cross body-blocks on each other. Ricochet jumped at Reed, but Reed caught him and placed Ricochet on the apron. McDonagh (who I did not see what still alive when I noted the final five) pulled Ricochet off the apron to eliminate him. Tozawa eliminated McDonagh and the final four was set at Otis, Ivar, Reed and Tozawa. 

Otis did The Worm on Reed, but Ivar instantly eliminated Otis. Ivar lifted Tozawa and threw him onto Otis, but Otis didn’t catch him and Tozawa took a nasty bump. The final two were Reed and Ivar. Ivar executed a cartwheel at one point. He followed that up with a spinning back kick and things looked good for the viking. Ivar went to the top and missed a moonsault. Reed popped up and clotheslined Ivar over the top for the win. 

**********

– Logan Paul was shown walking backstage at Wells Fargo instead of the Link. He was smiling. 

– A video from The Final Testament aired. Karrion Kross mocked Lashley for having little to nothing to do at least year’s WrestleMania. Kross said he carried their conflict to a must-see fight and that got them both a match at ‘Mania. Kross was overly angry as the vignette finished up. 

– Logan Paul’s music hit and Paul walked out of the entrance at Wells Fargo to a bunch of boos from the crowd.  

The Logan Paul segment

A lot of nothing here. Paul is good at playing a heel who isn’t as smart as he thinks he is. Owens and Orton are a lot of fun in buddy mode. And while Paul got his comeuppance this time around, it’s hard to think he loses that U.S. title at ‘Mania considering how thick they are laying it on with Paul constantly being outnumbered by Orton and Owens. We’ll see. 

Paul said Philly is trash as he spoke on the way to the ring. Paul kept saying mean things about the city. He said all he saw in the crowd was idiots. Paul said he will be wrestling two of the dumbest dudes in WWE. Paul said Orton has a brain the size of a peanut while Owens uses all his brainpower to digest his latest meal. Paul said he’s playing chess, a game of cat and mouse. The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment, but Paul kind of laughed it off. Paul said Waller and Theory will ambush Orton and Owens at the site of WrestleMania. 

Video from inside Lincoln Financial Field was shown. Waller and Theory said they looked everywhere and they couldn’t find Owens and Orton. Paul was talking to them, but the lights came up and Orton and Owens were surrounding Paul at ringside. Paul tried to run away, but Owens caught him and rolled Paul into the ring. Paul took a Stunner. The crowd chanted “RKO” and Orton set up for it. Naturally, Orton landed the RKO on Paul and that ended the segment. 

**********

– Dragon Lee was shown on the ground backstage, a victim of a recent attack. The LWO music hit and Rey Mysterio walked towards the ring with Zelina Vega. Dirty Dom and Andrade accompanied Elektra Lopez and Santos Escobar to the ring for the next match. 

Elektra Lopez defeated Zelina Vega [2:35 of TV time]

Umpf. This was rough. Lopez never quite came along as far as some thought she might in NXT when it came to her in-ring work. And Vega just doesn’t wrestle all that much anymore. I’m not a fan of joining matches in progress, but perhaps that was on purpose here and it was for the best. The Andrade turn after the match felt inevitable, and here’s my two-cent guess that he replaces Dragon Lee on the ‘Mania card. Poor Dragon Lee. I really thought the WWE decision-makers were putting some fire behind him. Maybe after this weekend?

The match was joined in progress. The two traded blows. Vega gained momentum with some clotheslines. Vega hit a double knees and that was enough to get a two-count. Vega went to the second rope, but Lopez caught Vegan and landed Elektra-Fire for a two-count. Lopez went to the second rope, but Vega cut her off and hit the first part of a 619. Vega then hit the Hammerlock DDT, but Dom got on the apron to distract the referee. Rey pulled Dom off the apron and Lopez hit the Elektra Shock for the win.

After the match, Dominik attacked Mysterio and things seemed to be going the heels’ way, but Andrade fought back for Rey and cleared house. Andrade shook Rey’s hand and hugged him and Vega. Looks like Andrade and Vega might finally be back together. 

**********

The Bianca Belair/Naomi/Jade Cargill segment

Boy, WWE is doing all they can to limit Cargill’s time on the mic, in the ring, and so forth and so on. At some point, someone is going to have to ask her to swim. Maybe that’s this weekend?

Belair and Naomi came to the ring first and Belair began by saying she has been fighting Damage CTRL longer than anyone. Belair said then Naomi showed up and reminded Belair why she was fighting in the first place. Naomi noted how Belair was “getting dragged every week.” Naomi then said they are going to WrestleMania, they pointed to the sign and everyone cheered. Belair said Damage CTRL’s problem is that they’ve been at the top for so long, they weren’t expecting anyone else to come through. Cue Cargill’s entrance. 

Cargill began by thanking Belair and Naomi once she got in the ring. Cargill said Damage CTRL “stepped up and got stepped on” and now Cargill will get to show the WWE Universe what she is all about. Cargill said they will show why there’s “no damage control.” Cargill told Damage CTRL they are now “in the eye of the storm.” Cargill’s music then hit and the three women pointed at the WrestleMania sign to end things.

**********

– Jey Uso was shown backstage saying he will whoop up on his brother Solo Sikoa later. Jey said “yeet” and the crowd responded in kind with their own “yeet.” The show then returned back to the main stage, where Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate made their entrance. 

– Backstage, Mysterio was told Dragon Lee won’t be cleared to wrestle this weekend. Andrade chimed in and said he would be his partner at ‘Mania. Carlito popped up and told them to take down Santos and Dominik (and don’t tell me this doesn’t have Zelina and Andrade turning heel all over it because if you do, I will not believe or agree with you). 

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Grayson Waller & Austin Theory [7:27]

This was pretty good while it lasted. The commercial break didn’t do it any favors, but the four men worked hard and it felt like the first real match of the night (about an hour and 15 minutes into the program, mind you). I continue to believe that Dunne and Bate are darkhorses to win at least one set of those tag titles that we all seem to believe will be split up this weekend. Fingers crossed. As for Theory and Waller? It’s about time for something new, don’t you think?

Dunne and Theory started the match and Dunne quickly had control. Bate tagged in and landed a Senton. Waller tagged in, but Bate kept control with a head-scissors takedown. Bate then spun Waller and hit a flip dive onto Theory on the outside. When Bate tried to return to the ring, Waller caught him and hit a Tornado DDT on Bate on the apron. The heels posed as the show went to a commercial break. 

The show returned and Waller hit a rolling Blockbuster on Bate for a two-count. Bate powered up and landed a vertical suplex to even things out. Bate got the hot tag to Dunne, who ran in and took out the heels with a series of enziguris. Dunne stomped on Waller’s hands and fired up the crowd. Dunne did the the fingers spot on Waller until Theory broke it up with a rolling dropkick. Things broke down and Waller punched Bate on the outside before going for a rolling … something … on Dunne inside the ring, and Dunne punched Waller. Bate tagged in and the duo did the Birming-Hammer on the heels for the win. 

After the match, Judgment Day ran out and attacked both teams. This included Rhea Ripley, who watched as each member performed their finisher on members of both teams. 

**********

– A Bayley/IYO SKY vignette aired. 

The LA Knight segment

This guy is still getting massive pops and good for him. Video of last week’s angle with AJ Styles aired. Knight stood in the ring and the crowd chanted his name. Knight gave the “Let me talk to ya” line and everyone erupted. Knight kept saying “Yeah!” and the crowd ate it up. Knight took off his sunglasses and said he thinks Styles is phenomenal – “at not showing up and running away.” Knight stumbled and the crowd helped him along. Knight told Styles to grab his crying towel because all Styles has been doing is crying about Knight. Knight said he makes Styles interesting and he’s going to give Styles “three the hard way” as he boots him through the field goal posts. Knight closed with the “LA Knight, yeah!” catchphrase and that was it. No shenanigans. 

**********

– Bobby Lashley’s group cut a vignette promo. B-Fab said there will be nowhere for the Final Testament to hide. Lashley chimed in and said this weekend, they will finish the Final Testament. Jey Uso then made his entrance and the crowd was way, way, way into it. 

Jey Uso defeated Solo Sikoa via DQ [6:30]

An expected match from everything to the finish to whatever we saw. For only six-and-a-half minutes, this was as predictable as anyone could think it would be. Cody giving a go-home speech didn’t pack as much of a punch as the go-home angle on Raw did, but we’re already pretty much there. So, it’s hard to complain. At this point, it’s simply time to turn it up on all ends. 

The match started with some back and forth. Sikoa was on the outside and Jey ran at him, but Solo cut him off with a strike. Sikoa then slammed Jey onto the ring apron. The show then went to the final commercial break of the night. When the show returned, Sikoa had the upper hand until Jey punched his way out of it. Sikoa eventually caught him and slammed Jey to take control. Sikoa ran at Jey, but Jey moved and Sikoa ran into the corner. Jey got the better of things with an enziguri and a hip attack. 

Jey ran at Sikoa and Sikoa countered into a Samoan Drop. Sikoa set up for the spike, but Jey countered into a bunch of super-kicks. Jey hit a splash from the top and Jimmy ran down to attack Jey. Sikoa gave Jey the Spike. Cody’s music and Cody with Seth ran to the ring to take care of Jimmy and Solo. Cody took off his weight belt and whipped up on Jimmy and Solo. Cody gave Jimmy a Cross Rhodes. Seth had Cody’s belt and the crowd sand Seth’s theme song. Seth then hit Jimmy with the belt and Jey hit the Uso Splash on Jimmy. 

Cody grabbed a microphone and said that tomorrow night, Seth Rollins and him are going to slap the Rock so hard, they will move his body from his soul. Cody finished up by saying on Sunday he’s going to dethrone Roman Reigns. Cody said he will finish the story and after that, a better one will begin. Cody pointed to the WrestleMania sign and the show ended. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Jade Cargill arrives

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After having her WWE in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble, Jade Cargill is set to make her first appearance as a member of the SmackDown roster tonight.

During her Rumble appearance, Cargill eliminated Nia Jax and Becky Lynch, in addition to having a memorable staredown with Bianca Belair. Cargill had been a free agent in storyline until a video package last week revealed that she’s signed with SmackDown.

Belair is taking on Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai in singles action tonight.

Also on tap for tonight’s show, the last two teams for the Undisputed Tag Team title ladder match at WrestleMania 40 will be determined. The Street Profits vs. Austin Theory & Grayson Waller and Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Angel & Humberto will decide the final participants for the ladder match.

Kevin Owens & Randy Orton vs. Pretty Deadly is also set. Owens and Orton are challenging for Logan Paul’s United States title in a triple threat match at WrestleMania.

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

**********

– The show opened with a shot of Philadelphia and Corey Graves hyping up WrestleMania. Graves then set up a video package recapping what happened between The Rock and Cody Rhodes on Raw. 

– The Bloodline was shown walking backstage. Bianca Belair and Damage CTRL were shown arriving to the building earlier in the day as well. Randy Orton then made his entrance for the first match. 

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) defeated Kevin Owens & Randy Orton [7:02]

This had angle alert written all over it, but good for Pretty Deadly being the ones to get the rub as a result of the shenanigans. I keep wondering about how they initially seemed to get a push once they got to the main roster, but then the injury happened, and they just kind of/sort of went away. Perhaps they’ll get some love coming out of WrestleMania. Anyway, the match wasn’t much. Seven minutes and two of those were lost to commercial. Does Orton or Owens turn at ‘Mania? It feels like Paul retains the U.S. title, doesn’t it? I’m looking forward to the match, but here’s hoping they find a way to heat this program up beyond “Logan Paul is a chicken-s%@ heel against two badasses” on next week’s go-home episode. 

