Shinsuke Nakamura & AJ Styles stood united despite their looming WrestleMania encounter.
Following his monumental victory in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, Shinsuke Nakamura opened the show to let everyone know that he planned on putting AJ Styles down in their title bout at WrestleMania. However, The King of Strong Style was interrupted by the disgruntled duo of Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, who believed they were robbed of becoming co-WWE Champions at Royal Rumble.
The King of Strong Style didn’t take kindly to the interruption, and AJ Styles then hit the scene to come to the aid of his WrestleMania opponent when it looked like Owens & Zayn were poised to attack. Styles expressed excitement for his dream match against Nakamura at WrestleMania, but he proposed that they form a dream team and take on Owens & Zayn tonight. However, KO & Sami didn’t seem too keen on the idea and declined, which promptly resulted in The Phenomenal One and The King of Strong Style literally knocking them down a peg and off the ring apron.
However, after The “Yep!” Movement returned to the backstage area, they were met by SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan, who informed them that they would indeed be facing Styles & Nakamura tonight. However, that wasn’t at all. Due to the controversial end to their title bout at Royal Rumble, Zayn & Owens would get another opportunity to capture the WWE Championship… by facing off against one another next week on SmackDown LIVE with the winner going on to face Styles for the title at WWE Fastlane! (Via WWE.com)
The King of Strong Style didn’t take kindly to the interruption, and AJ Styles then hit the scene to come to the aid of his WrestleMania opponent when it looked like Owens & Zayn were poised to attack. Styles expressed excitement for his dream match against Nakamura at WrestleMania, but he proposed that they form a dream team and take on Owens & Zayn tonight. However, KO & Sami didn’t seem too keen on the idea and declined, which promptly resulted in The Phenomenal One and The King of Strong Style literally knocking them down a peg and off the ring apron.
However, after The “Yep!” Movement returned to the backstage area, they were met by SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan, who informed them that they would indeed be facing Styles & Nakamura tonight. However, that wasn’t at all. Due to the controversial end to their title bout at Royal Rumble, Zayn & Owens would get another opportunity to capture the WWE Championship… by facing off against one another next week on SmackDown LIVE with the winner going on to face Styles for the title at WWE Fastlane! (Via WWE.com)
Rusev defeated Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder & Jinder Mahal by submission to earn a United States Championship Opportunity.
With Bobby Roode’s United States Title reign now in full swing, a quartet of Team Blue’s finest squared off in a Fatal-4 Way Match to determine who would get the next opportunity at The Glorious One for the prestigious championship. Roode sat in on commentary as Rusev, Kofi Kingston, Zack Ryder and Jinder Mahal pushed one another to their limits as they all tried to earn the coveted title opportunity.
A chaotic opening saw Ryder and Kofi whipping out high-risk maneuvers on top of the remaining New Day members, while Aiden English and Sunil Singh caused a ruckus at ringside. Xavier Woods, Big E, English and Singh were soon ejected from the ringside area, paving the way for an even playing field.
Rusev showed off tremendous agility at the end of the match, evading his opponents’ best shots and seamlessly locking Kofi in The Accolade for the tapout victory.
After his win (on Rusev Day, no less), The Super Athlete made his way to the commentary desk to stare down Roode one week before their title showdown on SmackDown LIVE! (Via WWE.com)
A chaotic opening saw Ryder and Kofi whipping out high-risk maneuvers on top of the remaining New Day members, while Aiden English and Sunil Singh caused a ruckus at ringside. Xavier Woods, Big E, English and Singh were soon ejected from the ringside area, paving the way for an even playing field.
Rusev showed off tremendous agility at the end of the match, evading his opponents’ best shots and seamlessly locking Kofi in The Accolade for the tapout victory.
After his win (on Rusev Day, no less), The Super Athlete made his way to the commentary desk to stare down Roode one week before their title showdown on SmackDown LIVE! (Via WWE.com)
The Usos put SmackDown Live's Tag Team Division on blast.
