Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
"The Villain" Marty Scurll guests on commentary for the next match.
The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe) beat Kenny King and Dalton Castle in a Champion's Challenge Match. Later in the match, "The Last Real Man" Silas Young shows up and distracts Kenny King, and though Kenny King fights back, he falls victim to the Jay Driller. After the match, Silas Young grabs the ROH World Television Championship and holds up while standing over Kenny King. "The Villain" Marty Scurll then gets in the ring with the ROH World Championship after Silas Young leaves and Dalton Castle checks on Kenny King, but instead of attacking Castle, he hands the ROH World Championship to him.
We hear from The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan). Marseglia says that for one year, Ring of Honor has never given them a shot at the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. Taven thought Bully Ray would be their knight in shining armor, but instead, he is just another Melvin, and if Bully Ray thinks he can stop them from beating the conspiracy against them, he has another thing coming.
The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara) guest on commentary for the next match.
Cheeseburger vs. Kikutaro ends with The Dawgs (Rhett Titus and Will Ferrara) attacking both men before double-teaming Cheeseburger. ROH Enforcer Bully Ray runs into the ring to make the save for Cheeseburger, whom he helps up.
Mayu Iwatani beats Deonna Purrazzo to advance to the semi-finals of the ROH Women of Honor Championship Tournament.
We see a run-down of the card for Supercard of Honor XII.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up. He says that Bullet Club is fine, and then asks the crowd to name a Kenny Omega match that made them feel something that didn't involve a mega-star opponent, then says they cannot. He then says that the perception of Kenny Omega being the best wrestler today is false, as he is the one that truly dominates, as Kenny Omega has called him a reject from WWE when Omega was a reject of NXT. Cody also says that Omega had the gall to put his hands on Brandi Rhodes, and as soon as he mentions this, "The Cleaner" Kenny Omega shows up with the disembodied head of Berry The Drug-Free Bear. Kenny brings up Cody saing "Bullet Club is fine," but he should have considered bringing it up with him. As for Brandi Rhodes, when she forced herself on him and kissed him in the ring, he was confused, and he is even more confused about Cody's reaction as it is common knowledge that this is not the first time this has happened. He then says what's done is done, and says the kiss was so suspiciously long, he would not be surprised if she wanted to do it again. This starts a brawl between Omega and Cody, and ROH security, Flip Gordon and the rest of Bullet Club has to run in to separate both men. "Hangman' Adam Page and "The Villain" Marty Scurll are with Cody while The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Flip Gordon are with Kenny Omega.
We see footage from earlier this week where Austin Aries meets with "Reborn" Matt Sydal and Josh Mathews outside of the arena. Aries congratulates Sydal on becoming X Division champion, and Sydal calls the title something he would not just give away. Aries talks about Option C, and gives Sydal a chance to become Impact Wrestling World Championship. Instead of proposing that Sydal exercise Option C, however, he asks that Sydal also put the Impact Wrestling Grand Championship on the line, as he has never held the Grand Championship. Mathews is vehemently against the idea, but a very calm Sydal tells Aries he has a deal, much to Josh Mathews' chagrin.
Petey Williams beats Suicide, Rohit Raju and Taiji Ishimori in a four-way match. After the match, Williams announces that at Redemption, he will cash in his shot at the X Division Championship on "Reborn" Matt Sydal. He tells Sydal to bring him his X Division title.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Eli Drake. Eli says he should be the man walking out with the World title; instead, he has a shot at the tag team title. He says that status, privilege and gold are all that matters, and the only gold that matters is the World title after saying gratitude means nothing to him. He says he has no tag team partner, nor does he need one, as he does not want a "cross-eyed half-wit stealing [his] glow." Eli calls himself "the one-man show," but then he comes up with an idea and leaves.
We see footage of Eddie Edwards in Dayton, Ohio. Eddie talks about how Sami Callihan injured him, and says oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan) know nothing about who he is or what he is about, and if it is Ohio versus everything, then that is okay for he is here.
Braxton Sutter shows up before the next match and introduces Su Yung.
Su Yung quickly beats Amber Nova in her Impact debut.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Johnny Impact. Impact says nothing has changed for him, but says it is difficult to become champion as everyone has the same goal. As he says that nobody dreams of becoming a professional wrestler and coming in second place, Jimmy Jacobs shows up. He tells Johnny he has no idea what his goals are, and Johnny takes this as a challenge. Jimmy wants to know what it is like being Johnny Impact, then says Johnny lives in a bubble that is about to be popped by the monster of reality. Johnny says reality is subjective, and if Jimmy wants to step into his bubble or the ring, he is fine with that, but he wants him out of his interview as soon as he says what he wants. Jimmy tells him he will find out, because he is a princess and he always gets he wants. He also says that Kongo Kong says hello before leaving, and Johnny tells Jimmy to tell him he said hello, too.
We see footage from during the commercial break where Taya Valkyrie talks about how she proved once again that she is better than Rosemary. As she talks about how she will always be better than Rosemary and that all roads lead to Valhalla, Rosemary walks besides her on the nearby trailer with a garbage can in her hands, and she eventually throws it at her. A backstage worker gets involved only to get smacked in the head with a trash can. Richard Justice pops out of a trailer to see what going on as Taya beats Rosemary up, , and when Justice gets too close, he gets laid out with a forearm by Taya. Taya then gets misted by Rosemary as soon as she turned around, and a blinded Taya attacks Amber Nova, who is being helped to a trainer's room. Wrestlers and officials have to hold Taya back, and Rosemary leaps off the trailer to everyone in the vicinity with a high flying cross body.
In footage from New York for WrestlePro, KM beats Fallah Bahh after putting his feet on the top rope for leverage. After the match, KM tells Fallah Bahh that his name needs to be changed to "Fat Ass Bahh."
We see a video package for Lashley vs. "The Machine" Brian Cage.
"The Machine" Brian Cage beats Lashley.
Backstage, Gail Kim is approached by Allie, who asks for advice concerning Braxton Sutter and Su Yung. Gail Kim tells Allie to believe in herself and to stand up for herself.
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is AJ Styles vs. Chris Sabin vs. Petey Williams in an Ultimate X Match for the TNA X Division Championship at Final Destination 2005.
Backstage, Eli Drake meets with Moose and tries to trade briefcases with him, saying two belts are better than one, and that he could team up with Eddie Edwards and get some instant gold. Moose proposes a match between them next week. If Eli Drake wins, he gets Moose's case, but if Moose wins, he keeps his case and gains Eli Drake's.
At Rockstar Pro in Dayton, Ohio, Eddie Edwards demands to know Sami Callihan's whereabouts and gets physical with some people at the front row. He grabs a Kendo stick and gets in the ring, nailing members of security with it before grabbing the microphone and demanding a match with Sami Callihan. Callihan shows up with a baseball bat, and while Eddie fights off oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan), the numbers game quickly catches up to him. Sami is about to hit Eddie with the bat again as Jake and Dave Crist hold Eddie up, but Eddie kicks him in the groin fights back. That does not last for long, either, as Sami Callihan manages to overpower him. This time, Sami tries to re-break the orbital bone of Eddie Edwards before hitting an assisted spike piledriver into the mat. The Rockstar Pro locker room surrounds the ring and sides with oVe.
We hear from Sami Callihan, who says that Eddie Edwards would not walk into his home turf without getting his ass beaten, and that he let him leave so he can tell all his friends and family and let them know that oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan) is coming to take down every person Eddie knows and loves.
We see a video package for Austin Aries vs. "Reborn" Matt Sydal for the Impact Wrestling World and Grand Championships.
Despite interference by Josh Mathews - which is put to a stop by Petey Williams - Austin Aries retains the Impact Wrestling World Championship against "Reborn" Matt Sydal and becomes the new Impact Wrestling Grand Champion!
We see footage from earlier today where Tommaso Ciampa shows up outside of the arena to a shadow of boos and refuses to answer any interviewer questions. Ciampa finds General Manager William Regal and blames him for Johnny Gargano going after him on WWE property and at his house. Regal makes official an unsanctioned match between Gargano and Ciampa for NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. If Gargano wins, he is re-employed at NXT. If Ciampa wins, Gargano says fired.
