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 show starts with The Grayson Waller Effect. Grayson Waller says he cannot wait to hear Edge thanks him for making him relevant again, then introduces tonight's guests: Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio. As Grayson Waller implies that Santos Escobar was robbed of a United States title match, Rey says that Austin Theory tried to cook up a plan last week and that he and Escobar ruined it. Waller says he felt there would be some tension between Rey and Escobar before accusing Rey of trying to steal the spotlight from Escobar, but Escobar tells him to shut up and that the only person he is angry at is Theory.Escobar says he gave Rey his blessing because he has respect for him as a friend and a mentor, something that Grayson Waller does not have, and tells Grayson that he can see through what Grayson Waller is doing. As Escobar says he will get revenge once he is fully healed, Theory shows up. Theory congratulates Rey on beating him for his title, then asks where the "Father of the Year" is before asking who runs the show, as he was played in what he calls "a tragedy" and Escobar was not man enough to step up to him on one leg. Theory then tells Rey that he was not supposed to be in last week's match, and declares that WWE official Adam Pearce will show up and hand the title back to him. Pearce shows up and says nobody wants to hear Theory complain tonight, then L.A. Knight shows up. L.A. Knight calls Theory out on calling himself the greatest United States Champion of all time, saying he defended his title once in thee months and he fumbled the ball. He then says that no matter who has he has to face, the title will be his. He says that he went through 24 other men to win a battle royal, and says he has no problem going through other people to get a championship. He then proposes that he and Theory - who are both in their ring gear - have a match tonight. Pearce says he cannot argue with that, and makes the match official for right now.
The Miz guests on commentary for the next match.
Austin Theory beats LA Knight with a schoolkid pin after grabbing the tights following the distraction by The Miz.
John Cena, Sheamus, Natalya, The Miz, Charlotte Flair, and Sami Zayn thank Edge for 25 years in the business.
We see a video package of Edge's time in WWE.
Bayley and Dakota Kai show up and introduce Iyo Sky before the next match.
Bianca Belair and Charlotte Flair beat Damage CTRL (Bayley and Iyo Sky).
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Bobby Lashley, Dolph Ziggler, Ricochet, Bayley, Kevin Owens, Becky Lynch, Rey Mysterio, and Kurt Angle thank Edge for 25 years in the business.
Backstage, Bianca Belair is attacked from behind by Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai) as she is being interviewed by Cathy Kelley. They wrap a chair around Bianca Belair's left leg before Iyo Sky strikes the chair with another chair to further injure it.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). After the match, Bobby Lashley celebrates with The Street Profits on stage.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman. Heyman says he cannot give an update on The Bloodline or the headspace of Roman Reigns, then refuses to talk about rumors before receiving a phone call where he finds out that Jimmy Uso will be live on SmackDown next week. On the subject of who was on the other end of the call, Heyman says he would love to share his source, but even he would not dare.
Edge beats Sheamus in a knock-down, drag-out, first-time-ever match in front of a hometown crowd in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Edge and Sheamus hug as the show fades to black.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Austin Theory! Grayson Waller! The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and Bobby Lashley!
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. They brag about beating the supposedly unbeatable Roman Reigns at Money In The Bank, then Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa show up. Heyman says that tonight, he serves as defense counsel for Roman Reigns. The Usos want him to stop talking, but Heyman says only one person who tells him to stop talking. Solo takes Heyman's microphone and tosses it to the side, then Roman Reigns heads to the ring. After the commercial break, the crowd chants "You got pinned!" at Roman as he stands in the ring. Roman reminds The Usos that they are not the Tribal Chief - and that Jey is not Tribal Chief yet - and says that if he did not call for tribal court, then this is not official and his time is being wasted. Roman asks who has the authority to put him on trial, but The Usos tell him that they will not be manipulated before providing a video package of proof of Roman Reigns mistreating them. This leads to a "You fucked up" chant from the fans. Roman says "No, I didn't," but the fans chant "Yes, you did." He says this is not who he is and instead who he was forced to be, and asks them if he really wanted to lower himself before saying he did it for The Bloodline. This leads to a "Bullshit" chant from the crowd. Roman says he was a WrestleMania main event long before The Bloodline and that The Bloodline needed him, not the way around, and that he lifted the entire Anoa'i family up and that he did not need to take on everyone else's responsibility. He says that he does need money or power anymore, and that "right now, umbrella service sounds real nice to me." He says he does not want or need this and that he is done with all of it, and that he does not want it anymore, and if Jey wants it, he is done. Roman Reigns and Jey Uso then stare down in the ring, the Roman takes his necklace off and places it around Jey's neck. He then throws down the Undisputed WWE Championship and gets down on his knees in front of Jey before visibly sobbing. Jey leans towards Roman, who then hits Jey with a low blow. Jimmy Uso then attacks Roman Reigns, and Solo Siko shoves Jimmy away before looking down at the necklaces that Jey Uso was just wearing. Jimmy charges at Solo, but Solo hits him with the Samoan Spike before picking up the necklace and looking at it. Roman demands the necklace, but Jey Uso attacks Roman and Solo from behind only to be laid out like Jimmy. Roman and Solo clear out the announce table, and when Jimmy tries to make the save, he is taken down. Solo then ties Jey up in the ropes, then Roman smashes Jimmy with the Undipusted WWE Championship while Solo forces Jey to watch, then hits both of The Usos with the ring steps. Jey finally frees himself from the ropes and attacks Roman, but Solo hits him with the Samoan Spike. Officials show up as Roman buries Jey underneath the commentary table chairs, and Solo Sikoa leaps from the barricade to splash Jimmy through the announce table.
We see an ambulance taking Jimmy Uso to the hospital with Jey Uso joining him in the ambulance.
Austin Theory retains the WWE United States Championship against Sheamus. During the match, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) shows up as Sheamus has Theory in the Cloverleaf, and Theory gets the near-fall off the distraction. Butch and Ridge Holland then show up afterwards and brawl with Pretty Deadly, and Wilson eats the Brogue Kick before Theory grabs the tights on the schoolkid pin to retain.
It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Edge, who has a big announcement tonight. After Waller tries to pressure Edge into making his big announcement, Edge talks about how he debuted at Madison Square Garden at SummerSlam 1998, which was his first big show in WWE, and how the fans in New York City have opened up their arms since, and how he has been and continues to be a hard worked in WWE. Waller assumes that Edge is announcing that he is retiring and that is the last time that he will ever be in Madison Square Garden and asks the fans to thank Edge for all that he has done, but Edge reminds Waller that he has not had a match on the main roster and that he has "donkey paddled into some deep waters." He then says he is having a match tonight, and that it is against Grayson Waller.
It is announced that Jimmy Uso is being medically evalutated and that there will be an update on his condition soon.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Karrion Kross after Mia Yim goes after Scarlett for getting involved in the match.
Asuka heads to the ring. She says that nobody is ready for her when Bianca Belair runs into the ring and attacks her, then Charlotte Flair runs to the ring and fights Bianca on the outside. As Asuka goes up top, Iyo Sky shows up from behind and hits Asuka with the Money In The Bank briefcase. Bayley hits Asuka with the Rose Plant, and Iyo Sky hits Over The Moonsault. Bayley tries to help Iyo Sky cash in, but Bianca pulls her out of the ring and Charlotte Flair boots Iyo Sky in the face and out of the ring.