Owens and Wilson started the match, but Orton tagged in quickly. Prince tagged in as well. Orton handled Prince with ease. Before long, Orton hit Wilson off the apron, but that led to the Pretty Deadly guys gaining control. Prince then suplexed Orton onto the commentary table and the show went to a commercial break. When the show returned, Orton was firing up and before long, Owens got the hot tag. Owens worked over Prince with a fury of moves before going to the top rope. Owens went for a Swanton, but Prince got his knees up. 

Meanwhile, on the outside, Wilson and Orton brawled. Orton cleaned off the commentary table, but Prince made the save for Wilson. As that happened, Logan Paul ran in and hit Owens with brass knuckles as the referee wasn’t looking. Prince ran in the ring as Owens was laid out and pinned him for the win. After the match, Orton saw the replay on the big screen and Orton looked for Paul, who apparently disappeared underneath the ring. 

Orton found Paul and pulled Paul out from under the ring. From there, Orton set up Paul on the commentary table, but Pretty Deadly ran back down for the save. That save didn’t last long as Orton and Owens hit a Stunner and RKO on Pretty Deadly respectively. Orton and Owens then chased Paul to the back and all the way out of the building. 

**********

– A video package featuring IYO SKY aired. She talked in Japanese about Bayley as subtitles ran. SKY called Bayley a narcissist and a hypocrite. SKY said she made Bayley relevant and Damage CTRL felt obligated to keep Bayley around until they outgrew Bayley. SKY said she did what needed to be done. SKY called Bayley an “embarrassment and a tragedy to this company.” Yikes. The SKY package wrapped and then Bayley appeared out of nowhere and the two brawled on the interview set until they were pulled apart by cameramen. 

The Jade Cargill segment

Not much to this at all. I wonder if even WWE is getting to the point where they’re like, “Hey, we signed this person. We made a big deal out of that. She worked the Rumble and looked good, but nothing else has happened. We need to make something happen.” So they threw her out there to cut a 45 second promo and on, the world goes. It feels more bizarre (and/or lazy, and/or confusing) by the minute. 

GM Nick Aldis stood in the ring, which was carpeted, and said he had only one goal – to make SmackDown the No. 1 show in all of pro wrestling and sports entertainment. Aldis said the acquisition of Jade Cargill has helped him do that. He then introduced Cargill, who came out smiling, slapping hands and signing autographs. Wade Barrett called Cargill “the best human being I have ever seen.” Aldis gave Cargill a microphone. Cargill said, “It’s about damn time.” She went on by saying WWE has the best female roster in the world, but the other women aren’t Jade Cargill or a “once in a lifetime superstar.” Cargill then said, “the storm has arrived” and that was the end of that. 

**********

– Kayla Braxton interviewed Damage CTRL backstage. Dakota Kai said Bayley will be embarrassed at WrestleMania. Kai mocked Bianca Belair for calling herself the EST of WWE. Kai left annoyed and the show went to a commercial break. 

– Nick Aldis was walking backstage and he ran into Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, who quickly went away. AJ Styles then ran into him asking Aldis if he was sure LA Knight wasn’t going to be there tonight. Aldis said he asked Knight not to be there and Styles said, “You should have told him.”

Austin Theory & Grayson Waller defeated The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) to advance to the six-pack challenge at WrestleMania [6:21]

The Profits had all the shine here, but you had to know The Final Testament would somehow cost them their ticket to WrestleMania. That said, maybe this will lead to a six-man at ‘Mania between the factions, but something tells me that match might be relegated to the SmackDown before ‘Mania next week. Still, I can’t help but be reminded of how stupid WWE was to try and force-turn the Profits heels. It felt like almost immediately, everyone knew nobody was booing Lashley or the Profits and the booking minds rightfully changed pace. Here’s hoping something different is in store for both factions coming out of next weekend. 

Waller and Ford began the match and Waller gained the upper hand before tagging in Theory. The action spilled outside and Dawkins essentially shoulder-blocked Waller over the commentary table. The show then took a commercial break. Back from that break, the heels had control and worked over Dawkins inside the ring, until Dawkins caught Waller and hit a T-Bone Suplex. Ford received the hot tag while Theory tagged in and Ford cleaned house. 

Ford landed a standing moonsault for a two-count on Theory. Ford hit a Blockbuster on an elevated Theory, but Waller broke a pin attempt up. Theory tried a rolling move on Dawkins, but Dawkins caught him and hit a powerbomb. On the big screen, it showed that Karrion Kross beat up Bobby Lashley and B-Fab backstage and the Profits were distracted. Dawkins left ringside and Ford went for the frog-splash, but Theory got the knees up, rolled up Ford and got the win. 

After the match, AOP ran out and attacked the Profits. The rest of The Final Testament came out and helped. Lashley walked to the ring, but Lashley was ultimately outnumbered by the heels. Kross took Lashley down and yelled at Lashley, saying Lashley failed the Profits. 

**********

The Legado Del Fantasma/LWO segment

This was a nice, if not unexpected, segment and development. I can’t say I think they’re getting the full potential out of everyone involved, having them work a tag match, but I also think the match has potential to have some of the most heat of the night when it comes to singular matches (hey, Dom’s boos travel well, you know). That in mind, as I’ve said a few other times tonight, my curiosity is aimed at what happens to both factions after ‘Mania. It’s time for them both to move in different directions. 

Santos Escobar began by telling everyone he told them so. Escobar pointed to kids wearing Rey Mysterio masks in the crowd and mocked them. Escobar gloated for putting Rey on the shelf for months. The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment. Escobar said Mysterio used to be the greatest luchador of all time, but he isn’t anymore. Escobar said he outsmarted Rey because of one phone call – a phone call to Dirty Dom. On cue, Dom’s music hit and the crowd launched into their requisite boos. 

Dom got a microphone and the crowd booed the hell out of him. Escobar apologized for the crowd booing him. Escobar then said Dom was always right and the two hugged. Dom tried to talk, but the boos drowned him out. Dom yelled through them and said he will do everything in his power to make Rey’s life a living hell. Escobar started to talk and Rey’s music hit. The LWO walked out with Rey. 

The LWO and Legado had a stare down in the ring. Rey said it was a shame while speaking to Dominik. Rey said he believed he was done fighting Dom. The crowd broke out an LWO chant. Rey said the two men he despises the most is a divine intervention. Rey challenged Escobar and Dom to a tag match with a partner of Rey’s choosing at WrestleMania. Rey then introduced Dragon Lee as the newest member of the LWO and as his mystery partner for ‘Mania. Dragon Lee then made his entrance. Zelina Vega slapped Elektra Lopez and that started a brawl between the factions. The babyfaces stood tall to end the segment. 

**********

– Naomi and Belair were shown talking backstage. Naomi said she has Belair’s back tonight. Belair said she can’t be mad at Naomi. They hyped each other up and Naomi had “EST” in her hair. 

– The Judgment Day were shown talking backstage. The group seemed angry that Dom went out to the ring. Finn Balor asked Dom if there’s anything he needs to tell them and Finn seemed annoyed. Priest and Rhea seemed to be on different pages from each other and the show went back to the ring, where the tag match was joined in progress.

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Legado Del Fantasma (Berto & Angel) to advance to the six-pack challenge at WrestleMania [7:17 of TV time]

The right team went over in my opinion, but that’s just one guy’s opinion. In fact, I could be convinced that Bate and Dunne have a legit shot at walking out of ‘Mania with those tag team titles. And good on them (and WWE) for that. They’ve come up through the system and been involved with the company for more years than most probably even realize by now. In the meantime, Fantasma has an out for the brawl that happened before the match, which I think is smart. WWE needs credible tag teams and it feels like the company is building toward that very idea. The match, in terms of TV presentation, was discombobulated, considering how it was joined in progress and then a commercial break happened in the middle of it. So it goes. 

Berto and Angel had control once the match got on the screen. It wasn’t long until Bate and Dunne took control. Bate hit a splash on Berto and Angel on the outside and the show went back to a quick commercial. Back from that commercial, Bate got the hot tag to Dunne. Bate and Dunne landed stereo kicks on Berto. Angel got a blind tag and kicked Bate. The heels took control, complete with a power-bomb and a second-rope moonsault from Angel onto Bate for a two-count. 

With Bate on the top, Berto and Angel hit a double press slam, but Dunne broke up a pin attempt. Dunne then DDT’d Berto. Angel tried to slam Bate, but Bate got out of it, tagged Dunne and then New Catch Republic landed their finisher for the win. 

**********

– Paul Heyman spoke backstage. Heyman said Rock took out Cody on Monday by orders of the Tribal Chief. Jimmy Uso chimed in and said Jey won’t make it to WrestleMania. Solo Sikoa said, “Jey, I’ll see you next week,” and followed that up by saying by orders of the Tribal Chief, Sikoa will take out Jey. 

The AJ Styles/LA Knight segment

Despite WWE’s best efforts, it doesn’t appear that LA Knight has cooled off all that much since being drawn into this program with Styles. It’s a weird one. Styles has all the respect in the world as a great wrestler. Knight organically made himself one of the hottest names in all of pro wrestling. Something between the two feels secondary to everything else happening. I hope they overachieve at ‘Mania because I pull for both guys. At the very least, it should be fun to see how Knight’s Big Stage entrance goes. 

Styles started out by saying it’s been a little over a week … but then stopped talking. Styles blamed the crowd for Knight coming to his house and assaulting him. Styles said he will expose Knight for the “overachieving under-talented piece of trash that he is.” Styles said he knew Knight was in the building. Styles asked if Knight would walk down the aisle. Styles speculated that the cameraman was Knight and hit the cameraman. The cameraman was, in fact, not LA Knight. 

The crowd began an “LA Knight!” chant. Someone ran out of the crowd, but security stopped him. Turned out, the guy also was not LA Knight. Styles asked if everyone was done with the games. As Styles stood on the outside of the ring, Knight was dressed in a WWE security outfit, complete with wig, and Knight took it off to attack Styles. Knight grabbed a chair and went after Styles, but Styles retreated through the crowd. Knight grabbed a microphone and stood on the commentary table. Knight said Styles was trash and eventually did the catchphrase, which the crowd helped him complete. 

**********

– A Tiffany Stratton vignette aired. She said she vowed to always look hot and spare viewers “from the uggos,” which, let’s be honest, was a great line. 

– Next week, The KO Show will feature Randy Orton. Zelina Vega vs. Elektra Lopez will happen. Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa is also on tap. Grayson Waller & Austin Theory will wrestle New Catch Republic. And, of course, the Andre The Giant battle royal will go down. 

Bianca Belair defeated Dakota Kai [9:12]

I can’t be the only one who looks at Dakota and hold my breath each time I see any part of any of her legs hit anything hard. That aside, this was a fine match and main event worthy, especially when it comes to establishing Jade Cargill as a major player in the women’s division. In fact, I’ll take that a step further and say even though this SmackDown didn’t look important on paper, it was a very nice change of pace. Cargill was featured in two segments, we tied up some loose ends for WrestleMania and the women worked the main event slot. Lots of good here, even if the episode wasn’t as flashy as other episodes have been in recent memory. I’m all about a Naomi/Jade/Bianca faction, but time will tell if WWE sticks with it. Here’s hoping.

