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Tag: smackdown

  • WWE Smackdown results: Roman Reigns and AJ Styles confrontation, League of Nations dissension

    – Air Date: April 28, 2016 (Apr 27 in Canada) 
    – Location: Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH 

    – The Big News: 

    There was another interesting confrontation between AJ Styles and Roman Reigns. Also, the League of Nations appear to be done. 

    – Show Recap: 

    Roman Reigns came out to heavy booing (and some cheers). Jerry Lawler even mentioned it, saying it’s fun to boo Reigns and he doesn’t mind it. Reigns said he superman-punched Styles in the mouth, and would do it again at Payback. He did it because he doesn’t believe Styles’ claim that he isn’t behind the attacks of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.  

    Reigns wanted the truth directly from Styles, but he got The Miz and Maryse instead. Miz introduced Reigns to Maryse and people clapped for her. They kissed. Miz said he warned us about Styles, Gallows and Anderson. He made a convoluted analogy to Shawshank Redemption, called Reigns the warden, and concluded that Styles would walk out as WWE Champion. 

    Miz said he deserved some recognition for this and he kissed Maryse again. Reigns punched him in the face. Miz fell to the outside and Maryse checked on him. Reigns handed the Intercontinental title to Maryse, said “nice to meet you,” and held up his WWE title belt. 

    This was fine for what it was. I must point out that Reigns did not use his new catchphrase here or at any point during the show, thankfully. They announced Reigns vs. Miz, and that Miz is the one who requested the match. They didn’t mention who he asked, because nobody is in charge of Smackdown. 

    Backstage, Renee Young interviewed the League of Nations. Sheamus said no three men could beat them, and they proved it at WrestleMania when they beat New Day. Alberto Del Rio said they got rid of the weak link in Wade Barrett, and Rusev said you might as well call them the united nations. Goofy. 

    Kalisto, Sami Zayn & Cesaro beat League of Nations via countout 

    They announced earlier that this was basically an open challenge issued by the League. LON weren’t getting along right off the bat, as they kept blind-tagging themselves in. They got the heat on Zayn, but as Del Rio sized up a superkick, Rusev made a blind tag. 

    They argued in the ring, so Sheamus jumped in to break it up. They shoved each other for a bit until Del Rio walked out, which got a mixed reaction. Rusev held Zayn and tagged in Sheamus, who came off the top with a double axe handle, but Zayn moved and Sheamus nailed Rusev. Sheamus and Rusev then shoved for a bit until Rusev walked out, leaving Sheamus alone.  

    Zayn made a hot tag to Kalisto who hit a hurricanrana and springboard crossbody. Cesaro then tagged in and hit an uppercut and diving crossbody. Sheamus actually kicked out, so Cesaro hit a million uppercuts and dropkick. Cesaro went for the swing but Sheamus bailed and walked out. 

    Instead of going after Sheamus, they all just stood there and watched as the referee counted him out. They played Zayn’s music as the good guys posed. I have no idea why they couldn’t just pin Sheamus. 

    After a break, the League argued backstage. Rusev pushed Del Rio, then Sheamus shoved them both into a door. He yelled that the League was done and walked off. Rusev yelled, “Forget your league!” That’s one way to do a breakup, I guess. 

    They aired the Owens-Zayn video package from Raw. 

    Baron Corbin beat Damien Sandow via pinfall 

    After Dolph Ziggler attacked him on Raw, Corbin watched his back as he walked down the aisle tonight. Sandow didn’t get an entrance, if you were wondering. Some people chanted “Let’s go Sandow” as Corbin beat the crap out of him outside the ring. Corbin won in 2 minutes with End of Days. 

    Backstage, Renee caught up to AJ Styles. Styles said he doesn’t care what Reigns thinks. He’s going to take the title away and Reigns won’t be calling him a liar, he’ll be calling him champion. Styles doesn’t answer to Reigns and will step on his cape when he wants to. Styles added that he’ll be at ringside for Reigns’ match tonight. 

    Ambrose Asylum with Natalya and Women’s Champion Charlotte 

    This was the top of the hour segment. They showed a replay of Chris Jericho getting the best of Dean Ambrose on Raw. Ambrose remained outside the ring by the announce table and said he would get to his part-time position in a moment, but he wanted to talk about his full-time position first. 

    He said Jericho made a mistake by letting him go (from the Walls), because Ambrose doesn’t let go, and he was going to plant Jericho in the middle of the ring and beat him at Payback. Ambrose said he would turn Bon Jovi (Jericho) into Meatloaf. 

    It was time for Ambrose’s part-time position, so he jumped in the ring, called himself a multifaceted entertainer, popped a Tic Tac, and introduced us to the Ambrose Asylum. He brought out Natalya, who said his set reminded her of the dentist’s office. 

    Ambrose showed a clip of Charlotte tapping to Natalya but being saved by Ric Flair, and asked how things were going to be different on Sunday. Natalya said she would have Bret Hart in her corner. That brought out Charlotte and her dad (Ric Flair). 

