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Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Welcome to the English version of Solowrestling Read more
Today we will once again enjoy a new live coverage of WWE SmackDown, which this time will be broadcast live from the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The show will feature a new appearance by Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, protagonists of the main rivalry of the blue brand. In addition, the company has also confirmed the presence of Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre.
As for the matches, WWE has confirmed a one-on-one between Rhea Ripley and Michin, and a tag team match that will pit Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss against Lyra Valkyria and Bayley. As always, we invite you to comment on the article to give your opinion on what happens on this week's blue brand show.
WWE SmackDown starts on Netflix!
We see the arrival of some of tonight's protagonists at the venue: Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, Michin, B-Fab, Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria.
A video summary is shown of the segment starring Cody Rhodes and Stephanie McMahon on WWE Raw.
Randy Orton is in charge of opening tonight's show. The fans welcome him with a great ovation. "The Viper" heads to the ring, where he asks for a microphone. "Randy, Randy!" chant the fans. "Well, St. Louis, Missouri, what do you want to talk about?" he asks mockingly. Orton is in his home. This is the city where he was raised. And the next time the fans see him here will be with the fifteenth world championship in his possession. Randy makes it clear that he is not doing this for the city, but for himself and his family, promising to leave the grand event with the gold around his waist. Cody Rhodes, on the other hand, won't be able to do anything to prevent the inevitable: returning home empty-handed.
"Cody gave me his blessing. Cody gave me the green light. There's nothing personal between him and me. He told me I could be The Viper. He said I could do whatever it takes to be the best version of myself. Cody said I could listen to the voices and that I wouldn't have a problem with it. But Cody, I know the voices also speak to you. I saw you on Monday Night Raw. I saw you at the Garden. I saw you in the ring with the one and only Stephanie McMahon. And she wasn't lying to you. No, she wasn't. What she told you is true. When she told you that you couldn't beat me, she wasn't lying to you. And the voices in your head are telling you the same thing, and I know it. They're telling you that you can't beat me, because Cody Rhodes, you're not a killer. What you have awakened in me, there's no way to put it back to sleep," he says.
Cody Rhodes makes his entrance!
A determined Rhodes enters the ring to start an exchange of attacks with Randy. Cody takes the lead, cornering "The Viper" in one of the corners, where he unleashes a flurry of punches. Suddenly, someone bursts into the ring. It's Pat McAfee. Rhodes approaches him, only to receive a low blow!
McAfee continues to hit Cody. Meanwhile, Randy gets out of the ring to look for a metal chair. Pat grabs a microphone to address the fans. Nick Aldis appears on the scene with several officials, but McAfee and Orton prevent them from entering the ring. Pat knows that everyone is wondering why he just kicked the champion in the balls. McAfee recalls that a month ago they asked him when he would return to WWE. At that moment, he admitted that professional wrestling had overwhelmed him. "I couldn't see the business I had loved since I was a child. I thought it was a load of crap," he says. Meanwhile, Orton hits Cody with the chair.
McAfee reveals how a conversation with Orton, who explained to him that the industry hadn't overwhelmed him. It was just going in a different direction. One that neither of them liked. That's when they thought of the fans of the Attitude Era who had been forgotten. The same ones who propelled this company into a multimillion-dollar universe. They have forgotten all of them. "Why when I turn on WWE's TV programming do I have to see two 5'5" guys fighting in a meaningless Ironman Match when Randy Orton is here? Why when I turn on Netflix do I have to see those idiots from the Gorilla Position episode after episode after episode when Randy Orton is here? For some reason, tickets for WrestleMania are still available when Randy Orton is here. And then we have the last episode of SmackDown, the worst-rated of all time, which has a puppet as champion. A man who represents everything we hate," says Pat as Orton punishes Cody with the ropes.
"What I'm saying, Cody, is that I was the one talking to Randy Orton on the phone to tell him he had to end absolutely everything. And it's not just for the fifteenth world championship. It's because the business you're leading is terrible. He will save the damn business!", exclaims McAfee before throwing the mic at Rhodes. Orton lies on the canvas to say something in Cody's ear. After that, he leaves the ring with Pat. The officials can finally approach the champion to attend to him. Orton and McAfee go through the Gorilla Position. Pat looks at those present with a threatening look before continuing on his way with Randy.
