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.
RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton says that he and Riddle are tired of the chase and that they are convinced The Usos aren't allowed to make decision for themselves, as Roman Reigns is making the decision for them. Riddle says they almost won at WrestleMania Backlash until Roman hit him with a Spear, then says that he cannot help but notice that whenever The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) cannot take care of business, Roman has to take care of it for them. Orton notes that he and Riddle are both sick and tired of this before mentioning that they want to be undisputed world tag team champions in WWE and calling Roman Reigns out to the ring. Inside of getting Roman, however, he gets Sami Zayn, who says that Roman will not come at the snap of someone's fingers and says that as locker room leader, nobody wants this tag title unification match, including RK-Bro, because RK-Bro knows they will lose. Sami then suggests that RKO go back to Raw and never return, but Orton calls Sami "Roman Reigns' errand boy" and Riddle just calls him "Rusty." This leads to a "Rusty" chant. Sami then tells to think about how they talk about Roman and The Usos, because the last person to talk ill of them was handled personally by him. Orton then calls Sami "Roman's shot caller," then proposes that Sami and Riddle have a match. Orton also throws in the stipulation that if Riddle wins, RK-Bro will get their match with The Usos. Sami gives in and accepts the challenge, but not for tonight, as he has to run things up the flagpole. As Sami slowly walks up the ramp, WWE official Adam Pearce shows up and makes the match official for right now.
Matt Riddle beats Sami Zayn to get RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) their tag team title unification match against The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).
Backstage, Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) have watched the previous match. Roman asks why RK-Bro why there are here tonight, as does The Usos, who say that RK-Bro have disrespected them. Jimmy Uso says that tonight, everyone will acknowledge Roman Reigns.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that while Roman Reigns is the head of the table, Sami Zayn is the table's ass.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey heads to the ring. She gives Charlotte Flair credit where credit is true for being a tough competitor at WrestleMania Backlash, then says she wants to be a fighting champion and proves it with an open challenge for the SmackDown Women's Championship right now. The challenge is answered by Raquel Rodriguez, who says that while she is new to SmackDown, she wants to make her name known. She also says it will be an honor to step in the ring with Ronda, but tonight, she will be the one making history.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship against Raquel Gonzalez with a roll-up. Both women shake hands after the match.
Backstage, Shotzi complains to WWE official about Raquel Rodriguez shoving her out of the way as she was about to answer "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey's open challenging when Aliyah shows up and calls Shotzi out on locking her in the locker room as Shotzi demands a title shot..
Kayla Braxton interviews Madcap Moss in the ring. Madcap Moss admits that Happy Corbin is tough, powerful and annoying, and says he would have tapped out from boredom if Corbin talked about how expensive his watch was, but he looked past all that and beat "the big bald wolf." He says that his WWE career is just beginning and wants to do a lot. As he talks about what he wants to do, he is attacked from behind with a chair by Corbin. Corbin then puts the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal trophy in the ring before attacking Madcap Moss again before wrapping a chair around Moss' neck and slamming the trophy on the chair, potentially injuring Moss' neck. Medical assistance has to be called for Moss, who is fitted with a neck brace and placed on a stretcher.
Backstage, Happy Corbin mocks Madcap Moss for being taken to "The Moss-Pital" as Moss is being helped into an ambulance.
Sasha Banks and Naomi retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
Backstage, Drew Gulak talks to Ricochet about the last few weeks and asks for advice. Ricochet tells him not to give up and to take control. Gulak says he will put Gunther in his place the next time he sees him. The next time he sees him is when he walks away from Ricochet, and after Ludwig Kaiser asks Gulak what he wants to do to Gunther, Gunther tears Gulak's shirt and hits Gulak with a powerful chop.
Butch beats Kofi Kingston after Ridge Holland distracts Kofi while Sheamus punches out Xavier Woods on the outside. After the match, Pete Dunne walks through the crowd at first, then, much to the consternation of Sheamus and Ridge Holland, then makes his way back to the stage.
Backstage, Sami Zayn talks with Paul Heyman. Sami says he may have overstepped his bounds when he took on Matt Riddle, and that RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) is disrespecting everyone on SmackDown, as he tells Heyman that he wants his respect back while smoothing things over. Heyman tells Sami that Roman Reigns appreciates him before walking back into Roman's dressing room.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Roman says that he usually beats someone on Sunday and says what is next on Friday, and while he and The Usos beat RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) and Drew McIntyre on Sunday, there is nobody left and they have smashed everyone. Roman says that while he is untouchable, The Usos might have someone next, then asks what The Usos will do about it. Suddenly, RK-Bro show up, then Randy Orton tells Roman that John Cena is ten times the Superstar that Roman will ever be. Riddle then says that the tag team title unification match must happen, and Orton makes it clear that they want the match. Jimmy accepts, and Jey says it will be for next week. Jimmy then says that they will be the ones winning and that Roman will not be the only person with two titles. Riddle knees Roman in the face, then he and Orton run away.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins welcomes everyone to the show, then says tonight is a party and nobody wants to party alone, so he extends an invitation to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody shows up, then Rollins asks him how it feels to be on top of the world. Cody says this feels familiar, as they have been in the ring together in Buffalo, New York, and Buffalo is "Rhodes Country." Rollins says he has had a lot on his mind since WrestleMania and that this is about respect, but as Rollins tries to speak, Cody keeps getting cheers from the crowd. Rollins tells Cody he was going to mention how much respect he had for him and his family name, then reminds him that the hard work he put in is nothing, because he made Cody into a star in one night. Cody tells Rollins to dispense with the pleasantries and get to the point, and Rollins tells Cody that at WrestleMania, he had "an unfair advantage" as Vince McMahon's surprise opponent, which gave him no time to prepare, causing him to lose. Rollins calls this a tough pill to swallow, and calls it tougher that fans take this as a sign that Cody is tougher than him and says he cannot live with that, for he is better than Cody Rhodes in every single possible way. He says that Cody may be the flavor of the month, but he is not the flavor of the industry and he talks the talk, walks the walk, and dresses better than him, and he has been to the mountaintop that Cody aspires to reach, making him better than Cody. Cody tells Rollins that he has been to the mountaintop four times compared to his zero, but nothing Rollins says can change what happened at WrestleMania. He then proposes they ask the fans if he is better than Rollins, to which the fans agree. Rollins tells Cody it is not that easy and proposes putting the shoe on the other foot, with Cody taking on an opponent hand-picked by him. Cody tells Rollins he and the fans know the answer and that he did not come back to run from challenges, then accepts.
Naomi and Sasha Banks retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan. After the match, Rhea gets frustrated with Liv and blames her for their loss, then attacks Liv from behind when she tries to leave the ring. Rhea then hits Liv Morgan with the Riptide.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Rhea Ripley, who says nobody is entitled to an explanation as to why she attacked Liv Morgan.
WWE official Sonya Deville heads to the ring. Sonya says that as of late, she has heard chatter throughout WWE that she is misusing her power by making herself Bianca Belair's first title defense, then says she is a competitor and that she was forced to be an official until she could go back to being a Superstar. She says she made the most of her opportunity, and when she found a window of opportunity, she took it, because she knew she wanted to be in the ring with the best and she wanted to win the Raw Women's title off the best and nothing less. Sonya then says the fans can continue to scrutinize her, then says Bianca Belair wanted a competitor and gave her one, and that it is nothing personal and just business. Suddenly, Bianca Belair shows up. Sonya tells Bianca not to lay a hand on her or else there will be repercussions, but Bianca says they can have their match right now. Sonya says she did not wait three years to have this match in a "rusted out suburb," then says their match will happen next week. She says that next week, they will be in Bianca's hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee where her family and friends are used to seeing her lose her title quickly. Bianca gets Sonya up for the K.O.D., then throws her down without slamming her.
Veer Mahaan beats Jeff Brooks with the cervical clutch. (Jeff Brooks is James Alexander, who has competed on WWE before under the name "Jeff Brooks" and "Justin Alexander.") After the match, Veer Mahaan puts the cervical clutch back on Jeff Brooks until multiple referees and officials get him to stop.