Fresh off their hard-fought clean sweep victory over Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match at the Royal Rumble event this past Sunday, The Usos stood tall on SmackDown LIVE and reminded the WWE Universe that they have tag team gold in their blood. They reinforced that they were the baddest team on the planet and would welcome any challengers into The Uso Penitentiary.
With those big claims spoken, Jimmy & Jey took off, but they soon found themselves staring down the arriving The Bludgeon Brothers. Harper & Rowan, who were in action next, did not even look at The Usos on their way to the ring, but they certainly gained the attention of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. (Via WWE.com)
With those big claims spoken, Jimmy & Jey took off, but they soon found themselves staring down the arriving The Bludgeon Brothers. Harper & Rowan, who were in action next, did not even look at The Usos on their way to the ring, but they certainly gained the attention of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. (Via WWE.com)
The Bludgeon Brothers defeated local competitors.
The bludgeonings just keep coming! Harper & Rowan continued their path of destruction, defeating two local competitors in convincing fashion, punctuating the victory with their punishing double-team maneuver to deliver a message to The Usos. (Via WWE.com)
Carmella attempted to cash-in on SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair.
SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair joined Renee Young in the ring and reflected on being ringside for the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match this past Sunday as well as sharing the ring with Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, Royal Rumble Winner Asuka and sports icon “Rowdy” Ronda Rousey at the conclusion of the event.
However, The Queen’s primary concern was deciphering who she would be squaring off against at WrestleMania, as the women of Raw and SmackDown LIVE await Asuka’s decision. She was soon interrupted by Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan. Riott belittled the Flair family name, and then, like a pack of wolves, The Riott Squad surrounded The Queen and pounced. Charlotte was at first able to clear the ring of the squadron, but the numbers game soon caught up to her, and she was left down by the unrelenting group.
Just when it seemed like the insanity had ceased, Carmella rushed out to the ring with her Money in the Bank contract, clearly ready to cash in on The Queen. The Princess of Staten Island handed her briefcase to an official and charged at Charlotte, but The Queen maneuvered out of the way, and the F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S Superstar clobbered the official instead, sending him careening out of the ring to the floor. Princess Mella screamed at the referee to get up, but by then, Charlotte had staggered back to her feet, and Ms. Money in the Bank thought better of cashing in her contract … at least for now. (Via WWE.com)
However, The Queen’s primary concern was deciphering who she would be squaring off against at WrestleMania, as the women of Raw and SmackDown LIVE await Asuka’s decision. She was soon interrupted by Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan. Riott belittled the Flair family name, and then, like a pack of wolves, The Riott Squad surrounded The Queen and pounced. Charlotte was at first able to clear the ring of the squadron, but the numbers game soon caught up to her, and she was left down by the unrelenting group.
Just when it seemed like the insanity had ceased, Carmella rushed out to the ring with her Money in the Bank contract, clearly ready to cash in on The Queen. The Princess of Staten Island handed her briefcase to an official and charged at Charlotte, but The Queen maneuvered out of the way, and the F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S Superstar clobbered the official instead, sending him careening out of the ring to the floor. Princess Mella screamed at the referee to get up, but by then, Charlotte had staggered back to her feet, and Ms. Money in the Bank thought better of cashing in her contract … at least for now. (Via WWE.com)
Baron Corbin defeated Tye Dillinger.
With Baron Corbin and Tye Dillinger both frustrated over what happened to them in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match on Sunday, the two exchanged heated words in the backstage area before agreeing to a match on SmackDown LIVE.
Each looking to right the ship, The Perfect 10 and The Lone Wolf picked up right where they left off during their intense rivalry in summer 2017. Dillinger gave Corbin his best, rattling off a ton of offense that had his opponent reeling, but Corbin survived, connecting with the devastating End of Days for the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Each looking to right the ship, The Perfect 10 and The Lone Wolf picked up right where they left off during their intense rivalry in summer 2017. Dillinger gave Corbin his best, rattling off a ton of offense that had his opponent reeling, but Corbin survived, connecting with the devastating End of Days for the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable defeated Breezango.
