Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 23, 2023

he Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Jey Uso says that family should lift each other up and have each other's backs, not fight each other, and Jimmy tells Jey that he made "the absolute perfect choice." Jey Uso says that family should lift each other up and have each other's backs, not fight each other, and Jimmy tells Jey that he made "the absolute perfect choice." Jimmy says they were raised on respect, and that they were the most dominant tag team when they fell in line, Roman ended up on his island of relevancy alone with Paul Heyman as soon as he told them they were worthless to him. Jey calls Paul Heyman "the biggest snake of them all," and Jimmy asks how Paul Heyman could take orders from someone who would drive a wedge between them when they were raised on love and respect. Jey says that civil war in The Bloodline is on the horizon in London, then he and Jimmy welcome Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa to the Uso Penitentiary.

LA Knight beats Rey Mysterio. After the match, LA Knight tires to attack Rey again, but he rolls out of the ring when Santos Escobar runs in.

Backstage, Ridge Holland walks into Solo Sikoa and Paul Heyman's path. When he says something to Solo, Solo almost immediately hits him with the Samoan Spike.

Backstage, Adam Pearce checks on Ridge Holland, and Sheamus tells Pearce that he wants Solo Sikoa. Shortly afterwards, Sheamus shows up on the stage and calls Solo Sikoa out for the fight of his life tonight.

Raquel Rodriguez watches the next match from ringside.

"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn to unify the NXT Women's Tag Team Championships with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships with simultaneous submission holds. After the match, Ronda calls out Raquel as Raquel is heading up the ramp and asks Raquel what she is doing here in the first place. Raquel says she wants a rematch for the title "we" never lost. Baszler wants to know who "we" is when she and Ronda tore everyone apart, then Liv Morgan shows up for the first time since her injury and steps into the ring with Raquel for a staredown with Ronda and Shayna.

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guests are Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Pretty Deadly declare that Grayson Waller's show is better than Kevin Owens', and Waller says it is great to have guests with good fashion sense and good banter. Waller addresses Pretty Deadly's tag team title match against Owens and Sami Zayn in London, which Kit Wilson calls "the greatest city" before stating that they are taking their tag team title match seriously. Elton Prince then says that they are not getting respect, especially when Sami stated that them becoming #1 contenders to the tag team titles were a surprise, as they have done it before. He says that Owens and Sami can continue to argue and try to fit two egos in one team while they are on the same page and running the tag team division. Waller says he is not surprised, and that Pretty Deadly were the "iron men" of last week's Gauntlet Match. Kit likes the idea of being "the iron men on SmackDown," and he and Elton then brag about "beating" the rest of the teams in the match. When they mention The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), however, The Street Profits show up and introduce them to "the smoke."

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) after Elton Prince uses the middle rope for leverage while stacking up Montez Ford for the win.

Charlotte Flair beats Lacey Evans with the Figure Eight. After the match, Asuka attacks Charlotte as she still has Lacey in the Figure Eight while also mocking Lacey's salute.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Bianca Belair, and lets her know that she will be barred from ringside in next week's women's championship match in case Asuka or Charlotte Flair take a shot at her, and that she will get a shot at the WWE Women's Championship. Bianca makes it known to Pearce that she does not exactly trust him in that regard.

Sheamus vs. Solo Sikoa ends when Solo Sikoa knocks Sheamus out with a running hip attack that breaks through the barricade. After the attack, the referee calls for medical help for Sheamus only for Solo Sikoa to attack the EMTs. Suddenly, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up and lay out Solo Sikoa to end the show.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Charlotte Flair! Grayson Waller! "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 2, 2023

We see a video package for Roman Reigns' 1,000 days as champion.

Austin Theory is in the ring. Theory says that if Roman Reigns' reign was combined with his United States Championship reign, there would be a total of 1,209 days, which he calls almost as inspiring as beating John Cena. He says that he will have a 1,000 day celebration one day, and as long as WWE gives him people like Sheamus, he will be United States Champion forever, as he is 25 years old and the best to ever do this. He says that with talent like his, there are people who want to gravitate to it, then introduces two people who "did what was right" in Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) to the ring. Kit Wilson says it was a pleasure destroying The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) and that Theory is a champion the people deserve, and that they want to show how much they appreciate him as champion with a big "Yes boy!".

Austin Theory and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch).

Backstage, Paul Heyman talks with Solo Sikoa about the preparations for Roman Reigns' 1,000 day celebration, and says that he wants tonight to be special. He then says he will talk to WWE official Adam Pearce to make sure that The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are nowhere to be found so that Roman is acknowledged tonight.

In backstage footage from earlier today, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles meets with the rest of The O.C. (Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, "Michin" Mia Yim) After admitting his loss to Seth Rollins, he hopes to see Gallows and Anderson take down Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla) tonight as part of his birthday.

The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) beat Hit Row (Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla). After the match, Top Dolla attacks Gallows and Anderson, but "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles hits him with a Phenomenal Forearm.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is met by Paul Heyman. Pearce tells Heyman that The Usos will not be here tonight as their travel has been cancelled and that security has been doubled in case they do show up. Heyman smiles, calls Roman Reigns and leaves.

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Asuka. Waller mentions the Money In The Bank briefcases above the ring and the women who think they are ready for Asuka, and Asuka reveals the blue mist in her mouth when Waller mentions the possibility of Bianca Belair coming back for her title. Iyo Sky then shows up, and Asuka and Iyo argue in Japanese before Bayley shows up and states that Damage CTRL (Bayley and Iyo Sky) will win the Raw Women's title. Shotzi shows up and says she would love nothing more than to crush Bayley's dream with some cold hard steel, then Lacey Evans shows up. As Lacey says that the Money In The Bank Contract is coming home to her after she puts Zelina Vega in the Cobra Clutch, Zelina shows up and says everyone is underestimating her like Rhea Ripley did at Backlash. She tells Lacey Evans to keep that energy up all tonight and tells her that she will never be half the woman she is, for she will qualify tonight and become the next Miss Money In The Bank. She tells Lacey Evans to keep that energy up all tonight and tells her that she will never be half the woman she is, for she will qualify tonight and become the next Miss Money In The Bank. Asuka, at this point having moved to the stage, says nobody is ready for her before Bianca Belair shows up and brawls with her until officials restore order.

Backstage, Cameron Grimes meets with WWE official Adam Pearce. When Pearce says Baron Corbin will not be here until next week, Grimes says he will take care of Corbin next week like Carmelo Hayes will take care of him on NXT.

Zelina Vega beats Lacey Evans to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Backstage, Santos Escobar tells the rest of the Latino World Order (Rey Mysterio, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro) that he will qualify for the men's Money In The Bank and become co-briefcase holder with Zelina Vega.

LA Knight beats Montez Ford to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after using the middle rope for leverage.

We see a vignette for Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre.