Backstage, Sonya Deville meets with Adam Pearce, who tells her to worry about her repercussions and that an official investigation, even though Bianca Belair has been fined. Bianca Belair then shows up to pay her fine: one dollar.
Jeff Brooks is taken out on a stretcher backstage.
It's time for The KO Show. Tonight's guest is Ezekiel. Kevin Owens - who has Chad Gable running a lie detector test a the table - says that Ezekiel is Elias and will be exposed as the fraud as he is and beaten in a match against Gable. Gable thanks Owens for bringing him back to the show and says he will remain objective as he gets the truth, and if he does not get it, he will beat the truth out of Ezekiel in a match.Ezekiel shows up, then asks the fans if they want to "hear Zeke speak." Owens and Gable then start the lie detector test. Gable asks Ezekiel some control questions, and Owens tells Gable to control himself when he asks about Gable Stevenson, saying he is paying him $150 Canadian. When asked if his real name is Ezekiel, Ezekiel says "Yes." Gable says that Ezekiel is telling the truth.When asked if Elias is his older brother, Ezekiel says "Yes." Gable determines Ezekiel is telling the truth, then Kevin Owens asks Ezekiel if his real name is Elias. Ezekiel says "No," telling the truth further. Kevin Owens kicks Chad Gable out of the ring, then Ezekiel tells Kevin Owens that he is tired of being called a liar by the biggest liar in the WWE and he is having his first WWE match right here, right now. Owens is convinced that Ezekiel is lying and tells him to admit that he is Elias or else. Ezekiel says "Or else what?" Owens leaves the ring again, and Gable attacks Ezekiel from behind.
Ezekiel beats Chad Gable by disqualification after Otis pounces on him as he has Gable in a single leg crab.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle). Before the match begins, The Usos' (Jimmy and Jey Uso) music plays, and after the match, Montez Ford says that The Usos are not the only tag team to worry about.
We hear from Edge and Damian Priest. Edge says last week was just mind games and that the seeds were planted when he was in The Brood, and that the seeds will be watered by their opponents' tears. He says that he and Priest have not lived up to their potential and have not lived up to their abilities. Edge says that if it were not for Priest, Bad Bunny would have been smeared across the canvas, and says that he decided not to care what the fans think. Edge says he is here to take back his position at the top of the business and that "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles stands in his way, and since he and Priest did not get their point across, he is challenging Styles to a match at WrestleMania Backlash. He says he does not care if their verdict is far and that he and Priest have decided to seize the day, then proclaims it is Styles' judgment day.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says that he accepts Edge's challenge, then the lights start flickering until they go out. When they come back on, they are a purple hue, and Edge and Damian Priest attack him before slamming the lid of a storage box on Styles' left arm.
We see a vignette for Theory.
Theory beats Finn Balor with the A-Town Down after Finn Balor misses the Coup de Grace to become the WWE United States Champion! After the match, the heels of the locker room celebrate with Theory in the ring. Afterwards, Vince McMahon shows up and celebrates with Theory on the stage, and the two of them take a selfie.
Backstage, Kevin Patrick interviews Seth Rollins, who says he has picked "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' opponent for tonight. Rollins also states that he wants Cody to feel the same way he did at WrestleMania, then gets a call from Cody's opponent.
R-Truth head to the ring for the double commitment ceremony for Dana Brooke and Reggie as well as Akira Tozawa and Tamina. Reggie and Tozawa are in the ring after the commercial break, along with invited guests. R-Truth reminds everyone that the WWE 24/7 Championship is off-limits during the ceremony. Dana Brooke and Tamina head to the ring, and Naomi and Sasha Banks help hold the back of Tamina's dress up. Dana Brooke and Reggie exchange their vows, then Tamina and Tozawa do the same, with Tamina saying "What she said," and Tozawa saying "Same." When R-Truth asks for any objections, Tamina suddenly objects and switches Tozawa with Reggie, then objects again and switches herself with Tozawa to be with Dana Brooke before objecting a third time and getting back with Tozawa. Both couples are officially deemed committed by R-Truth after Reggie and Tozawa place the rings. Both couples then kiss, but when Reggie gets Dana on the mat, a referee counts to three and wins the 24/7 Championship, then Tamina wins it off of him. Tozawa then gets Tamina in a schoolkid pin to win the 24/7 Championship, then Dana Brooke wins it back off Tozawa with a top rope cross body. Tozawa then gets away with a ride on R-Truth's back.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Bobby Lashley. We see a message from earlier today from MVP and Omos where MVP tells Lashley that he will realize how much of a big mistake he has made hogging the spotlight for himself without him before stating he has moved on to bigger, meaner things. He says that Omos is superior to him in every way and he is teaching him everything that he taught Lashley about how to become a WWE Champion, then challenges Lashley to a feat of strength in the form of an arm wrestling match. Omos states that "The All Mighty Era" is coming to an end. Lashley says that to get to MVP, he must get through Omos, an while Omos is big, strong and scary, so is he, and he accepts the arm wrestling match.
Before the next match, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins reveals "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' opponent: Kevin Owens.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Kevin Owens by count-out after Seth "Freakin'" Rollins tells Owens to get back in the ring only for Owens to tell Rollins that this is Rollins' own match and not his. During the match, Rollins shows up during the match to watch from ringside. After the match, an angry Seth Rollins shoves Cody Rhodes off the middle rope to the outside.
Kayla Braxton introduces everyone to tonight's show before introducing "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey. Ronda says she is not here to make excuses and that sometimes and she did not beat Charlotte Flair a second time. She says that she wants a rematch, but instead of a regular match, she wants an "I Quit" Match. Charlotte shows up on the TitanTron and says she could not beat her in checkers, let alone an "I Quit" Match, because she does not quit and winning, not quitting, is in her DNA. She says she felt the pressure and the arm bar, but she did not lose and she did not tap out, and that Ronda cannot win when it matters. She then declines the "I Quit" Match and tells her to get to the back of the line. Ronda tells Charlotte that this match will happen, and that Charlotte will be screaming "I Quit" when she bends her elbow backwards.
Backstage, Sheamus tells Butch that he will let him off the leach and to treat Xavier Woods like a chew toy.
Before the next match, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) congratulate Sheamus, Butch and Ridge Holland on their first WrestleMania win, then Xavier Woods says that with tonight's show being after WrestleMania means all records are reset. Xavier Woods also boasts that she got Butch's aunt on the telephone and heard from her that she cannot wait to beat Butch's "rabies-infested" ass.
Xavier Woods beats Butch with a small package. After the match, Butch smacks Sheamus and Ridge Holland briefly as he takes his anger out on them.
Backstage, Sami Zayn argues with WWE official Adam Pearce about his match with Johnny Knoxville, saying he has been reduced to a laughingstock and that he wants his respect back. He then says that he wants a match with the next person that walks through the men's locker room door, and that man is Drew McIntyre. Sami wants the next person, but Pearce says the match is official. Sami walks it back again, saying that McIntyre is the toughest guy on the roster and beating him will get his respect back. Sami leaves, then Pearce is handed a note from "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
We are introduced to Ludwig Kaiser - formerly Marcel Barthel - who introduces Gunther.
Gunther beats Joe Alonzo.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Raquel Rodriguez, formerly Raquel Gonzalez. Raquel says SmackDown has one of the most impressive women's locker rooms and that they have never seen anyone like her. Suddenly, Los Lotharios show up and welcome her to SmackDown and welcome her with a kiss. Raquel says "Not a chance," and Los Lotharios back off. She then asks Kayla "Are those guys always this annoying?"
