Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for April 9, 2019

The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up to start tonight's show with Kofi's championship celebration. Big E announces that Kofi made people cry tears of joy as he proved himself "an A+ player with extra credit" at WrestleMania to become WWE Champion, then Big E does a split just like he did on Raw. He also mentions that Kofi came close to becoming a dual champion like Becky Lynch last night, and while it would have fun, there is nothing like being home on SmackDown Live. Big E admits that people know The New Day best for crude jokes and mischievousness, but tonight, they are here to celebrate Kofi. Woods says they are honored to call Kofi a friend and a brother, and tonight, they will celebrate Kofi's career. Woods says he remembers Kofi's debut, and says it has been wonderful to follow Kofi's career. When he finally made it to WWE and met Kofi, it was like meeting one of his heroes. Big E says the bond The New Day has is special, and they changed culture and made history. He says that Kofi did just that at WrestleMania, and Woods congratulates Kofi on behalf of everyone from the fans to the locker room. He thanks his family for supporting him since day one, then The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) shows up. Sheamus says Kofi owes them thanks for saving their sin, and Cesaro says Seth Rollins was mopping the floor with him and almost took his championship. Sheamus says Kofi almost lost the WWE Championship because he didn't have Big E and Woods with him, then Cesaro challenges The New Day to a six-man tag team match. Big E questions their not having a third man, but Cesaro says they made a friend at Raw: Drew McIntyre, who shows up and stands alongside The Bar.

Aleister Black, Ricochet and Ali beat Andrade, Shinsuke Nakamura and Rusev. After the match, Ali is nailed by an RKO out of nowhere by Randy Orton. After that, Kevin Owens shows up from out of nowhere and hits Rusev with a Stunner.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who congratulate Kofi Kingston before saying they are still SmackDown tag team champions and that they need to win tonight, for both titles and bragging rights about being the best are on the line.

R-Truth and Carmella are in the ring. They congratulate Becky Lynch and Kofi Kingston on their win on Sunday, and Truth boasts that Carmella beat Andre The Giant in the Royal Rumble. Carmella says that Truth is talking about the WrestleMania Women's Battle Royal, and says that she could not have done it without Truth. After she says that the battle royal win is the first step towards a bright future, Samoa Joe shows up. Truth and Joe brawl, but Joe is able to lock in the Coaquina Clutch and put Truth to sleep. Joe says he stands before the fans as the man who beat Rey Mysterio in less than a minute, and it will take less time to beat up anyone else in WWE. Suddenly, Braun Strowman shows up and fights Joe. Joe tries to put Strowman to sleep with the Coaquina Clutch, but Strowman fights out of it and nearly hits Joe with a running powerslam. Joe manages to wriggle free and get away.

Before the next match, The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) brag about their tag team championship victory at WrestleMania, and say that they don't just talk; they walk about being fighting champions and promise to take on anyone, anytime and anywhere. They announce that they have set up their first title defense against a team with a record of 45-0: Karissa and Kristen, The Brooklyn Belles.

The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) retain the WWE Women's Championships against The Brooklyn Belles (Karissa and Kristen). (Kristen is future AEW star Kris Statlander, and Karissa will be known as Elektra Lopez in NXT two years later.) After the match, Kayla Braxton interviews Paige - who has been watching the match - backstage. She mentions the Superstar Shake-Up, then mentions that next week, she will be bringing in an impressive tag team of her own after The IIconics' victory tonight.

Shane McMahon shows up. Shane says that this week has been great and that next week will be just as great with the Superstar Shake-Up, then focuses on WrestleMania. After naming off some of the best moments from Sunday night, he then says that everyone tuned in to see him defeat The Miz. Shane goes on to brag that he did, then says he has The Miz - who is not here tonight due to having to tend to his father - in his rear view mirror and that The Miz's father had the audacity to get in the ring and stepping up to him. He says that The Miz's father hit him in the eye, and the crowd chants "You deserve it!" as Shane claims that he was forced to defend himself by striking back and that The Miz and his father both got what was coming to them. Shane says that The Miz and his father found out first-hand that he is the best in the world on Sunday, then - as the crowd chants for CM Punk - asks ring announcer to step into the ring with him. Shane tells Hamilton that he could not help but feel that Hamilton was getting stuck introducing him, and Hamilton tells Shane that some fans threatened to something bad to him if he introduces Shane as "Best In The World." Shane tells Hamilton that Brooklyn, New York is the best city in the world because he lives in it, then tells him he does not have to worry about the fans doing things to him before saying he should worry about him doing something to him. He demands that Hamilton introduce him with conviction and pride, but after a few attempts, Shane grabs Hamilton by the tie and forces him to the stage before threatening to beat him up after one too many unsatisfactory attempts. Hamilton provides an attempt that Shane considers satisfactory, then allows Hamilton to go back to ringside while he leaves.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to become the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions, marking their eighth tag team title reign in WWE. Before Kayla Braxton can interview The Hardy Boyz, Lars Sullivan shows up. Sullivan slides into the ring and easily lays The Hardys out.

Becky Lynch shows up. She admits that it has been quite a week, and that she did exactly what she said she would do at WrestleMania. She tried to celebrate last night on Raw, then Lacey Evans showed up and hit her. Becky says that she was reminded that she holds two targets, and that she will be pulling double duty. She dares every last challenger to bring it on, and says that if she has to beat everyone up and sleep with one eye open, she will do it in order to keep both titles. As Becky leaves and raises up both women's titles, she is sucker punched by Lacey Evans.

Before the next match, Sami Zayn shows up, then tells the crowd "Yeah...you're not worth it."

The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) and Drew McIntyre. After the match, The New Day celebrates with Kofi's family.

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

Raw Deal - Raw recap for April 8, 2019

Seth Rollins shows up to start tonight's show. After a replay of what happened at WrestleMania 35, Rollins says everybody deserves this and that he is proud to hold the Universal Title above his head. He admits that he feels like he just got hit by a Mack truck, but he got back up and beat Lesnar. He also announces that Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar took a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada for some meetings, and says that they can stay in Vegas, as Lesnar is no longer champion and he will be a fighting champion that everyone will be proud of. Suddenly, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods)show up, and after joking that the Superstar Shake-up is next week, they celebrate the fact that Kofi Kingston is now WWE Champion, then Kofi proposes that he and Rollns have a Winner Take All match after what happened at WrestleMania. Seth simply responds with "Challenge accepted."

Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) after Hawkins scores the win with a surprise schoolkid pin.

Baron Corbin shows up. Corbin says that he proved that Kurt Angle does not deserve to be in the same ring as him at WrestleMania, then mocks the crowd for their "Shut the fuck up!" chants before saying he is used to being doubted only to prove everyone wrong. He boasts that he is better than an Olympic gold medalist and proclaims that he is deserving of a gold medal of his own. Suddenly, Kurt Angle shows up. As the crowd chants "Thank you, Kurt!", Angle admits that Corbin was the better man last night and that his career is over while Corbin's has just begun. He offers his hand as he wishes him all the luck in the world. He shakes his hand, says "Bad luck," then hits the Angle Slam before locking in an ankle lock.then hits the Angle Slam. All of a sudden, Lars Sullivan - who has not been seen in WWE programming in any capacity in months - shows up and angrily stares down Angle before hitting him with the Freak Accident. Lars then goes up top and hits Angle with a headbutt.

The Superstar Shake-Up is next week!

Alexa Bliss beats Bayley in her first match in months.

Becky Lynch shows up. Becky mentions how she used to work in a bar not far from the arena nine years ago, then says "We did it!" before the crowd breaks into a "Becky Two Belts" chant. She says that "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair were going on and on about their accomplishments, but when all was said and done, the woman with nothing left with everything, and while she is not the best in the company, she has a good theme song. The crowd chants the theme song, then Becky says that leaving home at 15 wanting to fight everyone taught her survival, and says that she will always persist, overcome and find a way to win in the end. The crowd then chants "You're the man!," then Becky says she will be waiting to slap Ronda's head off her shoulders when she comes back from sulking, and that the McMahon family will probably hand the women's tag team titles to Charlotte. Becky then admits that she is a marked women, but she is ready to smack the heads off of any and all comers after all the women in both brands have seen what she can do. Afterwards, Lacey Evans walks down the ramp, but Becky stands in front of her. Lacey almost turns around, but hits Becky with a right hand. This has almost no effect, and Becky gets Lacey from behind, starting a brawl. The brawl ends with Becky Lynch nearly putting Lacey in the Dis-Arm-Her as two referees try to stop the brouhaha.

Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Seth Rollins, who says that he accepted Kofi Kingston's challenge because the challenge is what he loves and lives for. He also says that he feels a bit insulted, as Raw is his show and that Kofi had better be ready to step up. He says that Kofi should be ready to step up his game, as B+ will not get the job done.

Ricochet and Aleister Black beat Bobby Roode and Chad Gable. After the match, Roode attacks Ricochet from behind.

Backstage, Elias says he had the greatest performance planned for WrestleMania, but it was ruined by John Cena. Elias says he could rap in his sleep, but it is okay, as the McMahon Family have given him enough time to perform his rock opera. He warns that there will be hell to pay if anybody interrupts him tonight.

We see a vignette of what looks like a buzzard puppet pop out of a cardboard box.

Before the next match - which is touted as Dean Ambrose's final match in WWE - Bobby Lashley tells Dean Ambrose not to worry as he will take care of his wife for him when he is gone. This leads to Dean Ambrose beating the crap out Lashley before their match begins. The brawl ends with Bobby Lashley putting Dean Ambrose through the commentary table. Lashley and Lio Rush then leave, and Renee Young checks on Dean Ambrose before calling for help.

We see footage of Mojo Rawley talking to himself in a broken mirror talking to himself with blue lightning painted on the left side of his face as he asks himself where he was at WrestleMania.

Sami Zayn shows up for the first time in months. He says that if you miss WrestleMania, you might as well return the night after, and proclaims that his schedule is wide open and that he is open for a match. The challenge is answered by Finn Balor. After Balor shows up, it is announced that the match will be for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Finn Balor retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Sami Zayn in Sami's first match in months. After the match, Sami Zayn says he really thought coming to the ring would cure what ails him, but all it did was reinforce what he has known for the last nine months: that the fans missed him. Sami says he did not honestly miss being in the ring or anybody in the crowd, then says that WWE is a super-toxic environment because of the fans and their ugliness. He says that he lives a fulfilled and meaningful life while the fans' lives are so empty and devoid of meaning that they only get satisfaction out of being critics, for it is the only thing that gives them any sense of self-importance. He also says everybody judges everything but themselves because they refuse to look at the cynicism inside of themselves, and says the right thing to do is to hold the fans accountable because nobody else will. He then concludes by saying "See you in Hell."

Backstage, Dana Brooke congratulates Becky Lynch for her WrestleMania victory, and says there is a line of women waiting to challenge Becky. She may not be in the front of the line, but she is not in the back anymore. If there is a title opportunity for her, she will seize that moment.

Elias is in the ring. He says that John Cena ruined his WrestleMania performance, and says that Cena is not an artist or musician, but a fake, un-humble person who is riding on the coattails of his popularity. He proceeds to show how pathetic Cena is when he tries to rap, and throws in a few verbal barbs of his own, saying that the next person to interrupt him is a dead man. A bell is then heard. The Undertaker arrives, and Elias slowly heads out of the ring before stopping halfway on his way out to get back in. Elias and 'Taker have a staredown, then Elias turns around before going for a cheap shot. That cheap shot is stopped cold by a big boot from The Undertaker followed by a choke slam. Elias and 'Taker have a staredown, then Elias turns around before going for a cheap shot. That cheap shot is stopped cold by a big boot from The Undertaker followed by a choke slam. He then finishes Elias off with a Tombstone Piledriver.

Kofi Kingston vs. Seth Rollins in a Winner Take All Match for the WWE Championship and WWE Universal Championship ends when The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) attacks Kofi Kingston before attacking Seth Rollins. After the brawl that ends in The Bar retreating, Seth Rollins takes the microphone and challenges The Bar to a tag team match against him and Kofi, which The Bar accepts.

Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).

After the show, Dean Ambrose says goodbye to WWE.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for April 2, 2019

The show starts with The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guests are Randy Orton, who shows up first, and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who shows up afterwards. Both men sit at the table, and Orton says he is proud of what he did last week as he saved the fans from a broken-down old man from beating a man who still thinks he is at the top of the game. Styles says Orton has learned only one move despite hanging out with legends. Orton says that when you have a move that deadly, you only need one, but Styles would not understand. He then states that Styles only thinks he had it so hard - as well as "indie guys" in general - while he was in WrestleMania. Styles says that Orton was also getting suspended for positive drug tests during that time. Orton tells Styles that if he was good as he thinks he is, he would have been in WWE a long time ago. He also states that Styles' legacy will not be his hard work paying off, but assuming the role of "corporate bitch" now that John Cena has headed to Hollywood. Kevin Owens leaves, then Orton and Styles have a stand-off. The stand-off quickly becomes a brawl, and a Phenomenal Forearm is countered into an RKO.

Aleister Black, Ricochet and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev and The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro). After the match, Alexa Bliss shows up and says while a lot has changed since she left SmackDown Live, the brand has lost its spirit of competition, and cites The Usos forfeiting in last week's tag team gauntlet match as an example. She then announces that The Usos will defend the SmackDown tag team titles against all the teams they just shared the ring with in a Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match at Wrestlemania. All four teams then brawl, and Ricochet and Aleister Black are the last team standing.

The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) show up. Billie Kay says the state of the tag teams at WrestleMania is great, especially since they can pin anybody in their match to become Women's Tag Team Champions. Peyton says it is a no-brainer that they will win the Women's tag team titles and make WrestleMania IIconic.

It is announced that Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake is in the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

Before the next match, The Miz says that WrestleMania is about a lot of things for another people. While Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey are making history and Kofi Kingston is trying to break through, he is looking for retribution. He says that he stands at the best version of himself because of family, and tells his wife Maryse and daughter Monroe Sky that he loves them and is proud of them, and that he fights with a full heart. He states that his match with Shane McMahon cannot be contained, which is why he asked for a Falls Count Anywhere match, and that at WrestleMania, he will beat Shane anywhere and everywhere. After what Shane did to him, he fights not for his father's approval, but for his honor. He then says Shane has a dad, which makes Shane a "son of a bitch." After SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain) shows up, Shane McMahon shows up before the next match starts, Shane says he is here to get a more personal look, then demands ring announcer Greg Hamilton introduce him as "the best in the world."

The Miz beats SAnitY (Eric Young, Alexander Wolfe, Killian Dain) in a 1-on-3 handicap match. During the match, Shane McMahon changes the rule of the match to Falls Count Anywhere, then puts up a shot of himself attacking The Miz's dad on the TitanTron. Miz gets the win after ramming a crate into Eric Young's head. After the match, Shane McMahon pulls out of the parking lot in a nearby SUV. A police car then shows up, and Becky Lynch is seen coming out of the back.

We look back at The Hardy Boyz' (Jeff and Matt Hardy) return at WrestleMania 33, courtesy of Snickers.

Corey Graves is in the ring. After announcing that "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair has been released from jail on their own recognizance, he then introduces Becky Lynch. Becky takes the microphone and stands on the commentary table, and says it's good to be free, then says her mugshot shirt aged well before talking about how much has changed in the last year. She says that the strike to Charlotte Flair's face at SummerSlam changed everything, and after fighting her way back into title contention at this year's WrestleMania, she is now part of the main event. Becky proclaims that her revolution, which she calls "the real revolution," will explode when she becomes a double champion and the champion she always knew that she was.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy), Heavy Machinery (Tucker and Otis), R-Truth, Naomi, Asuka, Nikki Cross and Carmella vs. Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson), Andrade, EC3, Shelton Benjamin, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville, Zelina Vega and Lana ends in a no-contest after the match becomes an impromptu battle royal. Lacey Evans shows up to walk up and down the ramp early in the match.