Triple H heads to the ring. He says that once in a while, stars come that are so dominant in their sport that they are talked about for decades to come, and that this greatness will be witnessed live tonight and be talked about for generations in Roman Reigns. As he says this, there is a table with a new championship belt covered up with a mantle. Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa make their way to the ring. Triple H congratulates Roman on surpassing 1,000 days as champion on behalf of the fans, and says this has not happened in almost 40 years. He then presents a brand-new Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, which looks like the other two belts but is entirely gold. Roman Reigns holds the new golden belt as pyrotechnics fire off, and after Roman demands the entire universe acknowledge him, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Jimmy Uso and Roman Reigns stare down, then Roman demands Jey Usos kick Jimmy Uso in the face in revenge for costing him the tag team titles at Night of Champions. Roman then demands that Jey Uso fix everything right now, but Jimmy says Jey cannot fix it and that he was the one who kicked him in the face because he was being a brother, and brothers treat brothers with respect and Roman has not been a good brother. He asks what kind of brother manipulates, betrays and hurts, then says that he will protect Jey and that he will protect Solo even as Roman uses him. Roman says Jimmy is talking for everyone like he is crazy and that he would rather hear from Solo, then hands Solo the microphone. Solo says he acknowledges his Trial Chief, then says The Usos are his brothers. Solo then hands Roman the microphone and stands with The Usos, then Jimmy asks Roman if he want to run things together with respect or if he wants to be Tribal Chief alone. Roman tells Jimmy to shut up only for Jimmy to shove him. Roman advances at Jimmy, but Jey stops him and tells Jimmy and Roman that he needs both of them and that they cannot fight like this, for they are better than this. Jimmy says they are stronger together, and asks Roman to be their brother so they can "run this place." Roman cries as he hugs Jimmy, then says "No." Solo then hits Jimmy with the Samoan Spike, and leaves with Roman and Heyman. On the way out, Heyman asks about Jey, and Roman says Jey will do what he always does: fall in line.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Austin Theory and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince)! Damage CTRL (Bayley and Iyo Sky)! LA Knight!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for March 24, 2023

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Ludwig Kaiser. Paul Heyman shows up early in the match to watch from the stage, and later on, Solo Sikoa shows up and heads down to ringsde with Heyman. After the match, Heyman and Solo get on the apron, and Heyman tells Cody that he is owed an apology and that ring announcer Samantha Irvin did "a lousy job" of announcing Cody's victory before doing it himself, calling Cody a challenger as he does. He says that Cody will see his road to WrestleMania with a pothole in front of him on Monday night when he faces Solo Sikoa, and if Cody survives against Solo, all roads will lead to Roman Reigns, who will see Cody one final time face-to-face next week. Cody asks Heyman if he is moving the goalposts for him before calling him out for interrupting the fans as they sang his entrance theme, and tells Solo once again that he is not ready. Cody then tells Heyman that at WrestleMania, Roman Reigns will find out that he is not ready, either.

It is announced that John Cena will kick off WrestleMania weekend with his match against Austin Theory for the WWE United States Championship at the beginning of Night One.

WrestleMania 39 is eight days away!

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte says becoming a 14-time world champion was not built by fear, insecurity or nepotism, as this business was built on respect - not on fear - and that she respects, not fears, Rhea Ripley, and that she only feared her own potential. After stating that she respected all of her opponents, she admits that she has her insecurities, and that she has built her house on all the bricks that people have thrown at her. As for nepotism, she states that she loves her father and that she will never apologize for building on the greatest legacy in sports entertainment before declaring that diamonds are forever and that so is she.

Las Vegas magician Piff the Magic Dragon is seen in the crowd.

LA Knight beats Rey Mysterio. Before the match, it is noted that Rey Mysterio's wife and their daughter Aliyah are in the front row. Later in the match, Dominik Mysterio shows up, distracting Rey. Near the end of the match, Dominik trips Rey on the outside as he goes for the 619, allowing LA Knight to win with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Dominik asks Rey if he is going to give him what he wants while proceeding to shove him around. Rey says no and rolls out of the ring, and Dominik tells Rey to walk away like he always does before asking his mother in the front row what it is like to be married to a loser who cannot stand up to his own son.Dominik then tells his mother that she married a deadbeat and that she sat there every night while Rey was gone, and that makes her a deadbeat mom. Aliyah confronts Dominik, who tells her that she does not understand. Dominik then tells his mother to shut up and sit down, and Rey approaches Dominik and punches him out. Dominik then tells his mother to shut up and sit down, and Rey approaches Dominik and punches him out. Rey then tells Dominik that he pushed him to this point by disrespecting his mother, and if he wants a fight at WrestleMania, he has it.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez watch the next match from ringside.

Natalya and Shotzi beat Xia Li and Lacey Evans with a Sharpshooter from Natalya to Xia Li to qualify for the women's WrestleMania Showcase match. After the match, as Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez confront Shotzi and Natalya on the apron, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey show up. Shayna says Natalya and Shotzi have a reason to fight them, and they might as well fight them tonight. Ronda then says that they have given Las Vegas, Nevada more than they deserve and that it is not happening tonight, then Baszler announces that she and Ronda have been added to the women's WrestleMania Showcase match.

WWE official Adam Pearce moderates a contract signing between Drew McIntyre, Sheamus and Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania. McIntyre appears before the commercial break, and Sheamus shows up with Butch and Ridge Holland after it. Sheamus says he is angry with Drew McIntyre because he has worked towards a goal for the last fifteen years and told McIntyre about it only for McIntyre to go behind his back and go for it before he could. He then says that he gets the chance to smash his face in at WrestleMania, but McIntyre tells Sheamus that he keeps trying to guilt trip him when they should be friends, but Sheamus cannot separate what is business from what is personal. McIntyre says he has beaten Sheamus and that he can beat Gunther while Sheamus cannot. Pearce reminds both men that he needs signatures on the contract right now, and both McIntyre and Sheamus sign the contract. Gunther then heads to the ring and demands Pearce to justify the decision of a Triple Threat Match for the Intercontinental Championship to him, but Pearce tells him to sign the contract, which Gunther does. Gunther then says that whatever he does to keep the Intercontinental Championship will be justified, and as he threatens to beat everyone up as well as Ridge Holland and Butch, Butch jumps Gunther, who then takes his anger out on Pearce, demanding a match against Butch.

Gunther beats Butch after Drew McIntyre fights Sheamus and Ridge Holland. After the match, Sheamus confronts Gunther, then dodges a Claymore Kick from McIntyre that hits Gunther. McIntyre and Sheamus then have a staredown.

We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who hype up the men's WrestleMania Showcase match before Braun Strowman and Ricochet show up and say they will prove they are the better team.

It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guest is Sami Zayn. Sami asks Kevin if he knows what they are on the verge of doing, then says they are on the verge of winning the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania, which he says feels different this year. Owens says he has not lost sight of that, but he know what they are about to do. He then gifts Sami with a "KO Mania Goes Hollywood" shirt, but Kevin Owens is on the back while "WrestleZaynia Goes Hollywood" is on the front. Both men hug it out, but they are both attacked by The Usos, who hit Sami with the 1D before Owens chases them out of the ring with a chair.

Here are the full highlights from tonight's show!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: LA Knight! Shotzi and Natalya! Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, GIovanni Vinci)!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 10, 2023

Paul Heyman is in the ring. Heyman says that the island of relevancy is under a two-pronged attack by both "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, says that Sami Zayn is a psychopathic rebel - and is also not here tonight - for wanting to face Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, which is everything to Roman, and without the titles, there is no island of relevancy, no Bloodline, no Paul Heyman and no Roman. Suddenly, Sami Zayn shows up from behind Heyman and quietly demands the microphone, and says he could have already hurt Heyman by now if he wanted to, and if it were a month ago, The Bloodline would have laid him out. He then says Heyman is alone because he knows what the rest of The Bloodline knows: Roman Reigns' days are numbered, and that Roman is off the rails and everything is crumbling because he left The Bloodline. He also says that Jey Uso leaving on his own was his own decision, then asks if Jimmy Uso will side with Jey or "his abusive cousin" Roman. He also asks what will happen with Solo and how long anything will blow over, and says Heyman knows The Bloodline is on its way out. Sami then tells Heyman that Roman has eight days left before he loses the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, then hugs Heyman and tells him that to tell Roman not to worry about Cody Rhodes, because he will be the one to take Roman down.

Sheamus and Drew McIntyre beat Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis, the former of whom is never tagged in during the match). After the match, Valhalla and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up on the TitanTron to announce that they will fight Sheamus and McIntyre next week.

