Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin never started after Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn attacked them both.
After SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan ordered best friends Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn to face off against one another last week with a WWE Title opportunity at WWE Fastlane on the line – a bout that saw both Superstars advance to the championship match after WWE Champion AJ Styles attacked and SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan made the controversial ruling -- SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon fired back by announcing that the returning Dolph Ziggler would square off against Baron Corbin tonight on SmackDown LIVE. Additionally, the winner would be added to the WWE Title Match featuring Styles, Zayn and Owens at WWE Fastlane.
However, before Corbin could hit the ring to face off with Ziggler in the high-stakes matchup, he was savagely attacked by The “Yep!” Movement in the backstage area. The Lone Wolf attempted to fight back, but the numbers game was too great for him to overcome. Ziggler, sensing he was next, took the battle to the deadly duo deep in the WWE Universe, but Owens & Zayn once again got the best of their outnumbered adversary. However, before they could rest on their laurels, The Lone Wolf re-emerged to get his licks in on Zayn & Owens at the top of the stage. Already battered, Corbin was once again left in a crumpled heap by Zayn & KO.
With Corbin and Ziggler seemingly out of commission, the WWE Title picture at WWE Fastlane just became a lot more complicated. (Via WWE.com)
However, before Corbin could hit the ring to face off with Ziggler in the high-stakes matchup, he was savagely attacked by The “Yep!” Movement in the backstage area. The Lone Wolf attempted to fight back, but the numbers game was too great for him to overcome. Ziggler, sensing he was next, took the battle to the deadly duo deep in the WWE Universe, but Owens & Zayn once again got the best of their outnumbered adversary. However, before they could rest on their laurels, The Lone Wolf re-emerged to get his licks in on Zayn & Owens at the top of the stage. Already battered, Corbin was once again left in a crumpled heap by Zayn & KO.
With Corbin and Ziggler seemingly out of commission, the WWE Title picture at WWE Fastlane just became a lot more complicated. (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair defeated Sarah logan.
Two weeks ago, SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair fell to a chilling three-on-one attack by The Riott Squad that left The Queen down and out - something the titleholder had never experienced in her career. Because of this unprecedented attack, Flair demanded to face off against Liv Morgan last week on SmackDown LIVE, and she scored the win after the referee ejected Ruby Riott & Sarah Logan. After the champion defeated Morgan, she emphatically declared “one down, two to go!” However, the question quickly became whether Flair would be able to consistently overcome the odds against The Riott Squad — a question that was answered tonight when Becky Lynch and Naomi joined The Queen’s side as she took on Logan.
With the playing field leveled, Charlotte competed freely, and despite taking her lumps throughout the contest, she defeated the scrappy Logan with a head-pounding Natural Selection before making sure to indicate “one to go” after the bout. In the words of soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg, it sure sounds like Ruby Riott is “next.” (Via WWE.com)
With the playing field leveled, Charlotte competed freely, and despite taking her lumps throughout the contest, she defeated the scrappy Logan with a head-pounding Natural Selection before making sure to indicate “one to go” after the bout. In the words of soon-to-be WWE Hall of Famer Goldberg, it sure sounds like Ruby Riott is “next.” (Via WWE.com)
Baron Corbin defeated Kevin Owens to advance to the WWE Title Match at FastLane.
Following a heinous attack by Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn that called off the Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin match earlier this evening, SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon decreed that The Lone Wolf would face off against KO, and Ziggler would battle Zayn, and if Corbin and/or Ziggler were to win, then the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane would either become a Fatal 4- or 5-Way Match. Oh, and if Zayn or Owens tried to interfere in the other’s match tonight, then they would be promptly removed from the title bout.
First up was The Lone Wolf facing off with KO, and although Corbin was bruised from the attack by The “Yep!” Movement earlier in the night, he was also more than a little enraged. Owens tried to use every resource at his disposal, seemingly desperate to keep Corbin out of the contest, but The Lone Wolf prevailed by dropping KO with the End of Days to advance to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane, much to the chagrin of both Sami Zayn (who was watching backstage) and the fallen Owens. (Via WWE.com)
First up was The Lone Wolf facing off with KO, and although Corbin was bruised from the attack by The “Yep!” Movement earlier in the night, he was also more than a little enraged. Owens tried to use every resource at his disposal, seemingly desperate to keep Corbin out of the contest, but The Lone Wolf prevailed by dropping KO with the End of Days to advance to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane, much to the chagrin of both Sami Zayn (who was watching backstage) and the fallen Owens. (Via WWE.com)
Chaos ensued as both Randy Orton & Jinder Mahal attempted to answer United States Champion, bobby Roodes Open Challenge.
United States Champion Bobby Roode looked to continue a long-standing tradition by holding a United States Open Challenge tonight on SmackDown LIVE, but he got a little more than he bargained for.