It's time for Happy Talk. Happy Corbin says this was supposed to be the happiest Happy Talk ever and that he and Madcap Moss are supposed to be reveling in victory against Drew McIntyre right now. He says that in these low points that one realizes what kind of man one really is, and as he talked to himself on his yacht, he realized that Madcap Moss is too blame for being on the apron and distracted him. Madcap Moss says he was excited for him, but Corbin says that Moss ruined the match and made WrestleMania weekend all about him before telling him that he has gotten too big for his suspenders and forgot his place, which is to tell him a joke. Madcap says that him costing Corbin a match "Madcap Loss," and calls Adam Pearce running a brothel "Madam Pearce." Corbin hates both jokes, then tells him all of his jokes have been terrible. Corbin gives him one last chance to tell a funny joke like his life depends on it, because it does. Moss then says that a guy who calls him friends like garbage, thinks he is better than everyone and dresses for a funeral for Tommy Bahama "Happy Corbin." Corbin turns on Madcap Moss by attacking him from behind, and Moss fights back by throwing him into a table before tossing him out of the ring. Corbin and Moss then brawl on the outside, and Moss gets the upper hand before getting him back in the ring and clotheslining him over the top rope. He then throws the Happy Talk set out of the ring and stomps on Corbin's hat.
Backstage, Jinder Mahal and Shanky meet with WWE official Adam Pearce and demand a WWE Intercontinental Championship match, then "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey shows up about her "I Quit" match. Adam Pearce tells her there should be an answer on the match sometime tomorrow.
Drew McIntyre beats Sami Zayn by count-out when Sami Zayn avoids the Claymore Kick and runs away through the crowd.
We hear from Lacey Evans. She talks about how she grew up in a small town in Georgia and how life for her was rough due to her father's drug and mental problems and her mom getting caught up in it all. She says the abuse became too much and her mother moved her and her siblings out of the house and into women's shelters and campgrounds from state to state, and she learned to adapt and refused to give up. She says she may not have had a great start as the rest of the women's locker room, but what she has gone through, including time in the military, has made her who she is and got her to where she is now. She says this doesn't make her any better from other Superstars, but the other Superstars aren't better than her.
Naomi guests on commentary for the next match.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Liv Morgan, who says she is here to beat Sasha Banks, and if she can do it, that will give her and Rhea Ripley momentum. She says Rhea is not here, but she will be there on Monday when they become Women's Tag Team Champions.
Liv Morgan gets an upset win on Sasha Banks with an inside cradle out of a Superplex.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Roman announces that SmackDown and the Universal Championship were not enough, and he went to WrestleMania, beat Brock Lesnar, and took Raw and the WWE Championship. As for the next step, it seems like he has done it all, but there is still some things left to achieve, and after seeing pictures of himself and The Usos, he realizes that The Usos - especially Jey - must unify the tag team titles as well. He tells The Usos to get the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships, then says they will have all the gold soon. Suddenly, Shinsuke Nakamura shows up. Roman lowers Nakamura's microphone, telling him he does not have to speak and that he knows how he feels, then says the island of relevancy is a place of love before hugging Nakamura. Nakamura suddenly gets superkicked in the face, then Roman tells them to do the same thing to RK-Bro (Matt Riddle and Randy Orton).
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says it has been 47 days since the abrupt news that he became a free agent, and that he chose to be silent as rumors buzzed. He says the return to WWE was simple, and after having signed a multi-year agreement, all doubt was eradicated. Rhodes says a man often finds his destiny on the path he takes to avoid it, then shows a picture of his father "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in Madison Square Garden in 1977, whom he calls his hero. He says that in the photo, Dusty is holding the same title that many other greats would get their hands on and that the photo was on his family's mantle until his father's last day, and while he fought for the title, he did not win the title due to champion's advantage. At eight years old, he asked about that title and vowed to win it for his father, telling him that no one can take it from him now, and while he cannot physically bestow it upon Dusty, he can still put it around his waist. Cody makes it clear that he is ready and that he will give the distinction his family has been denied and do it for for the fans, himself, his family and Dusty. Suddenly, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Cody tosses his microphone away and extends his hand to Rollins, who laughs and shakes Cody's hand. Rollins says "Welcome home," then leaves as Cody's entrance theme plays.
Sasha Banks and Naomi beat Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan in a WWE Women's Tag Team Championship Contender's Match. After the match, a disappointed and frustrated Rhea Ripley walks away from Liv Morgan as Kevin Owens heads to the ring.
Kevin Owens is in the ring. Owens says that he may have made a mistake and that when he had "Stone Cold" Steve Austin as a guest on his show, he underestimated Austin. He says Austin is great and that one must be great in order to beat him. Owens says he is one of the greatest to ever step in the ring, and when he trick Austin into one last match, he tricked himself into it as well by going into it with a bad back. He says he hurt his back in the back, and while he could have gone home, he had to deliver. He says he put his health in danger to give everyone a big main event, then says that Austin's win should be stricken from the record books. Suddenly, someone named Ezekiel - who is really a clean-shaven Elias with a different look - shows up. Owens recognizes him, but he says he is not Elias; instead, he is Elias' younger brother, Ezekiel. Owens is unconvinced and says he hates liars, then Ezekiel says Owens must hate himself when he lied to Austin and got stunned. Owens tells Ezekiel that he never liked him and now likes him even less, then tells him he has ten seconds to get out of his ring or else. Owens counts down from ten, but when Ezekiel does not leave, he leaves.
The Miz quickly beats Dominik Mysterio. After the match, Veer Mahaan finally comes to Raw. Miz rolls out of the ring, but Rey and Dominik Mysterio stay. Veer kicks Dominik down, then lays out Rey when Rey fights him before cranking on Dominik's neck and shoulder.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca thanks the fans for never giving up on her and believing that she would standing in the ring as Raw Women's Champion. She removes her sunglasses to reveal a black, swollen left eye. Bianca says she stands with one, then thanks Becky Lynch for making her realize how much better she could be. She says she will never take for granted where she is, because it could all be taken away from her, which she says hurt. She says she did not cheat and injure Becky to get back to the top; instead, she worked her way back up, and while Becky tried to poke at her, she caught everything Becky threw at her and fought until the end to become champion. Bianca says she overcame everything to give the fans a better champion than Becky, then says she knows what it is like to both have the title and lose it and will fight every woman in the locker room to keep it. She says she has become different and become better, and says that since Becky no longer has a title to defend, she can take some time to see what kind of champion she can really be.
Bron Breakker beats Dolph Ziggler to become the NXT Champion for a second time.
MVP is in the ring. He says that actions speak louder that words and that Bobby Lashley's action spoke volumes before introducing Lashley to the ring. Lashley says that he could not resist and that he had to see how strong and powerful Omos was, and when he stepped into the ring with him, he had to ask Omos if he really wanted to do this. He says that when he knocked Omos on his ass, he knew it could be done, even without MVP's help, and when he faces Omos at WrestleMania, Omos was powerful and made him feel hopeless, but as soon as Omos made a mistake, which he knew he would do, he had him. Suddenly, Omos shows up and wants a rematch, calling Lashley's victory a fluke. MVP repeats what Omos just said, then strikes Lashley from behind for not needing him before telling Omos to make his statement and destroy Lashley. MVP then hits Lashley with a running boot in the corner before Omos hits Lashley with a choke bomb.
Backstage, Liv Morgan meets with Rhea Ripley, who says that she got with Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce and got them a women's tag team title match next week.
Before the next match, Queen Zelina blames Carmella for costing them the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania by being so pre-occupied with herself and Corey Graves, whom she says is a fool for marrying her. She then says that Corey Graves is a very handsome man, then Carmella takes the microphone and says she is the most beautiful woman in WWE and says Zelina can be her flower girl instead of a bridesmaid if she wants to come to her wedding. Zelina forearms Carmella in the face, and punches her despite Carmella climbing on top of Corey Graves. Corey then calms Carmella down before the two of them make out.
Backstage, Austin Theory is met by The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who brag about their WrestleMania win before questioning Austin Theory's worthiness as Vince McMahon's protege. Theory says that he had Pat McAfee beat and that Vince does not make a mistake. He says that tonight, Finn Balor might as well be Pat McAfee.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Austin Theory beat RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) and Finn Balor in a six-man tag match.