General Manager William Regal shows up. Regal announces that at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans, the NXT North American Championship will be introduced. As Regal announces that the new title will have a proud lineage, the words "I am the top 1% percent" are heard. All of a sudden, EC3 - Ethan Carter III - fresh out of Impact Wrestling, appears. EC3 says he will bask in the moment because he deserves it, and asks for the "EC3" chant to keep going. He then tells Regal that this is too much, and that he knew he was a kind man for giving him the call to come to NXT. He also knew he was a reasonable man for letting him strut his stuff and giving him a lucrative contract and "a banger of a theme song." As the crowd chants "One percent," EC3 says he had no idea Regal was logical enough to make a new title and give it to him on the very first day. The crowd chants "NX3," then he puts himself on a pedestal. Regal stops EC3, saying he is happy to finally have him here a competitor, but telling him that he has to earn the title and that he has proven more than capable, or else he would not be here. At NXT TakeOver: New Orleans will compete against five other men for the NXT North American Championship with the title suspended high above the ring in a ladder match. The crowd chants "Thank you, Regal," then EC3 tells Regal it does not matter if he lines up the entire NXT locker room, as he will show why he is the top 1% of the industry.
Charly Caruso gives us a recap of what has happened recently in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic from the NXT Control Center.
We see footage from earlier today where TM61 (Nick Miller and Shane Thorne) show disappointment in losing in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. They feel they need a change of attitude to survive in addition to beating better teams. Suddenly, Ember Moon and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler are seen brawling near the practice rings.
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) beat Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. During the match, Montez Ford is dancing around after a spinebuster to Akam from Angelo Dawkins only to run into Paul Ellering. He offers Ellering a sip from his cup, but Ellering smacks the cup out of his hand and tells Montez that messing with him is not a wise idea. Suddenly, a distracted Angelo Dawkins is hit with Last Chapter by The Authors of Pain, who sail on to the finals.
Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager William Regal backstage. Regal has announced that Adam Cole will be in the ladder match for the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Suddenly, The Velveteen Dream shows up, wanting a piece of the action in that match. Regal admits that Velveteen Dream has been impressive as of late, and makes him the third competitor in the match. The Velveteen Dream says Regal may have broken ground by putting him in the match, but he may have also set the stage.
Lars Sullivan beats John Silver.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager William Regal again. Suddenly, Lars Sullivan shows up, and Regal makes him the fourth participant in the NXT North American Championship match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans. Sullivan says that he will bring the destruction that only he can, and this time, it will not be just with his hands, but also with a ladder. He then demands Killian Dain, and Regal mentions Dain is in the match as well. Regal then makes a match between Lars and Dain official for next week.
Before the next match, Andrade "Cien" Almas is seen attacking Aleister Black outside of the arena. Almas dunks Aleister's head into a cooler full of bottled water before slamming him into a door and getting him in the arena. The brawl then makes its way to the tech area and then to ringside. Almas then tosses Aleister into the ring and brings in a steel chair. The referee gets out of the way as the chair is smashed into Aleister's back and Almas demands Aleister respect him. Aleister then raises the NXT Championship up into the air in front of a downed Aleister Black. Referees check on Aleister Black in the ring, and Aleister tries to get back up under his own power.
Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne beat SAnitY (Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe) to advance to the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Next wek: Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager William Regal yet again. Regal introduces the last competitor of the ladder match for the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans: Ricochet.
General Manager Drake Maverick guests on commentary this week.
Mark Andrews beats "The Premiere Athlete" Tony Nese. Drew Gulak is seen watching from backstage during the match. After the match, Mark Andrews asks General Manager Drake Maverick for a match with Drew Gulak, and Maverick gives it to him for next week.
Dasha Fuentes interviews Drew Gulak backstage. Gulak admits Mark Andrews is a tremendous high-flyer, but asks why he is on 205 Live and says him beating Andrews sent a statement. He also says he is the best submission specialist in the WWE, and it is about defeat; it is about giving up and submitting. He plans on making Mark Andrews tap out next week.
General Manager Drake Maverick moderates a face-to-face meeting between Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali. Both men remember watching last year's WrestleMania in a skybox watching The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) return, and now they are facing each other for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship. Mustafa Ali says that Cedric is writing a beautiful story, but his pen always seems to run out of ink, while he is writing his own story, too. Mustafa says his story ends with him holding up the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, and asks Cedric what he is willing to do to change the story. Cedric says he will sacrifice his body and livelihood to win the title, even if he has to stomp out Mustafa Ali's heart. Mustafa tells him that is exactly what he will have to do. Both men then shake hands.
Buddy Murphy beats TJP, Kalisto and Akira Tozawa in a Fatal 4-Way Match.
It is announced that Charlotte Flair, and that Bobby Roode will have a temporary replacement partner this week. It is announced that, by fan vote, Becky Lynch will be that replacement.
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle is seen in the locker room conversing with fans on the live chat on Facebook Watch.
Bobby Roode and Becky Lynch beat Finn Balor and Sasha Banks to advance to the finals of Mixed Match Challenge after Sasha Banks and Finn Balor double team Roode and Sasha runs back into the ring only to fall victim to a roll-up.
Next week: Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair vs. The Miz and Asuka in the finals of Mixed Match Challenge!
Raw General Manager Kurt Angle shows up as Becky Lynch and Bobby Roode are still in the ring. Angle announces the finals of The Miz and Asuka vs. Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair, then says the charities are the real winners, as the winners' charity will earn $100,000.
The show starts with a video package of the news of Daniel Bryan being medically cleared for in-ring competition as well as how he handled the news. The video package also chronicles Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's attack on Daniel Bryan.
Before the next match, Jinder Mahal says that due to Bobby Roode and Randy Orton's attack on Sunil Singh, Sunil cannot compete tonight. However, he has a new tag team partner and has traded a tiger for a lion. That new partner is Rusev.
Jinder Mahal and Rusev beat Bobby Roode and Randy Orton after Rusev hits Orton with a Matchka Kick after Jinder pushes Roode into Orton, leading Orton to hit Roode with an RKO prior to the Matchka Kick.
Backstage, Jinder Mahal and Sunil Sign find Rusev and thank him for their victory. Jinder asks Rusev to come to WrestleMania so he can sit front row and be part of his United States title celebration. Rusev has a better idea, however: he proposes going to General Manager Daniel Bryan to get into the United States title match, turning it from a Triple Threat Match to a Fatal 4-Way. Jinder is peeved.
In the locker room, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is met by "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura. Nakamura asks if AJ is okay, saying that AJ has lost his confidence. Nakamura knows that each man wants the other at their best at WrestleMania, and tells Styles he needs him in his corner. Styles says Chad Gable will be nearby with Shelton Benjamin in the ring. He also tells Nakamura that he will be in his corner to make sure their dream match happens at WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch beats Ruby Riott with a roll-up. After the match, The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan) attacks Becky Lynch, but Becky is able to fight them off single-handedly.
General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up. Instead of heading to the ring, Daniel Bryan stays on the stage. Daniel Bryan admits he loves being in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He talks about how last week was one of the greatest moments in his career when he was finally medically cleared after two years. Daniel almost talks about the support that he has gotten from the fans, but says he has a job to do. He has said in the past that SmackDown Live is the land of opportunities, and he has decided to give Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn one more opportunity. He then says it will be just one. Daniel Bryan proposes that they face him and Commissioner Shane McMahon in a tag team match at WrestleMania. Due to the complications from Kevin and Sami's attack, Shane has been hospitalized, but he is confident that Shane will be ready to go. Daniel then says that if he and Shane win, Kevin and Sami will remain fired. However, if Kevin and Sami win, they will be reinstated to SmackDown Live. Daniel then says Kevin and Sami have been given so many opportunity because Daniel believes they are two of the greatest performers of this generation and because he has known them for so long and they have done so much for each other in the past. He also says that this is his job as General Manager, and that he does this for all in the SmackDown Live roster. He also has a lot of jobs as General Manager, such as sitting in meetings, filling out paperwork and dealing with a dress code. Daniel then says he is sick of meetings, paperwork and especially wearing blazers and cardigans, because he thought that for three years, his dream to get back in the ring and wrestle was gone, and Kevin and Sami tried to take it away when he got it back. He then says that no matter what anybody does to him, he is back and he is wrestling at WrestleMania. Daniel Bryan then says there are things that he has tried to avoid saying for many reasons, but he has fought for his dreams and he is going to WrestleMania and kick Kevin and Sami's asses.