Belair had control early. That control included a series of suplexes. The action spilled outside and Kai landed a knee to Belair’s head. The show then went to its final commercial break. The show returned and Belair suplexed Kai. Belair punched Kai until Kai grabbed Belair’s braid. It didn’t much matter because Belair hit a gut-buster and repeatedly threw Kai to the mat. Kai went for the braid again, but Belair landed a modified version of Jaded followed by a moonsault for a two-count. 

Belair lifted Kai in a Jaded manner again, but Kai rolled out of it and slammed Belair into the second turnbuckle. Kai toyed with Belair until Belair caught Kai. From there, the two traded elbow shots. Kai went for a running knee on the apron, but Belair moved and Kai’s knee ran into the ring post. The two brawled a little and Belair went to the second rope to hit a deadlift super-plex. Belair followed it up with a spear and KOD for the win. 

Instantly after the match, the Kabuki Warriors ran out and attacked Belair. Naomi’s music hit and Naomi ran to the ring and evened things out. It was an ugly brawl between everybody with the heels getting the upper hand … until Jade Cargill’s music hit and out walked Cargill. Cargill hit Jaded on Kairi Sane and pinned her as the crowd counted. Cargill stared at Asuka as Belair and Naomi flanked Cargill to end the show. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock appears

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After enduring a slap from Cody Rhodes last Friday, The Rock is set to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Memphis, Tennessee.

The Rock offered his first response to the slap in a social media promo earlier today. We’ll hear more from Rock when he shows up on SmackDown tonight.

Also set is a grudge match between Bayley and Dakota Kai. It comes after Kai betrayed Bayley two weeks ago to rejoin her stablemates in Damage CTRL. Kai has claimed that she was always the brains in Damage CTRL, not Bayley.

Qualifying matches for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title six-pack ladder match at WrestleMania 40 will begin tonight. New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince & Kit Wilson) and The LWO (Joaquin Wilde & Cruz Del Toro) vs. Legado del Fantasma (Angel & Humberto) are tonight’s qualifiers.

Randy Orton vs. Grayson Waller and Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar have been announced for tonight as well. Plus, Rey Mysterio will make an appearance.

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

**********

– The show opened with a video package recapping what happened between the Bloodline, Cody and Seth Rollins last week. 

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show. He was joined by Wade Barrett on commentary. The Rock’s music hit and and out, The Great One came. 

The Rock Concert Segment

I don’t think it’s unreasonable to say that perhaps some of us expected more from the return of the Rock Concert. In all, this was a lot of what The Rock said on social media in his now-traditional Friday social media promos, one of which was posted earlier today. The belt. Cody’s mom. Cody’s blood. We get it. Still, the first half of this was a blast and the crowd ate it up. Once Rock got serious, the crowd … well, the crowd didn’t really appear to want to get serious with him (it also might be telling that the biggest response he got came from a shot at Ja Morant, which still makes me laugh). At the end of the day, this was pedestrian by Rock’s standards. Started like a shooting star; ended with a puff of smoke. 

The crowd cheered at first, but those cheers turned to boos before Rock started to speak. Then “Rocky!” chants broke out. Rock said he usually scorches every city he’s in, but tonight, it’ll be different because Memphis is different. The Rock reminded everyone that he started his wrestling career in Memphis. The crowd erupted in “Rocky!” chants again. The Rock did the “Finally, The Rock has come back …” bit and the crowd ate it up. 

The Rock Introduced Yella P and someone from The War & Treaty, who were set to help him perform. The musicians launched into the music and The Rock sang. His lines included shots at himself for wearing a fanny pack and shots at Cody for crying to his mama. The Rock went on to say Cody turned out “too weird” and an image of Stardust appeared on the screen, which was funny. The verse ended by Rock reiterating Cody was a mistake. Rock’s attention then turned to Rollins. 

Among the issues Rock addressed was Becky Lynch being more popular than Seth and, believe it or not, a shot at NBA star Ja Morant, which led to tons of boos. He then made fun of the Cody Crybabies. Rock repeated his final stanza, which ended with Rock calling himself “The Final Boss.” Once he was done, the crowd went nuts with “Rocky!” chants. 

With the song over, The Rock set up the clip of Cody slapping Rock last week. From there, The Rock set up the clip of Cody crying on Monday while talking about his mother. The Rock actually said, “You gotta be sh—‘in me” when referencing how Cody cried. He followed that up by saying he wanted to talk to Mama Rhodes. Rock spoke to her and said he’s going to make Cody and his family pay by beating Cody and Seth at Night One of Mania. Rock said the belt will stay on Reigns after Mania and as a result, Mama Rhodes will get The Rock’s belt, which turned out to be his weight belt. 

Rock said he’s going to “beat the sh–” out of Cody and whoop him like a dog “over and over again.” He said Cody’s blood will be on that belt. He then said Mama Rhodes will be handed the belt after the match and she’ll be crying just like her son. Rock sang what he said he’s going to say to Mama Rhodes, which is, “What can I say, but you’re welcome.” The thing ended with him saying, “If you smell what the Final Boss is cooking.” The crowd had a hard time finding energy by the time it was over.

********** 

Legado Del Fantasma (Berto & Angel) defeated LWO (Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde) to advance in the tournament for the six-pack tag team title match at WrestleMania [9:12]

This exceeded my expectations, which, to be fair, weren’t that high anyway. But the teams worked hard and the action never really settled down, which is a testament to both teams. The LWO team had some nice hope spots and they hit their flashy offense better than they have on main roster TV in recent memory. Berto and Angel, meanwhile, are coming together nicely as a team back in the mix. Both teams looked better coming out of it, which was not an easy task, considering what they had to follow in The Rock’s half-hour opening-show segment. Kudos to everyone involved. 

The LWO didn’t get a televised entrance. Thanks, Rock. Fantasma had control early, taking turns working over Del Toro until Del Toro fired up and tagged in Wilde. From there, the two hit a double super-kick on Berto. With Fantasma on the outside, Del Toro and Wilde hit stereo suicide dives. It felt like the show was headed to commercial, but instead, Berto quickly got back in the ring and LWO kept control. Del Toro landed a long springboard moonsault and got a two count because of it. From there, the show did go to commercial break. 

Back from that break, Berto was working over Del Toro (aside: What happened to the “Hum” part of the guy’s name?). Eventually, Angel and Berto landed a double slam from the second rope for a two count on Del Toro. Berto ran at Del Toro, but Del Toro hit a Spanish Fly before grabbing the hot tag to Wilde, who hit a double dropkick on the heels after he entered the ring. Wilde hit a series of fiery moves, including a Tornado DDT on Angel, for a near-fall. Del Toro tried to enter the proceedings, but Fantasma caught him. From there, Angel and Berto hit their finisher for the win.

**********

The LA Knight segment

This was fine. If anything, it was nice to see Knight get some substantial TV time because watching him roam around backstage, beating up TVs got old quick. Knight is a curious case right now. He was the hottest thing in the world no less than six months ago, but WWE have somehow achieved cooling him off. I’m not sure the Mania match does much for me at this point.

Kayla Braxton welcomed Knight to the entry way. Braxton asked Knight if he’s had any success trying to find AJ Styles. Knight took the microphone from Braxton and delivered his “Let me talk to ya!” line. Knight mentioned how Styles said Knight needs humbled and Knight welcomed Styles to “come out and humble” Knight. Styles didn’t show up and Knight called him out for it. Knight said Styles wasn’t big enough to come out. Knight mentioned how Styles went all the way to Australia, but he couldn’t come to Memphis. 

Knight called Styles a mark and said if Styles won’t show up at SmackDown, he knows Styles will want to show up at WrestleMania. Knight took off his glasses and said he’s going to own Styles’s ass at Mania. Knight closed things with the “LA Knight Yeah!” gimmick, but Styles ran out and attacked Knight with a chair from behind. Styles grabbed the microphone and said he accepted the Mania challenge as officials ran out to pull Styles away. 

**********

– Logan Paul went to talk to Nick Aldis and Paul wanted Aldis to suspend or fine Randy Orton for what Orton did last week. Aldis said he thought Paul should ask Orton for an apology himself. Paul said it’s Aldis’s job to make that happen. Paul teased Aldis for not finding a challenger for Paul for Mania yet and the segment ended. 

– Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa were walking backstage and they were interrupted by Braxton. Jimmy started to yell a lot and long story short, Jimmy answered Jey’s Mania challenge by saying the match is on. 

Randy Orton defeated Grayson Waller [7:34]

Orton comes out and plays the hits each week, and I don’t know that I necessarily have a problem with it. If he’s having fun and the crowds are eating it up, what’s the problem? Waller and Theory have become good fodder for this kind of stuff, but I do have to wonder when A) they’re going to split up and B) when either or both are going to get some actual booking love. That’s for another day. As for this, it was formulaic, but good nonetheless. The triple threat for the U.S. title kind of surprises me and I don’t know why. If anything, it suggests Paul will actually walk out of Mania with that belt, but I don’t think any of us had on our BINGO card. Time will tell. 

The crowd was hot for Orton, who took his time before starting things. Logan Paul’s music then hit and Paul walked out before the bell rang. Waller jumpstarted the match by attacking Orton as Paul walked to the commentary desk. Waller worked Orton over with some punches until Orton turned the tables. The action spilled outside and Orton threw Waller into the timekeeper’s area. Paul stood up and Waller snuck up to slam Orton’s face onto the commentary table. The show took a break after that. 

Coming back, Waller had control until Orton sprung out of a corner and hit a series of clotheslines and a powerslam. Orton set up for the draping DDT, but Waller body-dropped Orton over the top to the outside. Orton came back and slammed Waller onto the commentary table. Orton did it a second time. Back in the ring, Austin Theory hopped onto the apron and Waller accidentally collided with Theory. Orton followed that up by landing the draping DDT on Waller. 

Orton pointed and Paul and the crowd went crazy with “RKO!” chants. Theory pulled Waaller out of the ring, so Orton hit the draping DDT on Theory. Then, wouldn’t you know it, Orton successfully executed the RKO on Waller to get the win. After the match, Theory clipped Orton’s knee and invited Paul into the ring. Paul set up to hit Orton, but Kevin Owens’s music hit and Owens ran out to clean house. Orton almost accidentally RKO’d Owens, btu instead, Owens Stunned Theory, who popped into taking an RKO from Orton, which was impressive. Aldis walked out with a microphone and asked Paul if he got that apology. Aldis then said he has determined Paul’s opponents for Mania – Owens and Orton in a triple threat for the U.S. title. 

**********

– Damage CTRL was interviewed by Braxton. Dakota Kai called out Bayley and said she is going to break Bayley. Kai said it’s all Bayley’s doing because Bayley was jealous of IYO SKY. Kai then said Damage CTRL runs the show. 

Santos Escobar defeated Dragon Lee [1:58]

Oh boy. Dragon Lee is getting beat in less than two minutes? Yikes. Thanks, Rock (again). Or, hopefully it’s Thanks, Rock, at least, because if this is a sign of things to come for Dragon Lee, he might want to reconsider that decision to come to WWE in the first place. But I digress. I’m surprised they aren’t holding off on Escobar vs. Mysterio until Mania, but perhaps next week will be more of an angle than a match. Either way, it’s always good to see Rey back in the fold. 

Escobar’s entrance was not televised. Lee came out with some fire and worked over Escobar with a series of strikes. Lee lifted Escobar, but Escobar fought out of it until Lee landed a series of super-kicks. Lee hit a sit-out powerbomb for a two-count. The rest of Fantasma tried to interfere, but Lee took care of them. The result of that, though, was Escobar hitting the Phantom Driver for the win. 