Jimmy Uso tries to get a hold of Jey Uso backstage.

We hear from Karrion Kross and Scarlett. Kross says the Fatal 4-Way is his. Scarlett says Kross knows what to do, and wants him to say it. Kross says he will make Rey Mysterio suffer and put him down.

Before the next match, Jimmy Uso tries to contact Jey Uso, but to no avail.

Lacey Evans beats Carmen Harress with the Cobra Clutch. (Carmen Harress is actually independent wrestler B3CCA.)

Backstage, Jimmy Uso tells Paul Heyman that he cannot get a hold of Jey Uso at all, and finds out that he may have to do this on his own. Jimmy then simply trusts that Jey will be there tonight.

Backstage, Sonya Deville argues with WWE official Adam Pearce over not being in the Women's Elimination Chamber match when Chelsea Green shows up also wanting special treatment. Pearce puts them both in a match against Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan later tonight.

Before the next match, Jey Uso shows up out of the crowd and hugs Jimmy Uso.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) retain the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships against Braun Strowman and Ricochet.

We hear from Rey Mysterio, who says that Karrion Kross is an evil human being, and that he has been an underdog his whole life and that nothing will stop him from winning tonight's Fatal 4-Way Match and going on to become Intercontinental Champion.

Backstage, Jey Uso tells Jimmy Uso he will always have his back, then Jimmy asks Jey "Are you in or are you out?" Jey says he does not know, then leaves. Paul Heyman shows up and asks if that was Jey and if Jey said anything. Jimmy says it was him, but did not say anything.

Natalya is in the ring. She says is great to be back in the ring and in the Elimination Chamber, then says that for the first time in fifteen years, she was knocked out, bloodied and seeing red thanks to "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. She says Baszler took something from her, so she took something from Baszler, whom she considers a cheap knock-off of "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey: her Elimination Chamber spot. She says she will and become champion, and that Ronda will go back to carrying Ronda's bags. Baszler shows up and says she is everyone dismissing her accomplishments, which leads to a "Knock-off Ronda" chant, and says she was fighting, competing and in WWE before Ronda before Ronda shows up. Ronda appears for the first time since losing the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship to Charlotte Flair, then Baszler holds Ronda back before hitting Natalya with a cheap shot. After Ronda joins in on the attack, Shotzi runs into the ring, but she is easily outnumbered by Baszler and Ronda before ganging up on Natalya again.

Backstage, Jey Uso runs into Sami Zayn. Sami says "Welcome back," then says he cannot imagine what Jey is going through and does not want to put him in a tough spot, then tells Jey that Roman is going down in eight days and that he does not have to go down with the ship. Sami then tells Jey that he does not know if they will ever get a chance to talk again, then tells Jey he acknowledges him. Jey tells him to get out with that, then Sami tells him he is leaving. They fist bump, then Sami leaves.

The last SmackDown before Money In The Bank will take place in London in the O2 Arena.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews LA Knight, who says that he is looking forward to the future and that the future is him.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville.

Backstage, Madcap Moss talks with Emma. Moss says that things may not have gone his way, but he will win tonight's Fatal 4-Way. Emma agrees, and Moss says that when you feel good, you look good, and he will go on to win tonight and become a champion.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Michael Cole interviews Charlotte Flair. Charlotte says Rhea Ripley chose her three years ago because she knew she was the mountain to climb, and says that while Rhea was a great opponent, she was not ready, and she won. She hopes that Rhea is ready now that she is ready three years later. Charlotte says that there are levels to this, and that it will take more than three years for Rhea to get on her level. She says she taught Rhea a lesson three years ago, and now, she will put Rhea in her place once and for all.

Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) is seen watching from the luxury box before the next match.

Madcap Moss beats Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar and Karrion Kross in a Fatal 4-Way Match to become #1 contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Backstage, Paul Heyman meets with Jimmy Uso, and tells him that Roman Reigns that Jimmy was right about Jey's loyalty. Heyman then says Roman wants Jimmy and Jey to watch Elimination Chamber from home to catch the things they will not see live.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Sami Zayn! Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan! Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci)!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 27, 2023

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa make their way tot he arena. Sami Zayn shows up as Jey Uso makes his way into the arena, thanks Jey Uso for having his back in Tribal Court, then tells him to give him a call if he needs anything before getting away from the arena.

Rey Mysterio beats Karrion Kross with a crucifix pin.

We hear from Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai). All three members say that they will win the women's Royal Rumble.

Austin Theory heads to the ring. Theory brags about retaining at Raw Is XXX and says that he will be heading straight to the men's Royal Rumble match, and win. All of a sudden, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) show up. Kofi says he only represents Austin Creed, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Austin, Texas, and Xavier Woods tells Theory to get down to business as the show is two hours long. The New Day say that they will win the men's Royal Rumble match, but Theory says he is the biggest star that there is in WWE. Suddenly, The Miz shows up. Miz tells Theory he has participated in Royal Rumble matches since before he hit puberty, but Theory responds with "Doesn't that mean you're old?" Miz replies by saying he is better than he will ever be and he will eliminate him and 29 others to win the Royal Rumble. Miz says there is no one more dangerous than him with a chip on his shoulder, then decides to give an example of what will happen tomorrow. Miz and Theory then attack The New Day, then Bobby Lashley gets in the ring and fights everyone. Lashley says that since Brock Lesnar interrupted his United States Championship match, he will terrorize everyone around here. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar shows up from out of the crowd and attacks Lashley before telling him he will see him tomorrow in the Royal Rumble.

We hear from Rhea Ripley, who says that she has had her fair share of Royal Rumbles and has come close to winning and that 2023 is her year to win it and main event WrestleMania.

Lacey Evans beats Jazmin Allure with the Cobra Clutch. After the match, Lacey Evans says Jazmin Allure learned that the Cobra Clutch is unbreakable, then says that she will win the women's Royal Rumble match and tells the fans to salute her. She then picks Jazmin up and tosses her out of the ring.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. Drew thinks Sheamus will win the Royal Rumble, but Sheamus bets on Drew to win it as they both smack each other. As for Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis), Sheamus says they will send them back to Skid Row.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) attack Drew McIntyre and Sheamus from behind before the next match. After the commercial break, Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) heads to the ring, but finds out that Drew McIntyre and Sheamus have given up their spot in the tag team tournament to go after The Viking Raiders. The replacement team is Ricochet and Braun Strowman.

Braun Strowman and Ricochet beat Hit Row (Top Dolla and Ashante "Thee" Adonis) to advance to the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Title Contender's Tournament.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Kevin Owens. Owens says he is facing Solo Sikoa tonight so he can become the undisputed champion tomorrow. He says that two years ago, the title was his, but The Bloodline did everything they could to stop that and tomorrow will be no different. As he says that he has to take out as many members of The Bloodline as possible to win tomorrow, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Officials - including Adam Pearce - quickly rush into place to stop a potential brawl. After the commercial break, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are escorted out of the arena. Jey Uso then calls Sami Zayn for a favor.

Bray Wyatt's original entrance theme hits, but it is really LA Knight holding a tiny lantern while wearing Bray Wyatt's original white slacks, black shirt, Hawaiian shirt and Trilby hat. Knight heads to the ring and takes the disguise off, then says the biggest moment in Raw history happened this week when he showed up and talked to the fans even when they did not deserve it. He then says that The Undertaker showed up to assist Bray Wyatt "like a turd in the punch bowl" because neither of them wanted him one-on-one, then says Bray Wyatt has 24 years to bring all the advice The Undertaker gave him because his future will be torn up and laid out. Suddenly, the real Bray Wyatt shows up and says that LA Knight is not smiling on the outside and that the time to talk has come and gone. He says Knight will meet the man he has been looking for, then tells him to take his time tonight because tomorrow, "[he'll] see." Uncle Howdy then shows up in the rafters.

Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) beats Legado del Fantasma (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) to advance to the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Title Contender's Tournament.

We take a look at Royal Rumble by the numbers.

We hear from Xia Li, who says that she has more skills than any other woman in the women's Royal Rumble and that she will make it painful for everyone else in the match.

We see footage of Sonya Deville interrupting Ryan Satin's interview with Charlotte Flair on "Out of Character with Ryan Satin" earlier today.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair meets with WWE official Adam Pearce. Charlotte wants to give Sonya Deville a title match to get Sonya out of her hair, and Pearce schedules it for next week. Pearce and Charlotte high-five.

Solo Sikoa vs. Kevin Owens ends in a no-contest Sami Zayn saving Sikoa from a pinfall attempt and Owens hitting Solo Sikoa with a chair.

This week on The SmackDown LowDown: Braun Strowman and Ricochet! Rey Mysterio! Charlotte Flair!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for September 23, 2022

The Bloodline head to the ring to start tonight's show. Paul Heyman dictates that the entire universe belongs to Roman Reigns, and after stating that Drew McIntyre has another bridge to cross, he then addresses Solo Sikoa. He admits it was not his or Roman's idea for him to be in The Bloodline, but one of the elders of the dynasty for him to be there, and says someone has to stop the conspiracies against Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman then proclaims that the already-unstoppable Bloodline is even more unstoppable now that Solo Sikoa is their enforcer, which allows The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to pursue tag team greatness, history and immortality. Jimmy Uso says that he and Jey will still be the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Champions, but as Jey says that they are the ones, Roman glances at him, and Jey hands him his microphone. Roman addresses Solo, who says that while the elders may have sent him, he will answer to him. He tells Solo to acknowledge him. Solo says "I acknowledge you, my Tribal Chief," and both men hug. As everyone leaves, Sami Zayn interrupts him, and says that while he is not technically blood, he says that the way that The Bloodline has taken him in has led him to publicly acknowledge Roman, which he does. Roman tells Sami he likes him, then asks him why he is saying anything and why he even has their shirt on and is even with them to begin with. He then tells Roman to take the shirt off, with Jey even demanding he take the shirt off. Sami asks if this has anything to do with last week's press conference, but Roman demands he remove the Bloodline shirt that he is wearing. Jey soon rips the shirt off, and Roman tells Sami to listen to him for once and tells him not to wear one of their shirts again. He then says that he got him a new one, which he hands to Sami. It reads "SZ HONORARY UCE." Sami puts it on and thanks The Bloodline, then tells Roman "I acknowledge you, Tribal Chief." Both men hug.

Liv Morgan beats Lacey Evans with a lungblower followed by the Ob-Liv-Ion after ducking a Kendo stick swing from Lacey Evans. After the match, Liv grabs the Kendo stick, but soon throws it down before quickly picking it back up and smacking Lacey with it before driving her into the barricade with it with a side Russian leg sweep. Liv then pulls a table out from underneath the ring and sets it up, and after putting Lacey on the table, Liv goes up top and puts Lacey through it with a senton from the top turnbuckle.

Backstage, Hit Row (B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis) drink champagne and have a SmackDown watch party, then talk about The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) vs. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) before The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up and mention Braun Strowman vs. Otis. Shinsuke Nakamura shows up and says he has Braun to win, then joins in.

Backstage, Sami Zayn talks to a member of catering before running into Madcap Moss and Ricochet, who tell him that he is more unbearable and obnoxious than before. Sami Zayn says that if they disrespect him, they disrespect The Bloodline. As Ricochet is about to call Sami a certified lapdog, he and Moss are attacked out of nowhere by Solo Sikoa.

We see a video package of The Usos' (Jimmy and Jey Uso) reign as Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, which is narrated by Paul Heyman.

We look back on "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels winning the 1995 Royal Rumble as it is announced that tickets for Royal Rumble 2023 in San Antonio, Texas will be available next Friday.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beat Maximum Male Models (Mace and Mansoor) with the Backwoods from Woods to Mansoor after Mace and Mansoor are too busy posing and Maxxine Dupri is taking pictures of them. After the match, Max Dupri gets angry at Mace, Mansoor and Maxxine, then storms off.

Members of the ring crew reinforce the ring for the next match.

At the Hit Row (B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis) watch party, Los Lotharios (Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza) show up univited and get shooed away by Top Dolla before everyone watches the next match.

Braun Strowman beats Otis.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch). Butch says Friday night is fight night, and Ridge Holland says that they will become the undisputed tag team champions. Sheamus says The Bloodline will face an uphill battle as they are made of strong stuff and love a good fight. He also announces that he will face Gunther again in two weeks and pull the Intercontinental Championship out of his cold, dead hands, then says that tonight is about Butch and Ridge and that the tag team championships will be theirs.

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. McIntyre says that everyone should know him by now, as he does not like playing games and would rather settle things in the ring. He says that Karrion Kross wants to keep attacking him from behind over and over again, but he will soon have his first big match now that he has gone to the top about it. McIntyre shows off the leather strap in his hand and says that their match will be one designed to inflict maximum pain, and says that their match at Extreme Rules will be a Strap Match. Scarlett shows up, and it proves to be a distraction so that Kross can attack McIntyre from behind. McIntyre sees Kross coming and throws him shoulder-first into the ring post, then ties the leather strap to Kross and wears the other end before booting Kross in the face. McIntyre hits Kross with the strap, and Kross tries to pull McIntyre out of the ring from the outside only for McIntyre to outsmart and overpower him. Scarlett gets between McIntyre and Kross, then shoots a fireball into McIntyre's face. This does not even faze McIntyre, who hits Kross with a spinebuster, then Scarlett hits McIntyre with a low blow. Kross removes the strap, then he and Scarlett tease heading to the back. Kross then gets back in the ring and locks the Kross Jacket on McIntyre before telling him that he accepts his challenge and that he will see him at Extreme Rules, as this is exactly what he and Scarlett wanted. He then tells McIntyre to "let it go" as McIntyre fades out of consciousness.

Raquel Rodriguez beats Dakota Kai with a schoolkid pin after Shotzi Blackheart runs in and attacks Bayley for getting physically involved in the match as well as Iyo Sky. After the match, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota, Iyo) attack Shotzi before attacking Raquel, but Raquel gets back in the fight to make the save for Raquel.

At the Hit Row (B-Fab, Top Dolla, Ashante "Thee" Adonis) watch party, Los Lotharios (Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza) attack Ashante "Thee" Adonis and Top Dolla, the latter of whom has to be held back.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships The Brawling Brutes (Ridge Holland and Butch) after the distraction from Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci), who attack Sheamus on the outside as Sheamus stops Sami Zayn from introducing a metal folding chair into the match.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for July 1, 2022

Omos, Drew McIntyre, Matt Riddle, Sami Zayn, Sheamus, and Seth Rollins are in the ring to start tonight's show. Everyone except Omos and MVP are sitting on top of a ladder. Rollins says everyone agrees that SummerSlam will be the best time for the winner to cash in. He also boasts about cashing in on both Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, then Matt Riddle says he will cash in on Reigns. Sami Zayn says he is in this match and that the contract will stay with The Bloodline to save the undisputed World title. MVP says everyone in the ring and the match not named Omos is an idiot (excluding himself) and that none of them can stop Omos, whom he says will be the last man standing. Sheamus says he has been Mr. Money In The Bank and has cashed in successfully on Roman Reigns before, then admits Brock Lesnar is "a whole different ballgame for him." McIntyre says he has beaten Lesnar in five minutes and that he will win the contract. The Miz suddenly shows up and says that he cashed in the contract on McIntyre the last time he had it and that he should be in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match having been a two-time Money In The Bank winner. Ezekiel suddenly shows up and introduces himself before stating he was supposed to have a qualifying match with Kevin Owens tonight, and if anyone deserves to be in the match, it is him. Happy Corbin shows up and says Ezekiel is as dumb as his brother and that he has won the contract before, and that nobody is as lucky as him. Madcap Moss then shows up and says Corbin squandering the contract again is hysterical. Moss then says Corbin will not have the chance to embarrass himself when he takes the final spot in the match, then WWE official Adam Pearce shows up and sets up a battle royal with everyone in and outside of the ring right now.