Edge beats Grayson Waller. During the match, it is announced that Jey Uso has arrived back at the arena. After the match, Edge tells Waller "Hey, Waller...you swam.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Roman Reigns that Jey Uso is back and looking for him. Roman says Jey will not look long, because the Tribal Chief will be in the ring.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa are in the ring. It is not long before Jey Uso shows up from in the crowd. Solo goes after Jey, but Jey takes him down. Jey then grabs a chair and attacks Roman with it before Roman can hit him with the Undisputed WWE Championship, and when Solo takes the chair away from behind, Jey decimates Solo as Roman and Heyman make a retreat. Jew Uso then takes the Undisputed WWE Championship and tells Roman that he is looking at the judge, jury and executioner right now. He then tells Roman that this is now trial by combat, and that he does not care about brothers or wise men, and that he wants Roman Reigns to accept his challenge so he can whup his ass one more time.
This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Bianca Belair! Austin Theory! Edge!
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Edge and Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat Match to advance to the semi-finals of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.
Bobby Lashley beats Austin Theory and Sheamus in a Triple Threat Match to advance to the semi-finals of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament after Sheamus hits Theory with a Brogue Kick as Lashley has Theory in the Hurt Lock.
Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Grayson Waller, who wants the winner of tonight's tournament semifinals as the guest of The Grayson Waller Effect next week.
Before the next match, Baron Corbin says he is surprised Cameron Grimes showed up, then tells him he will be flat on his back wishing he was back in NXT after two minutes. Grimes then hits Corbin with the Cave-In for the win.
The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso, Solo Sikoa) heads to the ring. Roman Reigns says that greatness garners respect, then says that there is a lot of talk about royal families in the business, The Bloodline headlined both nights of WrestleMania and will be the only ones to ever do so. He says that the success carried over to WrestleMania even when he was not there, and says that Solo Sikoa stepped up after having swam like a shark in the deep end, as he eliminates problems whenever they pop up. Roman tells Solo Sikoa not to worry about Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, as they are not a problem, and says the real problem is The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Roman displays his disgust for The Usos dedicating a tag team title match to him when he is not in the team and then losing the rematch, saying that they disrespected him and The Bloodline. He then demands that The Usos apologize, and goes so far as to tell them not to listen to the fans before pie facing Jimmy. Jey then has to hold Jimmy back before stating that they apologize and asks for one more shot at the tag titles. Roman says that the tag team titles will come back to The Bloodline, then Paul Heyman says that Roman already has a game plan in hand that Roman and Solo have a shot at the tag titles at Night of Champions. Roman says they will do what they always do and hold it down for The Bloodline, and dedicates their eventual victory to The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika).
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai). Bayley blames herself for Iyo Sky's loss at Backlash, but as all great leaders like Roman Reigns do, she will take matters in her own hands as she and Dakota Kai win back the Women's Tag Team Championships. She then tells Kayla to tell Roman that SmackDown belongs to Damage CTRL.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) decide to pick a fight with Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro when Rey Mysterio and Santos Escobar show up, with Santos saying it is not their fault that Roman Reigns does not favor them anymore.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Damage CTRL (Bayley and Dakota Kai).
Backstage, The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) are met by Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince), who make fun of the Brutes' intelligence while holding clipboards in their hands. Sheamus says "They'll find out," then the Brutes head out for some pints.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring for her championship celebration to celebrating being "the longest reigning women's champion of the modern era." Before the championship can get underway, Asuka suddenly heads to the ring. She offers to shake Bianca's hand, and both of them shake hands before Asuka spits blue mist into Bianca's face. Bianca is screaming in pain and agony as Asuka blows kisses to the crowd and celebrates.
Backstage in the trainer's room, Bianca Belair is still in a state of panic after Asuka's blue mist attack.
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Bobby Lashley to advance to the finals of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.
This week on The Smackdown LowDown: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) being challenged by LA Knight and Rick Boogs to a tag team match! Zelina Vega! "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles!
Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Sami says he is feeling a lot of feelings and that the one at the forefront is gratitude thanks to the ovation that everyone has given him in the last few days. The crowd chants "You deserve it!", then Sami says that after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt and feels he let a lot of people down. He says that everyone told him to finish the story, and he realizes now that the story is never over. Sami then says we are entering the final chapter and that it is not about just him, then asks Kevin Owens to come to the ring. Owens shows up, and Sami says that he has a lot of things to say to him, then thanks him and apologizes even though they are past the point of words that there may be no coming back. He knows that Kevin Owens cares about taking down The Bloodline, then says he has a mission and that he will not rest until he sees with his own eyes The Bloodline coming down. He then says neither of them could have done it alone, and the only way to get it done is together. Owens says he does not need Sami's apology or gratitude, as he did it for his family as well as their family so Sami's family didn't have to watch Sami get beaten down like his family did with him. He says he has fought The Bloodline alone and that this is how he plans to keep fighting them, and that he is still done with him. He then tells him to "call [his] buddy Jey [Uso]" if he needs help, then leaves. Just before the commercial break, Sami Zan is attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. Just before the commercial break, Sami Zayn is attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. Referees break up the brawl in picture-in-picture, but neither of them can be held back, and security and other officials have to get involved. Corbin then takes a microphone and gets in the ring, then asks Sami how it felt when he interrupted him last week to "cry about [his] insecurities" and that he didn't deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. He then says Sami did not, as he was the last person to beat Roman Reigns. Corbin then says he knew that Roman Reigns would destroy embarrass him, and calls it pathetic that he begged for help from Kevin Owens and says his story is over. Corbin says Sami embarrassed himself, his family, his hometown and all of hometown because he is a failure. WWE official Adam Pearce then tells Sami Zayn to go at it with Baron Corbin, and this starts a match.
Sami Zayn beats Baron Corbin.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that Beth admitted she was the real deal. She then says that she is focused on WrestleMania, and Dominik warns Byron Saxton not to press Elimination Chamber further. As for WrestleMania, Rhea says Charlotte Flair can keep living in 2020 and that Charlotte refuses to believe that she is the best woman in WWE. She also says she does not make the same mistake twice, and that her place is on top of her crumbled kingdom. She also says that everyone will have to watch on Friday to see what she has in store for Charlotte then, then Dominik mentions that Rey Mysterio also has a match on Friday as well and that they might as well wish him good luck.
We see footage from the Elimination Chamber post-show press conference where Edge accepts Austin Theory's open challenge for the WWE United States Championship.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Austin Theory. Theory says he is banged up, but he is here like he always is because he is the champion. He says he was in the Elimination Chamber with five of the best, and that he did everything he said he would do. He then mentions John Cena coming back in two weeks and says nobody cares, then asks if anyone cares about the work he puts in. As for his match with Edge, he gets to beat a Hall of Fame in his home country and continue his forever reign to WrestleMania.
