Smackdown
Date: March 7, 2025
Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett

It’s pretty rare that you see an event take place which turns WWE completely upside down, but that is what we are dealing with following Elimination Chamber. John Cena turned evil for the first time in over twenty years and there are a lot of people who are less than thrilled with the whole thing. There is a good chance we’ll be dealing with that here, plus the US Title is on the line as LA Knight gets his rematch against Shinsuke Nakamura. Let’s get to it.

Here is Elimination Chamber if you need a recap.

Earlier today, as people were coming to work, Drew McIntyre jumped Damian Priest.

Elimination Chamber recap, though we don’t see the Cena beatdown.

Here is Randy Orton to get things going. Orton talks about how crazy things have been lately but ever since he started, John Cena has always been at the top. Now though, he’s just a bottom for Rock, which gives a new meaning to the term “Rock Bottom”. That brings him to Kevin Owens, with Orton admiring the wrestler but not liking the person. Orton thinks Owens’ jealousy has destroyed him, like Owens’ jealousy made him try to destroy Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.

That brings us back to Orton, who had to come back from a career ending surgery. Owens was trying to give Zayn such a career ending injury at Elimination Chamber. That’s what brought Orton out, and he was hearing those voices for the first time in many years. Now he’s ready to prove that Pat McAfee is the second best punter in WWE. This was a very serious and fired up Orton, which you don’t see very often.

Chelsea Green yells at Nick Aldis about her title match tonight but Tiffany Stratton doesn’t want to hear it. Piper Niven accuses Stratton of censorship and gets a match tonight as a result.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Piper Niven

Non-title. Stratton jumps over her to start and tells Niven to come on, earning herself a big shoulder. Niven’s backsplash misses and Stratton hits a basement dropkick but Niven sends her to the floor. The flip dive off the apron wipes Stratton out and we take an early break. Back with Stratton firing off some clotheslines and a handspring elbow in the corner. Another basement dropkick gives Stratton another two and the Swanton connects for another near fall. Niven powers her down and loads up the Vader Bomb, only to miss so Stratton can nail the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pin at 7:43.

Rating: C+. Well, the fans are responding to Stratton a bit more positively so things are at least going in the right direction. It’s another example of the simple, classic story here with Stratton having to find a way around the monster. That worked out well, though the buzzsaw that is Charlotte is still waiting for her at Wrestlemania.

Post match Charlotte runs in and takes out Stratton’s knee, setting up the Figure eight to make it even worse.

Nick Aldis explains the issues in the tag division and yes he does have a chart to explain the whole story (which is actually rather helpful). The solution: a #1 contenders match this week and the Street Profits (not in the #1 contenders match) get their title shot next week.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly vs. Los Garza

For the #1 contendership. Angel tags himself in to start and is immediately dropkicked by Wilson but Garza TAKES OFF HIS PANTS and all six get in to brawl. Pretty Deadly and the Guns are kicked to the floor, setting up the stereo dives from Los Garza as we take a break. Back with Shelley taking Pretty Deadly down, allowing the tag off to Sabin, who catches Berto with a tornado DDT for two. Everything breaks down and we hit the parade of knockdowns until Sabin hits a dive onto a bunch of people. Skull & Bones is loaded up but Prince reverses into a backslide for the clean pin on Sabin at 7:06.

Rating: B-. There was a lot of action for such little time, especially when you factor out the break. Pretty Deadly winning isn’t the biggest shock but them winning clean certainly is, as that is just not something that happens. This sets up some interesting possibilities, which is a nice sign for the division. There are several stories going on at once, though the reactions to them are only so strong thus far.

We look back at Jade Cargill returning at Elimination Chamber and beating Naomi down.

We look at some reactions to John Cena’s turn.

Here is Bianca Belair for a chat. She should be on top of the world because she is on the way to Wrestlemania but two of her best friends are fighting. Belair doesn’t believe that Naomi did this and Jade Cargill won’t talk to her so she needs some answers from Naomi right now. Cue Naomi, who says she and Belair need to get their Tag Team Titles back. Belair flat out asks Naomi if she did it but Naomi goes on a rant about how Cargill took advantage of Cargill or not. She doesn’t say yes or no so Belair wants a flat out answer. Naomi admits that she did it and Belair is in tears.

Naomi said she did it for Belair, who says they are done and walks out. As Belair leaves, Naomi gets angrier and says she should have pushed Cargill sooner and harder. Naomi: “YOU UNGRATEFUL B****!” Cue Jade Cargill, who shares a quick look with Belair (whose face seems to say “do what you have to do, I’m out”) and Naomi is quickly destroyed again. Naomi as a villain is an interesting way to go, but she doesn’t seem to be the new big bad or anything close to it.

We look at the issues between Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest.

McIntyre blames Priest for costing him the chance to be the World Champion at Wrestlemania.

We look at Cody Rhodes surprising Lex Luger with an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Unfortunately, we don’t get any Summerslam 1993 balloons.

Charlotte talks about how the women’s division is soft but B-Fab comes in to say no one is interested in bowing down to her. The challenge is issued for next week. I’m not a big fan of Charlotte, but B-Fab is going to get massacred here, and that’s what should happen.

Braun Strowman vs. Solo Sikoa

Sikoa bounces off of Strowman to start and is knocked to the floor for his efforts. The ensuing charge sends Strowman into the steps though and Sikoa adds a running Umaga attack as we take a break. Back with Sikoa managing a Samoan drop, allowing him to stop for some posing. Another Umaga attack connects but Sikoa takes too long loading up a third one, allowing Strowman to run him over. Strowman hits the running powerslam but Tama Tonga comes in for the DQ at 6:56.

Rating: C+. Again, there was only so much that could be done with so little time but Sikoa was wrestling more of a power style here, which worked well for him. The ending was a good thing to see as you don’t need Strowman losing another match. I’m not sure how far Strowman can go against the evil group, but at least he looked dominant enough at different parts of the match.

Post match Strowman clears the ring but here is Jacob Fatu for the big showdown. The brawl is on with Strowman getting the better of things to start, only to be sent over the barricade. They fight over to the tech area and Strowman slips out of a Samoan drop, setting up a chokeslam through a table (and through the water bottles). Fatu gets up and backs away anyway.

LA Knight is ready to face Shinsuke Nakamura and get the US Title back. All it takes is one BFT to put Nakamura back to factory settings and it’s time to give Old Glory a better representation than it’s had lately.

Chelsea Green yells at Piper Niven for not being ready for the street fight. Zelina Vega comes in to say she’s coming for whomever comes out as Women’s US Champion tonight.

Women’s US Title: Chelsea Green vs. Michin

Green is defending in a street fight (and yes she is dressed as Cactus Jack from the 2000 Royal Rumble because she is that awesome) and has Piper Niven with her. Michin on the other hand is in an Eagles jersey and brings the weapons with her to start slugging away before the bell. They get inside for said bell and Green gets drop toeholded face first into an open chair. It’s already time for a table (yeah you knew that was coming) and we take a break.

Back with Michin spraying her with a fire extinguisher and loading up another table, only for Niven to break it up. Green manages to go Coast To Coast but cue B-Fab to beat on Niven on the floor. Michin fights up with kendo stick and hammers away. A Cannonball crushes a trashcan against Green for two and now the table is brought in.

Eat Defeat sends Green onto the table, which breaks before anything happens. Michin hits a top rope backsplash onto Green onto the broken table but someone in a hoodie (those freaking hoodies) pulls Green out. A kick to the head rocks Michin and it’s Alba Fyre, apparently now part of Green’s team. Fyre hits a Canadian Destroyer onto a chair and Green retains at 10:03.

Rating: B-. This was the usual street fight style match but what matters in the end was about having Fyre joining the team. With Isla Dawn gone, it’s nice to see Fyre having something to do, as she’s far too talented to be left off the shows. If nothing else, Green continues to be awesome, with the Jack cosplay being outstanding.

Santos Escobar isn’t happy with Los Garza. Andrade comes in to seemingly recruit Berto.

TKO is launching a boxing promotion in partnership with Saudi Arabia.

We get the long look at the John Cena turn.

Here is Cody Rhodes (with a HORRIBLE looking eye) for a chat. Rhodes talks about how he didn’t see what happened at Elimination Chamber coming. John Cena turned on him after earning the title shot at Wrestlemania. Rhodes spent two years driving Cena around to learn everything he could.

Now though, Cena has given up and, with Rhodes trying to keep his composure, he talks about how Cena had acted like his friend. Then at some point, Cena said the title was going to get heavier every day and now Cena believes that he is the last of his kind. Now the title has never felt lighter so if Cena wants some, come get some. This was the fired up Cody that it had to be and it worked well enough.

Miz pitches Nick Aldis an interview with Cody Rhodes next week on Melo Don’t MizTV. Carmelo Hayes comes in to mock Randy Orton, who pops up and gets a match with Hayes next week.

Saturday Night’s Main Event is back on May 24.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso

Jimmy jumps him to start and knocks McIntyre to the floor, where a dive is cut off with a right hand. A quick charge sends McIntyre over the announcers’ table and we take a break. Back with Jimmy hitting a Samoan drop and nailing the running Umaga attack. A superkick gives Jimmy two but the Superfly Splash misses. The Claymore finishes Jimmy at 7:16.

Rating: C+. This was a win that McIntyre has been missing after something of a string of losses and it evens things up after his loss to Uso a few weeks back. That’s all this needed to be, as McIntyre is likely on to bigger and better things in the near future. Jimmy still needs something to do, and a loss like this isn’t the best sign for his immediate future.

Post match Damian Priest runs in to jump McIntyre. Security can’t quite keep them apart and Priest gets in a few more shots.

Shinsuke Nakamura is ready to finish LA Knight for good.

Video on DIY vs. the Street Profits for the Tag Team Titles next week.

DIY is ready to retain the titles next week because they are the best team. They hold a moment of silence for the Street Profits, with Byron Saxton screwing it up.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

US Title: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Knight is defending and knees him down to start but Knight is back up with some right hands. They go to the floor, with Nakamura hitting a running knee to take over again. The sliding German suplex drops Knight again but Knight knocks him outside, this time for a baseball slide.

We take a break and come back with Knight hitting his jumping neckbreaker into a powerslam into the jumping elbow for two. Nakamura cuts off the superplex attempt though and hits a nasty belly to back superplex for another near fall. Kinshasa is cut off so Nakamura goes up, only for Knight to run the ropes for the superplex. There’s the top rope elbow but Nakamura heads outside to grab a chair.

The referee takes that away so Nakamura tries the mist, which hits the referee by mistake. Knight’s rollup gets no count so Nakamura kicks him in the head again and a Meiko Satomura Scorpio Rising connects. Nakamura grabs the chair again but gets caught with the BFT, meaning another referee can run in to count the pin and give Knight the title back at 11:10.

Rating: B-. They did a nice job with the fake out of having the rollup with the referee down, only to have Knight get the title back anyway. It’s a bit of a weird way to go as Nakamura only won the title a few months ago and now Knight has it back. That’s good for Knight though, as he was kind of floating around without much to do. It’s a big win for him and hopefully he gets to have a bit of a better reign this time around.

The big celebration ends the show.

Overall Rating: B-. It wasn’t a great show but they had to deal with the huge moment from Elimination Chamber. You can only get so far with that without having Cena or the Rock here, but that’s going to be saved for a bigger moment down the line. The title change at the end was a big deal and we got some emotional promos. You can see a lot of Wrestlemania coming from here and this show took some steps in getting it ready. Now just take those next steps in the coming weeks and things should go well.

Results
Tiffany Stratton b. Piper Niven – Prettiest Moonsault Ever
Pretty Deadly b. Motor City Machine Guns and Los Garza – Backslide to Sabin
Braun Strowman b. Solo Sikoa via DQ when Tama Tonga interfered
Chelsea Green b. Michin – Canadian Destroyer onto a chair
Drew McIntyre b. Jimmy Uso – Claymore
LA Knight b. Shinsuke Nakamura – BFT onto a chair

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Smackdown
Date: February 28, 2025
Location: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett

It’s the night before Elimination Chamber and that means we need one last push towards the show. Odds are that is going to include more of Cody Rhodes being unsure about whether or not he should accept the Rock’s offer, plus some final pushes towards the Elimination Chamber matches. That could make for an interesting enough show so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of Rock telling Cody Rhodes that he wants Cody’s soul.

Cody Rhodes arrives and is told he has a private locker room, courtesy of the Final Boss.

Here is Trish Stratus in a Maple Leafs jersey to get things going, just in case the fans didn’t love her enough. She gets rather emotional at the THANK YOU TRISH chants and then says “it’s the jersey isn’t it”. Trish asks what year it is when we have Lilian Garcia introducing her, the Rock is back and she’s wrestling in her hometown.

Stratus talks about how it’s a generational thing because the dad of a young girl in the front row probably had her poster on the wall. Tomorrow will be the first time her kids will see her wrestle live and here is her partner, Tiffany Stratton (also in a Leafs jersey). They declare it Trishy Time and then take the jerseys off and throw them into the crowd.

Cue Chelsea Green and Piper Niven (yes, she is dressed as the Mountie) to interrupt, with Green talking about how honored she is to represent the better country of America. Stratton makes the challenge and Stratus thinks it’s a good idea so get a referee out here right now. This was Stratton going for more of a pure hero and it could have gone far worse. Have her adjust her talking style and focus more on her athleticism and it could work.

