Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Becky Lynch celebrates the fact that this is the first televised WWE event in Ireland by saying "We're on the telly!" and talks about how she was a fan in tonight's venue and how Randy Orton made eye contact with her. She always hoped that Ireland would be on television, and now that they are, they do not deserve it. She even says she petitioned in the back to get the show cancelled, and says the fans will not get Lyra Valkyria when the fans chant "We want Lyra!" Becky then goes on about how she has been a hero for WWE and goes on about her accomplishments, which leads to "Who are ya?" chants. She also says nobody wants "his old ass" when the fans chant for CM Punk. She also complains about the lack of media coverage she has gotten and how she has seen the faces of other Irish sports and media personalities at the airport but not hers. Suddenly, Tiffany Stratton shows up and tells Becky is on the wrong show and that she can either leave under her own decision or she can make her leave. Nia Jax shows up wondering why Tiffany is concerning herself with Becky when she has bigger problems with her. Nia then smacks Tiffany and knocks her down, then she and Becky stomp her until Jade Cargill arrives and takes out Nia. Becky tries to sneak up on Cargill, but Cargill sees her coming. Tiffany drop kicks Nia off the ring apron when she tries to get back in, then Becky leaves the ring. General Manager Nick Aldis says that "Big Time Becks" is giving him "big time trouble" and that Raw General Manager Adam Pearce has signed off on "the big time main event": Becky and Nia vs. Tiffany and Cargill.
Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) meet with Carmelo Hayes, saying that he was great in the ring last week and that The Miz stole his thunder. When Frazer calls Miz "a schemer," The Miz shows up and takes offense, but Carmelo stands up for Miz and credits him for their success.
Melo Don't Miz (Carmelo Hayes and The Miz) beat The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) after The Miz gets the pin and the win on Chris Sabin after Carmelo hits Sabin with a lungblower.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jimmy Uso. Jimmy Uso says he has been getting a lot of love from everyone, including Sami Zayn, who shows up and congratulates Jimmy. Solo Sikoa and MFT (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) show up, and when Sikoa gives him his blessing, Jimmy and Sami have none of it. Sami tells Solo he should be worried about keeping the United States Championship and not naming other people's kids, and that he will be facing a WrestleMania main eventer when he faces off with him.
Piper Niven beats Charlotte Flair after Alba Fyre distracts the referee, allowing Chelsea Green to rake Charlotte's eyes as Charlotte has Piper in the Figure Eight and allowing Piper to hit the Piper Driver for the pin and the win.
Backstage, Kiana James is talking with Giulia when Michin shows up. Kiana insists that "Michin" Mia Yim go through her to get to Giulia, and Michin says she will run through Kiana before going through Giulia.
John Cena heads to the ring. Before he has the chance to say anything, Logan Paul shows up. Logan Paul gets in the ring and says it is good to be back in England (despite being in Dublin, Ireland) before mocking the fans, then says Cena is "a corporate pawn" who will do whatever he is told while he does whatever he wants. He says that one of them is the imposter, and lists his accomplishments and calls himself the guy who stays in WWE to be himself and while calling Cena the guy who goes to Hollywood and does the same move for over 23 years. Logan says he looks forward to facing Cena at Clash in Paris and tells him that WWE is his house. Cena admits that Logan is full of potential and that it makes both him and the fans upset, but also says that while Logan is not an outsider, he is a disappointment. He says that WWE looked forward to his arrival, but instead of respecting the house that is WWE, he uses the company as another branding opportunity. He also says that Logan disrespects his family while also putting himself on the line for 23 matches while he himself has put himself on the line for 23 years and has given so much more to the business. Meanwhile, everyone can see how slimy Logan is and knows that he asks what he can take from the business, and regardless of what he can do, he is a parasite who sucks whatever he can out of WWE. He says that Logan got lucky and got his match with him, and now his match at Clash in Paris is the biggest of life. Cena says Logan knows plenty about hustle, he does not know about loyalty or respect, and does not know that this is the fans' house. He tells Logan to bring his A-game, as he is facing the best of all time, and that he will beat "the everloving shite out of him." Logan shoves and then swings at Cena, but Cena ducks and hits an Attitude Adjustment.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton meets with Jade Cargill. Cargill says they can work together tonight, but afterwards, she is coming for her title.
Backstage, Logan Paul runs into Drew McIntyre, who says that Logan is scared of John Cena's "Super Cena" mystique and tells him that this is not 2010 and that he is in his prime. He tells Logan to make this right regardless of what it takes.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat MFT (JC Mateo and Tonga Loa) after Jimmy Uso shows up and he and Talla Tonga brawl through the crowd. As this goes on, Sami Zayn runs in and hits Solo Sikoa with a Helluva Kick near the announce table.
Before the next match, R-Truth shows up on the video screen and says he will not be able to make it tonight because he is in Dublin, Georgia. However, he has a substitute opponent for him: Damian Priest. Damian Priest shows up and brawls with Aleister Black, and the brawl heads to the back as security gets involved.
As it is announced that there is no medical update for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre shows up and calls Cody "a little bitch" and says Cody will eventually have to face him. He says that when he does, he will take the World Heavyweight title. McIntyre says that everyone wants Cody's spot and that he has no friends left. All of a sudden, Randy Orton shows up behind McIntyre and hits him with an RKO as soon as he turns around.
Backstage, Nia Jax meets with Becky Lynch to get on the same page. Becky says she needs to be the hero and that she needs to win tonight, and says they need to be on the same page.
Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill beat Becky Lynch and Nia Jax.
Backstage, John Cena is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who says that he has heard from Brock Lesnar. All of a sudden, Logan Paul pops up from behind Aldis and knocks Cena out with a right hand.
Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga and Tonga Loa head to the ring. Solo says that they run SmackDown, and if anybody does not like it, too bad. He talks about how Sami Zayn tried to show up on SmackDown, yet they showed up on Raw and stomped him out. Solo also brags about stomping out Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu, then Sami Zayn shows up and heads to the ring. Sami tells Solo and his family that he is just here to talk, and while Solo tells Sami that he is free to enter the ring, Sami takes the situation seriously, and Solo allows Mateo, Talla and Loa to leave the ring. Sami says that had he beaten Rusev, he would have been competing for the World Heavyweight Championship, but now that is not happening. He says he was furious as well as liberated after Solo's attack, as he has talked about being world champ that he kept spinning his wheels.Sami thanks Solo, as he now realizes that there are other things in WWE that he has yet to accomplish, including winning the only other title he has never won: the WWE United States Champion. Solo tells Sami that he will not hold the title anytime soon and will never hold it, then tells him to get out of his ring and that he does not want to see him again. Sami tells Solo that as of tonight, he is officially on SmackDown, then says Solo took something from him and that he will take something from Solo in the form of the United States Championship. Sami and Solo brawl, and Mateo, Talla and Loa quickly move into place to turn the brawl into a four-on-one attack. All of a sudden, Jimmy Uso shows up, but he also gets wiped out. Jacob Fatu soon shows up, and he, Jimmy and Sami are soon able to clean house. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and makes a six-man tag match between the team of Sami, Jacob and Jimmy against Solo and his family.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and the Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre). Chelsea says she broke up a birthday celebration and took a cake to the face. Piper Niven says that nobody touches their Canadian hero, and Alba Fyre says that they will soon take care of their opponents tonight.
