Monday Night Raw Recap
Fresno, California
Save Mart Centre
April 12th 2021
HOUSE OF MEMORIES - P!ATD
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Monday Night Raw starts off this week with The Miz TV set in the ring and The Miz welcomes the fans, getting an alright pop from the crowd. He confirmed that there is no contact allowed between his guests before bringing out The New Day, The Street Profits and The Hurt Business. The two groups make it to the ring and take a seat on the movie set chairs, with the tension between them all being clear for everyone to see as Miz looks to get Miz TV underway.
Miz starts the segment by asking The Hurt Business why they have been going about business the way they have since WrestleMania. MVP makes it clear that they know business is not booming right now because all of their gold is around the waist of The New Day and The Street Profits. MVP makes it clear to make it to the top of this business, sometimes you need to be slightly ruthless and be ready to go to war with anyone who gets in your way.
The New Day says they beat the Hurt Business fair and square in the ring, showing that friendship is more powerful than business. Swerve says he will show them that friendship cannot survive war, especially when it gets tough. Montez gets to his feet and says Swerve can talk a big game, but how about later tonight, he puts his money where his mouth is. Swerve smirks and says why don’t they raise the stakes. He challenges Montez to meet him later tonight and the winner gets his team the advantage inside of War Games!
Montez says he is on with the rest of his team nodding. Both men stare each other down, but Miz is quick to remind the groups of the no contact rule when Samoa Joe tells Miz they are not stupid and they heard him. He makes it clear that he wants a fight of his own and Angelo Dawkins steps up, saying he’ll fight Joe. Miz then tells us he has gotten word from Wade Barrett, making those matches official before confirming the New Day will take on Rush, Cedric and Benjamin in trios action as well, with the two groups eager to fight each other.
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When we return from the commercial break, Wade Barrett is inside his office as Cathy Kelly comes in for an interview. She asks him if what The Miz said is true and Wade confirms the matches set up in the previous segment. He then tells Cathy he has one more match to sign off on for next week, as Piper Niven and Nia Jax will collide in a last woman standing match on Raw next week!
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Match 1: Zack Gibson w/James Drake vs Tyler Bate w/Pete Dunne
Match summary: Zack Gibson and Tyler Bate start the match off by locking up with each other as they try to take each other down to the mat. Both of their seconds stand at ringside cheering their partner on, with commentary wondering if Dunne or Drake will play a factor in this match. Zack spends a lot of the match targeting the right arm of Bate, looking to set him up for the Shankly Gates, but it also has the effect of taking away a lot of Bate’s power game!
Bate does his best to fight back and takes control with a series of European uppercuts using his non-dominant hand but Zack Gibson is crafty and relentless with no corner he isn’t willing to take. In the closing stages of the match, James Drake distracts the referee, allowing Zack Gibson to take off the turnbuckle pad. Dunne tries to get the referee’s attention but before he notices, Zack sends Tyler’s right arm into the turnbuckle before locking in the Shankly Gates to force a tap out from Tyler!
Winner via submission: Zack Gibson (8:17)
Zack Gibson gloats and has a smirk on his face, celebrating his victory tonight over Tyler Bate. The crowd boos him as he retreats up the entrance ramp with James Drake and gloats to the live crowd, winding the fans up even further. Pete Dunne checks on his tag team partner before confirming that Pete Dunne will fight James Drake on next week’s Raw!
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the We Riots locker room as we can see Ruby Riott and Shotzi Blackheart sitting in their locker room backstage. We seem to join them mid-argument as Shotzi makes it clear she doesn’t even want to talk about teaming with Liv Morgan. Ruby tries to change her mind and points out the issues with MMA Horsewomen, who have been a huge problem for the women’s division, but Shotzi makes it clear she feels Ruby instigated the issues with them and she doesn’t want to be a part of it. Ruby tells her to think about it, but she plans to help Liv and wants Shotzi to join them.
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We cut back to the ring as Team Kick makes their way out with a microphone in hand each. They get a decent pop from the fans before making it clear that they have been very patient, but after the way they lost at WrestleMania 37, they feel they are owed a rematch for the Women’s tag team titles and don’t plan on waiting. Luckily for them, the Boss ‘N Hug Connection doesn’t make them wait too long themselves and the tag team champions make their way out to mostly cheers from the live crowd.
Bayley starts by telling Team Kick that what she did was in the heat of the moment and she had a lapse in judgment where she worried, they were no longer the best team in the division. Sasha Banks reminds us of their loss at WrestleMania 35, which caused them to collapse as a team once before and she knows that’s why Bayley was willing to break her code to keep these titles around their waist. Bayley says she is sorry for what she did and that’s why she wants to offer Team Kick a rematch at Backlash. The crowd cheers excitedly at the prospect of seeing the two top women’s tag teams colliding one more time at Backlash.
Dakota says she appreciates the apology, but if there is any funny business… Banks cuts in and makes it clear that Bayley is sorry about doing what was needed, but she refuses to make any apologies, getting a few boos from the crowd. She is willing to do whatever it takes to win and therefore, she spoke to Wade making the match a tornado tag no disqualification match, so Team Kick has no excuses. Tegan says they are on, but she wants Bayley in the ring one-on-one. Bayley is a bit confused but Banks accepts, promising the champs will kick their ass, bringing the promo segment to an end!
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Match 2: Dani Luna vs KiLynn King
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, Dani Luna looks to get some revenge on KiLynn King after her attack last week. Early on in the match, King overpowers Dani Luna and uses her superior size to toss the Brit around the ring. Dani shows her fight and actually catches KiLynn out with her power, tossing around King. In the end though, King overpowers Dani Luna before putting her away with the KING’S CURSE (Pumphandle suplex facebuster)!
Winner via pinfall: KiLynn King (5:48)
KiLynn King gets to her feet with a slight smirk on her face, whilst Dani Luna winces in pain on the mat. She soaks in the boos from the live crowd and celebrates her first victory on Monday Night Raw!