We hear from Shelton Benjamin and Chad Gable. Shelton says he is neither a rock star or an artist; he is an athlete. Gable says they are the best athletes in WWE and that they don't have a WrestleMania match. Gable says if you don't have it, you make it happen. Shelton says he will tear it up against Nakamura tonight.
It is announced that Charlotte Flair will not be in tonight's Mixed Match Challenge match, and that there will be a replacement for Charlotte later tonight.
Rusev is officialy in the WWE United States Championship match at WrestleMania.
Before the next match, Big E talks about how The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods)were sitting pretty on the road to WrestleMania only to find out that the road was littered with trash. Kofi says one could say the road was bludgeoned with trash, and that those pieces of trash they are talking about are The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan). Xavier Woods says The New Day have adopted that highway, and that regardless of what The Bludgeon Brothers did to them, they are still standing and able to walk. Tonight, they will walk through them on the path to take back the SmackDown tag team titles.
The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) vs. The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) ends when The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) run in and attack The Bludgeon Brothers. After The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) clean house, The New Day and The Usos argue with one another, but they are all forced to flee the ring when The Bludgeon Brothers run in with their hammers.
It is announced that Sami Zayn has just accepted Daniel Bryan's challenge on behalf of himself and Kevin Owens on Twitter. It is also announced that Commissioner Shane McMahon has been suffering from a hernia after Sami and Kevin's attack, and that he has recently been discharged from the hospital.
We see a video package chronicling the events leading up to Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
Dolph Ziggler beats Tyler Breeze in a short, comical match.
It is announced that Charlotte Flair will be replaced as Bobby Roode's partner on this week's Mixed Match Challenge by Facebook fan vote, and that Becky Lynch, Lana and Carmella are the three possible choices.
We look back on Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. "Macho Man" Randy Savage for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 3, courtesy of Snickers.
It is announced that The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) will be defending the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against both The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) and The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) at WrestleMania.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura - with "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles in his corner - beats Shelton Benjamin. After the match, Nakamura asks Styles to join him in the ring. Styles joins him. Nakamura thanks Styles for being in his corner, then says he never needed his help and only wanted him to see how he would beat him at WrestleMania. Styles tells Nakamura that at WrestleMania that he will not be playing games, as this is as much of a dream match for him as it is for the fans, as he and Nakamura will tear the house down. He then says his dream match will go down a little differently, with him beating Nakamura to prove that he is the better man. Nakamura tells Styles that he is too emotional, and because of that, he will beat him at WrestleMania. As Nakamura leaves, Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin attack Styles from behind, and Nakamura has to make the save. Nakamura readies the Kinshasa as Styles gets up, but Nakamura stops just short of hitting him and simply says to him "Knee...to...face."
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman show up to start tonight's show. Heyman talks about the beating that Lesnar gave to Roman Reigns last week, and shows the fans footage of the spectacle. Heyman then announces that the temporary suspension of Roman Reigns has been lifted, before also announcing that Roman Reigns is not here tonight. Heyman then says he cannot give Lesnar credit for Roman not being here, then mentions Roman's family - whom Heyman gives credit for molding Roman into a "Samoan badass" and a man - before saying that Roman is not here despite being advertised. He also says that if last week's beating went the other way, then Brock Lesnar would show up like King Kong on his knuckles, propel himself to the ring, and challenge Roman to take the WWE Universal Championship from him. Heyman then says Roman is not man enough to take the title from Lesnar, as he is not man enough to show up tonight and take another beating from him as well as to take the title from Lesnar at WrestleMania. Suddenly, Roman is spotted in the crowd, and he passes through the barricade with a steel chair. Despite holding an equalizer in his hands, Lesnar meets Roman with a clothesline and knocks him down. Roman then drives Lesnar head-first into the ring post before smashing the steel chair into his back. Roman goes for the Superman Punch, but Lesnar catches him and tosses him backwards with a release belly-to-belly suplex. Lesnar then picks up some steel steps, and hits Roman in the face with them before tossing the steps into the ring. Lesnar then tosses Roman into the ring along with them, then grabs the bent steel chair from earlier before placing it in the ring. He gets back into the ring and grabs the steps again, then smacks Roman with them a second time. Lesnar stomps the steel chair back into an unbent shape, then smacks it into Roman's back a few times as referees show up. After one more chair shot to Roman, Lesnar teases leaving with Heyman before getting back in the ring to hit Roman with an F5 into the steel steps. Lesnar then stands on the steps in the center of the ring and points at the WrestleMania sign before leaving for real.
After the commercial break, Roman Reigns heads to the back under his own power.
Nia Jax beats Mickie James after grabbing Mickie James off the top rope and hitting an immense Samoan Drop. After the match, Alexa Bliss tries to attack Nia Jax, but it has no effect. Nia goes after Alexa, and Alexa runs up the ramp. Nia tells Alexa she will catch her, and the censors are too late on the button when Nia calls Alexa a "little bitch."
We see a video package where WWE COO Triple H and WWE Chief Brand Officer/Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon talk about the events leading up to their match against Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle at WrestleMania.
Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali beat TJP and Drew Gulak.
It's time for Miz TV! The Miztourage (The Miz, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel) are in the ring, and Miz tells the crowd "I live in LA" as they give him a "welcome home" chant. Miz asks Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel if they are enjoying themselves as part of The Miztourage. He says they should be happy as they are showcased every week on Raw...but he is not. He chews Bo and Axel out for their failures as of late, and tells them they would be nothing without him. Suddenly, Seth Rollins shows up, and says he is normally not a fan of Miz TV. However, he says that The Miztourage exploding is "great stuff," and says he will let them hash their problems. Miz takes offense to Seth showing up early, and Seth decides to be mediator. He says that Bo and Axel feel underappreciated, and asks Miz when the last time he said "thank you" to them was. Miz asks if this question is a joke, and Seth says it is not, as if it were not for them, Miz would not be WWE Intercontinental Champion. Seth leads a "Miztourage" chant, but Miz tells the crowd to shut up before telling Seth that the Miztourage knows they are grateful, and that he would still be a big shot. Bo says Miz would be "a phony A-lister who can't fight." Seth asks Bo to repeat that, as does The Miz. Before that can happen, Finn Balor shows up. Finn reminds Miz that he is scheduled to be on Miz tv tonight, too, and says Miz needs his help now like he needed Seth's earlier, as he wants to re-hear what Bo Dallas said. Finn tells Miz that Bo Dallas called him the biggest jerk he had ever met, and Bo Dallas accidentally repeats his "phony A-lister who can't fight" comment as he tries to downplay Finn's claims. The Miz demands Bo Dallas say it again. When he does, The Miz slaps him after three words. Curtis Axel has to hold Bo Dallas back, but The Miz says he is trying to motivate The Miztourage and that the Intercontinental title is what matters. Miz says he is 34 days from being the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, and as he says that he is better than other title-holders - including Axel's father, Mr. Perfect - he angers Axel. Miz says that statement "slipped," but Seth and Finn says that was not a slip. The Miz proposes that they all calm down and announces that Miz TV is now cancelled. This leads to a "Yes!" chant in the crowd. Miz tries to walk his way out of it, but Bo and Axel stop him from doing so, much to the enjoyment of Seth, Finn and the crowd, who is chanting "Cleveland hates you!" As Miz says nobody wants to see this, the crowd erupts in a "Yes!" chant again, and Miz accidentally backs into Finn and Seth. Suddenly, Bo and Axel attack Finn and Seth, proving this was all a ruse, and Miz joins in on the numbers game. Bo and Axel then get Finn Balor up for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) show up to fight off Bo and Axel.Miz is then alone in the ring, and when he turns around, he decides to blast Finn with the Intercontinental title. Finn ducks and hits Sling Blade, then Seth shows up and nearly curb stomps Miz, who rolls out of the ring. Seth tells Miz that he will get what is coming to him, then he turns around to see Finn picking up and looking at the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Seth takes the title from him, and both men stare down as Seth lifts the title up. Suddenly, Finn sees Miz coming and takes him out, and Seth sends Miz out of the ring. When Seth turns around, Finn lays Seth out, then picks the Intercontinental title back up and lifts it up in front of a downed Seth in the center of the ring.