    Charlotte called it disturbing that Natalya was parading Bret around after everything he’s been through. Natalya said Charlotte should look in the mirror and see who was standing behind her. 

    Charlotte said the difference was that Flair is legendary, but also her coach. Natalya called Flair a creepy old man who knows Charlotte isn’t good enough to win on her own. Bret would be there on Sunday to stop Flair from interfering and Charlotte will tap again. 

    “Stop me?!” said Flair, who claimed he owned Bret Hart in WWE and WCW. Flair said he would’ve beaten Bret on the moon if Vince flew them there. (This is where they cut out Flair telling Natalya to kill herself from the live taping.) Natalya told him to settle down and told Charlotte it’s time the fans get a champion they deserve. People cheered. They faced off and that was pretty much it. 

    Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady beat Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel (w/Heath Slater) via pinfall 

    New Day came out, kicked out all three announcers and took over on commentary. Enzo and Cass won quickly with the rocket launcher. The highlight of New Day on commentary was Byron Saxton being forced to sit on the floor. The Vaudevillains had come out on the stage to watch the match, and Big Cass called them soft afterwards. Again, the fans really liked Enzo and Cass. 

    Backstage, Goldust told R-Truth it felt good when they danced last week. Before he could finish, Truth said Goldust looked happy in a team with Fandango, so he got himself a different partner in Tyler Breeze, who showed up. Truth deemed them “Gorgeous Truth,” and they left. Fandango showed up to console Goldust. Breeze didn’t say or do anything. Truth used a small tree branch as a selfie stick. 

    They aired a promo for Primo and Epico who discussed Puerto Rico’s crippling economy. (Not really.) 

    Apollo Crews beat Stardust via pinfall 

    Crews won quickly with the spin-out powerbomb. 

    They aired a replay of the Shane and Stephanie stuff from Raw. Ranallo said everyone has been raving about the job Shane has done, and Lawler scoffed. 

    Non-title Champion vs. Champion Match: WWE Champion Roman Reigns beat IC Champion The Miz (w/Maryse) via pinfall  

    Styles came out before the match to sit at ringside. Reigns hit Miz with the drive-by and faced off with Styles, who tossed his chair aside. As they mouthed off, Miz attacked Reigns from behind, tossing him head first into the announce table and steel post to gain control. 

    There were some brief dueling chants for Reigns, and Styles couldn’t help but look around at the crowd. Reigns came back with a Samoan drop, fists, clotheslines and more clotheslines. Reigns sized up the superman punch but Maryse pulled Miz out of the ring. 

    Reigns went after him, but Miz dropkicked the steps into Reigns. Miz followed with a DDT in the ring for a two count. Miz went for the skull crushing finale, but Reigns fought out with elbows and followed with a spear for the win. Average match at best, about 12 minutes. 

    Styles jumped in the ring afterwards to face off with Reigns. Gallows and Anderson made their way down and Reigns went after them, as an annoyed Styles looked on. Gallows and Anderson got the better of Reigns and Styles wasn’t stopping them. 

    The Usos ran out to make the save. After Jimmy Uso superkicked Anderson, Styles got in his face, perhaps to settle things down. However, Jimmy dropped Styles with a punch and superkicked Gallows. Styles came right back with a jumping kick on Jimmy, and Gallows knocked Jimmy out of the ring. 

    Styles got in Gallows’ face, but Gallows nudged him aside and ate a spear from Reigns. Styles tried a Styles Clash but Reigns back body dropped him out of the ring. Reigns posed with his title as Styles yelled at him from ringside. This was really good. 

    – Final Thoughts: 

    This was a very bland show until the very end. The angle with Styles and Reigns wasn’t historically good or anything, but it’s so refreshing seeing two top guys feud over the title in an intriguing storyline that doesn’t involve company management in any way. 

    Also, unless I missed it (and I don’t think I did), they did not air the Chyna tribute video. 

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Roman Reigns vs. Miz; more Styles/Gallows/Anderson drama

    By Chris Silva from the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH

    Main Event —

    – Titus O’Neil defeated Tyler Breeze. Huge pop for Titus, and almost no offense by Tyler.

    – Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson beat Zack Ryder & Fandango

    – Dolph Ziggler beat Viktor of the Ascension.

    – Kevin Owens beat Jack Swagger

    Smackdown —

    – The show opens with a Roman Reigns promo. He punched AJ Styles on Monday and will do it again Sunday. He doesn’t believe that AJ is not in cahoots with Anderson and Gallows. He calls out Styles, but Miz and Maryse come out. Miz runs down Styles and tries to go for a handshake but is punched by Reigns and thrown out of the ring. Boos but not brutal.

