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.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring to start tonight's show. He addresses the physical altercation with Gunther after Night of Champions, takes accountability for his part in the incident, and announces that he is now General Manager of the brand again. Aldis then introduces CM Punk to the ring, then gives Punk the floor and leaves the ring. Punk says that he missed the fans on SmackDown after two-and-a-half months of working to move to the blue brand, the attempts at which were expedited when a challenge for Sami Zayn was needed. He says that when opportunities fall from the sky, he catches them, and after getting ready for the match in his own home and kissing his wife goodbye, he is now Undisputed WWE Champion. Punk says that he is not like other wrestling, much like other champions, and that he plans to be a fighting champion every week and defend every chance he gets, for he draws a target on his back as the locker room is full of hungry, talented individuals who want what he has. Punk then throws an open challenge to anyone who thinks they have what it takes to wrestle "The Best in the World," for he is not hard to find and he will defend the WWE Championship with his blood, sweat and tears for the fans. Punk also addresses what Sami Zayn said about him on social media and says that he will give him a shot, as he certainly deserves a rematch. He also addresses Gunther, saying they remembered their last match, and also proposes that they square off again. He also mentions his recent two matches with Finn Balor and that he looks forward to facing him in neutral territory. Punk also mentions Royce Keys, Damian Priest and Trick Williams, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring.Cody asks Punk how his left eye, and Punk says that it looks a lot worse than it feels. Cody mentions how he had a black eye and how a championship opportunity fell into Punk's lap. He then says that while there are matches like the one Punk had, there are those that have been building for years. Punk mentions their history and their friendship and how he does not want the WWE Championship to come between it all. Punk says they may not be able to run away from each other anymore, to which Cody agrees, mentioning that he had told him "Just say when." Punk interrupts Cody as he speaks, saying "When." Cody says "SummerSlam." Both men shake hands. Aldis makes Cody vs. Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship an official main event match for SummerSlam.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jade Cargill, "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab. Cargill says that she is already to go and is ready to break Alexa Bliss' face. Michin says Charlotte Flair needs as many lessons as it takes to get the picture like Alexa, and B-Fab says that Charlotte will get a front row seat to see Alexa get snapped for a twig. Cargill says that everything that will happen to Alexa tonight will be Charlotte's fault and that she will not be held responsible.
UFC middleweight fighter Dricus Du Plessis is seen in the crowd.
Finn Balor beats Tama Tonga.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he has done nothing but prove and deserve, then says Trick Williams may have the aura, but it will not help him against someone with his star power. He says his aim has never been more clear and that tonight is his moment.
Backstage, R-Truth has to pay up to Fraxiom (Nathan Fraser and Axiom) due to the United States losing in the World Cup, then The War Raiders show up. Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu show up looking for Solo Sikoa. R-Truth says he has yet to see Solo, but when Jacob says he is looking for Royce Keys, Truth says he has not seen him, either. Damian Priest shows up and says that Royce Keys is here and in the building, and when R-Truth asks Priest why he mentioned where Royce Keys is, Priest says that Royce Keys is not their problem.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is on the phone with Sami Zayn, who is on a mental health break, and Sami is not happy with Cody vs. Punk for the WWE Championship at at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Gunther shows up and says that Aldis made a big mistake, but he is going to give him a chance to fix this before the end of the night, as he deserves to be in the ring with the champion and he does not care if he even has to face both Cody and Punk. Aldis says he will take that into consideration.
Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu are in the ring. Jimmy Uso calls out Solo Sikoa, but Royce Keys shows up and heads to the ring instead. Royce Keys addresses Jimmy Uso mentioning his name both last week and this week, then says that "the family business" is starting to affect everyone and is starting to affect him. Jimmy Uso says tonight is about "OTC business," and when Royce mentions that Roman Reigns is not here, Jacob Fatu steps up and says that they are good friends and that they should keep it that away. He tells Royce that he can say anything about anyone else, but warns him not to mention Roman Reigns again. Royce Keys says it does not have to be like this, and when Jimmy Uso says that nobody tells them what to do and that Royce Keys is not family, Royce Keys says that royalty, not blood, makes family, and that Jacob is his family and he will not let that fall. Jacob tells Royce that he will cross a line that he will not be able to come back from, and Royce says that he did not come here to fight, but he will cross that line. Jimmy thinks Royce is crazy for taking him and Jacob on, but Jacob tells Jimmy that there is no "we" here and that this is all on Jimmy, because he is out. Jacob then walks away, and Jimmy calls for a referee so they can have a match. Jimmy then goes for a cheap shot, but Royce makes him pay for it by immediately overpowering him.
Jimmy Uso beats Royce Keys. During the match, Solo Sikoa sneaks up on Jimmy Uso from behind on the outside and nearly hits him with a Samoan Spike, but Jacob Fatu comes back and beats up Solo Sikoa. Solo and Jacob go at it on the outside, and Jacob gets Solo in the Tongan Death Grip. Back in the ring, this allows Jimmy Uso to hit the Spear on a distracted Royce Keys for the pin and the win. After the match, Jacob gets Solo back in the ring to stomp a mudhole in him, then Royce Keys confronts Jacob. Jacob superkicks Royce and hits him with a senton, then takes a chair from Jimmy and wraps it around Solo's head. Jacob stops short of a hip attack on Solo and tells him to be ready next week on Raw, and this time, he will not stop.
We see Sami Zayn's message from after last week's Raw where Sami calls CM Punk a "piece of shit" for just waltzing in and taking the WWE Championship from him.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews CM Punk, who says that all challengers can get in line and that he has been called much worse by people other than Sami Zayn. Candice LeRae shows up, and Johnny Gargano is planking on a nearby box. Candice says Sami is the only one who did not give up on Gargano and was "the voice of the voiceless" and that Sami was their hope until Punk took that from them. Punk tells Gargano and Candice to get back in the ring, as this is not working. As he walks away, Punk runs into Finn Balor, who welcomes him to the blue brand.
We hear from Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid), who talk about how they will be the center of attention in Madison Square Garden and how they will take the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from Paige and Brie Bella at Saturday Night's Main Event, courtesy of Chime.
Jade Cargill beats Alexa Bliss. During the match, B-Fab trips Alexa on the outside, and that allows Charlotte Flair to send Jade Cargill neck-first into the ropes behind the referee's back. "Michin" Mia Yim goes after Charlotte only to eat a big boot, then B-Fab sends Charlotte into the ring post. Alexa takes out B-Fab afterwards, but Cargill is soon able to hit Alexa with a pump kick followed by Jaded for the pin and the win. After the match, Michin grabs a chair, but Charlotte stops Cargill from grabbing it. Michin and B-Fab almost overpower Charlotte, but Charlotte fends them off until Cargill superkicks her. Cargill places Alexa's left arm inside the chair and bends the arm back to the point of injuring it as officials arrive too late.
Backstage, Trick Williams is looking for the WWE United States Championship and blames Ricky Saints for it, then Lil Yachty shows up with a United States Championship belt lined with white fur. Yachty then tells Trick to give "a diamond butt-whuppin'" to Carmelo Hayes tonight.
Backstage, Alexa Bliss is helped into the trainer's room by officials as well as Charlotte Flair.
Carmelo Hayes vs. Trick Williams ends with both men being attacked by a returning Baron Corbin (formerly known as Bishop Dyer), who has not been seen in WWE in over a year.
Gunther heads to the ring. Gunther says that he gave General Manager Nick Aldis until the end of the evening to fix things, and demands that Aldis give him a decision. Aldis shows up and says that despite their history, he will give Gunther exactly what he wants. He gives Gunther "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and CM Punk at Madison Square Garden on Saturday Night's Main Event, but Cody and Punk will team up against Gunther and Sami Zayn. Aldis says the mistake he needs to fix is thinking Gunther would not be a pain in his ass after signing him to SmackDown. Gunther attacks Aldis in response and puts him in a sleeper hold that officials have to break up. Gunther seemingly walks away, then puts Aldis in a sleeper hold and attacks him again. He lets go, then locks in a third sleeper to end the show. The show fades to black as "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes makes his way to the ring. After the show goes off the air, Cody dares Gunther to fight him, but Gunther heads to the back.
Trick Williams heads to the ring, accompanied by Lil Yachty and Cocky the Gamecock (the South Carolina Gamecocks' mascot) to start tonight's show. Trick is excited to be back home and references the special chicken wing sauce from Kiki's Chicken and Waffles, which were used to accidentally christen "the lemon pepper steppers." He also talks about his time playing football for the University of South Carolina and mentions that his family is here, then declares that South Carolina has created a star. The Miz and Kit Wilson suddenly show up, and The Miz says that Trick's career is starting to look like rejected mascots from his daughter's birthday party, and asks if this is WWE or Sesame Street before asking if Big Bird is going to come out. Lil Yachty takes exception to The Miz's interruption, and says this is why he and Kit Wilson were attacked by Minihausens and cursed. Miz insists that he is not cursed, and Kit Wilson reads slam poetry where he mocks Trick and Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty decides to hit them both with a rebuttal of his own, and also says that Miz has tiny balls. A furious miz wants to leave Columbia, South Carolina, which he calls "a dumpster fire of a city" before stating that if he lived in Columbia, he would volunteer to move to Tennessee. He then calls for a referee so he can whup Trick in front of his mama, and when Kit Wilson opens his mouth, Trick slaps him before sending him and Miz out of the ring.
