Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for June 6, 2025

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman head to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins announces that tomorrow, he will take everything and have ultimate power and total control over the company when he wins the Money in the Bank contract. He says that anyone who stands in their way will suffer the same fate as those who already have, then says Roman Reigns is not coming to save the fans as he has never cared about them like he always has. Rollins then proclaims that he will drag everyone into the future, kicking and screaming if he has to, as that is what he does, and that there is no one who could stop him. Suddenly, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo show up and head to the ring. Solo questions Rollins' claims of disappearing and putting in the dirt those who have crossed him, then says Rollins has "a little Bloodline here going on," and compares Breakker and Bronson to "Main Event" Jey Uso and Sami Zayn, respectively. He also mentions Bronson Reed's history with him at WarGames, then addresses Paul Heyman, saying "Long time, no see." Rollins tells Solo to choose his next words very carefully. Solo says he is grabbing the Money in the Bank contract and making all of the power Rollins claims it has his. Rollins takes this as Solo being threatened, and states that Solo's family would rather stab him in the back than have his back. Rollins then tries to joke around with Jacob Fatu, then proposes renaming Jacob "Solo's bitch" before stating that he considers Jacob more threatening than Solo. Solo and Rollins remove their jackets, and when Bron Breakker steps up, so does Jacob Fatu. Rollins stands between them, then he and his party leaves the ring. As this goes on, Jimmy Uso shows up from behind and attacks Solo's party before the next match.

Jimmy Uso beats JC Mateo with a roll-up after Jacob Fatu gets on the apron and confronts Jimmy after the referee catches Solo on the apron only for Jimmy to dodge when JC Mateo pounces at Jimmy only to hit Jacob instead.

Backstage, Zelina Vega is met by Giulia. Zelina tells Giulia he has worked to become Women's United States Champion and that Giulia will have to pry the title from her cold, dead hands. Giulia admits that she likes Zelina's confidence.

Backstage, Jacob Fatu is met by Damian Priest, who says that it is tough working with family and that regardless of his situation, he will take his title. Jacob Fatu tells Priest to get ready when the time comes.

Zelina Vega beats Piper Niven in a Bakersfield Brawl after Giulia shows up and takes out Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green on the outside before hitting Piper with a shinai to assist Zelina with a powerbomb through a table. After the match, Giulia raises Zelina's hand, then headbutts Zelina and hits her with a brainbuster before raising up the Women's United States Championship.

Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso is met by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Jimmy Uso joins up, and after both men ask Jey if he is okay, Jey says he is and that he is focused on tomorrow before he leaves.

We hear from Aleister Black, who is not happy with losing his Money in the Bank qualifier match after LA Knight used the Black Mass to steal the win from him. He wants to take away all the security that LA Knight in that match and face him in a one-on-one match, and if Knight manages to beat him, he will shake his hand and admit defeat.

Before the next match, LA Knight says it is Money in the Bank season again, and this year is his third in a row in the match. He mentions Penta and Andrade and states they will do all they can to win and take things to another level, but admits that El Grande Americano and Solo Sikoa are "on the goon side of things." He says he can drop Solo on his head, then addresses Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and says there is nothing hotter than "LA Knight in LA" and that Rollins will get burned by him as he tries to burn everything down. LA Knight says Aleister Black had a shot and that Money in the Bank can make or break careers, then says he did what he had to do to get the job done, and now he will get his feelings hurt again.

LA Knight beats Aleister Black by disqualification after Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and hits Knight with The Stomp. When Rollins goes further on the attack, Aleister Black confronts him only to be Speared by Bron Breakker. Bronson Reed shows up and hits Knight with a senton, then Breakker hits Knight with a Spear.

We hear from Raw General Manager Adam Pearce and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who introduce the King and Queen of the Ring Tournament. The two tournaments, one for the men and one for the women, kick off next week. The finals for both tournaments will be at Night of Champions, and the King and Queen get shots at the world champions of their respective brands at SummerSlam.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Jade Cargill, who is excited to be in the Queen of the Ring Tournament and that she will be the Queen of the Ring when the dust settles, and when SummerSlam comes, she will be taking championship gold. As she is asked about Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair shows up and says salt and sugar look the same, and tells her to have some friends or none at all. She then says she is the only queen in WWE, then Tiffany Stratton briefly passes by.

We hear from Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto). Santos Escobar says he has a plan for Worlds Collide: they will establish who owns the world of Lucha Libre in their six-man tag match with Psycho Clown, Pagano and El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed). Gable says his confident is high even though he did not qualify for Money in the Bank. He says El Grande American will take the Money in the Bank contract home while he wins the AAA Megas Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo. Andrade shows up, as does Penta, and Gable thinks that Andrade and Penta are trying to be funny. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a match between both parties tonight.

Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. Tiffany talks about becoming Miss Money in the Bank as well as "the It Girl in WWE" last year and how everyone in the women's Money in the Bank will reach for the stars this year, then says that whoever wins will have their world revolve around her. She states that regardless of whoever wins, they cannot outdo the doer, because it is Tiffy Time. Suddenly, Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea says she has never been in the Money in the Bank Match before because she never had to be in it, and while she has never felt what it is like to win it, she knows what it feels like to be champion, and she misses that feeling. Stephanie Vaquer then shows up for the next match.

Rhea Ripley, Alexa Bliss and Stephanie Vaquer beat Naomi, Giulia and Roxanne Perez in a six-woman tag match after Naomi leaves Roxanne high and dry, allowing Rhea to hit Roxanne with the Riptide for the win.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa speaks with JC Mateo. JC Mateo does not want to trust Jacob Fatu, but Solo says everything will be okay as long as Jacob follows his lead. He also says that Jacob is not a smart man and is "all gas and no brains." After Solo and JC leave, it is revealed that Jacob has been overhearing them in the background.

We see a video from Bo Dallas aka Uncle Howdy. He says that grief is not linear or healed by time; it is a festering wound that is continually being ripped open by an echo of a presence that is no more. He says you cannot forget; you can only accept that which cannot be changed. He says he has watched the tag team division - the loyalty, the trust, the brotherhood - and wonders if the bond is unbreakable. He says that through loss, The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) is family and unshaken by the storm, but once again, people want to forget them. He says that they return not for nostalgia or closure, but to rip open the wound of apathy and take what they are owed. He says that brotherhood will be tested and that the time for repentance has passed, and tells the tag team division to accept their condemnation. He then says The Wyatt Sicks will not be forgotten. Backstage, the SmackDown tag team division has all seen this message. Montez Ford says they have a bigger problem in the form of The Wyatt Sicks, as does Angelo Dawkins, and Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) agrees. The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) also decide to fight The Wyatt Sicks, which leaves #DIY (Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Candice LeRae), who leave the room.

El Hijo del Vikingo is seen in the front row before the next match.

Penta and Andrade beat American Made (Julius and Brutus Creed) after El Hijo del Vikingo stops Chad Gable from unmasking Penta and chases him through the crowd. After the match, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman show up. They surround the ring before overpowering Penta and Andrade. Rollins then tosses Andrade out of the ring before Bronson Reed hits Penta with a Tsunami as officials are at the ring. After the commercial break, Paul Heyman says that they do not fear the future, for they are the future. He says that Rollins told everyone what the business was becoming and that he would put Roman Reigns and CM Punk out of their misery. He calls Rollins "the vanguard of the WWE" and his group "the future of the WWE," and proclaims that tomorrow night, Seth Rollins will become Mr. Money in the Bank and solidify the power that comes with the World title as he propels the industry into his vision. All of a sudden, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up, and he is soon joined by "Main Event" Jey Uso. After a second commercial break, only Cody and Jey are in the ring. Cody states that John Cena has called him "desperate," which he finds bold coming from Cena, then compares Cena in the ring with Logan Paul to Michael Hayes in the ring with The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy). He says that tomorrow night will be a showdown, which Jey Uso then calls "a yeet-down," before John Cena heads to the ring. After Cena is introduced, Jey Uso is attacked from behind by Logan Paul, and Cena strikes Cody with the Undisputed WWE Championship before hitting Jey with an Attitude Adjustment. Logan Paul then hits Cody with the Paulverizer followed by a top rope splash, and Jey also receives a top rope splash from Logan. Cena says that "No one is coming to save you," and that everyone's dream of what WWE is will be ruined, and that he and Logan as world champions will be the future. He says that he will take the WWE Championship and that Logan will take the World Heavyweight Championship to the top, as they are the last real champion and the future of the WWE, before they raise both world titles. Cena gets Cody back into the ring and hits him with an Attitude Adjustment before Logan throws Jey back into the ring to knock him out with a knockout punch, and Cena then says "You can't handle the truth!" He says that his and Logan's truths are in the ring, and there is nothing the fans or anyone who fight for them can do. He then calls the fans hypocritical for chanting for the truth when they are all liars. Cena says that this is why the fans are losers, then says this will be his last time in Bakersfield, California, and that winners write the history books. Cena and Logan lift up both world titles to end the show.