Randy Orton and Pat McAfee continue their way to the parking lot as they congratulate each other. "Mission accomplished," says McAfee. Orton thanks him for the calls and for telling him exactly what he needed to hear. After that, he gets into Pat's car. "We have to remind people that this is about the G.O.A.T., about taking the place of the G.O.A.T., to save the business", says McAfee before getting into the vehicle. Pat starts the car to leave the venue.
Rhea Ripley vs. Michin (with B-Fab)
Ripley dodges Michin's initial attack to respond with a big boot. The Australian unleashes a rain of corner spears on Michin in one of the corners. Rhea repeats the operation in the opposite corner. Ripley traps Michin to execute a Fallaway Slam. At that moment, Jade Cargill appears on the scene. Rhea turns towards her while applying a second Fallaway Slam to Michin. After that, she approaches the ropes to challenge "The Storm" to enter the ring. Michin takes advantage of the distraction to surprise "Mami" with a release german suplex.
Michin continues to hit Rhea. She tries to recover, but her opponent knocks her down with a clothesline. Michin expels the Australian from the ring. Michin tries to go after her, but the referee stops her. Both women argue. B-Fab and Jade take advantage to hit "Mami". The action returns to the ring, where Michin traps Ripley in a painful submission hold. Michin immobilizes Ripley in one of the corners. "Come on, Rhea!" Michin exclaims mockingly.
Michin punishes Rhea in the ropes area, forcing the referee to intervene. Ripley tries to counterattack, but Michin knocks her down with a dropkick. 1..2..NO. Michin kicks the Australian before catching her in a Guillotine Choke. "Rhea, Rhea!" chant the fans. Ripley reverses the hold into a suplex. Both women are left lying on the canvas. Rhea and Michin exchange attacks in the center of the ring. Ripley takes the lead to launch an offensive that ends with a direct dropkick to the face.
Michin blocks a Fallaway Slam to execute a headbutt. Ripley responds in the same way. After that, the Australian executes a Razor's Edge, followed by a Shinning Wizard. 1..2..NO. Michin blocks a Riptide to kick the Australian. Now it's Ripley who dodges a corner cannonball. Rhea kicks Michin in the face before loading her on her shoulders. Michin escapes with a poisonrana before applying an Eat The Feet. 1..2..NO. Michin traps Ripley with the aim of finishing her, but her opponent frees herself with a body drop. Rhea traps Michin in a Prism Trap. Michin screams in pain. Unable to free herself, she opts to surrender.
Winner by submission: Rhea Ripley
Ripley refuses to release her opponent. B-Fab enters the ring to attack the Australian from behind. Rhea dodges a spinning kick from B-Fab to knock her down with a headbutt. Jade climbs onto the apron. Ripley turns towards her, a moment that Michin takes advantage of to surprise her with a chop block. Cargill, B-Fab, and Michin launch a three-on-one assault on the Australian. Suddenly, IYO SKY appears on the scene! The Japanese woman bursts into the ring to help Rhea. Together, they manage to get rid of the heels. IYO and Rhea hug in the ring while Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab retreat backstage.
Aleister Black and Zelina approach Matt Cardona in the infirmary. Black believes that Cardona should have listened to them last week. The Dutchman explains that Randy Orton hasn't changed. He has simply returned to who he used to be. "It's as if the universe is right again," he says. Zelina, on the other hand, believes that the only person who still doesn't accept this fact is Cardona himself. He makes it clear that he is not willing to play along. That's why he directly challenges Aleister to a match later tonight. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're a big fan of making bad decisions, Matt Cardona", says Aleister before leaving with his wife.
Solo Sikoa meets with his MFT teammates. Clutching The Wyatt Sicks lantern, Sikoa recalls that Uncle Howdy challenged him to a one-on-one tonight. Solo believes it's time to deal with this problem once and for all. That's why he asks one of his men to step forward. Tama Tonga doesn't understand why they should protect that lantern at all costs, especially knowing that it has brought them nothing but trouble, particularly to Solo. Surprised by Tama's response, Sikoa decides that he will be the one to face Uncle Howdy tonight. Tama has no problem with that, but he will do it alone. "Okay, but one thing, before you do it: don't mess it up," says Sikoa. Tama heads to the ring. And so we come to the end of this segment.