Mustafa Ali beats Dolph Ziggler after standing on his hands to block the Zig-Zag and pinning Ziggler with a crucifix pin.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz. Maryse gives him a gold envelope for their anniversary, and when The Miz is asked about Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, he says Rollins has gotten too big for his red boots and that he is glad Logan Paul put him in his place. He then says that his outstanding tutelage took out Seth Rollins and that his gold envelope has just made his dreams come true.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Paul Heyman - who is wearing a neck brace - appears on the TitanTron and interrupts Cody Rhodes. When Cody asks Heyman where he is, Heyman says he is backstage, and Cody asks him to come to the ring. Heyman says he was attacked by a "K-Odiak" and was subjected to the Canadian health care system, which made last night a tragedy for "the Wise Man." He then says that the true tragedy will befall upon Cody at WrestleMania. Heyman tells Cody that he cannot beat Roman Reigns, and asks Cody what his life would be like if the stars align and Cody Rhodes were to beat Roman to become champion. Heyman says that Roman has his wise counsel, and if Cody where to beat Roman for the undisputed championship, he would not have him. He then says that Cody will have 200 on the road defending the undisputed, 50 days of charity appearances, 30 days of promotional appearances, another 20 of promoting the big shows, and two months at home doing other things for the company. After refraining from making any personal attacks, he then asks Cody if he wants this kind of life. He then says that Roman may be a married man, but he is not, and that Cody will find out that his WrestleMania dreams will become his own personal nightmare. Cody says Roman may be great, but he has seen this play before and tells him not to say Heyman again, as they will meet again and he will say the same thing now that he would say then. He says Roman is the best Universal Champion in WWE history, but it does not change anything and he has to finish the story. He then says that he will beat Roman at WrestleMania.
Asuka beats Nikki Cross by submission. Bianca Belair shows up at the start of the match to watch from the commentary table. After the match, Bianca Belair and Asuka have a staredown in the ring, and Bianca points at the WrestleMania sign. A blue liquid then leaks from Asuka's mouth, then Asuka laughs.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmella, who says that all she has thought of in the last two days is Asuka, and that she plans to give her a receipt for what she did to her. Carmella leaves, then Cathy Kelley catches Seth Rollins backstage. Rollins says it is twice that Logan Paul has ruined his WrestleMania plans and has treated everything like a game, then says the joke is on Logan. He says that anyone who has gotten in his way knows a certain side of him all too well, and that he will find Logan Paul and hurt him. He then says The Miz will make a perfect surrogate for suffering since Logan is not here tonight.
Backstage, MVP calls Brock Lesnar a coward who could not escape Bobby Lashley's hurt lock and got himself disqualified. Omos then shows up, and MVP then says that Omos issues a challenge to Lesnar at WrestleMania. He tells Lesnar to show up next week to accept the challenge if he has the intestinal fortitude.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats The Miz by referee stoppage after hitting him with The Stomp twice.
Backstage, Carmella gets a match with Asuka next week from WWE official Adam Pearce. After Carmella leaves, he gets a call from Chelsea Green, who complains about being stuck in Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. Adam Pearce tells her they will soon be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then pretends to have a bad connection and hangs up when Chelsea complains about being stuck in Ottawa.Afterwards, he sees Alpha Academy looking into a mirror only for Bronson Reed asking them if this is how he trains for a match. When Gable says he is preparing for a modeling career, Bronson tells Gable to prepare to wear a full body cast. Otis stares down Bronson and tells him that nobody speaks to Gable like that. Bronson chuckles, then leaves.
It's time for Ding Dong, Hello! Bayley says that today is Family Day and that she has brought Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in as her guests. When asked what it feels like to be women's tag team champions, Dakota Kai says this would not be possible without Bayley's guidance and that she and Iyo have been dominant for over 100 days. As Dakota Kai lists off who she and Iyo Sky have beaten and proclaims that the two of them will stay dominant, Becky Lynch shows up. Becky Lynch says that Dakota and Iyo have not defend the women's tag team titles for some times and that they are getting dusty, the says that she is considering taking the women's tag team titles at WrestleMania. Bayley tells Becky she has no friends, then Becky says there was one person interested. Lita shows up, and she and Becky head to the ring. Becky and Lita enter through the door, and Bayley says Lita does not even work here and that Becky is desperate if she is bringing in Lita. Becky and Lita say they have made up, and Lita says that if she cannot beat Becky for a title, then she can entertain being a tag champ. Lita challenges Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky to a women's tag team title match, and Bayley says Lita and Becky have not even come close to earning a shot. Lita and Becky state that their accolades speak for themselves. Becky then says that Bayley claims to be the greatest, then says Bayley does not want this to happen because she is scared. Bayley recklessly accepts the challenge, then Becky and Lita take the women's tag titles and raise them up before tossing the titles back to Dakota and Iyo.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Candice LeRae. Candice says Johnny Gargano got banged up on Saturday, then sees Nikki Cross and intercepts her, wanting to know why Nikki is following her. She then says she has a match with Piper Niven next week and cannot focus on her and Nikki, then Nikki whispers something to Candice before running away. Byron asks Candice what Nikki said, and Candice says Nikki has stated that all of her friends are gone and that she is alone. She then says Johnny Gargano will be back, then awkwardly leaves.
WrestleMania 39 is 40 days away!
Bronson Reed beats Chad Gable after Gable is distracted by Otis being handed a business card by Maxxine Dupri at ringside.
Elias is in the ring. Elias says he hopes Rick Boogs is taking notes, as this is the time of the years when legends come out and stars are made, and that there is no bigger star or legend than him. He then wants to know who walks with him at WrestleMania, and Bobby Lashley shows up. Bobby Lashley soon starts slamming Elias around before ramming him into the ring post, then gets Elias back in the ring and hits him with a Spear before putting him in the Hurt Lock. Lashley then grabs a microphone and says everyone has a plan until he locks the Hurt Lock in, then says Brock Lesnar panicked and had to resort to a low blow. He then says nobody breaks the Hurt Lock, and that anyone who disrespects him will be put down.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Edge. Edge says that he is happy that The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) is in the rear view mirror and that he is back to his goals from coming out of retirement. He says that Austin Theory can shape the next two decades, but wants to know if he can do it. He says that Austin Theory's reign will not last forever and that with age comes wisdom, then says that he has not held championship gold in a while and that nothing lasts forever.
Austin Theory retains the WWE United States Championship against Edge following the interference from Finn Balor. After the match, Finn Balor continues to attack Edge and hits him with the Coup de Grace. He then tells Edge that this is just the beginning before hitting the Coup de Grace again. Shortly after this, Finn Balor then hits Edge with a third Coup de Grace to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair! Mustafa Ali! Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky)!
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins asks the fans if they believe in karma, then says he was skeptical until he beat Matt Riddle at Clash at the Castle and had 60,000 people singing his entrance theme. He says it has come to his attention that he now lives rent-free in Riddle's head after Riddle has demanded a rematch against him, then says he is not too interested in a rematch as it has been far too long since he has held championship gold. Suddenly, Matt Riddle shows up, rushes into the ring and brawls with Rollins, tossing him out of the ring and forcing him to retreat through the crowd. Riddle catches up with Rollins and the brawl continues, but Rollins rakes the eyes and leaps back over the barricade to flee to the back. When Riddle reaches the ramp, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and Damian Priest) show up. Finn says that he and Priest are Riddle's friends and that they are not here to fight, as Priest, Riddle and Rhea Ripley all go way back and Riddle is in the situation where he is on the rise only to be held back. Priest tells Riddle that The Judgment Day is here to change that, and Finn tells Riddle that Dominik Mysterio has grown after getting out of his father Rey Mysterio's shadow before offering to help Riddle with his problems as they are "problem solvers." Priest gives Riddle the choice of joining with them or falling against them, and Riddle admits that while they go back, his focus is on Seth, and the answer is no. After Finn implies that Riddle is high on marijuana, Finn gives Riddle one last chance to either stand with them or stand in The Judgment Day's way. Riddle knees Finn in the jaw and clotheslines Priest out of the ring in response.