Alexa Bliss beats Piper Niven with a stack-up schoolkid pin after Piper charges at her only to run into the corner when Alexa dodges. After the match, Alba Fyre attacks Alexa from behind, and when Charlotte makes the save for Alexa, she is outnumbered and overpowered. Chelsea and the Secret Hervice then gang up on and lay out Alexa Bliss.
Backstage, Tiffany Sratton and Jade Cargill are arguing, and General Manager Nick Aldis get between them before Nia Jax shows up and tells Cargill to fall back. Cargill says she falls back for no one, and Tiffany tells Nia she is willing and able to beat her again.
The Miz and Carmelo Hayes (now officially known as Melo Don't Miz) beat Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) after Miz tags himself in to hit the Skull Crushing Finale as Carmelo goes for Nothing But Net.
It is announced that there is no medical update of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes after what Drew McIntyre did to him at the end of last week's show.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton is met by Kiana James, who tries to sell Tiffany on a partnership. Tiffany is not interested, but Kiana tells her she is still champion because she has yet to face Giulia and that reminds her that if she is not with them, she is against them. Tiffany leaves, then Michin shows up and says she has Giulia next, but Kiana could care less.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Drew look backs on what he did to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes at the end of last week's show, then says he did not attack Cody. He then wants to know what has happened to Cody, then says he does not hate Cody and that he is worried about Cody, as he needs outside validation. He says he knows this because this was him five years ago. He says that when one is gone, they are forgotten, and to get things in while one can. He says he has been screwed out of a world title more than he can count, yet Cody needs the world title because he is a nobody without it. McIntyre then says that Cody attacked him, not the other way around, and says that he defended himself when Cody tried to take him out. He says Cody is good at pissing people off, but he is good at taking people out. McIntyre says he is not the bad guy, but if he is provoked, he will do very violent things and he will be the nightmare.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and B-Fab. All of a sudden, Solo Sikoa and his family (Solo Sikoa, JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, Tonga Loa) show up, and Solo says that after they are done tonight, The Street Profits will have to run through them for tag team gold. Dawkins says Solo and his family will not stop The Street Profits from doing what they do best, and Montez says they are still up and they still want the smoke. Dawkins says Solo and his family will not stop The Street Profits from doing what they do best, and Montez says they are still up and they still want the smoke. Meanwhile, Jacob Fatu has been watching from the background.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa).
Backstage, The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) and General Manager Nick Aldis are met by Melo Don't Miz (The Miz and Carmelo Hayes). Sabin questions if Carmelo is being manipulated by Miz, which raises Miz's ire. Aldis makes a match between Melo Don't Miz and The Motor City Machine Guns for next week.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews R-Truth. R-Truth says that everybody got his childhood hero John Cena back, then Aleister Black says he should be excited for Damian Priest before telling him he will see him next week.
Backstage, Sami Zayn thanks Jimmy Uso for having his back. Jacob Fatu, on the other hand, is more reluctant to team with Sami Zayn tonight.
Sami Zayn, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu beat Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo (now known collectively as MFT) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Sami and Jacob are on the same page to end the show.
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.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damian Priest. Priest says he was good about just getting his hands on Drew McIntyre, but now he looks forward to being a two-time United States Champion. LA Knight shows up and says he is in the match, too, and that the backlash will be severe to anyone who gets in his way, but tonight, they have a tag team match. Priest looks forward to the match, but wants to know if Knight has his back. Knight says that if Priest has his back, he will have his.
LA Knight and Damian Priest beat Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu despite Knight and Priest not being on the same page. After the match, Priest and Knight brawl, but Jacob Fatu decimates them both. All of a sudden, Jacob Fatu gets hit with a Claymore Kick from Drew McIntyre, who then holds up the United States Championship.
Backstage, R-Truth is holding a "Let's Go Cena!" sign when Jimmy Uso shows up. R-Truth refuses to take any John Cena slander.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Drew McIntyre, who states that he will put a silver bullet in Jacob Fatu tomorrow night, that LA Knight should be at the back of the line, and that Damian Priest should not be in the United States title match. McIntyre says he will become a Grand Slam Champion when he wins the United States title, and warns Jacob Fatu that when one is "all gas and no brakes," one eventually hits a brick wall.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis and Zelina Vega find Chelsea Green and her Secret Service holding a eulogy for the Women's United States Championship in the dark. When Chelsea says that Zelina has "zero girlfriends," Zelina challenges Chelsea to a tag team match.
We hear from Aleister Black, who says that he buried his past self and that what he found was not death, but the truth, and he came back because he truly believe that he is the consequences that WWE needs. He says that this more than good versus evil and that he is here to confront Miz both mentally and physically and make him figure out which is worse. As for Carmelo Hayes, he leaves it open-ended as to whether or not he has him figured out.
Zelina Vega's tag team partner is revealed to be Alexa Bliss.
Zelina Vega and Alexa Bliss beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
Backstage, Rey Fenix is met by Santos Escobar, and Fenix soon gets jumped by Angel and Berto. As officials break up the brawl, Andrade checks on Rey Fenix.
Charlotte Flair is seen entering the arena from backstage.
We look back on John Cena vs. Randy Orton in Hell in a Cell at Hell in a Cell 2014.
Andrade and Rey Fenix vs. Los Garza (Angel and Berto) is official for later tonight.
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. She gives credit where credit is due to Tiffany Stratton after taking her to her limit following a return after two years from a career-ending injury, and says she is on her way back to the WWE Women's Championship. When the fans boo her, Charlotte wants to know why the fans are so disrespect and insists that she is the best, then threatens to leave and never come back if this continues, which leads to everyone cheering and waving goodbye. Charlotte throws the microphone down and leaves, but as she heads up the ramp, the lights go out, and Jade Cargill shows up and stares Charlotte down on the way to the ring. Jade then takes a microphone and tells Charlotte she had her chance and to head to the back of the line.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Charlotte Flair to be a leader and stop throwing a temper tantrum when things do not go her way. As Charlotte Flair is about to head to the airport, Alexa Bliss gets in her way and says "Let's chat."