Samoa Joe beats Mustafa Ali - now known as just Ali - with the Coaquina Clutch.

"The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan show up, and Michael Cole moderates the contract signing for Kofi Kingston vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Cole introduces Kofi, who shows up with Xavier Woods and Big E. As the crowd chants for Kofi, Daniel Bryan signs the contract, then says he is not here to stop Kofi from signing the contract; instead, he is here to educate the masses like he has all along. He tells the fans not to become complacent much like Kofi has become complacent, as good is not good enough after 11 years and a little success is not successful enough. He also tells the fans not to be bystanders in their own lives like Kofi has, and wait on the sidelines for others to push them to the top much like Woods and Big E have for Kofi. Daniel then tells Kofi not to mistake a fad for reality, as he has been in Kofi's shoes and the way that the fans chanted "Yes!" for him is the same way they chant for Kofi. He tells Kofi that the fans feed off him, not the other way around, for they are parasites. He says that the fans need Kofi to fulfill any fantasy in their lives, and then dispose of him when they are done, then tells Kofi to suck this all in for this is the best it will be. Kofi gets angry and tells Daniel Bryan to shut up while he educates him, and says the more he hears Daniel talk, the more he realizes Daniel knows nothing about him. Kofi tells Daniel that he has seen him rise to where he is in WWE, and says that everything has led to this moment and that he can see that Daniel knows he is ready. He then says the only thing they have in common to this story is that Daniel knows what this situation feels like and that he is scared because he knows what comes next: Kofi beating him to become WWE Champion. Kofi then signs the contract to end the show.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for March 26, 2019

The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up to start tonight's show. Xavier Woods says the last few years have been an emotional roller coaster, and Big E thanks the fans for staying with them for so long. Woods says it has been a pleasure being a unit and entertaining the fans, and he thanks the fans for their support for all that time. Big E says he and Xavier spoke, and announces that after the obstacles placed in Kofi's way, they have considered walking away. Despite doing so much in WWE, Xavier says it has been hard to watch how Kofi has been treated for the past 11 years, much less recently. Big E says "power of positivity" is not just a catchphrase, as Kofi exudes positivity and has never quit. Xavier says they need to make a decision, but they cannot make it until they get answers, and the person with the answers is WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. He - and The New Day - ask Vince to come to the ring so they can talk face-to-face with the issues they have at hand, and they have problem waiting in the ring until he does show up. Vince shows up, but before he can say anything, Daniel Bryan and Rowan show up and interrupt the proceedings, with Daniel telling Vince not to waste another breath on The New Day and let them quit. He calls The New Day "a stale novelty act," and if Vince wants to create another one, they can pick three people from NXT, call them "Fresh Afternoon," have them throw waffles into the crowd and have them become more popular than The New Day as Kofi is a "B+ player." He says that Kofi lost the last three times they faced off and to not let Xavier Woods and Big E get in their heads, and that Vince's instincts that Kofi is not "championship material" is correct and that the fans are wrong and refuse to accept that reality. Xavier says the real reality is that Daniel Bryan is scared to face Kofi Kingston one-on-one and that he has turned not only into everything he used to fight against, but into a hypocrite. Vince tells Daniel Bryan to shut up, then tells The New Day there is not a bone in their body that will tell them to quit due to the power of positivity, and that they were never going to quit in the first place. Vince admits that he views Kofi as a B+ player, but wants to know if Big E and Xavier Woods are a "B+ tag team" due to their passion and respect for Kofi, and asks if they can put Kofi Kingston in the WWE Championship. Vince tells Kofi he has run out of opportunities, but if Xavier Woods and Big E can win in a tag team gauntlet match tonight, Kofi can still be in the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania.

Backstage, Becky Lynch is interviewed. Becky wants to know what Charlotte Flair brings to the Raw Women's title match at WrestleMania. Charlotte Flair shows up on the stage and says she is abot to show just how deserving she is to be in the Raw Women's title match at WrestleMania.

Charlotte Flair beats Asuka with the Figure Eight to become the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship. Before the match, the announcers are surprised that the match is for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship, as if they were not aware of this beforehand. The title win becomes her eighth in WWE, a record for women's wrestling in WWE.

We look back on Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant at WrestleMania 3, courtesy of Snickers.

Backstage, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles is interviewed. He is honored to be Kurt Angle's last match on SmackDown Live, and he is proud to be part of his career and in this match tonight. While Angle has done more than most people can dream of, he is not taking this match lightly, and while Angle set up the foundation, this is the house that he built.

Kurt Angle vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles ends with Randy Orton showing up out of nowhere and hitting Styles with an RKO. Angle hits Orton with an Angle Slam, then helps Styles up.

In interview footage from earlier tonight, Dominic says that Rey Mysterio is nothing like Samoa Joe, and Rey says that he will stand up for himself and his family when he beats Joe for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania.

The Miz shows up. He says that he usually has a rush of emotion regarding WrestleMania, but this year is different as the only thing he can picture is tearing Shane McMahon limb from limb and he knows how he wants to do it. He claims that Shane lit a fire under him that he didn't know he had despite being in WWE for thirteen years when he attacked him and made it personal when he put his hands on his father. He wants to make sure everyone sees him destroy Shane up close and personal in a Falls Count Anywhere Match at WrestleMania, and he wants to take Shane all over the arena and show him everything he can do to him. Suddenly, security shows up and blocks the ramp. After they show up, Shane McMahon shows up with a few WWE Superstars - Shelton Benjamin, Primo Colon, Eric Young, Killian Dain and Alexander Wolfe - who stand in front of Shane, who demands ring announcer give him the introduction he was instructed with some conviction (which Hamilton does). He then states the security is for Miz's benefit and to protect Miz from him, and says one of the things that went through his mind regarding the Falls Count Anywhere stipulation is that Miz is as dumb as his father looks. As he puts a still image of himself putting his hands on Miz's dad on the TitanTron, he admits that he watches the footage of himself attacking Miz's dad over and over again and that it makes him feel better and better the more he watches it. Shane also gloats about how he paralyzed Miz's father with fear at Fastlane, and says that the feeling he got from that was absolutely euphoric. He then announces he plans to beat Miz all over the arena at WrestleMania as he accepts his challenge. He then says his only regret is that he did not do more harm to Miz's father and punish him for impregnating his mother and creating his "greatest Miz-take in life." Miz charges out of the ring and fights off security. After fighting off security, he battles the WWE Superstars. He is briefly overpowered, but not for long. Shane slowly backs off as Miz comes out on top as he takes the brawl into the crowd and comes out on top.

We hear from The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), who announce that they will be in a Fatal 4-Way Match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania and that they will make WrestleMania IIconic.

The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) beat Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson), the team of Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura, The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro), The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and the team of "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan in a tag team gauntlet match to send Kofi Kingston to the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 35. Before the match, it is announced that Kofi Kingston is barred from ringside for this match. During the match, The Bar put Big E through a table after being eliminated. When The Usos show up, they take the microphone and says they have fought wars against The New Day and that Kofi Kingston is worthy of an opportunity for the WWE Championship Match. They announce that Kofi has earned respect from them, the locker room and the fans. With that, The Usos wish Big E and Xavier Woods luck, for they officially forfeit. The Usos then leave. "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan are seen fuming in the locker room while throwing steel chairs. Afterwards, Big E and Xavier Woods are checked on by medical staff before it is announced that they must face one more team: "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan. The match ends with Big E toppling the announce table on top of Rowan to beat Daniel Bryan and Rowan by count-out. Kofi Kingston celebrates with Woods and Big E after the match. After the match, Kayla Braxton interviews WWE Chairman Vince McMahon confirms that Kofi Kingston is going to WrestleMania, and asks if Kofi can beat Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship before leaving in his limousine. Afterwards, the SmackDown Live locker room surrounds the ring and celebrates with The New Day to end the show.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for March 19, 2019

The Miz shows up to start tonight's show. After a video recap of Shane McMahon's explanation of his betrayal of The Miz from last Tuesday, The Miz says he has been laser-focused on the road to WrestleMania for the last years, but it has been at a cost. He says he has sacrificed every relationship to make it to where he is today, save for his relationship with Maryse and his daughter, and his relationship with Shane McMahon has been no different. He says it was all to make his own father proud of him, and when his father stood in the ring with him, it was the first time his father said he loved him and that he was proud of him, and Shane made that happen for him. Miz also admits that people warned him to watch himself after tag teaming with Shane, and at Fastlane, he found out the hard way how different Shane is behind the scenes when Shane attacked him and put his hands on his father. He says the latter action will be ingrained in his mind forever, and calls Shane "a vile, disgusting human being" who is rotten to the core just like his father, and says he was not born the best in the world; he was born the worst. Miz says Shane and Vince think they are special because they are billionaires who owns WWE, and that they don't own him or Kofi Kingston. He says he was born poor and told he would not amount to anything, and proved everyone wrong. He also says that he accomplished everything he has ever done on his own, and that his work ethic cannot be denied and he knows that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard enough, and that he had to earn love and respect after thirteen long years. The crowd chants "You deserve it," and Miz agrees. Miz says all Shane has earned is as ass-whipping from him at WrestleMania.