Finn Balor beats Matt Riddle after Rey Mysterio attacks Damian Priest and chases him through the crowd and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins distracts Riddle. After the match, Rollins hits Riddle with The Stomp and tells him to move on.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Bayley says there should not be a rematch tonight and that Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky should have won, especially when the wrong person was pinned. Dakota Kai says that no longer matters, because they are in control tonight. Bayley then cuts the interview short, and Damage CTRL leave.
We hear from Dominik Mysterio, who says he has only been known as Rey Mysterio's son. He says that all changed when he turned on Rey Mysterio and Edge, and that he never felt more alive. He says Edge got exactly what he deserved. Dominik says that tonight, he is going to finish what he started, then tells Rey Mysterio that he knows he is disappointed, but that is too bad and this is his life, not Rey's, and tells Rey to look in the mirror and ask himself why he never bothered to get to know him. He also says Rey should have just asked him what he wanted for his career, then says that for "a tiny, tiny man," Rey cast a large shadow that he is done living under. Rhea Ripley shows up and whispers in Dominik's ear, then Dominik says he is not Rey's baby boy anymore and that he is a man. Rhea then looks into the camera and smiles.
We see a video package chronicling Johnny Gargano's return and everything leading up to his first match back.
In footage from earlier today, Austin Theory says that Johnny Gargano's opponent in his first match will not be him and that it will be a close friend of his: Chad Gable. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up, and Chad Gable says "Johnny Wrestling" will be "Johnny SHOOOOOOOSH."
Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky) beat Aliyah and Raquel Rodriguez to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions following the interference and distraction from Bayley after Bayley puts Dakota Kai's foot on the rope following a springboard facebuster from Aliyah.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio meets with Dominik Mysterio, saying that this is all his fault and that if he could change everything, he could. He says that Dominik does not need to go through his match with Edge and asks him to take a chance at making things right. Dominik refuses to even look at Rey and tells him that Edge will fight back when he is backed into a corner and that if he fights Edge, things will never go back to how they were. Rhea Ripley shows up and says Edge is not the only one who is dangerous and that Dominik is "all man" now before she and Dominik leave.
Johnny Gargano beats Chad Gable in his Raw debut. After the match, Otis tries to attack Gargano, who soon outsmarts him. On his way up the ramp, however, Gargano is attacked from behind with the Money In The Bank briefcase by Austin Theory.
Austin Theory is in the ring. He says somebody had to show Johnny Gargano how things works around here, as all "Johnny Wrestling" is to him is "a bottom-feeding fish at the bottom of the food chain." Before he can say much else, Kevin Owens shows up. Theory says he is tired of his moments ruined by people like him, Gargano and Tyson Fury and says that he will soon take over the entire industry. Owens says everyone has heard about how Theory is the future for months now, then says it does not work that way anymore. As he says that guys like him and Gargano do not like Theory, Theory says nobody looks like him. Theory says he has done more in five months than Owens and Gargano combined have done in five years, but Owens says statements like that prove Theory is "a delusional jackass" and says opportunities were handed to him, not earned. Owens says he cannot blame him, as the Universal Championship was handed to him on a silver platter, but that is where the similarities end and he is proud that the two of them on opposite ends. He says that hundreds like Theory fizzled out fast and went nowhere, but guys like him and Gargano are one million while people like Theory are a dime a dozen, and that people like him and Gargano are the heart and soul of the business while Theory is "the appendix." Owens says that he hopes Theory is everything he claims to be, but he has listened to him and watched how Theory has carried himself and says Theory does not have what it takes to be the future. He dares Theory to prove everyone wrong by making his own moments, checking his ego at the door and leaving everything in the ring. Theory tells Owens that he will never be like him, and Owens responds by slapping Theory in the face. Both men brawl, and referees get in the ring to restore order. A few more officials have to show up to pull Theory out of the ring, but Owens goes after Theory and gets his hands on him. Theory swings the Money In The Bank briefcase and misses, and when Owens goes for the Stunner, Theory slips out of the ring.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. She says that if there is anything the last few weeks have taught her, it is to stay ready, as there is always a target on her back. She then issues an open challenge for the Raw Women's Championship to anyone who wants to face her, and the open challenge is answered by Sonya Deville. Sonya says she has not forgotten about Bianca costing her job as a general manager and says she would be champion if she had her way, then Bianca says this is an open challenge and not an open mic night and that the match has begun.
Bianca Belair retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship against Sonya Deville. After the match, Bayley shows up and congratulates Bianca on the victory before bragging about Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky's women's tag title victory and saying it was "just the beginning." She asks Bianca if being the prize fighter made her feel better before saying it only fed her "big, fat" ego and that Bianca will not be able to sleep at night until she gets a match with her. She then asks if she is embarrassed, as she was able to pin her before. She then tells Bayley that she will have the match when the time is right as Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai show up to help Bayley surround the ring. Bianca fends off all three women, but the numbers game quickly takes over until Asuka and Alexa Bliss run in to even the score and surround Bayley. Bianca plants Bayley with a spinebuster, and Asuka, Alexa and Bianca stand tall in the ring.
Omos beats Khash Marazi and Ryan Toombs in a two-on-one handicap match. (Khash Marazi and Ryan Toombs are independent wrestlers Invictus Khash and Jordan Oasis, respectively.)
Backstage, Rey Mysterio meets with Edge and asks for one more chance to reason with Dominik. Edge says he gets it, but Dominik has to pay for what he has done and it is better that he does it rather than Rey.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who says he is not in the mood to talk and that he is the face of Raw. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley shows up and says he who has the gold is the face of the show. Rollins says MMA guys all say the same thing and that they do not think for a few seconds, then says he is willing to take the United States Championship off his shoulder and proposes a match for the title next week so they can see who the face of Raw really is. Lashley says they can fight about it, then leaves.
In footage from earlier this week, The Miz is interviewed at his home. Dexter Lumis is watching from behind a window as the camera briefly turns towards the piano. The Miz's daughters Madison and Monroe briefly show up, then Maryse arrives. Miz and Maryse briefly talk about Dexter Lumis, and Maryse says there is no way that Dexter Lumis is ever going to show up with all of the security in place at home. We then see Dexter Lumis behind another window. Miz is finally interviewed, and Miz insists that Dexter Lumis not be mentioned. He says that even after an escort to the arena and doubled security, Dexter Lumis still showed up. He then ends the interview as we see Dexter yet again behind another window. Miz and Maryse leave for a night out, and Dexter Lumis is then seen inside of the house. He then displays a drawing of The Miz, Maryse, Madison and Monroe.
Edge beats Dominik Mysterio by disqualification when Finn Balor shows up out of nowhere to attack edge after Edge has to shove Rey Mysterio out of the way to keep attacking Dominik only for Rhea to grab Rey out of the corner. After the match, Edge fights Finn Balor, but Rhea Ripley hits him with a chair. Rhea, Finn and Damian Priest stand in the ring as Dominik hits Edge in his hurt knee with the chair repeatedly. Edge's foot is then placed on the seat of the chair, and Finn hits Edge's hurt knee with the Coup de Grace.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair, Asuka and Alexa Bliss! Austin Theory! Bobby Lashley!