Tiffany Stratton watches the next match from ringside.
Nia Jax beats Jade Cargill to become #1 contender for the WWE Women's Championship after Naomi attacks Tiffany Stratton on the outside, distracting Jade Cargill so that Nia Jax can hit the A-Nia-Lator for the win.
Backstage, Michin and B-Fab congratulate The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) on becoming champions. Montez Ford then says that they are about to put everyone on notice.
We see a video package of Becky Lynch's career, courtesy of Arby's.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) head to the ring. Montez Ford claims that they have put on the greatest TLC Match of all time and have come out on top, then Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) suddenly shows up. Frazer apologizes for the interruption, then calls The Street Profits the hottest team in the game right now. He then makes it clear that they are taking an opportunity, and Axiom makes it clear that they want the WWE Tag Team Championships. Dawkins says that they have won only two matches in three weeks and questions if they think they are ready for a shot at the tag team titles, as does Montez, then General Manager Nick Aldis shows up. Aldis says Fraxiom is not worthy of a title shot yet, but he cannot think of a better opportunity to prove themselves than right now. A referee shows up, and the match is official.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) with a new double team finisher known as the Catapulta Infernal.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton looks for Naomi when Nia Jax shows up and tells Tiffany she should be worried about her. Tiffany says she is fine with that, as she will leave room for Nia at the loser's table next to Charlotte Flair.
Backstage, The Miz tells Carmelo Hayes that are a lot of counter moves to Aleister Black's offense and that Carmelo will run the play exactly as he planned it.
Aleister Black beats Carmelo Hayes with a schoolkid pin after Carmelo inadvertently knocks The Miz off the ring apron. Immediately after the win, Aleister Black hits The Miz with the Black Mass.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa tells Jacob Fatu that the numbers game is not in their favor and that they have a gameplan. Jacob says the only gameplan is to run the play and dogwalk all three of his opponents, as he is all gas and no brakes.
Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) run into The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley), who congratulate them on beating The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and coming into SmackDown and making some noise. As Chris Sabin looks forward to both teams meeting in the ring, both teams are attacked by #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). Ciampa says that Fraxiom only took advantage of two injured men, and Gargano says that anybody can do that.
Rey Fenix and Andrade beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto) after Santos Escobar inadvertently costs Berto the win as he distracts the referee. After the match, Santos Escobar chews Berto out, and Berto finally snaps on Escobar and leaves.
John Cena heads to the ring. As Mark Nash re-introduces Cena, someone throws a bottle of Michelob Ultra into the ring. Cena stops Nash, takes the bottle and tosses it away, then has Nash continue. Cena says that tomorrow, everyone's childhood dies, and that people are reduced to throwing empty beer bottles because they know how important Backlash is. He says the fans will do everything they can like Randy Orton, which is why Orton is not here tonight. He says that Orton took his advice and spent time with his family while preparing for the biggest moment of his career. He talks about their first match almost 25 years ago, and since then, they have shared almost 100 appearances and 31 world title matches between them, and that anyone from 12 to 55 years of age is either Camp Cena or Camp Orton. He says that this is at stake tomorrow, as this is their final match and the fans get to choose one last time before everyone's childhood dies. He says that younger fans will grow up fast and life isn't fair, winners write the history books, and Orton is a liar. He says Orton is only a WWE Superstar because of his family and has never been held accountable for his family and has used his connections to avoid hard work, then says that Orton is the greatest of wasting his own potential while he himself is hustle. He says that Orton only cashes a check and is more of a Lay-Z-Boy, then says that Orton cannot be counted on and is not a good example of loyalty due to injuries and bad attitude and is only the greatest of all time at doing the bare minimum while he himself is loyalty. He says that Orton's father's best decision was knocking Orton's mother up while Orton has only ridden off his coattails, then says he is not the legend killer he thinks he is and that he will kill his own legend tomorrow night when he fails like his 2006 drug test. Cena says that he is the best of all time because he is respect, then says he will not stoop to the fans' level and that he will make history again as the last real champion. A masked man gets in the ring and attacks Cena, and after Cena disposes of him, Randy Orton shows up and hits Cena with the RKO before holding up the WWE Championship.
Backstage, Damian Priest picks a fight with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu, telling Jacob he is coming for him and his title. Meanwhile, LA Knight walks past them and everyone trying to defuse the situation and heads to the ring to start tonight's show. LA Knight says he has stated that he has wanted his United States Championship, and that when he got it, things did not go his way due to Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu's actions. He says that this is all due to Damian Priest, who he has a match with tonight. As Knight tells Priest that he has no problem with him and that Priest got in his business, Priest shows up and says they are cool and that it was all about Drew McIntyre, who he just wanted to shut up. Knight says he has no problem with that, but says he picked the wrong time. Priest tells Knight he saved him from a Claymore, but Knight tells him not to put that on him and to let his own failures be his. Priest says this is all because Knight lost the United States Championship, but Knight states that he has made it clear that he would fight for it, but now he is not #1 contender because of Priest. Priest says all of Knight's frustrations are his fault and that Knight would still be champion if his head was not up his ass. Knight tells Priest that if this keeps up, they will have a problem. Priest then says there is no reason why they or the fans should wait for their match later tonight, and that they might as well get a referee out here right now. A referee shows up, and that match starts.
LA Knight vs. Damian Priest ends with Solo Sikoa attacking Priest on the outside. After the match, Solo also attacks Knight before going for the Samoan Spike on him. Priest stops the spike and punches Solo in the face, and Solo soon receives a BFT. Knight and Priest stare at each other, then at Solo. Priest clears the announce table, but Jacob Fatu shows up. Jacob hits Priest with a tope suicida, then Knight goes after Jacob only to be Samoan Dropped into the announce table. Jacob then hits Priest with a running hip attack into the barricade before he and Solo celebrate.
Byron Saxton interviews Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom). Frazer says they are excited to face Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) tonight, and Axiom says SmackDown has the best tag team division on the planet. Pretty Deadly shows up and congratulates Fraxiom on their debut, then wants to know how good Fraxiom is. Frazer tells Pretty Deadly to be careful whta they wish for.
UFC announcer Michael Bisping is seen in the crowd.
Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).
Backstage, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim meet with General Manager Nick Aldis regarding the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Meanwhile, The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) and Chelsea Green show up, with Chelsea dressed for a funeral. Chelsea says she was robbed of the WWE Women's United States Championship and wants a rematch. Aldis says that will have to wait, as Piper Niven is facing Zelina Vega tonight. He then says that if Piper wins, she will be first in line for a title shot and Chelsea could be Secret Hervice, which causes Chelsea to faint.