We hear from Kane, who tells John Cena that there are demons who should not be called by name and do not want to be disturbed, especially when they want to rest in peace. He says Cena will pay for his indiscretion, and that he will go straight to Hell tonight.
Before the next match, Charly Caruso interviews Jamie Frost, who says that Asuka has never seen her and has no idea who she is or what she is capable of; therefore, Asuka is not ready for her.
Asuka beats Jamie Frost with just one kick to the face.
We hear from Matt Hardy, who says that Bray Wyatt is no more and that the stench of his tyrannical reign has been replaced with the sweet stench of Senor Benjamin's spring daisies. He says that The Great War is over, and that his sights are set on The Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania, and that anyone who gets in his way will be deleted like Bray Wyatt was.
Bayley is on her phone in the locker room when Sasha Banks shows up, saying she got her text. Bayley tells her she is entering the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal. Sasha wants to talk about last week, however. Sasha says she is sick of her passive-aggressiveness, and tells her that if she has something to say, to say it. Bayley says Sasha loved that she put her first and let her act like the legit boss. Sasha says she is right, and that she does what she does for her career and that Bayley should do the same. Bayley claims that Sasha keeps screwing her over because she can't beat her. Sasha reminds Bayley she is a four-time women's champion, but Bayley reminds her that she never held the belt for very long. Sasha then attacks Bayley, starting a brawl, and two referees have to break them apart. The two referees soon turn into three plus a female backstage worker before the brawl finally stops.
Before the next match, Sheamus tells Braun Strowman that he and Cesaro have Braun all figured out, and that he only won the tag team battle royal due to the art of surprise. Sheamus then says he and Cesaro want to know who Braun Strowman's partner is right now. Strowman grabs a microphone and tells them that if they want to know who it is, then he will tell them. All they have to do is have Sheamus get in the ring and beat him. Sheamus asks how this is fair, and demands an answer right now. Strowman tells Sheamus that he may get an answer, but he guarantees that Sheamus will get these hands. Sheamus then gets in the ring, and the next match begins.
Braun Strowman beats Sheamus despite distractions and interference attempts from Cesaro.
General Manager Kurt Angle shows up. Angle says that WrestleMania is two weeks away, and so is WWE CEO Triple H and WWE CBO and Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon standing across the ring from him and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, whom he introduces. Rousey shows up and makes her way to the ring. He says that WrestleMania is the most intimidating stage to compete on for the very first time, but after the training and dedication that Rousey has put in, she is ready. He reminds Rousey that Triple H and Stephanie mean it when they say that they write the rules, and while WrestleMania will be fun, it will not be easy. Rousey says she did not come to WWE for easy, as she wants to earn everything she gets. She says Stephanie is tough, but only "trust fund," "limousine" and "personal trainer" tough, and she will get her arm ripped out of its socket. Suddenly, Absolution (Paige, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville) shows up. Paige says that the one thing that will sabotage one in WWE is not having friend. She then introduces herself and Absolution before personally welcoming her to Raw. She then says this is Absolution's show, and that this is her house. Paige says that she may have grown up on WWE, but people get taken advantage of and that it is good to have some back-up. Rousey appreciates the offer, but declines. Paige tells her that if she thinks Kurt Angle has her back, she is committing career suicide. She says that Rousey could be the fourth member of Absolution. Rousey thanks Paige for the offer, then declines again. Paige tells Rousey she has made her choice and that it is not a good one, and instead of making good friends, she made worse enemies. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville get in the ring, but Rousey blocks a shot by Mandy and sends Sonya to the mat before slamming Mandy into Sonya. Kurt Angle raises Ronda Rousey's hand in victory, then Mandy Rose tries to strike back only to get put in an arm bar by Rousey. Angle has to reason with Rousey, and Rousey ultimately spares Mandy from a broken arm. Absolution then retreat before Angle raises Rousey's hand again.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat The Miztourage (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel).
Tomorrow night on Mixed Match Challenge: Sasha Banks and Finn Balor vs. Bobby Roode and Charlotte Flair!
Elias is in the ring. He plays guitar, then asks who wants to walk with him. Elias then says in this world of madness, there are those who walk and those who do not walk yet, and at WrestleMania, he will give the performance of a lifetime and everyone will know that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias." Elias talks about how he sold Madison Square Garden out last week, and calls coming to Cleveland, Ohio "a huge disappointment." He says he is embarrassed to be here, and says LeBron James said he felt the same way when he came back from Miami. Elias then claims that LeBron James will leave Cleveland again, then says he has just written a song and that it would be a shame if he did not sing it. Elias sings about WrestleMania and how he is stuck in Cleveland, and says it would be more embarrassing if he was a Cleveland Brown. He then asks "No, seriously, how bad are the Browns?" Elias continues to sing, then Rhyno shows up for the next match.
Elias beats Rhyno. After the match, Elias attacks Heath Slater as he checks on Rhyno and hits him with Drift Away.
We see a video package chronicling the events concerning John Cena's challenging The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania as well as the events leading to the no-disqualification match between John Cena and Kane tonight.
We look back on the very first Money In The Bank Ladder Match at WrestleMania 21, courtesy of Snickers.
Next week: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor! General Manager Kurt Angle and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey face off with WWE COO Triple H and WWE Chief Brand Officer/Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon!
John Cena beats Kane in a no-disqualification match. After the match, Cena questions why there is no sign of The Undertaker after all that has just happened, and demands to know where The Undertaker is. Cena screams The Undertaker's name, and as the crowd chants for The Undertaker, Cena says he knows The Undertaker is not deaf and just a coward after the fans continue to chant his name and he does not show up. The crowd chants for The Undertaker again, and Cena says The Undertaker does not get to be mysterious here. He demands a yes or no answer, and the crowd chants "Yes!" Cena says he is fine with "no," as he has no problems going to WrestleMania as a fan; however, he asks The Undertaker to feel the energy of the fans as they chant his name. Cena then demands that The Undertaker do something, as he has only one week left that sums up his entire career. He says that The Undertaker can either do something or do nothing, and if he does nothing, he will let everyone down and prove he only cares about himself. Cena hopes to everything that is still good inside the ring that The Undertaker shows up next week. John Cena leaves, and he does another Undertaker-style throat slash gesture before the show ends.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, TK O'Ryan, Vinny Marseglia) shows up to start tonight's show. Taven says he does not like to repeat himself, but there is a conspiracy against them in Ring of Honor, and that 16th Anniversary Show is proof of that after they got ejected from ringside while "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes was able to bring Brandi Rhodes and Berry The Drug-Free Bear with him. He then says this will all come to an end when they take back the ROH World Six-Man Championships. Suddenly, ROH Enforcer Bully Ray shows up and asks The Kingdom if they ever get tired of complaining about a conspiracy, as there is no conspiracy and maybe they just suck. He says that all Taven does is come out to the ring, complain, and get involved in matches that The Kingdom have no business in. He then tells The Kingdom they are not needed at Supercard of Honor, as they have no match at the event and have no need to show up. Taven demands The Kingdom be given a shot at the six-man titles, but Bully Ray tells them no. Marseglia asks Bully Ray who gave him the power to make matches, but Bully Ray tells them to do what they have to do, and when The Kingdom huddles together, Bully Ray tells them they are not needed at Supercard of Honor or in Ring of Honor, and that if he could, he would fire them on the spot.
Kelly Klein beats "The Exotic Goddess" Mandy Leon by referee stoppage with The End Of The Match to continue to the semi-finals of the ROH Women of Honor Championship Tournament. Klein taps out to Havana Dreams, but referee Paul Turner does not see it. When Mandy Leon confronts Paul Turner for not seeing the tap, Kelly Klein puts Mandy Leon out with The End Of The Match.
We hear from Jay Lethal, who says that on April 7th, he is ready for his chance to capture the ROH World Tag Team Championships, which are currently held by The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe). He says he needs somebody on his side who is great, and with that, he is teaming with Hiroshi Tanahashi to take the titles. He asks Tanahashi not to let him down.
We hear from SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky). They say there is nothing they will not do to keep the ROH World Six-Man Championships.
Dalton Castle guests on commentary for the next match.