Happy Corbin last eliminates Sheamus and Drew McIntyre after having slid out of the ring through the bottom rope to win a "good old-fashioned battle royal."

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Happy Corbin, who says he is so happy that he is "farting rainbows" following how he won tonight's battle royal. He brags about the look on people's faces after winning and how people will not stop talking about it. When Kayla Braxton asks him about Pat McAfee's challenge for a match, however, Happy Corbin becomes silent and changes his tune.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Natalya, who laughs and says that all "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey has left is talk and that she sees nothing but fear in her eyes, as she knows the Sharpshooter hurt her and that Ronda is not at 100%. She says that Ronda can make fun of her all she wants, but she will take her down and be the first person to make Ronda tap out to the Sharpshooter and become a two-time SmackDown Women's Champion.

Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) talk about how they gave the fans a dancing Shanky until The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) ruined a good time. Xavier Woods says it was not a good Viking experience and Kofi Kingston says The Viking Raiders are dangerous now. Woods says it is time to get dangerous, and Kofi calls The Viking Raiders out. The New Day hand The Viking Raiders the microphones only to drap the microphones halfway through the hand-off, and this starts a brawl where The New Day are quickly overpowered as The Viking Raiders use their shield as weapons. The Viking Raiders leave, but then get back in the ring to hit Kofi Kingston with a double choke slam before stacking Xavier Woods on top of him.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce puts The Miz, Madcap Moss, Happy Corbin and Ezekiel in a Fatal 4-Way match where the winner qualifies for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Before the next match, Becky Lynch arrives and says nothing special happens until she shows up, then says she is sitting this match out and that everyone will have to wait until Money In The Bank to fight as she knows everyone wants to take her out. Becky Lynch then guests on commentary for the next match.

Asuka, Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss beat Shotzi, Lacey Evans and Raquel Rodriguez in a six-woman tag match. After the match, Becky Lynch drops Asuka with a Manhandle Slam.

Backstage, Sonya Deville meets with WWE official Adam Pearce and says that she has filed a formal complaint over last week's match before slapping him in the face.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) are in the ring after the commercial break, and Kayla Braxton moderates a face-to-face meeting where fan questions are answered. When asked how fearful they are of losing the tag team titles and how Roman Reigns will react if they loses, The Usos say that they are confident because they run all the shows. Montez Ford laughs and says Roman Reigns runs the show and Angelo Dawkins states that The Usos run to the grocery store. When asked if they have lost their killer instinct after eighteen months without championship gold and if they are getting along, The Street Profits kill rumors of not getting along, and Montez says they have a killer instinct in every match against The Usos. Montez says they know about the legacy and that as much as The Usos' family legacy has prepared The Usos for anything, they are not ready for The Street Profits and that they are taking the tag team titles and ending The Usos' legacy. Jey tells Montez to be careful what comes out of his mouth, and Jimmy and Jey agree that while The Street Profits are like them, they are not them, and they want the smoke on Saturday. Angelo says they will beat their asses tomorrow and become tag team champions in a spot of catchphrase stealing.

Backstage, Max Dupri is excited for the long-awaited debut of Maximum Male Models.

Max Dupri is in the ring. He introduces the fans to Maximum Male Models, then introduces Mace, who has now found his love of fashion. Mace shows up and walks up and down the red carpet for photos. The next model is Mansoor, and he too goes up and down the red carpet for photos. He then says that unless one has the qualities of Mace and Mansoor, one should not even bother trying to join Maximum Male Models.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who says her baby is nine months old, not ten, and that Natalya can expect her to tap her out tomorrow.

Madcap Moss beats Ezekiel, Happy Corbin and The Miz in a Fatal 4-Way Match after Corbin hits Ezekiel with the End of Days and Moss throws Corbin into the ring post to pick the bones to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 24, 2022

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. McIntyre says that Roman Reigns keeps ducking him no matter what he does, and that he will have force his own hand and become Mr. Money In The Bank. He says that while Brock Lesnar has a shot at SummerSlam, he will earn it himself. McIntyre tells Roman that he will hit Roman with a Claymore Kick when he least expects it, then The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) show up and Sheamus says that he, not McIntyre, will be the one to cash in and that McIntyre is in the match because WWE official Adam Pearce feels sorry for him. Sheamus tells McIntyre that he does not belong, and while they both go back a long way, McIntyre's only experience is being cashed in on while he is a former contract winner who cashed in on Roman Reigns. Paul Heyman and Adam Pearce show up, and Heyman says that Roman Reigns will retain the WWE Undisputed Championship against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam only to be vulnerable to a cash-in. Heyman then says he is here to ensure Roman Reigns is not cashed in on again, then Peaece says that he was hasty in putting both McIntyre and Sheamus in the Money In The Bank Ladder Match, and that WWE management has overruled his decision. However, the both of them can qualify if they can put their personal rivalry aside and beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says tonight will be a great night for The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso) when The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) keep Drew McIntyre and Sheamus out of the Money In The Bank Ladder match and he beats Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify and become Mr. Money In The Bank. When asked who he will cash in on, Sami says he would never cash in on Roman Reigns.

Sami Zayn beats Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match.

Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) agrees that nobody wants to see them face Jinder Mahal and Shanky again, and Kofi says that they have a bone to pick with Jinder after preventing Shanky from dancing. The New Day give the fans what they want, and when they ask for a dancing Shanky, the fans unanimously approve. Woods plays the trombone, and Shanky dances, much to Jinder's chagrin. When Jinder stops Shanky from dancing, Shanky shoves Jinder, and Kofi says that Jinder walked out on Shanky like he walked out on 3MB (Heath Slater, Jinder, Drew McIntyre) before the dancing continues. Suddenly, The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) show up from behind. They attack Shanky from behind before going after and laying out The New Day.

Backstage, Sonya Deville meets with WWE official Adam Pearce, says he has heard rumors that Adam Pearce is in over his head as an official and out of touch with reality, then demands a match after being passed over for several weeks and tells Pearce not to take his anger out on her because his in-ring career was a failure. Pearce puts Sonya in a two-on-one handicap match against Raquel Gonzalez and Lacey Evans.

Before the next match, Xia Li and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler accompany Sonya Deville to the ring.

Raquel Rodriguez and Lacey Evans beat Sonya Deville in a two-on-one handicap match. After the match, Xia Li and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler attack Evans and Raquel, but Raquel overpowers Xia and Sonya, and Lacey takes out Baszler. Lacey and Raquel stand tall in the ring.

Backstage, we hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), who run into Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel) kissing a woman, Drew Gulak exercising on a ladder, and meet Madcap Moss so that Angelo Dawkins can tell a joke.