Chelsea Green vs. Tiffany Stratton

Non-title. We’re joined in progress with Green getting two off an enziguri and grabbing a chinlock. Stratton gets out and hits some clotheslines, followed by the spinebuster for two. Green’s Rough Ryder gets two but Stratton hits a quick dropkick. Niven breaks up the Prettiest Moonsault Ever so Stratton hits a dive, only for Candice LeRae and Nia Jax to jump Stratus. Jax pulls Stratton to the floor for the DQ at 3:13 shown.

Rating: C. They didn’t have time to do much here but thankfully it was a DQ rather than having one of the champions lose. At the same time, this was Stratton’s debut as a more clean cut hero and that might have warranted a pinfall, albeit not over Green. Odds are she can get that at Elimination Chamber, but this is a match that could have probably been a big segment instead.

Post match the beatdown is on but Stratus makes the save and the villains skedaddle.

Nick Aldis announces a one night tournament for the #1 contendership to the US Title. This feels rather unnecessary and like little more than a way to fill in time.

Jacob Fatu isn’t happy with Solo Sikoa, who thinks Fatu should bring the US Title home to the family. Fatu seems pleased.

Cody Rhodes’ dressing room has a bunch of alcohol and what I assume is sushi. R-Truth is here and thinks it might be worth selling out for, with Rhodes telling him to help himself. R-Truth is glad Rhodes isn’t being shellfish.

US Title #1 Contenders Qualifying Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Andrade

Fatu runs him over with a shoulder to start but Andrade gets in a low bridge. A hurricanrana sets up a big moonsault to the floor and we take a break. Back with Andrade hitting a poisonrana and they’re both down. Fatu is back up to run Andrade over, only for Andrade to hit a boot to the head in the corner. The double jump moonsault gets two on Fatu as the fans declare this awesome. Back up and a sunset flip is blocked as Fatu sits on his chest, setting up an implant DDT. The triple jump moonsault gives Fatu the pin at 8:22.

Rating: B. This is where you can have fun with some people you might not have expected to see together and it wound up going well. They had good chemistry together and that made for a nice match here. Fatu gets to beat someone else but he certainly didn’t smash Andrade, which he shouldn’t be doing given what Andrade has done before.

We recap the Street Profits being all violent and aggressive as of late.

Earlier today, the Profits refused to apologize to Legado del Fantasma and Nick Aldis had to break it up.

Los Garza vs. Street Profits

Or not as DIY and the Motor City Machine Guns run in for the big brawl. No match.

Drew McIntyre comes up to Cody Rhodes and talks about how they would do anything to get to the top. Rhodes has a chance to jump up there and McIntyre looks forward to finding out that Rhodes sold out a long time ago.

Video on John Cena going to the Elimination Chamber…and Drew McIntyre comes into the arena, saying cut it off. McIntyre says Cena is going to become a hypocrite, just like he did when he decided he was in the Elimination Chamber. He sits on the announcers’ table and says it would be interested in seeing what 2010 Cena would think of modern Cena.

First up, Cena would make a bad joke about the bald spot that needs its own zip code but here is Damian Priest to interrupt. Priest: “R-Truth makes more sense than you do!” McIntyre says he was screwed over last year, including at Wrestlemania. The reality is that McIntyre won the World Title but was so obsessed with CM Punk that Priest was able to cash in Money In The Bank. McIntyre (sat in Punk’s signature style): “I am not obsessed with CM Punk.”

Priest is ready to beat McIntyre at Elimination Chamber and reminds McIntyre that be dropped him the last time they were here. McIntyre is ready to let Priest try to do it again but here is Seth Rollins to interrupt. Rollins talks about how this place was looking fun so he had to come in and join the party. He blames McIntyre’s terrible Money In The Bank cash in for not winning the World Heavyweight Title last year and gets in Priest’s face.

Cue CM Punk to interrupt, saying that Rollins looks like an oven mitt (close enough) and he’ll Rollins tomorrow night. He doesn’t have any issue with Priest, but he’s ready to take him out in the Elimination Chamber. That leaves the other guy who is obsessed with him, but Punk is obsessed with going to Wrestlemania. Someone asked him if he would be willing to sell his soul to get to the top and they’re all dealing with serious Punk tomorrow.

Punk calls out John Cena for having his retirement tour and not showing up but the other three say they’re ready to take him out. McIntyre will just complain on the internet if he loses…and here is Cena….’s music, with Logan Paul coming out instead. Paul makes it clear that Cena doesn’t care about Canada before mocking Rollins, who is dressed like he lost a bet. There is a Priest standing in the ring but he is still the answer to WWE’s prayers. Paul calls out Punk, who chases him away. This was the “a bunch of people talk to each other” and it worked well.

We go to the Kickoff Show, where a bunch of women got in a brawl.

US Title #1 Contenders Qualifying Match: LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar

Knight drives him into the corner to start before Escobar bounces out of a headscissors. A Side Effect looks to set up Knight’s jumping top rope elbow but Escobar gets up instead. Knight sends him outside, where Escobar gets in a whip to the steps as we take a break. Back with the two of them striking away until Knight plants him down with a neckbreaker.

Escobar’s armbar doesn’t get him very far as Knight is back with some clotheslines into a jumping elbow drop. A missed charge sends Knight into the corner, setting up a top rope hurricanrana. Escobar goes up top, only to dive into the BFT (and a nice one at that) to give Knight the pin at 11:16.

Rating: B-. Another nice back and forth match here with Knight getting the win, as he should have given his recent issues with Shinsuke Nakamura. Escobar is another example of someone who can work well with almost anyone in the ring and that’s a good way to make Knight look better. I’m not sure if Knight is getting the title shot, but he would make the most sense of all of the options.

Here is Sami Zayn for a chat. He knows there is a long history between himself and Kevin Owens, so he wants Owens out here right now. They can say their final piece to each other and that’s it before tomorrow. We cut to Owens in an empty stadium (the location for tomorrow’s show) where he can talk about how they have never had a bigger match.

Owens promises to watch Zayn’s family suffer after tomorrow because this is all Zayn’s fault. Zayn says he is nervous, but it’s because of what he will do to Owens. He brings up the names of Owens’ parents (that gets Owens serious) and says it’s on tomorrow. Owens says he’ll see Zayn tomorrow to wrap it up. As usual, these two feel important together and that will be the case again tomorrow.

Carmelo Hayes says he won’t need the Miz tonight. With Hayes gone, Cody Rhodes comes in and Miz asks him what he’s going to do. Rhodes isn’t sure, but Miz talks about how Rhodes could be so much more in Hollywood if he takes the deal.

US Title #1 Contenders Qualifying Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman

Strowman throws him around to start and they go outside, but here is Tama Tonga for a distraction. Cue Solo Sikoa with a chair to Strowman’s back for no effect so Strowman takes the chair. Hayes drops to the mat though and the referee sees Strowman holding the chair, which is enough for the DQ at 1:27. Well that was quick.

Post match Strowman powerbombs Tonga.

Naomi, Bayley and Bianca Belair are ready to fight in their six woman tag tonight.

Bayley/Naomi/Bianca Belair vs. Roxanne Perez/Liv Morgan/Raquel Rodriguez

Naomi and Morgan slug it out to start with Naomi kicking her into the corner without much trouble. All six get in for the slugout until Bayley drops Morgan with a suicide dive. Another dive lets her point at the sign and we take a break. Back with Bayley bulldogging Rodriguez out of the corner, allowing Belair to come back in. Belair muscles Rodriguez up for a suplex and the standing moonsault gets two.

Everything breaks down and Naomi gives Rodriguez a hanging Pedigree on the apron, followed by a swinging kick to Perez. Bayley hits the top rope elbow on Perez before Naomi and Raquel crash out to the floor. The Bayley To Belly is broken up and Perez goes after Bayley’s knee, setting up the Pop Rox for the pin at 8:52.

Rating: C+. Perez gets another win and that is a good sign for her future. I could go for seeing more of what she is going to get to do, as she is more than ready for the main roster. While she isn’t likely going to win the Chamber, WWE is giving her a strong push to start and that could go a long way.

Post match Alexa Bliss runs in to lay Perez out. The Wyatt Sicks logo pops up because we just have to do that for some reason.

Charlotte is ready for Tiffany Stratton at Wrestlemania.

Travis Scott will be at Elimination Chamber.

Elimination Chamber rundown.

Shinsuke Nakamura promises to make an example out of whomever challenges him next.

Jacob Fatu is ready to smash the other two.

Jacob Fatu vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. LA Knight

For a future US Title shot. Fatu stomps on Knight in the corner and glares at Hayes for daring to stop him. Knight gets back up to knock Fatu outside and hits an elbow on Hayes, only to get pulled outside by Fatu. Hayes joins them and Fatu misses a big charge into the timekeeper’s area as we take a break.

Back with Fatu in control again and taking turns knocking both of them down. Hayes manages a springboard DDT to Fatu, who just screams at him before hitting the pop up Samoan drop. A BFT hits Fatu but Hayes is back up with the First 48 for two on Knight. Back up and Hayes is thrown outside onto Fatu, who sends him into the steps. Knight hits a nice spinning dive to send Fatu into the steps but Hayes is back with Nothing But Net. Fatu pops up for a Swanton to break up the cover and hits the triple jump moonsault, only for Knight to steal the pin at 12:18.

Rating: B. They were working here with Hayes being there as a way to give Knight the pin without beating Fatu. What matters the most here is that Knight is getting his title match at some point, though I’m not sure we needed to have a tournament to set that up. Either way, Knight winning the title back isn’t out of the question, and he looked good on the way there.

CM Punk asks Cody Rhodes what the Rock could possibly offer him, though Punk says he’s glad he never got that offer.

Here is Michael Cole for an in-ring chat with Rhodes. Cole gets right to the point, saying that Rhodes has the chance to sell out tomorrow night. The Rhodes that Cole has known for twenty years wouldn’t do it but this is a different Rock. Cole goes over what Rhodes could get out of this, including a limited schedule, a bunch of money, and a big red truck, with Rhodes’ name and logo on it, which rolls into the arena.

Rock pops up on screen with his own version of the truck, saying he knows Rhodes is going to do the right thing. He brings up talking to Dusty Rhodes in the hope that Cody will do the right thing and let the Rock have what he wants. Rock busts out a weightlifting belt labeled “Cody’s Soul” with the date of June 11, 2015, the date Dusty died. He’ll see Cody tomorrow for the decision.

Cody is unsure to end the show. It helped to have this laid out a bit more as that helps explain why Cody might want to take the deal, but it’s still hard to believe he’ll do it. That being said, it very well may be the point, as Rock might have someone else ready to take him up on the offer.

Overall Rating: C+. This third hour is dragging the show down and that was on clear display here. It felt like there was a lot on here for the sake of filling in time, with the whole tournament thing feeling like it was just added in. On the positive side, the wrestling itself was good and they fleshed out the Cody deal a lot more. That being said, it’s really hard to get interested in whatever the Rock is talking about as this version of him isn’t making good TV. Get him mad and things are better, but for now it’s a lot of waiting to get to the better stuff. Not a bad show, but dang getting back to two hours sounds great.

Results
Tiffany Stratton b. Chelsea Green via DQ when Nia Jax interfered
Jacob Fatu b. Andrade – Triple jump moonsault
LA Knight b. Santos Escobar – BFT
Carmelo Hayes b. Braun Strowman via DQ when Strowman was accused of using a chair
Roxanne Perez/Liv Morgan/Raquel Rodriguez b. Bayley/Naomi/Bianca Belair – Pop Rox to Bayley
LA Knight b. Jacob Fatu and Carmelo Hayes – Triple jump moonsault to Hayes

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Smackdown
Date: February 21, 2025
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett

We’re closing in on Wrestlemania but the big story this week would be the return of the Rock. That could be for a variety of reasons and now we get to see what he is going to be announcing. Other than that, Elimination Chamber is just over a week away and the show’s namesake matches are officially set. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Cody Rhodes is here for the main event…but Nick Aldis reveals that the Rock has pulled him from said match.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jimmy Uso

During his entrance, Jimmy mocks McIntyre’s chances of going to Wrestlemania. McIntyre mocks the Yeet pose and gets punched in the face for his early efforts. An overhead belly to belly sends Uso flying again and they go outside for a ram into the barricade. Back in and McIntyre says Jimmy will not be going to Wrestlemania so he knocks McIntyre outside for the suicide dive. A hard whip into the steps drops Jimmy again though and we take a break.

We come back with Jimmy knocking him off the top, meaning it’s a Whisper In The Wind to drop McIntyre again. The Samoan drop gives Jimmy two but McIntyre catches him with a headbutt. A superkick and spear give Jimmy two so McIntyre comes back with a neckbreaker. More trash talking ensues but Jimmy rolls him up for the pin at 11:18.

Rating: C+. It’s good for Jimmy to get a nice win like this, even if it was off of a fluke rollup. It was a clean pin over an established main eventer who is likely going to be in a big match at Wrestlemania no matter what. Jimmy needed this a lot more than McIntyre did and points for going with the surprise, which didn’t really hurt McIntyre all that much.

Post match McIntyre wrecks Jimmy and loads up a Claymore against the post but referees break it up. Then McIntyre breaks free and hits a Claymore (no post).

We look at Solo Sikoa returning last week but Damian Priest won his Elimination Chamber qualifying match anyway.

Sikoa arrives and says what happened was an accident. Jacob Fatu says if it wasn’t an accident, Sikoa wouldn’t be here. Tonight, the two of them are running the plays instead.

Video on the men’s Elimination Chamber match.

Earlier tonight, R-Truth told Carmelo Hayes that they had a tag match tonight and Hayes was surprised that he would be teaming with Miz.