Bullet Club ("Hangman" Adam Page and "The Villain" Marty Scurll) beat The Boys despite minimal involvement by Scurll, who is in a black three-piece suit. After the match, Scurll is seen lifting up the ROH World Championship.
Kenny King and "The Last Real Man" Silas Young are seen brawling backstage.
We hear from The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe). At Supercard of Honor, the fans will be talking about the beating they will give Jay Lethal and Hiroshi Tanahashi, as they are the best tag team in the world.
Kenny King and "The Last Real Man" Silas Young take their brawl to the stage, where Kenny King kicks Silas down the ramp before brawling at ringside. ROH security try to stop the brawl, and more security comes out from the back only to get laid out. Kenny King and Silas Young are eventually separated with help from referees as well as ROH Enforcer Bully Ray, and Silas Young tells Bully Ray to give him his rematch for the ROH World Television Championship after how he had Kenny at the 16th Anniversary Show. With encourage from Bully Ray, Kenny King tells Silas Young he is not a tough guy, and gives him his rematch in the form of a Last Man Standing match. He then asks Silas how he is going to stand after he breaks both of his legs.
Next week: Deonna Purrazzo vs. Mayu Iwatani in the quarter-finals of the ROH Women of Honor Championship Tournament!
Flip Gordon beats Scorpio Sky. During the match, "Almighty" Christopher Daniels distracts referee Todd Sinclair, but Flip Gordon fights off "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian. Flip Gordon then gets Scorpio Sky in the victory roll for the win. After the match, SoCal Uncensored (Daniels, Kazarian, Scorpio Sky) gang up on Flip Gordon, then The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) make the save, clearing SoCal Uncensored out of the ring. Afterwards, Matt Jackson extends his hand. Flip Gordon shakes his hand after some initial hesitation, and when Flip tries to pull away, Matt Jackson hugs him. ROH Enforcer Bully Ray shows up and says "Well, it's about damn time!" Bully Ray gives Flip Gordon credit for standing up to The Young Bucks the old-school way, never complained, and earned his spot. Bully Ray then makes a match between SoCal Uncensored and the team of The Young Bucks and Flip Gordon for the ROH World Six-Man Championships at Supercard of Honor.
The four briefcase holders from last week's Feast Or Fired Match - Moose, Petey Williams, Ethan Carter III and Eli Drake - are seen backstage and outside of the arena at the start of the show.
Alberto El Patron shows up to start tonight's show, and says he is ready to get down to business and ready to fight. He says that he finally has a real champion in Austin Aries, and it does not get any better than them squaring off for the first time in history at Redemption. He then says that he, not Austin Aries, is the greatest man that ever lived, but he already knew that. Alberto is about to leave with Austin Aries shows up. He says that even though he and Alberto come from two different worlds, they are a lot alike: they punch anyone in the face who disrespects them, they love professional wrestling, and they have competed for championship at the highest level. However, Austin Aries calls himself not only the greatest man that ever lived, but also the truth, as there is nobody more real than him in an industry full of fake people. He says that he calls it like it is, and says that when he looks in someone's eyes, he knows what kind of person the person he is looking at is, and says that Alberto is "full of B.S." He then says he hates laying games, as games are for boys, and prefers to handle this like men, and if Alberto wants a shot at him for the Impact Wrestling World Championship at Redemption, he's got it. He then asks that the B.S. be put aside. Alberto says it will happen soon, then asks Aries to meet him face-to-face as he has something to say to him: Aries has something to prove, but he is not the true champion until he beats him. Alberto also says he wants his redemption, and he wants the whole world to see it. He then says he will die for the fans, he wants the world to see it, and he wants Aries at Redemption. Aries admits they both have chips on their shoulders, but his is larger, and when he steps on Alberto's, he will dwarf him. Alberto tells him to enjoy the Impact World Championship while he can, because the title belongs to him. Alberto then asks the production crew backstage to play Aries' music, then heads to the back. Aries stops Alberto for a second, and tells him that he appreciates his appreciation and for acknowledging that he is Impact World Champion, but he asks that Alberto's music play. He then tells Alberto to enjoy his entrance theme, as this will be the opportunity he will hear his theme play last and he will still be Impact World Champion after Redemption.
Trevor Lee beats Fallah Bahh after Trevor Lee grabs hold of the referee, allowing aleb Konley to hit Bahh with a backhand as Bahh goes for a Banzai Drop.
We see footage from the oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan) camera of Callihan stalking Eddie Edwards' wife Alisha Edwards. Backstage, Mackenzie Mitchell tells Eddie that this footage is being aired. Callihan is seen getting the attention of a hotel worker, who unlocks the door for him.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Petey Williams backstage. Petey says he was here before in the first-ever Feast Or Fired Match when he won the X Division title briefcase and won the title. He is okay with any title shot that the briefcase will give him, and he does not even care if the pink slip is in there as he has been fired before and he will not let opportunity escape him again. He says that from here on out, he will be "The Canadian Destroyer."
"Reborn" Matt Sydal retains the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship against Rohit Raju.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Moose backstage. Moose says he is feeling great, and that this year will be his year. He asked to be in the Feast Or Fired match he is a risk-taker, and there is a chance that he could get a shot at any title or getting fired, but he will think about it when he gets there. He plans to become Impact Wrestling World Champion this year.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Eli Drake backstage. Eli Drake says he has been fired from just about every job he has ever been in, but he stands holding on to championship titles and briefcases shortly after being fired from every other job, and says that if he is fired, he will only come back stronger.
Allie retains the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship against Sienna. Before the match begins, it is announced that Eddie Edwards is making his way back to the hotel where his wife Alisha Edwards is staying, and that updates will be forthcoming. After the match, Braxxton Sutter shows up, and says that he knows that things have been rough between them and that he is trying to re-evalutate some things in his life. He says that when he closes his eyes to sleep at night, he says that Allie is the most important thing he sees. As he says this, he accidentally calls Allie "Laurel." Braxton says that Allie looks beautiful and that she makes a great champion, and that he loves her. Braxton then proposes that the both of them spend the rest of their lives together, but Allie is having none of it. Suddenly, someone in pink gets in the ring and attacks Allie from behind. That person is none other than independent wrestler Su Yung, who drives Allie onto the top of her head.
Mackenzie Mitchell interviews Ethan Carter III, who says his briefcase holds his destiny and future. Tyrus walks across and says "Hope he gets fired." As EC3 continues to talk, Moose and Richard Justice both walk by and say the same thing, Fallah Bahh walks by and says "no, no, no," then Taiji Ishimori just walks by. Johnny Impact then shows up and says he hopes EC3 gets fired, then Lashley shows up, looks at the camera, and does a throat-slash gesture, indicating that EC3 will be fired.
The GWN Flashback Moment of the Week is Mick Foley vs. Abyss in a Monster's Ball Match at Bound For Glory 2009 with Stevie Richards as special guest referee.
Eddie Edwards rushes back to Alisha Edwards' hotel room. Alisha is okay, and Eddie cannot find any trace of Sami Callihan. When he leaves, he finds out that Callihan is disguised as a hotel worker. Both men brawl in the hallway, and Alisha stops the brawl, telling Callihan that she has already called the police.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events leading up to Abyss vs. Kongo Kong in a Monster's Ball Match.
Kongo Kong beats Abyss in a Monster's Ball Match.