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We cut to the backstage area as Baron Corbin stands in front of the camera and laughs to himself, saying last week showed why Elias should have never bothered coming back to the ring. He says he proved that Elias isn’t good enough and if he tried to step up to him again, he would… ELIAS SMASHES HIM WITH A GUITAR! Elias jumps onto Corbin as he lays into him with a series of punches, only being stopped by a swarm of security as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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Match 3: Cesaro vs Dolph Ziggler w/OMOS
Match summary: The 2nd hour starts with Cesaro taking on former World Champion Dolph Ziggler. Drew McIntyre takes a seat on commentary and is very respectful when it comes to talking about his opponent at Backlash, whilst he is less than positive about his former tag team partner, Dolph Ziggler. OMOS is a towering presence outside the ring, but early on in the match, Cesaro dominates the smaller Ziggler, forcing the former World Champion to need help from OMOS to get back into the match.
Drew, whilst on commentary comments that this is who Dolph Ziggler has been for years and has always wanted a heavy to do his dirty work, whether it was him or Big E or now OMOS. Ziggler looks to press the advantage given to him by the giant outside the ring, but Cesaro once again proves to be too strong for Ziggler and puts him down to the mat with SWISS DEATH! OMOS tries to get involved one more time but this time Drew appears and does a CLAYMORE OFF THE APRON TO WIPE OUT OMOS! This leaves Cesaro alone in the ring to scoop Ziggler up and hit him with the RICOLA BOMB for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Cesaro (13:11)
Cesaro gets to his feet, getting a loud pop from the fans, who are now really starting to get behind the Swiss Superman. Drew McIntyre gets into the ring as the two men who will collide at Backlash and they give each other a nod of respect. Whilst outside the ring, Dolph Ziggler talks a bunch of trash with OMOS towering behind him.
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When we returned from the commercial break, we cut to inside The New Day and Street Profits locker room. The two teams are sat down deep in thought for the moment, with Montez Ford breaking the silence to speak first. He says tonight he will represent all of them and bring the smoke to the ring. Angelo hypes his tag team partner up as Big E gets to his feet and nods telling Montez he has every faith in him that he is going to go out there and show Swerve what’s up.
Kofi tells Montez to be careful because Swerve is crafty and will try to use every trick in the book to cheat. Montez nods and takes everything that Kofi is saying on board. Angelo steps forward, saying he knows his partner has got it tonight, but Woods and Big E say both of them have a tough test ahead of them when they step into the ring. Big E especially puts over how tough Samoa Joe is and the beating he gave him at WrestleMania.
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We then cut to the ring as Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott both make their way out to the ring with microphones in hand. The commentary team nods that the duo seems to be way more on the same page than they have been for a couple of years. Both women make it clear that they haven’t quite worked out all of the issues between themselves and that this might be a work in progress, but they make it clear they both now have a mutual enemy for them to fight in the MMA Horsewomen!
Liv says she still needs to see Ruby show she can be trusted, but she is willing to give her a chance to show it at Backlash as they are challenging all 3 members of the MMA Horsewomen to a fight. Ruby says she has meant everything she has said and will gladly fight with Liv, whether Shotzi wants to help or not. Liv looks a bit wary and turns to Ruby, making it clear that whilst she is happy to attempt to trust Ruby, she doesn’t trust Shotzi at all. Ruby looks to respond, but they are soon interrupted by the MMA Horsewomen!
Shayna Baszler leads the way for the trio and tells the Riott Squad that she loves a good little reunion. Shayna says what she loves most about seeing them is the chance to break them apart and rip the joy from the fans’ hearts! Shayna says if these two women want to end their careers by trying to take on the MMA Horsewomen 3 on 2, that is their choice, but they will take pleasure in ending their careers. Liv Morgan leans on the ropes and tells them to try it bitches, and tosses the microphone down to loud cheers from the crowd.
Shayna looks furious before signalling to Marina and Natalya that they are heading to the ring. Liv looks at Ruby, who nods and they get ready for a fight! Initially the duo is able to fend off Natalya and Marina, but once Shayna enters the ring, the numbers game is too much for The Riott Squad until SHOTZI BLACKHEART RUNS OUT TO MAKE THE SAVE! The crowd gives her quite a decent reaction as she has a kendo stick in hand and helps to clear the ring. She turns to Ruby giving her a nod, but the look to Liv is much less friendly as we go to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott chatting to each other about what just happened. Shotzi Blackheart soon joins them and Ruby hugs her, thanking her for the help just now. Shotzi is a bit cold though and says she did it for the We Riotts, not the Riott Squad before glaring at Liv and walking off as Liv rolls her eyes. The commentary team then added that next week on Raw, Shayna Baszler will take on Shotzi Blackheart and the Riott Squad will fight Marina Shafir and Natalya.
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Match 4: Keith Lee vs Humberto Carrillo w/Angel Garza and Zelina Vega
Match summary: Keith Lee starts this match by playing to the crowd which winds up The Ungovernables inside and outside the ring. The commentary team notes that Andrade once again is not at ringside, likely preparing for his match with AF Fox later tonight. Humberto tries his best to use his speed and agility to overcome Mr. Money in the Bank but Keith Lee swats him away with ease. Nothing Humberto does works and, in the end, Keith Lee hits the SPIRIT BOMB to pick up another win on Raw!
Winner via pinfall: Keith Lee (4:24)
Keith Lee gets to his feet and has a huge smile on his face as his dominance since coming to Raw and SmackDown is apparent for all to see! Zelina Vega talks to Humberto outside the ring and checks on her client whilst Angel Garza slides into the ring, getting into the face of Keith Lee! Garza talks trash to Keith Lee who looks unfazed but he doesn’t see TOMMASO CIAMPA ATTACK HIM FROM BEHIND USING KEITH’S OWN MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE!