Edge heads to the ring. Edge says he is an honest man and said that AJ Styles would face his judgment day at WrestleMania, and he did. He admits he did not expect Damian Priest to appear, and he says that for too long, Priest fought his inner self and tried to be a role model just like he did. He then demands that everyone rises for the man who respects his message and become the punishment for the guilty: Damian Priest. Priest heads to the ring and shakes Edge's hand, and Edge asks what it was about his message to take his career back into his own hands, and Priest says it goes without saying what Edge has meant to him for a very long time. He says that for weeks before WrestleMania, he was lost, and he tried to please everyone, but that all changed when he heard his message, and while he was speaking to AJ Styles, he felt like Edge was speaking directly to him. Priest says that this made it easy for him to pledge his loyalty to Edge, and Edge tells Priest it was the best decision of his life. He says that the night he stopped listening to the fans was the same night Priest took his career back. He says that the two of them will pass judgment on whoever opposes their message, and says that while he got the pitbull out of AJ Styles, the only option for him was to fight and to think of his children and family. Suddenly, Styles shows up. Styles fights Priest when Priest charges at him, then goes for the ground-and-pound on Edge and sends him into the ring post. He then brings two chairs into the ring for a Con-Chair-To to Edge, but Priest heads him off at the pass and allows for Edge to hit Styles with a Spear. Priest and Edge prepare the Con-Chair-To to Styles when officials and referees rush in to protect Styles. Priest and Edge leave.
Before the next match, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) attack The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) before the bell rings. WWE official Adam Pearce shows up and says that if all four men in the ring wanted to fight at the same time, they should have just come to him. He then makes the match a Texas Tornado match.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) in a Texas Tornado tag team match after Montez Ford splashes Chad Gable through a table.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Heyman lists the recent record-breaking financial accolades of Roman Reigns and The Usos, and Roman says what is good for him is good for WWE, and with him as the head of the table, the billion-dollar deals are coming easily. Roman says that he is "the last needle-mover" because he constantly operations in God Mode, then says he is a man of his word after calling his shot and delivering when he smashed Brock Lesnar. He says other men would hang their hat on this weekend, but he is the tribal chief and he is moving forward, and on SmackDown, everyone will know what the next step is.
We see a video package for the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Madcap Moss last eliminates Finn Balor to win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. After the match, Madcap Moss says he looked up to Andre the Giant ever since he was a little kid and he always wanted to follow in his footsteps, and he did it. He then says a battle royal named after the smartest Texans is called a "cattle royal."
Ricochet retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Humberto and Angel following a top rope 630 splash on Angel into a Recoil on Humberto after Humberto and Angel argue over who wins the title during the match.
We see a video package of the events leading up to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's appearance on The Kevin Owens Show at WrestleMania.
Liv Morgan, Rhea Ripley, Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler watch the next match from ringside after it is announced that they along with Naomi, Sasha Banks, Queen Zelina and Carmella will compete for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.
Naomi and Sasha Banks beat Carmella and Queen Zelina.
In footage from earlier today, Kayla Braxton interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey at her personal training grounds. Ronda says she is expertly handling her anger until WrestleMania, when Charlotte Flair will either tap out or lose her arm when she rips it off and gives it to her family as a souvenir.
We see a video package of the events leading up to "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania.
Charlotte Flair shows up. She says that what she has done to "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey is better than any Oscar-caliber movie and that Ronda is angry that she will destroy her regardless of what submission she puts her in. She says that Ronda is acting like everything is cool, but everyone knows better, and says she is what is really cool compared to Ronda. Charlotte says she will take Ronda to school and teach her what cool is really all about.
Backstage, Happy Corbin pranks Madcap Moss with Drew McIntyre's sword.
We see a video package for Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in a WWE Championship and Universal Championship unification match at WrestleMania.
As Rick Boogs plays Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring, Austin Theory shows up from behind the barricade and trips Pat McAfee off the commentary table. Pat McAfee chases Austin Theory to the back. Once again, Austin Theory hides in Vince McMahon's office, but McAfee kicks the door in. McMahon confronts McAfee and tells him to do his job.
Rick Boogs vs. Jimmy Uso ends in a no-contest. During the match, Austin Theory shows up and toss a fan's drink at Pat McAfee, but when he runs away, Finn Balor grabs Austin Theory, sends him into the ring, and proceeds to beat him up. This ends the match.
Austin Theory and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Rick Boogs and Finn Balor in a six-man tag match after tripping Finn Balor off the top to stop the Coup de Grace. After the match, Pat McAfee gets on the ring apron, but gets back down tot he commentary table as Austin Theory dares McAfee to hit him after Michael Cole talks McAfee down.
It's time for Happy Talk. Madcap Moss says tonight's edition is a special edition that will be "extra happy," and after Moss celebrates his Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Corbin brags about stealing Drew McIntyre's sword Angela. Corbin calls it his "lucky WrestleMania sword" before running down his list of WrestleMania moments and proclaiming that he will beat Drew McIntyre once and for all, and calls what is "a fancy accessory" for McIntyre a "dangerous weapon" and "insurance policy" for himself. Corbin says that the sword deserves a happy name like "Euphoria," then Corbin says that McIntyre's sword and his late mother have something in common in that McIntyre lost them both. McIntyre shows up, knocks out Madcap Moss on the ramp, then grabs a chair and throws it at Corbin before swinging Angela at Corbin, forcing Corbin to flee. McIntyre then throws multiple articles of furniture out of the ring before chopping a table in half with Angela.
Brock Lesnar heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Lesnar says that for the last twenty years, Heyman has been speaking for him, then says he has to do it for once and welcomes everyone to the show. He then tells Roman Reigns that on Sunday, they will take a trip down memory lane in the streets of Suplex City, take a ride on the F5, and then they will crash a wedding as their championships will become a unified title while he gets full custody. Lesnar says that in six days, he will finally get his hands on Roman Reigns and there is nowhere to run or hide when he stands above him with two titles that he will raise to the sky as he is declared a unified champion.
Before the next match, The Miz says that Rey Mysterio may have an incredible wardrobe for WrestleMania, then mentions the mask he stole from Rey last week and says he gave it to Logan Paul, whom he introduces as "Lucha Logan." Logan Paul shows up wearing the stolen mask and does a cartwheel on the stage before heading to the ring. Miz says that unmasking Rey was the most disrespectful thing he could do, then says he will keep taking respect as he wants a mask of his own for WrestleMania. As Miz says he will take whatever mask Rey is wearing tonight, Rey and Dominik Mysterio show up. Dominik tackles Miz and punches him while Rey stares down Logan Paul at ringside. The referee has to keep Dominik from getting his hands on Logan Paul. Dominik Mysterio is then ejected for the match begins.
Rey Mysterio quickly beats The Miz. After the match, Dominik Mysterio returns to throw Logan Paul in the ring, and when Logan Paul escapes the double 619, Rey and Dominik get Rey's mask back and hit The Miz with a double 619.
We hear from Veer, who says that his opponents' fear is real, and that next week, his opponents' fear is here. Veer comes to Raw next week.
We see footage earlier today of Seth "Freakin'" Rollins at WWE headquarters at 6:57 AM. At 9:05 AM, Seth learns that Vince McMahon is ready to see him. Vince tells Seth that he is surprised that Seth did not win his way into WrestleMania, then asks Seth why he did not come to him for a WrestleMania match instead of jumping through a series of hoops. He says that he cannot have a "stupendous" WrestleMania without Rollins having his own main event, and tells him that he is going to WrestleMania. When Seth Rollins asks who his opponent, Vince says it will be of his choosing and he will find out who it is in the ring.
Omos beats The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in a two-on-one handicap match with a clothesline to Erik. After the match, Omos kicks Ivar off the ring apron. After the match, Kevin Patrick interviews Omos. When asked which WWE Superstar could threaten him, Omos says he is undefeated and that he will dominate everyone. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley shows up for the first time since Elimination Chamber. Lashley and Omos stare down, then Omos shoves him back. Lashley tries to shoulder tackle him, but Omos is unfazed, and he tosses Lashley into the corner. Eventually, both men collide, and Lashley knocks Omos off his feet. Omos retreats. Both men then point at the WrestleMania sign.