Before the next match, Billie Kay announces that Bayley and Sasha Banks have finally arrived on SmackDown Live, and Peyton Royce says that they look small and scared inside their ring. They make fun of their appearance on NXT and their being chased out of the ring on Raw, and state that Bayley and Sasha are in unfamiliar territory. They say that Bayley and Sasha have saved the best for last, and the last will be IIconic.

The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) beat Sasha Banks and Bayley after Billie Kay pulls at Sasha's arm as Peyton rolls Sasha Banks up. During the match, Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, poses, then walks back up the ramp to the back.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Rey Mysterio, who brings out his now grown-up son Dominic as he announces that he will face Samoa Joe for the WWE United States Championship at WrestleMania. Dominic says Samoa Joe is just a bully, and at WrestleMania, he will watch his father do what he does: take care of bullies and win another championship.

It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guests are Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch. Becky Lynch is introduced first, followed by Charlotte Flair. Owens says that sometimes friendship can go wrong, and that nothing can get under the skin more than a former best friend. He goes over some of the things that have been said by "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey in the past, and says that while Ronda isn't here, Charlotte is. Owens goes over some of the things said about Charlotte by Ronda and Becky, then says Charlotte and Becky have said a lot and says that he speaks for himself and the fans when he says that nobody wants to see them talk. He says that tonight is "Fight Becky Fight" and "Fight Charlotte Fight." Charlotte and Becky stand up, and Charlotte says she would beat the holy hell out of Becky. Kevin Owens leaves the ring and moderates from the apron, and Becky punches Charlotte as Owens leaves to get away from the ensuing brawl. Referees show up to stop the brawl as Becky and Charlotte take it out of the ring, and security also has to get involved. Becky and Charlotte beat up a few security guards before both women are finally pulled apart.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, who says that Randy Orton has advantages in the WWE that nobody else has. He admits that Orton is a great wrestler, but despite being the walk-on to Orton's first-round draft pick, he's good, too. He admits that Orton may have the home field advantage, he is ready to tear it down at WrestleMania. He also wishes Kofi Kingston luck in his match tonight.

We look back on "Stone Cold" Steve Austin vs. "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 14, courtesy of Snickers.

"The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan show up. Daniel brings up the word "injustice," and says that Kofi Kingston being in tonight's gauntlet match is an injustice, as Kofi does not deserve the opportunity. He says he knows what it is like to have the deck stacked against him and to be held back better than anyone else, and says that this has not happened to Kofi. He says Kofi was chosen to replace Mustafa Ali and given an opportunity he had never earned. He says Kofi fought his heart out in the gauntlet match and in the Elimination Chamber, but he earned nothing and is just "a B+ player." He says that is good enough for the fans and The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods), then says B+ is not good enough, and no matter how much the fans chant for Kofi, it will not change the fact that he lost both matches and the opportunity handed to him. Suddenly, The New Day shows up, and Kofi gets in the ring.

Kofi Kingston beats Sheamus, Cesaro, Rowan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton in a gauntlet match to face "The New" Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35. During the match, Rowan is eliminated after hitting Kofi with a steel chair on the outside, and he goes for a bear hug in which he slams Kofi into the ring post as part of an attempt to deal some more damage before he leaves. After the match, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up and congratulates Kofi Kingston for performing nothing short of a miracle in the ring tonight. Vince tells Kofi that he will be going to WrestleMania as long as he can beat one last opponent. Vince tells Xavier Woods and Big E to leave the ring, and he wishes Kofi luck as it is revealed he must beat "The New" Daniel Bryan in the ring.

"The New" Daniel Bryan beats Kofi Kingston, ending Kofi Kingston's dreams of a WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 35.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for March 12, 2019

Shane McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. The WWE World Cup is seen on a podium in the ring. Shane McMahon asks Greg Hamilton to introduce him as "The Best In The World," then Shane grabs Greg by the tie and tells him to say it like he means it. Greg says it again, this time with more gusto, but Shane tells him to use more conviction. Greg complies. After Greg leaves the ring, Shane addresses why he beat up The Miz at Fastlane. He says he was sick and tired of all the people that have ever been in his life: the fans, the Superstars and the employees who have asked him for advice to get ahead in life. He says people have rubbed against him all his life to better themselves behind the scenes, and says that all stopped Sunday when beat up The Miz in his own hometown. Shane says he is not the best in the world because he won a trophy or became a tag team champion; he is the best in the world because he was born that way. He says that from this point forward, he will do things for himself, and it felt so good when he beat The Miz up and the last thing The Miz saw was him grabbing his dad by his face. Shane says this lit a spark that he claims will ever go away, and tells The Miz that at the end of the day, Miz works for him. He says he had a fun time beating him up that he will continue with that notion at WrestleMania. He then tells Miz to get ready for another "Best In The World" beating, and says that for him, it will feel awesome.

Aleister Black, Ricochet and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) vs. The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro), Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura ends after The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) runs in and fights The Bar, Rusev and Nakamura.

We hear from The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who says that got theirs at Fastlane. After pondering who they will face next, they tell all comers "Run up and get done up."

Randy Orton shows up. Orton asks why this is the house that "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles when he made history here long before Styles came here after being in numerous small venues and wrestling in Impact Wrestling. He says that this is the house that he built, not Styles, and that he was here and a champion long before Styles shows up. Suddenly, AJ Styles shows up. Styles says Orton followed his career closely for somebody who looks down on the indies, and says he is proud to have come from them. He says that guys like Orton were built for the WWE, as guys like Orton would not have made it in his world with a pose that involves raising two hands and a "knockoff Diamond Cutter" for a finisher. Orton mentions the "Too Sweet" hand signal being ripped off from the nWo, but Styles says the indies guy earned their way here instead of coming to their father for a job in the WWE. He says that Orton had help in the form of Evolution to ensure that he didn't fail. Orton says he accomplished more at 24 than anybody has dreamed of accomplishing, but Styles keeps bringing up Evolution, Rated RKO, The Legacy and The Wyatt Family. Styles says Orton has had a lot of babysitters, and while Orton is what he says what he is, he tosses people to the curb when he is done with them. He says he got the jump on him at Fastlane so he wouldn't become his next victim. Orton tells Styles he doesn't get to choose, as Styles is renting out a room and he is the landlord, and he can cash his rent check to RKO. Styles says that if he wants his rent, he can come and take it at WrestleMania.

Asuka beats Sonya Deville after Mandy Rose pulls down the ring apron, inadvertently tripping Sonya on the ring apron in the process.

We hear from The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), who tell Bayley and Sasha Banks that they have been ducking them for weeks. They are not impressed with their title defense and say they cannot run forever, and say that they will be the next title defense.