Loud boos from the crowd as Tommaso Ciampa stands over Keith Lee and lays into him with a series of punches to the head, whilst Zelina nods, signalling for Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo to head to the back. Ciampa grabs hold of Keith Lee, lifting him up before hitting him with a DDT ONTO THE MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE TO LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD! Ciampa stands over him and talks trash as Raw goes to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, Tommaso Ciampa walks through the back with a smile on his face as he bumps into all of The Ungovernables, including Andrade Cien Almas. Andrade is stretching ready for his match, up next as Ciampa confirms he will be sending the money to Zelina shortly and thanks her for the help tonight. Zelina says it's always their pleasure if the money is right when Sami Zayn walks into the shot, asking if Andrade is proud of this.
Andrade just raises his eyebrow and tells Sami it is business before saying he has a match to win and leaves the area. Sami calls him a coward, leading to Angle confronting him. Ilja Dragunov soon walks into the scene, asking if there is a problem. Humberto calls him a traitor and tells him there could be one soon. Before a fight can kick off however, Sheamus walks up asking if some fellas were looking for a scrap. Zelina shakes her head, saying we will do this on our own terms, no one else’s ending the segment.
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Match 5: Andrade Cien Almas vs AR Fox
Match summary: AR Fox comes into this match fired up and it catches Andrade off-guard very early on. Andrade this time though, doesn’t show frustration and stays calm, looking to weather the storm from the veteran. It is actually AR Fox who shows signs of frustration during the match and this allows Andrade to take total control of the match, laying into him with a series of brutal elbows before planting him with the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Andrade made the cover and picked up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (5:35)
Andrade Cien Almas gets back to his feet with a smile on his face as the commentary team says his performance tonight feels like a return to form for the former Universal Champion. AR Fox meanwhile, slams the ring apron in frustration and storms off, unhappy with another big loss on Raw.
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We cut backstage as Keith Lee came out of the medical room, holding the back of his head. For the first time since he started appearing on Raw and SmackDown, he looks pissed off. He is stopped for an interview by Kevin Patrick. He asks how Keith Lee is feeling after Ciampa’s attack earlier tonight. He says he feels in pain, but he has had worse and promises payback next week. Kevin asks him how he plans to get payback on Ciampa, which leads to a slight smirk from Keith Lee.
Keith tells Kevin that next week, he will team up with Sheamus, Ilja Dragunov, and Sami Zayn to take on The Ungovernables and Tommaso Ciampa. Kevin asks him about Dominik Dijakovic, noting he is a member of the group on SmackDown when Samoa Joe walks past with MVP by his side. The two men have a stare down with Joe smirking, telling Keith to hold onto that briefcase tight because he is getting his WWE title back and will see him soon. Keith smirks, saying he will be seeing Joe very soon since he hasn’t forgotten King of the Ring. Joe walks off and heads to the ring as the 2nd hour of Raw comes to an end.
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Match 6: Angelo Dawkins vs Samoa Joe w/MVP
Match summary: Dawkins comes into this match with the commentary team saying he has always been unfairly viewed as the second to Montez Ford and this match is a huge chance to prove what he can do as a singles wrestler. Joe and Dawkins battle for control in the opening stages of the match, with Joe taking control even though Dawkins gives Joe a run for his money. Joe looks for early submissions and tries to get the Coquina Clutch locked in but Dawkins fights out of it, sending Joe back several times.
Dawkins fires back at Joe and catches him off-guard with MVP outside the ring, noticeably looking worried by the performance from Angelo. Dawkins even catches Joe out with a POUNCE and heads up top, hitting him with a DIVING BLOCKBUSTER! Dawkins hooks the leg but Joe kicks out. Dawkins tries to get him up, but Joe counters with a POWERBOMB! From there, Joe hoists him up and makes sure this time to lock in the COQUINA CLUTCH tight for the tap-out win!
Winner via submission: Samoa Joe (7:02)
Samoa Joe gets back to his feet as he tosses Angelo Dawkins to the mat and celebrates the victory tonight over one-half of the World tag team champions. Dawkins gets back to his feet using the ropes and coughs slightly after being in the clutch. Joe looks over at him as Dawkins gets ready for even more of a fight, but Joe just gives him a nod of respect and leaves the ring.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Samoa Joe and MVP walking back into The Hurt Business locker room, where all of them are sitting around the room minus Swerve Strickland and Lio Rush, who seem to be mid-argument. MVP steps in between the two men and asks what the drama is. Lio says Swerve told him that he needs to step up inside of War Games. MVP turns to Swerve, who shrugs and makes it clear he feels Lio is going to be the weak link within the team.
Lio looks to step forward but Joe steps in to calm it down as he glares at Swerve, reminding them that they all lost at WrestleMania. Swerve doesn’t say a word but Joe makes it clear that if they are going to step into War Games, they need to be on the same page or else! There is still some tension but MVP makes it clear Joe is right and there will be consequences if they don’t walk out of Backlash with the titles. Everyone nods as the camera zooms in over Lio’s shoulder to see him texting Bobby Lashley before we cut to the ring.
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Randy Orton makes his way out, getting a loud mixed reaction from the live crowd. The commentary team mentions we haven’t seen him for months and speculates on why he attacked Bobby Lashley upon his return to Monday Night Raw. Orton gets into the ring with a microphone in hand and taunts the fans, asking if they missed him before saying he never missed them, getting loud boos from the crowd. Randy smirks but it soon turns to a scowl, pointing out he had a plan for WrestleMania this year.
He reminds us that he took out Stone Cold Steve Austin by punting him in the skull! Randy says he was going to finish the job at WrestleMania and take out another legend, but he was forced to take time out. He says he had to sit at home and watch as his career rival, the man he has beaten time and again, John Cena not only took his spot but failed! He says he had to watch and the worst part is he then gets cleared a week later! There is venom in his voice before calming down as he pauses in the middle of the ring.