Trick Williams beats The Miz. During the match, The Miz produces a shinai from underneath the ring, but Lil Yachty takes ita way from him before he can use it and strikes Kit Wilson with it before tossing him into the announce table. Trick then hits the Trick Shot for the win.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmelo Hayes. Carmelo says he may have been gone for a month, but he has watched Sami Zayn and Carmelo Hayes make a mockery of the WWE United States Championship and that he is shooting for the title again. Suddenly, Ricky Saints shows up and says that SmackDown has changed, but Carmelo Hayes takes this as a challenge and warns him that the main roster has a way of humbling people and that Saints will eventually be humbled. Saints says that Carmelo needs to learn a lesson and that he will see him in the ring tonight.
General Manager Nick Aldis speaks with Rey Fenix, then meets with Sami Zayn, who says that he did things at WrestleMania that he is ashamed of and wants a rematch at the WWE United States Championship so he can do things the right way, but Aldis tells him he will have to earn it. Sami goes back to mentioning his "ride or die" fans and that the last several years have to have proven something, then Aldis says that Sami has things to deal with that he needs to deal with and that all he sees out of Sami is entitlement. Fenix tells Sami to calm down, and has to tell him to calm down and that he does not even recognize him when Sami insists he is the same person while everything around him has changed.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Brie Bella and Paige. Brie says the women's division is competitive and that holding the women's tag titles is like being in a shark tank and everyone wants to take a bite, including The Judgment Day (Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez). Paige says that it took years to win the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships and that they are not giving them up easily, then The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) show up wanting Paige and Brie to win so they can get the titles back.
Paige and Brie Bella beat Giulia and Kiana James.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton. All of a sudden, Giulia and Kiana James are heard arguing with each other, then Chelsea Green shows up and says that Giulia and Kiana have been bickering since she beat both of them. Tiffany says that some people are not meant to be a team and are oblivious to it. Chelsea says that would never be them, and Tiffany agrees, saying they were never meant to be a team before walking away.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up and sets up his own contract signing in the middle of the ring, complete with a contract for a match with Gunther for the Undisputed WWE Championship as well as a contract for Gunther to come to SmackDown. Gunther shows up and accuses Cody of making this all about himself "like a typical American," and says that Cody cries and complains when the attention is not on him. Gunther says that this is his deal and his title match, and that the Undisputed WWE Championship will be his title. Gunther tells Cody to be professional, address him nicely and say "please." Cody reminds Gunther that he is the one to get the drop on him, got a favor from "The Oracle" Paul Heyman, and refused to sign last week. He says that Gunther is making it weird and that he will make it simple, and tells him to sign the contract so he can guarantee himself an ass whipping at Clash in Italy, remembering to say "please" in the process. Gunther says that Cody did not mean anything he said, and as he rephrases things for Cody, Royce Keys shows up and says that if Gunther will not sign it, he will. Royce Keys gets in the ring, but Gunther gets in the ring and argues with Royce Keys over the contract. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and tells Gunther he has overplayed his hand to the point that his title shot is up for grabs, then makes a match between Gunther and Royce Keys where the winner will sign the contract to face Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Crash in Italy. A furious Gunther leaves the ring, and Cody tells Royce that while he is proud of Royce, he is still easy to find and hard to beat.
Backstage, The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) meet. Solo tells Tama to take Damian Priest out tonight, then leaves with Talla to talk to Royce Keys. Shinsuke Nakamura shows up, but he is taken out by Talla Tonga, who choke slams him through a table.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Gunther again that he overplayed his hand and that he will have to earn his title shot.
Carmelo Hayes beats Ricky Saints with a schoolkid pin while using the ropes for leverage after Saints gets caught by referee Charles Robinson for using the top rope for leverage during a stack-up pin in the corner.
Backstage, R-Truth meets with Royce Keys and thanks him for last week, then says that they are making a clubhouse for The Judgment Day and that Royce should fill out an application to join. Damian Priest shows up after Royce leaves and figures out what is going on, and he finds it suspicious that The MFTs (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Talla Tonga) are attacking everyone but Royce. He says that Royce has yet to earn his respect because of that, and tells R-Truth to be careful. R-Truth tells Priest that he was right about last week and says it will not happen again. Priest says that whatever happens tonight happens, but at least R-Truth will be safe, ashe is not medically cleared and cannot be out at the ring tonight.
Backstage, Danhausen heads to his laboratory for another experiment, which he expects to be bigger, better and larger. He drags out a body on a gurney for his next creation.
Damian Priest beats Tama Tonga. (The match was originally Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga vs. Damian Priest and R-Truth for the WWE Tag Team Championships, but R-Truth is not medically cleared after last week.) After the match, Priest is attacked by Talla Tonga as Solo Sikoa gets in the ring to hit a Samoan Spike.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is seen talking about his recent meeting with General Manager Nick Aldis and complaining that SmackDown is not the same to a planking Johnny Gargano. Candice LeRae shows up not happy that Gargano is not doing any better, and Sami tells Gargano to block out the noise before leaving.
Jade Cargill, B-Fab and "Michin" Mia Yim head to the ring. Cargill says everyone acts tough when she is not in the building, but when her music hits, everyone gets real quiet. She says that Rhea Ripley found out that pressure busts pipes, and at Clash in Italy, she busts champions, too. Jade Cargill says that the WWE Women's Championship is coming home to her, then Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss show up. Charlotee says that nobody wants to hear Cargill talk, as this is Flair Country, and that Cargill finally pissed her off last week. Cargill wants to know where Rhea is, and Alexa wants to know why Michin and B-Fab are not making Cargill look good. Charlotte then tells Cargill to take a seat and take some notes, and Cargill tells Charlotte and Alexa to entertain her, as she is getting bored of them.
We see another vignette for "The Glamour" Blake Monroe, who is coming soon to SmackDown.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beats "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab by disqualification after Jade Cargill pulls Alexa out of a pinfall attempt and hits her with a forearm on the outside. After the match, both teams continue to brawl, and Charlotte makes quick work of Michin and B-Fab before daring Cargill to face her.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Fatal Influence (Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley, Lainey Reid). Fallon says that in this business, you are either predator or prey, and Tatal Influence is at the top of the food chain. Lainey says all the team wants to act like best friends, but nobody can stand each other. Jacy says they are a unit and loyalty is their currency, and it will pay dividends when they are draped in gold. She tells the women's division to take this as a warning shot before they all fall at the feet of Fatal Influence.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss have a conversation. Charlotte says she is working hard on being a team player, but wants to know where Rhea Ripley was this week. She says they have been outnumbered for the last six months, and Alexa say they need help. Charlotte says she does not need help, but Alexa says theya re outnumbered and Rhea owes them.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa meets with Royce Keys, saying he can help him beat Gunther and become champion. He tells Royce to listen to him, not Jacob Fatu, and that the two of them can take over SmackDown and take everything. He also says that he does not want what happened to Shinsuke Nakamura to happen to him. Royce says he has this, and Solo says that Jacob Fatu said the same thing.
Gunther beats Royce Keys in an Undisputed WWE Championship #1 contender's match. During the match, Solo Sikoa wills Royce Keys to get up from Gunther's sleeper hold, and eventually slides a metal folding chair to Royce only for Royce to throw the chair at Solo. Gunther hits Royce Keys with a clothesline followed by a powerbomb for the win. After the match, Gunther grabs and speaks into the camera only to be hit with a Cross Rhodes from out of nowhere by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes to end the show.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes that he is not to put his hands on Pat McAfee - who is on his way to the arena - under any circumstances, as per higher management. Jelly Roll shows up, and Nick Aldis tells Jelly Roll not to engage Randy Orton or McAfee. Aldis leaves, and Jelly Roll tells Cody his match at WrestleMania has everything to do with twenty years of betrayal.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. She congratulates Jade Cargill on using her brain and finding her one true weakness, and tells her that she made this personal by attacking Iyo Sky. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea calls Jade Cargill out, then Iyo Sky shows up and heads to the ring. Rhea is surprised that Iyo is here, and Iyo says she knows that Rhea is angry, because so is she, and she knows she will get Cargill at WrestleMania. Iyo then she wants to face Cargill tonight. Rhea says she trusts Iyo, but knows she is not at 100 percent. She asks Iyo if this is what she wants, and Iyo says she is sure and that she wants Cargill tonight. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up, and while he admits he had something different in mind, he never lets a good idea pass him by, and he makes Iyo Sky vs. Jade Cargill official for tonight's main event.
Alexa Bliss beats Bayley after Bayley is too focused on Charlotte - who throws her jacket at Bayley for mocking her - while the referee is telling Lyra Valkyria not to get involved in the match.