The show begins with a brawl between Matt Riddle and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins being broken up backstage. The brawl between Riddle and Rollins soon makes its way into the crowd, and when Rollins makes it to ringside, Riddle dives into him from off the barricade. The brawl is soon broken on the stage.
Trish Stratus heads to the ring. Trish says it feels good to be home not just in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but in a WWE ring, as it will never "not feel like home" between the ropes. She says she has been doing a lot of thinking lately, then Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky show up. After the commercial break, Bayley says they are excited to be in the ring with Trish Stratus, then asks Trish what she is doing here. Trish says that Edge vs. Damian Priest is happening later and that she is supporting him, then mentions that she had an announcement. Dakota says they do not care what she has to say, and Iyo says she does not like Trish despite Bayley saying Iyo is her biggest fan. Bayley says they are sick and tired of Trish riding their coattails all weekend long and that the ring is theirs now before asking Trish who she thinks she is. Suddenly, Bianca Belair shows up. Bianca says that Bayley is "not even in the same stratosphere" and that Trish walked so they could run, and that there would be no Bayley without Trish before telling Bayley exactly who Trish is and to stop with the disrespect. Bianca then says she does not need to defend Trish as Trish can defend herself, then Trish tells Bayley she can go from being retired to "was retired" if Bayley does not keep her mouth shut as she removes her jacket. Bayley removes her own jacket before saying that she, Bayley and Iyo outnumber her and Bianca before Alexa Bliss and Asuka arrive. Bayley tells Trish that she should be lucky she is feeling generous, then says she will let it slide and they will see her at Clash at the Castle. Trish says that assumes they even make it to Cardiff, Wales.
Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky beat Alexa Bliss and Asuka with a schoolkid pin from Iyo to Asuka to advance to the finals of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament when Asuka is unaware that Iyo is a legal competitor.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler admits Austin Theory was the better man last week, then Finn Balor and Rhea Ripley show up. Finn says that Dolph Ziggler is just like Edge and Rey Mysterio by attaching himself to younger talent to stay relevant. Finn tells Ziggler that he cannot teach him anything, then tells Finn he can teach him something before slapping him in the face. As Ziggler heads to the ring, he asks Finn if he is going to sit on his ass "like a little bitch" or get in the ring.
Finn Balor beats Dolph Ziggler following the cheap shot from Rhea Ripley as the ref checks on Finn Balor following a headbutt from Ziggler.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Aliyah. Aliyah does not get to say much before Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai, and Bayley boasts Dakota and Iyo will win the WWE Women's Tag Team Tournament before asking where Raquel Rodriguez is. As the three of them confront Aliyah for being on "their show" alone, Trish Stratus shows up to have Aliyah's back. Trish and Aliyah ask Bayley when her knee will heal up before Aliyah challenges Bayley to a match tonight. Bayley accepts the challenge, and as she, Dakota and Iyo leave, WWE official Adam Pearce is carrying a photo as he is followed by two security guards.
Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) head to the ring. Gable announces that the Alpha Academy has decided to accept new students and that he has decided to start his search in Canada, but the only thing he could find was toothless ex-hockey players hooked on Tim Horton's. He then makes fun of the Toronto Maples Leaves for losing to the Tampa Bay Lightning and mentions that Tampa, Florida does not even have ice. Gable says he has found no talent in Canada, and that the only guy he keeps hearing about is "some geek named Auston Matthews," who is actually American and does not have the talent to wash Otis' jock strap. He then says that against his better judgment, he is hosting the first-ever Alpha Academy open challenge and begs Toronto, Ontario, Canada to send him their best before saying their best will not measure up. When there are seemingly no comers and Gable says Toronto does not have anybody, Kevin Owens suddenly shows up.
Kevin Owens beats Chad Gable. After the match, Otis attacks Kevin Owens from behind, but he soon runs shoulder-first into the ring post. Owens then grabs Gable for a ring apron powerbomb, but Otis makes the save. Otis gets Owens back in the ring, but Owens hits him with a Stunner before kicking Gable in the gut and powerbombing him into Otis.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley brags about how The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley) is running the place, and Finn Balor says that he has Rey Mysterio in his back pocket. Damian Priest says that he will be sending Edge back into retirement as cheers turn to screams.
It is announced that Gigi Dolin was injured last week on SmackDown, and that Toxic Attraction (Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne) is out of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Tournament. A "Second Chance" Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match involving the four losing teams of the tournament to decide who takes their place will happen this Friday night on SmackDown.
Bayley beats Aliyah. After the match, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky celebrate with Bayley.
Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley see something smoking - with a security guard, a police officer in riot gear and WWE official Adam Pearce standing nearby - on the way to the ring.
The Miz and Tommaso Ciampa vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Bobby Lashley ends with Dexter Lumis seemingly going after Styles from the crowd only for the person to really be a random person. It is then revealed that Dexter Lumis was wearing riot gear the whole time, and he grabs Miz from behind the barricade and drags him to the back. After the match, Ciampa attacks Lashley from behind, but Styles hits him with the Phenomenal Forearm. Lashley then hits Ciampa with another Spear.
We see a video package for Edge vs. Damian Priest later tonight.
Johnny Gargano's music suddenly hits, and Johnny Gargano makes an unannounced appearance, his first in nine months. He thanks the fans for the support and mentions his NXT accolades, and says that since he has been gone, everybody - including himself - wondered where he would go next, and he wondered if he still wanted to be a wrestler. Gargano then says that as he was playing with his six-month-old child, he remembered that he had big, impossible dreams when he was younger of winning championships in WWE and wrestling at WrestleMania. He then asked what kind of father he would be to his kid if he could not teach him that the biggest dreams can come true, then says that he is betting on himself and that he is back in WWE. As he says that this is just getting started, Austin Theory suddenly shows up, completely surprised that Gargano is here. He says a lot has happened in nine months, and Gargano says Theory has changed a lot. Theory mentions his accomplishments in the last nine months and says that he already done what Gargano has planned to do, and says he could not have done any of this without him. He talks about how Gargano took him under his wing and how their roles have reversed, then says that Gargano can be the one to carry his bags and carry the Money In The Bank briefcase as he becomes undisputed WWE Champion. Theory then says that he can show Gargano the way, or Gargano can go away if Gargano decides not to side with him. Theory then tries to do the high-five with Gargano for old times' sake, but he gets superkicked instead.
WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix is seen watching the next match from the front row.
In what is Edge's first match in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in ten years, Edge beats Damian Priest despite Priest sending Edge into referee Charles Robinson, knocking Robinson out temporarily and allowing Edge to put Priest in a crossface with the bottom bar of a chair. After the match, Edge goes for the Con-Chair-To on Damian Priest, but Rhea Ripley shows up from behind and hits Edge with a low blow before Finn Balor shows up and hits Edge with the Coup de Grace. When Rhea Ripley goes for a chair, Beth Phoenix jumps the barricade and grabs the chair before Rhea can, and The Judgment Day are forced to back down as the show ends.
This week on Raw Talk: Kevin Owens! Bianca Belair! Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai!