He says people have been asking why he attacked Lashley, but it is simple. He was going after the biggest and toughest guy around so he could get right back to the top, where he belongs. Orton is ready to end the promo but Bobby Lashley interrupts, saying he was waiting for Orton to finish but now that he has, he is going to kick his ass! Bobby heads to the ring, but Orton is quick to flee into the crowd before telling Lashley that he will meet him in the ring, but he will do it at Backlash, bringing the promo to an end!
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Match 7: The New Day vs The Hurt Business (Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin and Lio Rush) w/MVP
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, The New Day make their way out and pose with all 3 of their titles to the delight of the live crowd. The Hurt Business makes their way out, led by MVP with Lio Rush walking ahead of his teammates tonight, not in a great mood. Once at ringside, the match starts off at a fast pace with Lio Rush and Xavier Woods having a mini-WrestleMania rematch! The New Day is clearly the unit that works better together as the match goes on!
It takes a distraction from MVP to get The Hurt Business back into the match, as they isolate the Intercontinental Champion Kofi Kingston and work over him in their corner of the ring as the crowd wills the New Day on to get the hot tag. Eventually, Kofi Kingston escapes and Big E enters the match running wild as he overpowers The Hurt Business. The New Day takes full control and Big E, with Xavier Woods hitting Cedric Alexander with UPUPDOWNDOWN!
Winner via pinfall: The New Day (8:51)
The New Day get to their feet and get loud cheers from the crowd as they celebrate another victory as a trio tonight. Outside the ring, we can see MVP giving his clients a bit of a dressing down, with Lio Rush looking most annoyed before we cut backstage.
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We see an annoyed Swerve Strickland watching on a monitor with EJ Nduka standing behind him. He shakes his head before signalling for Nduka to follow him when the duo bump into AR Fox, who is looking angry after his loss to Andrade. Swerve smirks and asks his friend if he is learning his lesson yet. Fox gets pissed off and gets right in Swerve’s face… AS NDUKA GRABS HIM AND PINS HIM AGAINST THE WALL! Swerve tells his friend to ease up and Nduka drops him as Swerve just smiles, leading to the two men walking off.
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When we return from the commercial break, Rhea Ripley makes her way out, getting loud cheers from the live crowd. She stands in the ring with her Women’s Universal title around her waist and a big smirk too. She says it feels good to stand atop the Raw Women’s division and above every woman who tries to step up to her. She lifts the title in the air, soaking in the reaction from the fans and says last week was just a taste of what Alexa is going to get when she tries to mess with the nightmare!
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James quickly interrupt the champion, with Alexa Bliss spouting off from the start, saying that Rhea might have beaten Mickie but that’s because her friend is past her prime. Mickie’s eyes widen but she ignores it as Bliss carries on, promising that Rhea is just a flash in the pan, whilst she is permanent and that she has been around the top of this division from the very start! Rhea then dares the two to back up their words right now, ready to kick both their asses!
Mickie James steps forward more than willing for a fight, but Bliss stops her tag team partner and shakes her head. Bliss makes it clear that any fight they take part in will be one on their terms, not the champ’s! Rhea calls them cowards but Bliss says she instead how about they meet in this ring next week if Ripley can find anyone willing to team with her. Mickie takes the microphone to throw in that it is lonely at the top, but Rhea accepts the challenge, even promising to fight them 2 on 1 if she can’t find anyone to end the segment.
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We cut backstage to see Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater being interviewed by Cathy Kelley. She asked what is next for the two men and Jarrett is full of bluster, promising that he will be leading Heath Slater to gold and talking about his hall of fame career. They are soon interrupted by Rick Boogs, who says he isn’t finished with them yet but Heath makes it clear they are done with him. Jarrett chimes in calling Rick yesterday's news and he better find a partner if he wants to try to step up to them, ending the interview.
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Main event: Winner gets the War Games advantage for their team: Montez Ford vs Swerve Strickland
Match summary: Swerve makes his way out for the main event with a scowl on his face and is noticeably alone as the commentary confirms that both teams are banned from ringside, including MVP. Montez Ford gets loud cheers from the crowd as he makes his way out, even showing off his World tag team title before sprinting to the ring, ready for action. Swerve in the opening couple of minutes is a little cocky, and it allows Montez Ford to catch him out, sending Swerve to the outside of the ring!
Montez doesn’t let up, soaring over the top rope and wiping out Swerve Strickland, soaking in the reaction from the fans in the crowd. Montez grabs hold of Swerve and sends him back into the ring, looking to go for FROM THE HEAVENS EARLY… BUT SWERVE GETS HIS KNEES UP BLOCKING THE MOVE! Swerve goes on the attack as he lays into him with a series of kicks and starts to wear down Montez Ford, revelling in the crowd’s disdain as he does it.
During the match, we cut backstage as we can see New Day and Angelo Dawkins in one locker room watching, whilst The Hurt Business watch in their locker room. Swerve is laying into Montez in vicious fashion, but one half of the World tag team champions refuses to go down easily, pissing the former Intercontinental Champion off! Swerve gets ready to end this match as he heads up top looking for the SWERVE STOMP… MONTEZ AVOIDS IT AND BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES HITTING A TORANDO DDT! Montez sprints to the top rope and lines up Swerve Strickland before hitting FROM THE HEAVENS ONTO SWERVE!
He makes the cover 1 2 SWERVE KICKS OUT! Montez rolls off and pounds the mat, thinking that would be enough, but shakes his head knowing he needs to do more. He grabs hold of Swerve and teases going for a ROCK BOTTOM…SWERVE COUNTERS AND REVERSES IT INTO BIG PRESSURE! Swerve looks at Montez and shakes his head, wanting to make absolutely sure this is done… HOUSE CALL! Swerve hooks the leg and picks up the win, giving the advantage back to The Hurt Business!
Winner via pinfall: Swerve Strickland (12:23)
The boos ring out, but Swerve Strickland doesn’t care, having given his team a huge advantage going into the winner-takes-all War Games match next week at Backlash. Raw comes to a close as we look at the different locker rooms' reaction to the result and the champions knowing they have a huge mountain to overcome if they want to keep their titles!