Backstage in the trainer's room, Matt Cardona tells Carmelo Hayes that he will have to wait for his WrestleMania moment when Trick Williams and Lil Yachty shows up. Carmelo Hayes mentions the situation as well as the fact that he will have to rehab his knee, then hopes that Trick Williams wins at WrestleMania so he can take his title back. Carmelo leaves, then Cardona says he is tired of guests running their mouths like they own the place. Yatchy says that Trick might as well whup Cardona tonight, and Cardona says that this is a good idea and that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis.
We hear from Drew McInytre, who calls Jacob Fatu a failure as a man and a father. He says that he is in Jacob's hometown and that his family will be at the show tonight, then we find out that McIntyre is in a prison cell, which McIntyre says Jacob is more familiar with. He says that the cell represents what Jacob is and will always be: a convict. He says that Jacob picked prison over feeding his family and that he will never change, and that Jacob belongs in a prison cell instead of WWE. McIntyre says he will beat Jacob within an inch of life and that he will screw up again and end up right back in prison. He says that Jacob stole from him and became a liability, and that he will make it right by being Jacob's judge, jury and executioner at WrestleMania. Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Jacob Fatu during a photoshoot. The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) show up, and Solo Sikoa says that Jacob is not the only person with family in the Bay Area and that Jacob's past being brought up makes The MFT's look bad. Jacob tells Solo that they are not doing this today and that they can run it back and have a match tonight. Solo mockingly notes that Jacob is standing in the spot where his teeth got knocked out and that it would be a shame if it happened. Solo then addresses Tama Tonga as he says this, then mentions that he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis so that Tama can take care of business tonight.
We see a vignette for Royce Keys in East Palo Alto, California. he talks about how choice was a luxury in East Palo Alto and grew up around crime as well as two grandparents who were not having any of it. We see Royce Keys' childhood home, and while Keys' family did not have a lot, they dreamed big, and he became a professional wrestler and managed to get out. He says that pro wrestling brings him peace and is what motivates him. Keys says that he will be defined not by where he is from, but by where he is going.
Royce Keys beats Berto in his SmackDown debut.
Pat McAfee arrives to the arena in a Dodge Ram and is met by General Manager Nick Aldis, who tells McAfee that nobody is allowed to put his hands on him under any circumstances. When he enters the building, Jelly Roll confronts McAfee. McAfee says that he should have never been between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, then Jelly Roll asks McAfee why he is here. McAfee says that people like Jelly Roll should not be in the business. Jelly shoves McAfee to the wall, and Aldis has to stop Jelly Roll. McAfee tells Aldis to get "this ex-convict" out of the building as he heads to the ring.
Undefeated Zuffy Boxing lightweight boxer Tony Hirsch Jr. is in the front row.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Royce Keys, who says that this has been a long time coming and that he gets to wrestle not just in the Bay Area, but around the world. Solo Sikoa shows up and says "long time, no see" and congratulates Royce Keys on his win, then says he runs things on SmackDown and that his door is always open if he needs anything.
Pat McAfee heads to the ring. McAfee calls San Jose, California "a shithole" and flips the fans off before saying it is crazy that people boo him but cheer CM Punk, and mocks the fact that CM Punk was covered in WWE merchandise and goes directly to him. He calls Punk a fraud, and says he is all talk and no action like a politician, and says that while Punk has the ability to change things, he gets down and rolls over "like the bitch that he is" before flipping the crowd off again. McAfee says he is man of action, an agent of change, and everything Punk says that he himself is, and while he agrees with Punk that ticket prices are too high, it is because of Orton that people want to go to WrestleMania. He then says that he will be the fans' hero, even though the "disgusting" fans do not deserve it, and says that he has called the Dodge Motor Company and that they will pay for 25% of the cost for WrestleMania tickets from now until the end of next week's Raw. McAfee calls WrestleMania "a once-in-a-century" night where Randy Orton will save the business while winning his fifteenth world title, then makes fun of the fact that the San Jose Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup. As McAfee calls "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes "a puppet" and boasts that he will be demoralized and pummeled by Orton, Cody shows up and heads to the ring. McAfee makes fun of Cody's entrance theme on the microphone, then Cody tells McAfee that he does not belong here. He then says that while he cannot touch him, McAfee can get a replica title and live out his WrestleMania moment at Fan Axxess before thanking whoever sent him. Cody says that McAfee is doing nothing but spouting catchphrases and mentioning the Attitude Era, then talks about how Paul Boesch says that "marks" are really "customers," and how the "customers" are really family to him. Cody tells McAfee has a gift, for as long as pro wrestling has existed, nobody has agreed on anything except for the fact that they want to see Randy Orton, but do not want to see Pat McAfee.Cody then says "Go...home...Pat," tosses the microphone to the site, has the fans chant "Go home," and is about leave when McAfee says he is home and born to be in the business while Cody was born into the business with a silver spoon in his mouth. McAfee goes on to call Cody the fakest person he has ever seen and "a cosplay champion" that he will rid the WWE of alongside Randy Orton, then tells him and the fans that if Orton does not walk out WrestleMania as champion, no one will ever see or hear from him ever again. Cody tells McAfee to take his sunglasses off, then calls McAfee for his hypocrisy about WWE and how McAfee says he is tired and states that they should bring Gunther in to put him to sleep once and for all before heading to the back. McAfee calls Cody "an elite runaway artist" and Stardust, then asks Cody if he will "suck Triple H's ass" to get a little bit more. Cody takes off his suit jacket and heads back to the ring when Randy Orton appears on the TitanTron. Orton reveals that he has attacked Jelly Roll backstage, and initially offers for Cody to "come get [his] boy" before deciding to bring Jelly Roll to him. Orton drags Jelly Roll to the stage and leaves, and McAfee approaches Cody as Cody checks on Jelly Roll. Cody confronts McAfee only for Orton to attack Cody from behind so that he and McAfee can gang up on him. Jelly Roll gets to his feet and grabs McAfee by the throat only to get clothesline by Orton, and Cody gets to his feet and fight back only to be attacked from behind by McAfee and hit with a draping DDT by Orton. McAfee then hands the Undisputed WWE Championship over to Orton, who then smacks Cody in the head with the center plate before he and McAfee celebrate over a downed Cody.
Backstage, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton are leaving. McAfee says that Orton is the focal point and saving the business, then mentions Cody Rhodes telling him to go home and does just that with Orton in his Dodge Ram after saying "You're welcome" to the fans. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega are briefly seen in the background.
Backstage, The Miz and Kit Wilson confront General Manager Nick Aldis about what happened to referee Dan Engler's arm in their tag team title match. Aldis says there is nothing to be done and that the man was cursed by Danhausen, and says that this is about his scope of control, but Kit Wilson insists something be done. Aldis puts Wilson in a match with Danhausen.
The Castaneda Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns Fan Seat Upgrade.
Jacob Fatu beats Tama Tonga. After the match, Jacob Fatu gets on the microphone only to be attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. Jacob hits McIntyre with a superkick, but McIntyre fires back with a Claymore. McIntyre then grabs a steel chair and smacks Jacob Fatu in the back with it before hitting him with a Future Shock DDT on the floor. As referee Charles Robinson checks on Jacob Fatu, McIntyre pulls out handcuffs with a long chain from his pocket. He handcuffs Jacob Fatu on one end, then drags him into the ring post and runs him into it before punching him a few times and handcuffing him to the top rope. He then wraps the chain around the ring post and boots him in the face. Referees are heading to the ring as McIntyre wraps the chain around the ring post again and asking Jacob Fatu what it is like to be in chains again before calling him an animal. Jacob Fatu headbutts McIntyre, and he falls down to the floor as McIntyre goes on the attack again. This time, McIntyre wraps the chain around Jacob's waist and handcuffs Jacob's hands behind his back. McIntyre then gets Jacob Fatu back in the ring and hits him with another Claymore, then shoves officials away before whipping Jacob with the leather belt off his blue jeans.
Backstage, R-Truth explains to Danhausen how to sign up to the ESPN App and watch WrestleMania. Danhausen says he cannot wait to beat Kit Wilson, then take over WrestleMania and the world. Damian Priest shows up and also meets Danhausen, who disappears when R-Truth and Priest argue over R-Truth getting Danhausen confused with Asuka. All of a sudden, Rhea Ripley attacks B-Fab, then says "One down, one to go," to R-Truth and Damian Priest. R-Truth says "I don't think Rhea wants her in The Judgement Day (Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, Roxanne Perez, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio)." Damian Priest leaves.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami calls the fans' boos "an interesting reaction" before addressing the topic of change and what "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have told him about change, then notes that the fans want to see change as well. Sami says he has strived to give the fans something more than a T-shirt, catchphrase or viral moments and has tried to give the fans himself and something real. He says he has given his heart, mind and soul, and while some fans boo, it steal means something to others. Sami says he cares about the kids who look up to him and the adults who talk about how he got them through the hardest parts of their lives, as well as the fans in California who have had his back since day one. He says that for those people, he loves them and he will not change until the day he dies. As for everyone else, he wants to know what he did at first, then says it is okay because he does not care because he realized his "ride or die" fans will have his back. Sami says the pressure was off when he realized he had "ride or die" fans, then says he will walk into WrestleMania as champion and walk out of WrestleMania as champion before Trick Williams shows up and heads to the ring. Lil Yachty joins Trick on the way there. Trick says that people are tired of hearing Sami Zayn talk, as he is always crying and whining, has funky breath, and cannot get the job done. He says having his first WrestleMania match with Sami makes him want to get some mouthwash and beat Sami up. Trick admits it did not take twenty years for him to get to this spot, but says he is "the anointed one" and that he will beat Sami's ass at WrestleMania, "because everybody loves Trick Williams." Sami says love takes a long time to build and that while the fans like Trick and have a crush on him after he has been here six months, then says he can make all the jokes he wants, because at WrestleMania, he is in the ring with a WrestleMania main eventer, and he will drag Trick into deep water. He says that Trick has yet to show him anything, and he will see if Trick can walk the walk or if Trick is just talk. Lil Yachty says Sami sounds like a hater, and says that Trick Williams makes Trick Williams, not materialistic things, and that Trick will become the new United States Champion. Matt Cardona then shows up and heads to the ring for the next match. Sami Zayn watches the next match from ringside at the commentary table.