A sore Rhea Ripley thanks IYO SKY for her help tonight. Cathy Kelley approaches them to interview the Australian. Rhea points out that Jade Cargill has shown week after week that she can't handle this situation on her own. What "The Storm" didn't know is that she had a backup plan. That said, she states that Jade has followers, while she has friends. SKY makes it clear that she will always support Ripley, no matter what. Rhea states that she will also support the Japanese woman. Together, they are unstoppable, and that's why she will leave WrestleMania 42 as the new WWE Women's Champion. Rhea and SKY leave to end the interview.
Tama Tonga vs. Uncle Howdy
Uncle Howdy and Tama observe each other in silence before starting the fight. Uncle Howdy corners Tama in one of the corners to unleash a rain of attacks. Tama recovers to respond harshly in the ropes area. Tama applies a Rope Guillotine to Uncle Howdy. He seeks refuge at ringside to catch his breath.
Tama goes after Uncle Howdy to continue hitting him. Tama hits his opponent against the metal stairs, the apron, and the audience barrier. Tama patiently waits for his opponent to stand up to hit him with a diving clothesline using the metal stairs as an improvised trampoline. Tama takes Uncle Howdy back into the ring to continue punishing him.
Tama traps Uncle Howdy in a painful submission hold. Uncle Howdy manages to escape to unleash a rain of elbows on his opponent in one of the corners. Tama stops his opponent's momentum with a clothesline. Tama takes his opponent to one of the corners to unleash a barrage of kicks. Uncle Howdy stops a new attack from Tama to trap him in a Mandible Claw. Tama tries to escape, but it's impossible for him.
Solo Sikoa appears on the scene with the lantern to distract Uncle Howdy, who releases Tama. He hits Uncle Howdy from behind, causing him to fall onto the second rope. Solo tries to attack Uncle Howdy with the lantern, but the referee doesn't allow it. Tama approaches the ropes to reprimand Sikoa for breaking his promise. Uncle Howdy takes advantage of the situation to surprise Tama, to whom he applies a Sister Abigail. 1..2..3.
Winner: Uncle Howdy
Tama continues arguing with Uncle Howdy. "¡I was trying to help you!", says Solo. "¡You're not helping anyone!", exclaims Tama before grabbing the lantern. However, Sikoa holds onto it. "¿What are you doing?", asks Solo. "¡Give it to me! You don't need it!", replies Tama. Sikoa finally stops struggling. Tama places the lantern on the apron and turns toward his leader. Uncle Howdy approaches the lantern. Desperate, Solo tries to retrieve it, but Tama prevents him. Uncle Howdy picks up the lantern and heads back to backstage. "¡Leave it!", exclaims Tama while keeping his hand on Sikoa's chest. He looks at his partner’s hand as the segment comes to an end.
Kit Wilson talks with The Miz backstage. Wilson believes he is under a curse, as very strange things have happened to him this week. First, he helped a lady with her luggage on the plane, but she hadn’t asked for it. Then his stomach growled at the gym, which was very unpleasant. The Miz interrupts him, making it clear that they are not cursed. Suddenly, they run into R-Truth, who is still busy designing the new "clubhouse" for The Judgment Day. R-Truth knows that Wilson and The Miz want to join his faction, but there is no room for more members. The Miz scolds R-Truth for not taking things seriously. For once, he would like him to inspire someone. "I challenge you," says The Miz. "Challenge accepted," replies R-Truth. He agrees to put the Tag Team Championships on the line tonight against them. With that said, he heads to Nick Aldis’ office to make it official. "¿Did we just get a title opportunity?", asks a surprised Wilson. "Yes... Yes... Master. Inspire. Zone In," responds The Miz as he fist-bumps his partner.
Jacob Fatu delivers a video promo to address Drew McIntyre. The Samoan points out that his life has been a nonstop roller coaster. He went from the streets to prison, from the independent circuit to WWE. Fatu has had to adapt at all times to the environment he had to navigate. "It's not about who is wrong. It's not about who is right. It's about survival. Let’s be honest. Every decision I’ve made, every day I spent locked up, has brought me here to this moment. Because in this match there are no rules. There is no one to stop me. There is no one who can interfere. And, of course, there is no one who can tell me what I can or cannot do to you. Very well, Drew, at WrestleMania, you will be in my world," he says.