Matches confirmed for next week:
Last woman standing match:
Nia Jax vs Piper Niven
Singles match:
Bayley vs Tegan Nox
Singles match:
Shayna Baszler vs Shotzi Blackheart
Singles match:
James Drake vs Pete Dunne
8-man tag team match:
Keith Lee, Sami Zayn, Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov vs Tommaso Ciampa and The Ungovernables
Tag team match:
Rhea Ripley and ??? vs Alexa Bliss and Mickie James
Tag team match:
MMA Horsewomen vs Riott Squad
Backlash
Omaha, Nebraska
April 25th 2021
FIT FOR RIVALS - DAMAGE
Winner takes all War Games match:
(If Hurt Business wins they get all their gold back; if they lose they cannot challenge for the titles whilst The New Day and Street Profits hold them):
The New Day and The Street Profits (Big E, Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) © vs The Hurt Business (Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Lio Rush, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander)
Women’s Universal title match:
Rhea Ripley © vs Alexa Bliss
Women’s tag team titles tornado tag no DQ match:
Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs Team Kick
Number one contender’s match for the WWE title:
Drew McIntyre vs Cesaro
Singles match:
Keith Lee vs Tommaso Ciampa
Singles match:
Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton
Tag team match:
British Strong Style vs Grizzled Young Veterans
Trios match:
The MMA Horsewomen vs We Riotts and Liv Morgan
Raw EWR Rating:
63%
Mid-Week news Update for the week:
KUSHIDA wins the NXT Cruiserweight title
KUSHIDA defeated Santos Escobar on the most recent edition of NXT to become the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Title changes have become more common as of late on NXT in recent times, with the competition with AEW, but now that the show is on Tuesdays, we might see this ease up.
Samir and Sunil Singh moved to the SmackDown roster:
The Cruiserweight tag team The Singh Brothers, have been moved to SmackDown due to some injuries that the SmackDown roster has suffered and also due to some of the recent budget cuts that took place this week.
Releases confirmed by WWE:
WWE has confirmed the following names have been released from WWE this week:
- Aiden English
- Bo Dallas
- Curtis Axel
- Epico
- Jessamyn Duke
- Kalisto
- Kavita Devi
- Melina
- Mojo Rawley
- Primo
- Sarah Logan
- Steve Cutler
- Tyson T-Bone
- Wesley Blake
SmackDown Live Recap
Salt Lake City, Utah
Vivint Smart Home Arena
April 16th 2021
SmackDown Live starts with its traditional cold open but this time, we see Keith Lee entering the arena when he sees Dominik Dijakovic waiting for him. Both men share a nod before Dijakovic thanks Keith for his words last week and says he has a big decision that he now knows he needs to make. He shares a hug with Mr. Money in the Bank before he heads into the arena, leaving Keith Lee there smiling.
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HALESTORM – MAYHEM
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After the opening video for the show, The Church of Seth Rollins makes their way out, getting loud boos from the crowd. Seth leads the group and even gets Karrion Kross, Nathan Frazer, Scarlett Bordeaux, Akam and Rezar to kneel in front of him in prayer. Seth talks about Nathan’s title match last week and the fact that his young protégé would have brought the Universal title to salvation if not for heathens like Damian Priest, Gran Metalik and the rest of Alpha Academy!
Seth Rollins goes into a rant, saying everything he does is to save the Universal title from the devils who try to hold it and bring it under his light, wanting to save SmackDown and remold it in his vision to save it from a truly dark vision. The speech is about to carry on when Daniel Bryan makes his way out and is joined by the rest of Alpha Academy. Bryan says he was in the back and was reminded why he keeps doing these open challenges. The Universal title should be about fighting not talking!
He confirms that once again, he will be defending his Universal title in an open challenge to a huge pop from the crowd. He even dares Seth to fight him early tonight, but he refuses to loud boos from the crowd. Karrion Kross takes a microphone, making a comment that maybe the devil can slay him for God… BUT SETH TAKES THE MICROPHONE BACK AND SAYS NO! Kross looks annoyed but calms down when Seth whispers something in his ear before saying it is time for the Church to leave… for now.
There is a bit of tension between the groups but not fighting between the groups, as Bryan climbs into the ring and addresses the live crowd, saying that he is willing to take on whoever wants to step up and THE CROWD GOES WILD AS ADAM COLE FROM NXT WALKS OUT! He has a microphone in hand and cuts a short promo about the Undisputed Era being over because it is his Era and tonight, he will win the Universal title to take it back to NXT! Alpha Academy leaves the ring and upon Bryan’s nod, heads to the back as the commentary team confirms the Universal title match will be up next!
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Match 1: Men’s Universal title match: Daniel Bryan © vs Adam Cole
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, the opening match is underway with Adam Cole being worked over on the mat to the delight of the crowd. Bryan seems to be making a point to target the right leg of Adam Cole as the commentary team points out that the majority of Adam Cole’s best offense, for those who don’t watch NXT, uses his legs and if Bryan can take that away, he neutralizes the main threats Adam Cole can throw at him.
Adam Cole though, is an experienced competitor even at his age and fights back, taking control of the match. He also shows a bit of ruthlessness as he targets the head and neck of Bryan, with the commentary mentioning his history of injuries that have ended Bryan’s career in the past. Adam Cole taunts the fans and does a lot of trash talk during the match, managing to get loud boos from the crowd, but is held back from the damage done to his right leg, meaning he can’t cover straight away after his many superkicks.
Adam Cole stays in control, laying into Bryan but gets caught off as Bryan manages to get Cole in an ankle lock. Adam Cole is in a ton of pain and looks to crawl to the ropes, forcing a break from the hold. Bryan releases the hold but rolls to the ropes across the ring as he lines up Adam Cole, ready to go for the Busaiku knee… COLE COUNTERS WITH A SUPERKICK DROPPING BRYAN! He winces in pain but heads to the corner of the ring and waits for Bryan to get up… PANAMA SUNRISE! Cole makes the cover, but Bryan kicks out at 2!