Trick Williams beats Matt Cardona. Trick shoves Sami at the commentary table before sending Matt Cardona back into the ring, and Sami confronts Trick. Lil Yachty pulls Sami off the ring apron and sends him jaw-first into it, and Sami answers with a Helluva Kick. Despite Matt Cardona taking advantage of the situation, Trick hits Cardona with the Trick Shot for the win.
We look back on Triple H vs. Randy Orton vs. John Cena for the WWE Championship from WrestleMania 24, courtesy of Snickers.
Danhausen beats Kit Wilson in his WWE debut match after rising off the mat and cursing Kit Wilson as Kit Wilson goes for an elbow drop off the top rope, burning Kit Wilson with pyro out of the corner. After the match, The Miz tries to attack Danhausen from behind, but the lights go out and Danhausen escapes.
Backstage, Jade Cargill finds "Michin" Mia Yim down on the floor with a broken shinai. When Cargill asks what happens, Michin says "Rhea," and Cargill says "I got you."
Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with Iyo Sky before her match with Jade Cargill. Rhea tells Iyo that she took "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab out, and has saved Jade Cargill for her. Iyo appreciates it, then tells Rhea to stay backstage so she is not distracted. Rhea tells Iyo to save some of Cargill for her for WrestleMania.
Jade Cargill beats Iyo Sky. After the match, Cargill grabs a metal folding chair, but Rhea Ripley runs to the ring before Cargill can hit Iyo with it. Cargill leaves the ring and leaves the chair behind as Rhea checks on Iyo.
Randy Orton heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Orton asks the fans what they want to talk about, much like "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, then says that it is no secret that St. Louis, Missouri is his hometown and has been for years, and that the next time he is here, he will be world champion. Orton then says he is becoming world champion again for him and for his family, who he considers his real home, and that Cody Rhodes will be heading home from WrestleMania empty-handed. He says that Cody gave him his blessing and told him that he needed to be "The Viper" and be the best version of himself, then says that the voices are talking to Cody and that Stephanie McMahon was right when she said Cody cannot beat him. He says that Cody is not a killer that and that there is no putting back to bed what Cody has awoken. Suddenly, Cody Rhodes shows up and heads to the ring. Cody and Orton brawl, and Cody quickly gets the momentum. All of a sudden, Pat McAfee gets in the ring and kicks Cody in the groin, revealing himself to be the one that Orton talked to on the phone. Orton then grabs a chair and hits Cody with it, then McAfee makes fun of the local sports team as General Manager Nick Aldis shows up with officials and states that it is a tough night for St. Louis. McAfee says that a month ago, he was asked when he would return WWE, and he said that he thought the business passed him by and that it was "absolute shit." He says Orton called him and told him it went in a direction that some people did not like. He says that the older fans who put WWE on their back to take it where it is now feel forgotten about as Orton chokes Cody with the chair, and says he has to watch two 5'5" guys wrestle each other in 45-minute Iron Man Matches for ten weeks straight for no rhyme or reason while Randy Orton is around. He says that gorilla positions keeps circlejerking themselves, that tickets are WrestleMania are somehow still available, and SmackDown has a puppet for a champion after its worst-rated episode of the year while Orton is around, and tells Orton to kick Cody's ass. Orton attacks Cody as McAfee says he has been the one on the phone telling Orton to kill everything, as the business Cody is leading is terrible and that Orton is going to "save the fucking business." Randy places the Undisputed WWE Championship on Cody before whispering into Cody's ear and leaving with Pat McAfee. Officials check on Cody.
Backstage, Pat McAfee and Randy Orton celebrate what they have done to "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes on their way out of the building.
Rhea Ripley beats "Michin" Mia Yim by submission with the Prism Trap. Jade Cargill shows up shortly after the beginning of the match to watch from ringside. After the match, B-Fab attacks Rhea, and while Rhea takes her out, Michin attacks Rhea from behind as Rhea is focused on Cargill, which leads to a beatdown. As Cargill is about to hit Rhea Ripley with Jaded, Iyo Sky shows up and fends off Michin and B-Fab, and she and Rhea clean house.
Backstage, Matt Cardona is met by Aleister Black and Zelina Vega. Aleister says that Randy Orton went back to being himself and that the universe is right again, and Zelina says that Cardona cannot accept that. Cardona says he has talked to General Manager Nick Aldis, and that they can fight tonight. Aleister says that Cardona is a fan of making bad decisions before he leaves.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa talks with the MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). He says that Uncle Howdy wants to challenge for the lantern, and wants to know who will take care of Uncle Howdy. Tama Tonga says that the lantern has been nothing but trouble for all of them, including Solo. Solo tells Tama to take care of Howdy, and while Tama obliges, he will do this alone. Solo says he is okay with this, then tells him not to mess this up.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley tells Iyo Sky that she owes her one before Cathy Kelley interviews her. Rhea says that Jade Cargill has proven that she cannot do this one on her own, and that she did not know she had a back-up plan. She says Cargill has followers while she has friends, and Iyo tells Rhea she will always have her back. Rhea says she will always have Iyo's back and that she will walk out of WrestleMania as champion.
Uncle Howdy beats Tama Tonga when Solo Sikoa shows up and almost hits Uncle Howdy with the lantern only to get caught by the referee. This leads to Solo arguing with Tama followed by Uncle Howdy hitting Tama Tonga for the win. After the match, Solo and Tama argue, and Tama takes the lantern, saying that Solo does not need this. He lets Howdy take the lantern and holds Solo back, telling Solo to let the lantern go.
Backstage, Kit Wilson and The Miz - the latter looking sweaty and having had a rough day - are worried about Danhausen's curse when they run into R-Truth, who is setting up a new clubhouse. Miz says R-Truth takes nothing seriously and challenges R-Truth to inspire someone, saying he has never earned anything in WWE. R-Truth takes this as a challenge for the WWE tag team championships and goes to talk to General Manager Nick Aldis.
We hear from Jacob Fatu, who says that is just him and Drew McIntyre one-on-one in an unsanctioned match at WrestleMania. He says his life has been one big rollercoaster, and one is forced into the gutter, one is forced to be part of the environmental and that it all comes down to survival. He says that every decision he made and every day he was locked up brought him to this moment, and in this match, there are no rules, no one to stop him, no one to break it up and no one to tell him what to do. Jacob says that at WrestleMania, McIntyre is in his world, and he will see if McIntyre can make it out.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with General Manager Nick Aldis. He finds out that he has pyro, then apologizes for last week. Aldis says it is not necessary, saying that Sami did what he had to, then tells him to go out to the ring and talk to the fans before Trick Williams' theme plays. Rapper Lil Yachty accompanies Trick to the ring, and Trick celebrates having his first WrestleMania match before stating that since the guests are rolling out, it was only right to bring out Lil Yachty. Lil Yachty says that WrestleMania is for legends in the making like Trick, and Trick mentions that the two of them have history before stating that he will do what it takes to win the United States title and that he will "take no lip from no Gingerbread Man." He then says to hit Sami Zayn's pyro, because Trick Williams runs SmackDown. Sami Zayn shows up and says Trick Williams is celebrating before he has won and that pageantry has never really been his thing. He says that he is focused on winning, then says that 50,000 signs will be pointed at the ring at WrestleMania and that all the presentation, pageantry and celebration will not save him from one of the best to ever do it in the ring. Sami tells Trick that he will "humble [his] ass" at WrestleMania, and Trick tells Lil Yachty that "Ginger Snap is pretty upset" and fails to realize that he only has the United States Championship and is going to WrestleMania because of him. Carmelo Hayes shows up and heads to the ring and says he cannot sit back and watch things go down like this, then mentions his history with Trick, saying that he will spin the block and give Trick his receipt. Carmelo says that the end of their match does not sit well with him and that he carried the United States Championship on his back only for Sami to win it in the fashion that he did, and that the fans want him, not Sami, at WrestleMania. Carmelo tells Sami to listen to the fans and give him his rematch. Sami agrees with Carmelo and that he deserves a rematch and does not want to take anything from him, and that while he is sorry that this happened at his expense, he will have to wait until after WrestleMania. Sami acknowledges that Trick Williams got involved in their match, and says the same thing happened to him regarding Cody Rhodes. He says this may have worked in his favor this time around, but he is not happy about it. Carmelo tells Sami to do the right thing. Sami tells Carmelo that he has his rematch tonight. If Carmelo wins, he gets Trick Williams; if he wins, he gets Trick, and this is the last he hears of this. Carmelo accepts and heads to the back. Trick laughs and thanks Sami for finally saving some time, and Sami clotheslines Trick out of the ring.
