I didn’t expect to see Jimmy Uso tonight after he broke his big toe at War Games, but I’m glad he’s here regardless. He was simply telling us that he’s proud of what Jey, Solo and Roman have accomplished during their run in WWE, but he also came to the realization that he’s presence isn’t as skyrocketing as the rest of his family, with fans asking what’s next for him? The answer: he doesn’t know, but he’ll do it when he gets there. It’s an optimistic upcoming year for him with potential Royal Rumble dreams, US Championship opportunities as well as the Undisputed Championship.
All that was great, but Drew McIntyre was still on his quest to annihilate everyone who stood by CM Punk’s side at Survivor Series because he’s what? Say it with me now. Bitter! Yes, that’s right. He took out my boys Sami and Jey within the past two Mondays.
Elsewhere, Tiffany Stratton was getting ready for her Semi-Finals match against Michin in the Women’s US Championship Tournament. While doing so, Queen Nia Jax and Candice LeRae came over with a mixture of warnings and words of encouragement. If Stratton became the first Women’s US Champion, she won’t need her briefcase to resort to “cheap tactics” according to Nia.
Also, Bianca Belair nearly had to relinquish her Women’s Tag Team Championship if Naomi hadn’t stepped up to fill that spot since the investigation into who attacked Jade Cargill is still underway. They need to make sure that they’re fighting Champions. Nick Aldis said he’ll run it through upper management for an answer while he deals with McIntyre as well.
Michin vs. Tiffany Stratton – Semi-Finals Women’s US Championship Tournament match
Stratton has been mostly dominate in this match, but her constant boasting of the fans chanting “Tiffy Time” distracted her from the task at hand. Michin was able to take her down and hammer away at her head before delivering a drop kick. For a moment, it was all Michin until Tiffany grabbed her leg and forced her face first on the apron, plus a stomp.
The second go-around with the stomp, Stratton misses so badly that I think she nearly twisted her ankle. Michin took advantage with a kick to the face of her opponent, followed by two DDTs that almost ended this match. She even caught Stratton with a move called the Tarantula. Oof, as if I need that visualization…
Anyway, despite the fact that Michin missed with the missile drop kick, she managed to remain in the match after that Alabama Slam from Stratton. Unfortunately, she took too much time trying to gain some footing on the top rope, which allowed Tiffany to deliver a rolling Senton. She was going for the Prettiest Moonsault, but Michin rolled out of the way and secured a victory with Eat the Feet. Good on her!
Winner: Michin
Although I know what’s got DIY all riled up after being screwed out of their titles by the Bloodline and denied their “rightful” rematch, all I’m truly paying attention to is the black and white filter. Ha! But hey, they have their titles now. Hopefully the whining can stop.
Finally! That’s what I’ve been waiting for. Tribal Combat for the right to the Ula Fala, and it’s coming to Netflix next year on Jan 6. Roman vs. Solo. If anyone is interested, RAW will be hosting a Netflix Kickoff show this coming Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET and 11 a.m. PT.
Because of Cargill’s mysterious attack, Legado del Fantasma were warning Aldis that they might be better off on RAW with Adam Pearce. Nick simply found that comical.
Carmelo Hayes vs. ?
The open window transfers come in handy as Braun Strowman made his entrance as the newest addition to the blue brand, much to the shock of Hayes. I think he was contemplating life after realizing who he’s fighting. Ha! Ha! Carmelo tried he’s best to make a dent on Strowman, especially with that cutter, but he failed miserably and hilariously. Hayes practically bounced off Braun’s chest.
Later on, Carmelo surprised Braun by sidestepping as Strowman hit his shoulder against the post, then followed that up by taking out the left leg of the big man. Even his modified Cutter was ineffective. Strowman took down Hayes with a singular running Powerslam. Welcome to SmackDown!
Winner: Braun Strowman
Solo Sikoa vs. LA Knight
The fight was in progress as both men were throwing left and rights until Sikoa gained the upper hand with a splash in the corner. LA Knight found himself on the receiving end, however, he managed to send Solo crashing on the main floor.
Sikoa waited for LA Knight to pursuit him, so he could ram his spine against the apron’s edge, then banged his head on the commentary desk. The Megastar was reeling after his body was tossed into the barricade. He did find the strength to reverse his fate and force Solo into the steel stairs.