    Cesaro, Sami Zayn and Kalisto beat Sheamus, Del Rio, and Rusev by countout

    Cesaro, Zayn and Kalisto were mystery opponents. The LON were arguing amongst themselves during the match, shoving each other, and then Del Rio bailed. Rusev bailed a few minutes later. Sheamus took some abuse for a few minutes alone before also bailing, resulting in the countout.

    – Backstage, the arguing continues. They all shoved and wrestled around with each other.

    Baron Corbin beat Damien Sandow

    Big pop for Sandow. No offense though and he got beat in a quick squash.

    – AJ Styles backstage interview with Renee. He will be at ringside tonight for Roman vs. Miz.

    – Anti smoking ad with Dolph and Titus.

    Ambrose Asylum

    Natalya out first, and says the odds will be even at Payback because she will have Bret Hart in her corner. Charlotte and Flair come out. Flair says he beat Bret in WWE and WCW, and if Vince sent them to the moon, he would have beat them there too. Natalya corrects him, says Bret beat Ric for the title just like she will beat Charlotte for the title.

    Enzo & Cass beat Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas

    New Day came out to do commentary. They made Byron Saxton sit on the floor. Vaudevillains came out to watch from the ramp. Quick squash. Cass runs down the Vaudevillains, an says they’re s-a-w-f-t.

    Apollo Crews beat Stardust

    “Cody” chants for Stardust, so I guess that’s back.

    WWE Champion Roman Reigns beat I-C Champion Miz

    Reigns won after hitting a spear. AJ was on commentary. Post match, Gallows and Anderson came to beat down Reigns. AJ didn’t stop them. Usos come to save Reigns. Both sides fight. Reigns clotheslines AJ over the top rope to end the show. 

    In a dark match, Dean Ambrose beat Kevin Owens

  • WWE Smackdown results: Sami Zayn & Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens

    – Air Date: April 21, 2016 (Apr 20 in Canada)
    – Location: The O2 Arena in London, England

    – The Big News:

    Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson will face The Usos on Monday Night Raw.

    – Show Recap:

    They aired a Raw video package recapping the angle between Roman Reigns, AJ Styles and his two friends. They made sure to squeeze in Reigns’ catchphrase again.

    Maryse and The Miz were in the ring for MizTV. Maryse introduced Miz as the biggest American movie star in the world. Miz wanted answers and introduced AJ Styles. Miz talked about Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson running roughshod in Japan in 2014.

    Styles said yeah, they had five titles between the three of them. Styles also reminded Miz he knocked his teeth out the last time they were in the ring together. Miz flatout asked if he had Gallows and Anderson do his dirty work, but Styles reiterated that he had nothing to do with it.

    Miz said Styles never *not* told them to attack Reigns, and his inaction spoke louder than words. Styles said he’s not in charge of them. He wished they hadn’t done it and doesn’t need anyone’s help to beat Reigns.

    Miz said Styles can claim to be the better “‘rassler,” but Reigns was bigger and stronger. Miz called Reigns “the guy” (crowd booed) and Styles would need the help. Styles stood up but Miz kept talking and started doing movie lines again, this time Will Smith from Concussion saying “Tell the truth! Tell the truth!”

    Maryse was turned on and they made out. Miz was about to start talking again but Styles attacked him and left him laying. After a break, they announced Miz vs. Styles. This wasn’t great, but it did set up what was to come later. Miz is pretty good in this role, but he was overwhelming Styles.

    Non-title: Ryback beat US Champion Kalisto via pinfall

    Ryback missed his cue during his entrance where he always says “more” in “feed me more” on the stage. The announcers explained that Ryback wanted a WrestleMania rematch to prove Kalisto’s win was a fluke. They also made sure to never mention whether or not this was a title match.

    Ryback dominated from the beginning and they went to commercial less than 2 minutes into the match even though nothing else had happened since the last break. After the break, Ryback did a nice delayed vertical suplex off the middle rope. Kalisto came back with a leg drop, front dropkick and corkscrew elbow. He did the spike-rana, but it looked terrible and they didn’t bother editing it.

    Ryback followed with a meat-hook clothesline, but Kalisto countered a Shellshock into a DDT for a near fall. Ryback then countered a Salida Del Sol into a Shellshock for the win. Ryback posed with the US Title afterwards. Basic match that went about 9 minutes. The finishing sequence was good.

    Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin

    The match never happened. As Ziggler made his entrance, Corbin attacked him from behind and tossed him around ringside. Somebody yelled “You suck!” at him, but it was just a kid so Corbin did not yell back like he did on Raw. Corbin finished off Ziggler with End of Days. Rich Brennan appeared on the stage to ask Corbin why he did that and he responded, “Because I can.”

    Non-title: AJ Styles beat IC Champion The Miz via pinfall

    As Styles appeared to be gaining control, Miz ran away and used Maryse as a shield. Styles tried to go around but Miz punched him and launched him a couple of times into the barricade.

