WWE Champion, AJ Styles agrees to take on both Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn tonight.
With their 2-on-1 Handicap Match against AJ Styles for the WWE Title at Royal Rumble just five days away, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn weren’t bashful to show their confidence and excitement. Clearly taking exception to their hubris, Styles hit the scene to verbally combat The “Yep!” Movement. Words were exchanged, and a challenge was laid down: Owens boldly upped the ante on Styles and suggested he accept two singles matches against him and Zayn back to back tonight.
This prompted SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan to make his arrival, but before he could really say much of anything, Styles cut him off and accepted the matches after implying that Bryan – due to his recent behavior -- would probably just put him in the match anyway. (Via WWE.com)
This prompted SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan to make his arrival, but before he could really say much of anything, Styles cut him off and accepted the matches after implying that Bryan – due to his recent behavior -- would probably just put him in the match anyway. (Via WWE.com)
Chad Gable defeated Jey Uso.
With their squads poised to clash in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match for the SmackDown Tag Team Titles this Sunday at the Royal Rumble event, Chad Gable took on Jey Uso, as Shelton Benjamin and Jimmy Uso patrolled ringside.
After Benjamin & Gable executed a blindside attack of The Usos last week, the match was high-octane and incredibly physical. In the height of the action, Gable weathered Jey’s explosive attack, connecting with a clutch kick and planting his opponent with the Rolling German Suplex to claim a major win heading into the title bout at Royal Rumble. (Via WWE.com)
After Benjamin & Gable executed a blindside attack of The Usos last week, the match was high-octane and incredibly physical. In the height of the action, Gable weathered Jey’s explosive attack, connecting with a clutch kick and planting his opponent with the Rolling German Suplex to claim a major win heading into the title bout at Royal Rumble. (Via WWE.com)
Naomi defeated Liv Morgan.
With all eyes on the historic first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match this Sunday, Naomi took on Liv Morgan as the war between The Riott Squad and the rest of the Team Blue women raged on.
As Morgan and The GLOW battled it out in the ring, Natalya, Carmella, Lana and Becky Lynch made their way out to the square circle one by one, joining Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan, who were in Morgan’s corner. Naomi and Liv went back and forth, but experience won out, as Naomi claimed a pivotal victory with a rollup after a pinpoint accurate kick.
After the contest, the WWE Universe was treated to a preview of the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match when chaos broke out. Near the end of the pandemonium, Lynch looked to make a bold statement ahead of Sunday by tossing Naomi over the top rope, though Naomi held on and landed on the apron. As Naomi began to re-enter the ring, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair arrived to remind the entire division that, regardless of who wins on Sunday, they would inevitably bow to The Queen at WrestleMania. (Via WWE.com)
As Morgan and The GLOW battled it out in the ring, Natalya, Carmella, Lana and Becky Lynch made their way out to the square circle one by one, joining Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan, who were in Morgan’s corner. Naomi and Liv went back and forth, but experience won out, as Naomi claimed a pivotal victory with a rollup after a pinpoint accurate kick.
After the contest, the WWE Universe was treated to a preview of the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match when chaos broke out. Near the end of the pandemonium, Lynch looked to make a bold statement ahead of Sunday by tossing Naomi over the top rope, though Naomi held on and landed on the apron. As Naomi began to re-enter the ring, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair arrived to remind the entire division that, regardless of who wins on Sunday, they would inevitably bow to The Queen at WrestleMania. (Via WWE.com)
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Baron Corbin ended in a No-Contest.
After a frosty altercation earlier in the night, The Lone Wolf and WWE’s Rockstar sought to settle the score in a high-stakes bout on SmackDown LIVE, just five days before each man looks to conquer the 30-man field in the Royal Rumble Match.
Even with the grueling Royal Rumble Match less than a week away, Baron Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura did not hold back when it came to hitting hard.
However, who would’ve come out on top will remain a mystery, as Randy Orton hit the scene to deliver some nasty RKOs on both Superstars, outta nowhere of course. What spurred The Viper’s actions? Was it a simple “friendly” reminder that it’s every man for himself this Sunday in the stacked Royal Rumble Match? (Via WWE.com)
Even with the grueling Royal Rumble Match less than a week away, Baron Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura did not hold back when it came to hitting hard.