Yet just that quickly, Sikoa delivered a Samoan Drop out of nowhere. Lucky for LA Knight, he managed to initiate a Bulldog to the back of Solo’s head. He was on a roll as he prepared himself to launch a kick to Sikoa, but Tama Tonga took the bullet. That allowed Sikoa to perform the Spinning Solo onto the announcement table.
The majority of this match, Solo has been mocking Roman after hearing his cousin issue a Tribal Combat match earlier this evening. When Sikoa lined up for Reigns’ Superman Punch, the impact was very lackluster. I felt nothing. Ha! Unfortunately for him, he got caught by a back suplex. LA Knight was doing well as he was lining up to get Solo on the main floor, but he turned left and took out Tama and Jacob with a double clothesline.
That only momentarily stopped the other threat only for Jacob to attempt an assault, but LA Knight sent him flying over the table. He very nearly won over Solo when he dodged the Samoan Spike, then capitalized with Side Effect and an elbow from the top rope. Sikoa was far too resilient.
But that didn’t matter, Fatu rose from the ashes and began to mull LA Knight like a madman. Jesus Christ…
Winner: Disqualification
Bayley vs. Chelsea Green – Semi-Finals Women’s US Championship Tournament match
Right off the bat, Bayley performed a takedown on Chelsea that actually got a near fall despite how early it was. There were multiple pinning attempts from both ladies. However, it was Chelsea that gained some leeway. That big right hand was surprisingly massive that it caused the Role Model to wobble backwards.
Due to the momentum that Bayley displayed, Green felt the need to run away for a bit, which only allowed Bayley to catch up to her with a basement slide kick. As payback, Chelsea distracted the official, so Piper Niven could trip Bayley, then she would deliver the curb stomp on her back.
Green has been trying to control Bayley with that choke hold, yet the Role Model backed her up into the post, breaking the grip. Both women were now exchanging blows on the apron. Bayley managed to hang Chelsea on the second rope, then a suplex on the main floor.
Green nearly got the victory when she caught Bayley suddenly, but effectively. It wasn’t enough. It looked a little wonky, but Bayley was able to stun Chelsea with a move that closely resembled the Zig Zag. Following that, Niven got involved and paid for it. Chelsea clapped back by throwing Bayley into the timekeeper’s area hoping for a win by count out.
When that didn’t work, she delivered a head-tilting win with the I’m Prettier. She faces Michin at the Finals tomorrow at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Winner: Chelsea Green
The usage of the black and white filter was ongoing as we see the response of the Motor City Machine Guns. They didn’t expect Johnny Gargano of all people to stupp this low to get to the finish line, but in whatever way, they understood. Now, what’s left is an incoming fight where Alex Shelley wants to remind Gargano why he’s the teacher, and Johnny is the student.
We’re stacked with must-see matches tomorrow! The World Women’s Champion will defend her title versus Iyo Sky. A Triple Treat match for the World Heavyweight Championship will be awarded between Gunther, Damian Priest and Finn Balor. Drew McIntyre and Sami Zayn get to brawl out their frustrations in-ring. Plus, the Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes will be facing a very different, more focused Kevin Owens.
And speaking of these two, they’re meeting in the middle to offer their final words prior to their long-awaited match. Rhodes made his entrance, but Owens didn’t appear just yet. Instead, he showed up on the telescreen in his car again. He gave Michael Cole the opportunity to be an unbiased journalist by asking Cody the following question: “How can Cody be okay using not just me, but all his friends to help finish his stupid, pathetic little story at WrestleMania?”
With that in mind, Rhodes seems content with spitting in everyone’s face by teaming with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood, uprooting everything that amounted to their pursuit of dethroning him in the first place. Once Cole asks that inquisition, Rhodes needs to answer honestly. Owens reckoned that Rhodes is as bad a friend as he is a son and brother. Oof.
I think this is the first time I’ve seen Cody somewhat speechless. As a counterattack, he decided to personally bring Owens to the stage. The Prize Fighter saw it coming and hit first. Hit hard. Just look at the feature photo.
That’s it for me. See you tomorrow!
TOP PHOTO: Owens uses the Championship to knockout Rhodes. Courtesy of WWE