After the match, Fantasma attacked Lee, but Carlito ran out for the save, until Escobar cut Carlito off and ran him into the ring post. Rey Mysterio’s music hit and Rey walked to the ring. Mysterio started pounding away at Escobar until he set up for the 619, but Escobar rolled to the outside to break it up. Mysterio grabbed a microphone and asked Escobar why he ran away. Mysterio said next week, he wants Escobar one-on-one. Mysterio said he will “slap that stupid arrogant smile off” Escobar’s face. 

**********

New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) defeated Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson & Elton Prince) to advance in the tournament for the six-pack tag team title match at WrestleMania [11:13]

This was good even if the outcome felt inevitable. I like that Bate and Dunne are getting a mini push on the main roster and wouldn’t that be something if they actually ended up winning tag team titles at WrestleMania? I wonder what happens to Pretty Deadly from here on out. They can’t even get out of the first round of a tournament that’s held to determine match participants. When they first showed up on SmackDown, it felt like they were a priority. These days – and since the injury – not so much. But these four click very well together and this was the better of the two tag matches of the night (not to say anything discouraging about the first tag match, either, because that was pretty good, too). In all, I’m glad these guys got 11 minutes to shine. 

No entrances were televised. Thanks again, Rock. Dunne had control early and smashed Wilson’s hand. Dunne then kicked Wilson’s arm. Dunne went for the finger spot, but Prince interfered and Pretty Deadly took control. Prince tagged in and ran into some chops from Dunne. Wilson tagged in, but it wasn’t long before Dunne started chopping Wilson. Dunne landed a dragon-screw leg whip and got the tag to Bate. 

Bate hit a series of running forearms on both Pretty Deadly members. Bate then caught Wilson in midair and hit a suplex and standing shooting-star press. Bate then spun Prince around via an airplane spin. After Bate dropped Prince, the show went to a commercial break. Back from that break, Bate lifted Wilson for a long vertical suplex. Prince tagged in, but Dunne got the hot tag and Dunne landed a series of enziguris. Dunne worked an arm bar on Prince and then stomped on Prince’s fingers. 

Bate tagged in and they hit a double dropkick on Prince. Bate went for a pin, but Wilson broke the pin attempt up. Things broke down a little and all four guys were in the ring. Bate ran into a boot to the face from Wilson and Pretty Deadly ran Bate and Dunne into the ring post. Pretty Deadly hit a double-team bulldog, but Bate kicked out. Dunne tagged in and Bate and Dunne hit the Burning Hammer for the win.

**********

– Next week, we get Mysterio vs. Escobar. Also on tap will be AOP vs. Street Profits and The OC vs. Waller & Theory as part of the tag team tournament. Finally, Cody and Roman Reigns will go face to face. 

Bayley defeated Dakota Kai via DQ [7:34]

I really don’t like these types of finishes. Yes, we knew all of Damage CTRL would be at ringside, and yes, we knew there was probably going to be some shenanigans. But, damn, man. Do you have to be so lazy? SKY just rolled into the ring. Spent a few seconds teasing something. And then actually hit Bayley to actually end the match. Meh. Anyway, it was fine while it lasted, I suppose. Kai looked good for her first real match back and Bayley showed good fire throughout (though I do wonder how Bayley gets to the next level as a babyface because things don’t seem to be connecting the way they should be as a top star currently). Does this mean Bianca Belair will eventually show up to save the day in this program? Or does this mean Bianca Belair will become the newest leader of Damage CTRL? Food for thought.

Bayley went right at Kai to start things. Kai slapped the hell out of Bayley and Bayley lifted Kai and ran her into a corner. A “Whoop That Trick” chant broke out. Bayley slammed Kai onto the apron and suplexed Kai onto the outside floor. The show went to its final commercial break as the rest of Damage CTRL surrounded Bayley. When things returned, Bayley landed a running knee and the two women were down. 

Asuka tried to interfere, but Bayley avoided it … only to run into a double stomp from Kai. Asuka hit Bayley while Kai distracted the referee and got a two count out of it. Bayley eventually came back with a modified draping neck-breaker/Stunner. Bayley went to the top and connected with a flying elbow drop for a two-count. Kai hit a Pele Kick to gain back control. Bayley and SKY got into it a little, but Kai broke it up with a knee to Bayley’s head. Bayley then caught Kai and hit a powerbomb. 

SKY got into the ring and laid down the women’s title between her and Bayley. SKY then attacked Bayley and that was enough of that. Naomi ran down and attacked Damage CTRL to even things out. SKY landed a strike on Naomi, though, to make sure Damage CTRL kept control. SKY went to the top rope and hit a gnarly Over The Moonsault on Bayley. Damage CTRL stood tall to end the show as it went off the air. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock, Reigns, Rhodes & Rollins appear

Posted on by Marc Quill

The Rock, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins are all in the building for tonight’s SmackDown from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

The main event of WrestleMania 40 night one should become official when Rhodes & Rollins respond to The Rock & Reigns’ challenge tonight. It will be a tag match between Rock & Reigns and Rhodes & Rollins on the opening night of WrestleMania.

If Rhodes & Rollins win, the Rhodes vs. Reigns Universal title match on night two will be Bloodline-free. If they lose, the match will be under Bloodline rules so anything goes — including interference.

United States Champion Logan Paul will be in attendance for the first time since he cost Randy Orton in last month’s men’s Elimination Chamber match after hitting him with brass knuckles.

Orton will team with Kevin Owens to take on Grayson Waller and Austin Theory in tag team action tonight.

Bobby Lashley will face Karrion Kross in a grudge match after Kross injured Lashley before Elimination Chamber.

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

**********

– A recap of The Rock’s challenge for Seth Rollins & Cody Rhodes kicked off the show. We then got footage of The Rock arriving at the arena earlier in the day.

– Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Seth Rollins were also shown backstage as Corey Graves welcomed us to the show.

Logan Paul opens the show

The United States Champion entered to loud boos. 

Paul greeted the Dallas crowd, saying that they were about to witness history unfolding. He didn’t want to oblige the crowd’s “What?” chants, before boasting that he was a conqueror. Paul boasted about his many feats in and out of the ring, He took credit for WWE’s successes as of late before announcing that he had a surprise for everyone.

He unveiled that Prime Energy is the new center ring sponsor for WWE’s PLEs starting at WrestleMania, showing off a Prime Energy logo in the ring. Paul then introduced his friend and “Partner in Prime” KSI to a swarm of boos.

Paul called for a cameraman to take photos, but Randy Orton’s music interrupted. Orton didn’t show up at the entryway, but he sneaked out from under the ring. Orton nearly got Paul with an RKO, but the U.S. Champion escaped. KSI wasn’t so lucky, as Orton nailed him with the RKO instead.

Orton took the Prime Energy bottle, drank some of it, admitting that it “was damn good” before spilling it all over KSI.

This was a fun opening segment to kick off the night. Paul not obliging the ‘What’ chants and announcing the Prime Energy partnership made for some nice heel heat, and having KSI around added to it. Orton’s sneak attack RKOs are a highlight. Hitting KSI with the RKO was a surefire way to get the crowd going.

– They showed a video of Triple H marking the milestone of WWE reaching 100 million subscribers on YouTube.

Randy Orton & Kevin Owens defeated Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Owens and Theory started off in the ring as Owens took down Theory and taunted him. Theory fought back for a bit, but Owens got the better of him again.

Waller tagged in as Owens brought Orton into the match with a tag. Orton was in firm control, trapping Waller in the corner with the ten-punch combination. Waller took advantage of a Theory distraction and caught Orton off-guard.

The match went to break with the duo of Theory and Waller with the advantage after Waller attacked Owens on the outside. After the commercial break, Theory and Waller continued to work over Owens in the corner. A double suplex by the duo floored Owens. Waller mocked Orton’s taunt, which gave Owens the opening to hot tag Orton. 

Orton used his signature offense on Waller, but Theory caught him in the ropes. A cannonball by Owens to Theory on the outside was followed by Orton getting Waller with the rope-assisted DDT. 

Theory tried to distract Orton, and Waller got a near-fall with the rollup. Theory and Waller had Orton cornered, but Owens took Waller out with a Stunner. Owens lifted Theory up and Orton finished him off with the RKO for the victory.

Post-match, Logan Paul attacked Owens and Orton from behind, brandishing the brass knuckles in his hands. Orton took the brass knux from Paul and tried to hit him with it. Paul dodged, causing Owens to nearly hit Orton. Owens stopped at the last second. Owens and Orton fist-bumped afterwards as Paul retreated with Waller and Theory.

This was a standard tag match to kick off the in-ring action tonight, but the crowd popped for Orton’s big spots. The chemistry between the four competitors was there. The post-match attack with Paul and Orton nearly hitting Owens is an efficient way of setting up the inevitable triple threat match for the U.S. Title at WrestleMania.

– They showed security backstage, who were there to make sure the Rock/Reigns/Rhodes/Rollins showdown would not fall into chaos.

– The Progressive Match Flo recapped Dakota Kai’s betrayal of Bayley on last week’s SmackDown.

– Backstage, Bayley was interviewed by Kayla Braxton. She lamented about whether or not her former Damage CTRL friends’ loyalty was real. She said that Kai manipulated and used her. Bayley said that she was doing everything for the sake of Damage CTRL and that it’s now backfiring on her, leaving her all alone. Kayla asked Bayley on what her plan for WrestleMania was. Bayley answered that she was going to adapt and do everything in her soul to stop Damage CTRL.

– Elsewhere, Naomi was seen watching Bayley’s interview. Bianca Belair showed up, not exactly showing sympathy for Bayley’s situation, stating that she created this bed and that she was going to lie in it.

Bobby Lashley defeated Karrion Kross (w/ Scarlett) by DQ

Kross and Lashley traded blows in the ring before Lashley took over in the corner with repeated strikes and shoulder thrusts. Kross answered with a hard suplex to take control.

Lashley responded with a suplex and a clothesline to the outside. He threw Kross to the barricade and teased throwing Kross against the ring post before Scarlett got in the way, which gave Kross the opening to escape and throw Lashley into the ring post as we headed to a commercial break.

Returning to action, Kross had Lashley in a submission hold. He continued to work over Lashley in the corner, then hitting a suplex for the two-count. Kross sent Lashley out of the ring as the fight continued outside. Lashley recovered and threw Kross into the ring post.

Kross avoided a spear and hit a modified Death Valley Driver for the close two-count. Lashley tried to get the Hurt Lock, but Kross escaped. He set up for the Spear, but AOP showed up and attacked Lashley to cause the DQ.

The Street Profits evened the odds as Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford took down Akam and Rezar. Scarlett tried to save Kross from the Hurt Lock, but B-Fab ran her off. AOP eventually got into the ring and beat down Lashley. Kross finished things off with the Final Prayer. The Final Testament left the ringside area, reveling in the destruction of Lashley and the Street Profits.

Pretty good, hard-hitting match with an expected disqualification finish, pretty much guaranteeing this feud will indeed continue. As it is, I did like what I saw from Lashley and Kross.

– The commentators recapped Rey Mysterio’s return, as we saw footage of Dragon Lee hanging out with the LWO after the show. Backstage, Lee was confronted by Elektra Lopez, who mocked him for thinking he’d be the “next” Rey Mysterio. Legado Del Fantasma appeared and taunted Lee as he got called a “wannabe” by the group.

– They showed a graphic for the 2024 WWE Hall of Fame, featuring Paul Heyman, Bull Nakano, and the U.S. Express (Mike Rotunda & Barry Windham).