Adam Cole looks annoyed and slams the mat, knowing this is the biggest match of his career so far. He heads to the ropes and lines up Daniel Bryan, ready to go for the LAST SHOT… BRYAN AVOIDS IT AND HITS A DRAGON SUPLEX BEFORE TRANSITIONING INTO A HEEL HOOK! Bryan wraps his whole body around the right leg of Adam Cole and wrenches it on tight as Adam Cole screams in pain… AND IS FORCED TO TAP OUT DUE TO THE PAIN!
Winner via submission and still Men’s Universal Champion: Daniel Bryan (17:02)
Daniel Bryan lets go of the hold and gets to his feet with a big smile on his face as he is passed the Men’s Universal title and holds it in the air to a huge pop from the live crowd. The commentary team gives Adam Cole credit for his performance tonight and he gets to his feet in the ring, struggling slightly due to the damage done to his right leg… AS DANIEL BRYAN OFFERS HIM HIS HAND FOR A HANDSHAKE! Adam Cole looks at it for a few seconds before shaking his head and leaving the ring to boos from the crowd.
Daniel Bryan shrugs his shoulders and goes back to celebrating his title retention over Adam Cole tonight. He carries on the celebration in the ring until there is a commotion in the ring when SETH ROLLINS CLOBBERS HIM FROM BEHIND! Bryan falls to the mat and drops the title in front of him as Seth runs off the ropes and PLANTS DANIEL BRYAN WITH A CURB STOMP ONTO THE UNIVERSAL TITLE TO LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD!
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to another video package for Deonna Purrazzo. We can see her eating at the fancy table and sipping a glass of wine. She has a smug smirk on her face and says she has done her scouting of the roster, ready to take apart whoever steps in her way. She confirms she will fight Mandy Rose on SmackDown next week and makes a comment that Mandy is too focused on her love life to prepare for someone like her. She finishes the package explaining what a virtuoso is, but it might be better for simple minds to be given a demonstration.
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We cut back to the ring as Braun Strowman stomps out with a microphone in hand and a scowl on his face. He steps into the ring, not wasting any time saying he missed WrestleMania 37 and now wants Jacob Fatu to come get these hands, promising to tear the United States title from his cold dead hands! Braun doesn’t have to wait long as Jacob Fatu storms out, pushing past The Usos as they try to calm him and he sprints to the ring, starting a wild brawl with Braun!
The two big men are throwing bombs at each other as Shawn Michaels soon comes out with a swarm of security behind him, as he points to the ring. They try to stop the duo, but these monsters soon toss them to the side, showing no sign of stopping to get their hands on each other. So, Shawn is forced to call for low-card wrestlers from the back, who finally get both under control. Shawn tells the duo that this stops right now and makes a United States title match for next week’s SmackDown Live!
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Fire and Desire standing backstage as Mandy Rose addresses Deonna Purrazzo. She makes a comment about her heart being for Otis, but that doesn’t mean her head isn’t focused on fighting Deonna Purrazzo next week. Mandy promises to show Deonna that no one on the SmackDown roster is to be taken lightly, whilst Sonya Deville nods in the background.
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Match 2: Karrion Kross w/Nathan Frazer vs Gran Metalik
Match summary: Kross enters this match in a foul mood, while Damian Priest joins commentary, telling Corey and Beth he'll leave the desk if Nathan interferes. Priest confirms he'll face Karrion Kross one-on-one at Armageddon. Metalik showcases his lucha libre skills during the bout and delivers an impressive performance, but Kross ultimately intercepts him before finishing with the Saito Suplex.
Winner via pinfall: Karrion Kross (5:28)
Karrion Kross has a smug look on his face as Nathan Frazer slides into the ring and raises the arm of the devil of the Church of Seth Rollins into the ring. The boos ring out, and the duo looks to attack Metalik after the match, but Damian Priest runs into the ring, taking care of the duo and sending them back. Neither member of the Church looks happy as they head to the back whilst Priest checks on Metalik.
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We then cut backstage, where Chad Gable gives Buddy Murphy a fist bump and promises to meet him outside. As Gable steps away, Kayla Braxton approaches Buddy Murphy for an interview, asking how he feels about being part of the Academy after WrestleMania. Suddenly, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA SNEAKS ATTACKS HIM! A quick attack focuses on Murphy's ankle before Nakamura flees as Gable returns. Clearly in pain, Murphy tells Gable they're still headed to the ring as the 1st hour ends.
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Match 3: WWE tag team titles: The Usos © vs Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Buddy Murphy)
Match summary: Alpha Academy makes their way out first as the challengers and Buddy walks to the ring with a slight limp due to the damage done to his right leg. The commentary mentions that the injury will be a flashing light for the tag team champions after what they have done to Dominik Mysterio and Tucker Knight earlier in the year. The Usos make their way out after with a cocky smirk on their faces and lift their tag team titles in the air, with Beth Phoenix wondering if the Bloodline paid Nakamura to attack Murphy before the commercial break.
Chad and Murphy start the match with a lot of fire, catching The Usos off-guard, using their skills as single wrestlers to take control of the match but the tag team champions soon show everyone why they are superior as a tag team. They isolate Buddy Murphy and start to work over the Aussie superstar to boos from the crowd, cutting off the ring and stopping Chad Gable from getting involved to stop them. The heat builds up but Murphy eventually escapes, bringing Gable back into the match.
Gable runs wild and even shows shades of his mentor Kurt Angle as he tosses around both Jimmy and Jey with a series of German suplexes. He comes close to victory for the tag team, going for the OLYMPIC SLAM BUT JEY KICKS OUT! Gable looks to the corner and considers tagging Murphy into the match again but chooses not to due to the damage done to his leg. This proves to be costly as Jey recovers and they hit the 1D to plant Gable. Jimmy takes care of Buddy Murphy and The Usos retain the WWE tag team titles!