However, who would’ve come out on top will remain a mystery, as Randy Orton hit the scene to deliver some nasty RKOs on both Superstars, outta nowhere of course. What spurred The Viper’s actions? Was it a simple “friendly” reminder that it’s every man for himself this Sunday in the stacked Royal Rumble Match? (Via WWE.com)
Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, & the New United States Champion, Bobby Roode defeated Aiden English, Rusev & Jinder Mahal.
New United States Champion Bobby Roode teamed up with The New Day to square off against Rusev, Aiden English and United States Title Tournament runner-up Jinder Mahal.
The action was like something out of Super Smash Bros. (shout-outs to UpUpDownDown!), as all six Superstars captivated the WWE Universe with a thrilling match. In the end, Xavier Woods rose up for The New Day and Roode, defeating English with his signature top-rope elbow after The Glorious One took down The Mozart of Mayhem with a ring-rattling Spinebuster.
The New Day rocked … and it was GLORIOUS! (Via WWE.com)
The action was like something out of Super Smash Bros. (shout-outs to UpUpDownDown!), as all six Superstars captivated the WWE Universe with a thrilling match. In the end, Xavier Woods rose up for The New Day and Roode, defeating English with his signature top-rope elbow after The Glorious One took down The Mozart of Mayhem with a ring-rattling Spinebuster.
The New Day rocked … and it was GLORIOUS! (Via WWE.com)
WWE Champion, AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens by Submission.
In his first of two matches against The “Yep!” Movement, AJ Styles squared off against Kevin Owens in a rekindling of one of 2017’s fiercest rivalries. Styles would not need to have eyes in the back of his head to keep an eye on Sami Zayn because SmackDown LIVE Commisioner Shane McMahon declared that if either “Yep!” Movement member interfered in the other’s match tonight, he would fire them on the spot. Because of this declaration from Shane-O-Mac, Styles fought freely against Owens, defeating him quickly with the excruciating Calf Crusher.
However, before The Phenomenal One could even begin to start thinking about his upcoming match with Zayn, Sami blindsided him with a relentless attack. With the match between Styles and Zayn already scheduled and Owens vs. Styles having concluded, this was not in violation of Shane’s pre-match decree. (Via WWE.com)
However, before The Phenomenal One could even begin to start thinking about his upcoming match with Zayn, Sami blindsided him with a relentless attack. With the match between Styles and Zayn already scheduled and Owens vs. Styles having concluded, this was not in violation of Shane’s pre-match decree. (Via WWE.com)
Sami Zayn defeated WWE Champion, AJ Styles.
With Sami Zayn having taken advantage of a loophole in Shane McMahon’s stipulation for the evening, he continued to pounce on AJ Styles as their match officially began. Zayn would not let up, but in a surprise to no one, neither would Styles, who fought back valiantly. During the match, Kevin Owens remained at ringside tending to what appeared to be an injured ankle.
Eventually, a stretcher was called for Owens, but that didn’t stop The Phenomenal One from trying to get his licks in on KO whenever he could while still fending off Zayn. With KO being loaded onto a stretcher, The Phenomenal One dashed out of the ring and flipped it over, laying Owens out. However, the distraction proved critical, as Zayn jumped on Styles when he re-entered the ring, hitting him with the thunderous Helluva Kick and the Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.
After the contest, an exhausted Styles tried to muster the strength to get up, as Zayn and Owens celebrated Sami’s major victory and the possibility of being the first-ever co-WWE Champions on Sunday. (Via WWE.com)
Eventually, a stretcher was called for Owens, but that didn’t stop The Phenomenal One from trying to get his licks in on KO whenever he could while still fending off Zayn. With KO being loaded onto a stretcher, The Phenomenal One dashed out of the ring and flipped it over, laying Owens out. However, the distraction proved critical, as Zayn jumped on Styles when he re-entered the ring, hitting him with the thunderous Helluva Kick and the Blue Thunder Bomb for the win.