Tiffany Stratton defeated Michin

Stratton aggressively going after Michin to start the match. An impressive cartwheel splash to the corner, followed by a running stomp by Stratton, only got a near fall.

Michin’s back continued to be the target of Stratton with a running splash against the ropes. Michin countered and hit a suplex. A Styles Clash attempt by Michin was reversed into an Alabama Slam by Stratton. The Prettiest Moonsault Ever got the victory for Stratton.

This was a good showcase for Stratton as she continues to get over with fans due to her fantastic in-ring presence. She is a real pleasure to watch in the ring, and her meteoric rise can only get bigger from here. Michin losing continues the angle of the OC being left in disarray by AJ Styles’ recent actions, as well.

– AJ Styles had a promo that explained why he attacked LA Knight at Elimination Chamber. He said that Knight didn’t deserve to be in the same locker room as him. Styles was upset that Knight stole his momentum, calling him an “underachieving, overrated loudmouth” that needed a humbling.

Backstage, Knight had his chair and took a swing at the TV and smashed it to bits, frustrated that Styles wasn’t in the building. He walked off in frustration.

– Tyler Bate was playing WWE 2K24 as Pete Dunne entered the room. Bate paused the game and went to go see Nick Aldis about the unknown Tag Team Title situation. When Bate left, Dunne took the controller and continued to play WWE 2K24.

Dragon Lee defeated Angel

Lee floored Angel with a dropkick as the bell rang. He got Angel with another dropkick in the corner. Lots of fast paced action to start, until Angel faked out Lee with a fake knee injury to take advantage. He sent Lee to the outside to take us into the commercial break.

Back from break with Lee hitting a nice sit-out power bomb on Angel. Lee quickened the pace, hitting a flurry of offense to take advantage. Lee climbed the top rope, but Angel intercepted. Angel trapped and got flattened with a double stop.

Angel rolled outside to Berto and both got taken down by a diving Dragon Lee. Back in the ring, Lee got taken down by a nice superkick on the button. Power bomb attempt by Angel countered into a hurricanrana by Lee for the pinfall win.

Post-match, Legado Del Fantasma attacked Lee, as commentary noted that the LWO was not in the building to help out. Santos, Angel, and Berto slammed Lee with a modified triple power bomb before standing over him in the ring.

A good, fun sprint as Angel and Dragon Lee got to show off their stuff in such a limited time. Lee’s agility and in-ring acumen does help peg him as a future Rey Mysterio successor. The post-match angle with LDF attacking Lee pretty much guarantees that Lee will have a role helping the LWO fighting Santos Escobar and his group.

– We got a promo from Damage CTRL as Dakota Kai declared herself “the brains” of the group. They bragged about how Bayley was never part of their vision as Kai then challenged Bayley for a match next week.

– Backstage, Nick Aldis went to check on Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins who are not in their locker room. Frustrated, Aldis took the security with him to go find Rhodes and Rollins.

– Next week on SmackDown: Bayley vs. Dakota Kai and Rey Mysterio’s return.

Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins answer The Bloodline’s challenge

Roman Reigns walked out to the ring, accompanied, of course, by Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman.

The Rock was next to enter, with a rather extravagant entrance and a very loud reaction from the Dallas crowd. Roman’s facial expressions continue to tell the story as he shifted from a smile when facing Rock, to a look of concern when not facing him.

“Dallas, Texas… greatness stands before you now,” proclaimed Roman Reigns. He offered a handshake to The Rock, who reciprocated as the cousins shared an embrace. “Acknowledge us!” he then said.

Cody Rhodes’ entrance music hit, seemingly heralding the arrival of “The American Nightmare”. To a great crowd reaction from the crowd, Rhodes entered through the crowd, Shield-style, with Seth Rollins in tow leading to the final commercial break of the evening.

Back from the commercial break, Rhodes and Rollins finally made their way to the ring, with the security detail at ringside. The crowd began to sing Rollins’ theme song acapella as the four men stared down in the ring.

Rhodes took the mic and said that even with the bad blood, he was feeling lucky to be standing in this ring, saying that they should all take in this moment standing in a sold-out crowd in Dallas.

He said that he heard The Rock’s challenge and the stipulations attached to this massive tag team match. He asks if Rock has the authority to make this match, saying that he saw that Rock acknowledged Roman as his Tribal Chief.

As Rhodes was about to give an answer, The Rock interrupted and told him to shut up. Rock said that he acknowledged Roman as the Tribal Chief because that’s what family does, before repeating the stipulations of the tag match at WrestleMania: if Rhodes/Rollins wins, then the Undisputed Universal Title Match will have no Bloodline presence; if Reigns/Rock win, the Undisputed niversal Title Match will be contested under “Bloodline Rules” (no disqualifications).

The crowd chanted “diarrhea” at The Rock, acknowledging Rollins’ “Diarrhea Dwayne” nickname for him.

Rollins shouted at Rock to “shut the hell up”. He said that Rock had his time, and that he can’t have theirs, before officially accepting The Rock’s challenge.

Reigns mocked Rhodes for letting Rollins accept the challenge on his behalf, saying that the future for Rhodes will be that the story will be over at WrestleMania.

Rock said that he will do everything in his power to stop Rhodes from winning the Undisputed Universal Championship, and make sure that he will never get a championship opportunity if he fails to beat Roman. Rock continued his tirade, declaring that of the three kids of Dusty Rhodes, Cody was a mistake. This fired up Rhodes as he gave The Rock a hard slap to the face, bringing the show to an abrupt end.

Hot finish to close out SmackDown as the big Rhodes/Rollins vs. Reigns/Rock tag team match was finally made official. The Rock’s vow of making sure Cody Rhodes never finishes his story only adds fuel to the fire and could be seen as WWE making it all the more clear that Cody will indeed win. SmackDown ending with Cody paying back Rock with a slap of his own is a nice precursor for what’s to come in the coming weeks, with both Rock and Rhodes advertised for next week’s SmackDown.

I do wish that we had at least one more women’s match, as a two minutes or so of match time wasn’t enough. Keeping that in mind, we did get some nice continuation for the Bayley vs. Damage CTRL story, as they are playing up that Bayley’s past actions are coming back to haunt her with nobody stepping up to help out.

All in all, a very fun SmackDown with some good in-ring action and a wild ending to the show to set up a massive WrestleMania weekend. 

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock returns

Posted on by Colin McGuire

After posting a lengthy promo on social media addressing Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and WrestleMania, among other things, The Rock is scheduled to appear on tonight’s SmackDown from Glendale, Arizona.

The Rock will likely respond to the challenge Rhodes issued during the Grayson Waller Effect at last weekend’s Elimination Chamber. Rhodes said he wants to face The Rock in a singles match, but Seth Rollins told Rhodes that there’s no such thing as one-on-one against The Bloodline.

Rhodes is slated to wrestle Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40. Reigns will be appearing alongside The Rock tonight.

Dakota Kai returns to the ring for the first time since May 2023 when she teams with Bayley against The Kabuki Warriors tonight. Kai was apparently the victim of an attack by Damage CTRL last Friday.

After weeks of feuding, Legado del Fantasma’s Santos Escobar and the LWO’s Carlito will square off in a street fight tonight. Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton is also set.

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

**********

– The show began with a video package recapping what happened at Elimination Chamber last weekend. 

– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show and Roman Reigns’s music hit. Reigns walked out with Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman and Jimmy Uso. 

The Bloodline segment

Ladies and gentlemen, the first 39 minutes of WWE SmackDown on Friday, March 1, 2024. Wow, that was a lot. Did anyone else have issues with the show cutting out, both with audio and visual elements? Anyway, this was fantastic. I love the stipulation that if Cody and Seth lose the tag match on night one, we have a no-rules match between Roman and Cody on night two. It all but promises that Seth and Cody will lose, but I’m here for it because that means the ending of WrestleMania 40 will be pure anarchy. The Rock continues to walk a very tiny line, but this time out was probably the best of his talking segments since he’s been back. You can tell he has a fun time playing into the cheers when they come and getting the boos back when he has to. Plus, the Solo Sikoa line really was kind of funny, when you think about it. Watch him mess around and find out Sikoa has the voice of an angel. Either way, this took up 3/8ths of the show, but I’m OK with saying it was worth it. The star power from everyone involved kept it must-see TV. This is getting more fun by the week.

Roman soaked in the crowd noise for quite a while until he asked Glendale, Arizona, to acknowledge him. As is custom, the crowd did just that. Reigns said things used to be louder and blamed the fans for it. Reigns came back by saying “Phoenix, Arizona, acknowledge me,” which was kind of funny. Either way, it worked and the crowd response was a little louder. Reigns still wasn’t happy with it and said he’d try it one more time and if the crowd didn’t step up, he’d leave. Reigns went back to Glendale and the crowd popped louder than before. Reigns wasn’t having it and said he was done. 

Heyman stepped in and said they can’t leave yet because “he’s coming out.” The crowd started the “Hey, hey, goodbye” song. Heyman said in just a moment, The People’s Champ would be out there live. Reigns looked nonplussed. Heyman said The Rock would be out “after this commercial break,” and in a wild twist, the show actually went to a commercial break. When the proceedings returned from said break, The Rock’s music hit instantly and out, he came. The Rock toyed with a sleeve on his jacket, but couldn’t seen to unbutton something and thus the goosebumps spot was left out despite Rock still patting his forearm under the jacket. 

Roman looked less than thrilled as Rock stood across the ring. The crowd chanted “Rocky!” so it looks like not all of the wrestling world is against the guy these days. Rock teased speaking and paused as the crowd turned to boos. The Rock asked the crowd if it was sure it wanted to boo The Rock. The Rock said he had good news to share and he said Glendale is 10 miles away from Phoenix. The Rock said the No. 1 city in America for cocaine and meth use is Phoenix and the crowd got all types of fired up. The Rock grinned. 

The Rock said “finally, your life has meaning because you cactus-loving crack-heads have something worth shooting in your veins.” He followed that gem up with the whole “The Rock has come back to Arizona” bit. The Rock said he was in a good mood and everyone in the Bloodline is in a good mood. The Rock said they were in a good mood because professional wrestling is cool, exciting and electrifying once again. The Rock touted how all the shows have been sold out. Roman still looked annoyed. 

The Rock asked everyone who isn’t cool. He answered by saying Cody Rhodes. The Rock said he heard Cody’s challenge and The Rock declined the challenge. The Rock said “every women in this arena” wants to go one-on-one with the rock and some shrieks were heard. Rock called the ladies “crack-head Karens” and claimed he had “22 inches of heaven” and the Attitude Era has never been more back. The Rock said Cody can’t go one-on-one with The Rock. Eventually, The Rock counter-offered Cody’s challenge by saying on Night 1 of WrestleMania, it could be Cody & Seth Rollins vs. The Rock & Roman Reigns. The Rock followed that up by saying if Cody & Seth win on Night 1, the Bloodline will be barred from ringside on Night 2. 

From there, on the other hand, if Roman & Rock beat them, on Night 2, it will be Bloodline rules, which means anything goes. Rock said perhaps Jimmy would be the referee and Solo would sing the National Anthem under Bloodline rules. The crowd, funnily, started a loud “Solo” chant after Rock harped on solo potentially singing the National Anthem. Rock said Cody and Seth need to meet them next week in Dallas to give them their answer. 

Rock said if they don’t accept their challenge, The Rock will do everything in his power to make sure Cody doesn’t win Roman’s title. The Rock pulled the whole “nobody can stop me because I’m on the board and I’m the boss” card. The crowd, predictably, chanted “Triple H.” The Rock tried to do the “If you smell …” line, but Roman stopped him. Roman was given a microphone from Heyman and Roman said he needed something from Rock. Roman said he’d do anything for his family, but he needs one thing. Roman looked at Rock in the eyes and said, “Acknowledge me.” 