Here are the highlights for tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for May 30, 2025

Bianca Belair heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Her parents can be seen in the front row. Bianca leads the crowd into "Rocky Top," then says that Knoxville, Tennessee is special to her as both her hometown and her safe space, and that she has her family and her fans to show out for her. She addresses what has happened in the past year and that she had to come back home to heal, and while she is not 100%, she is doing all she can to return to the ring and show why she is "the EST of Tennessee" and "the EST of WWE." As she then welcomes everyone to tonight's show, Naomi shows up. Bianca says this is not the time, but Naomi says it has been way too long and that there is not a day where she does not think about what happened between them. Bianca asks Naomi what she wants, and Naomi asks and begs for Bianca's friendship, and admits that while their friendship is off the rails, she wants to fix things, but she cannot. She has tried to reach Bianca, but Bianca has not answered. She then mentions that she let herself into Bianca's parents' home and looked into Bianca's photo album, and how she noticed how happy Bianca was and how it reminder her of their tag team title reign. Bianca tells Naomi that she betrayed her trust and that she meant what she said, and says that what Naomi did to Jade Cargill will be nothing compared to what she does to her if she ever approaches her parents' house again. Naomi breaks down into tears, then becomes angry, saying it would not be good for Bianca and her mother to both be in wheelchairs and that she would hate to have something bad happen to her right here and now. Jade Cargill shows up and fights Naomi, and Bianca keeps her distance as Jade easily overpowers Naomi. Suddenly, Nia Jax shows up for the next match, now that Jade Cargill and Naomi are already here for it.

Naomi beats Nia Jax and Jade Cargill in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after escaping a double A-Nia-Lator from Nia Jax and rolling Nia Jax up for the pin and the win.

Backstage, Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu and JC Mateo encounter R-Truth talking to Little Jimmy. When JC Mateo approaches R-Truth for touching Solo, R-Truth challenges JC Mateo to a match. Jacob Fatu tells Solo and JC that he has business backstage.

Backstage, Chelsea Green - now wearing a rainbow-colored mask - demands the WWE Women's United States Championship after what Zelina Vega has done to her as well as Zelina's suspension from General Manager Nick Aldis. When Piper Niven and Alba Fyre are unhappy that nothing will be done regarding Zelina, Aldis puts Alba Fyre in a match against Zelina on the condition that Chelsea leaves him alone.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that she is being prepared and that anyone who cashes in on her will be making a big mistake. Naomi shows up and says that if Tiffany thought Nia Jax was a problem, then she has not seen anything yet, as she will cash in on her and show her what happens to those who stay in her way. Alexa Bliss then shows up after Naomi leaves and tells Tiffany she should be worried about her and not Naomi.

JC Mateo beats R-Truth after Mateo flattens Truth as he goes for the Attitude Adjustment. After the match, Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo attack R-Truth, then Jimmy Uso shows up with a metal folding chair. Mateo retreats, but Solo does not, and as Solo slowly leaves, Mateo attacks Jimmy from behind. Solo holds Mateo back, as he wants Jimmy Uso back on his side.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) head to the ring. Montez Ford says that The Street Profits are leading the charge, and Angelo Dawkins says that all the teams are coming for them. Montez says they will defend against anybody, then Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) shows up. Nathan Frazer says that he and Axiom did not get a fair shake last week, but Montez Ford says he and Dawkins had them beat until The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) showed up. As Axiom says that is to be determined and Frazer demands a rematch, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up. Alex Shelley says The Street Profits did not beat Fraxiom, but they have yet to defeat The Motor City Machine Guns, and demands a title shot. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa)and Candice LeRae show up, and Gargano says Candice was brought in to even the odds as he and Ciampa continue to be brought down. Ciampa says that all the other teams in the ring have killed the tag team division that he and Gargano have built, and demands a moment of silence for the SmackDown tag team division. That moment of silence is interrupted by The Wyatt Sicks, who immediately clean house, with Nikki Cross taking out Candice LeRae before Nathan Frazer receives a Sister Abigail from Uncle Howdy.

"All Ego" Ethan Page guests on commentary for the next match.

Los Garza (Angel and Berto) beat Rey Fenix and Je'Von Evans. During the match, Fenix and Je'Von have a brief staredown with "All Ego" Ethan Page, who then shoves Fenix into Je'Von before shoving him into the announce table. Je'Von superkicks Ethan, but Santos Escobar soon distracts the ref, allowing Ethan Page to shove Je'Von Evans off the top rope to give Los Garza the win.

We see a video message from Uncle Howdy, who says that The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) will not stop until they get what is owed.

Zelina Vega beats Alba Fyre. During the match, Chelsea Green takes off her protective face mask and swings it at Zelina only to hit Piper Niven. Back in the ring, Alba nearly collides with Chelsea Green, and Zelina soon hits Alba with a Code Red for the win.

Backstage, The Miz tells Carmelo Hayes that if they follow the plan and make no mistakes, Carmelo will win, and Miz will be able to guide him into becoming Mr. Money in the Bank. Carmelo appreciates the help, but says he has to run the play and asks Miz to let him be "Him." Miz agrees.

We hear from Giulia. She says it is her goal not to be the best, but to be indisputable. She says that the fans can love or hate her, but she is impossible to deny. Giulia sees her opponents as opportunities to cement her legacy. She says she will hit harder, move faster, think smarter, and come for everything like she always has. She then asks who will stop her before daring anyone to do just that.

Backstage, Zelina Vega meets Giulia, who shows interest in the WWE Women's United States Championship.

Damien Priest heads to the ring. Priest talks about how he lived on the street and had feuds that lasted for years, then talks about how he and Drew McIntyre had a feud for a year and ended it in a steel cage after he hit him with a Con-Chair-To and walked out of the cage. Priest tells McIntyre "I still can't stand your ass," then says that the McIntyre that he faced in the steel cage was the old McIntyre who was a warrior, which he appreciates. Priest then states that he is back on the hunt for championship gold, and while he cannot take part in Money in the Bank, he still has unfinished business with Jacob Fatu. He admits he respects Jacob Fatu as he knows where Jacob has come from before congratulating him on what he has done, but then states that he has no respect for Jacob's crew and that they will eventually handle business in the ring. Priest states that if his crew wants to step in, they can catch a beatdown, too. He then states that he will be champion again and that "El Campeon" will not be just a nickname anymore. On the way to the back, Priest encounters Jacob Fatu. Both men have a brief but knowing staredown, then Jacob Fatu heads to the ring.

Andrade beats Carmelo Hayes and Jacob Fatu in a men's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier. During the match, Solo Sikoa and JC Mateo shows up, and after Jacob hits Carmelo with a top rope moonsault, Solo and JC want him to do another one. Jimmy Uso shows up and attacks JC and Solo, and that allows Andrade to hit Carmelo with The Message to qualify.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews LA Knight. He talks about the state of the men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match, saying it is his third time in the match and while it is anyone's game. He is then met by Aleister Black, who says that LA Knight's win is partially his, then says "You're welcome, though."