    Miz had the heat for a while until Styles came back with a fireman’s carry neckbreaker. Miz caught Styles with an atomic drop and applied the Figure Four. Styles turned it over to escape and followed by applying the Calf Crusher, but Miz got to the rope.

    Styles hit the Pele kick and got ready for the springboard forearm, but Miz left the ring. As Miz went up the aisle to escape, he stopped upon seeing Gallows and Anderson making their way down. Miz turned back toward the ring and Styles nailed him with a springboard flying forearm. He followed that immediately with the Phenomenal Forearm in the ring for the win.

    Gallows and Anderson remained outside the ring as Styles looked on. Good match that went about 17 minutes. The finish fit perfectly with the story.  

    Rich Brennan interviewed Dean Ambrose and Sami Zayn backstage about their upcoming tag match against Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens. Ambrose said they would leave their opponents looking like “leftover spotted dick” and Zayn said it was time to put an end to this.

    Zayn wanted a cool tag team name but Ambrose wouldn’t listen to him. Zayn suggested “Sambrose,” among others. They also mentioned “Beefeaters” but Zayn doesn’t like gin. Ambrose wanted “Roughriders” but Zayn thought that was too sexual and suggestive. After comedy time expired, Ambrose told Zayn to take off his hat so they could go beat up Jericho and Owens.

    Later, Rich Brennan caught up to Gallows and Anderson. Gallows said Styles doesn’t need their help, they were just looking to make an impact. Anderson announced they would make an impact on Raw when they make their in-ring debut against the Usos. Gallows concluded, “We have arrived.”

    Natalya & Paige beat Naomi & Tamina via submission

    Unlike on Raw, Paige got to come out last here in England, and they didn’t play an ad through her entrance. Mauro Ranallo talked about Bret Hart and British Bulldog at SummerSlam 1992. Jerry Lawler said he knows from experience that Bret Hart is a cheater, that he cheated to become WWE Champion and, “he even cheated when Bret screwed Bret.”

    Paige made the hot tag and hit Ram-Paige on Naomi (and her Harley Quinn hair), but Tamina broke up the cover. Natalya put Tamina in the sharpshooter and Paige put Naomi in the PTO and they both tapped. One women’s match on a split-crew show and they got 5 minutes.

    R-Truth beat Fandango via pinfall (special referee: Goldust)

    Fandango didn’t get an entrance in the only place in the world that cares about his entrance. I don’t blame them. Goldust wore his full gear along with a gold and black referee shirt. This was all “comedy.” As Fandango and Truth were having a dance-off or whatever, Truth caught him with a flatliner for the win. Goldust and Truth danced briefly afterwards even though Goldust is always a dick to Truth.

    Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady came out to a huge reaction from an otherwise dead crowd. In fact, this might’ve been the biggest reaction on the show. Enzo did his usual promo, but they were interrupted by the Vaudevillains.

    Aiden English said everyone was tired of Enzo and Cass, and said Enzo looks like a rodent with mange. Enzo didn’t know what he meant but said the Vaudevillains can keep reading books while he and Cass will be writing them, and the Vaudevillains couldn’t hit him if they were standing in the phone booth.

    Simon Gotch said they were going to learn a harsh lesson. English called this a man’s world and they were real men. Gotch said when they win at Payback they’ll be the ones to ask, politely, “How are you doing?” Cass said they’d win at Payback and called the Vaudevillains soft. They really need to give Cass better material. Also, are the Vaudevillains time travellers?

    As they were about to cut to commercial, Jericho and Owens walked backstage toward Gorilla. There were two random guys holding cups with popcorn. Jericho knocked the cup out of one guy’s hands. Owens grabbed the other guy’s cup and started eating. He offered some to Jericho, who declined.

    Promo for Primo and Epico. They also plugged Raw in Hartford. Byron Saxton wondered aloud if Shane McMahon would be in charge again.

    Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens beat Sami Zayn & Dean Ambrose via pinfall

    Owens and Zayn were in the ring to start, but Owens immediately tagged out. The crowd chanted “Ole” and Jericho told them to shut up. They went to commercial two minutes into the match. Ranallo referred to Owens as “truculent” and Lawler didn’t know what that meant.

    As Zayn made a comeback on Jericho, Owens made a blind tag, pulled Zayn out of the ring, and tossed him into the barricade to regain control. Jericho slapped Zayn a couple times, so Zayn responded with a blue thunder bomb. Ambrose made the hot tag and ran wild on Owens, nailing a suicide dive.

    Ambrose also clotheslined Jericho, but caught a superkick from Owens in the ring. Ambrose got  Owens with Dirty Deeds but Jericho broke up the cover. Zayn booted Jericho out of the ring, but as Ambrose went to the top rope, Jericho crotched him and Owens covered him for a three count.

    Terribly weak finish. Zayn had just kicked Jericho out of the ring, but then disappeared when Jericho quickly covered to interfere. The finish made Ambrose look like a complete loser, and it negated his win over Owens on Raw. I’m really not sure what the point of this was.