The Rock took off his sunglasses. Rock said, “Roman Reigns, my family, I acknowledge you as my Tribal Chief.” The Rock stuck out his hand and Reigns grasped it. The two then hugged. A “You sold out!” chant began. The Rock said they were family and everyone should go home and smoke more crack before starting the “If you smell …” line. Rock gave the microphone to Roman, who said, “What the Bloodline is cooking.” Mercifully, the segment ended. 

**********

– Austin Theory and Grayson Waller were talking backstage and LA Knight walked into the frame to ask them where AJ Styles was. Knight left and Randy Orton appeared in the background. Waller and Theory were watching video of Logan Paul using the brass knuckles on Orton. Orton mocked Waller and Theory for thinking it was funny. Orton challenged Waller or Theory for a match later tonight. Waller said Theory would do it and Theory wasn’t particularly happy about that. 

Tiffany Stratton defeated Naomi [8:11]

Hey there! I’ve been whining about Stratton missing that finishing moonsault the last few weeks, but this one tonight was almost perfect. Good on her. And good on Naomi. She’s in a position to help elevate Stratton and it’s working. In the meantime, this was a pretty good television match, with good action back and forth that was unfortunately lost to about two minutes of commercials. Such is life in the era of Live TV With The Rock. Still, the women worked hard and had nice chemistry. I wouldn’t mind seeing this turn into a longer program. Also of note: Outside of the Chamber match, this is the best Stratton has looked on the main roster and the crowds aren’t showing any signs of stopping their adulation for Tiffy Time. 

Naomi’s entrance was not televised, which was surprising, so let the “Bloodline segment ran way too long” reports surface in the next few days. A “Tiffy Time” chant broke out early on. Stratton and Naomi traded gymnastic spots before Naomi had control and landed a low dropkick for a two-count. Naomi hit a face-buster for a two-count and Stratton rolled to the outside. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Stratton landed a double-stomp for a two-count. Naomi fought back and planted Stratton for a two-count. The two women exchanged strikes until Stratton hit a spine-buster for a two-count. Stratton raked Naomi’s eyes as the ref looked the other way. From there, Stratton hit the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the win.

**********

– A video package recalling the Damage CTRL drama aired.

Bayley & Dakota Kai fought Asuka & Kairi Sane to an apparent no-contest [4:30]

You know, they’re really trying to heat up this Bayley/Damage CTRL thing, so I’m not mad at the predictable Dakota Kai turn here. But I also can’t figure out why it’s not quite working. On one side of the WrestleMania card, you have arguably the two biggest women stars in the company in Ripley and Lynch. On this side, though, you have the potential for a really good match that culminates a really good story. Why there doesn’t appear to be any heat on it is baffling. Anyway, the match was less a match than an angle, but it was fine while it lasted. Kai, SKY, Asuka and Sane are a very good faction; here’s hoping they are presented as such as all of this continues to unfold. 

Asuka and Sane attacked Bayley to start the match after Kai and Bayley ran to the ring fired up. Bayley went to the top early, but Sane hit Bayley from behind, sending Bayley to the mat. Bayley tried to fight back, but Asuka threw Bayley into Kai and that sent Kai to the ground on the outside of the ring. Bayley tried to fire up as the crowd got behind her. Sane tagged in a worked a couple tag team moves on Bayley. Asuka tagged back in, but Bayley ran the two into each other. Bayley cleaned house on the Warriors and Kai returned to the apron, but as Bayley tried to tag out, Kai jumped off the apron. 

Bayley was left alone against the Warriors and Bayley took them down before attacking Kai on the outside. Asuka and Sane rescued Kai and rolled Bayley back into the ring. The crowd loudly chanted “Bayley!” IYO SKY got into the ring and hit a running knee to the back of Bayley. Damage CTRL taunted Bayley and toyed with her as the match ended in an apparent no-contest. 

**********

– Damage CTRL were shown walking backstage and they ran into Jade Cargill. Nick Aldis stepped in and said he needed to talk to Cargill. 

Bron Breakker defeated Xyon Quinn [0:07]

I like the presentation of Breakker on the main roster, but why wasn’t he wearing his NXT tag title belt to the ring?

Breakker speared Quinn. That’s it and that’s all. 

**********

– A vignette showcasing Carlito and Santos Escobar’s story aired. 

– A graphic in memory of Virgil was shown. 

Carlito defeated Santos Escobar in a street fight [11:12]

This was a lot of fun. Actually, all told, this is one of the better SmackDowns in a good while. I digress. The Rock said they might be crackheads, but damn, this crowd has been up for everything and it’s helped the show tremendously. Building towards the table spot, knowing the crowd would chant for tables … and on top of that, having Rey return … and on top of that, having Carlito go over … chef’s kiss, as they say. It’s kind of silly to bill something as a street fight in WWE because WWE street fights aren’t ever all that street fight-y, but there’s nothing wrong with working overly safe. I wonder if this will be the blow off of the LWO/Fantasma feud or if we’re going to get one more with Rey and Santos. Whatever it ends up being, this was pitch perfect. 

Both factions went backstage before the match began. It was a pretty basic brawl to start things out. Action spilled to the outside, where Carlito ran Escobar into the ring steps. The crowd chanted “We want tables” and Carlito immediately went under the ring and pulled out a table. Escobar took advantage of that and tried to attack Carlito, but Carlito fought back and went back under the ring, where Carlito grabbed a Kendo Stick. Carlito then found an apple and the crowd was happy until Escobar leapt over the top rope to take Carlito out. From there, the show went to a commercial break. 

Back from the break, a trash can was over Carlito’s head. Escobar hit Carlito with a knee and a pin that ended in a two-count. Escobar ran for a splash on Carlito, but Carlito had a chair and hit Escobar in the head with it. Carlito then had control with some clotheslines before hitting Escobar with the trash can. Carlito put the trash can on Escobar’s head and hit the trash can with a chair repeatedly. Carlito landed a reverse Crossroads onto a chair and got a nice near-fall out of it. Carlito pulled a table into the ring, but Escobar cut Carlito off with a knee. The two went to the top, but Carlito crotched Escobar on the top rope. 

Out of nowhere, Angel and Humberto showed up and beat Carlito down. Fantasma hit their triple-team finishing power-bomb, but Escobar got only a two-count out of it. The LWO ran to the ring and fought Humberto and Angel off, until Humberto and Angel dispatched of them. But … wouldn’t you know it … Rey Mysterio’s music hit and Rey walked out with crutches. Escobar laughed at him. Fantasma walked towards Mysterio, but it turned out Mysterio wasn’t injured anymore and Mysterio worked Angel and Humberto over with the crutch. Mysterio hopped onto the apron and into the ring. Carlito then spit an apple into Escobar and hit a backstabber. Mysterio followed that up with a 619 on Escobar. Carlito then put Escobar through the table and got the win. 

**********

– Next week, Bobby Lashley will go up against Karrion Kross. Also set for the show, Logan Paul will return. 

– Backstage, Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate talked to Nick Aldis. They made their case for another shot at the tag titles against Judgment Day. Aldis said an announcement on the tag titles will come soon. Aldis was distracted, though, by LA Knight looking for AJ Styles backstage. Aldis told Knight that he told Styles to not come to the show. Knight noted how Styles flew across the world to screw him. Knight threatened to find Styles at his home. Knight was fired up as he left the scene. 

– Kevin Owens’ music hit and KO came out to do special commentary on the main event. 

Randy Orton defeated Austin Theory [9:16]

A fine TV main event. Nothing surprising, nothing particularly enticing, nothing noteworthy. But the crowds love Randy Orton and Randy Orton loves the crowds. So play the hits, send people home happy and give Waller and/or Theory yet another loss. Death, taxes, and all that. It capped a very good and newsworthy episode of SmackDown, so no complaining from me. But of all the matches, this was kind of just there. 

Theory ran at Orton, but Orton caught him and worked Theory over with a series of strikes. Orton went to slam Theory on the commentary desk, but Grayson Waller pulled Theory away. From there, Theory slammed Orton onto the commentary table. Theory did the Orton pose on the second rope as the show went to its final commercial break. 

The show returned and Theory had control back inside the ring. Theory went to the top rope, but Orton cut him off. Orton slipped during an attempt for a super-plex, but Theory went through with the move and kudos to Theory for that because Theory still took the bump. From there, Orton landed the hits, including a power-slam. The action spilled outside and Orton slammed Theory on the commentary table. Orton then slammed Waller onto the commentary table. Back inside the ring, Orton landed a draping DDT, but Theory came back with a rolling Blockbuster for a surprisingly good near-fall. Naturally, it wasn’t long, though, until Orton hit an RKO after Theory tried another rolling Blockbuster, despite some late-match offense from Theory, and got the win. 

After the match, Waller attacked Orton, but Owens broke the attack up. Theory and Waller turned their attention to Owens, but Owens hit a Stunner on Theory and Orton hit an RKO on Waller to have the babyfaces stand tall to end the program. 

WWE SmackDown live results: Elimination Chamber go-home show

Posted on by Chris Maloney

The final WWE SmackDown episode before Elimination Chamber airs tonight.

With Saturday’s Chamber event taking place in Australia, tonight’s SmackDown was taped a week in advance. It will be headlined by a matchup between Drew McIntyre and LA Knight. They’re two of the participants who will be competing in the men’s Elimination Chamber match. The Chamber winner earns a World Heavyweight Championship shot against Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 40.

A singles match between women’s Elimination Chamber participants Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton is also set for tonight. The women’s Chamber winner receives a Women’s World Championship shot at WrestleMania.

Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate are challenging The Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team titles on Saturday. Tonight, Dunne & Bate take on Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh.

After being unveiled as the newest member of the SmackDown roster last Friday, Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown in-ring debut tonight. The Street Profits vs. The Authors of Pain is set for the episode as well.

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

SmackDown opened up showing LA Knight, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan and Tiffany Stratton arriving to the arena earlier in the day. Bianca Belair then made her way to the ring as they cut to a video package showcasing the Women’s Elimination Chamber match taking place live tomorrow morning on Peacock and the WWE Network.

Tiffany Stratton defeated Liv Morgan

Stratton attempted to gain early momentum but failed and tried to head to the back but Morgan caught up with her as Belair watched the match next to the commentary desk.

We’re back in the ring and it was back and forth but after Morgan landed a crucifix bomb for a two count, Stratton rolled to the outside of the ring as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Stratton has Morgan grounded and trapped in a chinlock as a concerned Belair watched on. After Morgan made her way back to her feet, Stratton jawjacked her allowing Morgan to fire up and make a comeback.

Morgan nailed a codebreaker off the second turnbuckle but Stratton remained resilient and wouldn’t back down. Stratton attempted to nail the Prettiest Moonsault Ever but Morgan moved and Stratton rolled through. Morgan followed up with a powerbomb from the second turnbuckle but could only manage a two count.

Both women now on the outside and after Stratton tossed Morgan back into the ring, she slapped Belair out of nowhere before heading back into the ring. Morgan was able to get a pin attempt on Stratton back inside the ring but Belair had the referee distracted at this point.

Stratton then seized the opportunity and pushed Morgan into Belair knocking her off of the apron. Stratton rolled up Morgan for the 1-2-3 as a distraught Belair could do nothing but watch Stratton celebrate her victory.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he had to win tomorrow night at Elimination Chamber otherwise the past few weeks meant nothing. Bobby Lashley then interrupted and reminded McIntyre that he lost to him at WrestleMania 37 before walking away laughing.