Zelina Vega is tired of being treated as too small to be a star and we hear about some of her success. She’ll keep fighting.

Carmelo Hayes/The Miz vs. R-Truth/LA Knight

R-Truth says that Knight is a local legend, because his name is Louisiana Knight. Ok that’s so stupid it’s hilarious. R-Truth takes Hayes down and gets two off a rollup, followed by the hiptoss. He counts his own near fall, despite not actually being on top of Hayes. The armdrag goes on and….R-Truth tags the Miz in as we take a break.

Back with R-Truth hitting a Stundog Millionaire and making the tag to Knight to pick up the pace. Knight seems to drop Miz on what looked like a tilt-a-whirl powerslam but does block Hayes’ First 48. R-Truth comes back in for the John Cena sequence but Miz breaks up the STF. Cue Shinsuke Nakamura to jump Knight though and the First 48 gives Hayes the pin on Knight at 10:04.

Rating: C. I laughed at the LA part but the stuff after the break was pretty much just generic. R-Truth was doing his usual fun stuff but there was nothing all that interesting otherwise. Nakamura vs. Knight has been going on for a long time now and the other people involved just weren’t all that interesting. This felt like a one joke idea to set up the ending sequence.

Mike Tyson will be at WWE World.

Video on Charlotte, who says she doesn’t have to call herself the greatest of all time. She’s officially facing Tiffany Stratton for the title at Wrestlemania.

Here is Stratton for a chat before her match. Stratton knows that people are obsessed with her since she won the title and now she is ready to make sure that the unstoppable force comes to a bitter end. For now though, she wants to talk about Charlotte, who took her sweet time officially challenging her for the title. The rumors are true: no one loves to kick a woman down like Charlotte. Stratton is coming for the top spot in WWE but here are Nia Jax and Candice LeRae to interrupt. Jax promises to come for the title after Elimination Chamber. Stratton laughs it off and is ready to beat LeRae tonight.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Candice LeRae

Non-title and we’re joined in progress with Stratton working on the arm but here is Charlotte to interrupt. The distraction lets LeRae hit a Hennig necksnap but Charlotte is right back up with a running hip attack. Charlotte joins commentary to brag about how great she is, just stopping enough to see Stratton leave a moonsault to the floor short.

We take a break and come back with Stratton hitting a spinebuster for two as Charlotte says Stratton’s career comes from copying one more. Stratton misses a Swanton but LeRae misses a moonsault, only to be pulled out to the floor. Back in and Stratton hits the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the pin at 9:49.

Rating: C+. It’s good for Stratton to win as she is going to be an underdog against Charlotte no matter what and it would not surprise me whatsoever to see Charlotte walk out with the title at Wrestlemania. The other stuff with Jax and LeRae feels like it’s on another planet for Stratton right now and that’s a weird way to go with Wrestlemania so close. Just keep her strong and don’t let Charlotte, or Jax, run her over and it should be fine.

Post match the beatdown is on but Trish Stratus runs in for the save. Jax puts Stratus and Stratton down for a double Annihilator to leave them laying. With the villains gone, Charlotte comes in for the sign pointing. This whole thing was fine on paper, but I’m going to need a lot more of a reason to cheer for Stratton. She’s still a villain and hasn’t had a big moment to turn her to the good side. Right now, it’s Charlotte being more evil than Stratton and that’s not good enough. They really need to work on that, and I’m not sure how well it’s going to go at Wrestlemania if things don’t improve in a big way.

Damian Priest runs into Cody Rhodes and respectfully says he’s coming for Rhodes’ title. That’s fine with Rhodes, who leaves. Braun Strowman comes in and they’re good for tonight’s tag match.

Video on the women’s Elimination Chamber.

Naomi and Bianca Belair are ready to defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. They’re convinced the two of them attacked Jade Cargill too.

Evolve is coming.

Video on Alexa Bliss, who has changed while she was gone but this place is still the same. She has won the Elimination Chamber before and she’ll do it again.

Naomi vs. Liv Morgan

Bianca Belair and Raquel Rodriguez are both here too and it’s a four way brawl before the bell. Naomi and Belair are laid out. No match.

Post break Nick Aldis throws Morgan and Rodriguez out. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven come in and say they’re ready to take Belair and Naomi’s spots in the Elimination Chamber. Aldis doesn’t think that’s necessary, though Green refers to herself as “the greatest Canadian export since maple syrup.” Aldis puts her in a match on Smackdown next week instead.

Here is the Rock for a chat, thankfully without that personalized belt. Rock says you know it’s important if he’s here and we get the catchphrase…and the announcement that Wrestlemania is coming back to New Orleans next year. It’s on April 11/12 2026 and Rock belts out a little When The Saints Go Marching In, though this is NOT singalong with the Final Boss. Rock insults the fans and says he’s also here to call out Cody Rhodes.

Rock talks about how Cody deserves these cheers and then talks about their good night in Los Angeles last month. They have become friends since then and their moms are even friends now. Yes the Rock is on the Board Of Directors but he wants Cody to be more than a great champion. He wants Cody to be HIS champion. Cody isn’t sure what this is about but says he’s their (meaning the fans) champion.

The Rock brags about his social media following and wants Cody to go even higher. If Cody is his champion, the dreams of Cody, his wife and daughter can come true. What the Rock wants is a brother, and that’s what he wants Cody to be. Last year, he wanted Cody to step aside but Cody did something censored. Then Cody slapped him, which no one does and gets away with it. He wants Cody to think about it and give him an answer at Elimination Chamber. The Rock wants his soul, which has Cody confused.

I have a really bad feeling about where this is going and the Rock is starting to wear thin. He’s a major star, but it feels like he is coming in out of nowhere and is suddenly involved in the World Title picture. He very well might not be wrestling, but it would be fine to see a WWE Title match at Wrestlemania which doesn’t have Rock and everything else involved. I’m curious to see where it goes at Elimination Chamber, but dang Rock takes his sweet time getting to the point.

Tag Team Titles: DIY vs. Pretty Deadly

DIY is defending and want a moment of silence for Pretty Deadly before the bell but get cut off rather quickly. Pretty Deadly clears the ring while the music is still playing but Prince gets kneed to the floor and we take an early break. Back with Prince and Ciampa hitting stereo crossbodies for a collision, allowing the tag off to Wilson. A Codebreaker out of the corner gets two on Gargano…and the Street Profits come in for the double DQ at 6:15. Not enough shown to rate but it was just picking up when the Profits interrupted.

Post match the Profits beat them down so here are the Motor City Machine Guns, who are beaten up as well.

We look at John Cena’s time in the Elimination Chamber.

We look at Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens in an unsanctioned match being set for the Elimination Chamber.

Owens says Zayn got what he wanted and couldn’t just take the beating he deserved. Has Zayn thought about his family? Owens moves the camera to show that he’s outside Zayn’s house and watching them through the window. He’ll see Zayn in Toronto, but remember that Zayn asked for this. That shot made it feel a lot more serious and that’s a good thing.

Damian Priest/Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu/Solo Sikoa

Tama Tonga is here with the villains. During the entrance, Fatu promises revenge as Sikoa stays silent. Priest backs Sikoa into the corner to start but Sikoa headbutts his way out of trouble. Sikoa spends too much time talking to Fatu though and Priest knocks him down, allowing the tag to Strowman.

Everything breaks down and Strowman charges around ringside, only to have Fatu knock him into the timekeeper’s area. We take a break and come back with Strowman fighting up but getting run over by Fatu again. Sikoa hits a running Umaga attack in the corner and Fatu hits his own, only to try once too often and get cut off.

Strowman hits a spinebuster for a needed breather and the double tag brings in Priest to face Sikoa. A superkick staggers Priest, who is right back with his lifting Downward Spiral for two. The Old School crossbody connects but Priest has to take out an interfering Tonga. Fatu gets in a cheap shot and Spinning Solo gets two. Back in and Fatu accidentally superkicks Sikoa and Strowman takes Fatu out. South of Heaven finishes Sikoa at 12:33.

Rating: B-. This was a nice hoss match and I’ll take that in the main event. Priest is being treated as a big deal around here and putting him in the main event slots, even in a show like this, is a good sign for his career. Sikoa’s fall continuing is a logical way to go as well, as there is no reason to keep Fatu as the monster much longer. Let him take Sikoa’s spot, and that seems to be what we are going to see sooner than later.

Overall Rating: C+. This was a weird show, in that the big focal point was in the middle and we’re going to have to wait and see what that means next weekend. Other than that, the Stratton/Charlotte feud is going to need some work and some of the other stuff was only so interesting. The problem with having Elimination Chamber set is it only leaves so much to be done on TV. That was the case here and while it wasn’t a terrible show, it wasn’t something you need to see.

Results
Jimmy Uso b. Drew McIntyre – Rollup
Carmelo Hayes/The Miz b. R-Truth/LA Knight – First 48 to R-Truth
Tiffany Stratton b. Candice LeRae – Prettiest Moonsault Ever
DIY vs. Street Profits went to a double DQ when the Street Profits interfered
Damian Priest/Braun Strowman b. Jacob Fatu/Solo Sikoa – South of Heaven to Sikoa

Remember to check out my website at kbwrestlingreviews.com and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Smackdown
Date: February 14, 2025
Location: Capitol One Arena, Washington DC
Commentators: Vic Joseph, Wade Barrett

It’s Valentine’s Day and that means…well very little really as we are likely to be in for a pretty run of the mill show. We have a big hoss fight in the form of an Elimination Chamber qualifying match tonight and that should be fun. Other than that, we need some non-Chamber matches for the show in a few weeks and we might find some of those this week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Vic Joseph is filling in for Joe Tessitore for one week. Interesting that it isn’t Corey Graves, who has had that spot before.

We look back at last week with Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso beating Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu, followed by the return of Solo Sikoa.

Here is Cody Rhodes for a chat. Now that Jey Uso has chosen to challenge Gunther at Wrestlemania, the Elimination Chamber will determine Rhodes’ challenger. Will it be Logan Paul? Maybe CM Punk? Or Drew McIntyre? What about John Cena? Well the fans seem to favor Punk or Cena, but Rhodes would rather talk about someone it will not be, which would be Solo Sikoa. Cue McIntyre to interrupt because he didn’t like being just a name on a list.

Rhodes gives him a more enthusiastic “ALSO DREW MCINTYRE”, with McIntyre listing off his accolades. Is it the former multiple time World Champion Drew McIntyre? Maybe he has to remind Rhodes who he is, but Rhodes remembers McIntyre beating him. Cue Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga to interrupt, with Fatu saying McIntyre already has his spot in the Chamber.

Now it’s time for Fatu to get his spot and go to Wrestlemania to bring the title back home. McIntyre thinks people want to see him fight Fatu right now but nah because McIntyre already has his spot. McIntyre: “Hey Cody, I think he wants to talk to you.” Rhodes is ready to face Fatu at Wrestlemania if that’s what it comes to but we see Solo Sikoa arriving in the back. Fatu says he’s talking to Sikoa first but Rhodes says he’ll be talking to Sikoa last. This was a lot of talking to set up some possible challengers for Rhodes, but we’ll see where that goes in a few weeks.

Post break, Fatu is looking for Sikoa and, shockingly, isn’t happy.

Wade Barrett talks to Trish Stratus, who is in the crowd. She’s excited for Elimination Chamber and she’s going to be at the show in Toronto.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Naomi vs. Chelsea Green

Non-title and Bianca Belair and Piper Niven are both here too. Naomi wastes no time in rolling her up for two and then does it again for a bonus. Some kicks put Green down again for the splits splash and another near fall. Naomi’s running Meteora gets two and Green is sent outside, where she gets in a pump kick as we take a break.

Back with Green hammering away but Naomi gets in a quick Fameasser for another near fall. The hanging Pedigree gets two but Naomi misses the split legged moonsault. The Rough Ryder gives Green two and a Backstabber out of the corner gets the same. Green can’t hit the flipping Unprettier though and Naomi grabs an X Factor. Now the split legged moonsault can put Green away at 8:29.

Rating: C+. It’s a bad week for midcard champions in the women’s division as both Green and Lyra Valkyria lose in qualifying matches. Naomi getting into the Chamber is a logical way to go as she fits in well, but at the same time I could have gone with seeing what Green could have done in there. Other than that, Green could still probably use a new challenger, and I’m not sure I can picture that being Naomi.

Sami Zayn has a banged up neck after being attacked by Kevin Owens. He knows they have a history of turning on each other and he can’t believe that Owens is going this nuts over not helping him at the Royal Rumble. When Zayn is clear, they’re going to do this again. Anything those two do works fine so this should be no exception.

Michelle McCool is going into the Hall Of Fame. I’m surprised it took her that long.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garza

Angel knees Sabin in the ribs to start but Shelley comes in to take over without much trouble. The double dive is cut off though and Los Garza gets to pose, complete with Angel TAKING OFF HIS PANTS as we go to a break. Back with the Guns hitting the Downward Spiral/missile dropkick combination for two but everything breaks down again. A powerbomb/World’s Strongest Slam/springboard kick to the face combination gives Garza two but Berto’s moonsault hits raised boots. Now the Guns can hit the stereo dives, setting up Skull & Bones for the pin on Berto at 7:29.

Rating: C+. As usual, the Guns can do just about anything with anyone and having an underrated team like Los Garza in there made it better. I’m not sure what is next for the Guns, as we’ve covered them against DIY. Maybe the Street Profits are up next, but we might be waiting a bit to get there.

Video on Damian Priest.

Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga find Solo Sikoa, who said he needed time away after losing to Roman Reigns. It’s time to start taking over everything and that starts with Fatu winning tonight so he can get the title back in the family. That sounds more like the ending rather than the beginning.

Here is Shinsuke Nakamura for a chat. He has been waiting for a worthy challenge for weeks now but there are no warriors here. Cue LA Knight to interrupt, saying Nakamura is out here looking for a test, but that’s clearly a lie. Knight had him beat when Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu interfered. He’s the test Nakamura is looking for but here is the Miz to interrupt. Miz isn’t impressed with Knight, who mocks Miz for saying the same things for years. Why can’t Miz start his own Farewell Tour?

Miz mocks Knight for saying it’s ok for men to cry, but Knight says Miz and Drew McIntyre have to be at the top of the list of crybabies. Miz says Knight doesn’t have his resume and now he wants the US Title. Knight: “Dude you suck.” The threat of a BFT sends Miz outside but here is Nick Aldis to make the match. This felt like a way to fill in time on a long show.

Miz vs. LA Knight

We’re joined in progress with Knight hitting a running knee in the corner and snapping off a powerslam for two. A hot shot cuts Knight off though and Miz hits a running crotch attack to the back. The chinlock doesn’t last long so Miz grabs a neckbreaker for two. They go outside for Knight’s rams into the announcers’ table, only for Shinsuke Nakamura to offer a distraction.

Miz sends Knight into the table for a breather as we take a break. Back with Knight hitting his jumping neckbreaker for two but Miz catches him with the corner clothesline. A Downward Spiral out of the corner (and off the clothesline as Miz as something new) sets up a DDT for two as things slow down a bit. Back up and Knight grabs the BFT out of nowhere, setting up the jumping top rope elbow for the pin at 10:18 shown.

Rating: C+. Not a bad match at all here as Knight thankfully gets a win over someone with some status. That’s the kind of win he needs and WWE might be on the way to getting him back on track. Maybe he gets another shot at Shinsuke Nakamura at Elimination Chamber, possibly on the way to a bigger match with Drew McIntyre down the line.

Liv Morgan suggests she’ll win the Elimination Chamber and face Nia Jax should Jax win the title back tonight. This matters more as the Wyatt Sicks logo pops up as Bliss talks. Can we just not with that? Please?

Miz runs into Andrade, who offers to teach him something after his loss. With Andrade gone, Carmelo Hayes comes up to say people don’t respect people like them. Miz suggests a partnership but Hayes leaves for his match.

R-Truth vs. Carmelo Hayes

This is after R-Truth got confused by Hayes calling himself “Him”. Hayes jumps him to start but R-Truth is back with the John Cena offense. A Stunner staggers Hayes, who is right back with the First 48 for two. Nothing But Net finishes for Hayes at 2:21. It’s nice to see Hayes getting back on track, at least for now.

The Street Profits don’t know why people are made at them but once Angelo Dawkins is cleared to return, the rest of the tag division is in trouble. They want the smoke. I want to know why Ford’s sunglasses keep appearing and disappearing in between shots.

DIY interrupts Pretty Deadly, who are ready for their Tag Team Title shot next week. Tommaso Ciampa threatens violence.

In his car, Kevin Owens talks about how everyone has betrayed him in the last six months an invites Sami Zayn to come find him at Elimination Chamber. Then Zayn will know pain.

Women’s Title: Nia Jax vs. Tiffany Stratton

Jax, with Candice LeRae, is challenging and powers Stratton into the corner to start. Stratton tries to flip away but gets dropped with a headbutt for two. Jax misses a hip attack on the apron, only to come back with a pop up Samoan drop for two more. The big legdrop gives Jax another near fall and now the hip attack can send Stratton into the post.

We take a break and come back with Stratton flipping out of a powerbomb attempt for two. Stratton hits….we’ll call it a spinebuster for two but Jax sends her flying again. A super Samoan drop is broken up and Stratton hits a top rope double stomp for two. Jax is right back with the super Samoan drop for two more and a middle rope legdrop gets the same.

We take another break and come back with Stratton hitting a moonsault to the floor, followed by the Swanton for two more. For some reason Stratton thinks she can pick her up in a fireman’s carry and collapses just as fast. The Annihilator misses though and Stratton grabs a second spinebuster (thanks for clarifying that Vic) but LeRae runs in to break up the Prettiest Moonsault Ever for the DQ at 16:57.

Rating: B-. This was a way to get us past the rematch and that’s what it needed to be. Stratton is likely on to something better in the near future, though Jax adding herself into something is pretty normal around here. Having two breaks in there didn’t help things, but Stratton was doing what she could in a longer match like this. On the other hand, Jax more than held up her side, which I’m not sure she would have been able to do in her first run with the company.

Post match the beatdown is on but Trish Stratus jumps the barricade and makes the save. Jax wrecks Stratton and Stratus anyway. Then Charlotte comes out and, as mockingly as she can, challenges Stratton for WrestleMania. Well at least it’s officially set.

Nick Aldis shows Naomi and Bianca Belair a video showing Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez near the scene of Jade Cargill’s attack. They’re going to Raw to deal with this themselves.

We look at Undertaker on Legends & Future Greats.

Trish Stratus comes up to Tiffany Stratton in the back and offers to team with her against Nia Jax and Candice LeRae at Elimination Chamber. Didn’t they not get along last time?

Drew McIntyre comes up to Jimmy Uso to mock him for not qualifying for the Elimination Chamber. At least Jimmy married up! McIntyre calls him Jey, earning himself a superkick.

Braun Strowman is ready to get some gold so he’s coming for Cody Rhodes.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match: Braun Strowman vs. Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu

They stare at each other to start before trading shots to the face, with Strowman being knocked to the floor. Priest gets the better of a fight with Fatu but Strowman runs them both over with a crossbody. We take a break and come back with Strowman pulling Fatu to the floor to break up the running Umaga Attack. Fatu isn’t having that as he sends Strowman into the barricade but gets kicked down by Priest.

The Old School crossbody is countered into a Samoa drop though, followed by a Swanton for two. They go up top but here is Strowman to turn it into a Tower Of Doom, leaving all three down. Priest takes Fatu outside for a Downward Spiral onto the announcers’ table, only for Strowman to drop Priest in a hurry. Back in and Fatu hits some running Umaga Attacks on Strowman before wrapping a chair around Strowman’s neck.

Strowman gets up and unloads with the chair…but here is Solo Sikoa to Samoan Spike Strowman down. Cue Cody Rhodes to go after Sikoa, who Spikes Tama Tonga by mistake. Fatu yells at Sikoa but gets taken out by Priest. Back in and Strowman misses a charge into the post, setting up South Of Heaven to give Priest the pin at 16:14.

Rating: B-. They were teasing a big time hoss fight here but we only got a pretty good one. This needed to be more of a train crash with less time, but going that long hurt it a bit. Priest is the biggest deal right now and it makes sense to put him in the Chamber, as you don’t want Fatu in there if he’s going to take a loss. Nice enough main event here, though it never got to that next level.

Priest and Rhodes share a bit of a moment to end the show.

Overall Rating: C+. This show had a bit better pace than the previous weeks, but there were still some parts which felt like they could have gone a bit faster. They’re turning the Elimination Chamber matches into some big time matches and a Wrestlemania match is officially set. That’s a lot for one show and now we get to see who else will be in the Chambers in the near future. Nice show here, but getting it back to two hours is still going to help a lot.

Results
Naomi b. Chelsea Green – Split legged moonsault
Motor City Machine Guns b. Los Garza – Skull & Bones to Berto
LA Knight b. The Miz – Top rope elbow
Carmelo Hayes b. R-Truth – Nothing But Net
Tiffany Stratton b. Nia Jax via DQ when Candice LeRae interfered
Damian Priest b. Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu – South Of Heaven to Strowman

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Smackdown
Date: January 24, 2025
Location: Moody Center, Austin, Texas
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett

We’re coming up on both Saturday Night’s Main Event and the Royal Rumble and that means it is time to hammer home the final pieces of the card. That is going to make for an interesting situation, along with various other issues around here. One of the biggest is the future of Solo Sikoa, who was at a loss for words last week. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Joe Tessitore welcomes us to the show and brings in Cody Rhodes for a chat. Tessitore brings up Rhodes having to hand over his title tomorrow night to get ready for the ladder match at the Royal Rumble. Rhodes is ready for the whole thing and knows Shawn Michaels is ready to be a perfect moderator. He’s fine with handing the title over to Michaels but it’s time to get ready for Wrestlemania season.

Tessitore brings up Rhodes’ issues with Owens, who Rhodes praises for his skill. The violence makes the ladder match all the more appropriate because it’s all about climbing the ladder and reaching this championship. As for what Rhodes would like to say to Owens before the match, maybe it’s true that Rhodes smiles a lot, but it doesn’t mean that he can’t take it to another level. He is the son of a plumber and the student of Randy Orton so he is ready to punch Owens in the face and knock him onto the island of self righteousness. Good luck at the Rumble. Simple, to the point promo from Rhodes here.

Pretty Deadly comes up to DIY but they don’t have time for Pretty Deadly’s match. DIY tells them to handle the Motor City Machine Guns tonight and do whatever it takes. With DIY gone, Pretty Deadly runs into Legado del Fantasma for a fairly tense staredown.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. Pretty Deadly

Sabin armdrags Prince to start and it’s off to Shelley for stereo kicks to the head. Wilson comes in and gets caught with a double flapjack but Prince’s distraction lets Sabin get knocked outside. A posting has Sabin down as we take a break. Back with Sabin fighting back and managing to dive over for the needed tag to Shelley. Everything breaks down and Sabin hits a nice dive. Back in and a gutbuster puts Shelley down and an assisted middle rope bulldog gets two on Sabin. Spilled Mile is broken up though and Skull & Bones finishes Wilson at 9:54.

Rating: B-. Pretty Deadly is mainly known for their goofiness but they can hang in there with a good team. In this case they were in there with a great team and that made for a nice enough match. The Guns are on their way to a showdown for the titles and giving them some momentum like this is a good idea.

The Miz is officially on Smackdown but didn’t seem to know about it. He isn’t happy because he’s on the same show with the Wyatts, so Nick Aldis advises making some new friends.

Video on Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu.

Kevin Owens invades commentary and wants to know where his interview is. Joe Tessitore is so annoying that he makes Owens miss Michael Cole! Owens gets on the announcers’ table and gets in an argument with Matthew McConnaghey before being interrupted by Jimmy Uso. Owens isn’t pleased but Uso says Owens talks too much and hits him in the face. Owens bails in a hurry, with Uso issuing a challenge for tonight.

Carmelo Hayes is mad at Nick Aldis because he was supposed to face Jimmy Uso. Aldis moves the match to next week but lets Hayes have a match with the newest Smackdown acquisition. That’s fine with Hayes, but he wants to meet the opponent before they go to the ring.

Chelsea Green/Piper Niven vs. B-Fab/Michin

Michin strikes away at Niven to start before pulling Green in. The Unprettier is broken up but Michin misses a charge into the corner. Michin fights back rather quickly and brings in B-Fab to clean house. Niven runs B-Fab over but a blind tag brings in Michin for Eat Defeat to pin Green at 3:25.

Rating: C. This was purely there for the sake of Michin getting to pin Green, likely setting up another title match between them. I like that better than having the two of them just put into another match after Green has beaten her twice, but this next one needs to be the last match. Green is rather good at what she does, though she needs a fresh opponent.

Carmelo Hayes meets his opponent tonight: Damian Priest. Hayes is aghast and the match is on for tonight.

Charlotte is back in the Royal Rumble. Well that was pretty obvious.

Here is Tiffany Stratton for a chat. She isn’t worried about the winner of the Royal Rumble because she’ll beat anyone…and here is Rhea Ripley to interrupt. Ripley is ready to face anyone because she’s going to beat Nia Jax. Cue Jax and Candice LeRae, with Jax officially entering the Royal Rumble.

Yes she’s going to win the title from Ripley tomorrow, but she’s winning the Rumble too. Cue Naomi and Bianca Belair to interrupt and they’re both in the Rumble. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez interrupt as well and Morgan is in as well. She kind of suggests that Rodriguez will be in but Ripley headbutts Morgan before we get an official announcement.

Bianca Belair/Naomi/Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax/Liv Morgan/Candice LeRae

Ripley and Jax start things off…and we’ll make that LeRae before anything happens. Everything breaks down and Naomi is tossed into a moonsault onto Jax for a nice spot. A standing moonsault/legdrop combination gets two on Morgan and Belair hammers away in the corner. Jax comes in off a blind tag though and runs Belair over but it’s way too early for the Annihilator.

We take a break and come back with Naomi in trouble as LeRae drags her back into the corner. Naomi tries to get away but Morgan is smart enough to break up the tag attempt, as you occasionally see. The diving tag brings in Ripley anyway and it’s time to pick the pace way up. Everything breaks down and Jax blocks the Riptide attempt. LeRae Codebreakers Ripley to the floor but gets caught with the KOD, only for Morgan to roll Belair up for the pin at 12:14.

Rating: C+. Perfectly fine match here with the villains stealing the win after a fairly wild finish. You don’t get that kind of thing often enough around here and it made for a fun match. Morgan stealing the pin is par for the course for her, even if it means nothing in the context of getting ready for the Royal Rumble.

Chelsea Green is upset at the loss and it’s made worse when Michin comes in, announcing that she has one more title shot next week. Niven says they need a bigger security detail. That sounds ominous.