Sami Zayn approaches Nick Aldis backstage. The Canadian thanks the General Manager for including him in the WrestleMania card. That said, he notes that he is about to go out for his celebration. Aldis confirms that they have pyrotechnics ready for him. Sami apologizes for his attitude last week. Aldis doesn’t think he needs to apologize. Nick didn’t have a spot for Sami, but he did what he does best and earned it himself. "Now go out there and talk to those people," says the Brit. Sami starts walking when suddenly Trick Williams’ entrance music is heard.
Trick Williams makes his entrance alongside Lil Yachty.
"Whoop that Trick!", chant the fans, fired up by the musician. Trick takes the mic to explain the reason that brought him to the ring tonight, which is none other than to celebrate his upcoming WrestleMania debut. That’s why he has come with his good friend. Williams reveals to the fans that he has known Yachty for a long time, so he would like him to be by his side at the grand event. The musician gladly accepts. Trick is confident in his victory at WrestleMania. So much so that he even wants to show the fans a preview of what will happen at the big event. Yachty asks what it is about. "I’m going to give you a little preview, when I climb to the top rope and tell them to hit Sami Zayn’s pyrotechnics, because Trick Williams runs SmackDown", he says while spreading his arms atop one of the turnbuckles. Fireworks echo throughout the arena.
¡Sami Zayn storms onto the scene!
Sami believes Williams is getting ahead of himself. He has his celebration planned, but it seems he’s overlooking something: at WrestleMania he will face one of the best. Zayn promises that he will humiliate Trick on the grandest stage of them all. Williams interrupts the Canadian, pointing out that he has forgotten something very important: Sami will be at WrestleMania thanks to him.
¡Carmelo Hayes interrupts the segment!
Hayes enters the ring. Carmelo points out that he couldn’t stay backstage and let this continue to unfold this way. Melo reminds Trick that they share a long history together, promising him that he will get his revenge for what happened last week in due time. "And I know the perfect place to do it," he says. Carmelo turns to Sami to remind him that he carried the weight of the championship over the last three months, only for the Canadian to now defend it at WrestleMania. Carmelo is convinced that Zayn won’t be able to do it as well as he did. "Sami, do me a favor. Listen to these people. They’re telling you right now. 'We don’t want Sami Zayn, we want Melo'", he says. "¡We want Melo!", chants the crowd. "Sami, listen to these people. Give them what they want. I’m not asking you. I’m telling you. Give me my rematch!", exclaims Hayes.
Zayn acknowledges Carmelo’s good work as champion. However, he can’t give him what he wants, as his title defense against Williams is already official. That’s why he suggests he wait until after WrestleMania. Nevertheless, he admits that Williams’ interference last week influenced the result, and that’s something that doesn’t sit right with him. Hayes insists that he do the right thing. "¡Melo, Melo!", chant the fans. Zayn looks at the large WrestleMania sign. Williams impatiently checks his watch. Finally, Sami approaches Hayes. "Alright, you got it!", he exclaims. Sami informs him that he will have his rematch tonight. The fans go wild. Satisfied, Hayes heads back to backstage. "Hey, gingerbread man. We could’ve saved five minutes if you had said that from the beginning", says Trick. Furious, Zayn knocks him out of the ring with a clothesline. Zayn approaches Yachty in a threatening manner, prompting the musician to leave the ring. Sami shouts at Trick from the ropes area as the segment comes to an end.
Solo Sikoa argues with Tama Tonga in front of their MFT teammates backstage. Sikoa still doesn’t understand why Tama handed the lantern to Uncle Howdy. "I had to do it! That stupid lantern was tearing us apart!", exclaims Tama. He points out that it was necessary so the faction can refocus on its goals: taking over SmackDown and all the championships. Solo agrees with his partner. First, they will finish off The Wyatt Sicks once and for all, and then they will reclaim their titles. "¿Everything good?", asks Sikoa. "Everything good," replies Tama. Solo turns around, giving his back to his teammates. Meanwhile, Tama looks at JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, and Tonga Loa, who remain silent.
Aleister Black (with Zelina) vs. Matt Cardona
Aleister tries to trap Matt in a submission hold. Cardona blocks it and responds with an armdrag. Matt keeps attacking the Dutchman despite the pain in his left hand (the same one Randy Orton injured a couple of weeks ago). Aleister insists on locking in a hold, but his opponent escapes and sends him out of the ring. Matt goes after him to bring him back inside the squared circle. Zelina sits on the apron to distract Cardona. Aleister takes advantage and knocks him down with a kick.