– A video package aired on Ashante “Thee” Adonis and Cedric Alexander collaborating on their new ring gear as a tag team as Alexander tried on different outfits for Adonis.

– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. As Jimmy was celebrating what happened this past Monday on Raw, Reigns asked him who told him to go to Raw. Jimmy stated that it was Paul Heyman and Reigns informed him it was actually him and Reigns stated that he executed everything perfectly on Monday. Paul Heyman then entered the room and informed Reigns that Greyson Waller had arrived to see him as we headed to commercial.

Bron Breakker defeated Dante Chen

Breakker was making his official SmackDown debut, however, without his NXT Tag Team title around his waist.

This was your typical old school WWE Superstars squash match with Breakker landing a huge amount of offense, including a Steinerline before finishing Chen off with a massive spear for the victory.

– Backstage, Kayla Braxton was with The Judgment Day. Braxton asked about New Catch Republic’s chances at winning the tag team titles tomorrow morning and as Finn Bálor laughed at the question, Damian Priest sent Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh to the ring for their upcoming match.

– Backstage, Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro of the LWO were talking strategy before being interrupted by Elektra Lopez. Lopez stated that the LWO was basically dead and they needed to think about their loyalty before being attacked by Legado Del Fantasma. Santos Escobar informed them that this was just the beginning.

New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate) defeated The Judgment Day (Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)

Bate and McDonagh began the match and both men attempted to gain momentum using speed and their technical skills but it was Bate’s power that proved too much for McDonagh.

A few moments later and Bate was in trouble but after Dunne was tagged in, Mysterio was being turned into a pretzel. After Bate was tagged back in, he got too fancy in the corner and soon found himself on the outside of the ring thanks to McDonagh. Dunne soon joined him on the outside as well as Judgment Day celebrated their antics as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Mysterio was in control of Bate. Mysterio attempted to land the Three Amigos but failed on his last attempt and Bate overpowered him before making the tag to Dunne.

Bate and Dunne would then put on a clinic, knocking McDonagh down and out. Bate followed up with an airplane spin before NCR nailed multiple double team maneuvers to Mysterio but could only manage a two count as McDonagh was able to make the save.

Mysterio followed up with a 619 to Dunne but Bate interfered and knocked Dominik to the ground with a massive punch. NCR then nailed McDonagh with a huge Tiger Driver ’97 to score the victory leading into their match for the titles tomorrow morning at Elimination Chamber.

After the match, Finn Bálor and Damian Priest came down to the ring and attempted to attack Bate and Dunne but after they both failed, NCR headed to the back thwarting their attack.

– Backstage, United States champion Logan Paul was with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller. As they were complimenting each other, they were interrupted by Kevin Owens. Owens made fun of them before requesting that the brass knuckles show up at Elimination Chamber before leaving. Paul Heyman then appeared and informed Waller that Roman Reigns wanted to see him now.

– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being helped to the trainer’s room by a referee and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis with no explanation provided.

Authors of Pain (w/The Final Testament) defeated The Street Profits (w/Bobby Lashley & B-Fab)

Montez Ford and Akam began the match and as Ford attempted to use his speed, Akam was just too powerful and Ford soon found himself looking concerned. Ford tagged in Angelo Dawkins and Dawkins soon found himself on the same end of a beating but would manage to find an opening and as AOP was regrouping on the outside, Dawkins landed a swanton over the top rope as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and Ford was being dominated by the shear size and power of AOP. After enduring punishment by AOP for the next several moments, Ford was able to side-step an attack by Rezar and finally make the hot tag to Dawkins.

Both teams went back and forth until the Profits were able to land a top rope blockbuster but could only manage a two count. Scarlett would then get involved and as Lashley protested, Kross would intercept and end up nailing Lashley’s arm with a steel chair across the ring post.

Meanwhile, back in the ring and Rezar was finally able to finish off Ford to gain the victory for AOP as commentary questioned how effective Lashley would now be tomorrow morning in the Elimination Chamber match.

– Backstage, Dakota Kai was being tended to by a medic and Nick Aldis before Bayley interrupted. Kai says she was jumped and apologized to Bayley for not trusting her. Bayley stated she should have been then for her and Kai followed up by stating that Damage CTRL was going to pay.

– Backstage, Roman Reigns was with Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa before Paul Heyman introduced Grayson Waller to them. Reigns stated that he was going to tell him something but it was for his ears only before the camera cut away.

– It was announced that on SmackDown next week, Bayley & Dakota Kai will face The Kabuki Warriors while Carlito will battle Santos Escobar in a Street Fight.

– Backstage, Bobby Lashley was being tended to with The Street Profits and B-Fab looking on before being interrupted by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre stated that he would pray for him before heading to the ring for his upcoming match.

LA Knight & Drew McIntyre went to a No Contest

As the match was just about to begin, Logan Paul’s music hit and he headed to the commentary desk to share his thoughts.

After the bell rang, both men were relentless in trying to capitalize early on to pickup the quick victory but as Knight seemed a bit too cocky, McIntyre nailed him with a Glasgow Kiss to gain momentum before sending the action to the outside.

As McIntyre was laying a beating on the outside to Knight, Kevin Owens arrived on scene with a steel chair and headed to commentary as well. Corey Graves asked the question of what could go wrong as we headed to commercial.

We’re back from commercial and back inside the ring now and McIntyre was still laying a beating on Knight as Paul and Owens jawjacked on commentary. Wade Barrett attempted to make things a bit more professional but to no avail.

As McIntyre attempted to continue the assault on Knight, he missed a move in the corner and Knight was now on the comeback and managed to land his trademark superplex but could only manage a two count. McIntyre followed up with his Future Shock DDT but after failing to hit the Claymore Kick, action spilled to the outside.

As Knight and McIntyre battled on the outside, Owens began getting more hostile and as McIntyre went to get back inside of the ring, Owens attacked him and the referee called for the bell.

Shortly after, Paul got involved and then Bobby Lashley ran down to the ring to get involved as well. After each man attempted to establish dominance, McIntyre laid out Lashley and his music began to play. Unfortunately for McIntyre, seconds later the crowd erupted and it was a RKO out of nowhere!

Randy Orton had struck and as the closing logo appeared, it was Orton standing tall going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber match.

Final Thoughts:

A good show cementing the final pieces going into tomorrow morning’s Elimination Chamber PLE. Will I be watching this live at 5AM ET? Heck no, but I’ll be looking forward to watching this when I do wake up tomorrow morning.

With WrestleMania XL right around the corner and so many questions still out there, even a segment like The Grayson Waller Effect tomorrow morning will likely play huge significance with relation to the storylines for WrestleMania.

With Orton standing tall at the end of tonight’s show, he does have history with Seth “Freakin” Rollins and especially at WrestleMania. As a Canadian, my biased pick would be Kevin Owens but with Logan Paul in the match as well, Owens’s focus isn’t going to be 100%.

On the women’s side, can you imagine Tiffany Stratton going into WrestleMania to fight for the Women’s World Championship? One can dream. With that being said, whoever is victorious tomorrow morning, my pick is they’re going to be facing a nightmare at WrestleMania and I don’t think they’ll be coming out on top.

Enjoy Elimination Chamber folks!

WWE SmackDown live results: The Rock & Roman Reigns return

Posted on by Colin McGuire

For the first time since they appeared at the WrestleMania 40 press conference, The Rock and Roman Reigns are set to return to SmackDown, live from Salt Lake City, Utah tonight.

At last Thursday’s press conference, The Rock slapped Cody Rhodes after Rhodes chose Reigns as his opponent at WrestleMania and spoke about the Bloodline’s family history. The Rock then told Triple H to “fix it” as he walked out of the building alongside Reigns. 

Four Elimination Chamber qualifying matches are also on tap for tonight, including Logan Paul making his SmackDown in-ring debut against The Miz. Joining them on the men’s side, Kevin Owens will battle Dominik Mysterio.

On the women’s side, Zelina Vega goes one-on-one with Tiffany Stratton. Naomi will wrestle Alba Fyre in a Chamber qualifying bout as well.

Fyre is replacing Shotzi in the match after Shotzi was injured Tuesday night during an NXT taping.

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

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– Corey Graves welcomed everyone into the show. Footage of The Rock arriving to the arena from earlier today aired. The crowd responded with more of a babyface response than I anticipated. Back in the arena. Kevin Owens’s music hit and we went to the first match. 

Kevin Owens defeated Dominik Mysterio to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [14:12]

Man, Dom has improved so much since coming into WWE as Rey’s scrawny kid who “had a long way to go.” Owens clearly said he wanted to give the kid a match and the kid held up his end of the bargain. This was one of the better SmackDown in-ring matches in recent weeks. The only thing that these qualifying matches suffer from is predictability. It would have been hard to think of Dom getting in the Chamber instead of Owens, but that didn’t mean these guys didn’t work hard and it was refreshing to see. Plus, hey that must be it for good, right: R-Truth is definitely not in Judgment Day.

Dominik walked to the ring with a microphone in hand and received his typical heat. Dom started talking and the crowed drowned him out with boos each time he tried to talk. Eventually, Dom got it out that his Judgment Day mates will all win at Elimination Chamber and slammed the microphone down. When the match actually started, the two traded head-locks. Dom eventually hit the ropes and Owens hit a shoulder-block to take Dom down. 

Owens landed another shoulder-block and a deep arm-drag and Dom rolled to the outside. Dom returned to the ring and hit an arm-drag of his own, but Owens responded by clotheslining Dom over the top rope. Owens set up for a dive, but Dom moved and Owens gave up the attempt. With the two on the outside, Owens punched Dom to the ground before rolling him back inside the ring. Out of nowhere, R-Truth showed up and talked to Owens. Dom took advantage of that and beat Owens down before rolling Owens back inside the ring to hit a dive as the show went to its first commercial break. 

The show returned and Dom was working a chin-lock on Owens inside the ring. The two eventually traded elbows until Owens landed a kick to the midsection and a strong clothesline to get the upper hand. Owens stomped a mudhole on Dom and Dom rolled to the outside. Owens followed Dom and landed a running Senton. Back inside the ring, Owens hit a Cannonball at about the 10-minute mark. Owens followed it up with a frog splash and got a fine near-fall out of it. Owens tried a pop-up powerbomb, but Dom countered into an X-Factor for a two-count. 

Dom then went for the Three Amigos, but Owens blocked the third suplex and suplexed Dom himself … which almost turned into a Three Amigos for Owens, but Dom blocked it and hit a DDT for a two-count. Dom went for a frog splash, but Owens moved and went to the top to hit a Swanton for a two-count. Dom kicked Owens and Owens landed on the second rope, so Dom went for the 619, but Owens kicked out of a cover attempt. Dom yelled at R-Truth to give Dom a chair. Dom told Truth he was in Judgment Day and Truth walked over to grab a chair. Truth set up the chair and sat in it instead of giving it to Dom and that led to a super-kick and a pop-up powerbomb for the win. Truth looked happy that Owens won the match. Truth hopped into the ring and raised Owens’s hand. 

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– Drew McIntyre was interviewed backstage and McIntyre said he was the only one who needs to win the Chamber, but LA Knight walked in and told Drew his moment will be stolen one more time at the Chamber. McIntyre told Knight he was good, but Drew said he sees through Knight. McIntyre said Knight is insecure. Knight said McIntyre hasn’t a champion of anything since Knight has been in WWE. Knight brought up the CM Punk/McIntyre shirt and said McIntyre’s aspirations will end up the same as Punk’s – six feet under. Officials broke them up before things came to blows. 