Backstage, Jacob Fatu throws things around when Solo Sikoa shows up, saying he was just trying to help. Jacob tells Solo he does not need his help, then walks off as JC Mateo arrives.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody talks about the aftermath of WrestleMania 41 and how he reached out to a friend after he had a doubtful moment and asked if he was a good champion. His friend told him that he was a good champion after all that he had been through, then he thought about everything that happened in the past year, including John Cena doing what he said he would do and how he hesitated when given the choice. Cody admits he feels partially to blame for Cena ruining wrestling, then proclaims that he will never hesitate with him again no matter what Cena says, saying that Cena's expiration is on the other side of his eyes and that it burns Cena up. Cody then admits that he is fired up as it is his first night back on SmackDown, then brings out "Main Event" Jey Uso, who shows up from out of the crowd. After the commercial break, John Cena shows up and calls Cody and Jey professional wrestling's biggest "John Cena wanna-bes," and that both of them want to be him but will never do it because Cody is too desperate and Jey is too lazy. John Cena says that only Logan Paul matches him in fortune and fame as well as hustle, loyalty, and respect, and that Logan is here. Logan Paul shows up and heads to the ring. Cena says that Logan does not have to pay his dues like everyone else and that "Logan Paul is paying your mortgage," and that everybody came to see him and Logan Paul. Logan says he could walk on water and people will say it is because he cannot swim. He says that Cena can speak his language and that is the truth, and that "the stupid, simple Tennessee people" get to witness the moment he and Cena stood side by side. Logan states that the fans will get to live long, pathetic lives but will be able to claim that they saw that. He then states that he should be standing next to the Undipusted WWE Champion as a WWE Champion, and that he should have beaten Jey for his title. He tells Jey Uso that he got lucky and that Jey and Cody both know it, and that Jey needed Cody to save him, as they cannot do anything in the business without it being handed to them. He calls Jey and Cody "two nepo babies born on third thinking they hit a triple" and calls Cena "a self-made man," then says that nobody believed he would be a WWE Superstar or tag teaming with the greatest of all time, but he has done both and he is "The Superstar in WWE."After Logan tells Jey and Cody to come get some if they want some, Jey says they can handle things right now. After Cody asks what Logan and Cena are arguing about and asks Logan if he will "clean [Cena's] Peacemaker," both sides brawl. Jey and Cody take out Cena, then do the same to Logan Paul. Cody then raises the Undisputed WWE Championship to end the show.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for April 4, 2025

CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Punk grabs a video camera and captures the entire crowd and thanks 16,000 members of his hometown family and how his whole life has revolved around the phrase "You're not supposed to be here" before mentioning he is in the main event of WrestleMania. He says he has earned - not deserved - it, and how he has put in the hard work to prove he should be here, then says the hard work begins before thanking AJ Lee, his dog Larry, the fans and the city of Chicago, Illinois. Punk says he has a date at WrestleMania and says he will beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' ass and put a beating on Roman Reigns, then Paul Heyman shows up and says that Punk belongs in WWE, the ring, in Chicago and in the main event of WrestleMania. Heyman talks about the last time the two of them were in a WWE ring and how Punk saved both him and Roman Reigns' Bloodline, then says he has another favor to ask of him. Heyman asks Punk what the favor he asked for again, as Roman Reigns is not yet and he is angry. Punk says the favor is not Roman's business and that it will affect him a little bit, and that he wants Roman and Heyman to know at the same time.

Up next: Rey Fenix debuts!

Rey Fenix beats Nathan Frazer in his WWE debut. After the match, Byron Saxton interviews Fenix in the ring. Fenix says he has a lot of history in Chicago, Illinois, and tonight is not the debut of Rey Fenix; instead, it is his return and he has been rewarded with love, and he waited so long to state that he is in WWE.

Backstage, Legado del Fantasma have been watching Rey Fenix. Escobar says that this is what he expects from Angel and Berto. Berto calls Rey Fenix "a flash in the pan" and says that he is better than Fenix, and Escobar says he will have to prove it in the match with Fenix.

We hear from Drew McIntyre, who says that nobody cares Damian Priest unless he is feasting off of his scraps. He says that Priest hides in the shadows like a vulture to attack him, and now he has been praying, and when he prays, bad things happen.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Braun Strowman, who says he has had enough of Jacob Fatu sticking his nose in his business, and that he will go through Jacob in tonight's Last Man Standing Match and go on to WrestleMania. Suddenly, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, and Solo says Strowman is finished. LA Knight then shows up and tells Strowman to keep his eyes on the prize and tells Solo to keep his boys in order. Tama says Knight should be worried, but Knight says he will be stomping Tama all over the ring.

LA Knight beats Tama Tonga after Solo Sikoa's interference backfires.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Paul Heyman, who says that no matter what the favor is, his answer is "Yes." As he says this, a black GMC SUV pulls up. Instead of Roman Reigns, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins exits the vehicle, much to Heyman's chagrin. Rollins says that Heyman looks like he had a bad week while he had a great week, and that he was able to come up with a plan. He also says Heyman has dug himself into a hole with the favor for CM Punk, and tells him to know when Roman shows up, as he wants to know what the favor is.

We see more smoke and coins for eyes on a skull.

Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. After the break, Tiffany Stratton also heads to the ring, and Wade Barrett is in the ring with a microphone. Charlotte says that Tiffany Stratton was begging and that she is the gift that keeps giving, then says that she has not done any "charity work" lately and that she wants "the smartest wrestling fans" to know there is no comparison. Tiffany says Charlotte's biggest competitor is the fans and that it is part of a battle she will never win, that she tries to be all tough but cries her heart out on a talk show, and that no matter how many titles Charlotte wins, she will always be second to her father. She also mentions her WrestleMania record of 4-3. Charlotte says Tiffany is not the first person to tell her that, and she keeps booed out of the building as she tries to say more. Tiffany says she is walking into WrestleMania as a champion at 25 while Charlotte was playing volleyball and "drinking in her daddy's basement" at the same age. Tiffany says Charlotte is "the queen of shit" before Charlotte mocks her voice, then says that Charlotte will be "WWE's #1 nepo baby" before she walks out of WrestleMania at champion while Charlotte will end up alone just like her father, saying that she is "0-3" in relationships. Tiffany walks away as Charlotte asks if this is why Ludwig Kaiser is in her DM's.

General Manager Nick Aldis announces that there will be a women's tag team gauntlet match where the winners face Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.

The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) watch the next match from the front row.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships after Sabin sends Ciampa into an exposed turnbuckle.

Backstage, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes run into Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and make fun of Pretty Deadly squandering a tag team title opportunity and losing. Pretty Deadly make fun of Miz's relevance and Carmelo's relegating himself to The Miz.

Naomi beats B-Fab. Before the match, Naomi is attacked by Jade Cargill. After the match, Naomi calls out Jade Cargill, and Cargill shows up from out of nowhere and attacks her. Security stops her from hitting Jaded, and this time, Cargill levels all of security. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and puts the two of them in a match at WrestleMania.

We hear from Damian Priest, who tells Drew McIntyre that he screwed himself at every turn, yet he is still the villain, and McIntyre cost him his shot at the main event of WrestleMania. He calls McIntyre a hypocrite who complains, blames everyone for his mistakes and plays the victim. He says he is McIntyre's villain now, and tells him to meet him in the middle of the ring so he can become his victim at WrestleMania.

General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring. He says that this is not a part of his job that he enjoys doing and that there is a reason why professional wrestling should not be imitated at home before introducing Kevin Owens. Owens says he has done this for 25 years and that he can say confidently for the last 25 years, he has given it his all in the ring and that he has gotten to do incredible things he will never forget and take care of his family in ways he has only dreamed of. He says that the toll on his body is the price to pay for this opportunity and that everyone has paid that price at different times, but now it is his turn, as for the last four months, he has had a serious neck injury. Owens says he must now get neck surgery and that the timing could not be worse, as not being in the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania "really sucks." He thanks WWE for giving him the opportunity to mention this, as he does not know when he will be in the ring again. He says that he has learned not to take this for granted and that he is not taking this for granted. He apologizes to the fans, then shakes hands with Aldis before leaving. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring. Aldis tells Orton that he no longer has a match for WrestleMania, and Orton responds by hitting Aldis with an RKO.