Becky Lynch shows up. As she makes her way to the ring, she throws her crutch away. She says that everybody got brave for a moment, but she is back on her own two feet and back in the main event of WrestleMania. She says that she set the match in motion by choosing "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey - and Charlotte Flair got shoehorned in later - and that she had to earn her way back in while playing Ronda like a fiddle. She says it is hard to play mind games with a woman with no brains, but she got Ronda so wound up that she did her bidding for her, and she plans to repay her by taking her title and ripping her arm off. Becky says she doesn't care who she beats, for she will reclaim everything that has been taken from her and given to someone else. Suddenly, Charlotte shows up. Charlotte congratulates Becky for making it into "her" main event, and says that she put in all the work while Becky has kept herself out of the ring and that her resume speaks for itself. She says it is one thing to be hot for six months, but she has been hot for four years and this is why she was chosen to get the job done. Charlotte tells Becky that the only reason the fans support her is because they felt sorry for her just like she and Ronda did, and no matter how hard Becky tries to spin it, Becky got a hand-out. She says she has never seen someone do so little but take credit for so much, and says she must make her and Ronda relevant again when she makes them bow down. Becky tells Charlotte she had the women's division by the throat and did nothing with it while she took the division to the main event of WrestleMania, and says the division needs "The Man," not a queen.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton gets an interviews with "The New" Daniel Bryan. Bryan says he was talking to the McMahon Family considering Kofi Kingston, and says Vince McMahon deserves to hear his honest feedback before his announcement later tonight. As a result of his business in the McMahon Family office, he and Rowan have a tag team match with Mustafa Ali and Kevin Owens.

Rey Mysterio and R-Truth beat Samoa Joe and Andrade after Rey counters a Samoa Joe uranagi into a victory roll. After the match, Joe hits a uranagi on both R-Truth and Andrade.

"The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan beat Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali.

WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up. Mr. McMahon says he is here to give the fans and Kofi Kingston what they want: an opportunity for Kofi to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. After a video recap of what happened at Fastlane, Vince says people hear what they want to hear. As he says that this is a teachable moment, The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) show up. Big E says they are not in the mood to learn anything, as they have jumped through every hoop and did what was asked of them and says Kofi deserves better and more after eleven years. Vince says Kofi doesn't deserve anything, and neither do the fans or The New Day. Vince says he doesn't deserve anything, even though he has practically created heaven and earth in WWE, but Big E says is this is bigger than anything, including Vince's ego. Vince says there is nothing justifiably bigger than his ego. Woods says they have not deserved, but earned, and says that Kofi earned his shot at the WWE Championship. Big E states that the fans have demanded Kofi competing for the title. Vince says he has known Kofi for a long time and that he is a good judge of talent, and says that if he felt Kofi was worthy, it would have happened a long time ago. He admits Kofi is extraordinary, but he will only be Hall of Fame material with The New Day. He also says that Kofi has "a couple of young bucks" like Big E and Xavier Woods around so they can take the credit while he does all the work, and says "The New" Daniel Bryan has stated that Daniel Bryan has called Kofi "a good B+ player." Kofi tells Vince he is not asking for a free ride or a hand-out, and says that eleven years ago, he was a kid with a dream. So far, he has traveled the world and his life has been blessed, and he has proven many times over that he is worthy. However, Vince does not see it that way; while he has put in the work, made sacrifices and has never complained, other people have gotten opportunities and been placed ahead of him. He asks Vince McMahon to tell him right here, right now, so he can do it, as the fans believe in him. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up. Vince tells Kofi Kingston that he has to beat Orton. Suddenly, Samoa Joe shows up. Vince says he has to beat Joe, too. Then The Bar shows up. Vince says he has to beat them, too. He then says he has to beat one last man: Rowan, who also shows up. Vince says that if Kofi can beat all of them in a gauntlet match next week, he will be going to WrestleMania. All five men rush the ring, and The New Day successfully fend them off to end the show.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for March 5, 2019

In memory of King Kong Bundy, 1957 - 2019.

Daniel Bryan and Rowan show up to start tonight's show. After a video recap of what happened to Kofi Kingston last week, Daniel Bryan says he remained silent as everyone gushed over Kofi, who got replaced in the WWE Championship match at Fastlane by Kevin Owens. Daniel Bryan says it is the fans' time to remain silent, and Rowan tells everyone to shut up and open their eyes, as Daniel Bryan is going to enlighten everyone. Daniel says he is not here to talk about Kofi, for Kofi is a supporting player, not a leader, and for that, Kofi is where he should be: with The New Day in a promotional tour of India. He says that Vince McMahon was right to replace Kofi, but says he replaced a man who throws copious amounts of pancakes with a man who eats copious amounts of pancakes - Kevin Owens - and says everyone likes Owens because he looks and thinks like the people and is undeserving of the title. He says that Owens is a nobody, but he is also a somebody because he is a nobody with with nothing to lose. Daniel then says he has everything to lose as he is the planet's champion. Suddenly, Owens shows up, and says that since he got injured, he stepped back from being a WWE Superstar and back into being a fan, and he sat back with his family and watched WWE from his couch, which Daniel says is where Owens belongs. He says that as awesome as his time off was, it was hard to see other people do what he loved unless it was Daniel Bryan, and when Daniel did it, it was awful to watch due to his ego. He then says it got worse when he placed the WWE Championship in the trash - where Daniel says it belongs - and Kevin Owens says it was the last straw. He says he came back for Daniel Bryan, and says Daniel deserves to have his condescending mouth shut. Daniel says it is not his mouth he should be worried about, as people shove things down his throat, as he is an intellectual. Owens calls Daniel out for making fat jokes, and Daniel says the fans relate to Owens for being low-brow. Owens says that if Daniel thinks he is like the people for being a pretentious jackass, then he is just like the people as Daniel claims he is. He also says he does not have a reality show or a seven-foot-tall back-up dancer. Daniel says he doesn't have a seven-footer because he doesn't have any friends left. While Owens says that is true, he didn't need anyone to hit him with a Stunner and pin him in the middle of the ring, and he did not mean to take Kofi's place. However, he does mean to beat Daniel Bryan again at Fastlane, and when he does, he will take the WWE title from him. Rowan stands between Daniel and Owens, and Owens makes work of Rowan before going for Daniel. This leads to Rowan getting back in the ring and slamming Owens into the mat before Daniel Bryan lifts up his wooden and fabric WWE Championship upwards in celebration.

Before the next match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) talk about their tag team title defense against The Miz and Shane McMahon at Fastlane before making fun of Miz and Shane, saying they cannot take the "bromance" anymore. He says that Shane and Miz will be facing the ultimate tag team on Sunday.Shane and The Miz show up, and Shane says their qualities make them the best tag team in the world, and come Sunday, everyone will see who laughs last. The Miz tells The Usos that if they lose focus for one second, he will take advantage and destroy them. The Usos charge at Miz and Shane, but Miz and Shane send them out of the ring.

The Miz beats Jey Uso. During the match, Jimmy Uso tries to help Jey cheat to win, but Shane takes out Jimmy and Miz hits a distracted Jey with a Skull Crushing Finale to get the win.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Charlotte Flair, who mockingly says that SmackDown Live is missing the presence of Becky Lynch. She invites Becky to show up tonight, as she wants to know if Becky is man enough to talk about her capabilities in a "friendly discussion."

Carmella and R-Truth show up. R-Truth says he wants to be like his childhood hero, John Cena, but he did not realize that he issued a United States Open Challenge every single week; he has done this once and is already tired. Carmella tells him that Cena said "Never give up," but R-Truth says Cena also said "You can't see me" even though he's seen him all the time. Carmella tells him he has to be brave after the seven-second dance break. R-Truth then states that the open challenge starts now, and almost immediately, Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, poses, turns around and walks back up the ramp to the back as she is introduced as "The Sexy Southern Belle." R-Truth tells Lacey Evans to come back, then says "She ain't want none." After a do-over, the challenge is answered for real by Samoa Joe. After Joe gets in the ring, Rey Mysterio shows up, as does Andrade and Zelina Vega.It is then announced that a Fatal 4-Way for the United States title is about to start.

Samoa Joe beats Andrade, Rey Mysterio and R-Truth to become the WWE United States Champion!

We hear from The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) from footage from earlier today in Mumbai, India, where they promise that they will be at Fastlane.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Samoa Joe, who says that everyone fears what he will do to win gold and keep it, as he does not cater to the masses and he has disrespect for anybody who has the audacity to come at him. He says that if anyone has any nightmares of going up against him in the ring, he will soon put them to sleep.