– Footage of Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman arriving to the building from earlier today aired. Roman looked happy to run into Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa. 

– Logan Paul was shown walking in the arena in footage from earlier today. 

– Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate were interviewed backstage. Dunne said things were going great and last week was proof of that. Dunne said all that’s left to do is win the tag team titles at the Chamber. Bate named them “New Catch Republic” as a tag team. Dom showed up out of nowhere and said they won’t beat anyone in Judgment Day. Bate and Dunne challenged Dom and R-Truth to a match next week, but Dom stormed off. 

Tiffany Stratton defeated Zelina Vega to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [8:18]

Yiiiiiikkkkesssss. Stratton’s knees came right the hell down onto Vega’s midsection during her moonsault to end the match and it did not look fun for Vega. That’s twice in two weeks Stratton has missed the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Not a great start on the main roster for a talent who will certainly be one of the biggest stars the company has for years to come. The match, meanwhile, exceeded my expectations. Vega showed good fire and they gave her an out with LDF sitting in the front row. Stratton was just bigger than Vega, which the commentary team could have played up more, but I digress. Anyway, I’m not sure if Stratton is suffering from some nerves getting the call up – she looked fine in the Royal Rumble match – but hopefully she gets things ironed out soon.

Stratton flexed to begin the match, but Vega fought back briefly. Stratton went for a stomp, but Vega moved and eventually the action spilled outside. Vega slammed Stratton on the apron and flipped Stratton the ground before hitting a moonsault from the middle rope onto Stratton on the outside. Legado Del Fantasma was shown watching the match in the front row and Vega jawed at them. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from break, Stratton and Vega were trading blows in the ring. The LWO walked down to the ring to even things out with Fantasmo. Vega set up for a 619, but Stratton moved and essentially ran into a DDT from Vega, which earned Vega a two-count. Stratton fought back and landed her Cartwheel Alabama Slam for a two-count. Stratton began a moonsault, but Vega cut her off and hit a Meteora for a good near-fall. Stratton rolled to the outside and eventually threw Vega into the crowd barricade. Vega pulled Elektra Lopez over the rail and then got back into the ring, where she ran into a spinebuster and the Prettiest Moonsault Ever, which earned Stratton the win. 

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– AJ Styles was shown sitting backstage and The OC walked in. Styles piefaced Anderson and those two traded jabs until they breathed heavily at each other. Styles walked away and Anderson looked mad. 

– A video from IYO SKY, Kairi Sane and Asuka aired. The three spoke in Japanese and SKY said it’s IYO’s era. Asuka called out Dakota Kai and Sane did the same. Asuka ended it by saying, “No one is ready for Damage CTRL.”

Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) defeated Javier Bernal & Beau Morris [1:01]

Hey. It was fun to see some NXT talent on SmackDown … right?

Akam beat the stuffing out of Bernal to start the match. Rezar tagged in and the two manhandled Morris. AOP hit a Super Collider and their finisher on Bernal for the win. 

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– Logan Paul was interviewed backstage and Paul said all the fans are welcome because he’s going to knock out The Miz later. Paul said he’s going to win the Chamber and will challenge Seth Rollins at WrestleMania to become a double champion.

– A video recapping the Cody/Roman/Rock/Seth drama aired. 

Logan Paul defeated The Miz to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [12:44]

Goodness, I did not have “Logan Paul and The Miz will head out there and give us 13 minutes of pretty good stuff” on my Feb. 16 SmackDown bingo card. OK, sorry. I hate that cliche, too. Anyway, this far, far exceeded my expectations, but because it’s the second time I’m writing that tonight, I have to start wondering if either the matches are better than good or my expectations going into them are too low. Whatever it is, good for Miz, getting so much crowd love – and booking love, to be fair. It seems like it’s been forever since Miz was given this much offense in a television match. That it came against Logan Paul only made it feel that much more weighty. Paul is still pretty good for his experience level, but the brass knucks gimmick is getting tired for me. I could be the only one feeling that, though.

Graves pointed out that this was Paul’s first-ever match on SmackDown. Wow. The two locked up and Paul toyed with Miz, who quickly fired up, to the delight of the live crowd. Paul hit a cross-body from the top and went for a standing moonsault, but Miz got the knees up and took control of the match. Miz attacked Paul’s knee and kicked Paul in the head. Nick Aldis was shown sitting in a skybox with Bron Breakker, Liv Morgan, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. In the meantime, Paul found himself with the upper hand and landed a series of elbows to take Miz down. 

Paul hit a split leg-drop and posed on top of Miz for a two-count. Paul chopped Miz repeatedly until Miz moved and chopped Paul. Miz kicked Paul a handful of times, leading to Miz’s “Yes!” kicks. The crowd was behind Miz as Miz landed a clothesline. Miz was on the apron and Paul ran Miz into the ring post. Paul then hit a leaping clothesline and a frog splash onto Miz, who was on the apron. Paul posed with fans and the show went to a break. 

Back to the show and Miz and Paul were down in the middle of the ring. Miz punched Paul a bunch of times. Miz followed that up with some clotheslines. Miz hit a modified Flatliner for a two-count. Miz set up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Paul worked out of it … until Miz landed a Codebreaker from the second rope for a two-count. Miz hit the “Yes! (or It!)” kicks, much to the delight of everyone in Salt Lake City. Miz went back to Paul’s knee with a series of kicks. Miz went for a figure-four, but Paul raked the eyes and hit the Paul Crushing Finale for a good near-fall. Miz appeared to be bleeding in his mouth. 

Miz worked a figure-four, but Paul got to the ropes for a break. The action spilled outside, where Paul ran Miz into the apron. Paul rolled Miz into the ring and was given brass knuckles. Miz knocked them out of Paul’s hand and picked them up. Miz threw the knucks away and after the two got back into the ring, Paul hit an inverted Skull Crushing Finale after punching him. That was enough for the win, oddly enough. 

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– Tiffany Stratton spoke to Morgan and Belair backstage. Jade Cargill broke the conversation up and the ladies jawed at each other. Nick Aldis stepped in and told Tiffany it wasn’t the time or place. Stratton left and Breakker, along with Cargill, walked out of the room with Aldis. 

– Grayson Waller was seen talking to Paul Heyman in the back quickly before the show returned to the ring.

Naomi defeated Alba Fyre to qualify for the Elimination Chamber [9:17]

The least intriguing Chamber qualifying match was, well, the least intriguing Chamber qualifying match. That’s OK, though. I wonder how things would have turned out with Shotzi in the Fyre spot, but injuries can be a drag and here’s hoping Shotzi recovers soon. Good on WWE for giving Fyre more than nothing, but this never felt in doubt. 

Fyre had control early with a series of boots to Naomi’s head. Naomi came back with a knee to Fyre’s head and a double-kick, as well as a smack to Fyre’s mouth. Naomi hit the second split leg drop of the night. The action spilled outside and Fyre gained control briefly until Naomi landed a bulldog on Fyre onto the ring steps. The show then went to a commercial break. 

Back from that break, Naomi kicked Fyre and followed it up with a clothesline and a head-scissors takedown. Naomi landed a dropkick and bulldog for a two-count. Naomi went to the top and executed a cross-body for a two-count. Before long, Fyre face-planted Naomi for a two-count. Fyre launched Naomi into the ropes and Isla Dawn punched Naomi. Fyre got a two-count because of it. Ultimately, Naomi kicked Dawn and sank in her finisher on Fyre until Fyre tapped. 

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– Bayley was shown walking backstage and she was interrupted by Dakota Kai, who told Bayley Damage CTRL is coming after Kai. Bayley said she didn’t know who she could trust. Bayley said she couldn’t talk and she walked away from Kai. 

– Nick Aldis stood in the entryway with a microphone. Aldis introduced Bron Breakker as the newest member of the SmackDown roster. Breakker came out and shook Aldis’s hand. Breakker signed a contract. 

– The Bloodline was shown walking backstage briefly again.

– Next week, Bate & Dunne will wrestle Dominik & DJ McDonagh. Also, the Street Profits will take on AOP. Breakker will make his SmackDown in-ring debut. And finally, LA Knight will go one-on-one with Drew McIntyre. 

The Bloodline/Rock segment

This was … odd. I could be in the minority – I’m interested to hear what others have to say – but my initial reaction was that they didn’t quite know what to do about this Rock thing. Rock tried – overtly so, to varying degrees of success – to get the people to not like him, with the mean things he said to the live crowd, but it didn’t quite click. He went deep and maybe even said an uncomfortable thing or two, but the people still popped for what they were always going to pop for. It’ll be interesting to see how they walk this tightrope for the next two months. People want Cody. But I don’t know that they ever truly wanted to hate The Rock. Hmmm. Interesting, indeed. 

Paul Heyman presented Roman Reigns with a microphone in the ring. Reigns told Salt Lake City to acknowledge him. The crowd complied. Reigns asked the crowd if he could be honest with the crowd and proceeded to say that the people of Utah are idiots. And just like that, Reigns got his heel heat back. Reigns said he didn’t want the fans to ruin a big night because when The Rock comes out, they might “go dumb.” Reigns said everything they will say has meaning and purpose and it’s information everyone needs to understand. He then said tonight is history. The crowd chanted “Cody!” and Roman stopped talking. 

Reigns got back on track and said tonight is the first night that they can say The Rock is a member of The Bloodline. The crowd booed and then The Rock’s music hit. Wouldn’t you know it – the crowd went bonkers for him initially. Rock had goosebumps again and pointed them out. Rock was wearing a gold vest and sunglasses. The show cut to its final commercial break of the night as The Rock slowly walked to the ring.

The show returned and The Bloodline was standing on a side of the ring while The Rock had a microphone. The Rock soaked in a lot of noise, which felt mixed. Rock said he had good news to share. He said it would make everyone happy and the crowd tonight broke an all-time indoor attendance record for Salt Lake City and all of Utah. Rock said they broke the record for biggest “gathering of trailer park trash,” and everyone booed. 

Rock said “Finally … your life has meaning and you and your 50 wives will have a story to tell.” Rock called the people inbred. Ultimately, Rock hit the he has come back to Salt Lake City line and the crowd cheered. Those cheers switched to boos. Rock yelled at someone in the crowd, called them “Fatty,” and said he’d slap the herpes off the fan’s lips. Rock said the biggest WrestleMania main event was in the fans’ hands and the fans let it go. Rock said they flushed it down the toilet. Rock mocked people saying “We want Cody!” 

Rock asked the fans “What is Cody’s story?” The crowd gave him the “What?” treatment. Rock pointed out that Roman beat Cody at WrestleMania last year. Rock said Cody wants a rematch now, but that’s not how it works. Rock said that logic is stupid. The Rock told everyone to shut their mouths in regards to the “What?” chant. Rock applied the logic to the Super Bowl and asked if the 49ers whined about their story. Rock said the 49ers moved on like men. Rock said it’s personal and referenced how Michael Jordan crushed the dream of the Utah Jazz. 

The Rock said the Jazz worked their asses off to get back to the top. Rock said the real world doesn’t mean people get a shot at a story just because they want it. Rock called the fans, and I quote, “spoiled, entitled little crybaby bitches.” The Rock said he will do everything in his power to make sure Cody walks out of WrestleMania a loser. Rock said Cody’s story is ending and The Bloodline’s is just beginning. Rock then said, “If you smell …” but then stopped himself. Rock then finished it by saying, “If you smell what The Bloodline is cooking.” The show ended almost abruptly.