Nia Jax heads to the ring. Nia says that she was sitting at home refocusing on taking back what is hers - the WWE Women's Championship - while Tiffany Stratton ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. Tiffany shows up and says she is not the same woman that Nia bullied around and that cashing in on her was the greatest thing she ever did for her career, and she would do it again. She mentions beating Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania and says that if they ever locked up again, she would beat Nia, too. Nia takes this as a rematch, and Tiffany says that while she does not make the matches, she does not back down from a fight. Suddenly, Naomi shows up. Naomi mentions both Nia and Tiffany making her life hell, but she is the one who has changed, not Tiffany, and she is not done hunting for championship gold and she will put Tiffany not just through a car, but under one. Jade Cargill shows up, and Jade and Tiffany quickly clean house. General Manager Nick Aldis turns the brawl into an official tag team match.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes tells The Miz that they will show Aleister Black tonight. The Miz says he has outlasted many "next big things" in his career and that Aleister only woke him up. Miz says that if Aleister wants to make a statement, then he will be part of his.
Aleister Black beats The Miz despite the distractions from Carmelo Hayes. After the match, Aleister and Carmelo have a brief staredown.
Backstage, Santos Escobar meets with Rey Fenix. He admits he was disappointed with his loss to El Grande Americano and says Fenix blew it, then says that Rey Mysterio is gone - hopefully forever - and that he will be taking his place. Fenix tells Escobar to stay out of his business, and that he does not trust him. He then says he will see Escobar in the ring tonight if he has a problem with him.
Four-time NFL Pro Bowler Deon Dawkins is seen in the crowd.
Zelina Vega beats Piper Niven after Piper inadvertently knocks Chelsea Green off the ring apron.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu regarding their recent interference in matches. Jacob finds out he will be defending the WWE United States Championship against LA Knight and Damian Priest at Backlash, but upon being reminded that Drew McIntyre won last week, the match becomes a Fatal 4-Way Match with McIntyre added. Jacob Fatu says that no matter who is in front of him, he will dog walk them. Jacob leaves, and when Solo accuses Aldis of screwing Jacob over, Aldis simply says "No. You are."
Randy Orton heads to the ring. Orton says that while the whole world could not John Cena, he could, and while it took the fans twenty years to figure it out, he knew from day one that Cena was arrogant, selfish, and an entitled brat who gets whatever he wants. He says that Cena is the "ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppetmaster," and that Cena was able to take advantage of "the PG era" and become a walking, talking cartoon character while he stayed true to himself. He says that Cena never cared about the boys in the back and only cared about his bottom line, and it gave him fame and fortune and mainstream exposure. Orton says that the only thing Cena has raised is the price of his merchandise, and that Cena has sold his soul for twenty years. He credits Cena's hustle, but asks where the loyalty and respect went. He addresses Cena proclaiming that he will erase his family legacy, then declares that Cena will not do this over his dead body because he is the latest legend that he has to put down. Orton boasts that he will punt Cena's "Lego-shaped head" so hard that it will fly over the Gateway Arch, but not before giving him an RKO.
Backstage, Nia Jax tells Naomi that they need to get on the same page and tells her to figure out what to do with Jade Cargill. Naomi says "Sure," then walks away.
Backstage, Randy Orton is met by R-Truth, who says that his childhood hero John Cena will beat Randy Orton. Jimmy Uso shows up and says he will talk sense into Truth, and when Orton leaves, Jimmy says Orton will punch his head clean off his shoulders. At this point, it is obvious that R-Truth that has become pro-Cena.
Rey Fenix beats Santos Escobar.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill. Tiffany and Jade want each other to stay out of their way as they deal with their respective targets, then Jade says she has gotten with General Manager Nick Aldis and will face Nia Jax in a #1 contender's match for the WWE Women's Championship next week. Tiffany tells Jade she can go ahead and beat Nia Jax so that they can do this all over again.
Backstage, Santos Escobar gets angry with Angel and Berto when Andrade shows up and confronts Escobar, saying he does not like him and that while has legacy, he does not have respect or honor. Angel and Escobar leave, and Berto leaves afterwards after some hesitation thanks to Andrade.
Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton beat Nia Jax and Naomi. After the match, Jade Cargill takes the WWE Women's Championship, then seemingly hands it to Tiffany and teases a tug of war. Naomi attacks Jade from behind, then lifts up the WWE Women's Championship to end the show.
Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before Orton can even speak, Kevin Owens appears and asks Orton to hear him out. Owens says he was wrong for attacking him and attacking him with a piledriver, and says he did not deserve that. He also says that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes deserves everything he did to him, but Orton did not. He says Orton picked Cody's side over him and that it made angry, and that he regrets it. Owens also mentions Orton bringing up how his anger has made him do things that he regret, and that he can forgive Orton for siding with Cody if Orton can forgive what he did to him. He also tells Orton that he pulled Carmelo Hayes out of the ring last week to save Orton from himself, and that Orton does not want to go back to the man who punted people in the head. After stating that this version of Orton should stay in the past, Owens then says they should look to the future and look to WrestleMania, where they can become tag team champions. He says that they came close a few months ago but let things come between them, and that they should try again at WrestleMania. Orton says he should roll out of the ring and kick his ass all over the ring, then admits that what Owens said was intriguing before telling him to stick his half-hearted apology up his ass and that Owens deserves to be kicked so hard that he gets a pat on the back from Roberto Baggio. He says Owens used to be "Fight Owens Fight" but is now "Bitch Owens Bitch," and that he is glad Owens dropped him on his head because he hears voices in head, and that they counsel him and understand as they tell him that "whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas," because at WrestleMania, he will kick his head clean off his shoulders.
Damian Priest and Jimmy Uso beat Shinsuke Nakamura and Drew McIntyre. After the match, McIntyre attacks Priest from behind and tells Priest that he will come for him every time he sees him. He then hits Priest with the Claymore Kick and tells him that he will keep putting him down until he stays down.
Backstage, LA Knight meets with Braun Strowman. Knight hopes that Braun Strowman smacks Jacob Fatu back to factory settings, then says that he will be keeping a look out for Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga. Strowman says he cannot wait to get his hands on Jacob, and says that as per General Manager Nick Aldis, whoever wins the match gets a shot at the WWE United States Championship. He says that this will punch his ticket to WrestleMania.
Backstage, Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair are interviewed in separate rooms. Charlotte says Tiffany looked like a star last week, and that she only chose her because she felt sorry for her, saying she is delusional enough to think she can compare to her when everyone is compared to her. She also says she has not earned the WWE Women's Championship and that WrestleMania will be the biggest night of Tiffany's career while she shines her light on some undeserving girl who can do a backflip. Tiffany says that Charlotte cannot stand to even look at her because she knows she is destined to take her throne, but Charlotte says that she is here for real competition. Tiffany says Charlotte takes the hottest thing and throws water on it, but Charlotte says that Tiffany is not even the hottest thing on SmackDown. Charlotte says Tiffany has always been under her gasping for breath, but Tiffany says Charlotte cannot keep up with the fans who don't want her back, as they all now run on "Tiffy Time."