Johnny Gargano vs. Apollo Crews

Tommaso Ciampa is here with Gargano. Crews muscles him up for a suplex to start and snaps off a dropkick to send Gargano outside. A moonsault to the floor drops Gargano, who is back up with a superkick to rock Crews for the first time. Crews is right back up with the gorilla press drop into the standing moonsault for two, only for Gargano to get in a pretty close to low blow. A missed charge sends Crews outside so Ciampa can get in a running knee but cue the Motor City Machine Guns. That’s enough of a distraction for Crews to grab a rollup pin at 4:14.

Rating: C. That was a nice little surprise result and I’ll take Crews actually getting a win for a change. Gargano and Ciampa were starting to do their cheating again but they lost because their numbers advantage went away. Good enough match here, though it was more about setting up the Tag Team Title match.

Jacob Fatu is ready for Braun Strowman because he’s King Kong and Godzilla, plus all gas and no brakes. Then Tama Tonga makes a weird sound.

Tama Tonga vs. LA Knight

Jacob Fatu is here with Tonga. Before the match, Knight promises various levels of beatings to both of them. Knight slugs away to start and grabs a powerslam before taking the fight outside. A clothesline puts Tonga over the barricade but he walks said barricade for a clothesline. Back in and a slingshot shoulder gives Knight two and they’re already on the floor again. Knight gets sent into the steps and we take a break.

Back with Tonga grabbing a dragon screw legwhip but Knight neckbreakers his way to a breather. That’s cut off as well so Knight has to fight out of a nerve hold, setting up a jumping neckbreaker. Tonga hits the jumping neckbreaker for two but Knight knocks him off the top. The jumping top rope elbow connects and the BFT finishes Tonga at 12:06.

Rating: B-. Knight needed a win like this one as he’s been kind of floundering since losing the US Title. Getting a clean win over someone who is in a big time stable is a good sign and I could go for Knight moving closer to the main event scene. I’m not sure if that is what he’s going to do, but Knight as the second or third biggest good guy on Smackdown has potential.

Post match Fatu jumps Knight and drives him onto the announcers’ table. Cue Braun Strowman and Tonga has to hold Fatu back. That doesn’t work so well so Tonga tries a distraction, only to have Fatu miss a charge. Strowman clears the ring and stands tall.

Miz tries to get on A-Town Down Under’s good side…but finds out that they have been sent to Raw.

Shinsuke Nakamura warns anyone against coming after the US Title and then enters the Royal Rumble.

Damian Priest vs. Carmelo Hayes

Hayes tries to strike away to start but gets caught with an Old School crossbody for two. They head outside with Hayes kicking away at the leg and we take an early break. Back with Hayes knocking him outside again and a high crossbody gets two. Hayes grabs an armbar before chopping away, which just wakes Priest up.

The Broken Arrow sets up the lifting Downward Spiral for two and Hayes is ready to walk. That’s broken up but Hayes is back with the First 48 for two. Barrett: “That First 48 usually beats most opponents.” No Wade, it doesn’t. Priest has had it with this and hits a rebound clothesline into South Of Heaven for the win at 10:48.

Rating: C+. This was a nice back and forth match as Hayes is becoming the guy whose job is to make everyone else look good. He’s solid enough in that role, but I could go for him doing more. That being said, this was all about Priest, who comes in and gets an impressive enough win through straight power and dominance, which worked well.

The Motor City Machine Guns are getting a 2/3 falls match against DIY for the Tag Team Titles at the Royal Rumble and DIY isn’t happy.

Cody Rhodes welcomes Damian Priest to Smackdown and Priest says he’ll see Rhodes soon.

Saturday Night’s Main Event rundown.

Miz says Andrade needs someone to guide him. Andrade likes that idea and goes off to find someone.

Jimmy Uso is ready to beat Carmelo Hayes next week.

Jimmy Uso vs. Kevin Owens

Hold on though as Hayes jumps Uso during the entrance but Uso is fine enough. Owens wears a Naomi shirt because he knows how to do some awesome yet simple things. The bell rings and Owens drops to the floor to yell at Tessitore, so Uso has to bring him back inside. That means Owens grabs a headlock into a backsplash to take over early before driving some shoulders in the corner. Uso fights out of said corner but it’s too early for the Umaga Attack.

Some rams into the apron have Owens in trouble but he’s right back with a knockdown off the apron. A frog splash off the apron hits Uso and we take a break. Back with Owens working on the arm but taking to long going up top, allowing Uso to…well get his arm snapped across the top. The Swanton hits raised knees though and now the running Umaga Attack connects.

The Samoan drop gets two and a superkick gets the same as they’re slowing down. Uso drops him again and goes up, only to miss the Superfly Splash. Another superkick gives Uso another two though and the spear connects. Uso goes up again but gets his arm snapped across the top, setting up the pop up powerbomb to give Owens the pin at 13:45.

Rating: B-. Nice main event here with Owens beating enough of a name opponent, though I’m not overly interested in seeing Uso vs. Hayes next week when they both lost here. That’s not the most logical move and it’s not like Hayes’ attack meant much. Owens needed the win on the way to the Rumble title match, though it was a bit of a weird way to get there.

Post match the package piledriver is loaded up but Cody Rhodes runs in for the save. Owens is beaten down as the fight continues to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. The shows are getting better about stretching the three hours but the show still feel long. Maybe it’s being so used to two hours of Smackdown for so long but these shows still don’t feel quite right. Other than that, they had a show that was designed to set up the next two big shows, which makes things a bit tricky. With the Rumble in about a week, very little feels important because everything changes there. For now though, nice enough show which set some things up, but I’m looking forward to these shows dropping back to two hours.

Results
Motor City Machine Guns b. Pretty Deadly – Skull & Bones to Wilson
B-Fab/Michin b. Chelsea Green/Piper Niven – Eat Defeat to Green
Liv Morgan/Nia Jax/Candice LeRae b. Rhea Ripley/Naomi/Bianca Belair – Rollup to Belair
Apollo Crews b. Johnny Gargano – Rollup
LA Knight b. Tama Tonga – BFT
Damian Priest b. Carmelo Hayes – South Of Heaven
Kevin Owens b. Jimmy Uso – Pop up powerbomb

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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Smackdown
Date: January 10, 2025
Location: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
Commentators: Wade Barrett, Joe Tessitore

It’s a bit more back to normal this week and that should be nice to see. The big story here is a United States Title match between Shinsuke Nakamura and former champion LA Knight. Other than that, we have some fallout from Monday’s Tribal Combat where Roman Reigns defeated Solo Sikoa. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a rather lengthy recap of Raw.

Here is Paul Heyman, who is rather proud that Roman Reigns is once again the one and only Tribal Chief. Now he gets to announce what is next for Reigns, and invites Cody Rhodes out here to hear it. Heyman says that Rhodes has earned the respect of everyone, from the people to Heyman to Reigns himself. That is why Reigns wanted Rhodes to hear this in person: Reigns wants his title back and he’s winning the Royal Rumble to get there.

Rhodes doesn’t seem to have any issue with this but here is Kevin Owens to interrupt. Owens couldn’t believe it could get worse, but then Rhodes SHOOK THE ROCK’S HAND! Rhodes has already gone everywhere and now he is willing to let Reigns get a title shot? That’s enough for Rhodes, who runs into the crowd for the brawl, leaving the Bloodline to corner Heyman. Jimmy Uso runs in for the save so Heyman can escape but a chair shot just angers Fatu. Rhodes runs back in for the real save.

Post break Jacob Fatu yells at security but gets thrown outside by LA Knight. Commentary isn’t sure that was wise.

Women’s US Title: Michin vs. Chelsea Green

Green, with Piper Niven, is defending. The threat of Eat Defeat takes Green outside in a hurry so Michin grabs a Tarantula instead. They go outside where Greens ends her into the barricade and we take a break. Back with Michin fighting out of a chinlock, only to get caught in the same thing.

A belly to back suplex takes Green down for a breather and Michin hurricanranas her way out of the corner. The Cannonball gets two on Green but her lifting Downward Spiral gets the same. Michin goes after Niven (now in a Secret Service look) and hits a high crossbody on Green, who rolls through and grabs the trunks to retain at 8:43.

Rating: C+. Green and Niven are a good choice for a villainous pair as they could frustrate a lot of challenges for a long time. What matters here is that Michin has one more reason to get a rematch after more cheating. I’m not sure how that could go, but at least they have that as an out if necessary.

Post match Niven drops a backsplash and Michin is crushed.

We look at the tag teams arguing after last week’s title match went haywire. Nick Aldis makes some matches, likely with title implications.

Los Garza vs. Pretty Deadly

Garza clears the ring to start and hits some dives, followed by Garza’s rolling moonsault for two on Wilson back inside. A running knee against the ropes rocks Wilson but Prince makes a blind tag to neckbreaker Berto out to the floor. We take a break and come back with Berto missing an enziguri but diving over for the tag anyway. Angel’s high crossbody gets two on Wilson, who starts screaming for DIY to come help them. That doesn’t happen so Prince gets crotched on top and it’s a double swinging gorilla press slam (FTY) to pin him at 8:55.

Rating: C. This was something of a weird match as Los Garza are kind of faces but still in a heel stable and beat the resident goofy villains clean. That wasn’t the best thing in the world but at least they didn’t waste a lot of time here. Perfectly nice match here, and I could go for Los Garza moving up a bit.

US Title: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Nakamura is defending. Knight powers him into the corner to start and grabs a swinging neckbreaker but Nakamura bails out to the floor. A running knee rocks Knight for a change but he’s right back with a backdrop over the top. Nakamura gets rammed into the announcers’ table, only to come back with some postings as we take a break. Back with Knight winning a slugout and hitting the spelling elbow for two. Knight is almost sent into an exposed buckle but Nakamura is back with the sliding German suplex.

With Nakamura up top, Knight jumps the corner for the top rope superplex and a near fall of his own. Since nothing else is working, Knight goes Colt Cabana (you never go Colt Cabana) with the Billy Goat’s Curse (reverse Boston crab), sending Nakamura over to the rope. Nakamura kicks him down for two but the running knee hits the exposed buckle. The BFT knocks Nakamura silly, only for the Bloodline (minus Solo Sikoa) to run in and take out Knight for the DQ at 14:08.

Rating: C+. This got a pretty good deal of time and it worked out rather well with a logical ending. What mattered here was having Knight look strong and possibly move on to something else, as he has already won the US Title and can go up the ladder a bit. That might not be what we are seeing here, but at least they are doing something different.

Post match Knight gets crushed, including the triple jump moonsault. Jimmy Uso and Cody Rhodes make the save and Rhodes wants the tag match for tonight.

We recap Tiffany Stratton cashing in the Money In The Bank briefcase last week to beat Nia Jax and win the Women’s Title. This might as well have had a big sign that said FILLER.

Motor City Machine Guns vs. A-Town Down Under

Waller punches Shelley in the face to start and it’s off to Sabin, who gets caught in a cravate. An armbar keeps Sabin in trouble but he’s right back up to trip Waller off the apron. The big dive is cut off and we take an early break with Shelley in trouble. Back with Shelley fighting out of a chinlock and handing it back to Sabin to strike away.

Sabin hits a dive onto both of them but Waller drops Shelley back inside. A dive is broken up though and everything breaks down, with the Dream Sequence hitting Waller. With Theory being sent outside after a rather nasty crash, Skull & Bones finishes Waller for Shelley at 12:06.

Rating: B-. I could have gone for more of this as the two teams were beating each other up and got going near the end. The Guns are best known for their fast paced matches and looking as good as anyone around, but at the same time, the villains were more than able to hang in there, which was something of a surprise.

Pretty Deadly isn’t happy with DIY not coming out there but Johnny Gargano explains the idea of “HEAT”. The title shot is totally coming. With DIY gone, Apollo Crews mocks Pretty Deadly for being dumb.

Here is Tiffany Stratton for her big celebration. She hits the catchphrase and claims that she was playing dumb with Nia Jax the entire time. Now she wants some respect on her name and to know what time it is (5:11am EST by my watch) but here is Jax to interrupt. Jax threatens violence and says time’s up but here is Bayley to interrupt. Bayley thought Stratton was stupid and knows that Jax is stupid and thinks she should get the first title shot. Cue Naomi and Bianca Belair but Jax says no one cares about Naomi. The brawl is on and Stratton gets to interrupt. Nick Aldis pops up to make a four way #1 contenders match.

Bayley vs. Nia Jax vs. Naomi vs. Bianca Belair

It’s a brawl to start with Bayley being sent outside, leaving Jax to (mostly) suplex both of the other two. Jax bails to the floor from the threat of the other three before pulling Belair outside for a ram into the barricade. Bayley goes after Naomi inside but Jax pulls Bayley outside for another crash. Belair hammers on Jax until Bayley breaks up the cover before a Tower Of Doom leaves all four of them down.

We take a break and come back with Jax being knocked out to the floor, leaving the KOD and Bayley To Belly to be broken up. Naomi is back up with the split legged moonsault for two on Jax and everyone tries to pin Jax in a row. Cue Candice LeRae for a distraction, leaving Naomi and Belair to hit dives to the floor. Back in and Belair takes over on Bayley but LeRae breaks up the KOD. That’s enough for Bayley to Rose Plant Naomi for the win at 17:18.

Rating: B-. This got some time and was working well, with Bayley getting the win to move on to what should be a nice first defense for Stratton. I’ll take that over another Jax vs. Bayley match, which has kind of been done to death at this point. Not a great match or anything, but it did what it needed to do.

Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso are ready to go. Rhodes leaves and Carmelo Hayes comes in, only for Uso to mock Hayes for throwing up so many bricks (as in misses, which Hayes says never happens).