Backstage, Reggie proposes to Dana Brooke, saying they can have their WrestleMania moment right now. Reggie then produces an engagement ring, when Dana puts on after she says "yes." Dana is attacked by Tamina, but Reggie helps Dana get away. Suddenly, Akira Tozawa shows up in a suit and proposes to Tamina, and he also produces an engagement ring. Tamina grabs Tozawa, then says yes. After Akira puts the ring on, R-Truth is seen watching with binoculars and a nearby referees, and R-Truth says this gives him an idea.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Roman says that he has done everything he can do in the business, then says he will smash everyone like he will smash Brock Lesnar if they keep saying "What." He then says he has done everything except beat Lesnar at WrestleMania. Roman says this pisses him off, then says that what bothers him about Lesnar is how he was out for blood a few weeks ago. He says that Lesnar had already spilled his blood at WrestleMania in 2018 by busting his forehead open so badly that his family became concerned. Roman says his family was disappointed, his father was concerned, his wife wanted him out of the business and his children did not recognize him, but he stayed in the business and he and The Usos changed the game. Roman says that he took his advocated and made him his wise man and got his receipt by spilling his blood at Madison Square Garden, then says he will smash Lesnar and take his title, because it has always been personal to him and he will make it personal. He then gently lays the microphone down on the mat and raises one finger in the hand, as does The Usos.
Backstage, Queen Zelina and Carmella have a photo shoot. Zelina says she is happy they are on the same page, and Carmella says they will look stunning when they walk out of WrestleMania as champions. As Zelina and Carmella brag about their attack from last week, Shayna and Natalya show up and say the cheap shots are not happening tonight, then tell them to let them do the work in tonight's match so they can live long enough to see WrestleMania.
It is announced that The Steiner Brothers (Rick and Scott Steiner) have been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2022.
Sasha Banks, Naomi, Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan beat "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, Natalya, Queen Zelina and Carmella in an eight-woman tag match after the heel team fails to get along.
We see a video package of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's career.
Kevin Owens is in the ring. After Owens puts the WWE production team over, he says that their work was nothing compared to his tribute to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and that anyone who says he mocked him is lying. Owens says he also did everyone watching a failure, as him dressed up as Steve Austin will be as close to the old Steve Austin anyone will get, as Steve Austin has been gone for nineteen years and will never be coming back. He says it will just be "Steve" who has been drinking himself into oblivion and bored to tears that he has to have people on his podcast that will be on his show, and while he sounds like the "Stone Cold" of old and can talk a big game, he would destroy him on his show. Owens says that Steve Austin is on his show to have "a nice little chat about his career" and that he will give him the biggest platform he has ever had at WrestleMania and give him the big send-off he thinks he deserves. Owens then says that he has something special for him, and despite considering beer "disgusting," he will share a beer with him and have a toast to Austin finally and officially passing the torch to him as the true new master of the Stunner and "the new Stone Cold." He then says that after that, Austin can be on his way, then warns him that if he gets funny with him and tries to pick a fight, there will be a Stunner and Austin will be on the receiving end of it and he will pour a beer on his lifeless carcass.
Bobby Lashley vs. Omos is made official for WrestleMania Sunday.
Austin Theory beats Ricochet after tripping him off the top rope to hit the ATL.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca says that two weeks ago, she found how low Becky Lynch would stoop, then says that her confidence threatened Becky and caused her to injure her to keep her off WrestleMania while bashing her name and playing the victim to ruin her reputation. She says that she is "the EST" for a reason and congratulates Becky for taking her out for a week before declaring she is here as if she never even left, then says this has gone on for too long and Becky has done everything to stay champion. She says that Becky tried to break her throat and her spirit and tried to end her career, but nothing has worked and nothing will stop her from taking the Raw Women's Championship, and at WrestleMania, she is coming for her and she will become champion. Becky Lynch's theme hits, but Bianca sees Becky's attempt to come at her from behind with a chair coming and gets the upper hand. Becky pulls Bianca back by her hair, then hits her with the chair. Becky then produces a large pair of hair cutting scissors, and as referees try to stop her from cutting the ponytail, Bianca lifts Becky up on her shoulders, hits her with the K.O.D., then hits her with it again. Bianca then notices the scissors, picks them up and cuts Becky's hair. Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville show up with another referee to get her to stop, and Bianca stops after cutting parts of Becky's hair. When Becky comes to as Bianca leaves, Becky is livid.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews an angry Becky Lynch, who takes the microphone, throws it to the floor, looks at the camera and says "Bianca, you bitch!"
Drew McIntyre beats Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss in a two-on-one handicap match after Corbin leaves Moss high and dry. After the match, Corbin attacks McIntyre from behind and hits him with the End of Days. Corbin then walks off with McIntyre's sword Angela.
We hear from Edge, who says that he has taken fate into his own hands and that he and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles need each other. He says Styles needed him to have the veil pulled off and reminded he is an era-defining superstar while he needed Styles to become who he is now. He says that at WrestleMania, they will face off in a match for the ages after parallel careers, then says that he has seen the look in his eyes and knows that he lives in his head. He says that WrestleMania is his judgment days and that his judgment is sealed.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who says Edge used a lot of words to justify another cheap shot and mentions Edge's vicious chair attack. He says that Edge has changed since then and has gotten into his head. He says that Edge has gotten something a lot worse than a pitball and that he will destroy Edge like Edge wants to destroy him. He says the verdict is in and that he will give Edge a beating he will never forget.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs guest on commentary for the next match.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. RK-Bro (Randy Orton and Matt Riddle) after The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) get physically involved. After the match, The Usos brawl with Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs, and the brawl makes its way to the back while both members of The Street Profits get RKOs from RK-Bro.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair! Bobby Lashley! Rey and Dominik Mysterio!
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Brock Lesnar. He says he had paid some fines and bought some vehicles, and that he cannot have physical contact with Roman Reigns unless provoked. Lesnar then proclaims he will hang out in Roman's locker room for "a good provoking," then takes a look at the room before sitting down and crushing a table with the heels of his boots.
Shinsuke Nakamura beats Jimmy Uso after Rick Boogs sends Jey Uso into the ring post to save his guitar, distracting Jimmy Uso and allowing Nakamura to hit the Kinshasa for the win.
Brock Lesnar is seen in Roman Reigns' locker room drinking champagne and eating grapes. He throws the champagne bottle at the wall after being dissatisfied with the taste of the champagne.
WrestleMania 38 is eight days away!
It is announced that Shad Gaspard will be posthumously given the 2022 Warrior Award at the 2022 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says it is personal between himself and Happy Corbin, and since he has returned from injury, he has made his life hell, and while he could have taken him out at anytime, he wants to do it at WrestleMania where the most eyes are watching. He says that he will wipe the smug grin off of Corbin's face at the event.
We see a video package of Happy Corbin's rise from the bottom of the barrel to the top of the world. Backstage, Happy Corbin talks about his rise to the top with Madcap Moss as well as his plans to embarrass Drew McIntyre, saying that a movie could be made about this. Moss says the movie could be called "Bald Fellas," but Corbin does not approve of the joke.
Before the next match, Kofi Kingston re-introduces King Woods.
King Woods beats Ridge Holland with an inside cradle.
We hear from Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns. Roman talks about his and Paul's sightseeing trip through Brooklyn, New York, then warns Brock Lesnar to get out of his locker room before be beats him up and leaves him bleeding all over Brooklyn.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Charlotte Flair and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey heads to the ring. Rousey says that next weekend, Charlotte Flair will be giving the title to her instead of her having to take the title after she makes Charlotte tap out, then calls Charlotte out to the ring. Charlotte shows up on the TitanTron instead, saying she is not in the "low-rent city" of Brooklyn, New York tonight and that she does not answer when the contender calls because she is the champion. Ronda says she knows exactly who she is, and that she broke her first arm at 14 years old and liked it so much that she counted the arms she broke until she eventually lost count. Charlotte says she has run out of ways to hurt Ronda and would have to toss her off the Brooklyn Bridge to get any satisfaction. Ronda tells Charlotte she is not her, saying that beating her would be the biggest win of her career while beating Charlotte would be part of a lost count.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Brock Lesnar in Roman Reigns' locker room. Lesnar tells Kayla to get Roman, as he is running out of things to smash. Lesnar then throws a lamp and breaks it.