Backstage, Solo Sikoa confronts Tama Tonga for returning the lantern to Uncle Howdy. Tama says the lantern tore them apart and that it is time to get back to business and take all the titles. Solo agrees, then says that once they finish The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), they will get back to business. Tama looks at the MFT's (Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) while Solo looks at Tama with a side eye.
Aleister Black beats Matt Cardona.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. Bayley says that losing last year's opportunity sucked, but she has made a career out of fighting with her back against the wall, and they will win the women's tag titles on Monday after Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss get a taste of what will happen at WrestleMania. Lyra Valkyria says that if Charlotte and Alexa had gone through what they did, they would not be a team. Lyra says this is more than about friendship or championship gold, but about making it iup to Bayley and making the last year worth it.
Backstage, R-Truth speaks with Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano. R-Truth admits that he thought Gargano was dead when he found him on the floor, but Gargano says that he is still alive and about to win the North American Championship before he and Candice leave. Damian Priest then shows up wanting to know why they are facing The Miz and Kit Wilson with their titles on the line, but R-Truth says that Asuka cursed them. Priest reminds him that he is really talking about Danhausen, but R-Truth insists that it is Asuka who did it and that it will not only be like taking candy from a baby, but that St. Louis, Missouri gets to see that it "It's 'Wepa' Time."
We hear from Drew McIntyre. He says that his family was about to see him walk out as Undisputed WWE Champion, but the title was stolen from him again, this time by Jacob Fatu. He says that Jacob has made excuses, justifications and lies as well as a criminal and a thief who has the potential to change but never will because he is a convict. He says Jacob's family made his life hell and that Jacob is the worst of all to the point that he cannot outrun his past. McIntyre says he will prove Jacob "guilty as charged" and show who Jacob really is.
It is announced that Nikki Bella has suffered an ankle injury last week and that she will hopefully get better by WrestleMania 42.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss beat Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. After the match, both teams are laid out by The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend).
Backstage, The Miz tells Kit Wilson that the curse is a myth, as they have a WWE Tag Team Championship match, and the universe corrects itself. Danhausen shows up with his jar of teeth, and offers to accompany them to the ring to show them how to be him. Kit Wilson calls Danhausen toxic, but Danhausen offers to undo the curse. The Miz tells Danhausen to stay away from the ring, then Danhausen disappears the moment Miz looks away.
Rapper Sexxy Red is seen in the crowd.
Damian Priest and R-Truth retain the WWE Tag Team Championships against Kit Wilson and The Miz. During the match, Danhausen shows up and tries to tag out The Miz, but both the referee and The Miz are having none of it. R-Truth tags in Danhausen, and The Miz tells Danhausen to get out. Danhausen tries to curse The Miz, but The Miz uses referee Dan Engler as a human shield and Engler gets cursed instead. The Miz is able to hit R-Truth with a Skull Crushing Finale soon after, but Engler's wrist suddenly hurts as he makes the three count. This allows Priest to tag in and hit South of Heaven on the Miz to retain, with referee Dan Engler making the count with his other hand. After the match, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes suddenly shows up, hits Kit Wilson with a Cross Rhodes, then addresses Pat McAfee. He says this is like The Outsiders (Kevin Nash and Scott Hall) talking about the third man, except it was Disco Inferno instead of Hulk Hogan. Rhodes says that McAfee will get his receipt and that he and everyone who represents him can kiss his ass, saying that firing him "went well the last time," then mentions everyone telling him he must go to a dark place and become a bad guy to beat Randy Orton. Cody admits he does not know if he can do it anymore, as he has two children and his dream job, and says that while he was wrestling current greats in WWE, they were also wrestling him. He says that he is finally hearing those voices in his head, then says that the fans do not want to hear what they have to say.
Trick Williams and rapper Lil Yachty show up to watch the next match from ringside.
Sami Zayn retains the WWE United States Championship against Carmelo Hayes after hitting Carmelo with the Helluva Kick when Carmelo tweaks the right knee when he misses Nothing But Net. After the match, Lil Yachty congratulates Sami Zayn before putting Trick Williams on a pedestal. Sami confronts Yachty for calling him "The Gingerbread Man," and Trick attacks Sami from behind with Yachty holding Sami down for the Trick Shot to the jaw.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Before he can say much, however, Jacob Fatu makes his way to the ring. Jacob says Cody would not even be out here talking about the Elimination Chamber if it were not for Drew McIntyre, and that he had Cody and Sami beaten and that they both know it. He then says his concern right now is not with Cody, but with McIntyre, who he then calls out so he can dog walk all over Fort Lauderdale, Florida. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and announces that he gave McIntyre the night off as he saw this coming, and that he cannot take any unnecessary risk given what is happening on the road to WrestleMania. Aldis tells Jacob to come to his office so they can discuss Jacob getting his hands on McIntyre, who is unexpectedly in the luxury box. McIntyre appreciates the night off, but tells Aldis that he is the champion, he does what he wants and that he bought the entire luxury box to watch tonight's show because he loves SmackDown so much. He then tells Jacob Fatu what he is going to do about it, and Jacob Fatu almost jumps the barricade only for Aldis to stop him and remove him from the building. McIntyre says that the whole world is against him, and that everyone is jealous and wants to be him because he is the champion. Cody disagrees, saying McIntyre is an asshole.
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov meets with Carmelo Hayes and says that Carmelo is not only the United States Champion and that he does not miss when he shoots, but he will qualify for and win the Elimination Chamber Match and go on to WrestleMania. Carmelo tells Dragunov he does not need him to tell him that, but Dragunov does mention that there is still a fight open for the United States Championship. He then tells him that he has some business to take care of with Tama Tonga.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Jacob Fatu to be patient and wait, as he will give him Drew McIntyre, but Jacob Fatu says he will not wait much longer before he leaves the building.
Tama Tonga beats Ilja Dragunov following the distraction by Tama Tonga. After the match, Solo Sikoa says that he is not playing, then Dragunov attacks Solo from behind only to be manhandled by The MFT's. Matt Cardona runs to the ring, but he is also overpowered. Apollo Crews runs to the ring and is also decimated by Talla Tonga, then the lights go out and Uncle Howdy appears on the TitanTron. He tells Solo that he uses his family as a crutch and that it is time hat he proves he can stand on his own. Uncle Howdy says that the next time he is in the ring, he will be alone and he will expose all of Solo's securities to the Fireflies, then asks if Solo will show up.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis confronts Drew McIntyre and dares McIntyre to keep testing him.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Randy Orton. Orton says the competition for the Elimination Chamber is on edge, then Zelina Vega shows up and says there is only road left. Aleister Black says there was a time when the locker room would not be able to get close to Orton as they would wake up with a headache from the punt. Aleister wants to know where the old Orton is and wants to get in his head a bit, and Orton tells Aleister that he will see him in the ring. Aleister says that Orton may consider the old him buried, but he will dig it back up.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Nia says this is the busiest time of the year for the busiest Superstars, and that she plans on qualifying for the Elimination Chamber. Lash Legend says that they are coming for it all, and any doubt that anyone has against them will be wiped out at WrestleMania.
Jade Cargill heads to the ring. Cargill says that she defends her title on her time, and says that Jordynne Grace's best was not good enough. He says that everyone runs their mouth, but when they step up, they fold. She addresses Liv Morgan's WrestleMania decision and says she wants to hear it face-to-face, then says that regardless of whoever comes out of the Elimination Chamber, she is walking out of WrestleMania as champion. Charlotte Flair heads to the ring for the next match as Cargill is on her way to the back, and Cargill gets in her face. A referee has to show up to get Cargill away from Charlotte.
Kiana James beats Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax in a women's Elimination Chamber qualifier after getting under Charlotte as she has Nia in the Figure Eight and pins her shoulders to the mat.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Rhea is impressed that Kiana James has qualified for the Elimination Chamber, then Iyo Sky says Giulia will not be so lucky. Rhea says they are both focused on the Elimination Chamber, but they are tag team champions for a reason. Iyo Sky says The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) do not stand a chance.