Bayley is excited for her title shot, which is next week.

Cody Rhodes/Jimmy Uso vs. Tama Tonga/Jacob Fatu

Rhodes works on Tonga’s arm to start before it’s off to Jimmy, tho is taken into the wrong corner. A pop up Samoan drop cuts off Jimmy’s comeback attempt and we take a break. Back with Tonga working on Jimmy’s leg and then gabbing a nerve hold. Fatu adds a heck of a running Umaga Attack in the corner but Jimmy knocks him off the ropes.

A Whisper In The Wind is enough to set up the tag off to Rhodes, who hits a dive onto both of them. Tonga grabs a running DDT for two but he gets caught in a PowerPlex. Fatu makes the save and here is Kevin Owens to distract Rhodes. The chase is on and Jimmy is left alone, with the triple moonsault finishing him off at 12:18.

Rating: B-. Standard main event style tag match here with the interference being a good way to get the Bloodline a win after the big loss on Raw. I’m not sure where things are going for the team but this is the kind of thing that at least gives them some stability. Rhodes vs. Owens is already set so this was just another step in getting ready for their match.

Rhodes and Owens fight off and go through a table to end the show.

Overall Rating: B-. I liked the show as it set up some stuff for the future and gave us good action at the same time, but the problem here is it felt long. Maybe it’s knowing that the show isn’t going to be going three hours permanently or they don’t know how to do it yet, but I could go for something a bit less stretched out. Figure out that problem and this show is that much better.

Results
Chelsea Green b. Michin – Rollup with trunks
Los Garza b. Pretty Deadly – FTY to Prince
LA Knight b. Shinsuke Nakamura via DQ when the Bloodline interfered
Motor City Machine Guns b. A-Town Down Under – Skull & Bones to Waller
Bayley b. Bianca Belair, Nia Jax and Naomi – Rose Plant to Naomi
Tama Tonga/Jacob Fatu b. Cody Rhodes/Kevin Owens – Triple moonsault to Uso

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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Smackdown
Date: January 3, 2025
Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

It’s a new era in Smackdown as the show is officially three hours long. That’s a big way to start a new year and we are also on the way to one of the biggest shows in WWE TV history next week with Raw. There is a good chance some of that card gets a build this week, plus next month’s Royal Rumble. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a long recap of Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens, with their Royal Rumble ladder match being st up last week.

Here is Rhodes to get things going (on a blue mat). Rhodes talks about how everything is about to change in WWE with the move to Netflix next week. His excitement is tempered though because he is not currently cleared to wrestle because of Kevin Owens. He’s still ready for the Royal Rumble…and here is Drew McIntyre to interrupt. McIntyre says he isn’t here to fight because he appreciates what Rhodes has done.

This is the best era WWE has ever had and a lot of that is due to Rhodes. McIntyre thinks Rhodes needs someone to watch his back but Rhodes says that he wants to talk about how they are kindred spirits….but he doesn’t believe what McIntyre is saying. Rhodes offers to fight but McIntyre goes to leave and says Rhodes to watch his back. Cue Kevin Owens to jump Rhodes from behind and the fight is on, with officials breaking it up. Simple and effective here, with McIntyre vs. Rhodes being an interesting idea for down the line.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Andrade

Non-title. Andrade hurricanranas him to the floor to start and hits a dive as we take a break. Back with Andrade hitting a running forearm but Nakamura kicks him in the head. A middle rope knee gives Nakamura two but Andrade knocks him into the corner. The running knees get two, followed by the double moonsault giving Andrade two more. The spinning back elbow drops Nakamura again and they go to the corner, where Nakamura drops him face first onto the post. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa for the win at 8:49.

Rating: C+. As usual, there is only so much they can do with so much of the time being cut out by the commercial. What we got was nice as Andrade felt like he was bringing it but the idea was to have everything stop in a hurry, which was a bit jarring. Nakamura gets a bit of a win and is ready for his next challenger, whomever that might be.

Post match LA Knight runs in to take out Nakamura, saying he’s coming for the US Title. He’ll be there for Nakamura every time Nakamura turns around. So that’s whomever.

Pretty Deadly is in the back with Apollo Crews when Legado del Fantasma comes in. Legado isn’t happy with Pretty Deadly lying about them attacking the Street Profits last week and things start to get physical. Nick Aldis comes in and wants to have a chat with Pretty Deadly.

Post break Aldis is talking to Pretty Deadly when DIY come in to suggest that Pretty Deadly help them against the Motor City Machine Guns tonight.

Michin vs. Piper Niven

Chelsea Green is here with Niven. Michin starts fast with a hurricanrana to the floor, followed by another one off the apron. Niven runs her over without much trouble though and we take a break. Back with Michin hitting a Rey Mysterio sitout bulldog and adding a Cannonball in the corner. Eat Defeat is countered into the Piper Driver for two but Niven’s Vader Bomb is blocked. Now Eat Defeat can finish Niven at 7:00.

Rating: C. Michin is more than on her way to what feels like a rematch with Green for the Women’s US Title. Having her beat Green’s enforcer is a fine way to set that up and we could be in for a nice rematch whenever we get there. For now though, Michin is having one of the best runs of her career and it’s nice to see WWE finally doing something with her.

Video on Naomi, who is ready to challenge Nia Jax tonight.

Here is Paul Heyman to talk about Monday’s Tribal Combat match. Heyman and Roman Reigns had trained and groomed Solo Sikoa to be the next Tribal Chief. Sikoa was being made ready when Cody Rhodes caught lightning in a bottle and beat Reigns at Wrestlemania. Then Sikoa stole the Ola Fala because he never earned it.

Now Sikoa has brought in various people for the new Bloodline, including Jacob Fatu, who is not welcome outside of the United States prison system. Cue Sikoa to interrupt and Heyman knows this isn’t good. Heyman brings up Sikoa having him put through a table in Madison Square Garden in front of his children, but Sikoa reaches for, and receives, the microphone.

Sikoa says on Monday, he needs someone who he can trust. If Reigns wins Tribal Combat, Sikoa will acknowledge him and Heyman will give Reigns the Ola Fala. But if Sikoa wins, he will receive the Ola Fala and own Heyman forever (Heyman is scared) and Reigns will have to acknowledge him. So the match is now a possible kidnapping plot?

The Motor City Machine Guns want the Tag Team Titles back.

Saturday Night’s Main Event is coming back and Hulk Hogan is excited.

Tag Team Titles: Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY

DIY is defending. Ciampa cranks on Sabin’s arm to start but gets sent down with an armdrag. Everything breaks down for a second before Shelley works on Ciampa’s arm for a change. The champs are sent outside for a dive from Sabin and we take an early break. Back with Sabin and Ciampa dropping each other, allowing Shelley to come in and clean house.

The Guns hit stereo baseball slides t the floor, setting up stereo suicide dives. Everything breaks down again and it’s a four way knockdown until a tag brings Ciampa back in. Skull And Bones is loaded up but here is Pretty Deadly for a distraction. That’s broken up but a Fairy Tale Ending/superkick combination…gets two on Shelley. Cue Legado del Fantasma to chase Pretty Deadly around, allowing the Guns to grab stereo submissions. The other four then come inside and it’s a double DQ at 10:54.

Rating: B-. The Guns are basically incapable of having a bad match so it was nice to see them get in there for the titles, even with the screwy ending. That’s all it needed to be as the Guns can now go after someone else as the division is starting to come together. Other than that, I’m not sure where this goes, but for now though, we had a perfectly nice match here.

Nia Jax is worried that Tiffany Stratton isn’t here but Candice LeRae is here for her.

Sami Zayn runs into Carmelo Hayes, who isn’t happy with what happened with Braun Strowman. The Usos pop in and Hayes calms down before leaving. Zayn goes to get ready but Kevin Owens pops in to tell Jey Uso to watch his back.

We look at the opening brawl.

Cody Rhodes is going to leave but Nick Aldis stops him. Aldis wants Rhodes to put his hatred of Kevin Owens aside and think about the bigger picture. Rhodes isn’t going to have that because if he sees Owens, or someone who looks like Owens, he’s dropping him on sight.

Women’s Title: Naomi vs. Nia Jax

Jax, with Candice LeRae, is defending. Naomi kicks away to start but is easily powered into the corner. Jax misses a charge into the corner and Naomi can fire off some kicks, only to get headbutted outside as we take a break. Back with Bianca Belair at ringside as well as Jax plants Naomi for two.

We hit the chinlock for a bit before Jax sends her into the corner for a running hip to the head. Naomi fights out of a powerbomb though and gets two off a victory roll before kicking Jax off the middle rope. A splits splash gives Naomi two more before Jax misses a charge into the post. There’s the springboard kick to Jax’s head and a Samoan drop (not bad either) gives Naomi another near fall. Jax sends her hard into the corner and drops a middle rope leg for two, which is quite the kickout.

The Annihilator is broken up and Naomi drops her with a DDT. A hanging Pedigree plants Jax for two and we take another break. Back again with Naomi’s Blockbuster getting two and a choke goes on to keep Jax in trouble. LeRae offers a distraction for the save though and gets dropped by Belair. Jax cuts Belair off but her super powerslam is countered into another powerslam…and here it Tiffany Stratton to blast Naomi with the briefcase. The Annihilator retains at 19:35.

Rating: B-. Surprisingly enough, this worked fairly well with Naomi fighting from underneath and using as much of her athleticism as possible before getting caught with the cheating. The ending isn’t the best thing to see in the world but what matters the most here is that they had a good match despite it going far longer than you might have expected both of them to go.

Then Stratton takes out Jax and LeRae with the briefcase, allowing Belair to give Jax a KOD. The cash in is on!

Women’s Title: Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax

Jax is defending and loses to the Prettiest Moonsault Ever at 6 seconds. Well it’s about time and we now get several months without a briefcase. It also feels like a turn for Stratton as the fans were VERY happy, even if hitting someone with a briefcase and getting someone else to help you after the champion had a long match isn’t the most heroic way to win a title.

Video on Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa on Raw.

Jacob Fatu wants the whole world to acknowledge Solo Sikoa.

LA Knight gets a US Title shot next week.

Bloodline vs. Sami Zayn/Usos

Zayn and the Usos come in through the crowd, as tends to be…well at least Jey’s custom. They waste no time in going to the six man brawl and the Bloodline is cleared out as we take an early break. Back with Tonga stomping Jey down into the corner but getting whipped hard into the buckle.

Jimmy comes in and is dropped just as quickly, allowing Sikoa to grab a nerve hold. That’s broken up and it’s back to Zayn to clean house, only to get dropped by Sikoa as we take another break. Back again with Tonga unloading on Zayn but the Blue Thunder Bomb puts Sikoa down. The tag brings in Jey for the real house cleaning and a pop up neckbreaker hits Tonga for two.

Everything breaks down and Tonga’s jumping DDT gets two on Jey. Fatu gets knocked into the corner for some running Umaga Attacks, followed by some stereo suicide dives to the floor. Fatu is back up with a top rope splash to Jimmy, followed by a moonsault for two. Cue Drew McIntyre so Jey dives onto him before avoiding Fatu’s Umaga Attack in the corner. Jey spears Fatu and hits the Superfly Splash but Sikoa Spikes him for the pin at 22:37.

Rating: B. This got some time to pick up some momentum and by the end it wound up being a wild brawl with a bunch of things going on. The McIntyre interference didn’t mean much, which helps quite a bit as it would have been almost a cliché to have it end that way. Sikoa needed a win to boost him up for Tribal Combat and this did that well enough.

A Raw rundown wraps us up.

Overall Rating: B. This felt like a long edition of Smackdown, which is going to be the norm going forward. Thankfully they started off with a good one, as that certainly wasn’t guaranteed. What matters the most is getting momentum set up for Monday’s major show, but Smackdown certainly had its own moments. Good stuff here, though dang this feels like it’s going to be long to get through every single week.

Results
Shinsuke Nakamura b. Andrade – Kinshasa
Michin b. Piper Niven – Eat Defeat
Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY went to a double DQ when Pretty Deadly interfered
Nia Jax b. Naomi – Annihilator
Tiffany Stratton b. Nia Jax – Prettiest Moonsault Ever
Bloodline b. Sami Zayn/Usos – Samoan Spike to Jey

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Smackdown
Date: December 20, 2024
Location: XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut
Commentators: Corey Graves, Michael Cole

It’s the last Smackdown before Christmas and that means we are taped from last week. Therefore we might not get much more in the way of fallout from Saturday Night’s Main Event, which saw Cody Rhodes retain the Smackdown World Title over Kevin Owens. However, Owens attacked Rhodes after the show and stole the title belt. Let’s get to it.

Here is Saturday Night’s Main Event if you need a recap.

We open with a long Saturday Night’s Main Event recap. We also get a clip from after the show, with Kevin Owens giving Cody Rhodes a package piledriver.

Here is the Bloodline for a chat. Solo Sikoa saw Roman Reigns sitting on a boat and challenging him to Tribal Combat on the January 6 Raw. Sikoa suggests that instead of saying WHAT, the people here need to acknowledge him. If Reigns wants to take the Tribal Chief to war, let’s do it, with everyone else being left behind. Sikoa promises to use violence to make Reigns acknowledge him…and Drew McIntyre interrupts.

Sikoa says he better have a good reason for this, with McIntyre saying he’ll make this quick because he’s sick being this close to Sikoa without fighting him. McIntyre wants to know if Sikoa stays up at night, wondering when McIntyre is coming for him. Sikoa cost him the WWE Title at Clash At The Castle, but now he stood up to Roman Reigns. McIntyre wants the business with Reigns finished, and then the two of them can finish their business. Cue Jimmy Uso to pull McIntyre to the floor and beat him with a crutch. McIntyre bails into the crowd with Jimmy in pursuit and it’s time for a six man.