Angel beats Ricochet in an Intercontinental Championship Contender's Match with a schoolkid pin following the distraction by Humberto. After the match, Ricochet says it is not going down like that and calls out Humberto, daring him to get in the ring with him for a match. (The woman on the kiss cam before the match is independent wrestler Leila Gray.)
Humberto beats Ricochet in an Intercontinental Championship Contender's Match by count-out after Garza rolls underneath the ring and grabs Ricochet's foot to keep him from getting back in the ring.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says he has been feeling good about things, but now that his match with Johnny Knoxville is an anything goes match, Knoxville has no idea what he is in for. He also says that he has dreamed of ways to hurt Knoxville at WrestleMania. Sami says that Knoxville will experience punishment in a way that has never been seen in a WWE ring before.
Austin Theory knocks the headset off Pat McAfee's head, and McAfee chases Theory all the way to Vince McMahon's office, where Theory locks the door and hides.
It is announced that Triple H has retired from in-ring competition following his heart attack back in September.
Sasha Banks beats Queen Zelina, Rhea Ripley and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Bazler in a Fatal 4-Way match with a Banks Statement on Queen Zelina. Naomi, Liv Morgan, Natlaya and Carmella are at ringside during the match, but are ejected from the match during the commercial break following an eight-woman brawl.
Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman arrive at the arena. Paul tells Roman he does not feel well. Roman says they will be fine, but Brock Lesnar will not.
Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns head to the ring. Heyman tells Roman that Brock Lesnar is in Brooklyn, New York at the same time as Roman, but Roman tells Heyman not to be afraid as this is only a bad thing for Brock Lesnar, and threatens to put Lesnar' head through a wall if he is still there. Roman's locker room is shown on the TitanTron, but Lesnar is nowhere to be found. Lesnar is then shown with a pickaxe smashing the windows of Roman and Heyman's SUV. Roman tells Lesnar that weapons will not be allowed at WrestleMania before Lesnar heads towards the ring through the crowd. Security stand between Lesnar and Roman, but Lesnar lays security out with a chair. The Usos show up, but they, Roman and Heyman retreat when Lesnar gets in the ring. Lesnar then chases off Pat McAfee and Michael Cole before celebrating on the announce table. Roman then appears on the TitanTron and says that Lesnar will acknowledge him as the undisputed WWE Champion.
This week on Talking Smack: The New Day (King Woods and Sir Kofi Kingston)! Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel)! Sasha Banks and Naomi!
In memory of Scott Hall "Razor Ramon", 1958 - 2022.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring to start tonight's show. As they do, it is announced that Pat McAfee is not allowed to put his hands on Austin Theory and that he must apologize to Theory or else he will lose his WrestleMania match and his job. Roman says that tonight is the first night he will see Brock Lesnar since he smashed him in Madison Square Garden. Suddenly, Lesnar lets Roman know that Lesnar's flight has been grounded due to weather-related reasons and that Lesnar will not be here tonight. Roman says that Lesnar is scared of him, because he is greatness on a different level and there is no man who can touch him. Suddenly, Heyman finds out that Lesnar is here after all and that he is on his way. Everyone heads to the back.
Backstage, Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) get into their black SUV. Suddenly, Heyman rams a forklift through the SUV's windows.
In footage from the commercial break, Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos are safe in the SUV, but Brock Lesnar is revealed to be driving the forklift as he lifts the SUV up and turns it on its side. Roman, Heyman and The Usos get in a light brown truck, but Lesnar finds the truck and rips a back door open as the truck speeds off. Lesnar then heads to the ring with the door in his hand. Lesnar says "Excuse me. I'm a little riled up," then tells Roman that he has unleased "a bipolar beast" and that he can run and hide, but in two weeks, he will do more than blow the doors off. He tells Roman that he is coming for blood and that he had best be prepared.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs beat Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel).
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Happy Corbin, Madcap Moss, Jinder Mahal and Shanky. Corbin says that nothing makes him easier than bringing Drew McIntyre down a notch and that WrestleMania weekend will be the best weekend of his entire life. Madcap Moss makes a joke saying that an episode of "Happy Talk" that puts everybody to sleep is called "Nappy Talk." Nobody else is amused.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) and Drew McIntyre beat Happy Corbin, Jinder Mahal and Shanky after Corbin refuses to wrestle McIntyre and tags in Shanky before running away.
Backstage, we hear from Sami Zayn, who says he is not happy because Johnny Knoxville ruined his life through juvenile pranks and stunts, and says he will show him what it means to step into his world. He then says that if Knoxville has the balls to step into the ring with him, then their match at WrestleMania Sunday will be anything goes.
Carmella and Queen Zelina watch the next match from the commentary table.
Naomi and Sasha Banks vs. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley ends with Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler laying out both times. Carmella and Queen Zelina both get in the ring and help Natalya and Shayna, but Natalya and Shayna make it clear they want their titles, too.
We hear from Johnny Knoxville, who says that he has done some dumb things, but he is still standing. He says that Sami Zayn may not be a good person, but he is a good competitor, and if he wants to make their match anything goes, he accepts.
Pat McAfee is told that he has been summoned to Vince McMahon's office by Michael Cole.
WrestleMania 38 is 15 days away!
Backstage, Sonya Deville tells Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler that she loved what they did earlier and mentions that they have proven themselves to be a dominant force, and that they are added to the Women's Tag Team Championship match at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Pat McAfee leaves Vince McMahon's office. Pat McAfee then heads to the ring. He talks about how he happened upon professional wrestling for the first time on USA Network and how his life changed immediately, as he saw something that inspired him and shaped him forever. He says that he found the thing that he thought he was put on earth to do, and after other professions got in the way and he retired, he got a call from Michael Cole asking to work on SmackDown. As he talks about how he has wanted to tour from city to city and meet the millions of fans of the WWE, Austin Theory shows up. After two false starts, Pat McAfee says he is sorry for whupping his ass, that his parents raised a douchebag, that he made him relevant and that he is "a punk bitch." Austin Theory shoves Pat after saying "You apologized!" and leaves.
We see Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs in their Toyota Tundra TDR Pro. This time, they go mountain biking in the woods.
Ridge Holland beats Kofi Kingston after Sheamus and Butch get ejected from ringside and Kofi throws Sheamus' cane out of the ring. Butch runs at Kofi, and the distraction allows Ridge to hit Northern Grit for the win.
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. Charlotte says she showed "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey why she is the most decorated woman in sports entertainment history and that nobody has caused Ronda more pain than she has. She also talks about how she had Ronda seconds away from tapping out until referees pulled her off of Ronda, and says that this is a taste of what is in store for Ronda at WrestleMania as Ronda watches from backstage. Charlotte calls herself the mountain that Ronda has to climb and says she kicked Ronda down to the bottom of that mountain, and says that when she loses at WrestleMania, she will leave to have another baby because she does not have the spine to be a champion like her. She then dares Ronda to get in the ring with her so she can embarrass her in her hometown. Ronda heads to the ring and ignored Kayla Braxton's attempt at an interview as she does, and Charlotte produces a Kendo stick. Charlotte swings and misses, and the two women brawl. Charlotte avoids an ankle lock by hitting her with a Kendo stick and chokes her out with it, then powerbombs her through the announce table.
Brock Lesnar heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Lesnar says Roman Reigns has changed the rules and the game, as for the last six days, he dragged himself out of bed, looked in the mirror and was reminded of Roman drawing first blood on him. He says that one does not draw first blood on him and live to tell about it, and says he does not care about WrestleMania contracts or WWE titles before demanding that Roman get in the ring and that he wants his blood. Paul Heyman shows up and says that Lesnar was "bled by the bloodline" and "smashed by the Tribal Chief," then tells Lesnar that Roman is not here tonight. As Heyman tells Lesnar that he knows him better than anyone, Lesnar tells him to shut up and asks who will protect Lesnar if Roman is not here - which Heyman is for Lesnar's own protection. Lesnar chases Heyman to the back and plows through security that Heyman commands to stop Lesnar, but Heyman gets away in a black SUV.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Sheamus and Ridge Holland. Sheamus says they made the ATV better when they took sledgehammers to it, and Ridge says they expect a proper fight night. Sheamus says their sledgehammers compared to what they've brought tonight, and he and Ridge Holland proclaim they have brought someone that they have known for a very long time by the name of "Butch." "Butch" is none other than Pete Dunne.