    After the match, Owens jumped on Jericho for a hug (which somehow didn’t kill Jericho). Owens yelled toward the ring, “I beat you! Chris helped, but I beat you!” Jericho assured Owens that he did it on his own, so Owens bragged some more. These two belong together.

    – Final Thoughts:

    This wasn’t a terrible show, but it was the least noteworthy Smackdown show in a long while. They often do a good job of masking the fact that it’s a split-crew, but that wasn’t the case tonight. You can safely skip this show if you have literally anything else you’d rather be doing.

  • WWE Smackdown London spoilers: Shane McMahon mixes it up with Miz

    Notes from today’s Smackdown tapings in London:

    – They opened with Miz TV with A.J. Styles. They showed the clips of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson attacking Roman Reigns. Maryse came out and got heat by speaking in French. Miz brought up that Styles, Gallows and Anderson were all friends from Japan and told Styles to admit to the fact he set up the attack on Reigns. Styles denied it. Miz then asked why he did nothing to stop them if he didn’t set it up. Styles said that he was upset with them and doesn’t need their help to beat Reigns. Miz continued to push the idea that Styles thought he needed help against Reigns. Miz kept pushing Styles to tell the truth. Miz and Maryse got heat again by making out. Eventually, Styles attacked Miz.

    – Ryback beat U.S. Champion Kalisto in a non-title match after hitting the Shellshock.

    – Dolph Ziggler came out for a match and was attacked by Baron Corbin. He got laid out again with the End of Days.

    – A.J. Styles beat The Miz. Miz was taking the worst of it and tried to walk out. Anderson and Gallows came out and blocked him from leaving. Styles threw Miz back in the ring and pinned him after the Phenomenal Forearm.

    – Sami Zayn and Dean Ambrose were interviewed. They said Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose were the best in the world at sneaking up from behind.  Zayn & Ambrose then tried to do a comedy bit where they’d come up with a name for their new tag team.

    – The Miz did a promo and said what happened earlier was proof Styles, Anderson, and Gallows were all working together. He demanded an investigation and refused to leave the ring until it was done. Shane McMahon then came out. Miz yelled at Shane and put his finger in his chest repeatedly until Shane laid in some punches and a flying back elbow before clotheslining Miz to the outside. This may have been just for the live crowd to give them something since Undertaker wasn’t there as advertised. 

    Here’s a video of the segment for as long as it stays up:

    – Anderson & Gallows did an interview.  They were asked if they are aligned with Styles and they said they weren’t.  They also said they would be wrestling on Raw Monday night against the Usos.

    – Paige & Natalya beat Naomi & Tamina with a double submission win.

    – R-Truth pinned Fandango with Goldust as referee.  R-Truth and Goldust danced after the match.

    – Enzo and Cass came out. The crowd was big time into them. The Vaudevillains then did a promo making fun of Enzo. Good segment building up their match on Raw next week to determine the top contenders for the tag titles.

    – Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho beat Sami Zayn & Dean Ambrose. Ambrose was on the top rope and Jericho shoved him off. Ambrose sold it like he had injured his knee and Owens pinned him, which was retribution for Ambrose pinning Owens on Raw.

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Chris Jericho vs. Sami Zayn; AJ Styles vs. ADR

    It was a skeleton crew because much of the crew flew out last night to Italy.

    – Maryse opened the show and introduced Miz for a Miz TV segment.  Miz said that his guest was his wife, Maryse.  He asked her, “What is it like being married to The Miz?”  Zack Ryder came out and said he wanted his title rematch tonight.  Miz first said yes, but then said, he forgot, because Ryder already had a match booked tonight against Baron Corbin.

    – Baron Corbin beat Zack Ryder

    – Enzo Amore & Colin Cassady beat The Ascension in the #1 contenders tag team tournament

    – A.J. Styles did an interview.  Alberto Del Rio came out.  This led to a match which Styles won with a roll-up.

    – There was a backstage segment with Goldust, R-Truth and Fandango.

    – The Vaudevillains beat Goldust & Fandango in the #1 contenders tag team tournament. The crowd in San Diego didn’t know The Vaudevillans or how to take them. It was a quick match.

    – Chris Jericho did an interview and got heat by insulting San Diego.

    – Sami Zayn beat Chris Jericho via DQ.  Kevin Owens and Dean Ambrose both came out.  Jericho was yelling at Ambrose, and Zayn threw Jericho into Owens. Owens attacked Zayn for the DQ. Owens & Jericho were beating on Zayn until Ambrose jumped in for the save and Zayn & Ambrose cleaned house to end the show.

  • WWE Smackdown results: Roman Reigns and AJ Styles face-off, Vaudevillains debut

    – Air Date: April 7, 2016 (Apr 6 in Canada) 
    – Location: Toyota Center in Houston, TX 

    – The Big News: 

    AJ Styles confronted Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose returned, The Vaudevillains debuted, and The Miz defended his Intercontinental Title against Zack Ryder. 