Natalya heads to the ring dressed like "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey with a baby stroller. Natalya brags about how she nearly made Ronda tapped out while simultaneously mocking Ronda, then says the Sharpshooter is deadlier than the arm bar and that Ronda has no chance against her. She taps out and apologizes to Ronda's fans, then says the best thing to do is hand the SmackDown Women's Championship to Natalya, retire and leave while she can, then the real Ronda shows up. Ronda says she and Natalya could not be any more different, then says she will not bend over and hand Natalya the title and that Natalya lacks talent and charisma that dressing like her is the closest she will get to the main event. Ronda then compliments the jacket before ripping it off, and Natalya uses the baby stroller as a weapon before retreating.

Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Drew McIntyre and Sheamus. Sheamus says McIntyre will drag him down, and McIntyre tells Sheamus to take the night off so he can get the job done by himself. Sheamus says that McIntyre cannot get the job done on his own and that he will see him in the ring.

Gunther retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Gunther.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Paul Heyman. When Kayla says that Paul Heyman may be doing Brock Lesnar the biggest favor in the world, Sami Zayn says that Kayla Braxton is trying to twist his words around and that he would rather cash in on Brock Lesnar, which earns him a stern look from Heyman.

Shotzi beats Tamina to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match. (Shotzi's DDT finisher is nown known as Never Wake Up.)

We hear from The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). Ivar says they have been pushed aside, and Erik says that nobody is safe.

The debut of Maximum Male Models is postponed again because, according to Max Dupri, WWE official Adam Pearce failed to provide an adequate dressing room, and gives Adam Pearce another week.

Pat McAfee has a microphone. He brings up Happy Corbin confronting him over how he did his job last week, then says what he comes to do his job, he feels alive, then challenges Corbin to a match at SummerSlam. McAfee says that when he kicks Corbin's teeth down his throat, he will feel more alive than he has ever been, then starts a "Bumass Corbin" chant.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) guest on commentary for the next match.

Sheamus and Drew McIntyre beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to qualify for the men's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after Angelo Dawkins stops Sami Zayn from interfering as Ridge Holland stops Butch from getting in the ring.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - WWE Raw recap for February 8, 2021

In memory of "The Natural" Butch Reed, 1954 - 2021.

WWE official Adam Pearce is in the ring, where he welcomes Shane McMahon back to Raw. It is then announced that Drew McIntyre will defend the WWE Championship in the Elimination Chamber, and that all of his opponents are former WWE Champions: Randy Orton, Jeff Hardy, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, The Miz and Sheamus. After telling Pearce he is doing a great job, Shane tells Pearce that he has made a great Elimination Chamber match before leaving. On the way out, Shane is met by AJ Styles and Omos. Styles says Shane was right when he said Pearce was doing a great job and gives him credit where credit is due, as McIntyre's chances of losing the WWE Championship are phenomenal and that this would make a good time for him to become a three-time WWE Champion. After Styles admits that he always saw Pearce as "a bit of a dumbass," he then says he will give a taste of what will happen in the Elimination Chamber Match just before Jeff Hardy shows up for the next match.

Backstage, Shane McMahon is met by Drew McIntyre, who is surprised by the Elimination Chamber match. Shane says nothing is bigger than him defending in the Chamber, and says that if Drew wants to test his mettle, the Chamber is the place to do it.

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Jeff Hardy with the Calf Crusher after targeting the left leg when Hardy tweaks it during the match.

Backstage, Matt Riddle meets with Keith Lee. Riddle admits Bobby Lashley got the best of him, but says that laughter is the best medicine and that he has gotten toasty and binge watched all the Air Bud movies. When Keith Lee asks Riddle if he wants to go for the United States title, Riddle says people tried to stop Air Bud but Air Bud persisted. Keith Lee says it is time for someone new, as he has what it takes to beat Lashley and also beat him. Riddle says "May the best man win," then leaves.

Backstage, Sheamus confronts Adam Pearce for making the Elimination Chamber match. Pearce says that Elimination Chamber needs a big main event, but Sheamus says he has seen officials come and go, break promises and overlook him. He tells Pearce that it will be his responsibility when he unleashes fury on every Superstar in the Chamber.

Mustafa Ali guests on commentary for the next match.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beats Retribution (T-Bar and Slapjack).

Backstage, Damian Priest and Bad Bunny look at pictures on a phone. Bad Bunny tells Priest he will be in his corner tonight.

"The Nature Boy" Ric Flair and Lacey Evans head to the ring. Flair says he does not take orders from any woman, not even his daughter, and while Charlotte Flair is the queen and does not need him, he needs him and he has found someone who has star potential. He says that all Lacey needs is knowledge, wisdom and patience, and if Lacey falls for his charm, so be it. Ric says that Lacey is gunning for Asuka and will become the next WWE Raw Women's Champion. Lacey says that she respects Ric and gives him the respect he deserves unlike Charlotte, and says Charlotte is a fool for turning him away and speaking to Ric like she has. Suddenly, Charlotte shows up. Charlotte says Lacey wants to use her and her dad to further her career instead of training in the WWE Performance Center, and tells Ric that she has been trying to add to her father's legacy while Ric surrounds himself with "yes men." Lacey says she does not want to replace Charlotte and that she wants to learn from Ric, and says she would be a better partner than "that feral animal" Asuka. Charlotte says she has been trying to prove she can make it on her own and that she already has a tag team partner. Lacey says she is focused on the WWE Raw Women's Championship, and has heard that if she can beat Charlotte, she is next in line for the title. When Charlotte says they can go right now, Ric Flair tires top stop the match from happening, but Lacey hits Charlotte with a cheap shot and sends her shoulder-first into the ring steps.

Backstage, The Miz and John Morrison are seen talking with Angel Garza.

Lacey Evans beats Charlotte Flair by disqualification after an angry Charlotte shoves the referee away as she repeatedly punches Lacey in the corner.

Edge heads to the ring. He says that last week was a long week, and after winning the men's Royal Rumble, he has been left with the decision of which championship to challenge for at WrestleMania, causing him to dig deeper. After meeting Drew McIntyre, Roman Reigns and Finn Balor, he was close to making a decision, but admits that the Elimination Chamber has changed things for him and says he does not know who will walk out of the Chamber as champion. While he respects Drew McIntyre, he does not like McIntyre's odds of leaving the Chamber as champion, and as he says he will wait for the dust to settle on the Chamber match, The Miz, John Morrison and Angel Garza show up. Miz says that while Edge has decision to make, Edge is the ultimate opportunist and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. Meanwhile, Miz says he likes to strategize, and says that regardless of which title Edge wins, he will cash in and leave as champion. Edge reminds Miz that he put the Money In The Briefcase on the map, and says that Miz made a mistake telling him his plans while he is busy manipulating three champion. He says Miz should focus on the Chamber while he sees his own story through.

Damian Priest beats Angel Garza after Bad Bunny counters The Miz and John Morrison's interference by throwing the Money In The Bank briefcase into the ring. When Morrison goes to get the briefcase, he and Miz get ejected from the match, allowing Priest to get the win.

Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that even with the Elimination Chamber and Sheamus on his mind, Randy Orton is his focus tonight. He says that the target on his back is bigger than ever, and while it sounds like he is backed into a corner, he will rip faces off like a wild animal if anyone comes for the WWE Championship.

Lacey Evans vs. Asuka for the WWE Raw Women's Championship is official for Elimination Chamber.

Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Bianca Belair, who says that the last week has been wild and that the honeymoon phase is over. She says that this is her time, but she will not reveal her cards yet, saying she could still challenge anybody. She says that to be "the EST of WrestleMania," she has to be the best. Suddenly, Asuka shows up and congratulates Bianca on winning the women's Royal Rumble, then says that does not mean she is ready for her. Bianca counters that while she is ready for Asuka, Lacey Evans is not, and if Asuka wins at Elimination Chamber, she just might see more of her at Raw.