After a tense exchange earlier in the night, Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable took on Breezango after The Ascension egged on Fandango & Tyler Breeze to accept the match.
Still frustrated by their loss to The Usos in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match this past Sunday at Royal Rumble, Benjamin & Gable were locked in, weathering The Fashion Police’s unique offense and defeating them with their top-rope Powerbomb/Bulldog combo, despite The Ascension cheering Breeze & Fandango on from afar.
Still frustrated by their loss to The Usos in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match this past Sunday at Royal Rumble, Benjamin & Gable were locked in, weathering The Fashion Police’s unique offense and defeating them with their top-rope Powerbomb/Bulldog combo, despite The Ascension cheering Breeze & Fandango on from afar.
2018 Royal Rumble Winner, Shinsuke Nakamura & WWE Champion, AJ Styles defeated Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.
This dream tag team match proved to be as unpredictable as it was exciting, as AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura joined forces to face off against Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn in Team Blue’s thrilling main event. However, a major wrench was thrown into the situation earlier in the evening when SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan announced that Kevin Owens would square off against Sami Zayn next week, and the winner would challenge Styles for the WWE Championship at the next SmackDown LIVE pay-per-view, WWE Fastlane.
It appeared Owens & Zayn had put their looming showdown next week in the back of their minds when the opening bell rang for their monumental clash with Styles & Nakamura. However, the looming contest couldn’t be forgotten for long, as Owens angered Zayn, prompting Zayn to briefly leave Owens by his lonesome. Zayn returned, but the dissension between the two “Yep!” Movement members remained apparent, causing Zayn to leave for a second time!
With Sami gone, Owens could not overcome the numbers game and fell to Nakamura’s pinpoint Kinshasa. Renee Young caught up with Zayn backstage to ask him if we had just seen the end of The “Yep!” Movement. Sami answered with an emphatic no, but he also made it clear that he planned on exiting KO’s shadow next week on SmackDown LIVE when he defeated him to become the next challenger for AJ Styles’ WWE Title at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
It appeared Owens & Zayn had put their looming showdown next week in the back of their minds when the opening bell rang for their monumental clash with Styles & Nakamura. However, the looming contest couldn’t be forgotten for long, as Owens angered Zayn, prompting Zayn to briefly leave Owens by his lonesome. Zayn returned, but the dissension between the two “Yep!” Movement members remained apparent, causing Zayn to leave for a second time!
With Sami gone, Owens could not overcome the numbers game and fell to Nakamura’s pinpoint Kinshasa. Renee Young caught up with Zayn backstage to ask him if we had just seen the end of The “Yep!” Movement. Sami answered with an emphatic no, but he also made it clear that he planned on exiting KO’s shadow next week on SmackDown LIVE when he defeated him to become the next challenger for AJ Styles’ WWE Title at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
NEW WWE 205 Live General Manager, Drake Maverick announces Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan kicked off a new era for the Cruiserweight division by introducing Drake Maverick as WWE 205 Live’s new General Manager. After dedicating his life and career to Cruiserweight competition, Maverick announced his intention to help WWE 205 Live reach its true potential as the home for the most exciting competition in all of sports-entertainment. As a result, Maverick announced that a 16-man Cruiserweight Championship Tournament would begin immediately, and a new champion would crowned on The Grandest Stage of Them All – WrestleMania (Via WWE.com)
Cedric Alexander defeated Gran Metalik. (Round One of the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament)
Cedric Alexander and Gran Metalik were granted the unique opportunity to set the tone for the new Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. Alexander and Metalik – who have competed and teamed up with each other in the past – displayed their respect for one another with a handshake before engaging in a fast-paced contest with both agile Superstars performing jaw-dropping counters before shifting to a more technical strategy.