Jeremy Borash moderates the Feast Or Fired Match briefcase opening. Eli Drake's briefcase (numbered 1) contains a shot at the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Championships, which Eli Drake is not happy about. He tosses the briefcase out of the ring before leaving with it. Petey Williams' briefcase (numbered #2) is a shot at the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship. Ethan Carter III and Moose open their briefcases (#3 and #4, respectively). Moose says "Let's do it," while EC3 says "See you never, Moose!" Moose gets a shot at the Impact Wrestling World Championship, while Ethan Carter III gets the pink slip and is unceremoniously - or ceremoniously, depending on how you look at it - fired. (In reality, Ethan Carter III is leaving Impact Wrestling to head to NXT, having recently signed with WWE.) Ethan Carter III tries to get out of being fired, saying the title belongs to Taiji Ishimori and that he would not pick #3. He then says there is not a man, woman, child or god alive who will not make him open the briefcase. Jeremy Borash opens the briefcase, and Ethan Carter III is fired from Impact Wrestling. EC3 thinks this is a joke, but Borash tells him it is not a joke. Ethan Carter III says this is not how it ends for him, as he is the face of the company and the man who has held the company on his shoulder for the last four years. He says that he is a Carter, and that the company still needs him. After screaming that he is Dixie Carter's nephew, he finally accepts his fate, and says that things like this can light a spark that can carry one to absolute greatness. As the crowd chants "Thank you, Ethan," he quotes the end of The Great Gatsby: "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." EC3 then heads towards the back, then attacks Borash with the briefcase. All of a sudden, "The Machine" Brian Cage shows up, and after one punch from EC3, Brian Cage plows EC3 head-first into the mat to end the show.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
Tommaso Ciampa shows up to start tonight's show. He is immediately welcome by boos from the crowd. The crowd chants "You Suck!" before he goes down the ramp, and the boos continue as he heads to the ring. When he gets in the ring, the crowd chants "We Want Johnny!" and "Psycho Killer!" Gargano tries to speak on the microphone, but the boos start going again. The alternate "Johnny Wrestling" and "Psycho Killer" chants start again, and Gargano screams "HE'S GONE! GONE!" He says that Gargano is no longer walking down the aisle and that he is gone. Gargano tries to speak again, but the crowd boos him again before chanting "Ciampa sucks!" Some of the audience chant "No!" as he drops the microphone, then Ciampa slowly heads out of the ring. As he does, he surveys the crowd as they boo, then takes one of the Johnny Gargano signs, wipes his rear end with it, then tears it up. He also tears up a fan's large Johnny Gargano sign in front of said fan. As he continues to tear up signs, he notices that Johnny Gargano is in the crowd, and Gargano jumps the guardrail to attack Ciampa. Security moves quickly into place to detain Gargano as the crowd chants "Let them fight!" Gargano is quickly taken backstage and thrown out of the building by security.
Charly Caruso recaps the action that has taken place in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic so far.
In footage from last Friday, Charly Caruso interviews Tyler Bate. Tyler Bate says he has tweaked his knee and that the WWE medical team have asked him to stay out of action. As a result, Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) are out of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
We see a video message from Roderick Strong. Now that Mustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven) is out of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, he asks General Manager William Regal to let him find a partner and take their place in the tournament. Roderick Strong's request has been granted, and his partner will be revealed in the next match.
We hear from The Undisputed Era in footage from earlier today. Adam Cole finds it ridiculous that Roderick Strong is in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic, and Kyle O'Reilly says Strong does not belong there. Bobby Fish asks who would team up with Strong, as the winners of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic will fall to them. Adam Cole then mentions his match with Kassius Ohno, which he calls "a night off." Adam Cole is so confident he will beat Kassius Ohno that he asks Fish and O'Reilly to stay in the back.
Roderick Strong's partner is revealed to be Pete Dunne.
Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne beat Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch to advance to the next round of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
Ricochet is coming soon to NXT!
Ember Moon beats Aliyah. During the match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up on commentary. After the match, Baszler and Ember Moon have a war of words.
Next week Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) vs. The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar)! SanitY (Eric Young and Alexander Wolfe) vs. Roderick Strong and Pete Dunne! Both matches are part of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic!
Raul Mendoza is ambushed from behind by Andrade "Cien" Almas before the next match begins. Zelina Vega is not far behind, and they both head to the ring. Almas asks Aleister Black if he thinks he is smart, then starts speaking in Spanish before calling him out and calling him a piece of crap. (For some reason, "crap" is bleeped out.) He keeps mentioning that Aleister Black disrespected him as he challenges him to a match next week.
We see a video package for Lars Sullivan. It is announced that he is returning next week.
General Manager William Regal says he is still finalizing the details, but next week, he will make an announcement that will change the landscape of NXT forever.
Hideo Itami beats Lince Dorado by disqualification after Hideo Itami shoves Gran Metalik at ringside only to be pulled off the apron and shoved into the ring apron by Gran Metalik. Hideo and Dorado have a confrontation in the ring afterwards, and both men have to be held back by their respective teams.
We see a video package for Drew Gulak before tonight's main event.
We hear from Cedric Alexander, who calls last week the greatest moment of his entire career. He says he went to hell and back to take his place at WrestleMania, but the journey is not over yet. He may have achieved one dream to compete at WrestleMania, but it will mean nothing if he does not win the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
TJP beats Kenneth Johnson with the knee bar.
We see a video package for Mustafa Ali before tonight's main event.
Dasha Fuentes interviews General Manager Drake Maverick. He is not happy about the finish of Lince Dorado vs. Hideo Itami, but he is happy both sides were cooled down after the match. He proposes a Fatal 4-Way Match between Akira Tozawa, Kalisto, TJP and Buddy Murphy next week.
Mustafa Ali beats Drew Gulak in an intense, aggressive match to advance to the finals of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament and face Cedric Alexander at WrestleMania. Dasha Fuentes interviews Mustafa Ali after the match. Mustafa says he's not going to WrestleMania; everyone is going to WrestleMania. He wants to prove that no matter who you are, what matters is in your heart.
Michael Cole gets the audience for tonight's show up to speed on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's attack on SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan in response to Daniel Bryan firing them for last week's assault on Commissioner Shane McMahon. EMTs are seen taking Daniel Bryan to the back on a stretcher.
Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode are seen backstage in the locker room.
The Miz and Asuka beat Alexa Bliss and Braun Strowman to advance to the finals of Mixed Match Challenge after Strowman sends The Miz through the timekeeper area's barricade before Asuka makes Alexa Bliss submit to the Asuka Lock.
Next week: Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode versus the winner of the 2nd Chance Fan Vote: Sasha Banks and Finn Balor (who win with 40% of the vote)!
Charlotte Flair and Bobby Roode are seen backstage in the locker room again, noticing that Sasha Banks and Finn Balor have won the 2nd Chance Fan Vote.
The show starts with a video package of General Manager Daniel Bryan having to leave full-time competition two years ago. Suddenly, the breaking news that has swept the Internet today is mentioned, and it is announced that Daniel Bryan is now clear to compete in WWE once again after two years.
General Manager Daniel Bryan shows up to start tonight's show. Daniel Bryan brings up what happened to Commissioner Shane McMahon, and says that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are not here yet. He then decides to talk about something else. He talks about how he was forced to retire and focused on being grateful. He admits that he was upset, angry and mad about not being able to compete again, but he focused on gratefulness. He says he is grateful for having amazing family, friends and fans around the world, and he has an amazing wife in Brie Bella. He talks about how his wife told him it was nice to be grateful and how she also told him to fight for his dreams and see multiple specialists. The crowd chants "Thank you Brie!" After being cleared by three specialists, she told him to fight for his dreams, which is what he has always had done. He went from being grateful to fighting for his dreams so his dreams can fight for him. Daniel then says every hard thing seems impossible until it becomes real, and for the last two months, he has asked WWE to re-look at his case. He has been sent to numerous neurologists, and all of them have said that he is cleared. He says that there was a time when being cleared to compete in the ring was impossible, but now, it is real. He has a lot of "thank yous" to send to the WWE and their doctors for looking at him as a person and not a wrestler. He thanks them for giving his case a second look, and he thanks every single person in the arena and everyone watching at home, as they have all supported him this entire time. Daniel says that people have chanted for him week after week, and for that, he thanks the fans. He then thanks his wife Brie Bella, and says the fans cannot understand how much of a help she has been throughout. For that, he is grateful. Daniel says he does not know when or where he will get back in the ring, and the fans chant "WrestleMania" and point at the WrestleMania sign. Daniel asks if that sounds like a good idea, and the crowd erupts while chanting "Yes." He does not know for sure if that will happen, but he says he will compete in a WWE ring again. He then leads an enthusiastic "Yes" chant before heading to the back.
Referee Charles Robinson congratulates General Manager Daniel Bryan on the news. Daniel asks him to send Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to his office when they show up. Dolph Ziggler shows up and tells Daniel he cannot wait to beat him. Daniel responds by saying "Well...you can certainly try."
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles guests on commentary for the next match.
"The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura beats Rusev with a roll-up after Rusev tries to roll out of an arm breaker. After the match, Rusev and Aiden English stomp Nakamura and proceed to double-team him, and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles gets up just before Nakamura fights back.