WWE looks back on the September 11th terrorist attacks from 2001, the building of One World Trade Center and their return to New York City almost twenty years later (and their first show in Madison Square Garden in two years).
Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman says that when it comes to sports entertainment, WWE owns New York City, and through Heyman, says he and the bloodline run WWE; therefore, he runs New York City and Madison Square Garden. He tells the fans of Madison Square Garden to acknowledge him, which they do, then Brock Lesnar shows up. Lesnar stares down Roman and The Usos, and Heyman asks Lesnar why he wants the WWE Universal Championship. Lesnar takes the microphone and asks Heyman why he didn't tell Roman he would be at SummerSlam. Roman confronts Heyman, who says he did not know, then takes the WWE Universal Championship and walks away alongside The Usos. Heyman reintroduces himself, then says for 20 years, he was the advocate for Lesnar. Lesnar says that the introduction was great and like old times, then asks Heyman to accept his challenge before Roman fires him: a shot at Roman Reigns and the Universal Championship. Lesnar then gives Heyman five seconds, but on two, he goes for an F5. Roman shows up and hits a Superman Punch on Lesnar, and when Lesnar gets Roman up, The Usos show up to superkick him only to get laid out.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton tries to get an interview with Paul Heyman, Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Roman and The Usos head to their dressing room, and Heyman says that Roman will answer Brock Lesnar's challenge when he feels it is appropriate.
Before the next match, Sami Zayn says he loves New York City, then says he has arranged for a special guest to be in their corner who knows what it takes to win in Madison Square Garden: Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, who used to play for the New York Knicks. Young is tremendously jeered as he makes his way to the ring.
King Nakamura, Rick Boogs, Big E, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio beat Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode, Apollo Crews, Sami Zayn and Otis in a ten-man tag team match. During the match, Trey Young gets ejected after choking Rey Mysterio on the middle rope only to get caught by the referee. Another referee has to escort Trae Young to the back. After the match, Kayla Braxton interviews Big E, who says his team was one heck of a team like the New York Knicks, then says this may not be the last time the fans see him tonight. He says that whether it is Bobby Lashley or Roman Reigns, if they have what he needs, he is coming for their neck and they will feel his power.
WWE recognizes The FealGood Foundation, Tuesday's Children and 9/11 Day for their contributions to tonight's show.
Bianca Belair is in the ring with WWE officials Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce. Bianca Belair takes the contract for her WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Becky Lynch at Extreme Rules, then addresses the fans. Bianca says she respects Becky as a competitor and a new mom, and used to respect Becky for her refusal to run from a fight, but says things have changed and that now, if they went toe-to-toe, things would be different. She says that she does not respect Becky as much as she used to, but at Extreme Rules, while Becky will not win back some of her respect, she will take back the SmackDown Women's Championship. She signs the contract, then Becky shows up. Becky says she knew she had Bianca's number at SummerSlam when she saw her face, and tells her to be a fan or to be "The Man." She also says she would give Bianca the match when she was ready, then ponders what would happen if she did not sign the contract. Bianca tells Becky to "sign the damn contract" and starts a "sign it" chant, but Becky says that she sat at home and heard the fans chant "We want Becky" only for this to be the thanks that she got for her unexpected return. She also says that she left her baby daughter at home only for the fans to root for "a flash in the pan" over her, then says "If you can't join 'em, beat 'em" and that this match will end the same way. She signs the contract, which she then tosses at Bianca before leaving.
Backstage, Paul Heyman is suddenly met by Shotzi and Nox, who drive away on Shotzi's tank. He then runs into Kayla Braxton, and says Roman Reigns will witness The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) defend the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships before answering Brock Lesnar's challenge. After asking Kayla if she loves a good cliffhanger, he then runs into Big E, who lifts up the Money In The Bank Briefcase as he stares at Heyman.
Seth Rollins beats Edge with a kick to the groin, three superkicks and The Stomp. After the match, referee Jessica Carr asks for medical assistance, and emergency medical staff show up to tend to Edge.
Backstage, Edge is placed into an ambulance. After the ambulance leaves, Seth Rollins is seen, and when interviewed, says he has no idea how to feel after beating and injuring Edge and that he may not feel anything at all.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) meet with Roman Reigns, who says that they are "the ones" and that the opposition wants what they have, and that they run New York City and the WWE. The Usos say that they will make the family proud. Roman then address Paul Heyman, saying that he saved him, and asks why Heyman did not tell him about Brock Lesnar showing up at SummerSlam. Heyman does not have an answer.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) by disqualification after Roman Reigns puts Montez Ford in a guillotine choke. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Afterwards, Roman Reigns says he will smash Brock Lesnar after he gets done smashing Finn Balor. All of a sudden, the arena goes dark and red lights flash across the arena. For the first time in over a year, Finn Balor shows up as The Demon and stares down Roman Reigns in the ring.
This week on Talking Smack: Big E, Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan and Carmella!
The show starts with an announcement that for the first time in a year and a half, shows are now in front of a live crowd once more.
Vince McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. He says "Where the hell have ya been?", then leaves.
It is announced that The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) will face Rey and Dominik Mysterio for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships in the kick-off match for Money In The Bank.
Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat Rey Mysterio, Dominik Mysterio and Edge in a six-man tag match. After the match, both teams brawl, and as The Usos attack Dominik Mysterio, Edge attacks The Usos with a chair. Roman then gets in the ring and hits Edge with a Superman Punch. Roman then grabs the chair that Edge brought into the ring and stomps the bottom bar out, but Edge gets up and hits Roman with a Spear. After this, Edge puts Roman in a crossface with the piece of the chair, and Roman taps out.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Edge, who says that it will not be easy to win the Universal Championship and dip into a place that he has never gone to before and become selfish and manipulative in order to beat Roman at his own game. As Edge continues to speak, Seth Rollins laughs at him and says that while Roman may be the most self-absorbed and megalomaniacal person he has ever met, he has Edge's number, but he will be Edge's biggest fan on Sunday. Rollins says that he hopes that Edge wins the Universal Championship so he can cash in on him and finish what he started seven years ago when he had his boot on Edge's neck and didn't pull the trigger.
Sami Zayn shows up and says that everyone is talking about the Money In The Bank Ladder Match and that nobody is talking about how he is being excluded so that everyone can talk about happy things and take attention away from the conspiracy against him. He then says that for the first time in a while, he has the fans, for they have seen it all and seen him become victimized and persecuted, and tells the fans to make it known that the conspiracy will not stand. When the fans boo him, Sami Zayn then he is not surprised that "the yee-haws of Texas" are not on his side, then says he needs justice and that if there was any justice in the world, the briefcase and the contract would be handed to him. Sami then says he will not let the show go on one more minute before justice is served, then Finn Balor suddenly shows up. Sami goes for a cheap shot, but Finn Balor sees it coming and lays him out.
We see a video package for Apollo Crews.
Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega guest on commentary for the next match.
Shotzi and Nox beat Natalya and Tamina to earn a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships after Liv Morgan and Zelina Vega brawl on the outside, distracting Natalya and allowing Nox to win with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Natalya and Tamina brawl with Liv Morgan and Zelina, but Liv Morgan takes Natalya out in the ring.
Bianca Belair retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Carmella.