Braun Strowman beats Jacob Fatu by disqualification after being attacked by Solo Sikoa as Strowman goes after Tama Tonga for getting in the ring during the match. After the match, Jacob Fatu is livid as Solo and Tama continue to attack Strowman, but eventually joins in before LA Knight shows up and fights all three of them. The numbers games catches up, but not for long, and Strowman soon helps Knight clean house.
Backstage, Cathy Kelly interviews Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Liv Morgan says Jade Cargill allowed everyone to believe she and Raquel attacked her and that she takes this personally, even though she and Raquel have since become three-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. She says that Jade could not finish the job, and soon, she will finish it for her.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu is furious that he has been cost a shot at the WWE United States Championship. Solo Sikoa says he and Tama Tonga were trying to helping, but Jacob is not happy.
Italian rapper Anna is seen in the crowd.
Piper Niven beats Zelina Vega with a cross body after Zelina takes out Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre for getting involved in the match.
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens is official for WrestleMania 41.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, who says that Liv tried it last week, and since Liv tried it, she will beat her in the ring tonight in what she says will be a taste of what she does to Naomi.
We see smoke as well as images of what looks like a mask followed by the number 4.
Liv Morgan beats Jade Cargill after Naomi shows up and hits Jade with one of the Women's Tag Team Championship belts. After the match, Naomi continues to beat down Jade Cargill before booting her in the sternum and hitting her with the Heatseeker. She then shoves Jade off the ring apron and into the announce table.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that while he did not start this, he will end this. He says he has mentioned all the problems he has had with Damian Priest in the past year, and that he would love for someone to verbally explain to him why he is wrong when he always tells the truth, then gives Priest credit for being as tough as he stupid and that Priest knows where to find him next week. On his way out, he then runs into Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who chuckles at him before heading into the arena.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) head to the ring, now with new entrance theme music. The crowd chants "You deserve it!" before Montez Ford says that he and Angelo Dawkins are tag team champions for the first time in four years. Dawkins says it is "about damn time" and that for the past four years, a lot of doubt has creeped in, and while he and Ford have trusted each other, holding the WWE Tag Team Championships made it all worth it. Montez says that he always knew for the past four years that he could always count on his brother, then Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto) show up. Escobar speaks in Italian before congratulating The Street Profits on finally capturing gold, then says it is too bad that their reign will end abruptly, because Angel and Berto are pissed and ready to take the titles from them. Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) suddenly arrive, and Kit Wilson tells Escobar he can run his mouth all night long, but he and Elton Prince earned the right to be called number one contenders, and Prince tells Legado del Fantasma to step aside. Escobar says they will not step aside due to The Street Profits believing Pretty Deadly's gossip, and after The Street Profits refused to apologize to Legado del Fantasma, things are now personal, and he demands Pretty Deadly stay out of this. Montez says Pretty Deadly have their title shot, but since Santos Escobar is feisty and ready for a fight, they can have a match right now.
We see footage of a masked luchador performing moves in the ring as the area around the ring is lit up in orange.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Los Garza (Angel and Berto).
Paul Heyman is seen climbing out of a black Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van outside of the arena.
Backstage, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) run into #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa). As Pretty Deadly mention that they face The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) for the WWE Tag Team Championships next week in London, England, #DIY state that while they have not seen eye-to-eye, it only makes their relationship stronger, and propose that they watch Pretty Deadly's backs, and if Pretty Deadly win, #DIY can be the first in line for a title shot. Pretty Deadly say "No, boy!" The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up as Pretty Deadly leave and mention that they still have unfinished business at the back of the line.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman addresses what happened between himself, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and CM Punk as of late, then says he came a long way before calling out anyone who wants to confront him. Rollins shows up, then tells Roman that he messed up underestimating how dangerous CM Punk is to the future of WWE and the business and that he should have let him finish Punk when he had the chance. He then says it was always about the two of them, as they are intertwined in WWE and cannot co-exist in the same space at the same time. Rollins says their story has a lot of pages written and that it is time they added another chapter, then removes his jacket before Punk suddenly arrives. Punk says his right hand is not taped up to hold a microphone, then says Roman and Rollins have never beaten him without the others' help because he cannot, then reminds Roman that the Royal Rumble is every man for himself. He also mentions Roman would not even have been in the Royal Rumble had he not saved his family at WarGames. Punk then mentions his favor to Heyman and thanks Heyman for bringing Roman to him on a silver platter. When Roman turns towards Heyman, Punk hits Roman with the microphone, and as Punk goes on the attack, Rollins goes after Punk. This leads to a brawl between all three men, and officials and security show up to stop the brouhaha. Punk gets on the announce table and proclaims he is the best in the world while pointing at the WrestleMania sign. The brawl spills onto the outside as the show ends.
Sol Ruca and Zaria beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven after Zaria slaps Piper on top of Chelsea.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Jordynne Grace meets with General Manager Ava when Cora Jade interrupts, saying she will beat Masha Slamovich to become Total Nonstop Action Knockouts World Champion and make it more important than it has ever been. Jordynne says the day Cora Jade wins the title is the day that she retires, and Ava steps in and makes a match between the two of them.
Backstage, Trick Williams meets with General Manager Ava regarding when Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon shows up with a package with Ava. Trick tells them to come back later and go bother Andre Chase, and Kale Dixon blames Trick Williams for Chase University being on the line in the first place. Trick shoves Dixon into a wall and says he is not playing, and that he will deal with him while Ava makes a decision regarding Eddy Thorpe.
Jaida Parker beats Kelani Jordan.
Backstage, Kelly Kincaid interviews The D'Angelo Family (Tony D'Angelo, Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo, Luca Crusifino, Adrianne Rizzo). Tony D'Angelo says that if you have nothing good to say about a woman, say nothing, and while he has a lot to say about Izzi Dame, he goes on to the next question. He knows that Stacks is concerned about his back, and while Shawn Spears is putting his own family together, his family is the only family in NXT.
Oba Femi takes questions from a series of interviewers. Oba Femi says he does not take being champion lightly and says that his clash with Moose is one he cannot afford to lose. He says that Moose is a big man and that Moose can go, but he has fought men of all sizes and he hits first and hard. Oba says he will make Moose wish he never left the NFL. Oba concludes by stating that he will still be the ruler and champion of NXT after Roadblock.