Black focuses his attack on Matt’s injured hand before bringing him back into the ring. The Dutchman executes a snap suplex. 1..2..NO. Aleister punishes Matt’s hand using the ropes. Cardona throws his opponent out of the ring to break free. Aleister returns to regain control. Black delivers a Penalty Kick to Matt. 1..2..NO. Aleister traps Cardona’s right arm in a painful submission hold.
Matt escapes and takes down Black with a powerbomb. Cardona continues his offense against the European. He tries to respond with a suplex, but Matt counters it into a neckbreaker. Cardona hits a Broski Boot. 1..2..NO. The action moves to one of the corners. Matt blocks a superplex and delivers a facebuster from the second rope. He then follows up with a diving dropkick. Black avoids another Broski Boot and responds with a suplex. Matt escapes another submission attempt and starts exchanging attacks with his opponent, who surprises him with an unexpected Black Mass. 1..2..3.
Winner: Aleister Black
Cathy Kelley interviews Bayley and Lyra Valkyria backstage. Bayley acknowledges the importance of her participation in WrestleMania 42 after what happened last year. That’s why she promises they will win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. But before that, she wants to show Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair a preview of what awaits them at the grand event. Lyra, for her part, states that the friendship between Bliss and Flair is superficial compared to the one she shares with Bayley, assuring that those two wouldn’t still be together if they had gone through what they did. For this reason, WrestleMania 42 goes beyond friendship or winning gold. It’s about overcoming what happened last year and making everything they’ve been through this year worth it.
We see a video recap of the rivalry between Oba Femi and Brock Lesnar on WWE Raw.
R-Truth talks with Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae backstage. R-Truth informs them that Nick Aldis doesn’t like being interrupted while working. That said, he admits he thought Gargano was dead. Candice assures him that he’s very much alive and that tomorrow night he will win the NXT North American Championship. "Tomorrow night, Johnny Wrestling returns. The best is yet to come", says Gargano before leaving with his wife.
Damian Priest approaches R-Truth to ask him about his title defense tonight. He doesn’t understand why he chose The Miz and Kit Wilson as opponents when SmackDown is full of great teams. "It’s easy, man. They’re cursed. Asuka cursed them last week", says R-Truth. "Asuka is on Raw," says Priest. "¿Then who is the girl running around here with face paint?", asks R-Truth. "¿You mean Danhausen?", asks Priest. "It’s Asuka. I saw her," insists R-Truth. Damian still doesn’t understand anything. R-Truth assures him that beating The Miz and Wilson in their current state will be like taking candy from a baby. "Look, cursed or not, something bad is going to happen to those guys. I’m going to get ready," says the Puerto Rican before leaving. "¡Watch out for Asuka!", shouts his partner.
Drew McIntyre delivers a video promo in response to Jacob Fatu. McIntyre says everything was set for his big night. Finally, his family would see him leave WrestleMania as the Undisputed WWE Champion. But once again, someone stole that moment from him. This time it was Fatu. The Scotsman has heard the Samoan’s promo and can assure that everything he says is a lie. Jacob is still a criminal and will never change. Drew promises that next week he will expose him to the world.
Tag Team Match
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley
All four women go on the attack as soon as the bell rings. Valkyria and Flair fight in the ring while Bayley and Bliss take the action to ringside. Lyra surprises Charlotte with a spinning kick. 1..2..NO. Flair takes the Irishwoman to her corner, where she strikes her. Alexa gets the tag and executes a tornado DDT. Bliss and Flair take turns attacking Lyra.
Alexa traps Valkyria in a grounded headlock. The Irishwoman throws several punches to break free, but Bliss quickly takes her back down to the mat. Alexa punishes Lyra using the ropes before tagging Charlotte. She delivers several chops to the Irishwoman before attacking Bayley in her own corner. Flair locks Valkyria in a headscissors and repeatedly slams her against the mat.
Lyra avoids a rolling senton from Bliss, who crashes onto the mat. Charlotte tries to stop the Irishwoman from reaching her corner. Lyra fends off both women and tags in Bayley, who enters with momentum. Bayley unleashes a flurry of attacks on Flair in one of the corners before hitting a sunset flip powerbomb. 1..2..NO. Flair grabs the bottom rope to break the count.