Winners via pinfall and still WWE tag team champions: The Usos (10:08)
The crowd loudly boos as the WWE tag team titles remain within The Bloodline. Buddy Murphy looks annoyed but gets checked on by the medical team whilst Chad Gable rolls to the outside. The Usos carry on the celebration in the ring, but the crowd soon goes wild as The Mysterios run out to a loud pop from the fans! Father and son sprint to the ring wanting to get their hands on the tag team champions… BUT THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS QUICKLY BAIL!
The WWE tag team champions retreat up the entrance ramp, talking trash to the Mysterios in the ring when they are cut off by HEAVY MACHINERY! The powerhouses cut The Usos off and wipe them out with clotheslines before each picking up a Uso and slamming them down with a POWERBOMB ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP! They grab hold of the WWE tag team titles and lift them into the air, soaking in the cheers from the live crowd as they have a stare down with The Mysterios, who stand in the ring.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Heavy Machinery walking through the back, and Byron Saxton stops the former 2-time tag team champions for an interview. Byron asks Tucker Knight how it feels to be back and he says he would have loved to have been able to enjoy the time he got with his wife, but all he could think about were two things. The first was kicking The Usos’s ass and the second was seeing Otis face-to-face to ask why he tossed the towel in.
Otis stutters and says he was just trying to look after Tucky, but his friend shakes his head, telling Otis that he is a grown man and doesn’t need protecting. He tells Otis that he was pro him getting with Mandy, but he needs to know he is focused on getting the tag team titles back! Mandy Rose appears at this point and calms Tucker down, saying Otis has spent a lot of their dates talking about Tucky and getting revenge on The Usos. Tucker calms down and says sorry to Otis before sharing a hug with his best friend, whilst Mandy smiles in the background.
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We then cut to the ring as Keith Lee makes his way out, getting a pretty loud pop from the crowd, who are starting to really get behind Mr. Money in the Bank over the last few weeks. He gets into the ring with a microphone in one hand and the briefcase in the other. He takes the time to spend the first few moments of the promo, getting the crowd to pause and bask in his glory before announcing that he wants to speak about his friend, Dominik Dijakovic. He says he knows he has a big decision to make and he is here to support him…
THE O.C. COMES OUT AND INTERRUPTS KEITH LEE!?! The crowd loudly boos as Finn Balor leads the way with Jordan Devlin, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows following their leader. Finn says he is tired of the company's focus being on Keith Lee when it should be on him, as the leader of the O.C. The crowd boos, but Finn makes it clear that he is planning on getting back to the top of SmackDown and he sees Keith Lee as someone who is standing in his way!
Keith Lee remains unfazed even when The O.C. surrounds him and stands on the ring apron S.H.I.E.L.D. style! Finn Balor is about to carry on his speech, but Keith makes it clear he ain’t waiting and CLOBBERS KARL ANDERSON SENDING HIM TO THE RING FLOOR! The rest of the O.C. enters the ring and lays into him with a series of blows. Keith Lee fends them off at first, using his briefcase plus his size and power… UNTIL JORDAN DEVLIN HITS A LOW BLOW STUNNING KEITH LEE!
Keith falls to his knees and this allows The O.C. to overwhelm him. The Good Brothers grab hold of him and lift him off the mat, getting him in the air before SLAMMING HIM DOWN WITH THE MAGIC KILLER! Meanwhile, Finn Balor heads to the corner of the ring and lines up Keith Lee. Suddenly, AJ Styles, Big Cass, and Dominik Dijakovic all run out, evening the numbers game. The O.C. flees from the ring and heads into the crowd just as Shawn Michaels comes out. Michaels tells Devlin and Cass to stay out here, explaining that everyone else needs to go to the back since Devlin will fight Big Cass after the commercial break.
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Match 4: Big Cass vs Jordan Devlin
Match summary: When we return from the commercial break, Jordan Devlin is trying to use his speed to overcome the much bigger Big Cass. However, the big man controls the match, giving Devlin a bit of a beating to the delight of the live crowd. As Devlin tries to get back into the match, with no one to help him at ringside, Big Cass proves too much for the Irish superstar and finishes him off with the 7 '0 BOOT into the EAST RIVER CROSSING!
Winner via pinfall: Big Cass (5:37)
Big Cass gets back to his feet and celebrates the victory with a smile on his face, whilst Jordan Devlin rolls out of the ring looking to get away from the giant 7-footer! The crowd carries on the celebrations before we cut elsewhere.
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We see Shinsuke Nakamura backstage talking to Zelina Vega with a big smile on their face and they seem to be sharing a massive wad of cash between them when Dominik Dijakovic walks up to them. Shinsuke hides the money, but Dijakovic makes it clear he doesn’t care about Nakamura’s ill-gotten gains doing the Bloodline’s dirty work because he has made the decision to leave the Ungovernables. The crowd watching in the arena starts to cheer as Zelina looks furious!
Zelina glares at Dijakovic and snaps, "You can’t just walk away!" Dijakovic folds his arms. "Or what? What are you going to do?" Nakamura steps forward, says flatly, "Show some respect to Zelina." Dijakovic hesitates, then blasts Nakamura with a punch. With Nakamura down, Dijakovic turns to Zelina: "Thanks for everything, but it’s my turn now. Nakamura, I want you next week on SmackDown."
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When we return from the commercial break, Kevin Owens makes his way out, getting loud cheers from the live crowd, but he looks noticeably pissed off. He doesn’t waste any time once inside the ring and demands Bray Wyatt come out instead of hiding in his funhouse. At first, there is no sign of Bray Wyatt further angering Owens but eventually Bray appears on the titantron, starting up the Funhouse. Bray tries to do the usual opening to the funhouse but Owens cuts him off, saying that's enough!