The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) head to the ring. Jeff says the last few weeks have felt surreal and that it feels good to be in NXT, and that it feels "damn good" to be back home in WWE. Matt says he can feel the love to come back home and appear on NXT for the very first time and beat a top-notch team in No Quarter Catch Crew (Tavion Heights and Myles Borne), and while they have been everywhere in the business, the passion in NXT is off the charts. He says that something special is happening in NXT, and Jeff says that the hunger and the passion is infectious. Jeff says he saw the same fire that took them to unimaginable heights in Nathan Frazer and Axiom when Hank Walker and Tank Ledger show up. Tank says they are here to thank The Hardy Boyz for showing what it means to be a tag team, and wants to ask them for advice. Hank says they are missing something that will take them to the next level, and want to know what it is. Matt says that he respects the both of them, but says that sometimes, you have to break the norm to get noticed, and Jeff says sometimes you have to go to the extreme. Jeff says it means getting out of one's comfort zone and stretching one's self past one's limits. Matt says he sees hunger and passion in Hank and Tank, and says that he and Jeff were willing to better themselves to get noticed. Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura show up, and Briggs tells Hank and Tank to remove their lips from The Hardys' asses. Inamura says they see what Hank and Tank are doing. Briggs says The Hardys can give Hank and Tank all the advice that they want, but they will be wasting their breath. He tells Hank and Tank to stop playing the damsel in distress as they will not get a title shot from The Hardy Boyz. Inamura then says it is his and Briggs' time. Hank and Tank dive at Inamura and Briggs, and both teams brawl to the back. Meanwhile, Nathan Frazer and Axiom show up from behind The Hardy Boyz, and Matt Hardy notices. Axiom says they have seven days, and Matt tells Frazer and Axiom to bring their best. Frazer says they will as they put the discussion as to who the best is to bed.
We see a video package for Stephanie Vaquer vs. Giulia for the NXT Women's and NXT Women's North American Championships at Roadblock.
Total Nonstop Action Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich is seen in the crowd.
Jordynne Grace beats Cora Jade by referee stoppage after Cora Jade slips off the bottom rope and bangs her left knee. (It is feared to be a knee injury at first, but it turns out that she hit her head. Nevertheless, she is fine after the match.)
"All Ego" Ethan Page and Je'Von Evans are interviewed in separate rooms. Ethan says WWE is the opportunity of a lifetime for Je'Von, but it took Je'Von's entire lifetime for him to get here. He chalks up snapping on Je'Von and breaking his jaw on jealousy and being too soft. Ethan says he is at his most dangerous and that NXT is silly enough to give him a street fight. Je'Von says he could not talk for three months because of Ethan and that Ethan took everything from him, and next week, Ethan will now longer be able to run, and nobody will hold him down anymore.
Trick Williams beats Kale Dixon via referee stoppage with a Trick Shot as soon as the bell rings. After the match, Trick Williams says Eddy Thorpe's life just flashed before his eyes before calling him out if he wants a piece of him. Eddy Thorpe appears on the balcony and says Trick is struggling with no longer being the man in NXT, yet walks around like he is. Thorpe says he should be the man in NXT, and while he beat him at Vengeance Day, he has to beat it into him and the fans and make it definitive. Thorpe then challenges Trick to an NXT Underground Match in two weeks, which Trick accepts.
Backstage, Roxanne Perez is stopped from attacking Jordynne Grace with a metal folding chair by referees, who then keep Roxanne away from Jordynne as they check on her.
Moose takes questions from a series of interviewers. He says he is a prizefighter who fights for the biggest prize in the game, and when Total Nonstop Action teamed up with NXT, he waited for the right moment to cross the line and face Oba Femi. He says there is no bigger fight and admits that Oba Femi has been "one hell of a champion in NXT" and will be a big player and ruler of NXT, but he will not be NXT Champion after he leaves Roadblock with two titles. General Manager Ava takes the podium after Moose leaves, then announes that Roxanne Perez will face Jordynne Grace at Roadblock. Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Jazmyn Nyx) then shows up, with Fallon wanting to know where her Women's North American Championship rematch is. Ava says she will not talk about it here and walks away.
Backstage, Ricky Saints meets Ridge Holland, who says that Ricky should not be here. Ricky tells Ridge to get used to seeing a whole lot of him, then runs into Shawn Spears. Spears says the revolution will be televised when he becomes North American Champion.
Shawn Spears beats Tony D'Angelo to become the NXT North American Champion following a brawl between D'Angelo's and Spears' family when Izzi Dame grabs Shawn Spears' foot during a pinfall attempt by D'Angelo after hitting Fuggedaboutit, which leads to Spears shoving Channing "Stacks" Lorenzo into D'Angelo and hurting his back, which in turn causes D'Angelo's back to give out during a spinebuster attempt, which causes Spears to be on top of him for the pin and the win.
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Jey admits that he had a hell of a week and that he got a lot of love from family, friends and fans, then says he is here to pick a champion for WrestleMania. He says it only makes sense to meet with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes after meeting with Gunther earlier this week, and introduces Cody to the ring. Cody makes his way to the ring, and Jey says he has a choice to make: stand across from Cody for the WWE Championship or stand next to him as World Heavyweight Champion. Cody talks about how his doctor told him that he has fluid in his elbow that needs to be drained and a hurt back among other things, then says that the WrestleMania sign is Jey's to point to. He mentions the memories that they have had regarding WrestleMania, and while Jey has a choice, he has to win, and if Jey is to pick him, they might as well have some fun, for it will be the last time. As Jey and Cody shake hands, Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga show up. Jacob says Cody took the WWE Championship from his family last year, but as of now, his family needs the title back. Jacob also addresses Jey, saying that if there was anybody who could bring the title back to the family, it would not be him. Jey superkicks Tama, Jacob superkicks Jey, and Jacob overpowers Cody. Jey and Cody get the upper hand as Jacob goes for the hip attack in the corner, then clothesline him out of the ring.
Bianca Belair beats Piper Niven in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match to advance to the women's Elimination Chamber match.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Kayden Carter and Katana Chance when Carmelo Hayes shows up. Carmelo finds out that he is facing a Raw Superstar - Akira Tozawa - tonight, and Carmelo considers Akira "a lay-up." When Carmelo leaves, Tozawa makes fun of him by shooting an "air ball," and Carmelo returns to tell Tozawa he will show him an air ball.
#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) head to the ring. Gargano brags about retaining the WWE Tag Team Championships at Royal Rumble and state that they are the best tag team in the world, and Gargano says the chances of The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) holding the titles again are "dead." Ciampa says that the Machine Guns were their favorite tag teams, and asks the fans to give the Machine Guns a moment of silence before Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) show up. General Manager Nick Aldis also shows up as #DIY get angry at Pretty Deadly, Aldis makes a non-title match where Pretty Deadly get a title shot if they win, and the match starts right now, despite #DIY still being in street clothes.
Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to earn a shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships after Johnny Gargano goes for a schoolkid pin on Kit Wilson while grabbing the tights only for Kit Wilson to roll Gargano up while holding onto the top rope for leverage.
Backstage, The Miz meets with Andrade, saying he was impressed with him and that Andrade could learn so much from her. Andrade says he learned how to beat Miz, then leaves. The Miz then meets "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, saying that the new generation of Superstars does not get them because they are "old school" and that he has his back. When Cody says he does not need Miz to have his back, Miz says that Cody still wants to be "Main Event" Jey Uso's friend, but asks what will happen if Jey faces him, saying it would be "one hell of a story."
Before the next match, Drew McIntyre says that he is officially back on SmackDown, then says that after he was eliminated from the Royal Rumble, he went back home and had an epiphany and realized Raw is a toxic workplace where everyone stabs each other in the back. He says that he needed a solution and that is when General Manager Nick Aldis called him and gave him the chance to be himself on SmackDown, then says he is here for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and the Undisputed WWE Championship. Jimmy Uso shows up and says Drew McIntyre is fixated on the past and sounds like an ex-girlfriend, then says he lost the WWE Championship and that he has to earn his shot much like he does. McIntyre says he would be mad about this, but he is cool, then calls Jimmy "Jey" and says Jimmy would have been bigger if he said "Yeet" first. Jimmy says he will get his tonight, and that McIntyre will have to go through him. LA Knight shows up and says Jimmy is the reason he was not WWE Champion over a year ago, then says that in his career, he wants to affect some good change before he dies and says that if something arises in your life and you have to cry, then cry. He then says that there are three guarantees: death, taxes, and "Drew McIntyre crying like a damn baby," even saying that somebody called McIntyre "Drew McInCryer," before stating he will dash both of their WrestleMania dreams.
Drew McIntyre beats LA Knight and Jimmy Uso in a Triple Threat Elimination Chamber qualifier to advance to the men's Elimination Chamber match after hitting Knight with a Claymore Kick as he goes for the BFT on Jimmy Uso.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damian Priest. As Priest says that Drew McIntyre is in the Elimination Chamber match and that he will eliminate him like McIntyre eliminated him from the Royal Rumble, Braun Strowman shows up and says he is putting the carriage before the horse and that he has to qualify for the match first. Priest says that he will beat him and Jacob Fatu to become champion, but Strowman warns him he is in the ring with a wild animal and a monster next week. Priest tells Strowman that he is not overlooking anything.
We hear from Kevin Owens, who says that he has been through a lot over the years and that nothing compares to what happened at Royal Rumble. He mentions the scars on his face and the trauma to his neck and spine from his match with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. He blames this on Sami Zayn, as he just stood there and watched as Cody tried to end his career, then mentions Sami coming to Roman Reigns' aid in the Royal Rumble. He calls Sami a horrible friend and a disgusting human being, and while he will never forgive him, he will make him pay.
It is announced that Sami Zayn has suffered spinal compression and extreme nerve damage from the package piledriver that he received from Kevin Owens.
Before the next match, Carmelo Hayes says Akira Tozawa looks like "["The American Nightmare"] Cody Rhodes left in the dryer too long," and says that he does not miss and that they call him "Ja Morant" in Memphis, Tennessee. He then says that if there was an All-Star team, he would be selected.
Carmelo Hayes beats Akira Tozawa.
WWE Hall of Famer Jerry "The King" Lawler is seen in the crowd.
Backstage, R-Truth helps out Akira Tozawa only to drop him when he sees "Main Event" Jey Uso, who thinks Jey is "King of the Ring." R-Truth leaves, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up. Jey says he would love to face Cody, but he has beef with Gunther and wants to face him, and he is undecided.
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte asks if the fans love or hate her, yet says that she sees money when she hears boos. She says she lives rent-free in everybody's minds because she is wrestling's obsession, as people are obsessed about everything about her. She says she is better than everyone not just because of her last name, and says that she knew she would come back and make history by entering a Royal Rumble with "29 unserious women" and become a two-time winner. Charlotte talks about her meetings with Rhea Ripley on Raw and Giulia on NXT, and now she wants to know if Tiffany Stratton can inspire her. Tiffany Stratton shows up and heads to the ring, then congratulates Charlotte on her Royal Rumble win and her return, and states that nobody is a bigger Charlotte fan than her. She thought that WWE could not survive without Charlotte, and that everyone cared for a day before she showed up and made ticket sales go up and made WWE hotter than it has ever been. Charlotte asks "Did you say something?" and tells her to speak only when she tells her to, and tells her to get in line if she thinks there are no other women better than her. Tiffany says she has been in line since she has showed up as "The next Charlotte Flair," and tells Charlotte to pick her so she can be here and overcome that name. Charlotte says she sees a child wanting to make a name for herself at WrestleMania, and tells her to get on her hands and knees and beg her to choose her before Nia Jax and Candice LeRae show up. Nia says this all sounds a bit immature, and Candice says it is because Nia will become champion. She then says she only has to face one woman next week to become champion and that she will beat Tiffany for the title she stole from her. She then says that Tiffany will have to go through her to stay champion. Charlotte says she will stick around and watch next week to see what happens, then Alexa Bliss shows up for the next match.
Alexa Bliss beats Candice LeRae in an Elimination Chamber qualifier to advance to the women's Elimination Chamber match.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Chelsea Green and Piper Niven. Chelsea says she will beat Naomi and win the Elimination Chamber match to become a double champion when "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab show up. B-Fab says she has not forgotten Chelsea eliminating her from the Royal Rumble, and Michin says she will beat Chelsea for the Women's United States Championship. Zelina Vega then shows up and says it is time she gets a shot at the Women's United States title.
We hear from The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Angelo Dawkins says they would not be in their position if The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) gave their title shot away, and says that when they get their shot at the titles, somebody always shows up, and makes it clear that they are sick of it. Montez says he can feel the passion and announces that they are pissed off, and that they do not like all these teams calling their shots whenever they want. He says that they will stay together and that this violence will be televised.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). Shelley dares The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) to face them, and Sabin says they had #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) right where they wanted them. Los Garza (Angel and Berto) show up and tell them to stop complaining, because they lost, and to let new teams step up. This leads to both teams arguing, and Santos Escobar and Elektra Lopez show up, with Santos blaming this whole mess on the Machine Guns before telling them they have a fight next week.
We see a video package for Damian Priest vs. Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu in next week's Triple Threat Elimination Chamber qualifier.