We look back on WrestleMania 1, courtesy of Snickers.

Jacob Fatu beats Braun Strowman in a Last Man Standing Match to face LA Knight for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania after backing Strowman through a table in the corner.

Backstage, Paul Heyman waits for Roman Reigns. After the commercial break, Roman Reigns finally arrives, and he walks by Paul Heyman on his way to the ring. Roman finds out through Heyman that CM Punk is here and that Punk is still talking about the favor Heyman owes him, then says Punk would not be back here if it was not for him. He says that Punk would also not be in the main event of WrestleMania because of him, and while the fans love him, he was never in the main event until he was introduced to him. Roman then demands Punk come to the ring so he can find out what that favor is, but he ends up getting Seth "Freakin'" Rollins instead. Rollins says he would not miss this for the world and that he has the feeling that the favor in question will rock Roman's world, saying Roman does not like to live in the real world and that reality bites him in the ass when he steps out of his own world. He says that Roman underestimates Punk because he thinks he is above him, and says he has tried that and it did not work, and that he now has to deal with Punk at WrestleMania. Rollins says he is in a better place than last week and that he knows there are two things one can do: suffer and get left behind, or adapt and control reality. Roman says that Punk is not loyal and does not know what loyal is, then says that he keeps his word, unlike Rollins. He says he called Punk, not Rollins, but Rollins says he is here to hear from Punk, and now there is only one thing missing. Punk shows up and heads to the ring, and says that this is about friendship, loyalty and promises both made and kept. He says that this all spans back for years, and how Heyman told Punk to force "them" to deal with "us." Punk then says that "they" are gone, and that he will force Roman to deal with "us." He states that at WrestleMania, Heyman will be in his corner and not Roman's. Rollins says "I told you!" as Roman says "That's the favor?" and laughs. Roman says that Heyman needs him and that he saved Heyman, and that even if he could, he wouldn't. Roman tells Heyman to let Punk down easy, but Heyman starts crying. Roman tells Heyman he took him in and made him relevant, and tells him to tell Punk no. Roman then gives Heyman one more opportunity and demands Heyman tell Punk no, but Heyman says he cannot do that. Rollins is on his knees laughing before Punk attacks Roman from behind as he forces Heyman in the corner. Punk hits Roman with the GTS, then dares Rollins to face him. Rollins steps out of the ring as the show ends.

Here are the highlights from toinight's show!

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

Raw Deal - Raw recap for February 24, 2025

Logan Paul heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Logan calls Cincinnati "depressing" and talks about how he almost did not stop there only to perform for the "peasants" there because of how humble he is, and says Cincinnati wastes talent like Joe Burrow. He also Logan Paul says CM Punk is jealous of him and does not like him for succeeding at everything he does out of the ring while everything Punk does is a series of failures. talks about how he beat Rey Mysterio so he can beat "three doorknobs and John Cena" in the Elimination Chamber. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up. Punk says he does not know Logan well enough personally to have a problem with him, yet what he sees of him is "dime a dozen" and is just some kid who says things for the shock of it and has no character. After Punk says that the fans deserve better, Logan says Punk broke under pressure and tore his tricep because he could not handle the spotlight, which is why he is here. He says that the name at the top changes, and that it is now his name. Punk says the names that have come and gone are legends and history makers, and that he makes history while Logan has not and will not be around long enough to do so. Punk tells him he will eliminate him at Elimination Chamber and go on to WrestleMania to face "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and leave as Undisputed WWE Champion while nobody thinks about Logan. Punk says that in this business, he is Satan himself, while Logan is a nobody. Logan slaps Punk in the face, then rolls out of the ring and laughs about it. Punk tells Logan to run while his legs still work, as he will be locked in a cage with him, and when he gets his hands on him, he will understand why the fans chant his name.

Ludwig Kaiser beats Pete Dunne and Penta in a Triple Threat Match after shoving Penta out of the ring before he can hit Dunne with the Penta Driver.

Jackie Redmond interviews Rhea Ripley in the crowd. Rhea says she will keep an eye on Elimination Chamber, but she is focused on Iyo Sky, as she will have to beat her in order to keep her championship. She says it has been five years since she and Iyo last fought each other, and since then, she has become the most dominant woman in WWE and defeated everyone who has stepped up to her. Rhea says that after next week, Iyo's name will be added to that list. Iyo suddenly shows up and says that next week, she will beat Rhea again and head to WrestleMania as Women's World Champion.

Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) says the crowd should be thanking them for their benevolence before The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) show up to chase them out of the ring.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beat The Latino World Order (Joaquin Wilde and Cruz del Toro) after Woods distracts the referee so that Kofi can stop a double-team. After the match, The New Day continue to go on the attack until Dragon Lee shows up to make the save. The New Day eventually outsmart Dragon Lee and powerbomb him.

Backstage, Finn Balor calls last week the most embarrassing day in the history of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez) because of "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Dominik reminds Finn because of his loss to Rollins and insists they need a new member, which Finn shoots down. Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez show up, and Liv says that the fighting needs to stop and that things will look up, as they will soon become tag team champions. Finn reminds them of what happened to Jade Cargill, but Liv says they are simply not involved and that business will be taken care of.

We see footage of WWE Superstars at card collecting shops around the country for Topps Rip Night.

Members of the University of Cincinnati Bearcats football team and former NFL all-pro cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones are seen in the front row.

Gunther is in the ring. Gunther says that he was initially angry when "Main Event" Jey Uso won the Royal Rumble, but he has since warmed up to the idea of embarrassing Jey on the world's biggest stage. He then mentions that he has opened the gate for a chance of a lifetime against the World Heavyweight Champion against a hand-picked opponent: Akira Tozawa, who shows up with Maxxine Dupri and Otis. Before the match, Gunther tells Tozawa that he picked him because of his TikTok dance with Maxxine Dupri and Otis from the start of the show. He does mention that they have things in common, yet Tozawa wastes his opportunity in WWE by goofing around for the fans. He says that Jey Uso made terrible choices and that it will cost them at WrestleMania, yet Tozawa has the chance to earn his respect. He then keeps shoving Tozawa until Tozawa finally kicks him in the face. Gunther soon blasts Tozawa with a big boot and knocks him down with authority, and Tozawa chops Gunther only to be chopped back and knocked down where he stands. Tozawa avoids the powerbomb, but Gunther hits a shotgun drop kick and goes for another powerbomb. Tozawa counters with a Sunset Flip, then goes up top only to get caught for a Boston Crab. Otis wills Tozawa towards the bottom rope, and Tozawa reaches it. Tozawa goes into another chop war with Gunther, and this time, Tozawa gets powerbombed. Gunther goes for the pin, but pulls Tozawa back up at the last second. Gunther then puts Tozawa in a sleeper hold and lifts him off the mat, and Tozawa is out. Gunther beats Akira Tozawa by submission and referee stoppage, and after the match, Gunther continues to attack Tozawa until Otis steps in. Gunther shoves Otis, but this just fires Otis up, and Gunther gets out of the ring. When Otis and Maxxine Dupri check on Tozawa, Gunther gets back in, puts Otis in a sleeper and puts him to sleep. "Main Event" Jey Uso runs to the ring to make the save, and this time, Gunther gets out of the ring and stays out.

We see footage of Michael Cole on Impaulsive.

Lyra Valkyria retains the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship against Dakota Kai. After the match, Ivy Nile attacks Dakota Kai on the way to the ring, then slides into the ring and beats Lyra Valkyria up.

We see Jackie Redmond interview Sami Zayn in footage from earlier today. Sami mentions that he took a trip to Kevin Owens' home and that while Owens was not home, he did meet Owens' mother, who was in good health and spirits as they caught up on things. He then says that he looked in the mirror and did not recognize himself after his own intentions, and up until then, family has never been involved. Sami says that he does not know what he or Owens is capable of and that neither of them is in a good headspace, and that while he understands why their match is unsanctioned, WWE should be concerned about what will happen. He says that this match with Owens will be worse than any of the others that they have ever had, and warns Owens that it will be a bad time and that he hopes Owens is ready.