MVP guests on commentary for the next match.

Keith Lee beats Matt Riddle. After the match, Keith Lee is attacked from behind by Bobby Lashley, who proceeds to overpower Keith Lee before putting Riddle in the Hurt Lock. Lashley then sends Keith Lee into the ring post on the outside before ramming the ring steps into his face.

We see a video package chronicling the feud between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre.

Backstage, Randy Orton says unfinished business stands between him and Drew McIntyre, and while McIntyre took the WWE Championship from him, he will take it back at Elimination Chamber. Orton says he will do what it takes to get what he wants, as the WWE Championship means everything and his actions end any unfinished business that he may have, and that he will walk into WrestleMania as WWE Champion.

Lana beats Nia Jax in a Tables Match after Nia misses a leg drop on the apron and Lana pushes her into a table leaning against the barricade on the outside (After the leg drop, Nia screams in pain and yell the words "Oh, my butt!" followed by "My hole!", the latter of which becomes the talk of social media into the next day; interestingly, WWE bleeps it out on the YouTube upload). After the match, Lana is attacked from behind by "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, but Naomi gets in the ring and fights her off.

Naomi beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler with an inside cradle after Baszler attacks Lana for supporting Naomi at ringside.

We see a video package about the Elimination Chamber.

Matt Riddle vs. Keith Lee vs. Bobby Lashley in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE United States Championship is official for Elimination Chamber.

Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton ends in a no-contest. During the match, Sheamus shows up, distracting McIntyre. Later on in the match, Sheamus rushes into the ring after McIntyre hits the Future Shock DDT and inadvertently hits Orton with a Brogue Kick after McIntyre senses Sheamus coming. McIntyre then hits Sheamus with a Claymore to end the show.

Raw Talk: Damian Priest talks about his friendship with Bad Bunny.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 25, 2021

Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. McIntyre says it feels good to be back, and thanks the fans for their get-well wishes before stating he is 100% right now and will be 100% on Sunday and proclaiming that COVID-19 will be beaten. McIntyre then focuses on Sunday's match, which he dedicates to those affected by COVID-19, saying he has not taken Goldberg lightly after first watching him rise to the top as a teenager. He says the last thing to go in a heavyweight fighter is power, but Goldberg is still the monster he once was. He says that Goldberg has started a new streak, but that he will be the one to break when he beats Goldberg to stay WWE Champion. Suddenly, The Miz and John Morrison show up. Miz says McIntyre vs. Goldberg will be WWE's "Kong vs. Goldberg," and Miz and Morrison says one of them, if not both of them, could end up injured by the end of the match and whoever is still standing will be a sitting duck as Miz cashes in to become WWE Champion. Suddenly, Goldberg shows up and says "You...me...Sunday...you're next," to McIntyre before he and McIntyre stare at Miz and Morrison, throw them into the ring and give them a Spear and a Claymore before continuing their staredown.

Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Charlotte Flair, who says she can perform under pressure and takes things day by day, and says that it is one thing to say you are queen, it is another to be one. She says she is defending the tag team tiles and entering the Royal Rumble, and says that she knows how to defy the odds. As for her father "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, he is in a dark place and she knows Lacey Evans' intentions, and while it is one thing to have her last name, it is another to carry it, and tonight, she has "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.

Charlotte Flair beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler by disqualification after Nia Jax hits Charlotte Flair with a leg drop soon after the match begins. After the match, Nia and Shayna continue to attack Charlotte, then Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke run in and fight Nia and Shayna. As Charlotte joins in, Lacey Evans shows up to make the brawl three-on-three.

Charlotte Flair, Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke beat Nia Jax, Lacey Evans and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler by count-out after Shayna gets Charlotte in the ring but fails to get back into the ring in time...almost. The match is restarted by Adam Pearce during the commercial break.

Nia Jax, Lacey Evans and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Charlotte Flair, Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke after Charlotte chases Lacey over the barricade and to the back.

In footage from last week, we hear from Mustafa Ali, who says that he does not want to be a reminder of reality for Kofi Kingston instead of an escape from reality. In footage from earlier today, Mustafa says Kofi's greatest moment came in the wake of his worst, and says that Kofi took everything away from him.

Xavier Woods beats Slapjack after T-Bar's distraction backfires. After the match, Woods gets blindsided with a big boot from T-Bar, and T-Bar and Mace hit Woods with a double choke slam. Mustafa Ali then sends Slapjack to get a steel chair, and Mustafa teases hitting Woods with the chair only to not do it, sit in the chair instead and demand a microphone. Mustafa tells Woods looks like a peasant despite wanting to be a king of the ring, and says he will show mercy upon him like a real king as he becomes Kofi Kingston's replacement in the men's Royal Rumble match.

Backstage, Matt Riddle meets with R-Truth, who says The Hurt Business is throwing him a surprise party in The VIP Lounge.

It is announced that Bad Bunny will perform "Booker T" live at Royal Rumble.

It's time for The VIP Lounge. MVP mentions tonight's Gauntlet Match, saying that while Matt Riddle might not be bright, he has luck on his side. Lashley says that you have to believe in someone else's belief in you, and says that despite holding the United States and Raw tag titles, The Hurt Business (MVP, Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) have just begun. As Shelton speaks, Cedric talks over him, then MVP is presented with a gold "THB" necklace. MVP is a loss for words, then Cedric and Shelton are about to argue when R-Truth shows up. As an angry MVP asks why Truth is here, R-Truth mentions the surprise party, but MVP says he is not on the list. R-Truth thinks "THB" means "Truth Happy Birthday" and not "The Hurt Business" and says he was promises twenty-four gold carrots, then Lashley admits he forgot about his birthday and makes it up for him with a gift that he has in the ring. Before R-Truth can get in the ring, a host of Superstars chase after Truth, and these Sueprstars get attacked by The Hurt Business. Suddenly, MVP is hit from behind with a Final Flash by Matt Riddle.

We look back on Edge's return in last year's Royal Rumble match as it is announced he will be here tonight.

Backstage, R-Truth talks with Adam Pearce when "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Omos show up. Styles says he would love to help Truth get in the Royal Rumble match, and Adam Pearce makes a match where if Truth wins, he can earn his way into the match. R-Truth then thinks "benevolent" is an astrology sign, saying he is a Capricorn before asking Omos if he is a Taurus.

It is announced that WWE Network will launch on Peacock in the United States on March 18th, and that more details will be soon to follow.

Sheamus beats John Morrison. After the match, Miz proposes Sheamus face him and Morrison in a two-on-one handicap match. Sheamus accepts.

The Miz and John Morrison beat Sheamus in a two-on-one handicap match.

Backstage, Lacey Evans gets some wrestling pointers from "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair shows up when Charlotte Flair shows up and asks Lacey to leave. Ric says he will always be himself, but Charlotte says she is the only one protecting him right now. She tells Ric that he is going from "legend" to "old man" as she confronts him for spending his money on everything but his family back in the day, and says that she is not the bad guy. As she leaves, she is sucker punched by Lacey.

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats R-Truth with the Calf Crusher. (Had R-Truth won, he would have entered the men's Royal Rumble match.)

We hear from Alexa Bliss, who says that last week was so much fun before laughing at the burning of Randy Orton's face along with her invisible friend. She says she wanted to have fun with Asuka, but Asuka did not want to play nice. She then says that she did not want to play nice with Asuka either, and says that The Fiend taught her the track from last week along with some other things before saying she cannot wait for him to come back so she can thank him. As for tonight, she has the opportunity to win a shiny new toy, and just like last week, she does not feel like playing nice. She then says "Let me in" in Bray Wyatt's voice.