Cedric gained the advantage by relying on his speed and power – and his high-flying ability. Although clearly in control of the match, Alexander struggled to secure a pinfall, and The King of the Ropes battled back, striking with a perfectly timed superkick.
Living up to both his moniker and his lucha libre roots, Metalik used high-flying maneuvers and quick offensive strikes to maintain control. However, Alexander’s resilience was on full display, as he refused to quit and continued to fight despite Metalik’s advances.
Thinking he had Alexander down for the count, Metalik ascended the ropes and attempted a moonsault, but he was met by his opponent’s feet, which countered the high-risk move. Seizing the opportunity, Alexander pounced and executed his patented Lumbar Check for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Cedric gained the advantage by relying on his speed and power – and his high-flying ability. Although clearly in control of the match, Alexander struggled to secure a pinfall, and The King of the Ropes battled back, striking with a perfectly timed superkick.
Living up to both his moniker and his lucha libre roots, Metalik used high-flying maneuvers and quick offensive strikes to maintain control. However, Alexander’s resilience was on full display, as he refused to quit and continued to fight despite Metalik’s advances.
Thinking he had Alexander down for the count, Metalik ascended the ropes and attempted a moonsault, but he was met by his opponent’s feet, which countered the high-risk move. Seizing the opportunity, Alexander pounced and executed his patented Lumbar Check for the win. (Via WWE.com)
TJP defeated Tyler Bate. (ROUND ONE OF THE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT)
Earlier in the day, the first-ever U.K. Champion Tyler Bate was told by new WWE 205 Live GM Drake Maverick to be ready to compete. A high-stakes competition between Bate and the first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP is exactly what the WWE Universe got in the second first-round match of the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
With the perfect opportunity to regain the momentum he’s been searching for in recent weeks, The Fil-Am Flash relied heavily on his unique and technical prowess to gain an early advantage. Ever confident in his ability, TJP offered up a dab before being countered by Bate.
From there, both Superstars put on a masterclass in technical ability with punishing and innovative holds in an effort to advance in the tournament. After applying his patented Kneebar – which brought him much success in the Cruiserweight Classic – The Duke of Dab focused on his opponent’s left knee whenever he could. Although Bate used his strength and high-impact offense to remain in the fight, TJP’s strategy paid dividends as he continued to strike at the injured knee. However, even the second application of his patented kneebar wasn’t enough for the first-ever Cruiserweight Champion to secure the win.
The battle raged on with both competitors continuing to strike back and forth and momentum failing to find a home. Attempting to seize an opportunity, Bate set TJP up for the Tyler Driver ‘97. Unfortunately for the first-ever U.K. Champion, The Duke of Dab countered and – grabbing his opponent’s trunks as leverage – secured the pinfall victory. (Via WWE.com)
With the perfect opportunity to regain the momentum he’s been searching for in recent weeks, The Fil-Am Flash relied heavily on his unique and technical prowess to gain an early advantage. Ever confident in his ability, TJP offered up a dab before being countered by Bate.
From there, both Superstars put on a masterclass in technical ability with punishing and innovative holds in an effort to advance in the tournament. After applying his patented Kneebar – which brought him much success in the Cruiserweight Classic – The Duke of Dab focused on his opponent’s left knee whenever he could. Although Bate used his strength and high-impact offense to remain in the fight, TJP’s strategy paid dividends as he continued to strike at the injured knee. However, even the second application of his patented kneebar wasn’t enough for the first-ever Cruiserweight Champion to secure the win.
The battle raged on with both competitors continuing to strike back and forth and momentum failing to find a home. Attempting to seize an opportunity, Bate set TJP up for the Tyler Driver ‘97. Unfortunately for the first-ever U.K. Champion, The Duke of Dab countered and – grabbing his opponent’s trunks as leverage – secured the pinfall victory. (Via WWE.com)