We hear from Bianca Belair and Naomi. Bianca says Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez are as dumb as they look, and Naomi says they could not leave things alone and had to go after their tag team titles. The two of them agree that they will retain their titles and move on to the Elimination Chamber.

Bron Breakker beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio by disqualification after Finn Balor and Carlito pull Breakker out of the ring and attack him as Breakker goes for a Spear. After the match, Dominik, Finn and Carlito go on the attack, but Breakker overpowers Dominik and Carlito and sees Finn Balor coming at him with the metal folding chair, which forces Finn Balor to back off.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Ivy Nile as The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) celebrate Ivy Nile's attack on Dakota Kai. Ivy Nile says she is getting back on the road to the Women's Intercontinental title while the Creeds go for the WWE tag titles and she beats up Dakota Kai every single week. The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) soon show up and attack The Creed Brothers.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Cody asks what it means to ask for one man's soul, and after growing up in the business, he can read between the lines and know what kind of offer The Rock has made to him. He says it is "Good Guy 101" to not lie to the fans, and that he wants them to know that he is an incredibly blessed man and that this decision not only affects him, but his family and those whose lives he touches everyday. Cody also says he does not want his father's legacy to mirror his future, and as he talks further about The Rock's offer, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and heads to the ring. Rollins says he and Cody have not been in a ring together since last year's WrestleMania, and while he wants to celebrate this moment, he wants to know what Cody is thinking. Rollins is shocked that The Rock wants Cody to sell his soul to him and become his champion after all they have been through, and says that Cody not slapping The Rock in the face is a slap in his face. He tells Cody not to make him regret everything he did to help him win the WWE Championship, and asks if the WWE Championship has become a burden to him. Cody says he wishes this conversation was going differently, and says The Rock may not have asked Rollins' because Rollins may already be compromised. He says they both know each other well and that their paths, but he has not forgotten what they went through at WrestleMania 40. Rollins says he is not here to judge Cody, and feels that he may be keeping him from making the same mistakes he made years ago. He says he has been full of hate lately and while it has pointed him in the right direction, he does not want to hate Cody. He tells Cody that he can make whatever decision he wants, but he wants to make sure that he does not face "a soulless Cody Rhodes" and instead, the same Cody Rhodes who beat him in Hell in a Cell and the same Cody he helped make champion. Rollins says Cody can do what he wants, as that is what he wants, and while he is not coming for his soul, he is coming for his title.

We see a video package of the events leading up to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez vs. Bianca Belair and Naomi for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.

Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso gives Akira Tozawa props for stepping up to Gunther in the medical room, then runs into A-Town Down Under, who call Jey Uso selfish. When they ask Jey if he has anything to say for himself, Jey says "Yeet," then Grayson says everyone chants "Yeet" because he is nothing more than a meme. Jey does another "Yeet," but Grayson tells Jey that he is not on Gunther's level and that Gunther will run through him at WrestleMania, and that everyone knows it. Jey says everyone doubts him, but he will beat Gunther and become World Heavyweight Champion. Theory does the "Yeet" with Jey, then Grayson argues with Theory about it before Jey comes back to superkick Grayson.

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Bianca Belair and Naomi to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions for the third time following the interference and distractions by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for February 14, 2025

Vic Joseph replaces Joe Tessitore on commentary this week.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody mentions that all eyes are on the men's Elimination Chamber match after "Main Event" Jey Uso challenged Gunther, and asks who he will be facing on the other side of that match. He takes solace in that it will not be Solo Sikoa when Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre takes offense to Cody talking about him like some sort of afterthought and says he will have to show Cody who he really is, but Cody says he can count the number of people who have defeated him since his return on one hand. After Cody says that McIntyre is one of them and that he has not forgotten, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga show up. Jacob says McIntyre has gotten his spot in the Elimination Chamber, but he is all gas and no brakes and he will dog walk Braun Strowman and Damian Priest to enter the Chamber, go on to WrestleMania and bring the Undisputed WWE Championship back to his family where it should never have left. McIntyre says they should throw down right now, but he has his spot in the Chamber already and that Jacob wants to talk to Cody before walking off. Jacob slowly circles Cody and stares at the Undisputed WWE Championship, then says that when Jacob wins in the Elimination Chamber, they can fight over the title. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa pulls up in a black Jeep Wagoneer. Jacob stops Cody, saying he will speak to Solo regarding family business. Cody tells Jacob to get the first word, as he will surely get the last.

Backstage, Tama Tonga looks for Solo Sikoa. He asks somebody for directions and gets them, then the person who gave him directions gets beaten up by Jacob Fatu.

Wade Barrett interviews Trish Stratus at the front row. Trish says it was great to return at the Royal Rumble to kick off her 25th anniversary in the business, then says she will be at Elimination Chamber.

Naomi beats Chelsea Green in a women's Elimination Chamber Match qualifier.

We hear from Sami Zayn, who says that the last couple of weeks have been tough after coming to terms with everything, and says that Kevin Owens tried to end his career despite being there for him. He says he does not know when he will be cleared, but when he is, he and Owens will go again and it will not be fun.

It is announced that Michelle McCool has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).

We hear from Damian Priest, who says that the last four years have shown who he is and that he is taking a backseat to nobody, and that when the bell rings, he does not know his opponent. He says he does not need a crew or a leader; just himself.

WrestleMania 41 is 64 days away!

Backstage, Jacob Fatu finds Solo Sikoa and asks what is going on. Solo says he needed time off and that he has not been himself ever since he lost the ula fala and has not been himself. He says he is okay now and ready to take over, and that it all starts with Jacob Fatu taking the Undisputed WWE Championship back. He then tells Jacob that he loves him.

Shinsuke Nakamura heads to the ring. He says that for weeks, he has waited and watched from the shadow, praying for a worthy challenge and a warrior to take to him. As Nakamura says that he is looking for a test, LA Knight shows up. Knight says Nakamura may have been waiting in the shadows for a worthy competitor, he is not looking for a test, and that Shinsuke needed help just to beat him for the United States title. Knight then says the test is looking at Shinsuke and that Shinsuke has already failed it before The Miz shows up and admits that Knight is more than a flash in the pan, then calls the fans "uneducated" and "basic" for eating out of Knight's hands. Miz considers Knight an unworthy challenger, and Knight interrupts, saying that Miz has not been relevant in a decade and that he almost forgot Miz was even here, then tells Miz to start a farewell tour as everyone wants him to go away. Miz mocks the fans for telling him to go away, even pretending to cry while doing it, but Knight calls him and Drew McIntyre "the kings of crybaby bitches." Miz says guys like Knight cannot measure up to him and that his resumé stands alone, and that Knight is not even on his radar. He then says that if Cena can call his shot, then so can he, and he calls his shot on the United States Championship. He says he is on SmackDown with a purpose to elevate a title and make a way to WrestleMania while Knight stays the same guy he always has been, but Knight says he has defended the United States title more than Logan Paul or Shinsuke ever has. He then goes on to call The Miz "the most impotent dork" and says he is not championship material. Miz goes for a cheap shot, but Knight blocks and nearly hits him with the BFT. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up as The Miz runs back to the ring and makes a match between Miz and Knight.

LA Knight beats The Miz. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura gets in ther ring and has a staredown with LA Knight.

Backstage, Candice LeRae and Nia Jax are met by Alexa Bliss, who says that she and Nia Jax just might face each other down the line.

Backstage, The Miz is met by Andrade, who offers to teach The Miz something if he just lets him know. Andrade leaves, then Carmelo Hayes shows up and says people like Andrade do not respect talent like them. Miz agrees and says they should team up, saying "Melo don't Miz." Carmelo is not having it, and walks away.

Carmelo Hayes beats R-Truth.

We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Angelo Dawkins says they have ruffled a few feathers by just telling the truth, and says they are the ones who should be mad. He says that when he is cleared, anyone who gets in their way gets put in the dirt. Montez Ford says everyone will know the frustration burning in them for years, and that they want the smoke.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). Elton Prince says they feel like two tasty snacks again, and Kit Wilson says they are tired of being underestimated. #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up disappointed with Pretty Deadly, and warns them that whatever happens is on them and that their tag team title dreams are dead.