    – Show Recap: 

    The show opened with the same WrestleMania recap video from Raw. Roman Reigns came out to a strong mixed reaction, and Mauro Ranallo reminded us that he’s a 3-time WWE champion. Reigns said he fought the Authority and won and took back his WWE championship. He repeated the same line from Raw about being “the guy,” except he delivered it a lot better this time, and said he’s going to beat AJ Styles. 

    Styles interrupted and got a big reaction. He congratulated Reigns on having “a heck of a WrestleMania” and becoming champion. They shook hands. Styles said he himself had a heck of a Monday Night Raw and was coming after the title. He’s beaten the best all over the world, has held a title of his own, and if he has to beat “the guy” to be WWE champion then so be it. 

    Reigns said Styles hasn’t been here long, and insinuated that WWE title is the only one that counts, not whatever title Styles held before. Reigns said Styles would have to beat “the guy” to get the belt. Yes, Styles just said that. Reigns said Styles would never beat him, patted him on the shoulder, and left. Styles smirked. This was fine. Crowd was into it, and the two guys did their best with the dialogue. 

    The Vaudevillains beat Lucha Dragons via pinfall 

    The Vaudevillains got their usual NXT entrance. Jerry Lawler thought they were in a silent movie and wondered if they could speak. Byron Saxton let us know that these two teams were familiar with each other from NXT. Sin Cara went for a suicide dive but Simon Gotch cut him off with a knee and the Vaudevillains took control. 

    Kalisto made a hot tag and ran wild on Gotch, while Sin Cara hit Aiden English with a suicide dive. English somehow recovered before Sin Cara and made a blind tag to set up the Vaudevillians hitting the Whirling Dervish for the win. Basic match, about 4-5 minutes long. Kalisto taking the pinfall is confusing to say the least. 

    They recapped Miz winning the Intercontinental title from Zack Ryder on Raw and plugged the rematch for tonight. 

    Natalya beat Summer Rae via submission 

    Charlotte joined commentary and her dad (Ric Flair) was there too. Natalya won in about 3 minutes with a sharpshooter as she stared at Charlotte. Natalya went out to confront Charlotte afterwards but the referee stopped her. 

    Intercontinental Title: The Miz beat Zack Ryder via pinfall 

    Maryse came out on the stage to introduce The Miz. She said she was proof that behind every great man, there’s a great woman, “and there is no greater man than my husband.” That’s funny. 

    During his comeback, Ryder went for a diving dropkick but Miz countered into a sitout powerbomb for two. They traded moves leading to Ryder hitting a broski boot outside the ring, followed by a diving elbow drop for a near fall. Maryse started pulling off the turnbuckle cover and Saxton asked, “What is Maryse doing?” to which Lawler responded, “I’m paying attention to the match over here.”

    This distracted the referee and Ryder, which allowed Miz to punch Ryder in the face and hit the skull crushing finale for the win. Perfectly fine match, which went about 13 minutes. Oddly, they didn’t show any replays afterwards, and they moved on from this pretty quickly considering it was a title match. 

    Apollo Crews beat Curtis Axel (w/Social Outcasts) via pinfall 

    Axel got this match over his fellow Outcasts because he “won” rock-paper-scissors by claiming the axe beats all. Crews fended off the other Outcasts and won after hitting a dropkick, jumping clothesline, standing moonsault, enzuigiri and spin-out powerbomb. Lawler admitted that Crews might have a future here. 

    They recapped Baron Corbin’s win at Mania and his match with Ziggler on Raw. Backstage, Rich Brennan tried to interview Corbin, but Corbin told Brennan to save his questions.  Corbin said he won a trophy at WrestleMania and dented the floor with Dolph Ziggler. He said the end of days weren’t coming, they’re here. 

    Elsewhere, Renee Young interviewed Becky Lynch. Lynch said that nobody else seems to think she’s funny, and made a pun about her busted eye, saying “I have myself in stitches.” She then got serious, saying that Mania was the most brutal match of her life. Lynch said the new Women’s title was about heart and passion, and she walked out on Charlotte on Raw because she was making it about herself. 

    Lynch said she would get back to the title picture and pay back Charlotte for what she did to her eye. Emma interrupted and said she liked what Charlotte did to Lynch’s eye. She’s pissed that she got pushed to the back of the line in favour of Lynch. Lynch told her to back off or she’d mess up Emma’s eye. 

    Dean Ambrose beat Tyler Breeze via pinfall 

    Ambrose won in one minute after a rebound clothesline and Dirty Deeds. Ranallo said Breeze went down faster than Batman v. Superman at the box office. 

    As Ambrose’s music played, Chris Jericho’s entrance interrupted, and Ambrose looked annoyed. Ambrose stared at Jericho on his way up the ramp, but Jericho just ignored him. 