After the contest, an exhausted Styles tried to muster the strength to get up, as Zayn and Owens celebrated Sami’s major victory and the possibility of being the first-ever co-WWE Champions on Sunday. (Via WWE.com)
Daniel Bryan addresses the State of 205 Live and the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan kicked off WWE 205 Live, revealing that the WWE Cruiserweight Championship has been abdicated. Additionally, Bryan announced that a new WWE 205 Live General Manager would be named next week, and they will directly address the WWE Cruiserweight Championship situation. (Via WWE.com)
Kalisto, Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado defeated TJP, Tony nese & Ariya Daivari.
Looking to impress the incoming WWE 205 Live General Manager and show off the high-octane competitive spirit of the Cruiserweight division, TJP, Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari teamed up to battle a trio of lucha-libre Superstars – Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado — in six-man tag team action.
Making his own return after a hiatus, Lince Dorado kicked off the match against TJP, showing that he hasn’t lost a step and keeping the first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Championship on the defensive. The luchadores maintained the advantage against their opponents as questions remained about the alliance between Nese, Daivari and the conspicuously missing Drew Gulak. However, Nese and Daivari proved to be on the same page, as The Premier Athlete helped distract Kalisto, allowing The Persian Lion to knock the former Cruiserweight Champion from the ring, giving them much-needed momentum.
Nese, TJP and Daivari displayed impressive teamwork in methodically attacking Kalisto and preventing him from making a tag. Displaying his fighting spirit, Kalisto weathered the attacks, making the tag to Lince Dorado, who took the battle right to TJP. Dorado nearly secured victory with a near-fall broken up by Nese and Daivari. This prompted Metalik and Kalisto to spring into action and take out The Premier Athlete and The Persian Lion.
A miscommunication between Nese and TJP allowed The Golden Lynx to capitalize, stunning The Duke of Dab and securing the win for his team. After the match, TJP had a heated exchange with his partners, clearly upset over his continued losses. (Via WWE.com)
Making his own return after a hiatus, Lince Dorado kicked off the match against TJP, showing that he hasn’t lost a step and keeping the first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Championship on the defensive. The luchadores maintained the advantage against their opponents as questions remained about the alliance between Nese, Daivari and the conspicuously missing Drew Gulak. However, Nese and Daivari proved to be on the same page, as The Premier Athlete helped distract Kalisto, allowing The Persian Lion to knock the former Cruiserweight Champion from the ring, giving them much-needed momentum.
Nese, TJP and Daivari displayed impressive teamwork in methodically attacking Kalisto and preventing him from making a tag. Displaying his fighting spirit, Kalisto weathered the attacks, making the tag to Lince Dorado, who took the battle right to TJP. Dorado nearly secured victory with a near-fall broken up by Nese and Daivari. This prompted Metalik and Kalisto to spring into action and take out The Premier Athlete and The Persian Lion.
A miscommunication between Nese and TJP allowed The Golden Lynx to capitalize, stunning The Duke of Dab and securing the win for his team. After the match, TJP had a heated exchange with his partners, clearly upset over his continued losses. (Via WWE.com)
Hideo Itami defeated Gentleman Jack Gallagher.
The heated rivalry between Hideo Itami and Gentleman Jack Gallagher came to a head as the two Superstars collided inside the squared circle. Before the match, Itami revealed that he respected The Brian Kendrick and his injury was an unfortunate accident, but the Japanese Superstar did not respect Gentleman Jack Gallagher.
As soon as the opening bell sounded, Itami charged forward and laid out his nemesis with a devastating kick. Seeking retribution for Gallagher’s brutal attack with a steel pipe, Itami channeled his anger into precise and powerful strikes that kept the British Superstar on defense. Desperate for a break while outside the ring, Gallagher crawled underneath the ring to emerge on the other side and launch a sneak-attack on his opponent.
The unorthodox strategy paid off, and Gallagher began to rely on his unique technical ability to take control of the match. Gallagher continued to manipulate his opponent’s limbs to maximize punishment, but the resilience of Itami reigned supreme, and he battled
back, regaining momentum.