We hear from Kevin Owens, who says he has been stabbed in the back and heartbroken by three men who he considered brothers in the last six and that Sami Zayn does not know what real pain is. Owens tells Sami he will show him, and that he cannot think of a better place than at Elimination Chamber.

Tiffany Stratton retains the WWE Women's Championship against Nia Jax by disqualification after Candice LeRae attacks her. After the match, Nia and Candice attack Tiffany, and Nia hits Tiffany with the A-Nia-Lator. Candice then grabs a chair, but Trish Stratus shows up and makes the save for Tiffany. Trish fights Candice, but soon gets squashed in the corner by Nia. When officials show up, Nia hits Tiffany with one last leg drop. As Candice and Nia leave, Charlotte Flair shows up, heads to the ring, grabs a microphone, sits down in the chair that Nia and Candice almost used, then picks Tiffany as her WrestleMania opponent and tells Tiffany that she will see her at WrestleMania.

Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Bianca Belair and Naomi. Aldis says she got an anonymous video of the attack on Jade Cargill, which shows that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez were near the ambulance, proving that they attacked Jade.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton. Tiffany says Charlotte Flair will learn that it is Tiffy Time, then Trish Stratus shows up and says she also has a problem with Nia Jax anad Candice LeRae and offers to team with her at Elimination Chamber. Tiffany accepts.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre meets with Jimmy Uso and tells him to look on the bright side regarding his career because he is married, then Jimmy teases walking away only to superkick him out of nowhere.

Backstage, Braun Strowman says he has his hands full, but it has been five years since he held a world title and that he is running through Damian Priest and Jacob Fatu to win at the Elimination Chamber and come for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

Damian Priest beats Braun Strowman and Jacob Fatu in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the men's Elimination Chamber match. During the match, Strowman is about to attack Jacob as Jacob has a metal folding chair when Solo Sikoa hits him with a Samoan Spike. Jacob hits Strowman with a top rope moonsault, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and brawls with Solo. Tama Tonga shows up and holds down Cody from behind, but when Solo goes for the Samoan Spike on Cody, Cody ducks and Solo inadvertently hits Tama instead. Jacob Fatu confronts Solo for this, and Priest shoves Jacob into Solo, allowing Cody Rhodes to hit Solo with a Cross Rhodes before hitting Strowman with South of Heaven for the win and to advance to the men's Elimination Chamber Match. After the match, Priest and Cody have a staredown and look at the WrestleMania sign before shaking hands.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown recap for January 31, 2025

Michael Cole introduces Pat McAfee. Pat McAfee says he has worked to bring the Royal Rumble to Indianapolis, Indiana, and he tells everyone from outside of the city that Indianapolis hosts the biggest show on Earth every single year. He says that the entire city is ready, then says he loves the city and WWE and that he is thankful to be here. Afterwards, Joe Tessitore interviews Kevin Owens in the ring. Owens mocks Tessitore for caring only for Cody Rhodes' feelings while disrespecting his and states that he will be the one to become Undisputed WWE Champion on Saturday. When Tessitore apologizes for potentially coming up short in his coverage of him, Owens tells him to shove it up his ass, then takes back the Winged Eagle Championship only for CM Punk to show up. Punk apologizes for interrupting him, then says he heard his name being invoked. He also apologizes for making it seem like he is looking past him on the way to win the Royal Rumble and potentially face Owens in the main event. Punk tells Owens that when he wins the Royal Rumble, he is coming for him and that his reign will not last long. Owens says he likes everyone else in the Royal Rumble more than Punk, but entertains the thought of beating Punk in the WrestleMania main event. Owens says he knows how much winning the Royal Rumble means to Punk, and admits that he loves the idea of CM Punk not winning the Royal Rumble and obsessing over what could have been before going to his grave as a miserable failure. After Owens says he hopes Punk does not win the Royal Rumble and attempts to leave, Punk says Owens may have accomplished a lot in WWE, he has never lost five title matches at Royal Rumble or to Logan Paul, or took shortcuts to win a title. Punk then dares Owens to get in the ring right now so he can kick his ass, and says that while he may not main event WrestleMania, he can still kick his ass. Owens teases getting in the ring, but leaves instead.

Backstage, The Miz meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. As The Miz says he could have taught Andrade so much and that he would punch him in the face right now, Miz finds out Andrade is in the room. Andrade challenges The Miz to a match tonight, and while The Miz has nothing to prove, he will teach him greatness any time, anywhere. Aldis makes the match official for tonight.

Backstage, Jimmy Uso says Carmelo Hayes has a lot to prove tonight and that if Carmelo misses tonight, it is over for him.

Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says Jimmy Uso is talking like he is "The One" when he is really "The Two," then says he will not miss because his name is not Tyrese Halliburton (who is in the crowd).

Jimmy Uso beats Carmelo Hayes with a schoolkid pin and a grab of the tights after kicking out of a roll-up in which Carmelo grabs the middle rope for leverage.

Royal Rumble, by the numbers.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Chelsea says "Michin" Mia Yim tried to destroy "the face of the United States," then says she will return the favor, win the Royal Rumble, and win at WrestleMania.

"Michin" Mia Yim beats Chelsea Green by disqualification after Chelsea hits her with a shinai. Chelsea Green retains the WWE Women's United States Championship. After the match, Michin fights back and starts striking Chelsea with the shinai until Chelsea runs away.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bianca Belair and Naomi. Bianca says that she and Naomi will be a tag team before and after the Royal Rumble, and Naomi says they will support each other no matter what. Bianca says that if one of them does not win, the other will. Bianca says that she and Naomi are going to stay Women's Tag Team Champions no mater what, and Naomi says that Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez should be ready to rumble.

We see another vignette for Charlotte Flair. She agrees that she is arrogant and greedy and that she has worked her ass off in the last year to get where she is, and says that the stories she has heard are all true. She says it is lonely at the top because she does not need to make friends, and that she has reached her goal to stay on top for ten years and that she is not going to let the last year define her. Charlotte says she is fortunate and blessed, but also history-making, record-breaking, never scared and "the woman of WWE."

Stephanie McMahon is seen in the crowd.

Damian Priest heads to the ring. Priest talks about how he started four years ago on Raw and only cared about his name living forever, making an impact and wanting to be know. He says he went from betrayer to betrayed, follower to leader, and nobody to World Heavyweight Champion. He says he does not want to live in the past anymore and that the goal now is championships, and that will start by throwing people over the top rope in the Royal Rumble to secure his spot at WrestleMania and getting his hand raised as world champion. Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga get in the ring. Jacob says he knows who Priest is and what he has done, and says Priest has accomplished more than everyone in the back. He says they both came out of the gutter and from the streets, with the only difference being he was in prison. He tells Priest not to get things twisted, as he is off the leash and it is "all gas, no brakes," and that he will not let Priest make a name for himself because he and Tama run SmackDown. Priest makes it clear he is not intimidated and that Jacob should no better, then asks why they are even talking before superkicking Tama. After a staredown, Priest and Jacob brawl, and Priest gets the upper hand until Tama jumps back in. At this point, the numbers game takes over, and Tama grabs a metal folding chair. LA Knight suddenly shows up and bootsthe chair into Tama's face before smacking it into Jacob's back. It has no effect, but that allows Priest to hit a superkick and gives LA Knight the upper hand. LA Knight then challenges Jacob Fatu to a tag team match against him and Damian Priest.

Backstage, Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Berto, Garza) are met by The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Sabin admits both teams do not like each other, but he wants to make sure they are on the same page, and Shelley wants to make sure they are ready to win. Santos makes it clear that he and the rest of Legado del Fantasma have to fight to get what they want, and while The Motor City Machine Guns want to have their backs, Los Garza (Berto and Garza) say they can take care of themselves and that they will be coming after the Machine Guns at the Royal Rumble.

It is announced that Paul "Triple H" Levesque will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat Los Garza (Berto and Garza) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) after Los Garza walk out on The Motor City Machine Guns, Tommaso Ciampa accidentally boots Elton Prince in the face and Chris Sabin pins Ciampa with a victory roll.