    Before the main event, there was another segment with Goldust and R-Truth. Basically, Truth promised Goldust an audition with a Hollywood producer next week in LA. 

    AJ Styles & Cesaro beat Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho via pinfall 

    Jericho and Owens had an intense conversation in the ring as the entrances were happening, perhaps over who is the biggest Twitter troll. 

    Cesaro and Styles used a double-team move early on, and Owens yelled, “You’re a cheater!” Jericho was frustrated by getting double teamed again, so he left the ring and started tossing stuff around. Owens, unsure of how to react, decided to join in by gently lifting the steel steps out of position. These two are already my favourite tag team. 

    After a break, the good guys were still all over Jericho as the crowd chanted for Styles. Jericho finally managed to tag out, but Cesaro got them both with the uppercut train. However, Jericho shoved Cesaro out of the ring and Owens tossed him into the announce table for the heat. 

    Cesaro avoided a cannonball and made the hot tag to Styles, who hit forearms to Owens and a sitout facebuster for a near fall. Owens avoided a springboard move and hit a superkick for two. Styles came back with a Pele kick. He went for the springboard forearm but Jericho pushed him off the ropes. Owens rolled him up but Styles kicked out and Cesaro uppercut Jericho over the barricade. 

    Owens was about to go for the pop-up powerbomb, but he stopped after seeing Sami Zayn making his way down the ramp as officials tried to stop him. The distraction allowed Styles to school boy Owens for the win. Good match. 

    Immediately after the match, Owens and Zayn went after each other. The brawl ended when Owens tossed Zayn’s injured shoulder into the steel steps. The referees dragged Owens away as he yelled, “I hate you!” and the show ended. There were no replays again, but it made sense here with Zayn coming out unannounced. 

    – Final Thoughts: 

    Pretty good show top-to-bottom. Simple booking with all the featured acts winning their matches. Fresh faces definitely help. 

  • WWE Smackdown spoilers: Cesaro & AJ Styles vs Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens

    Dark match:

    • Dolph Ziggler beat Stardust with a superkick

    Main Event:

    • WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) beat The Ascension with the Midnight Hour
    • Baron Corbin beat Fandango with the End of Days
    • Paige beat Emma with the Ram-Paige. Good match. They had time, much more than the three previous matches. The crowd was really behind Paige. Greg Hamilton announced the match as a women’s division match

    SmackDown:

    – WWE Champion Roman Reigns opened the show. Because it’s more of a casual crowd than the ones for Mania and Raw, he got a lot more cheers than the previous nights. Actually, it might have been 50-50, with kids and women cheering for him. He used the “I’m not a bad guy. I’m not a good guy. I’m THE guy” line again. He said what matters to him was to beat AJ Styles.

    Styles came out to a huge pop and a big chant of “AJ Styles” when he got in the ring. He shook hands with Reigns congratulating him for the title, saying Roman had a good WrestleMania, but that he had a heck of a Monday Night Raw. Reigns told him that to be THE champ, he needs to beat THE guy. He said that Styles beat guys all over the world, but he never beat him, and he will never be. He tapped him on the shoulder and left. 

    – The Vaudevillans beat Lucha Dragons with the Gentleman’s Congress

    Weird thing. The Vaudevillains’ music started, but after 20 seconds or so, it stopped. Then, after a minute, the Lucha Dragons’ theme started and they made their entrance. Obviously, someone messed up in the back and mixed up the order. Apparently, the music mess-up was not a mistake and just a teaser. The Vaudevillains got very little reaction. Those who were reacting were clapping to the sound of the music, only to realize that they were not babyfaces. Clearly, a lot of the fans didn’t know who they were. 

    – Natalya beat Summer Rae with the Sharpshooter in a short match. Charlotte and Ric were doing commentary for this match. They are building Natalya as the next contender. 

    – Intercontinental champion The Miz beat Zack Ryder 

    Maryse removed one of the bottom corners and threw it in the ring. As Charles Robinson was trying to put it back, Miz raked Ryder’s eyes and hit the Skull-Crushing Finale for the win. Good match, and the crowd got into it. 

    Maryse got her own entrance, the old one she used to have. She cut a promo, saying her name was Maryse, but that everyone should know that, and that she’s the living proof that behind every great man there’s a great woman and there’s no greater man than her husband. She then introduced The Miz. Ryder didn’t get much of a reaction during his entrance, but it got better during the match. Maryse got some heat during her promo. 

    – Social Outcasts played a game of rock, scissors and paper to decide who would face Apollo Crews. Curtis Axel had paper while the others all had scissors, but said it was actually an axe, therefore he’s in the match. 

    – Apollo Crews beat Curtis Axel with a spin-out power bombeat in a total squash match. 

    – We got two big screen interviews: Baron Corbin did a short one saying the end of days is here, and Becky Lynch saying she would be back in the title picture. Emma cut her off and made fun of her black eye. I guess that’s the next program for both of them. We also got another Colon “Greetings from Puerto Rico” vignette. 