We see a video package of what has led Asuka to a match against Charlotte for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania. Backstage, Charlotte Flair has watched the video package. Natalya shows up and says Charlotte is scared, but Charlotte says Asuka will be her biggest challenge. Natalya says she can beat them both, and says Asuka is only undefeated because she hasn't faced HER yet. She also says that should be her WrestleMania moment. This leads to Charlotte challenging Natalya for later tonight.
Backstage, "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura tells "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles he did not need his help. AJ Styles says that he knows that Nakamura will tell him he will beat him at WrestleMania with a knee to the face, and Nakamura tells Styles he should have more confidence.
Baron Corbin beats "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger.
Natalya beats Charlotte Flair. During the match, Carmella shows up to cash in her Money In The Bank Briefcase only to eat a big boot from Charlotte. Natalya then takes advantage with a schoolgirl pin for the win.
It is announced that General Manager Shane McMahon suffered a laryngeal contusion as well as trapezius and rhomboid strains following the attack on him by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn last week.
Before the next match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) talk about how they were battling it out with The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships when The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan) showed up. They then talk about how The Bludgeon Brothers brutally attacked both tag teams, but they are still here and they are still holding down the blue brand tag team division. They say that all they know how to do is survive, go hard and "be the best damn tag team WWE has ever seen." They refuses to stand down and let The Bludgeon Brothers take away what they have worked for. Tonight, Jimmy Uso is about to go to war with Harper, and it will be lockdown when they hit the ring.
Harper beats Jimmy Uso.
Before the next match, Jinder Mahal cals everyone who boos him hypocrites, as he has sacrificed everything for a match at WrestleMania. He says he could be vacationing anywhere in the world and being the biggest star in Bollywood, but he has restored prestige to the WWE Championship and made SmackDown Live the premiere show. Mahal states he is disrespected and that people should worship the ground he walks on. He says the fans want change, but they would rather maintain the status quo with men like Randy Orton. Suddenly, Bobby Roode shows up. Roode says the only hypocrite in the arena is Jinder, and says respect is a two-way street and that Jinder deserves no respect. He also says the only thing Jinder deserves at WrestleMania is being beaten in the middle of the ring and taking back the United States title. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up. Jinder tries to butter Orton up, but Orton tells him to shut up and says nobody respects Jinder because without the help of "his little stooge" Sunil Singh, he sucks. This leads to a "You suck!" chant, and Jinder throws Sunil Singh to Randy Orton in order to escape. Sunil falls victim to the draping DDT from the second rope. Orton goes for the RKO, but Roode hits the Glorious DDT on Sunil. Orton tries to RKO Roode, but Roode blocks it, leading to a stand-off. Jinder tries to approach, but Orton and Roode see him coming.
Next week: Bobby Roode and Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh!
Naomi and Becky Lynch beat The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan) with a Dis-arm-her to Sarah Logan after Naomi hits Liv Morgan with a Rear View.
Backstage, General Manager Daniel Bryan is told that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have arrived. He tells the backstage producer that he will meet them in the ring.
We look back on WrestleMania 1, courtesy of Snickers.
General Manager Daniel Bryan is in the ring. Daniel Bryan says tonight has been a big night, but there is still one more thing to address. He asks Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to come to the ring, which they do. Kevin and Sami give a congratulatory hug, and says they are here because they got the news that Daniel Bryan had been cleared to compete again. He says they were stopped by a Texas ranger for speeding, and talked their way out because "everyone's dumber in Texas." Sami says they would not miss this for the world, as Daniel Bryan has been their biggest supporter since day one even as the SmackDown Live locker room hated and resented them, as he was always fair to them. He calls Daniel Bryan being cleared to compete again an example of good things happening to good people, and says any show with them and Daniel on it is a dream show as well as a dream team. Daniel says he appreciates that, then says he brought them to the ring because of their attack on Commissioner Shane McMahon last week, which is replayed on the TitanTron. Kevin and Sami laugh, and Sami tells Daniel that Shane deserved it. Daniel Bryan tells them that this is a bigger deal than they are making it out to be. He calls them "two of the best performers of this generation," and admits he was living vicariously through them as he had known them for a long time and because he was forced to retire. However, he says this was more than "being carried away," as they both assaulted Shane. He then says he has trouble understanding why they did what they did to Shane. He says that he has been fired from WWE twice, and came back a better man. He tells them they can learn and grow from this. He says he hates having to do this, but he has no choice but to fire them. Sami and Kevin are shocked. Daniel Bryan says they are not gone forever; instead, they are both gone for now. He says they mean a lot to him, and extends his hand. The crowd sings "Na Na Hey Hey (The Goodbye Song)" as Daniel shakes hands, first with Sami, then with Kevin. Kevin and Sami turn around, then Kevin turns around and attacks Daniel Bryan. Owens then screams "You did this! You!" Sami punches Daniel in the face multiple times, then when they decide to double-team him, Daniel Bryan fights back. Referees show up as Daniel hits Kevin with the Yes Kicks, but Sami goes on the ground-and-pound when he gets back in the ring. Kevin gets Daniel up and holds him in the corner as he screams "Why'd you do that?!?" He then screams to Sami "Do it!" Sami then hits Daniel Bryan with the Helluva Kick. Kevin screams wildly again as Daniel Bryan tries to get up, then Kevin punches Daniel in the face. Sami then tosses Daniel Bryan out of the ring, then gets him back up and tosses him to Kevin, who powerbombs Daniel Bryan into the ring apron. EMTs bring in a stretcher to take Daniel Bryan out of the arena.
General Manager Kurt Angle shows up to start tonight's show. Kurt Angle announces that Roman Reigns' suspension is still in effect, and that he will not make it here tonight. On the other, Brock Lesnar has not made it yet, but he will be here. Angle then addresses Braun Strowman's win in the tag team battle royal last week. Suddenly, Roman Reigns shows up through the crowd.Angle tells Roman he is trespassing, but he does not care, and says somebody needs to be here to represent the main event at WrestleMania. Angle tells him that Lesnar will be here tonight, but Roman wants to know where Lesnar is. Angle says he will be a little bit late, then Angle reminds Roman that he is suspended and that he will have to talk about it outside of the arena. Reigns asks if he is suspended for "telling the truth," and Angle tells Roman all he has to do is wait three weeks. He tells Roman he will have Lesnar in the palm of his hands at WrestleMania 34. Roman says he understands, but he still doesn't care, as this is Dallas, Texas, he has made a bunch of memories here, and he plans to make one more tonight. He then tells Angle to tell those in charge that he is not leaving until he faces Lesnar tonight. Angle leaves the ring and heads to the back, having had enough of Roman Reigns. Roman Reigns grabs a steel chair and sits down on it in the ring. Suddenly, three U.S. Marshals (portrayed by independent wrestlers Kristopher Haiden, Brad Sanders and Ricky Starks) show up and get in the ring. One of them pulls out a pair of cuffs, while another man pulls out a Miranda rights care to read Roman his rights. Roman allows himself to be cuffed as the fans boo. As they escort him out, one of the Marshals puts his hands on Roman, and Roman takes offense to that. When two of them do it, Roman fights all three of them off despite his hands being cuffed. Afterwards, Brock Lesnar shows up with Paul Heyman, and Lesnar runs into the ring. Roman grabs the steel chair and swings, but Lesnar hits the German suplex and smashes the chair into a defenseless Roman. Paul Heyman holds up the WWE Universal Championship as Lesnar continues to smash the chair into Roman Reigns before hitting another German suplex. Lesnar then grabs the chair again, and as a referee tells Lesnar that Roman is handcuffed, Lesnar hits Roman with the chair one more time before going for another German suplex. He kicks at Roman and continues to smash the chair into him, then tosses it down. Lesnar almost leaves with Paul Heyman, but Lesnar takes his shirt off, gets back in the ring and continues to assault Roman, who can do nothing. Lesnar then smiles as he leaves the ring, then gets back in to hit Roman with the F-5. EMTs show up with a stretcher to get Roman to a local medical facility, but Lesnar shows up to push the gurney holding Roman down and drag it.
Roman Reigns is placed in an ambulance backstage.
We see a video package chronicling the recent events leading up to tonight's match between Asuka and Alexa Bliss.