Backstage, Tama Tonga notices the WWE Tag Team Championships, and when #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) come to take them, Tama simply goes "yeah, yeah, yeah" before DIY leave. DIY then argue with Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) over their loss and booting Elton Prince in the head, but Gargano says it is not the time to argue and says that if they lose their titles, Pretty Deadly can kiss their title opportunity goodbye. Elton Prince tells #DIY they are on their own.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tyrese Halliburton. Halliburton says he is excited to see the Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, Indiana. He says tomorrow's game with the Atlanta Hawks will be a good game, and that he looks forward to the Royal Rumble. We then see footage of Michael Cole and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes crowdsurfing before the show through the Pat-a-Strator.

We see a video package for Kevin Owens vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in a ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.

Naomi beats Liv Morgan after Bianca Belair pulls Raquel Rodriguez off the apron and Naomi reverses a Sunset Flip from Liv Morgan and pins Liv's shoulders to the mat. After the match, Liv and Raquel attack Bianca and Naomi and come out on top.

Andrade beats The Miz with a devastating spinning back elbow.

Backstage, Damian Priest is met by Santos Escobar, who says that SmackDown can be a very hard place to survive in and offers his help. Priest says he is not in the mood, and Escobar says that "Dominik" was right about him having a big ego. Priest tells Santos to pick his next words carefully, but Santos says he will be seeing him. Priest then runs into R-Truth, who thinks tonight is Raw and that General Manager Nick Aldis is Adam Pearce. He then runs into LA Knight, and the two of them agree to team up tonight, but Priest says that on Saturday, he does not know him. As this goes on, Shinsuke Nakamura watches from the background. R-Truth then proposes that the three of them should form a team.

Backstage, Tiffany Stratton runs into Zelina Vega, who entertains the idea of winning the Royal Rumble and going after the WWE Women's Championship. Tiffany says she will be sitting pretty while Zelina fights for her life against 29 other women.

Michael Cole and Pat McAfee interview Tiffany Stratton in the ring. Tiffany says the WWE Women's Championship may be her first title on SmackDown, but she has always been championship material, and now, everyone knows it. She says it does not matter who wins the Royal Rumble, because it is always Tiffy Time, and if Nia Jax wins tomorrow, that is fine with her. Candice LeRae suddenly shows up and calls Tiffany "pathetic," saying she is not deserving of the championship after she betrayed Nia, and that Tiffany is jealous that Nia prefers her as a tag team partner. She tells Tiffany to enjoy what little bit of "Tiffy Time" she has left, as she has entered the Royal Rumble and will make her regret her actions. As she tells Candice that she is the champion while Candice will stay Nia Jax's sidekick, she sees Nia Jax coming. Nia accidentally smashes Candice in the corner, but she soon gets the upper hand on Tiffany and hits her with the A-Nia-Lator.

LA Knight and Damian Priest beat Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. After the match, Jacob gets back in the ring and superkicks Priest before hitting him with a Samoan Drop and a top rope moonsault to end the show.

Here's the recap for tonight's show!

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

Generation NXT - NXT recap for January 28, 2025

Giulia and Bayley beat Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade.

We hear from Eddy Thorpe, who says that he has been overlooked in NXT. He says that he has stood up and proved that he belongs in the NXT Championship picture. Thorpe says he has readied himself and that he will make his mark in NXT, because he cannot be broken.

It's time for The Grayson Waller Effect. Tonight's guest is Oba Femi. Oba says the NXT Championship is where it is supposed to be before Austin Theory sings Oba's praises until he suddenly states that he and Grayson do not see his potential to reach the main roster. Oba says he never saw either of them as NXT Champion, and that he has accomplished more than both of them combined.Grayson says he wants to see what Oba Femi is capable of first-hand but also states that Oba sits there waiting to do what he and Theory can do, and Theory boasts about being in three WrestleManias before Oba Femi signed to WWE. Theory says he and Grayson are in the big leagues and that Oba Femi will end up in catering before selling T-shirts on the indies before bragging about how he and Grayson make unforgettable moments. Oba Femi says he sees no championships on them because of their big mouths cashing checks that their hands cannot cash, and says that his empire, which he has made brick by brick will be built. As Trick Williams watches from backstage, Oba Femi challenges A-Town Down Under (Grayson and Theory) to a one-on-one match at Vengeance Day. As Grayson answers Oba's challenge, General Manager Ava shows up as Trick heads to the stage. Ava states that she is the one makes the matches, not Grayson, before Trick Williams suddenly gets in the ring and confronts Oba before knocking A-Town Down Under out of the ring. Oba Femi then hits Trick with the Fall From Grace.

Sarah Schreiber interviews Izzi Dame. Izzi says there is nothing going on between Tony D'Angelo and herself besides having a common enemy in Shawn Spears, but admits that thanks to her efforts, Tony D'Angelo is champion for a little while longer. Ridge Holland shows up and calls Izzi a liar, saying that if it were not for her, he would be North American Champion. Suddenly, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo confronts Ridge, but Ridge tells him to get out of his face. Referees have to hold both men back.

Wes Lee beats Trick Williams by disqualification after shoving the referee as he stomps at Wes Lee at the corner in frustration. After the match, Tyson Dupont tries to hit Trick Williams with a metal folding chair, but Trick kicks the chair into his face, takes the chair, and swings it around.

Backstage, General Manager Ava is watching from her office when Oba Femi shows up. Ava tells Oba that she makes the matches and that at Vengeance Day, it will be him vs. Grayson Waller vs. Austin Theory for the NXT Championship.

Backstage, General Manager Ava confronts Trick Williams. After finding out about the NXT Championship match at Vengeance Day, Trick says A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) are unworthy of a title shot. Ava tells him to prove it in a tag team match against them with Oba Femi as his partner.

Fallon Henley retains the NXT Women's North American Championship against Shotzi Blackheart. After the match, Stephanie Vaquer shows up and has a staredown with Fallon.

Backstage, Karmen Petrovic thanks Kelani Jordan for the assist, but Kelani says she did it for herself, and says it is only a matter of time before Ashante "Thee" Adonis leaves her.

Backstage, Sarah Schrieber interviews General Manager Ava. Ava says she wants to find the best competitor for Giulia when Roxanne Perez and Cora Jade show up, with Roxanne wanting her rematch with Giulia. Ava makes Giulia vs. Bayley vs. Roxanne for the NXT Women's Championship at Vengeance Day, much to the irritation of Cora Jade.

Rapper Killer Mike is seen in the crowd.

"All Ego" Ethan Page beats Cedric Alexander after targeting Cedric's left hand throughout the match. After the match, Ethan Page removes a bottom turnbuckle, then Je'Von Evans shows up and fights Ethan to keep him from attacking Cedric further.

Backstage, Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley are both angry at Stephanie Vaquer, and Jayne says that Fallon will show Stephanie not to mess with Fatal Influence (Jacy, Fallon, Jazmyn Nyx) at Vengeance Day. Meanwhile, Jacy has a match with Stephanie next week.

We hear from Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura. He gifts Inamura with a leather vest and says that they will beat Nathan Frazer and Axiom for the NXT Tag Team Championships.

Bianca Belair and Naomi retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Meta-Four (Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson). During the match, Cora Jade is looking for General Manager Ava, demanding to have a word with her.

The end of the show sees a series of color bars. The words "WWE Transmission" are replaced with "Vengeance Day."