Sheamus and Ridge Holland beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) following the distraction by Butch. After the match, Sheamus, Ridge Holland and Butch beat up Kofi as Big E is tended to by medical personnel after landing on his neck after a belly-to-belly suplex by Ridge Holland.
We see a video of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin thanking Kevin Owens for digging up something he kept hidden for 19 years after talking trash about Texas, and says he is "one dumb son-of-a-bitch" and is about to get his ass kicked. Austin says that at WrestleMania, he will open up one last can of whup-ass on Kevin Owens.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sami Zayn. We see some footage from TMZ Sports where Johnny Knoxville mentions that Sami Zayn a got a hold of his private cellphone number, then reveals a plane with a banner with Sami's cellphone number on it. Sami Zayn says that his privacy has been violated and that his phone cannot stop ringing, yet whatever is thrown at him, he can take it. He also says that Ricochet was lucky and was at the right place and the right time thanks to Johnny Knoxville and that with Johnny not being here tonight, he will win back the Intercontinental Championship.
Before the next match, Happy Corbin, Shanky, Jinder Mahal and Madcap Moss attack Ivar. McIntyre heads down the ramp and fights off Shanky and Jinder before laying out Madcap Moss. McIntyre sees Happy Corbin, and as he grabs Jinder Mahal, Corbin attacks him from behind and the numbers game takes over. It is not long before McIntyre is able to fight back after Happy Corbin mocks the countdown for the Claymore Kick, however, and McIntyre points his sword Angela at the WrestleMania sign.
"Rowdy" Ronda Rousey heads to the ring. Rousey says that Charlotte Flair only sees the arm bar, but she sees a thousand ways to get to it, and since she left WWE, she has done more than raise farm animals and has refined some of her submission moves, including the ankle lock. As Ronda says that she looks forward to tapping Charlotte out again at WrestleMania, Charlotte shows up. As Ronda says that she looks forward to tapping Charlotte out again at WrestleMania, Charlotte shows up. Ronda laughs, and Charlotte says there is nothing funny about having a match against her at WrestleMania and that she is WWE's most decorated for a woman. She says Ronda is still a one-trick pony and that she will embarrass and humiliate her before she makes her tap out. Ronda says she would love to see that and that she will give her time to take her heels off this time around, but Charlotte leaves the ring instead as the crowd chants "You tapped out!" Ronda says that Charlotte will not be able to walk away at WrestleMania, and she will either tap Charlotte out or walk away with Charlotte's arm.
We see Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs head to the ocean in a Toyota Tundra TDR PRO and go surfing.
Queen Zelina and Carmella watch the next match from the commentary table.
Sasha Banks and Naomi beat Natalya and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Bazler after Queen Zelina and Carmella's distraction attempts backfire.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. Jey says that WWE has no worthy opponents for them, then Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs show up. Boogs says he and Nakamura are the next SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but Jimmy laughs at them and Jey thinks that they are not serious, especially when Rick Boogs has a cast on his right leg. Jimmy then says that if Rick Boogs can beat Jey Uso with one leg, he and Nakamura can get a tag team title shot at WrestleMania.
Rick Boogs beats Jey Uso despite the distraction from Jimmy Uso to earn himself and Shinsuke Nakamura a SmackDown tag team title shot at WrestleMania. When the match begins, Rick Boogs removes his leg cast to reveal that he is not hurt. After the match, Jimmy Uso hits Rick Boogs in the back with his own guitar.
WrestleMania 38 is 22 days away!
Before the next match, Austin Theory shows up and slaps Pat McAfee, and Pat McAfee responds by beating Austin Theory up. Pat McAfee has to be escorted from the commentary table and hold Austin Theory back a second time.
Ricochet retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Sami Zayn.
Backstage, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair brawl. Officials run in to break up the brawl, but Charlotte and Ronda lay them out before Charlotte suplexes Ronda into a car and puts her in a submission hold.
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship and the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania is officially announced as a title unification match.
Michael Cole interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey in the ring to start tonight's show. Ronda says she broke her hand, rehabbed it, broke her other hand, rehabbed that hand, then had a daughter. She says that she wanted to punch her ticket to a second WrestleMania to set an example for her daughter after what her mother did to become a judo champion. Ronda also says she wants to be the first woman in two years to tap out Charlotte Flair, then Charlotte shows up after some still photos of Ronda at Elimination Chamber are shown. Charlotte tells Ronda she gave a little taste of a welcome back that she says was "so much fun" and gave her mercy at Elimination Chamber because she felt sorry for her, then says she will not do it again when she taps her out with the Figure Eight at WrestleMania. As Charlotte says that the bright side of it all is that Ronda will work on having a second child, Ronda is hit with a chop block by Sonya Deville. Charlotte then trips Ronda from the outside and rams her leg into a ring post. When Sonya gets in Ronda's face and asks her why she is such a failure, Ronda judo throws her out of the ring.
Backstage, Adam Pearce informs Sonya Deville that next week, she will go one-on-one with "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) beat Los Lotharios (Humberto and Angel). Before the match, Los Lotharios kiss a woman in the front row for their kiss cam. (This woman is Kayla Sparks, who would appear on AEW Rampage later that night.) The New Day head to the ring on an ATV, and at the end of the match, The New Day hit the Midnight Hour on Angel after Angel has to beg Big E not to run over Humberto with the ATV.
Sam Roberts is seen with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) backstage.
Shinsuke Nakamura and Rick Boogs are seen riding across northern California in a Toyota Tundra TRO PRO and going kayaking.
WrestleMania 38 is 36 days away!
Backstage, Sheamus and Ridge Holland stop The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) on their ATV, telling them that if they show up for fight night, they will need the ATV to carry them out. The New Day laugh and drive off.
Backstage, Sam Roberts interviews The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso). Jey Uso says tonight's contract signing is for the biggest WrestleMania match of all time, and Jey Uso says that Roman Reigns will "put that work" on Brock Lesnar like they will "put that work" on The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). As The Usos joke that they can smell The Viking Raiders a mile away, The Viking Raiders attack them and demand a SmackDown tag team title shot.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Xia Li. Xia Li says she has waited for this moment for his whole life after working hard in NXT, and while she is nervous, she is confident, for she is "The Protector" and Natalya will need protecting.
Xia Li beats Natalya in her main roster debut match.
Sami Zayn shows up in a gold tuxedo and heads to the ring. Sami Zayn says that justice is served, that you cannot keep a good man down, and that he is Intercontinental Champion again, and that he was the target of a large conspiracy to keep the title from him. He says that "they" will persecute him any chance he gets, but he knows that no matter what "they" throw at him, he can overcome all of it. Sami says he is more than happy to give Shinsuke Nakamura a title rematch, but he is too busy picking up the pieces of his knee cap that he shattered, and therefore, he has no problems with holding an open challenge. Johnny Knoxville suddenly shows up and says that since Sami Zayn crashed his celebration, he felt he should return the favor. Sami tells him to leave, but Knoxville reminds him that he threw out an open challenge. Sami tells Knoxville that he does not belong her and that while he is playing mind games with him, but he can through him. Knoxville asks Sami if he wants to be a fighting champion or if he does not have enough balls. Sami drops the mic as the crowd starts a "no balls" chant, then stares down Knoxville before teasing leaving. He then runs back into the ring and attacks Knoxville before hitting him with the Helluva Kick. Referees have to keep Sami from Knoxville afterwards, and Sami soon hits Knoxville with another Helluva Kick.
Backstage, Adam Pearce meets with Sami Zayn when Ricochet shows up and steps up for an Intercontinental title match. Sami tells him to get to the back of the line, but Adam Pearce makes it official for next week, much to Sami's chagrin.