Catching a second wind, Itami battled back with relentless fury, taking down Gallagher with a powerful strike to the jaw. Firmly in control of the contest, the Japanese Superstar executed a unique and innovate new maneuver to secure the win. (Via WWE.com)
As soon as the opening bell sounded, Itami charged forward and laid out his nemesis with a devastating kick. Seeking retribution for Gallagher’s brutal attack with a steel pipe, Itami channeled his anger into precise and powerful strikes that kept the British Superstar on defense. Desperate for a break while outside the ring, Gallagher crawled underneath the ring to emerge on the other side and launch a sneak-attack on his opponent.
The unorthodox strategy paid off, and Gallagher began to rely on his unique technical ability to take control of the match. Gallagher continued to manipulate his opponent’s limbs to maximize punishment, but the resilience of Itami reigned supreme, and he battled
back, regaining momentum.
Catching a second wind, Itami battled back with relentless fury, taking down Gallagher with a powerful strike to the jaw. Firmly in control of the contest, the Japanese Superstar executed a unique and innovate new maneuver to secure the win. (Via WWE.com)
Cedric Alexander defeated Mustafa Ali.
Despite no longer challenging for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at Royal Rumble, Cedric Alexander remained positive and confident that the “Age of Alexander” was on the horizon. Looking to continue to build on the momentum he has built in recent weeks, Alexander locked up with his good friend and frequent tag team partner, Mustafa Ali.
Before the match got under way, the two friends shook hands in a showing that they intended to have a friendly contest. Two of the Cruiserweight division’s most agile competitors, both Ali and Alexander showcased their quickness and ability in the opening moments of the contest. As neither competitor could gain a significant advantage, tempers flared a bit between the two, and they engaged in a bit of one-upmanship.
Countering Ali’s fast-paced offense by knocking him off the ropes and sending him crashing face-first into the ring apron gave Alexander the advantage he needed to take control of the match. Despite Alexander’s wave of momentum, the two friends traded heavy strikes and relied on their agility to counter each other’s advances.
As the tension mounted and the two competitors continued trading momentum, the WWE Universe remained on the edge of their seats, chanting “this is awesome” and watching in awe of the fast-paced battle that continued to unfold. Eventually, the friendly competition devolved into open-handed strikes and all-out brawling, but the resilience and ability of both Superstars remained a deciding force as they continually countered each other’s high-risk attempts to secure victory.
Finally, after a series of near-falls, Ali attempted his patented 054, but Alexander moved and quickly seized the opportunity to strike with the neutralizer and the painful Lumbar Check to earn a hard-fought victory.
After the match, Alexander celebrated his win, but he made sure to help his friend up to his feet and raise his hand. (Via WWE.com)
Before the match got under way, the two friends shook hands in a showing that they intended to have a friendly contest. Two of the Cruiserweight division’s most agile competitors, both Ali and Alexander showcased their quickness and ability in the opening moments of the contest. As neither competitor could gain a significant advantage, tempers flared a bit between the two, and they engaged in a bit of one-upmanship.
Countering Ali’s fast-paced offense by knocking him off the ropes and sending him crashing face-first into the ring apron gave Alexander the advantage he needed to take control of the match. Despite Alexander’s wave of momentum, the two friends traded heavy strikes and relied on their agility to counter each other’s advances.
As the tension mounted and the two competitors continued trading momentum, the WWE Universe remained on the edge of their seats, chanting “this is awesome” and watching in awe of the fast-paced battle that continued to unfold. Eventually, the friendly competition devolved into open-handed strikes and all-out brawling, but the resilience and ability of both Superstars remained a deciding force as they continually countered each other’s high-risk attempts to secure victory.
Finally, after a series of near-falls, Ali attempted his patented 054, but Alexander moved and quickly seized the opportunity to strike with the neutralizer and the painful Lumbar Check to earn a hard-fought victory.
After the match, Alexander celebrated his win, but he made sure to help his friend up to his feet and raise his hand. (Via WWE.com)