Before the next match, Sheamus calls Aleister Black and Ricochet "NXT's shiny new toys," then wishes them luck with the Raw Tag Team Championships on Sunday. Cesaro then says that like the rest of Raw's tag team division, they don't measure up. Also before the match, it is announced that the team of Aleister Black and Ricochet vs. the team of Bobby Roode and Chad Gable vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) for the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships is official for Fastlane.

Aleister Black and Ricochet beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro). After the match, Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura attack Aleister and Ricochet, and The Bar join in. The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) run in to fight off Rusev and Nakamura and ultimately make the save.

Mandy Rose quickly beats Naomi with the distraction from Sonya Deville. After the match, Asuka ambushes and beats up Mandy and Sonya on the stage.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says championship opportunities don't grow on trees, but he would not want to be in Kevin Owens' or Kofi Kingston's situations. Randy Owens shows up and says that AJ Styles talking about somebody other than him deserving a title shot is why it took 15 years for AJ to get here.

Rey Mysterio vs. Andrade is official for the Fastlane kick-off.

"The New" Daniel Bryan guests on commentary for the next match.

Kevin Owens beats Rowan by disqualification after "The New" Daniel Bryan attacks Owens for attacking him. After the match, Mustafa Ali returns for the first time in weeks, and Owens hits Daniel with a Stunner.

Charlotte Flair shows up. After a video recap of the end of last night's Raw, Charlotte condescendingly asks the crowd to start a "Becky Lynch' chant to get Becky to come to the ring so they can have a friendly discussion. It works, and Becky shows up. Becky says she may be hurting, but she has hurt before and she will hurt again if it means staying in Charlotte's head, as she is in "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey's head to the point that she doesn't know whether she wants to face her or not. Ronda may have hit her with her absolute best, but she is still here and she is ready to fight again, especially after she's beaten Charlotte before, even on one good leg. She says she may be damaged, but damaged people are the most dangerous as they have nothing left to lose. Ronda may have hit her with her absolute best, but she is still here and she is ready to fight again, especially after she's beaten Charlotte before, even on one good leg. She says she may be damaged, but damaged people are the most dangerous as they have nothing left to lose. Two referees have to pull Becky off of Charlotte, who rolls out of the ring.

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for February 26, 2019

The show starts with Shane and Stephanie McMahon moderating a WWE Championship contract signing for Kofi Kingston vs. "The New" Daniel Bryan at Fastlane. Daniel Bryan and Rowan are already in the ring. Shane and Stephanie McMahon introduce Kofi Kingston, and admit that Kofi was overlooked until he lasted over an hour in a gauntlet match and took Daniel Bryan to his limit in the Elimination Chamber. Due to this, and his victory over Daniel Bryan, Kofi Kingston has earned another opportunity at the WWE Championship at Fastlane. Kofi is then formally introduced, and he is accompanied by Big E and Xavier Woods. Kofi says all he wanted was a chance, and after eleven years, it is finally happening. He says it would not have been possible without Big E and Xavier Woods as well as for all the support from the fans. Kofi then says that at Fastlane, he will do what everybody has wanted to see him do for a very long time: beat Daniel Bryan and become WWE Champion. Kofi Kingston sits down, and Daniel Bryan signs the contract. Kofi is about to sign the contract when WWE Chairman Vince McMahon shows up. Vince tells Kofi that he has appreciated everything that Kofi has accomplished in WWE; however, he wants to give the highest caliber competition and biggest box office he can. As a result, he is replacing Kofi Kingston. Vince says that there is someone more qualified and more deserving than Kofi: Kevin Owens. Kevin Owens shows up, sits down and signs the contract. Big E and Xavier Woods become very vocal about their opposition to this before leaving with Kofi Kingston.

Backstage, Kevin Owens thanks Shane and Stephanie McMahon, saying that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has recognized his value to the industry. He then says that Kofi Kingston is just as deserving, and wants to tag with Kofi against Daniel Bryan and Rowan tonight. Shane and a confused Stephanie say they will take it under consideration.

Before the next match, The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) suddenly arrive, and it soon becomes the first match for Matt Hardy - who is no longer "woken" - in months.

The Hardy Boyz (Jeff and Matt Hardy) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).

In the locker room, Ricochet and Aleister Black are met by Lana, who says that Ricochet is nothing special and that Aleister is quite ordinary, and that they are just two more opponents for Rusev to crush. Ricochet says that he loves proving people who think he is nothing special wrong, and says Rusev can't crush what he can catch. Aleister says that a lot about it is written on his flesh, and tonight, Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura will fade to black.

It is announced that The Honky Tonk Man is part of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

Carmella and R-Truth show up. R-Truth says that ever since he was a little kid, he always wanted to be like his hero, John Cena. He plans to follow in his footsteps by continuing the U.S. Open Challenge, which starts right after the seven-second dance break. The challenge is answered immediately after the seven-second dance break by Andrade. Before Andrade and Zelina Vega can get in the ring, Rey Mysterio shows up and gets in the ring. The referee holds Andrade back, and R-Truth says he is at a crossroads and does not know who to face right now. R-Truth asks himself what John Cena would do, and Carmella says Cena would face both opponents at once. R-Truth says "Damn! He brave!," and is hesitant at first, then goes ahead with the idea.

R-Truth retains the WWE United States Championship against Rey Mysterio and Andrade after ducking the 619 and pinning Rey with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Andrade goes for a Hammerlock DDT on Rey, but Rey manages to escape it and force Andrade to flee.

Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte praises Vince McMahon, saying he made the main event of Fastlane better by replacing Kofi Kingston with Kevin Owens, which she deems almost as important as her being placed in the Raw Women's Championship match at WrestleMania. She says that Vince McMahon put her in the match because she knows her lane and stays in it; unlike Becky Lynch or "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, she always does what is asked of her and she always delivers. Charlotte calls herself "the gold standard" and says she would never do what Ronda or Becky did last night, and says that Ronda and Becky fear her. She says that fear makes one do irrational things, and says Becky is afraid she will expose her for the fraud that she is while Ronda fears she will give her the beating of a lifetime like she did at Survivor Series. Charlotte says she fears nothing and that a true champion fears nothing, and after footage of what Ronda considers a true champion, Charlotte says the difference between her and Ronda is that she will not quit and lay down the title, which makes her the true champion. Charlotte says that she will be on Raw next week, when Vince crowns someone deserving of the title the new Raw Women's Champion: her.

WWE honors Black History Month and the "Bloody Sunday" march at Selma, Alabama.

Aleister Black and Ricochet beat Rusev and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles. Styles says he is happy to hear that Roman Reigns is in remission, and that he sets the standards for himself in order to push himself to beat the best. Recently, however, he has not been at his best. He says he had his opportunity to beat "The New" Daniel Bryan and failed, but he will not stop trying, as it has taken him 15 years to get to WWE. From here, he will step up to the next challenger and keep fighting to justify that this is the house that he built. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up and says "The House that AJ Styles...what?"

Lacey Evans shows up, walks down the ramp, takes her gloves off, then walks back up the ramp to the back.

Kofi Kingston and Kevin Owens beat "The New" Daniel Bryan and Rowan.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for February 19, 2019

Shane McMahon shows up to start tonight's show. He says that there is an exciting main event tonight, then praises Tommaso Ciampa, Johnny Gargano, Ricochet and Aleister Black on their Raw debut last night before announcing that they will be here tonight. Before Shane can talk further about tonight's show, however, The Miz shows up. He apologizes for interrupting, and takes full responsibility for losing the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships. He says he cannot shake the guilt because Shane took a chance on being his tag team partner - despite being hesitant - due to his passionate plea. He then apologizes for using Shane. He says he knew Shane could relate to his problems with his father, and knows that Shane feels the same way about his father following Shane's winning of the WWE World Cup and mentioning his dream of being a tag team champion. Miz then talks about his meeting with his own father backstage following their tag team title win, when his own father tell him that he loved him and that he was proud of him for the first time in his life. Miz admits that this was one of the best moments not of his llife, but of his career, and he thanks Shane for that. However, two days ago, he let him down, and while he can't change the past, he can change the future. He knows that Shane can make a rematch despite the era of rematch clauses being over, and says that the fans want a rematch as well. Suddenly, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. The Usos know they want a rematch despite there being no rematch clause, and tell Shane that if he forgives Miz, then they just might call them the best tag team in the world. However, they say Shane doesn't want the rematch, for Miz is a joke. After enough mockery towards Miz, Shane decides he's had enough and tells The Usos that the rematch is on at Fastlane in Miz's hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Miz proclaims that he and Shane will take back the SmackDown tag team titles.