Naomi guests on commentary for the next match.
Sasha Banks beats Shotzi with the Banks Statement. After the match, Naomi says that everyone is looking at the next WWE Women's Tag Team Champions in her and Sasha.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. Corbin says Moss has the strongest neck in the world, or else Elimination Chamber would have been a disaster. He then says Drew McIntyre will have to deal with him in a WrestleMania-caliber match and it will happen tonight. He says that McIntyre swung a sword at him and disrespected him and Moss, and tonight, he will show McIntyre who the better warrior is and that is no joke.
Before the next match, Happy Corbin says the next match is a WrestleMania-caliber match and asks Drew McIntyre if he wants to embarrass himself in Hershey, Pennsylvania, then says Madcap Moss is tough as nails and an inspiration after landing on his head and continuing to fight. He then tells Moss to get on the apron and tells him that he has this match, as it is "only Drew McIntyre." Moss gets in the ring, but Corbin attacks McIntyre from behind and Moss joins in.
Drew McIntyre beats Madcap Moss.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, who says that for all the times Sonya Deville messed with her and bullied Naomi, she will show what happens when authority figures step out of line.
Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) head to the ring. In the ring, Adam Pearce oversees the contract signing, and security guards are also present. Heyman says we have come to a point in history where there is no way to embellish or exaggerate the enormity of this year's WrestleMania main event, and that this match is the single-biggest match in history. He says that this is the biggest match on the biggest stage, and is bigger than Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. The Rock, and the night Brock Lesnar conquered The Undertaker's undefeated streak. Heyman says that Roman will solidify his "greatest of all time" status against Brock Lesnar in a title unification match, then gets down to the business at hand and states that security is here to protect Brock Lesnar from his own impulsiveness and from Roman Reigns. He then says "And this, ladies and gentleman, is what they call a cliffhanger," before the show immediately fades to a commercial break. After the commercial break, Brock Lesnar heads to the ring. Lesnar admits he has to contain himself and admits that he is impulsive, but says that if security will stop him from jumping across the table and kicking Roman and Heyman's asses, they have another thing coming. He says the only thing stopping him is himself and the contract, and that he will sign the contract so he can kick their asses and get paid for it. Lesnar then signs the contract and tosses it at Roman, then Heyman says he has had it with Lesnar's disrespect and that if he wants to make it personal, he will make sure Lesnar loses the WWE Championship next week at Madison Square Garden. Roman then signs the contract before stating that the WWE Champonship is his and that Lesnar does not even realize this because he will smash him at WrestleMania and absolutely everyone and everything around him is his. After Roman says all of the security in the ring works for him, Lesnar flips the table and lays out all of security.
This week on Talking Smack: The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik)! Sonya Deville!
Backstage, Paul Heyman is seen waiting for Roman Reigns.
Sasha Banks and Toni Storm beat Shotzi and Charlotte Flair with a bridge pin from Toni to Charlotte.
Backstage, King Woods sits on his throne and thanks the Superstars for their admiration. Rick Boogs gets to kiss Woods' hand, then The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up and mock Woods, but Woods says he and Sir Kofi Kingston will beat them again tonight and again at Day 1. Jimmy Uso says he and Jey Uso have no problem beating them twice, either, then they leave.
Backstage, Megan Morant interviews Natalya, who says that Xia Li had the audacity to viciously attack her, but she is a Guinness World Record holder and the best of all time, and if Xia Li steps up to her again, she will be the one needing a protector.
The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Jinder Mahal and Shanky.
Backstage, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss still have Adam Pearce's desk and Drew McIntyre's sword Angela.
Backstage, Paul Heyman is met by Brock Lesnar, not Roman Reigns as Heyman expected. When Lesnar asks Heyman if he was expecting Roman, Lesnar then says "Good luck with that."
It's time for another edition of Happy Talk. Adam Pearce's desk - and Drew McIntyre's sword Angela - is in the ring. Corbin says that to McIntyre, the sword is just a sword, but to him, it can be used as a hat rack and a cigar cutter. He says he cannot picture a better addition to the set, then Madcap Moss calls Drew McIntyre with his sword left behind in a desk "the Glasgow Diss." Moss also says he does not know where a discount kilt can be found, and to ask "Bargain Basement Braveheart." He then says Drew McIntyre's girl wore a suit because one person in the relationship should wear the pants. Corbin says he was planning to keep the sword in the desk forever, but he has decided to give the sword to Moss in honor of his razor sharp wit. When Moss tries to remove the sword, however, he cannot. Corbin thinks it is a joke at first, but Moss says he actually cannot get it out. Corbin tries but fares no better, and the two of them together still cannot dislodge it. Drew McIntyre then shows up. McIntyre asks Corbin and Moss if they are having performance issues, then lays Moss out when he charges at him before hitting Corbin with a Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre then removes the sword from the desk, and Moss has to help Corbin out of the ring.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville. He wishes them a happy holiday, saying he genuinely cares about the spirit of the holiday and the spirit of giving, and when asked, says he does not expect to be given something. As Sami talks about how he was robbed of a Universal title shot and, thanks to Sonya and Pearce, loved the Intercontinental Championship, Sonya and Pearce put Sami in a "Twelve Days of Christmas" twelve-man gauntlet to decide a #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship next week.
Ridge Holland beats Cesaro following the distraction from Sheamus.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre looks for Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss.
Before the next match, Naomi talks about how she makes herself a Christmas list. She says there is never much on it, and this year, the only thing on the list is a one-on-one match with Sonya Deville. Knowing that she is listening, Naomi says Sonya has done everything but face her one-on-one, and tells her that she wants the match tonight. Sonya shows up and says that when she has the suit on, she can't touch her. She then says she has another opponent. Once again, it is a match with "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Naomi dares Sonya to get in the ring, and Sonya gets in the ring. When Sonya takes off her jacket, Naomi is then attacked from behind by Shayna. Sonya then tells the referee to ring the bell. It is not long before Naomi gets a surprise win against Sonya with a roll-up. Naomi beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
Backstage, Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss are interviewed by Megan Morant as they hide from Drew McIntyre. Corbin says he is happy because he is rich, fortunate and can look down on people and smile. Corbin says he and Moss will laugh their way to the new year, as Drew McIntyre will be beaten by Moss at Day 1.
The New Day (Sir Kofi Kingston and King Woods) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso).
Backstage, Paul Heyman welcomes Roman Reigns, but Roman leaves through the other door. Roman says to Heyman "Let's talk in my office."
Roman Reigns, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Roman says he does not like it when his cousins The Usos lose, then says that they are family and that they can get through anything, because they are blood. He then says Heyman is not his blood, and that he should know better than anybody that no one disrespets him. Once again, Roman says that by disrespecting him, his family is disrespected. Roman asks Heyman if he can trust him, and says that last week, Heyman seemed a little shady to him. He asks Heyman if he knew Brock Lesnar would return at SummerSlam, if Lesnar would be at Madison Square Garden, and if he knew Lesnar's suspension would be lifted. Roman then asks Heyman if he is special counsel or an advocate. He asks Heyman if he knew Brock Lesnar would return at SummerSlam, if Lesnar would be at Madison Square Garden, and if he knew Lesnar's suspension would be lifted. Roman then asks Heyman if he is special counsel or an advocate. Heyman tells Roman that he is protecting Brock Lesnar from him, and that he is protecting him from Brock Lesnar. Roman hugs Heyman and tells him he loves him, and thanks him for his honesty. He also thanks him for 40 years of servitude to his family before firing him and hitting him with a Superman Punch. Roman then gets not one, but two chairs. As Roman is about to perform a Con-Chair-To on Heyman, Brock Lesnar shows up. The Usos run at Lesnar only to be decimated, even after Jimmy Uso hits a superkick. Lesnar runs into the ring, and while Roman is able to hit him with a chair, Lesnar get Roman up and hits him with the F5 not once, but twice.
This week on Talking Smack: Sheamus! Ridge Holland! Drew McIntyre! Toni Storm!