Before the next match, Alexa Bliss says that she said things about Nia Jax that were very hurtful and wrong, and had no idea that everyone in the world would be listening. She says that she and Mickie James were joking around and that it was "girl talk," and that she got carried away in the moment and said things she should not have. Alexa then sincerely apologizes...that she didn't speak the truth sooner. She then says that apologizing and the word "sorry" do not fit with her, and that she lost no sleep and felt no remorse after Nia Jax was humiliated in front of the world, which she loved every second of. She then says she never liked Nia and that she used her, and asks if Nia thinks she would really want to be friends with someone like her. Alexa then tells Mickie she feels better for getting that off her chest. Alexa says she dropped "300 pounds of sad, pathetic loser" as she says a weight fell off her shoulder, and now that Nia Jax is not dragging her down, she can end Asuka's undefeated streak.
Asuka beats Alexa Bliss by count-out as Mickie James helps Alexa to the back. Suddenly, Nia Jax runs out. She runs Mickie James over before going after Alexa Bliss, who tries to climb over the guardrail. Mickie James gets back up and punches Nia from behind, and Mickie gets sent into the steel steps as Alexa runs away through the crowd.
We look back on last Monday's tag team battle royal, courtesy of Progressive auto insurance.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss meets with General Manager Kurt Angle, telling him to deal with Nia Jax. Angle tells Alexa she should be a role model, not a bully, and give Nia a match against Alexa for the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
Braun Strowman shows up. Strowman talks about how he won last week's tag team battle royal by himself and carved a path of destruction that has led him to WrestleMania. He then announces that he has been informed by management that he must have a tag team partner, and says he does not need one and knows he can win the titles by himself. Suddenly, Sheamus and Cesaro show up. Sheamus tells Strowman he is out of his mind if he can beat him and Cesaro single-handedly, and that tossing people over the top ropes is different from beating the tag team champions. Cesaro tells Strowman that it takes years to build chemistry and trust with a tag team partner. When Cesaro says tag team partners have to everything together, including sleeping together, everyone has a laugh, including Strowman. Sheamus says that Strowman does not stand a chance against them regardless of who his tag team partner, but Strowman tells Sheamus to shut up before he finishes speaking. Sheamus takes exception to that, saying he and Cesaro have beaten every tag team on Raw and that Strowman and his partner will be no exception, but Strowman tells Sheamus he has a partner and that he gets to fight Sheamus or Cesaro tonight. Sheamus and Cesaro try to get in the ring at the same time, but Sheamus fakes it and Cesaro ends up in the ring with Strowman.
Braun Strowman beats Cesaro.
We see footage from the Hardy Compound from early tonight, where Matt Hardy invites the WWE Universe to The Ultimate Deletion. King Maxell and Lord Wolfgang are here, and Reby Hardy plays piano as Senor Benjamin watches. Vanguard-1 scans the property of the Hardy Compound, while Senor Benjamin prepares the battlefield for annihilation.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat Titus Worldwide (Titus O'Neil and Apollo) with the blind tag followed by the Shatter Machine to Apollo. After the match, Charly Caruso interviews The Revival. Dash Wilder says there is no tag team on earth more qualified than them to challenge for the Raw tag team titles. Dawson says that if Strowman wants to step into their world, so will he, and Dawson says that he and Wilder will be the first to enter the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
It is announced that "The World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry is the newest inductee in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2018.
Before the next match, Sasha Banks addresses Bayley, saying that when you have a problem, you don't run away from it or talk about people behind their backs; you confront it head on. She says they are best friends, and she wants to fix what is going on. She admits Elimination Chamber was every woman for herself, and that she was not trying to betray their friendship. She then tells Bayley she was not being her friend when she left her high and dry twice, but since she is the bigger person and considers Bayley her sister, she forgives her. Bayley says that night after Elimination Chamber, she was angry and acted impulsively. She refused to cost Sasha the match, but afterwards, she took off because she cannot get over what Sasha did to her that night. She says it is not what Sasha did, but how she did it. She knows that Sasha does what he has to do to win, but the look on her face afterwards ate at her core and she cannot get that picture out of her head. She then asks why knocking her down was so easy if Sasha was her best friend. Suddenly, Absolution (Paige, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville) shows up. Paige says that Absolution will show "the whiny little girls" Sasha and Bayley how real women settle the score. The next match begins.
Absolution (Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville) beat Sasha Banks and Bayley after Bayley and Sasha argue again when Sasha distracts the referee by attacking Mandy as Bayley has Deville in a backslide pin.
We look back on John Cena's 1st WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 21, courtesy of Snickers.
John Cena shows up. Cena talks about how he laid out a WrestleMania challenge to The Undertaker last week, and says that tonight, we will learn The Undertaker's response. He says he finds it amazing that The Undertaker has been hiding in embarrassment for so long, and says that The Undertaker still belongs in the WWE, as his name has meaning for as long as WWE exists. Cena talks about how the mere mentioning of The Undertaker's name brought everyone together, and wants to know how the Dallas, Texas crowd feels about it. The crowd is very enthusiastic. He asks the crowd to be louder, and the crowd becomes louder. He then says that The Undertaker's response to his challenge is nothing but silence, and that this is the biggest mistake The Undertaker has ever made. Cena says he does not mind going to WrestleMania as a fan, but considers it disrespectful to him and the fans that The Undertaker has not responded to his challenge. He says that without the fans, there is no streak, no "Rest in Peace" and no Undertaker, and is amazed that The Undertaker still has not responded. He then says that if The Undertaker is retired, then he should say no so everyone understands, and if he is not, then all he has to do is say yes and give the people what they want to see. He then says The Undertaker sits in his insecurity, and has gone from being the god the people have made him into being a coward. He asks The Undertaker to prove him wrong with a yes, a no or a signature entrance. John Cena yells "Do something!," which the crowd immediately chants. When nothing is done, Cena says The Undertaker let everyone who believed in him down, and says he is not a god and definitely not a man. Suddenly, Kane shows up. Cena believes that Kane has been sent by The Undertaker to give The Undertaker's response. Kane grabs Cena by the throat and choke slams him.
It is reported that Roman Reigns is under observation at a local medical facility and will not be released from the facility tonight.
Members of the Dallas Cowboys are seen in the crowd.
We see footage from earlier today at the Hardy Compound where Matt Hardy talks to "George Washingon," a giraffe.
The Miztourage are in the ring. The Miz says he gets no respect, and he is not on all the promotional material for WrestleMania, especially the official magazine. He also complains about being in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship instead of a one-on-one match, and asks if he is the bad guy. The Miz says that Seth Rollins and Finn Balor are not heroes and that he exposed them as the liars they really are, and says it took a nudge for them to go at each other. He says "Tyler Black" and "Prince Nevitt" will be knocked back down to the indies and forces the respect out of the fans as he walks out of WrestleMania as WWE Intercontinental Champion. Gallows & Anderson and Finn Balor then show up for the next match, then guests on commentary for the match.
Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and Finn Balor beat The Miztourage (The Miz, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel). After the match, The Miztourage attack Gallows, Anderson and Balor. Seth Rollins runs into the ring to fight off The Miztourage, and curb stomps Miz in the middle of the ring.
We see footage from earlier today of Matt Hardy riding Skaarsgard on the Lake of Reincarnation.
Next week: John Cena vs. Kane!
We see a video package of Ronda Rousey's time in WWE.
Bray Wyatt shows up at the front gate to the Hardy Compound. The gate mysteriously opens. Bray Wyatt is welcomed to the compound by Vanguard-1, which plays a hologram of Matt Hardy telling him to follow the music. Reby Hardy's piano playing is heard as Matt Hardy waits in a wrestling ring. Reby is playing Bray Wyatt's theme song as Bray approaches the ring, and Matt Hardy tells Bray that he knew he would come.
Matt Hardy beats Bray Wyatt in The Ultimate Deletion after Bray Wyatt looks under Skaarsgard only to find Senor Benjamin underneath and to be confronted by Brother Nero. After the match, Matt Hardy pushes Bray into the Lake of Reincarnation, and Senor Benjamin finds no trace of Bray Wyatt when asked by Matt Hardy to procure him from the lake. Matt Hardy declares The Great War over and Bray Wyatt deleted.