Matt Riddle beats The Hurt Business (MVP, Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander) in a Gauntlet Match to earn a shot at the WWE United States Championship. Shelton is eliminated after Cedric's interference attempt backfires, and when MVP tries to stop Shelton and Cedric from arguing, Riddle quickly beats him via submission. After the match, Bobby Lashley attacks Riddle from behind and puts him in the Hurt Lock.

It is announced that Peacock will be the new home of the WWE Network in the United States and that the Network will fold into Peacock in that region.

We hear from Edge, who says that if 2020 taught him anything, it is that you cannot sleep on tomorrow, for it is not guaranteed. He talks about how he went to bed ten years ago as World Heavyweight Champion only to forfeit the title within a week when his wrestling career was suddenly over. Edge also talks about how he told his mother he wanted to be a wrestler for her to respond "Just go do it," which he says was the jet fuel to get his dream back, then mentions Randy Orton tearing his triceps at Backlash. He says that one must fight, and with this in mind, he is entering the men's Royal Rumble match, and this time, the stakes are higher as the window closes for him more and more every day and he must take back what he never lost. Edge goes on to say that a world without dreamers is a much less magical place, and quotes Harrison Ford, saying "If you think you can or you think you can't, you're right" before saying he can.

Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka for the WWE Raw Women's Championship ends in a no-contest. Asuka retains the WWE Raw Women's Championship. During the match, Alexa Bliss is seen on a rocking horse. Later on in the match, Alexa transforms twice, first into a pre-Fiend "Goddess" state before undertaking a darker transformation. As Alexa locks in the Mandible Claw, Randy Orton suddenly shows up and hits Alexa with an RKO to end the show.

Raw Talk: Charlotte Flair gets honest about Lacey Evans.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 11, 2021

Triple H shows up to start tonight's show. Before he can say much of anything however, so does Randy Orton. Orton jokes that "the office finally decided to show up because [Drew] McIntyre couldn't," then figures that Triple H is here to make an official ruling. Triple H admits that Orton has been impressive as of late while addressing Orton setting Alexa Bliss on fire. Triple H admits he was never prouder of Orton than in that moment, knowing what awaited Orton on the other side of that lit match, but says there are a few things Orton has done that he does not understand, like threatening, humiliating or attacking legends. He says that some of Orton's recent action solidify him not as a legend, but as a "no-good prick," but Orton says Triple H can say what he wants for he is a legend in his own much like Triple H was. Orton then asks Triple H is he still has it in him and if the Triple H of old is still in there, and asks Triple H take him on in an old-fashioned fight tonight. Triple H declines, saying there is no benefit to him. As Triple H leaves, Orton says that Triple H has declined because he cannot "retrieve [his] balls from [Stephanie McMahon]'s purse." Triple H walks back up to Orton and punches him, and Orton laughs after rolling out of the ring. Orton takes this as a "yes."

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Charlotte Flair, who says she doesn't understand why people ask her about her dad "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair before saying she will teach a "classless" Lacey Evans a lesson.

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Lacey Evans, who says Charlotte Flair needs to calm down and that she did not flirt with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. She says that while Ric may be Charlotte's father, he is a charming, handsome and powerful man's man, and dedicates the match to Ric.

We hear from Drew McIntyre, who announces that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He says that while he is fortunate enough not to have symptoms, this could happen to anybody, and asks everyone to wear a mask and socially distance.

Lacey Evans beats Charlotte Flair after "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair - who shows up to get a closer look at the match - grabs Charlotte's foot from the outside as Charlotte goes for a suplex and keeps hold of it to allow Lacey to get the win after initially putting Lacey's foot on the bottom rope following a Natural Selection from Charlotte.

Backstage, Lacey Evans leaves the arena with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Keith Lee, who is interrupted by Sheamus, who tells Lee that he has earned his respect after last week. Suddenly, The Miz and John Morrison show up. The Miz states that he and John Morrison have resolved to right the wrongs of 2020, and challenge Sheamus and Keith Lee to a match. The Miz predicts that Sheamus will turn on Keith Lee again, then he and Morrison leave.

Before the next match, Elias tells Jeff Hardy that he injured himself while recording, and that Jeff will face Jaxson Ryker. Ryker says he will do whatever it takes to prove his allegiance to Elias and the universal truth, even if it means going through him. After calling Elias' music an inspiration, Ryker then proclaims that he is inspired to destroy. Elias then guests on commentary for the match.

Jaxson Ryker beats Jeff Hardy with a schoolkid pin after grabbing the pants following the distraction from Elias. After the match, Jeff Hardy dares Elias to get in the ring so that Ryker isn't better than him. Elias steps up after telling Ryker not to get involved.

Jeff Hardy beats Elias.

Sheamus and Keith Lee beat The Miz and John Morrison after Sheamus tags himself in to hit The Miz with a Brogue Kick. Keith Lee has a laugh about it after the match. During the match, the top turnbuckle is knocked loose after Keith Lee rams into John Morrison into the corner, but it is replaced during the commercial break.

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Triple H, who says that he is here in a business capacity, but since Randy Orton cannot get it into his head what legends should mean and how they have paved the way and wants to call him out, he will accept Orton's challenge.

After the commercial break, Sheamus and Keith Lee are at each other's throats again, which leads to a one-on-one match.

Keith Lee beats Sheamus despite Sheamus targeting Lee's left arm during the match. After the match, Sheamus rejects Keith Lee's fist bump attempt and hugs him in a show of respect.

We hear from Drew McIntyre, who tells Goldberg that he let him and his legacy down by putting words in his mouth and that he only challenged him because the WWE Championship eluded him in his career. McIntyre says he did not want to accept his challenge, but that changed after Goldberg put his hands on him, and at Royal Rumble, Goldberg is next.

Backstage, Matt Riddle is excited for his match, comparing it to bringing his favorite pizza home. We then see he is talking with The Lucha House Party (Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado), who hope Riddle will win in his match with Lashley.

T-Bar beats Xavier Woods following the distraction from Retribution.

Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Randy Orton, who says that he and Triple H go way back and that Triple H knows him better than anyone else but fails to realize that he has a newfound hatred for himself that he has embraced and can direct towards someone else like Triple H.

Bobby Lashley retains the WWE United States Championship against Matt Riddle with the Hurt Lock. After the match, Matt Riddle addresses MVP, saying that while he may not have beaten Bobby Lashley tonight, he can still beat him. MVP takes off his suit jacket and approaches the ring before the commercial break.

Matt Riddle beats MVP by disqualification after Lashley getsi in the ring and attacks Riddle. After the match, MVP and Lashley lay Riddle, and when Riddle tries to get up, MVP punts Riddle in the gut.

Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles talks with Adam Pearce about the Universal Championship pictures when Drew Gulak declares himself for the men's Royal Rumble match. Pearce tells Gulak he has to earn his way in, and after Gulak reminds Styles that he had his WWE title shot and blew it, Pearce gives Gulak a chance to enter the Rumble if he can beat Styles. After Pearce leaves, Gulak also leaves when he sees Omos.

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles beats Drew Gulak. (Had Gulak won, he would have entered the men's Royal Rumble match.)

We see a video package chronicling Goldberg's career.

Backstage, Keith Lee talks with Triple H, saying he doesn't mind being there for him and having a third match, but Triple H says he had made his mess with Randy Orton and that he has to clean it up.

Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke with a Kirifuda Clutch to Mandy Rose, much to the surprise of Nia Jax.

Triple H vs. Randy Orton ends with the arena lights going on, Triple H's sledgehammer catching fire and Alexa Bliss suddenly showing up in the ring when purple lights flood the arena and throwing a fireball into Randy Orton's face.

Raw Talk: MVP goes off on R-Truth.

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!