Bayley climbs one of the corners. Charlotte quickly follows. The two exchange strikes. Valkyria helps Bayley get rid of Flair before knocking Alexa onto the apron. Bayley hits a diving dropkick on "The Queen". 1..2..NO. Bayley lifts Charlotte onto her shoulders to combine with Lyra. Together they execute a samoan drop + diving neckbreaker combo on Flair. Valkyria goes for the cover. 1..2..NO.
Flair surprises Lyra with a Figure Eight Lock. Bayley kicks Charlotte to free her partner. Alexa surprises Bayley with a Shotgun dropkick. Bliss dives onto Lyra, but she catches her mid-air. Alexa escapes and goes for a Sister Abigail. Bayley intervenes, only to be hit by a big boot from Charlotte. Meanwhile, Bliss knocks out Lyra with a right hand. Flair and Alexa hit simultaneous Natural Selection on their opponents. Bliss covers Valkyria. 1..2..3.
Winners: Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss
Nia Jax and Lash Legend storm the ring to attack all four women. Legend crushes Lyra with a splash. Meanwhile, Nia takes out Bayley and Charlotte with a double clothesline at ringside. Jax brings Bayley back into the ring so Lash can hit her with a pump kick. Nia and Legend crush Lyra and Alexa in opposite corners. Then Lash locks Bayley in a bear hug, holding her in place for Nia to deliver a diving legdrop. The Irresistible Forces pose with their tag team championships to close the segment.
Kit Wilson and The Miz talk backstage. The Miz insists that there is no curse on them. Otherwise, why would they have a title opportunity tonight? Danhausen appears behind them holding a jar full of teeth. The Miz asks what he’s doing there. Danhausen says he will accompany them to the ring. Wilson makes it clear that won’t happen before calling him toxic. Danhausen insists, stating that he can remove the curse once they’re in the ring, allowing them to win the tag team titles. Kit seems interested, but The Miz refuses, insisting curses don’t exist. "Stay away from the ring or I’ll make your life a living hell, because when we win the tag team titles tonight, you can shove that curse up your...", says The Miz before realizing Danhausen has already disappeared.
We see Sexyy Red in the front row.
WWE Tag Team Championship Match
Damian Priest and R-Truth (c) vs. The Miz and Kit Wilson
Wilson surprises R-Truth from behind as soon as the bell rings. The Brit continues attacking him as he takes him to his corner. The Miz gets the tag to continue the assault. R-Truth recovers and imitates John Cena. R-Truth prepares to hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but The Miz takes advantage and pokes him directly in the eyes. R-Truth falls to ringside, where Kit quickly attacks him.
The Miz goes after R-Truth and slams him against the edge of the apron. The Miz brings him back into the ring to keep punishing him. The Miz and Wilson hit a stereo corner clothesline on R-Truth. He tries to reach his corner, but Kit stops him with an uppercut. Wilson uses the ropes to attack R-Truth, forcing the referee to intervene. The Miz takes advantage to hit R-Truth with a Rope Guillotine.
The Miz and Kit double-team R-Truth before posing. The Miz locks R-Truth in a headlock. R-Truth blocks a Skull Crushing Finale and tags in Damian. He enters with force. Priest takes on both opponents at once. Damian hits an Old School + diving crossbody on The Miz. Priest follows up with a powerful clothesline. 1..2..NO. Kit breaks the count. Priest throws the Brit out of the ring and hits him with a diving clothesline. Meanwhile, R-Truth and The Miz take each other out with a double clothesline.
¡Danhausen appears!
Danhausen stands in the challengers’ corner asking for the tag from The Miz. He orders him to leave. The Miz demands the referee throw him out. Meanwhile, R-Truth recovers and tags in Danhausen. The fans go wild. A furious The Miz tells him to leave. "¡You... are... cursed!", exclaims Danhausen. However, The Miz hides behind the referee so he receives the curse instead.
The Miz grabs Danhausen, ready to hit a Skull Crushing Finale, when the arena lights go out. When the lights return, Danhausen is already running up the entrance ramp. The Miz surprises R-Truth with a Skull Crushing Finale. 1..2.. ¡The referee pulls a muscle and can’t complete the count! Damian gets the tag while The Miz argues with the official. Priest surprises The Miz and hits a South of Heaven. 1..2..3.