"Main Event" Jey Uso and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beat Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu. After the match, Cody Rhodes is laid out with a Samoan Spike by a hooded Solo Sikoa.
Joe Tessitore interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes in the ring to start tonight's show. Cody considers Shawn Michaels the perfect person to moderate the contract signing for his and Owens' Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship and says he has no problem handing his championship to him. He then says that it is important how one walks into and main events WrestleMania, and that one should have the Undisputed WWE Championship. Cody admits that Kevin Owens elicits a mixed bag of emotions and is capable of more than people think, but when given the choice between the easy way out and the hard way, Owens usually chooses the easy way. He states that with a ladder match, there is no referee who can stop them, as it is all about who can climb the ladder and take the championship first. Cody admits that he appears to be a good guy, then lists off the people he has recently beaten as champion and reminds everyone that he can be as mean as he can get before wishing Kevin Owens good luck.
Backstage, Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) meet with #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa), and Johnny Gargano mentions that he has a match with Apollo Crews tonight. Ciampa tells Pretty Deadly to handle their business, and Gargano tells them to do what it takes to get the job done against The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley). #DIY leave, then Pretty Deadly run into Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel, Berto) and have a brief staredown before they walk on.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince).
Backstage, The Miz meets with General Manager Nick Aldis and finds out that he has been transferred to SmackDown. Miz realizes that Karrion Kross got him moved to the brand along with The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), and Aldis advises Miz that he should make some new friends quickly.
We see a video package for Braun Strowman vs. Jacob Fatu at Saturday Night's Main Event.
Kevin Owens suddenly shows up wanting to know where his interview is and says that Joe Tessitore is making him miss Michael Cole, who he says is kissing Pat McAfee's ass like everyone kisses "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' ass. He then asks why everyone wants to be Cody's friend only to be used by Cody before stating that he will be the rightful WWE Champion after Saturday Night's Main Event. He then has an argument with Matthew McConaughey before Jimmy Uso shows up. Owens wants to know why Jimmy is here, and Jimmy says it is because Owens talks too much before smacking him and nearly hitting him with the Uso Splash. When Owens retreats, Jimmy challenges him to a match.
2024 PBR World Champions the Austin Gamblers are seen in the front row. Also, it is announced that Jimmy Uso vs. Kevin Owens is official for tonight's main event.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. He finds out his match with Jimmy Uso is next week and that he will be facing a debuting SmackDown transfer tonight. Carmelo wants to know who this new transfer is, and Aldis says he will find out if he sticks around.
"Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven.
Backstage, Carmelo Hayes finds out his opponent is Damian Priest. Priest says he is ready to work and ready to punish, much to Carmelo's chagrin.
We see another vignette for Charlotte Flair. She says that confidence is knowing that one is the greatest without having to say that they are. She says that she has created a legacy nobody can touch and that she is back, and says that she will remind everyone who owns the night when she returns at the Royal Rumble.
Tiffany Stratton heads to the ring. She says that once again, she is the center of attention when thirty women face each other in the Royal Rumble for a chance to face her at WrestleMania. She says she has beaten last year's winner and that she is not worried, and that her next challenger will be running on Tiffy Time. Suddenly, Rhea Ripley heads to the ring and reminds Tiffany that she is also a champion. Rhea admits she respects what Tiffany did to Nia Jax, but says it will be nothing compared to what she does to her at Saturday Night's Main Event. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae show up, and Nia declares herself for the Royal Rumble, which she proclaims that she will win. She also says she will enter after beating Rhea for her title before taking Tiffany's title back. Bianca Belair and Naomi soon show up, and Naomi declares for the Royal Rumble and states that she will win. Bianca also proclaims for the match and states that she will be the winner. They both agree that one of them will be the winner before Liv Morgan arrives. Liv Morgan shows up with Raquel Rodriguez and makes fun of everyone in the ring before declaring herself and her victory for the Royal Rumble. She also boasts that Raquel will ensure her victory before Rhea Ripley headbutts her. This starts a brawl between everyone in the ring, and General Manager Nick Aldis heads towards the ring before the commercial break.
The Mobley Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns Seat Upgrade.
Nia Jax, Candice LeRae and Liv Morgan beat Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair and Naomi with a crucifix pin from Liv to Bianca.
Backstage, Chelsea Green and Piper Niven are met by "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab, who say that the numbers were evened tonight before Michin tells Chelsea that they have a Women's United States title match next week.
Apollo Crews beats Johnny Gargano with a surprise roll-up as The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) head towards the ring.
Backstage, Jacob Fatu says he is both Godzilla and King Kong regarding his match with Braun Strowman on the way to the ring for the next match.
Actor and comedian Shane Gillman, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, and comedian and WWE fan Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias are seen in the crowd.
Before the next match, LA Knight says that Tama Tonga and Jacob Fatu have hell to pay and that tonight, he will give Tama Tonga a BFT and kick Jacob Fatu so hard that there will be no way to stop the shakes, even if that means there is nothing left for Braun Strowman.
LA Knight beats Tama Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu attacks LA Knight and throws him at the announce table, then Braun Strowman shows up. Jacob gets in the ring, and Strowman somehow avoids the distraction by Tama Tonga to fend Jacob off.
Backstage, The Miz meets with A-Town Down Under (Grayson Waller and Austin Theory) and says that the three of them will run SmackDown. General Manager Nick Aldis then shows up and tells A-Town Down Under that they are going to Raw, much to A-Town Down Under's excitement and Miz's disappointment.
We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who warns everyone who challenges him for the United States title that their efforts will be fruitless and that they will get nothing but a crushed, hurt and shattered body while the title still stays in his hands. He then declares himself for the Royal Rumble and that declares that he will seize victory again, as 2025 will be the year of his conquest beginning with the Royal Rumble.
Damian Priest beats Carmelo Hayes.
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) finds out from General Manager Nick Aldis and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) that they have a two-out-of-three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championships against the Machine Guns at Royal Rumble. #DIY is furious.
WWE Legend Michelle McCool and WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry are seen in the crowd.
Backstage, Damian Priest meets "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and shakes hands with him. Cody welcomes him aboard, and Priest tells Cody that he will see him soon.
Backstage, The Miz tries to start a partnership with Andrade, who leaves after he tells The Miz to let him find someone. Jimmy Uso then shows up on his way to the ring and runs into Carmelo Hayes, telling him that it will take only three moves to beat him. As Jimmy heads to the ring, Carmelo attacks him from behind before officials stop him.
Kevin Owens beats Jimmy Uso. After the match, Owens is about to put Jimmy through the announce table with the package piledriver before Cody Rhodes runs in and fights Owens. Both men continue to go at it as the show ends.