We hear from Chad Gable and Otis. Gable says he teaches the importance of the five senses, and says that he and Otis can see people ducking them, feel the tension and hear people whispering about them. When asked by Gable what they smell in the locker room, Otis says they smell fear. Cesaro shows up and says he smells bull, and tells Gable that Otis was lucky not to make a mistake putting him on the list of whom Otis wants to destroy. Gable then tells Cesaro that he now has Otis' full attention, and Otis levels Cesaro with a few punches.
Toni Storm debuts next Friday!
Cesaro beats Otis by disqualification after Chad Gable hits Cesaro with a German suplex. After the match, Cesaro gets Gable in the Cesaro Swing, but Otis attacks Cesaro and hits him with a Vader Bomb.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman, who says that Edge sinned against Roman Reigns tonight and will atone for those sins and have them beaten out of him by Roman on Sunday. Suddenly, Big E tells Paul Heyman not to be sour and clap for the next Money In The Bank Ladder Match winner, then says Edge has a hold of Roman Reigns and that Heyman would be worried if he was him.
Baron Corbin heads to the ring. Corbin says it is no secret that these last few weeks have been the most difficult times of his life after having lost everything, and says that the bank is threatening to foreclose on his house. He says that his daughter is sick from having to eat spaghetti out of a can, that his house is a mess because he had to fire the maids, and that he may have to move in with his wife's parents. Corbin says that the fans can help him out of these dark financial times with corbinfund.com and is asking for $100,000, saying every little bit helps and tells the fans not to be as cheap as everyone else around the world. Corbin then gets on his knees and begs for money, then Kevin Owens shows up. Corbin says that he hopes Owens is in the ring for the right reason and to help him, and says that if he and a few other Superstars help him, the fans will fall in line. Corbin says he knows that Owens has a heart and can sympathize with those in need, then says that he knows Owens doesn't spend money on his wardrobe before Owens gives him a Stunner.
Next week: SmackDown will be live from both Cleveland, Ohio and from the Rolling Loud Festival in Miami, Florida!
Seth Rollins beats Big E, Kevin Owens and King Nakamura in a Fatal 4-Way Match after a Stomp into a ladder following Kevin Owens putting King Nakamura through the announce table with an elbow drop off the top of another ladder. After the match, Seth Rollins climbs up a ladder in the middle of the ring and takes the green briefcase.
Talking Smack: Bianca Belair responds to Carmella.
Backstage, Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair argue over Sasha Banks accepting tonight's match against Nia Jax. Bianca says that Reginald is still in Sasha' head despite Sasha saying he is not, and she tells Sasha not to expect her to come and save her tonight.
Sasha Banks retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship after "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Bianca Belair - the latter of whom shows up to watch mid-match - go at it in the ring and Baszler tries to kick Sasha only to accidentally nail Nia in the jaw instead. Sasha then pins Nia with a jackknife pin to retain.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Edge. Edge says that SmackDown has always felt like home to him, as some of his greatest career moments happened on the brand. He also says his worst moment in having to relinquish the World title and retire also happened on SmackDown, however. He finds it surreal that he is back wrestling on the show for the first time in ten years, but says he also feels at home wrestling on SmackDown tonight, and says that Daniel Bryan deserves a fair shake at Fastlane. He also says Jey Uso can be one of the most talented in the ring, but not under Roman Reigns' wing. He says that Jey will eventually run into trouble, and tonight, he is that trouble.
We look back on Edge winning the WWE World Tag Team Championships with Hulk Hogan in 2002.
It is announced that Hulk Hogan and Titus O'Neil will be the host of this year's WrestleMania.
Backstage, Nia Jax blames Shayna Baszler for her not being a double champion, and says that if she costs her the women's tag team championship, she will come after her. Baszler says she will get a match with Bianca, kick her head off and give her the nastiest beating of her life.
Seth Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins talks about his return to SmackDown after a hiatus, and says everyone from the locker room came to greet him because they respect everything he has done in the ring, and while he "respected their decision to be idiots" when they turned their backs, he was given disrespect by Cesaro when Cesaro embarrassed and humiliated him because he is jealous of him and his success while Cesaro is an abject failure. Rollins says he is a fighter who gets right back up after being knocked down, unlike Cesaro. Rollins laughs and makes light of the beating that he gave Cesaro last week, saying that Cesaro is tired and exhausted after years of reaching for the brass ring, before telling Cesaro he will never disrespect him again. Rollins then calls Cesaro the biggest waste of potential in the history of WWE before Shinsuke Nakamura. Rollins considers this disrespect towards him and threatens to hurt him like he did Cesaro if he gets in the ring. Nakamura takes the microphone from Rollins as Rollins says he knows that Nakamura respects, then tells Rollins to shut up. Both men brawl. Rollins retreats at first, but fights back only for Nakamura to get the upper hand.
It is announced that Eric Bischoff is an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2021.
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode guest on commentary for the next match.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) with a sit-down hurricanrana pin from Dominik to Dawkins. After the match, Chad Gable and Otis show up, saying they have beaten Rey and Dominik, who are less worth of a tag team title shot than they are. When Gable and Otis turn their back on Rey and Dominik, Rey and Dominik take them down.
Dolph Ziggler, Robert Roode and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) guest on commentary for the next match.
Chad Gable and Otis beat Rey and Dominik Mysterio.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is talking to his backstage crew. He mentions that he has a match with Baron Corbin he did not ask for when Kevin Owens shows up. Owens asks Sami if he has has ever considered that he is warping reality to fit his narrative, but Sami says nothing is his fault. When asked who "they" are, Sami does not answer his question and asks Owens to be in his corner at ringside. He tells Owens that if he can see anyone or anythng suspicious, he will drop the entire conspiracy notion.
We look back on Edge cashing in the Money In The Bank briefcase on The Undertaker to win the World Heavyweight Championship in 2007.
Daniel Bryan heads to the ring. Daniel Bryan talks about Edge vs. Jey Uso later tonight, and says that if Jey were to win, Roman Reigns will have all the help he needs to retain the Universal Championship, then says Edge is the ultimate opportunist who will do whatever it takes to face Roman Reigns. He says that Edge wants to face Roman because he does not want to face him and because he thinks he can beat Roman, but Daniel says he knows he can beat Roman at Fastlane by making him tap out to win the Universal Championship. Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman then show up, and Roman laughs at the prospect of Daniel making him submit, saying he cannot do it and has a better chance of "shooting lightning out of his ass" than tapping him out. Roman says that nobody has ever made him submit, and says that he would rather lose his arm than submit to any man and that he would rather die in the ring than to submit to Daniel Bryan. Daniel says that everything Roman says about himself are lies and delusion, and that everyone thinks they are invincible until they are not, unbeatable until they lose, and untappable until they tap out. Daniel tells Roman that he will not just tap him out, but break him of his delusion and his confidence, and win the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane.
We see a humorous short video package for Sami Zayn vs. King Corbin, which is coming up next.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
King Corbin beats Sami Zayn after Sami tries to remove a top turnbuckle pad only for Corbin to hit him with the End of Days. After the match, Kevin Owens tells Sami that the referee made the right calls and that he needs to drop the notion of a conspiracy theory. Sami becomes furious and leaves, then suddenly hits Owens with a Helluva Kick. Sami tells Owens that he is blind and the he thought he was smarter than that, then gets angry at the referee for the match.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Seth Rollins is made official for Fastlane.