Winners and STILL WWE Tag Team Champions: Damian Priest and R-Truth
¡Cody Rhodes appears on the scene to attack Kit with a Cross Rhodes!
Furious, Cody grabs a microphone to address Pat McAfee. Rhodes admits he was surprised to learn it was him talking to Randy Orton. "¡It’s like Scott Hall and Kevin Nash talking about the third member of NWA, and instead of choosing Hulk Hogan they pick Disco Inferno!", he exclaims. "¡Pat, you bum, drifter, Logan Paul without back muscles! You’re going to get what’s coming to you! You’re a former NFL punter, but Pat, you and anyone who represents you—and I know what I’m talking about—can kiss my ass!"
Rhodes now turns his attention to Orton, his mentor, his hero. "When John Cena was the angel on my shoulder, he was the devil," he says. Cody has listened carefully to the words of Stephanie McMahon, a woman he respects greatly. And she told him that he needs to become a bad guy to defeat Randy. But he doesn’t know if he can do it. Rhodes recalls that he has fought at WrestleMania against Roman Reigns, The Rock, and John Cena. "¡And make no mistake about it, because they were also fighting me!", he exclaims. "It’s as simple as this. It’s a wrestling match with twenty years of history between two of the best wrestlers. And now I hear it. I do. Now I’m finally hearing the voices in my head... but you won’t want to hear what they have to say", Cody says before throwing the mic to the mat. Rhodes heads backstage to end the segment.
Trick Williams and Lil Yachty join the commentary table for the night’s main event.
United States Championship Match
Sami Zayn vs. Carmelo Hayes
Both men lock up. Sami corners Carmelo in one of the turnbuckles. The referee orders him to back away. The match continues at a fast pace. Melo surprises Zayn with a dropkick. Hayes delivers several chops to the champion in the corner. Sami responds in kind. Zayn begins unleashing a flurry of punches. Hayes escapes and fires back in the same fashion.
Sami hits a clothesline on Carmelo to regain control. Zayn tries to continue his offense, but the challenger surprises him with a springboard clothesline. Hayes traps Sami on the ropes to deliver a springboard legdrop. Zayn ends up at ringside, where he is hit by a tope from Carmelo. He appears to have hurt his left leg on the landing.
Hayes limps back into the ring, where he delivers several chops to his opponent. Sami kicks the challenger to take control again. The fans boo. Zayn continues attacking Hayes. He tries to recover, but ends up taking a tornado DDT. 1..2..NO. Sami unleashes a barrage of offense on Melo in the corner. Zayn lands a painful chop on the challenger, who falls to the mat.
Carmelo gets back up to launch a counteroffensive. Hayes surprises Sami with a tilt-a-whirl facebuster. 1..2..NO. Zayn blocks a facebreaker and looks for an Exploder Suplex, but Hayes counters into a roll-up. 1..2..NO. Sami finally hits Hayes with an Exploder Suplex. The Canadian sets up for a Helluva Kick, but the challenger stops him with a superkick. He then follows up with a frog splash. 1...2...NO. Zayn immediately surprises his opponent with a roll-up. 1..2..NO.
Carmelo throws several elbows to block a Blue Thunder Bomb. Hayes surprises Sami with a facebreaker. Hayes goes for a Nothing But Net, but Sami avoids it. Melo injures his leg upon landing on the mat. Zayn prepares to hit his Helluva Kick, but the referee stops him. The official checks on Melo in the corner. Sami ignores the referee’s orders and delivers a Helluva Kick to a defenseless Hayes. 1..2..3.
Winner and STILL United States Champion: Sami Zayn
Lil Yachty and Trick Williams enter the ring. Yachty congratulates Sami on his victory tonight, which means that at WrestleMania the United States Championship will feature "the man of the moment, the hottest thing going, the coolest, Trick Williams versus the gingerbread man." Annoyed, Sami approaches the musician in a threatening manner, causing him to back away. Trick takes advantage to attack the champion from behind. Yachty restrains Zayn so Williams can knock him out with a Trick Shot. The musician picks up the United States Championship and hands it to Williams, who proudly poses with it. Trick drops the title onto its rightful owner before posing alongside Yachty on one of the turnbuckles. The fans chant "Whoop that Trick!". And with that, we reach the end of this week’s show.