Bloodline vs. Apollo Crews/LA Knight/Andrade

The Bloodline is cleared out before the bell and we take a break. Back with Crews gorilla pressing Tonga and dropping him hard in an impressive feat. Knight comes in with a neckbreaker and it’s off to Andrade for the chopping. Andrade sends Tonga to the floor, setting up stereo dives with Crews. Knight teases one of his own but just glares at Sikoa instead. Fatu comes in to wreck some havoc and we take a break.

Back with Crews still in trouble but he manages to get over to Andrade. The pace picks up and Andrade sends Fatu into the corner for the running knees and a near fall. The double moonsault gets two but Fatu shrugs off a kick to the head and hits a pop up Samoan drop. We take another break and come back again with Fatu missing a charge in the corner, allowing Knight to come in and clean house.

There’s a neckbreaker to Sikoa and Crews comes in for a frog splash to Tonga, setting up a crossface. Cue Shinsuke Nakamura to drop Knight and Sikoa is smart enough to drag Tonga over for the tag. The running Umaga Attack into Spinning Solo into the Samoan Spike finishes Crews at 16:31.

Rating: B-. This got some time and that made the Bloodline feel like they were sweating a bit more than usual. Crews being the one to take the fall makes sense and Nakamura interfering makes Knight’s team’s loss feel a bit less bad. Nice, long opener here with Sikoa looking like a force for a change.

The Motor City Machine Guns want revenge on Johnny Gargano. Alex Shelley has to do this one on his own, which Chris Sabin accepts.

We look back at Chelsea Green beating Michin to become the first Women’s United States Champion.

Green is glad to win the title and make it about red, white and green in a nice line. She should have been here a long time ago, but now she’s off to Disneyland.

We look at Kevin Owens losing to Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night’s Main Event but taking him out after the match/show. Owens then stole the Winged Eagle belt and has said that what happens next is on WWE’s hands.

Johnny Gargano is ready to prove himself to Alex Shelley. Tommaso Ciampa is willing to stay in the back as well.

It’s time for the Grayson Waller Effect with Braun Strowman, dressed as Santa Claus to throw presents to the fans. Waller (with Austin Theory) is worried about Strowman wrecking the new threat but Strowman isn’t impressed. The villains pitch the idea of Strowman joining up (“The brains and the braun!”) but Strowman is absolutely not interested. Cue Carmelo Hayes to interrupt to say he wasn’t ready last week. He might lose, but he’ll never quit. Hayes wants to run it back with “this big dumb Santa Claus b****.” Strowman wrecks the set and a match is made.

Braun Strowman vs. Carmelo Hayes

Hayes starts slowly and bails to the floor, with the cheap shot on the way back in slowing Strowman down. Strowman picks him up with one hand for a beal from the apron back inside though, meaning it’s time to start the beating. Hayes slips out of a chokeslam and actually knocks Strowman outside, where Strowman hits a big boot. For some reason Hayes slaps him in the face and gets tossed back in….and Strowman is counted out at 3:29.

Rating: C-. This wasn’t meant to be much of a match but rather a way to have Hayes get under Strowman’s skin without pinning him. That’s all it needed to be as Hayes is doing well with his pesky stuff, which should set up something nice down the line. Not the best, but it did what it needed to do.

Tiffany Stratton is ready to be ringside for Nia Jax and Candice LeRae winning the Tag Team Titles, but LeRae suggests that Stratton go get ready for the celebration. Stratton isn’t pleased.

Braun Strowman goes looking for Carmelo Hayes but gets distracted by Pretty Deadly. Hayes uses the distraction to chair Strowman in the leg and run off.

Alex Shelley vs. Johnny Gargano

Cole goes over their history together, even name dropping JT Lightning for a name I never thought I would hear in WWE. Gargano chops away in the corner to start but Shelley runs him over with a forearm. Shelley sends him to the floor for a slingshot stomp to the arm, setting up a running knee as we take a break.

Back with Gargano’s slingshot spear being cut off by a kick to the face. A standing Sliced Bread gives Shelley two and he chops away, only to walk into a superkick. Gargano sends him face first into the middle buckle for two more but the Gargano Escape is blocked. The referee tries to separate them so Gargano hits Shelley in the face. Shelley gets in a Downward Spiral into the corner but cue Tommaso Ciampa. Chris Sabin cuts him off but Gargano rolls through a high crossbody and grabs the tights for the pin at 10:03.

Rating: C+. This was a nice match between two people who have a nice history together. What matters the most here is that Cole made that story clear, which made the match feel important. The ending felt a bit flat though, as Gargano used some cheating to win. That fits what he’s been doing, even if it just kind of happened without feeling all that interesting.

We look at the Netflix Kickoff event, with a bunch of showdowns and promos, including Logan Paul officially moving to Raw.

January 6 Raw rundown.

Naomi and Bianca Belair are ready to retain the Women’s Tag Team Titles. They’re friends forever.

Women’s Tag Team Titles: Naomi/Bianca Belair vs. Nia Jax/Candice LeRae

Naomi and Belair are defending. LeRae elbows Belair in the face to start and gets gorilla pressed for her efforts. Jax comes in and gets dropkicked as Tiffany Stratton is watching in the back. A moonsault/splits splash combination hits Jax but she runs Naomi over as we take a break.

Back with Jax cranking on Belair’s arms and then sending one of those arms into the post. Belair fights out of a chinlock and dives for a tag, only to get powered back into the corner. LeRae comes in for two off a step up backsplash but Jax accidentally knocks her down. That’s enough for the tag off to Naomi and the pace picks up.

An X Factor gets two on Jax but the slit legged moonsault misses. Jax accidentally headbutts a post though and gets busted open, leaving Belair to hit a 450. LeRae makes the save but here is Stratton as LeRae tornado DDT’s Belair. Naomi makes a save of her own so Jax tries the briefcase, which is knocked into her face. Naomi hits a knee to LeRae and adds the split legged moonsault to retain at 11:05.

Rating: B-. Naomi substituting in for Cargill is less than ideal given the titles’ history but it’s better than vacating them or something like that. It helped to give them a win here, even with the briefcase getting involved. Good match here and it had a bit of time to make things work, even if the Stratton cash in stuff has been tiresome.

Overall Rating: C+. For a taped show which couldn’t really do much in the way of the main event scene, I liked this well enough. You’re not going to get very far with so much of the focus on everything other than the World Title, but at least they had a good opening segment. They seemed to understand that the audience wasn’t going to be the strongest this week and it’s ok to burn off a week like that under the right circumstances.

Results
Bloodline b. Apollo Crews/LA Knight/Andrade – Samoan Spike to Crews
Carmelo Hayes b. Braun Strowman via countout
Johnny Gargano b. Alex Shelley – Rollup while holding tights
Bianca Belair/Naomi b. Nia Jax/Candice LeRae – Split legged moonsault to LeRae

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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Smackdown
Date: December 13, 2024
Location: XL Center, Hartford, Connecticut
Commentators: Corey Graves, Michael Cole

We’re a day away from Saturday Night’s Main Event and that should make for an important night on the way there. One of the biggest stories coming out of last week was DIY winning the Tag Team Titles with Johnny Gargano going full on villain. Other than that, the Bloodline is still lurking around so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here is a limping Jimmy Uso (thanks to a broken toe at Survivor Series) for a chat. Uso said WarGames didn’t get him but it did get his toe. WarGames meant everything to him because even though he fights with his family, they’ll fight together and throw up the one’s. So that’s behind them, so what is in front of them?

He and his family have been doing this for years and they have been pretty successful. He’s even proud of Jey Uso and the YEET! Then there’s Solo Sikoa, who he might not like but he’s proud of him. So what’s next for Jimmy? He’s not sure. Maybe the Royal Rumble, the US Title or even the WWE Title. He may have one big toe, but he’s here…and so is Drew McIntyre with the Claymore.

A Christmas themed Tiffany Stratton is warming up when Candice LeRae and Nia Jax come in to give her a pep talk.

Nick Aldis yells at Drew McIntyre when Bianca Belair and Naomi come in. Aldis tells McIntyre to stay in his office and then tells Belair she is going to have to relinquish the Tag Team Titles. Naomi offers to step in and be her partner, with Aldis reluctantly agreeing, saying they have to be ready to defend the titles as soon as next week.

Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Tiffany Stratton vs. Michin

Stratton knocks her down to start but Michin grabs a double leg and hammers away. A hurricanrana out of the corner drops Stratton again but Stratton faceplants her on the apron. We take a break and come back with Michin rolling away before the Prettiest Moonsault Ever can launch.

Michin kicks her down and hits a springboard DDT for two. The Tarantula has Stratton in trouble but she flips away and grabs an Alabama Slam for two of her own. A Regal Roll sets up the Prettiest Moonsault Ever but Michin rolls away…and right into the moonsault, which doesn’t count as she rolled away. Eat Defeat gives Michin the fast pin at 8:22.

Rating: C+. The ending didn’t help things and commentary tried to cover it as well as they could but it looked pretty bad. Other than that, Michin beating Stratton is almost weird to see, as Stratton has been pushed fairly strong in recent months while Michin has only been building momentum in recent weeks. Michin should make for a good underdog in the finals though and that’s always a nice role to have filled.

We look back at Johnny Gargano going evil to win the Tag Team Titles last week.

DIY (in black and white) talk about getting cheated in Gargano’s hometown but he promised to do whatever it took to set things right. Then the Motor City Machine Guns were handed a path to the titles so last week, Gargano did what he needed to do to get the titles back. And it was fun.

We look at the Bloodline beating down LA Knight and Andrade last week.

Roman Reigns, with Paul Heyman, talks about how this has been a rough year. They were running everything not too long ago but then they lost everything. Four years ago, Solo Sikoa wasn’t here when Reigns earned everything. That’s why he wants Tribal Combat on January 6, where he can take everything back and everyone can acknowledge him.

There will be a Raw On Netflix Kickoff Show next week. Of note: Logan Paul is advertised despite saying he was retired earlier this week.

Legado del Fantasma complains to Nick Aldis about everyone being attacked so maybe they should go to Raw. Aldis says go call them so Carmelo Hayes comes in, where he is told he’ll find out who he is facing in the ring.

Carmelo Hayes vs. ???

And the newest member of Smackdown is….Braun Strowman. Hayes panics and gets knocked down to make it even worse. The running powerslam is broken up and Hayes misses a charge into the post, allowing Hayes to get one, with the kickout sending him flying. Now the running powerslam can finish for Strowman at 1:28.

LA Knight is always ready to handle his business he didn’t want to get involved in WarGames when he was asked. That wasn’t his business, but now Solo Sikoa has gotten in his business and in the way of his US Title. That’s why tonight, Sikoa’s face is going to get in the way of Knight’s fist.

Solo Sikoa vs. LA Knight

The Bloodline is here with Sikoa. Knight wins a slugout to start and hits a discus lariat, followed by a running clothesline to the floor. Sikoa is back up with some rams into various things but Knight manages a whip into the steps. Knight hammers away on the announcers’ table but Sikoa Samoan drops him back inside.

A middle rope bulldog gets Knight out of trouble and his dropkick through the ropes hits Tonga, allowing Sikoa to hit Swinging Solo onto the announcers’ table as we take a break. Back with Sikoa trying a Superman Punch and getting suplexed down for his efforts. Knight stomps away in the corner but stops to dive onto the rest of the Bloodline. Back in and a Side Effect drops Sikoa and the top rope elbow gets two. That’s enough for Jacob Fatu, who grabs Knight for the DQ at 11:20.

Rating: B-. It was hard to imagine Sikoa being challenged to Tribal Combat next month and losing here, but at least Knight didn’t get pinned. It’s fine to fight against the top heel stable and get taken out by the numbers game so this could have been a lot worse for Knight. He might even get a tag match or something to follow this up so it’s a bit of an upgrade for him, at least for the time being.

Post match the beatdown is on, with Apollo Crews and Andrade’s save attempts not working.

Braun Strowman runs into Pretty Deadly, who offer him a spot in their musical (oh yeah that’s a thing). With Pretty Deadly running off, A-Town Down Under come in and offer him a guest spot on the Grayson Waller Effect. Sure.

Women’s US Title Tournament Semifinals: Bayley vs. Chelsea Green

Piper Niven is here with Green. Bayley plants her down to start in a hurry and a rollup gets an early two. Green’s rollup gets her own near fall but Bayley is back with a basement clothesline for two more. Niven sweeps the leg though and Green stomps on Bayley’s back as we take a break. Back with Green hitting an enziguri and rolling Bayley up for two. We hit the chinlock and go split screen for a quick preview of the Mufasa movie.

Back to full screen and they go to the apron (nice timing on the chinlock for the break) where Bayley hits a Stunner over the middle rope. A hanging suplex to the floor has Green in more trouble, followed by a belly to back for two. Bayley hits a running knee into a sunset bomb into the corner for two but Green (who has lost the flowers in her hair, meaning she can’t go to San Francisco) is back with a Rough Ryder. Niven pulls Green outside so Bayley dives onto her instead. That earns her a toss over the barricade, followed by the Unprettier to give Green the win at 12;12.

Rating: C. This was good enough but points for pushing Green forward. I’m not sure if she is going to win the title but it’s nice to see her getting a chance to do something. She has more than earned the chance to do something on her own (or with Niven behind her) and it’s not like Bayley is going to be hurt by losing to anyone.