Oba Femi beats Kit Wilson. During the match, Kit Wilson tries to reason with Oba Femi by reading him a poem where he tries to compliment him. He then says he sees a teddy bear instead of a brute, and Oba grabs Kit Wilson and demands that he read another poem. Kit Wilson then reads a poem called "Nine Things I Hate About Men," then gets thrown back in the ring as soon as he mentions Oba Femi again. One Fall From Grace later, Oba Femi wins.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis is met by R-Truth, who thinks that "an Elimination Chamber award" is in the giant crate. Aldis thinks that R-Truth has it confused with a Slammy award (which R-Truth states he has never head of), then has the crate taken back to Raw before Damian Priest shows up. R-Truth tells Damian Priest that only one of them is heading to WrestleMania, but Aldis tells him that only Priest has an Elimination Chamber qualifier. R-Truth says that Aldis got the balls mixed up and that he wants "the bald Nick Aldis" back before he leaves.
Clash in Italy has been announced for Sunday, May 31st.
Tiffany Stratton beats Alba Fyre despite the distraction by Chelsea Green.
Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes meets with Sami Zayn. Cody tells Sami he has nothing to be ashamed of regarding their Elimination Chamber qualifier, but Sami says that Cody should be ashamed of himself after he hit him with a Cross Rhodes. Rhodes says it was an opportunity and that opportunities have to be taken advantage of, which is why Sami is not WWE Champion. Sami says that is easy for Cody to say as he has finished his story, but he has tried to do the right thing and it has never worked. Cody says he has been in that situation and it cost him everything, then tells Sami that the only thing in his way is himself. Cody leaves, Sami gets angry, and Trick Williams shows up and says he will get the job done, unlike Sami. Trick leaves, then Sami catches up with Cody and apologizes before telling him he is right. He says that Cody will be WWE Champion again, and to remember that he had a little help along the way.
Trick Williams beats Damian Priest and Carmelo Hayes in a men's Elimination Chamber qualifier after hitting Damian Priest with two Trick Shots as Priest goes for the Razor's Edge on Carmelo.
Backstage, the tag team division are near the giant crate. General Manager Nick Aldis and Candice LeRae show up, and Johnny Gargano is sulking and lying on the top of the crate. Jordynne Grace shows up, and Candice tells Jordyne to wait her turn as she talks to Aldis. Jordynne takes exception to this, and Aldis makes a match between Jordynne and Candice for next week.
Backstage, Jade Cargill runs into B-Fab after a photo shoot. Michin shows up with a shinai and confronts Cargill for injuring her months ago before threatening to take Cargill's title.
Rhea Ripley beats Giulia by disqualificaton after being booted in the face by Lash Legend as she knocks Nia Jax off the apron. After the match, Nia and Lash gang up on Rhea, but Iyo Sky shows up and makes the save so that Rhea can clean house.
Backstage, Oba Femi is met by The Miz, who congratulates him on tonight's win and says that he is a WrestleMania main event waiting to happen. He says that he wants to fill John Cena's spot as locker room leader by getting the next generation ready and showing them the ropes, and Oba takes this as a challenge. Oba says he will talk to General Manager Nick Aldis and get a match set up for next week. It is only after Oba Femi leaves that The Miz realizes what he has gotten himself into.
Backstage, Charlotte Flair is met by Alexa Bliss. Charlotte says she knows she lost and that Alexa will be okay, and that she is not upset. Kiana James and Giulia show up to mock the two of them, and Kiana claims she and Giulia are the most powerful duo on the roster. Alexa tells Kiana to prove it, and Giulia screams at Alexa until Kiana pulls her out of the room.
Backstage, The MFT's (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo) are leaving the building. Solo Sikoa congratulates Tama Tonga on the big win tonight, and says that he has never betrayed him and that he will be United States Champion one day. He says that for now, they must focus on The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), for without the lantern, they are nothing. Solo leaves, then Shinsuke Nakamura shows up and tells Tama Tonga that Solo Sikoa has been led into a war where he is nothing but a soldier and he is being held back from being his own man. Nakamura then wants to see what Tama Tonga is truly capable of.
Aleister Black beats Randy Orton after Drew McIntyre blasts Orton with the WWE Championship on the outside before being chased out through the crowd by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, which allows Aleister to hit Black Mass for the win. After the match, Cody Rhodes checks on Randy Orton, then notices Drew McIntyre in the crowd.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to start tonight's show. As he heads over to the ring, however, he is suddenly attacked by "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Officials have to break up the brawl as Drew McIntyre flees through the crowd back to the ramp and to the back. Cody gets in the ring and warns McIntyre that things will not be the same after McIntyre eliminated him from the Royal Rumble match that he was not even in. He also states that he was excited for Roman Reigns and CM Punk declaring their championship match before mentioning his own discomfort and shame in coming back to where he was from empty-handed. Cody says that McIntyre was made that he was once WWE Champion, then says that his shame and discomfort will become McIntyre's downfall and that McIntyre will not make it to WrestleMania.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Giulia and Kiana James. Kiana says the women's tag titles are a stepping stone to Giulia becoming a triple champion, and that they will win the titles before Giulia goes on to win at Elimination Chamber.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Cody Rhodes that he must qualify for the Elimination Chamber and that he must control his emotions before Cody is escorted from the building.
Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Giulia and Kiana James. During the match, it is announced that SmackDown will be on SyFy for the next two weeks (this is due to the Winter Olympics).
Backstage, Ilja Dragunov is confronted by The Miz, who tells him that he can consider the United States open challenge closed. Carmelo Hayes shows up and says that Dragunov has gotten his title shot, and that the only thing Miz is getting is "an ass-whuppin' in the 704."
Carmelo Hayes beats The Miz after rolling out of the Skull Crushing Finale and hitting the First 48.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Tiffany Stratton, who says that her sights are on Elimination Chamber when Chelsea Green and Alba Fyre show up. Chelsea says that she was robbed of her WrestleMania moment and that she is the only one newsworthy around here, but Tiffany tells her that she will have to look for her name in the obituaries.
We hear from Bo Dallas. He says that Solo Sikoa took the lantern and left The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) in the dark not because he is alone, but because he is afraid of being left behind in the dark all by himself. He says that Solo holds the light close to keep everyone tight, but fear does not show up until one is all alone.
The Bennett Family are the recipients of the Papa Johns seat upgrade.
Tiffany Stratton beats Chelsea Green and Lash Legend in an Elimination Chamber qualifier.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Randy Orton. Orton is not happy about his Royal Rumble performance despite the daunting odds, but he looks forward to entering the Elimination Chamber and using his experience to win. Aleister Black and Zelina Vega show up, and Aleister says that while they have had to say goodbye to Jon Cena and AJ Styles, they are still blessed to have at least one part of Randy Orton.
NASCAR Cup Series drivers Ty Dillon, Zane Smith and Todd Gilliland are seen in the front row.
Kit Wilson heads to the ring. He says that what he saw at Royal Rumble: thirty chauvinistic pigs and ugly meatheads, sweating and grunting and temper tantrums, all battling to be on top. He says they did not want him in the match he is a true real man who has confidence in his emotions as well as moisturizes. Kit Wilson also states that nobody can handle a man who moves his hips like he does, then calls all the fans toxic before calling out anyone who was in the men's Royal Rumble for a one-on-one match. His challenge is answered by Oba Femi. When Oba Femi shows up, Kit Wilson says that he is a feminist and that Oba Femi is toxic before Oba Femi utterly annihilates him. Oba Femi beats Kit Wilson.
Backstage, R-Truth and Damian Priest have seen Oba Femi in the ring. R-Truth is impressed by Oba Femi, but as he and Damian Priest talk about Oba, Drew McIntyre bumps into R-Truth. Priest warns McIntyre that he has his own problems and that he does not need another one.
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring. Before Drew McIntyre can do much of anything, however, Jacob Fatu suddenly rushes into the ring and attacks McIntyre. When security shows up, Jacob Fatu manhandles them. McIntyre is forced to flee through the crowd to the back.
Backstage, General Manager Nick Aldis tells Jacob Fatu to qualify for the Elimination Chamber next week, then tells him to go home before he kisses his chance goodbye. Jacob tells Aldis to line them all up next week, then shoves security on the way out.
Tama Tonga beats Shinsuke Nakamura after JC Mateo distracts the referee so that Tonga Loa can hold Nakamura down by the foot at the corner, allowing Tama Tonga to hit Cutthroat for a second time to win.
Backstage, Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer and Axiom) and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) run into Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano, the latter of whom has is lying face down on a road crate after having lost Axiom's mask. As Fraxiom heads to Nick Aldis' office, Candice asks the Machine Guns to help, but Sabin reminds her of #DIY's (Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) betrayal, and The Motor City Machine Guns leave.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky. Iyo says Kiana James and Giulia put up a good fight, but they are still champions. Rhea says everyone is on their A-game, including them, and their titles are not going anywhere. She hopes to take this momentum straight to Raw and get more gold, then Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up. Nia says a spot in the Elimination Chamber would be wasted on Rhea and that Lash should have won tonight. Rhea says that Nia and Lash are just making excuses, and Nia says that if they were their opponents tonight, she and Lash would be champions right now. Iyo takes this as a challenge, and Nia says that Rhea and Iyo have been ducking them for long enough and that she will be getting their tag team title match. After Nia, Lash and Cathy Kelley leave, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez head to the ring.
Backstage, Kit Wilson confronts Matt Cardona and Apollo Creed, blaming everything happening to him on Cardona. Apollo laughs as Wilson calls Cardona toxic, then says it is not over. Cardona tells Kit Wilson that he is always ready.