Big E and Apollo Crews are simultaneously interviewed. Big E says that Apollo Crews wants to talk to him about reconciliation while he wants to talk about vengeance, and tells Apollo to appreciate the next two days, for his future is dark and bleak. He says that he will retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship while Apollo is going to get everything that he deserves. Apollo tells Big E to think twice before talking with Nigerian royalty with disrespect. He tells Big E that if he fills his mouth with a razor, he will spit blood, and that this will happen to him at Fastlane when he cracks his face and shows the Nigerian warrior within him. He then says he will have what he deserves when his family watches him stand over Big E's mangled body as the new Intercontinental Champion. Big E says there is no waiting for Sunday, then takes off his microphone and leaves his room. Apollo Crews also takes off his microphone as Big E gets on a golf cart and drives it around the Thunderdome, and Apollo Crews is also seen looking for Big E when he sees the gold cart. Crews almost runs when he sees Big E in the golf cart, but both men eventually brawl and Big E hits Apollo with a garbage can before slamming him into walls and taking the boots to him. Referees and officials have to stop Big E from doing further damage to Apollo Crews, who drives away in the gold cart as Big E is held back.
Bianca Belair vs. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler ends before it can begin. Before the next match, Sasha Banks briefly shows up to tell Bianca Belair she has this match before heading back to the back. Nia Jax then heads to the back just before Natalya and Tamina show up and attack both Bianca Belair and Shayna Baszler.
We look back on Edge's retirement speech from 2011.
Daniel Bryan guests on commentary for the next match.
Edge beats Jey Uso to become the special guest enforcer for Daniel Bryan vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Fastlane. After the match, Roman Reigns runs into the ring and hits Edge with a Spear, then dares Daniel Bryan to get into the ring only for Jey Uso to blindside Daniel, allowing Roman to hit Daniel with a Spear to end the show.
Talking Smack: Sasha Banks plans to make history with Bianca Belair despite the arguments between them.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. McIntyre welcomes everyone to tonight's show, then says he and Goldberg went to war and earned each other's respect before stating that the rest of Royal Rumble was also a great show before mentioning Edge. Edge arrives as if on cue, and McIntyre thanks Edge for everything before his retirement before talking about Edge's return last year and his Royal Rumble victory this year. McIntyre tells Edge he is proud of him, and Edge admits that he has liked him and has always been his mentor, but admits he is shocked that McIntyre is showering him with praise while he is a threat to his championship. As McIntyre says he is not that kind of champion and Edge says that McIntyre is not him, Sheamus shows up and congratulates Edge on his big win last week before asking Edge who he is to question McIntyre. He says McIntyre carried the company while Edge nursed an injury, and says that while McIntyre may want to take the high road, he does not. McIntyre stops Sheamus and asks Edge what decision he will make, and Edge reminds McIntyre he has a target on his back. He tells McIntyre that he will know when he makes a decision, and regardless of who he faces, he will become a champion. After Edge heads up the ramp, Sheamus hits McIntyre with a Brogue Kick as soon as McIntyre turns around.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Sheamus, who says that Drew McIntyre is no longer his friend and that he wants the WWE Championship. He then gets his bags from Drew Gulak.
Matt Riddle beats Bobby Lashley by disqualification after Lashley refuses to let go of a Hurt Lock from along the ropes. Bobby Lashley retains the WWE United States Championship. After the match, Lashley puts Riddle in the Hurt Lock at ringside. Lashley lets go briefly, but then locks the hold in again and tosses Riddle over the barricade.
Bad Bunny arrives at the arena in a Bugatti.
Referees check on Matt Riddle behind the barricade.
We hear from Randy Orton, who says that he did not think it was possible for Edge to return to the ring, enter the Royal Rumble at #1 and win the match, and despite saying Edge would never return, Edge made him into a liar. Orton says he did everything that he did out of mercy because he loved him like a brother, then says he will not main event WrestleMania after looking past him and all he has done for his family. He says that tonight, there will be no mercy, compassion or a WrestleMania main event.
Backstage, Xavier Woods talks with Kofi Kingston, who is now medically cleared. Woods says he will beat Retribution, and both of them agree that Mustafa Ali is out of his mind. Kofi then says tonight is about Woods and that he has his back.
Xavier Woods beats Mustafa Ali by countering a schoolkid pin into a backslide pin when T-Bar gets caught breaking up a pinfall and Kofi Kingston takes down Slapjack.
Backstage, Bad Bunny meets with Damian Priest.
WrestleMania 37 is 68 days away!
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's guest is Bad Bunny. Miz tries to clear the air between him and Bad Bunny, saying they both did things they might regret, then apologizes to Bad Bunny, who does not return the favor. When Bad Bunny admits he wants to be a WWE Superstar, Miz tries to take Bad Bunny under his wing. Miz and John Morrison propose a musical collaboration again, but Bad Bunny tells them he is not interested. Miz gets angry, but Bad Bunny says he is here because of a friend of his: Damian Priest. Priest shows up and levels Miz with a right hand, and John Morrison retreats.
Damian Priest beats The Miz when John Morrison's distraction attempts backfire and Bad Bunny hits him in the face with a microphone, allowing Priest to hit the Reckoning on a distracted Miz for the win.
MVP guests on commentary for the next match.
The Hurt Business (Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander) retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado) after Shelton Benjamin tags himself in to hit Gran Metalik with Paydirt.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Charlotte Flair and Asuka. Charlotte says Lacey Evans only thinks she knows how to play dirty, and feels bad for letting Asuka down with her drama. Asuka admits she did not like losing, and if it were not for Ric Flair and Lacey, they would have won.
The team of Naomi and Lana beat the team of Charlotte Flair and Asuka and the team of Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke in a Triple Threat tag team match after Lacey Evans and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair show up, causing Charlotte Flair to tag Asuka in - much to Asuka's shock - as she confronts them. A distracted Asuka is then hit with a Rear View by Naomi, who pins her for the win and the title opportunity.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says it would be an honor to face Edge at WrestleMania, but if Sheamus wants to throw their friendship away for the WWE Championship and wants a match, he's got it.
We see a video package of Carlito's time and accomplishments in WWE and his return in last night's Royal Rumble.
Jeff Hardy and Carlito beat Elias and Jaxson Ryker.
We see a video package of Edge's retirement, return at last year's Royal Rumble, feud with Randy Orton and victory at this year's Royal Rumble.
Backstage, we hear from Edge, who is ecstatic to come back from a torn triceps and win the Royal Rumble from #1, but yet has a black cloud over his and his family's heads in the form of Randy Orton. He says Orton had the chance to go bell-to-bell like he did, but he faked a knee injury, and says Orton is jealous he is not the type of man he is. Tonight, he has to put Orton behind him and get back on track to becoming a world champion again.
Backstage, Edge meets Damian Priest and shake hands with him, welcoming him to the Raw roster.
Alexa Bliss beats Nikki Cross with Sister Abigail, despite Nikki not being fooled when Alexa transforms into her pre-Fiend state. After the match, Randy Orton shows up. After a brief staredown, both Alexa and Randy walk away from each other.
Edge beats Randy Orton after Orton is distracted by Alexa Bliss, who sits on the top turnbuckle in a nearby corner with blood pouring from her mouth.
Raw Talk: "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair has a mission statement for Lacey Evans.