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 27, 2025

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins talks about his recent loss to CM Punk and how it led him to re-think who he is and who he wants to before realizing who he is and that he does not stay down for very long, for when he is most focused, there is no one better than him. He then talks about how he started his path to redemption last week and how he will keep it going at the Royal Rumble when he tosses everyone out of the ring, especially Roman Reigns. Rollins especially hopes to toss CM Punk out of the ring and crush his WrestleMania dreams to dust, then questions which championship he will go after. As he does, Gunther shows up. Gunther asks Rollins where he has been the last few months, as he has been defending the World Heavyweight Championship against "Main Event" Jey Uso, who he calls "a clown," then says Rollins has forgotten what matters in the company. He tells Rollins to focus on the Royal Rumble even though he is unsure Rollins still has it in him, but Rollins reminds Gunther that his title would not exist without him, as he made the title. Gunther tells Rollins he is aware of who he is, but tells him that he is not the best wrestler in the world anymore, as he is the World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther then tells Rollins to win the Royal Rumble, challenge him and square off with him at WrestleMania so he can make him feel what his past opponents have felt and realize that the only name synonymous with the World Championship is his. All of a sudden, Logan Paul shows up, and the crowd proceeds to boo him out of the building as he brags about how great he is at everything he does. He says this is "the Netflix era" and that it needs a new face oozing with charisma and confidence. He says Rollins and Gunther are good at wrestling while he is even better as the fans, and brags about building a career faster than the both of them before declaring for the Royal Rumble and bragging that he will work smarter and not harder. Logan then says that when he wins the Royal Rumble, he can choose which champion to go for, and entertains the idea of wrestling Gunther. Gunther then changes his mind, saying he wants Logan to win the Rumble so he can embarrass him when he slaps the smirk off his face. Rollins agrees, but says that Gunther will be embarrassed if he chooses to take back the World Heavyweight Championship.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews CM Punk. CM Punk says that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins will fare as well as everyone else in the Royal Rumble when Sami Zayn shows up and confronts Punk for saying he is not on his level, then says he agrees as he has main evented WrestleMania while Punk has not. Sami leaves, then runs into Karrion Kross. Sami tells Kross to stop doing whatever it is he is trying to do, but Kross tells Sami to think with his head instead of his heart, as he is in the best position yet and he has a world of opportunity. Kross leaves, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes greets Sami.

Actor Noah Centineo, rapper Lil Yachty, rapper 2 Chainz, rapper Quavo, A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory), and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) are seen in the crowd.

The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day (JD McDonagh and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) despite Carlito spitting apple into Ivar's face as McDonagh distracts the referee.

Backstage, Ludwig Kaiser catches up with Pete Dunne. All of a sudden, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) shows up, and both of them walk away. Cathy Kelley then interviews Kofi Kingston, who announces that "Atlanta's favorite son" Xavier Woods has come home. Cathy thinks it is Austin Theory or Cody Rhodes at first until Woods says it is him and that he will beat Rey Mysterio tonight while his family watches in the front row.

Rappers Lil Baby and Killer Mike are seen in the crowd. Meanwhile, there is reserved seating in the front row for Xavier Woods' family.

Rey Mysterio beats Xavier Woods after Xavier Woods finally sees his family in the crowd only for his family - and Lil Yachty - to turn on him. After the match, The Latino World Order (Rey, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro, Zelina Vega) celebrates with Woods' family at the front row. During the match it is announced that Zelina Vega has been transferred to SmackDown.

Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and tells him that the Helluva Kick was an accident. Rollins agrees, but admits that his relationship with Roman Reigns does not rest well with him. He also says that if it happens again, he will not be so sure. Sami says he understands, and after both men get back on the same page, Rollins tells Sami to get the win against Drew McIntyre tonight.

"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring along with rapper Quavo. After Jey Uso and Quavo get the crowd fired up for several minutes, Jey Uso thanks the fans. Jey Uso admits that he lost to Gunther, but says he knows he can beat him. He mentions Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and Gunther mentioning him, then says he will win the Royal Rumble, main event WrestleMania and become World Champion.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Lyra Valkyria. Lyra says she is taking the next big fight in front of her and declaring for the Royal Rumble before American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile) show up. Chad Gable tells Lyra not to get used as champion, as Ivy Nile will take it. Lyra says this is the closest anyone in American Made will get to it, and Ivy Nile threatens to clip Lyra's wings at the Royal Rumble. American Male then run into Alpha Academy (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri) making a video for social media, and Gable chews them out and says they should be ashamed of themselves before Ivy Nile calls Maxxine Dupri "pathetic."

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez beat Bianca Belair and Naomi following the distraction by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Naomi hits Liv with the split leg moonsault, but Raquel hits her with a Tejana Bomb on the ring apron, allowing Liv to get the pin and the win.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley. Rhea admits her body is banged up thanks to Nia Jax, but she reminded Nia why she is always on top. As Rhea thinks about who might win the Royal Rumble this year, Bayley shows up and says it might be her. Rhea leaves, then Bayley runs into Iyo Sky, who says "See you Saturday."

We look back on Michael Cole's entrance at WrestleMania 27.

Livestreamer Kai Cenat is seen in the crowd.

We hear from Penta, who says that this is only the beginning and that he will become the best in the world by facing the best in WWE. He declares for the Royal Rumble and says that after it is over, he will have his WrestleMania moment.

Paul Heyman heads to the ring. Heyman announces that Roman Reigns will be the cover athlete for WWE 2K25 and that Roman can handle the responsibility of being the cover athlete, then announces that Roman Reigns will take back the Undisputed WWE Championship like he took back his ula fala. Heyman then announces that Roman Reigns will be in the Royal Rumble. Suddenly, Drew McIntyre shows up and says Heyman should love him due to all the success that he has gotten, as he considers himself "the daddy of The Bloodline." McIntyre talks about how he won the Royal Rumble in 2020, beat Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania, and how Lesnar left Heyman at sea to swim to shore and become Roman's wise man. He says that because of this, Heyman is on the corner of the cover art, and that Heyman should be thanking him. Heyman thanks him, but tells him he is crowding him right now. McIntyre apologizes and backs off, then asks Heyman to tell "[his] boy" that he will target him and beat him within an inch of his life before he eliminates him at the Royal Rumble. Heyman says he will pass the message on to Roman, but McIntyre stops him as he decides to leave. McIntyre says he was not talking about Roman, but about CM Punk. He then lets Heyman leave.

Drew McIntyre beats Sami Zayn after avoiding the Helluva Kick and using the ropes for leverage on the stack-up pin. After the match, McIntyre attacks Sami from behind as Sami argues with the ref. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes runs in and fights McIntyre, and when Sami goes for the Helluva Kick, he accidentally hits Cody. Kevin Owens then shows up, looks at Sami, then rolls out of the ring.

We see Roman Reigns on the set of the WWE 2K25 commercial shoot.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is in the ring. He says that in the last seven months, it is the mindset and the work, not the belt, that makes one a champion, and that he looks forward to Royal Rumble when he can move past Kevin Owens. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up and says all of this is getting to Cody a little bit, as he knows what the championship can do to a man and that it weighed on him and turned him into something he did not want to be around the 300-day mark. He says that Cody wants to do it all, but nobody is Superman. Cody says he considers CM Punk a friend, and CM Punk agrees, saying he will always be Cody's friend partly because of a promise to his father and partly because he loves him. He feels like he let him down, but admits that nobody could have prepared Cody for this. Punk says that when you are champion, there are no friends, and heavy is the head that wears the crown. Cody mentions that last year, Punk had a prediction that had a lot of truth to it, and asks Punk what is next for him. Punk says that in the short term, he gets to sleep in his own bed tonight, but he may not sleep at all due to the day ahead. He says that even if he is lucky enough to spend time with his wife and daughter, he will still be focused on Royal Rumble, and even if Cody can get past Owens, there is the next show, and there is the sacrifice. Punk says this means something to guys like them, but somebody will be on the way up while Cody is on the way down. Punk says that this is the good news, and that the bad news is that this somebody is him. Punk says that since he is his one true friend, he will stab him in the front. Cody says that when he came into the wrestling business, everyone chased CM Punk down in OVW, and even when Punk was gone, that chase never ended. He then says that in that time, the relationship has changed, because Punk is now chasing him. Cody tells Punk he hopes that he wins the Royal Rumble, because he wants him to catch up. Punk stops Cody says a lot of men have hoped it is him that catches them, but there are a graveyard of careers who wanted him to until they did. Cody stops Punk and says he wants Punk to win so he can see the look on his face when the best in the world finds out he is not the best in the world anymore.

Here are the highlights from tonight's show!

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