    – Dean Ambrose beat Tyler Breeze in basically a squash match.

    – Cesaro & AJ Styles beat Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens

    Cesaro clotheslined Jericho and both ended up outside. Cesaro then hit a European uppercut on Jericho. As Owens was to throw Styles in the ropes for the pop up powerbomb, Sami Zayn made his way to the ring. He had his left elbow wrapped up and was followed by some referees trying to stop him. Styles schooled boy Owens for the pin. Following that, they did a pull apart between Owens and Zayn. 

    – The Dudleys then came to the ring and attacked AJ. Roman Reigns came to clean house. Reigns and Styles were alone in the ring and looked at each other for a long time before they finally shook hands. Jericho took the mic and asked AJ to shake his hands in apology for calling him Y2Jackass. Styles hit the Styles Clash on him, followed by Reigns’ Superman punch. 

  • WWE Smackdown, Main Event & Superstars spoilers: AJ Styles vs. Heath Slater

    Notes from Leon Peters and Peter Troiano from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY

    Superstars:

    – Jack Swagger defeated Tyler Breeze. This was a fun 10-12 minute match. Swagger won clean pin via Swagger Bomb

    Main Event:

    – Ryback defeated Fandango after the Shellshock.

    Smackdown (airing Wednesday in Canada and Thursday in the U.S.):

    – AJ Styles defeated Heath Slater (with Axel, Dallas & Rose in his corner).  Even with the building still not full, there was a big reaction and chants for AJ. Clean pin for Styles with the springboard forearm.

    – D-Von Dudley (with Bubba Ray) defeated Jey Uso (with Jimmy Uso) after hitting a spinebuster.

    – Dean Ambrose defeated Erick Rowan (with Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman) after hitting Dirty Deeds. Bray and Strowman went backstage after their entrance.

    There was no post-show dark match. It was a long night of wrestling and people were drained by the end.

  • WWE Smackdown Spoilers: A.J. Styles vs Tyler Breeze, Roman Reigns vs Bubba Ray Dudley

    Sasha Banks beat Charlotte in a non-title match with a roll-up.  Becky Lynch attacked Charlotte after the match.

    Sheamus beat Kofi Kingston with the Brogue kick.

    The Usos beat The Ascension

    Sami Zayn & Dolph Ziggler beat The Miz & Kevin Owens.  After the match, everyone from the ladder match got in a brawl, which naturally included ladders.  Zack Ryder climbed to the top of the ladder.

    Roman Reigns no contest Bubba Ray Dudley.  The crowd cheered Reigns, believe it or not.

    A.J. Styles beat Tyler Breeze

    Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were out doing an interview. The Wyatt Family came out.  Lesnar & Dean Ambrose worked together in fighting The Wyatt Family.  Lesnar and Ambrose went at it after and the show ended with Lesnar leaving Ambrose laying.

    Another key note is that during Main Event, in a Naomi vs. Paige match, Tamina, Lana, Natalya, Fox, Summer Rae and Emma all got involved.  Summer Rae and Emma were both on the heel side.  So it would appear there will be a 5th babyface to be announced and a ten person match with Brie Bella on the face side and another person.

  • WWE Smackdown Spoilers: Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles

    Roman Reigns came out first and was heavily booed for a short promo.

    Renee Young interviewed A.J. Styles saying that fans can chant whatever they want.  Kevin Owens came in and they talked to set up their match later in the show.

    Dolph Ziggler beat The Miz with a superkick.

    Michael Cole interviewed Kalisto, who accepted the match with Ryback for WrestleMania.

    Dean Ambrose was heavily cheered, since he’s from Cincinnati.  He did a big promo putting over Cincinnati.

    Bubba Ray Dudleys beat Goldust with a low blow.  R-Truth tried to make the save but he was beaten down by the Dudleys until the Usos made the save.

    Next was the Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks segment.  Lynch said she was going to take the title.  Charlotte first said that they were like the Four Horsemen, except Horsewomen, but then apologized to her feather for even comparing Lynch and Banks to the Horsemen.

    New Day challenged The League of Nations to a WrestleMania match.

    Kofi Kingston pinned King Barrett.  Both sides interfered.

    They showed a clip of Dean Ambrose at a bar saying he’s going to bring Cincinnati with him for his fight with Brock Lesnar.

    The Social Outcasts came out and said they would be winning the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.  Dean Ambrose came out with a Kendo stick and beat down all four of them, and said that Brock Lesnar would be on Smackdown next week and vowed a confrontation.

    Kevin Owens beat A.J. Styles in a non-title match.  Chris Jericho distracted Styles and Owens got the pin after a pop up power bomb. Jericho then laid out Styles with a codebreaker after the match.  Owens came back out (this is probably off TV) and Ambrose then ran in and cleaned house on Owens and Jericho, ending the night by giving Owens Dirty Deeds.