Owens says he is not here for games from Bray and wants a fight. Bray starts to laugh and asks why Kevin is against fun, asking if he stopped his son from watching shows when he was young. Owens demands that Bray keep his son’s name out of his mouth, but Bray chuckles and holds a hand over his mouth. Bray tells Owens that if he wants to fight the fiend he will see him at Armageddon, but it will be his own personal hell! Kevin Owens is left angry in the ring as the segment comes to an end!
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When we return from the commercial break, Mercedes Martinez comes out of the gym, where she is stopped for an interview by Kayla Braxton. Kayla welcomes her to SmackDown and wonders what her plan is. Mercedes keeps it short and sweet saying she came here to fight and she will fight her way into a rematch with Conti for the WWE Women’s title. They are soon interrupted by the House of Couture who mock Mercedes’s fashion sense. She rolls her eyes and challenges them to a fight, leading Jinny to volunteer Amale. She says something in French before they walk off, as Mercedes says badass is the same in any language.
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Match 5: Franky Monet vs Carmella
Match summary: Franky comes into this match in an aggressive fashion and looks to get some payback on Carmella for injuring her tag team partner, Dana Brooke. Carmella though, is thinking through her moves in a much more logical fashion compared to Franky’s aggressive start. Carmella takes control of the match and connects with a PRINCESS KICK to defeat Monet!
Winner via pinfall: Carmella (4:21)
Carmella gets back to her feet and celebrates the victory with a smile on her face, whilst Franky Monet looks furious that she came up short tonight. The commentary team puts over Carmella (especially Corey) and she carries on the celebration at the top of the entrance ramp.
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We cut to the backstage area as The Mysterios are interviewed by Byron Saxton, who welcomes Dominik Mysterio and welcomes him back to SmackDown Live. Dom says it is good to be back and he knows how worried his dad was about him but now he has come back for one thing: to win the tag team titles from The Usos with his dad! Rey nods and says that he tried to get revenge with Edge, but doing it with his son will mean so much more. The Mysterios show respect to Heavy Machinery, but they make it clear they will take down anyone who stands in the way of bringing the Usos down!
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We return from the final commercial break of the show ahead of the main event with Taynara Conti, the WWE Women’s Champion, making her way to the commentary desk. She talks about being happy to fight anyone and looks forward to putting the title on the line at Armageddon. When Naomi makes her way out, she mentions not liking how the Bloodline goes about business, but she is a 2-time former champion. Belair comes out next and Conti is full of praise for Belair, saying she feels if anyone right now is worthy of a title shot against her, it is the E.S.T!
Main event: Number one contender’s match for WWE Women’s title: Bianca Belair vs Naomi
Match summary: Early on in the match, Naomi is trying to hit Belair with hard strikes but Belair hits her back harder, dropping Naomi. Conti on commentary says Belair is one of the strongest people on the roster, period and not someone you want to try to overpower. Naomi gets back into the match using the ponytail of Belair to cut her off, which gets loud boos from the crowd. Conti shakes her head and points out that this is the kind of trick she hates from the Bloodline.
Naomi works over Belair and tries to get her to tap out, but Belair stays strong to fight back and control the match as we head towards the closing stages. Belair gets Naomi up for the K.O.D… BUT NAOMI FIGHTS OUT AND PUSHES BELAIR INTO THE REFEREE! This knocks down the referee and allows EMBER MOON TO GET OUT FROM UNDER THE RING AND HIT BELAIR WITH THE MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE! She ducks out of view and Naomi follows it up with a SPILT-LEGGED MOONSAULT! She wakes up the referee and picks up the victory, advancing to Armageddon!
Winner via pinfall: Naomi (9:02)
Naomi gets to her feet and celebrates the victory as the camera catches Ember Moon sitting by the ring apron, clutching her briefcase as she laughs like a maniac. Taynara Conti says she is ready for a fight at Armageddon but right now, she thinks it is time to take care of something. She drops the headset onto the commentary desk and sprints around the ring as she attacks Ember Moon! The WWE Women’s Champion lays into Ember, who retreats in the ring…
NAOMI CHEAPS SHOTS THE CHAMPION! Boos from the crowd but Naomi lays into Conti, prompting a smirk from Ember Moon who slides into the ring and makes sure Bianca Belair can’t get involved as she clobbers her with the briefcase! Naomi and Ember work together to keep the faces down before standing tall in the middle of the ring. Ember looks at the champion and her briefcase for a moment but sees Naomi glaring at her, so she doesn’t for now as SmackDown Live comes to a close.
Matches confirmed for next week:
United States title match
Jacob Fatu © vs Braun Strowman
Debut match
Deonna Purrazzo vs Mandy Rose
Singles match
Dominik Dijakovic vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Singles match
Mercedes Martinez vs Amale
Armageddon
Newmark, New Jersey
May 9th 2021
BRING ME THE HORIZON – OBEY
Men’s Universal title match
Daniel Bryan © vs Seth Rollins
WWE Women’s title match
Taynara Conti © vs Naomi
Singles match
Bray “The Fiend” Wyatt vs Kevin Owens
Singles match
Damian Priest vs Karrion Kross
SmackDown EWR Rating:
64%
Main event:
Jinder Mahal defeated Mark Andrews via pinfall (6:00)
Xia Li defeated Billie Kay via pinfall (6:06)
James Storm defeated Akira Tozawa via pinfall (5:09)
Mia Yim defeated Isla Dawn via pinfall (7:35)
Main event: Daniel Garcia defeated Noam Dar via submission (12:33)
End of the week news update:
Adam Cole has not been called up to SmackDown Live
Adam Cole appeared on SmackDown Live this week to answer his open challenge and some people have speculated that this might be a call-up for the former NXT and North American Champion. We have confirmed it is not the case and more of a teaser for the fans, plus a way to sell the idea of going to the main roster to Adam Cole during ongoing contract negotiations. A lot of people speculate he might go to AEW, but WWE is looking to keep one of their top next stars.