General Manager Nick Aldis introduces Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to the ring. Liv declares herself the greatest women's Royal Rumble winner of all time as well as the hottest, smartest, funniest, most charismatic, most talented, and most iconic in the history of WWE. She says that this comes with great power, which comes with great responsibility, then says she does not have a lot of time to choose which champion she wants to face: Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship, or Jade Cargill for the WWE Women's Championship. Liv then mentions that there is a huge elephant in the room that she needs to address the elephant in the room, and when she mentions Raquel, Raquel takes the microphone to mention the elephant in the room. They are both interrupted by Jade Cargill, who heads to the ring and tells Liv that if she chooses her, she will beat that ass as WrestleMania. She then asks Raquel what she is looking at. Liv Morgan tells Jade Cargill to watch what she says, as she can choose to face Stephanie Vaquer and leave Raquel to take Jade's title. Jordynne Grace shows up and congratulates Liv for winning the Royal Rumble, then says that if she could get Cargill to defend her title, it might be her that Liv faces at WrestleMania. When Liv talks back, Jordynne and Cargill tell her to shut up. Aldis stops the argument and makes a tag team match with Cargill and Jordynne against Liv and Raquel, which happens right now.
Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace beat The Judgment Day (Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez). During the match, Jade Cargill inadvertently takes out Jordynne Grace, and Raquel Rodriguez inadvertently takes out Liv Morgan, As Cargill and Raquel are about to square off, Jordynne shoves Raquel into Cargill before winning the match with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is distraught after losing to Drew McIntyre at Royal Rumble. Rey Fenix shows up and tells Sami that he is a big inspiration to him and to not give up, then Trick Williams shows up and says that Sami is like Charles Barkley and makes it to the playoffs but cannot win the ring. Trick says he knows how to get the job done, but Fenix says Trick has a big mouth and warns him that he will knock his teeth out if he keeps talking.
Backstage, Jade Cargill and Jordynne Grace are arguing when General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and puts Jordynne in a WWE Women's Championship match against Cargill next week.
Drew McIntyre returns to the commentary table, adamant on saying what he wants to say. He says "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Jacob Fatu should be banned from qualifying for the Elimination Chamber, then brags about crushing Sami Zayn as well as anyone who gets in the ring with him. He admits that he was disappointed with what both CM Punk and Roman Reigns had to say, as they were big Superstars yet came across to him as very insecure and making SmackDown seem second-rate. McIntyre says he has gone through hell to become WWE Champion again and that he has earned the title, which he considers "the number one title." He says Roman picked CM Punk because he would kill Roman without his "Samoan army," then says that he has the entire roster climbing over each other to face him while Roman and Punk keep "aura farming." As McIntyre makes his way to the back, Trick Williams shows up and says that he will watch the main event from ringside, then says McIntyre is worried about all the wrong things when he should be worried about him taking his title at WrestleMania. McIntyre gives kudos to Trick for stepping up, but tells him to walk before he runs, because he will "stick those lemon pepper steppers where the sun don't shine."
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Solo Sikoa as he is looking for The MFT's (Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Talla Tonga, JC Mateo). He says that he wants his family out there as he is going to the Elimination Chamber and taking it all.
Randy Orton beats Solo Sikoa and Aleister Black in an Elimination Chamber qualifier after moving backwards into Solo Sikoa - who is ready to hit a Samoan Spike - and hitting an RKO out of nowhere.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring. Aldis addresses Randy Orton hitting him with an RKO last week, and says he has been instructed to maintain his professionalism. He says he will do that before inviting Orton to the ring. Orton heads to the ring and says Aldis has taken last week very personally, and reminds him about how he hit him with an RKO last year and paid double on the fine. Orton tells Aldis that they are even, then says this year will be his 20th WrestleMania and that he needs an opponent no matter what it takes, and proposes that Aldis take the suit off and face him. Aldis says he does not need Orton's money; instead, he needs his respect. Orton tells Aldis he earned his respect a long time ago, but tells him he cannot apologize to his wife Mickie James if he does not get his match. Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga show up, and Solo says nobody cares and that it is over for Orton because Orton is in the past, and next week, LA Knight will end up in the same boat as him when Jacob Fatu wins the United States Championship. Orton admits he finds it funny that Solo and Tama had the balls to interrupt him when he is trying to be diplomatic about business, and now the voices are telling him to beat up Solo and Tama. Solo and Tama approach from different ends, but Orton fends them off. The numbers game soon catches up to Orton, but LA Knight shows up and fights alongside Orton. Orton and Knight soon clean house, and Knight says he hopes that Jacob Fatu is watching because he took his name out of Solo and Tama's mouths and put his fist in them instead. He then says that neither he or Orton got enough, and challenges them to a tag team match tonight. Nick Aldis says he likes the sound of that, and the match is soon official.
Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez watch the next match from ringside.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria beat the team of Zoey Stark and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, the team of Natalya and Maxxine Dupri, the team of Katana Chance and Kayden Carter, the team of "Michin" Mia Yim and B-Fab and the team of The Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Alba Fyre) in a tag team gauntlet match to earn a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Maxxine Dupri and Natalya are eliminated when Maxxine goes for a Sharpshooter on Bayley only for Bayley to counter with an inside cradle.
It is announced that Charlotte Flair and Tiffany Stratton have been told to stay home for the rest of the week following their face-to-face meeting last week.
Damian Priest heads to the ring, but he is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre on the way. Officials have to get McIntyre away from Priest as Priest is helped to the back. McIntyre says it is plain as day that he only tells the truth and that every action is justified, "including dropping [Priest's] stupid ass." He says Priest benefited every time he has screwed and that he never wanted to face him like a man until he had one eye, and that he accept Priest's challenge because that is the kind of man that he is. McIntyre then says nobody will forget Priest after he gives him the beating of a lifetime at WrestleMania, then reveals his right eye is okay and that he is 100% medically cleared, which means that Priest is "100% screwed" at WrestleMania. Priest comes back and levels security on the way to the ring so he can brawl with McIntyre, but McIntyre goes right for Priest's eyes before hitting Priest with the ring steps. McIntyre grabs Priest and hits him with a Future Shock DDT on the steps, then rips the cross necklace off of Priest's neck.
Backstage, #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) focus on their loss last week, then tell Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) that it is all a conspiracy. Pretty Deadly think #DIY is out of their minds and desperate, then leave. Pretty Deadly leave, then The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) show up. Sabin mentions their tag team title shot next week, then Shelley tells #DIY that what happened to them was karma.
Rey Fenix beats Berto. After the match, Santos Escobar has Berto shake hands with Fenix, then Escobar shakes Fenix's hand and says something to him before leaving.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Roxanne Perez. Roxanne says she is taking matters into her own hands for a championship opportunity, and says that she is ready to steal the show as Tiffany Stratton is not ready. Tiffany Stratton shows up and says she is the last person Roxanne should be mentioning. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up as they argue, and when Tiffany tells Roxanne she will give her the spotlight that she wants tonight, Aldis takes the match into consideration.
We see a video package chronicling the history between CM Punk and Paul Heyman.
Zelina Vega catches up with - and mocks - Chelsea Green, then says she will see what kind of champion Chelsea Green is without Piper Niven and Alba Fyre.
We see another vignette with smoke, and this time, candles can be seen.
Zelina Vega beats Chelsea Green by count-out when Chelsea Green looks lost without Piper Niven and Alba Fyre.
Backstage, Santos Escobar tells Angel and Berto that tonight exemplifies the performance he needs. He then says that he will beat Rey Fenix, and after showing his disappointment with Berto, heads off with Angel to give Fenix a job well done. Meanwhile, Andrade tries to talk to Berto, and tells him to keep his head up and stay proud, but Berto tells him to mind his own business.
We see a video package for Naomi vs. Jade Cargill at WrestleMania.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, where multiple iterations of the Undisputed WWE Championship are displayed on tables. He calls the Undisputed WWE Championship proof that one is the best wrestler in the world and says that he is blessed to carry the title, but he will not always be the champion. He says that while this is also about the next twenty champions, wherever they may come from, John Cena wants to take it away. Cody says John Cena has neglected to make Seattle, Washington part of his farewell tour and is in Las Vegas, Nevada for next week, then addresses Cena's comment of his neck tattoo making him "a common fan." Cody says he has the tattoo because he wants to be somebody, just like some of the past WWE Champions before him, and that he knows who he is. He says that he is the WWE Champion, and Cena is not. He says that Cena is always teaching and preaching, but Cody says that the fans are allowed to love somebody else, especially when he is part of a roster full of people who make each other better. Cody says that he has to halt history and keep Cena from winning the championship in order to have history in WWE in the first place, and tells Cena that he does his best work when backed into a corner. He says the bell is going to ring, and when it does and it is over, he will leave Cena his moment in the ring to say goodbye, as while Cena's time has been up for some time, it is his time, he is timeless, and the WWE Championship "stays with us."