We get a closer look at Aleister Black.

Aleister Black beats Andrade.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, who have been watching the last match backstage. Ciampa says some people are seeing them for the first time, but they have exceeded expectations throughout their careers. Tonight, they will show they are the future. Suddenly, The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) shows up, and Cesaro tells them nobody knows or cares who they are and to stay away from SmackDown Live. Ciampa says they are here to take over, and Gargano says they are here to break the bar. The Bar laughs and leaves.

Backstage, Jeff Hardy asks "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles to let bygones be bygones so they can focus on their match. Kofi shows up to extend a literal pancake branch, which they except.

#DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) beat The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro).

We get a closer look at Ricochet.

Kayla Braxton interviews Asuka in the ring. Despite the focus being elsewhere, she is ready for a new challenge after beating Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, and wants to know who is ready for her right now. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville show up, and Mandy advises Asuka to take notes from her, saying that if anyone is ready for Asuka, it is her.

Mandy Rose beats Asuka after feigning an eye injury in order to slam Asuka neck-first into the middle rope and roll her up for a schoolkid pin for the win. During the match, Lacey Evans shows up, distracting both women and Sonya Deville. Lacey walks down the ramp, stops, then walks back up the ramp.

Backstage, Charlotte Flair says that Becky Lynch has done nothing but make things worse for herself, and basically doesn't exist as far as she is concerned. She says that it will be her and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey at WrestleMania, which will be the main event because she is in it.

Backstage, Shane tells The Miz that they will get the SmackDown tag team titles back. The Miz tells Shane that his dad will be in the front row for their match at Fastlane.

Ricochet beats Eric Young.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews The New Day. Xavier Woods says that Kofi's big moment has happened over the course of 11 years, and Kofi says that this past week has been so special he feels the fans have his back. After mentioning the recent #Kofimania trend on Twitter, he says that if it weren't for Xavier Woods and Big E, he would not be in this moment right now. He says that he will keep his Elimination Chamber momentum going, then The New Day head to the ring.

The update from Kevin Owens from Raw is replayed.

Before the next match, "The New" Daniel Bryan says small-minded skeptics have oppressed great minds throughout history, and that the ignorant masses tried to will the WWE title off of him, but he has survived. He says he serves a higher purpose to enlighten and educated, even though nobody wants him to do it, and he will educate the people once more by telling his opponent at Fastlane will be none of the men in tonight's main event, for he defeated them all on Sunday.

Kofi Kingston, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and Jeff Hardy beat "The New" Daniel Bryan, Samoa Joe and Randy Orton. After the match, Shane McMahon shows up and announces that "The New" Daniel Bryan will defend the WWE Championship against Kofi Kingston at Fastlane.

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

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for January 29, 2019

Becky Lynch shows up to start tonight's show. She admits that a lot has happened in the last few days, and last night, she showed up on Raw and could not resist looking "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey in the eyes and confirming just how different they really are. She admits that Royal Rumble did not go her way at first, but she does not crumble when she loses and she won the women's Royal Rumble Match on one good leg. Becky says she is proud of coming from nothing and all of the heads she has slapped off to get to where she is today, and especially proud of working from last year's pre-show to this year's main event for WrestleMania, and nobody handed any of it to her. She says that the main thing she saw when she looked in Ronda's eyes was doubt, and she promises to break her arm in front of the world. She says that if Ronda doesn't believe that yet, she will be carried out knowing it. Suddenly, Charlotte Flair shows up. She congratulates Becky on her recent success, and says that Becky grew into "The Man" from lessons learned from The Queen, saying that she brought her to the main event and is so happy she could do it for her. Becky punches Charlotte in the face and leaves. Charlotte takes offense to this and attacks Becky on the ramp. This starts a brawl, and referees and officials rush in to break it up. Becky's leg is hurt again, but Becky still wants to go despite both women being forcefully separated.

Before the next match, R-Truth says that he got jacked up thanks to Nia Jax at the men's Royal Rumble Match. Carmella says she and R-Truth worked hard for their #30 spots, and R-Truth he could have won had it not been for Nia Jax. R-Truth says that he, the fans and even the McMahons know it, and because of that, he has a shot at the United States title right now.

R-Truth unexpectedly beats Shinsuke Nakamura with an inside cradle to win the WWE United States Championship for a second time, R-Truth's first championship in almost seven years and his first since he was WWE Tag Team Champions with Kofi Kingston, even though whether or not Nakamura kicked out before three and whether both of his shoulders were up is left up in the air. After the match, Rusev and Lana shows up, and Rusev says this is not right, saying he went for the title because it deserved than Nakamura. He also says it deserves better than R-Truth, and proposes they have a title match right now. Lana and Carmella have an argument, and Carmella shoves Lana down. This leads to a staredown between Rusev and R-Truth where both men push each other, and Truth puts the United States title on the line for another United States title match.

R-Truth retains the WWE United States Championship against Rusev with a roll-up. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura runs in and attacks R-Truth from behind, then Rusev stomps on R-Truth before Nakamura and Rusev both take the boots to him. They both take turns holding up R-Truth for a Machka Kick followed by a Kinshasa.

Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Becky Lynch, who leaves the arena without having a medical team examining her. Becky says she is no longer spending time on the shelf before driving off.

Backstage, a trainer checks on R-Truth.

Before the next match, Zelina Vega shows up and tells Rey Mysterio that she knows he is responsible for banning her from ringside in last week's match against Andrade, and asks if she is so much of a distraction that he cannot focus. She says that Andrade is head and shoulders above the rest, especially Rey. Suddenly, Rey is blindsided by Andrade, who insultingly hits Rey with Three Amigos. Rey escapes the third suplex, but Andrade blocks the 619. Andrade then comes out on top in the brawl with a Hammerlock DDT.

Backstage, Gallows & Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) confront Rusev on his actions from earlier. Rusev tells them to mind their business, but Anderson tells Rusev that he and Shinsuke Nakamura deserve each other and challenges them to a tag team match. Nakamura shows up and accepts the challenge. Rusev tells Nakamura he will team with him one time, and to not screw him over.

Backstage, The Miz tells Shane McMahon that the SmackDown tag team titles are celebration enough, but Shane tells him that he will enjoy the championship celebration he has in store for him.

We see footage of Paige and The Rock at the premiere of Fighting With My Family at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. The movie is premiering in select theaters on February 14th and everywhere February 22nd.

The Miz and Shane McMahon show up for their championship celebration. Miz asks Shane where the surprise is, saying that the fans are ready to party with the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Shane says there is no need for extravagance, as he has something big in mind. After making his dreams of becoming a tag team champion come true, he has concluded that there is only one thing he can do for Miz. He admits they have been on quite the journey, then shows a video package of their road to tag team gold. After the video package, Shane introduces the one driving force behind everything The Miz has done in WWE is The Miz's own dad, who shows up. George tells Miz that he loves him and he is very proud of him, and father and son hug in the center of the ring. Shane says it is one thing to win the tag team titles, but it is another thing entirely to defend them. He then announces that a new team to challenge will be decided in a Four Corners Elimination Tag Team Match, which starts right now.

Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville, who announces that they are declaring for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber. Mandy Rose then announces it is not always easy being her, and says that anybody will knock her down any chance they get, especially Naomi. We then see footage from Tough Enough 2015, and says Naomi called her weak. Sonya Deville says that there's more to it than that, and says that Naomi made Mandy sad and angry after the cameras stop rolling. Mandy says the emotional distress caused her to develop a complex that cost her her relationship with a boyfriend, so she went after Naomi's relationship with Jimmy Uso. She says that it is not over between her and Naomi, and when she and Sonya become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Naomi will be the last thing on her mind.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E), The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) and Heavy Machinery (Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic) to face The Miz and Shane McMahon for the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Elimination Chamber.

"The New" Daniel Bryan knocks the burger out of a backstage worker's hands as he heads to the ring.

"The New" Daniel Bryan shows up. He says that the fans, their children and their children's children won because he won at Royal Rumble, for a victory for him is a victory for every sentient being on planet Earth, for he is the planet's champion. He says he does not expect the fans to understand, as they do not know what winning feels like. He then announces that he has found everyone who finds truth in everything he says and showed up at Royal Rumble for the greater good: Erick Rowan, whom he brings out. He says that Rowan's hands may be dirty, but he reads Chaucer every night and is a man of the earth and his intellectual peer who can see through "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles and the fans. Daniel then admits that even Styles is right sometimes, and has implied that he is a hypocrite. Daniel says he is a hypocrite because he carries around the WWE Championship. He calls for a trash can to be brought into the ring, and calls the WWE Championship a symbol of excellence as well as a symbol of excess. As the fans chant "Recycle!", he says it is gaudy, made of cheap labor and tied to the skin of a cow whose life was taken from her. He gives that cow a name: Daisy. Daniel says that Daisy had the ability to feel immense joy, which she never experience much in her life, and feel insufferable pain, which she did feel. Daniel says that Daisy was forced to give her life for the WWE Championship, which he and Rowan stand against. He tosses the title in the trash, and says the championship is trash. He then says that when he became WWE Champion, he wanted to change the world, and to do that, he must create new symbols. Rowan produces a black bag and produces a fabric and wood WWE Championship. Daniel calls this the new symbol of excellence and the new WWE Championship, and says it is made out of 100% sustainable, organic hemp and naturally fallen oak. Suddenly, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles shows up. Styles tells Daniels he wasn't going to just let him throw the WWE Championship in the trash, then asks him if he smoked his own prototype. He also calls Rowan the biggest insurance policy he has ever seen. Suddenly, Randy Orton shows up.

After the commercial break, Jeff Hardy is in the ring. Mustafa Ali shows up as well, followed by Samoa Joe. Joe says he is here to put a champion to sleep, and says he has defeated everyone before telling Mustafa Ali he put him to sleep and mentioning "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles' wife Wendy. At this point, "The New" Daniel Bryan has left the ring, and as everyone brawls, he says that he will be champion forever and he will not take any of them on. Triple H shows up on the TitanTron and says he is right, and that he will defend against them all in the Elimination Chamber. As everyone brawls around the ring and into the crowd, Daniel Bryan and Rowan beat a hasty retreat.

Here are the top 10 moments from tonight's show!

Layin' da SmackDown - SmackDown Live recap for January 8, 2019

The show begins with "The New" Daniel Bryan at the concession stand bashing fan consumerism, saying the only concessions being made are to the fans' health and well-being, and says everyone eats from it to fill a void in their empty lives. He blames these empty voids not only for consuming the food and drink, throwing it at fans before going up to a concession stand and bashing the fans for buying "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles' merchandise. He then heads down the arena steps. Daniel says he is changing the world and making it a better place, but to get change, the people must change, as they are weak, submissive and impotent. He plans to change the world one person at a time. Daniel says that Styles fills a void for 30 seconds, and that he will tear that void apart and replace with something that is important and meaningful. As Daniel approaches the ring, he is suddenly attacked by R-Truth, starting the next match early.

"The New" Daniel Bryan beats R-Truth. After the match, "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles attacks Daniel Bryan on the stage. Security runs quickly into place to keep Styles away from Daniel, who runs to the back when Styles grabs a steel chair.

Samoa Joe and Andrade "Cien" Almas beat Rey Mysterio and Mustafa Ali after Almas counters the 619.

We hear from Carmella, who says that she will prove everyone who thinks that she won't win and considers her a third wheel wrong when she wins tonight, as her road to the SmackDown Women's title is all she needed. Tonight, she proves she is everything she says she is, because 'Mella is money.

We hear from The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who plan on stepping up tonight by beating The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) to win a tag team title opportunity.

Backstage, Shane McMahon is met by The Miz, who asks if he had anything to do with The Usos giving an opportunity to face The Bar for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, as he says that nobody is more deserving of the titles than them. Shane says they are far from the title picture, and despite being a McMahon, he refuses to shortcut his way to the title picture and desires to challenge himself and Miz against the competition. Miz says they are on the stage, then proposes they have the white leather for their gear. Shane excuses himself, much to the chagrin of Miz.

Rusev is in the ring. He talks about how Lana got hurt due to Shinsuke Nakamura's actions last week, and while Lana is at home resting, he stands before the fans not as a champion or a Bulgarian brute, but as a husband. The camera zooms in on Rusev's wedding band as the crowd chants "Lana is the best, Lana #1," then Rusev says Nakamura can mess with him all he wants before warning him that he crossed a line by hurting Lana. He calls out Nakamura, promising to break every bone in his body and crush him. Nakamura is on the TitanTron and in the production truck, and he says it is Rusev's fault that Lana got hurt and that he has the video to prove it. After a replay of how Lana got hurt last week, Nakamura says that Rusev crushed Lana. Rusev tells Nakamura that if he won't come to him, then he will come to Nakamura. Rusev then runs to the back. On the way to the production truck, however, Rusev is ambushed by Nakamura, and referees and officials quickly stop the attack before checking on Rusev. Nakamura gets the last word in by suddenly running up to Rusev and hitting him with a Kinshasa, laying him out.

We hear from Becky Lynch, who says she has to go through hoops to regain the title that nobody beat her to take away, then says it is okay because she can do whatever she wants in tonight's match. She says that Asuka has to do more than climb a ladder, and that she knows she is on borrowed time until "The Man" comes around.

The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) beats The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) after Mandy Rose shows up and distracts Jimmy Uso by asking if she left her lingerie in his hotel room. (Had The Usos won, they would have gotten a future shot at the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships.) After the match, The Miz shows up and congratulates The Bar on their win and their domination of all the other tag teams on SmackDown Live...except for him and Shane McMahon. He proposes that The Bar put their titles on the line against him and Shane at Royal Rumble. Cesaro takes the microphone and says he will consult with Sheamus, who immediately Brogue Kicks Miz. Cesaro then flatly tells Miz that they accept the challenge.

Backstage, Naomi fights Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville. Jimmy Uso runs in to save Naomi when the numbers game proves to be too much.

We hear from Charlotte Flair, who calls Carmella "last year's hottest thing" and Becky Lynch "this year's hottest thing" while she has been the hottest thing running the last four years after what she has done in that short a time. She says she does not have to prove herself to anyone; she is her for herself. Tonight, she is focused on Becky and Carmella; at Royal Rumble, she will be focused on Asuka. She tells Becky and Carmella to be prepared to be humbled by the Queen.

Backstage, "The New" Daniel Bryan is announced by Kayla Braxton as he leaves the arena. He is angry because a fan spilled mustard on his shirt, and says "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles attacked him unprovoked despite all he is doing and has done. He does not care why Styles attacked him, and says that what Styles did to him is not even half as vicious as him or what he is capable of, and Styles will find that out first-hand at Royal Rumble. Daniel says he is fighting for a cause that is bigger than anything Styles has fought for, and proclaims that he will be WWE Champion forever.

Backstage, The Miz is met by Shane McMahon, who says that what The Miz did with The Bar (Sheamus and Cesaro) is not what he had in mind, but The Miz says he is confident that they can win. Shane then sees where Miz is coming from, and goes with the plan.

Becky Lynch beats Carmella and Charlotte Flair in a Triple Threat Match with a Dis-Arm-Her to Carmella to face Asuka for the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at Royal Rumble. After the match, Asuka shows up and stares down with Becky Lynch in the ring.

Here are the top 10 moments from tonight's show!