The Motor City Machine Guns are not happy with DIY because they can’t believe what Johnny Gargano did to them. Now it’s a fight and Gargano will learn that next week.

Shinsuke Nakamura talks about how there has been a shift which will see the weak dragged into the light. LA Knight had something he never deserved and will never get it again. Nakamura is imminent.

Nia Jax consoles Tiffany Stratton but Candice LeRae comes in and says she and Nia have a Women’s Tag Team Title shot next week. With Jax gone, LeRae says Stratton just might not be a singles wrestler.

Saturday Night’s Main Event rundown.

Michael Cole brings out Cody Rhodes for a chat with….Kevin Owens, who joins us from his car. Owens can’t believe how Rhodes is willing to use his friends to finish his story. The reality is Rhodes is as bad of a friend as he is a son and brother. The other reality is that Rhodes was always more interesting as Stardust.

Rhodes knows Owens has more zingers up his sleeve but goes to the back to deal with him in person. Owens jumps him from behind and they fight into the arena and into the ring. Security tries to break it up and Owens gets in a belt shot to end the show. Of note: Owens was wearing a Stardust shirt, as that man’s shirt closet must be amazing. Good brawl here, and it feels like a pay per view main event, which is quite the impressive feat for a television special.

Overall Rating: B-. The best thing I can say about this show is I want to see what happens tomorrow night. This show was designed to make Saturday Night’s Main Event more interesting and it pulled that part off. The action itself here wasn’t great, but it was good enough to move things forward. This show wasn’t the one that mattered, but rather the show that set up the ones that matter. Nice job on that front, with tomorrow being the important night.

Results
Michin b. Tiffany Stratton – Eat Defeat
Braun Strowman b. Carmelo Hayes – Running powerslam
LA Knight b. Solo Sikoa via DQ when Jacob Fatu interfered
Chelsea Green b. Bayley – Unprettier

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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AND

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Smackdown
Date: December 6, 2024
Location: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

We’re done with Survivor Series and the big story is that Roman Reigns and his version of the Bloodline beat the new Bloodline in WarGames. Other than that, Shinsuke Nakamura is the new US Champion and we are just over a week away from Saturday Night’s Main Event. That’s going to need some more work so let’s get to it.

Here is Survivor Series if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of the Smackdown matches from Survivor Series.

Commentary recaps the three injuries in WarGames, including Bronson Reed with an ankle injury/broken foot, Tonga Loa with a torn bicep, and Jimmy Uso with a broken toe. All three are out indefinitely.

The Bloodline beats up Apollo Crews and security on the way into the arena.

Here is Cody Rhodes for a chat. Rhodes gets right to the point by talking about Kevin Owens at Saturday Night’s Main Event but American Made cuts him off. The transfer window is opening up and Nick Aldis has been talking about bringing Chad Gable to Smackdown. You have to remember that the people here in Minnesota are gullible so you have to explain things to them.

Gable wanted to be like Rhodes and he can dress like him, but there is more to it than that. The other thing Gable realizes is that Rhodes is a terrible friend, just like Otis. Rhodes is the definition of superficial because he only cares about what people think of him. That has Rhodes thinking and he brings up Gable’s time as Shorty G, but he’s looking at Stardust.

Rhodes lost last year at Wrestlemania and it made him think things could go wrong. What happens when things go wrong for Gable? That doesn’t go well for Gable, who says he would take Rhodes out if not for the suit he’s wearing. Rhodes cuts to the point and issues the challenge for tonight, but he’s got Kevin Owens on his mind, which is bad for Gable. This was a rather lengthy exchange for a match that probably didn’t need it.

Commentary confirms that the transfer portal is indeed open and wrestlers can move. No word on how long or when that might happen.

Bianca Belair and Naomi are in the back and they’re both banged up after WarGames. Naomi leaves for her match when Chelsea Green and Piper Niven come in to mock Belair for the loss in the tournament. Belair thinks Niven might have taken Jade Cargill out so the brawl is on, with Green going after Belair’s bad ribs.

Jesse Ventura is here. Yeah that works.

Women’s United States Title Tournament First Round: Tiffany Stratton vs. Elektra Lopez vs. Naomi

Lopez throws the banged up Naomi to the floor to start so Stratton, in Minnesota Vikings colors, tries a cheap shot. That doesn’t work either as Lopez drops her, followed by another knockdown to Naomi. Stratton is back up and cartwheels over Lopez, setting up a basement dropkick for two. The handspring elbow hits Lopez but Naomi is back in with a high crossbody to Stratton.

Naomi steps onto Stratton’s back in the corner but falls over the top, thankfully catching herself for a nice save. A double springboard Stunner (it only kind of works) sends the villains outside but Stratton is back up with a double stomp to crush Naomi on the apron. Back in and Lopez gets a half crab on Stratton before planting Naomi for two.

A Blue Thunder Bomb gives Lopez two on Naomi with Stratton making a last second save. Back up and they strike it out until Naomi hits the Rear View on Stratton…but here is Candice LeRae for a distraction. Lopez breaks up the split legged moonsault so Naomi settles for a layout reverse DDT. Now the moonsault hits but Stratton breaks it up, meaning the Prettiest Moonsault Ever can finish Lopez at 7:15.

Rating: B-. The fans were behind Stratton here and the three of them knew it, making the match a lot more interesting. Stratton got to be the big hometown hero here and the moonsault at the end looked great. At the same time, Lopez came off like a star and something of a wrecking machine, at least until the end.

Commentary talks about the tournament but we go to the back where the Street Profits (challenging for the Tag Team Titles tonight) have been attacked. Nick Aldis goes to deal with this and runs into the Motor City Machine Guns, who are told the match can’t happen. Johnny Gargano pops up to say DIY can take the shot, with the Guns agreeing. The match is made, but Aldis says to tell Tommaso Ciampa to not make him regret this.

Bianca Belair vs. Piper Niven

Chelsea Green is here with Niven. Belair powers her into the corner to start as Cole talks about Jell Roll. A slam attempt just hurts Belair’s bad ribs an Niven’s basement crossbody makes them even worse. The pace slows down and Belair is sent into the corner, setting up a Boss Man Slam for two. We take a break and come back with Belair fighting out of an abdominal stretch but getting crushed with some backsplashes. Belair fights up again and manages a choke but Niven flips her down again.

Another splash misses for Niven though and Belair sends her into the corner over and over. A high crossbody gives Belair two and a spear gets the same, leaving her rather frustrated. For some reason Belair tries the KOD, earning herself a scary Saito suplex. Niven charges into a spinebuster but Belair’s handspring moonsault hits knees. Back up and the Piper Driver gets a heck of a near fall so Belair takes her into the corner. Green gets pulled in before Belair somehow manages a KOD (GEEZ) onto Green for the pin at 12:17.

Rating: B. I got pulled way into this one and that they were trading big shots until the end. Belair getting to pull off the KOD with bad ribs might have been a stretch but I was almost cheering her by that point so I’ll call it a success. They got into a groove here and it was one of the better matches I’ve seen on regular Smackdown in a bit.

We look back at Shinsuke Nakamura’s return and subsequent US Title win at Survivor Series.

We look at Team Ripley winning the women’s WarGames match.

Bianca Belair is walking through the back (and passing Nick Aldis talking to Dominik Mysterio) and runs into Naomi. She’s sick of Tiffany and Candice LeRae but Byron Saxton comes in to say Piper Niven has an alibi for the Jade Cargill attack. Belair and Naomi are going to find out who did it.

Here is Shinsuke Nakamura for a chat…but LA Knight interrupts before anything can be said. Knight doesn’t think much of Nakamura as the US Champion because that title belongs to him. The challenge is on for the rematch but Nakamura just stands there. Knight says the only thing Nakamura has done to his face is spray that mist so he puts the sunglasses on (makes sense), only for Andrade to interrupt.

Knight says this is his title and Andrade can have the first shot…..but here is the Bloodline to take out Knight and Andrade. Nakamura backs away from the violence (with goo streaming out of his mouth), leaving the Bloodline to take out Andrade and Knight again. Solo Sikoa says the Bloodline isn’t done and even though they’re down two soldiers, step up and take a shot.

Anyone who steps up will get taken out because he’s tired of not being taken seriously. Sikoa is still the Tribal Chief and still the head of the table, so everyone is going to acknowledge him. It’s really nice to see the Bloodline get away from Roman Reigns and company, but dang this feels like a downgrade.

Tommaso Ciampa says Johnny Gargano getting them this title shot doesn’t fix everything. We’ll see how that goes if they win the titles.

Kevin Owens isn’t happy with having to be in Minneapolis for a sitdown interview with Michael Cole. He never wants to be in this town, especially for something with MICHAEL COLE. Owens is at the arena, so come find his car and have a chat.

Tag Team Titles: Motor City Machine Guns vs. DIY

DIY is challenging. Sabin grabs Ciampa’s arm to start and it’s off to Shelley for a running dropkick. We hit the chinlock for a bit before Ciampa is knocked outside and we take an early break. Back with Shelley hitting a jawbreaker and ducking Ciampa’s boot, which hits Gargano by mistake. The Fairy Tale Ending is blocked and Sabin comes back in with a high crossbody for two on Ciampa.

A middle rope knee/backbreaker combination into a Downward Spiral/enziguri combination gets two more on Ciampa, but he fights back up for a knockdown of his own. Ciampa tags Gargano in but then yells at and shoves him. Gargano shoves Ciampa down and tells him to get out, only to get small packaged for two. Shelley Downward Spirals Gargano into the middle buckle but Ciampa distracts the referee. Gargano goes low on Sabin and superkick Shelley. Ciampa is rather pleased (Gargano: “Well that worked!”) and Meet In The Middle gives DIY the titles back at 10:40.

Rating: B-. This might not have been a classic but the turn went well, as Gargano finally embraces the evil and has success as a result. Odds are Ciampa or DIY took out the Profits earlier as it would fit, though dang I’m not sure how well DIY fits as dastardly villains. For now though, they get the titles and have some ready made challengers, so it’s a nice start.

Post break Candice LeRae celebrates with DIY, as Tommaso Ciampa calls his family.

Michael Cole has gone to the parking lot and found Kevin Owens’ car (hint: it’s the one with Owens inside) where Owens insists that they talk here. Owens hasn’t been allowed to go into an arena since Bad Blood and laughs at the idea of Cole wanting to do an unbiased interview. Cole talks about being a big Owens supporter but Owens goes off about Roman Reigns trying to end his career. Cody Rhodes called him an egomaniac but who has THREE SETS OF PYRO for his entrance???

Cole brings up the Usos and Sami Zayn helping Reigns, sending Owens into another ran about how he doesn’t care about the Usos. He’ll cross that bridge with Zayn when they get there, but Cole doesn’t understand this because he doesn’t have friends. Cole tells Owens to look in the mirror. Owens: “Ok. I see a handsome man who is completely right.” Owens tells him to leave his rental vehicle right now and, with Cole out, an annoyed Owens drives off. As usual, Owens knows how to make the obvious sound good and Cole is good as the realistic voice.

Nick Aldis talks to Gunther, but Carmelo Hayes comes up and doesn’t approve. With Gunther gone, Hayes asks why Aldis doesn’t have time for him. If Aldis can’t find a place for him, Monday Night Melo sounds good to Hayes. Aldis says that not having to deal with Hayes sounds like something that deserves balloons and a cake. He has something planned for Hayes…and then walks off.

Cody Rhodes vs. Chad Gable

Non-title and the rest of American Made is here too. Gable grabs a waistlock to start and Rhodes has to kick him away for an early standoff. A delayed gordbuster puts Gable down but Ivy Nile cuts off a springboard attempt. Gable gets in a dragon screw legwhip and wraps the leg around the post as we take a break.

Back with Rhodes escaping the ankle lock but getting his leg dropkicked out for two. The top rope headbutt gives Gable two but the moonsault is broken up, allowing Rhodes to hit an inverted superplex to leave both of them down. Rhodes fights up and hits the powerslam, followed by the Disaster Kick. The Cody Cuter connects but the Creeds pull Gable to the floor. American Made gets ejected, allowing Rhodes to grab a rollup for two.

Gable goes back to the leg and takes Rhodes’ boot off, setting up the ankle lock. That’s broken up with a roll through and the Cody Cutter connects again. Cross Rhodes is reversed into ankle ankle lock, sending Rhodes to the ropes. Gable breaks up Cross Rhodes again and goes up top, only to miss the moonsault. Cross Rhodes finishes Gable at 12:26.

Rating: B. Gable got in more than I was expecting before being taken down here and that’s a nice way for him to go. It was a good, back and forth match with both of them working well. Gable taking out Rhodes’ leg sounds like a calling card for Kevin Owens, who knows how to go after an injury. Nice main event here, with Gable helping move Rhodes up a bit.

Post match Kevin Owens is here to stomp on the bad ankle. Referees and agents can’t keep them apart and the fight keeps going as the show ends.

Overall Rating: B+. You had two rather good matches plus some angle advancement on the way to Saturday Night’s Main Event. The Gargano turn and title change just make things feel that much more important and this was a rather engaging show. Smackdown is clicking right now and that is always nice to see. Pretty great show this week.

Results
Tiffany Stratton b. Elektra Lopez and Naomi – Prettiest Moonsault Ever to Lopez
Bianca Belair b. Piper Niven – KOD
DIY b. Motor City Machine Guns – Meet In The Middle to Sabin
Cody Rhodes b. Chad Gable – Cross Rhodes

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.