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Montez says that The Motor City Machine Guns have not cared for much about them and that they cannot care about what they do not have, which includes the WWE Tag Team Championships. Angelo Dawkins says that they run this division when Carmelo Hayes and The Miz show up. Carmelo says they are running the division to the ground, and The Miz challenges The Street Profits for the WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.
Tiffany Stratton beats Roxanne Perez. After the match, Charlotte Flair shows up from out of nowhere to attack Tiffany Stratton before officials and security show up. Wade Barrett has to get Charlotte to calm down.
LA Knight and Randy Orton beat Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga after Orton and Solo brawl their way into the crowd and Knight hits Tama with the BFT. After the match, Jacob Fatu shows up and attacks LA Knight from behind before hitting him with two top rope moonsaults and holding up the United States Championship. He then hits Knight with one more moonsault before the show fades to black.
CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Punk grabs a video camera and captures the entire crowd and thanks 16,000 members of his hometown family and how his whole life has revolved around the phrase "You're not supposed to be here" before mentioning he is in the main event of WrestleMania. He says he has earned - not deserved - it, and how he has put in the hard work to prove he should be here, then says the hard work begins before thanking AJ Lee, his dog Larry, the fans and the city of Chicago, Illinois. Punk says he has a date at WrestleMania and says he will beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins' ass and put a beating on Roman Reigns, then Paul Heyman shows up and says that Punk belongs in WWE, the ring, in Chicago and in the main event of WrestleMania. Heyman talks about the last time the two of them were in a WWE ring and how Punk saved both him and Roman Reigns' Bloodline, then says he has another favor to ask of him. Heyman asks Punk what the favor he asked for again, as Roman Reigns is not yet and he is angry. Punk says the favor is not Roman's business and that it will affect him a little bit, and that he wants Roman and Heyman to know at the same time.
Up next: Rey Fenix debuts!
Rey Fenix beats Nathan Frazer in his WWE debut. After the match, Byron Saxton interviews Fenix in the ring. Fenix says he has a lot of history in Chicago, Illinois, and tonight is not the debut of Rey Fenix; instead, it is his return and he has been rewarded with love, and he waited so long to state that he is in WWE.
Backstage, Legado del Fantasma have been watching Rey Fenix. Escobar says that this is what he expects from Angel and Berto. Berto calls Rey Fenix "a flash in the pan" and says that he is better than Fenix, and Escobar says he will have to prove it in the match with Fenix.
We hear from Drew McIntyre, who says that nobody cares Damian Priest unless he is feasting off of his scraps. He says that Priest hides in the shadows like a vulture to attack him, and now he has been praying, and when he prays, bad things happen.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Braun Strowman, who says he has had enough of Jacob Fatu sticking his nose in his business, and that he will go through Jacob in tonight's Last Man Standing Match and go on to WrestleMania. Suddenly, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, and Solo says Strowman is finished. LA Knight then shows up and tells Strowman to keep his eyes on the prize and tells Solo to keep his boys in order. Tama says Knight should be worried, but Knight says he will be stomping Tama all over the ring.
LA Knight beats Tama Tonga after Solo Sikoa's interference backfires.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Paul Heyman, who says that no matter what the favor is, his answer is "Yes." As he says this, a black GMC SUV pulls up. Instead of Roman Reigns, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins exits the vehicle, much to Heyman's chagrin. Rollins says that Heyman looks like he had a bad week while he had a great week, and that he was able to come up with a plan. He also says Heyman has dug himself into a hole with the favor for CM Punk, and tells him to know when Roman shows up, as he wants to know what the favor is.
We see more smoke and coins for eyes on a skull.
Charlotte Flair heads to the ring. After the break, Tiffany Stratton also heads to the ring, and Wade Barrett is in the ring with a microphone. Charlotte says that Tiffany Stratton was begging and that she is the gift that keeps giving, then says that she has not done any "charity work" lately and that she wants "the smartest wrestling fans" to know there is no comparison. Tiffany says Charlotte's biggest competitor is the fans and that it is part of a battle she will never win, that she tries to be all tough but cries her heart out on a talk show, and that no matter how many titles Charlotte wins, she will always be second to her father. She also mentions her WrestleMania record of 4-3. Charlotte says Tiffany is not the first person to tell her that, and she keeps booed out of the building as she tries to say more. Tiffany says she is walking into WrestleMania as a champion at 25 while Charlotte was playing volleyball and "drinking in her daddy's basement" at the same age. Tiffany says Charlotte is "the queen of shit" before Charlotte mocks her voice, then says that Charlotte will be "WWE's #1 nepo baby" before she walks out of WrestleMania at champion while Charlotte will end up alone just like her father, saying that she is "0-3" in relationships. Tiffany walks away as Charlotte asks if this is why Ludwig Kaiser is in her DM's.
General Manager Nick Aldis announces that there will be a women's tag team gauntlet match where the winners face Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) watch the next match from the front row.
The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) beat #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) to become #1 contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships after Sabin sends Ciampa into an exposed turnbuckle.
Backstage, The Miz and Carmelo Hayes run into Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince) and make fun of Pretty Deadly squandering a tag team title opportunity and losing. Pretty Deadly make fun of Miz's relevance and Carmelo's relegating himself to The Miz.
Naomi beats B-Fab. Before the match, Naomi is attacked by Jade Cargill. After the match, Naomi calls out Jade Cargill, and Cargill shows up from out of nowhere and attacks her. Security stops her from hitting Jaded, and this time, Cargill levels all of security. General Manager Nick Aldis shows up and puts the two of them in a match at WrestleMania.
We hear from Damian Priest, who tells Drew McIntyre that he screwed himself at every turn, yet he is still the villain, and McIntyre cost him his shot at the main event of WrestleMania. He calls McIntyre a hypocrite who complains, blames everyone for his mistakes and plays the victim. He says he is McIntyre's villain now, and tells him to meet him in the middle of the ring so he can become his victim at WrestleMania.
General Manager Nick Aldis is in the ring. He says that this is not a part of his job that he enjoys doing and that there is a reason why professional wrestling should not be imitated at home before introducing Kevin Owens. Owens says he has done this for 25 years and that he can say confidently for the last 25 years, he has given it his all in the ring and that he has gotten to do incredible things he will never forget and take care of his family in ways he has only dreamed of. He says that the toll on his body is the price to pay for this opportunity and that everyone has paid that price at different times, but now it is his turn, as for the last four months, he has had a serious neck injury. Owens says he must now get neck surgery and that the timing could not be worse, as not being in the ring with Randy Orton at WrestleMania "really sucks." He thanks WWE for giving him the opportunity to mention this, as he does not know when he will be in the ring again. He says that he has learned not to take this for granted and that he is not taking this for granted. He apologizes to the fans, then shakes hands with Aldis before leaving. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and heads to the ring. Aldis tells Orton that he no longer has a match for WrestleMania, and Orton responds by hitting Aldis with an RKO.
We look back on WrestleMania 1, courtesy of Snickers.
Jacob Fatu beats Braun Strowman in a Last Man Standing Match to face LA Knight for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania after backing Strowman through a table in the corner.
Backstage, Paul Heyman waits for Roman Reigns. After the commercial break, Roman Reigns finally arrives, and he walks by Paul Heyman on his way to the ring. Roman finds out through Heyman that CM Punk is here and that Punk is still talking about the favor Heyman owes him, then says Punk would not be back here if it was not for him. He says that Punk would also not be in the main event of WrestleMania because of him, and while the fans love him, he was never in the main event until he was introduced to him. Roman then demands Punk come to the ring so he can find out what that favor is, but he ends up getting Seth "Freakin'" Rollins instead. Rollins says he would not miss this for the world and that he has the feeling that the favor in question will rock Roman's world, saying Roman does not like to live in the real world and that reality bites him in the ass when he steps out of his own world. He says that Roman underestimates Punk because he thinks he is above him, and says he has tried that and it did not work, and that he now has to deal with Punk at WrestleMania. Rollins says he is in a better place than last week and that he knows there are two things one can do: suffer and get left behind, or adapt and control reality. Roman says that Punk is not loyal and does not know what loyal is, then says that he keeps his word, unlike Rollins. He says he called Punk, not Rollins, but Rollins says he is here to hear from Punk, and now there is only one thing missing. Punk shows up and heads to the ring, and says that this is about friendship, loyalty and promises both made and kept. He says that this all spans back for years, and how Heyman told Punk to force "them" to deal with "us." Punk then says that "they" are gone, and that he will force Roman to deal with "us." He states that at WrestleMania, Heyman will be in his corner and not Roman's. Rollins says "I told you!" as Roman says "That's the favor?" and laughs. Roman says that Heyman needs him and that he saved Heyman, and that even if he could, he wouldn't. Roman tells Heyman to let Punk down easy, but Heyman starts crying. Roman tells Heyman he took him in and made him relevant, and tells him to tell Punk no. Roman then gives Heyman one more opportunity and demands Heyman tell Punk no, but Heyman says he cannot do that. Rollins is on his knees laughing before Punk attacks Roman from behind as he forces Heyman in the corner. Punk hits Roman with the GTS, then dares Rollins to face him. Rollins steps out of the ring as the show ends.