Still peeved over being struck with an RKO (outta nowhere) last week, Roode made it clear that this was an open challenge, but he had one specific Superstar in mind. The Glorious One seemed to get his wish when Randy Orton arrived, but right as The Viper entered the ring, Jinder Mahal interrupted to berate Orton over his placement on the first-ever SmackDown Top 10 List, suggesting that his spot at No. 9 was embarrassing and that his career has peaked.
The Apex Predator seemed indifferent to his placement on the list, but the one thing he did care about was Roode’s comment that The Glorious One didn’t like his tendency to attack Superstars out of nowhere, specifically referencing the RKO he felt last week. Orton did not take kindly to this, swiftly RKOing Sunil Singh and kicking off a melee between all three. Roode landed a wicked haymaker on Orton, but that left him open to receiving a ring-rattling Khallas from Mahal, who took down the staggered Viper with the same move to stand tall. (Via WWE.com)
Still peeved over being struck with an RKO (outta nowhere) last week, Roode made it clear that this was an open challenge, but he had one specific Superstar in mind. The Glorious One seemed to get his wish when Randy Orton arrived, but right as The Viper entered the ring, Jinder Mahal interrupted to berate Orton over his placement on the first-ever SmackDown Top 10 List, suggesting that his spot at No. 9 was embarrassing and that his career has peaked.
The Apex Predator seemed indifferent to his placement on the list, but the one thing he did care about was Roode’s comment that The Glorious One didn’t like his tendency to attack Superstars out of nowhere, specifically referencing the RKO he felt last week. Orton did not take kindly to this, swiftly RKOing Sunil Singh and kicking off a melee between all three. Roode landed a wicked haymaker on Orton, but that left him open to receiving a ring-rattling Khallas from Mahal, who took down the staggered Viper with the same move to stand tall. (Via WWE.com)
The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) defeated Chad Gable & Shelton bENJAMIN.
With Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable still on a crusade to punish the SmackDown LIVE tag teams that they believe aren’t serious enough about in-ring competition, the mat-wrestling mavens faced off against their toughest challenge yet, The New Day.
In a thrilling tag team contest that took place immediately after Big E tried to break the all-time pancake-eating record (much to Benjamin & Gable’s disgust), the self-declared “Weapons of Tag Destruction” took the fight to The New Day, but Big E & Kofi Kingston proved to be no laughing matter, waffling Gable with a picture-perfect Midnight Hour for the win. (Via WWE.com)
In a thrilling tag team contest that took place immediately after Big E tried to break the all-time pancake-eating record (much to Benjamin & Gable’s disgust), the self-declared “Weapons of Tag Destruction” took the fight to The New Day, but Big E & Kofi Kingston proved to be no laughing matter, waffling Gable with a picture-perfect Midnight Hour for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Dolph Ziggler defeated Sami Zayn to advance to the WWE Title Match at FastLane.
In their hard-hitting singles bout earlier in the evening, Kevin Owens was unsuccessful in preventing Baron Corbin from being added to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane. Now, the spotlight was on Sami Zayn and the returning Dolph Ziggler as they faced off in a match where Ziggler could win his way into the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane.
Ziggler, who made it clear that he was only back on SmackDown LIVE with the goal of main-eventing WrestleMania, performed at his best. He looked as crisp as ever, even against the determined Zayn. After a ferocious battle, Ziggler overcame Zayn with a pinpoint superkick, clinching his place in the WWE Championship Fatal 5-Way Match at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
Ziggler, who made it clear that he was only back on SmackDown LIVE with the goal of main-eventing WrestleMania, performed at his best. He looked as crisp as ever, even against the determined Zayn. After a ferocious battle, Ziggler overcame Zayn with a pinpoint superkick, clinching his place in the WWE Championship Fatal 5-Way Match at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
Mark Andrews defeated Akira Tozawa. (WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND)
Former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Akira Tozawa set his sights on reclaiming the title at WrestleMania, entering the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament against Welsh Superstar Mark Andrews. A semifinalist in the U.K. Championship Tournament, the high-fiving and stage-diving Andrews was poised to not only put himself on the map, but his home-country of Wales as well.
Andrews had The Stamina Monster well-scouted, focusing on his opponent’s leg before applying a unique submission to keep Tozawa on defense. However, the resilience of the Japanese Superstar took centerstage as he turned the tide with impactful strikes and brutal technical holds.
Despite Tozawa’s relentlessness, Andrews’ uncanny ability to escape even the most complex maneuvers switched the momentum, allowing Andrews to reassert his offense, once again focusing on his opponent’s extremities. Unfortunately for the Welsh Superstar, Tozawa lived up to his “Stamina Monster” moniker and battled back, taking out his opponent with a dive to the outside.
Running on pure adrenaline, both Superstars threw everything at each other, knowing what was at stake. Desperate to return to Wales with a first-round victory, Andrews ascended the ropes to attempt a Shooting Star Press. Tozawa rolled away and charged at his recovering opponent with a huge kick, but his attempt at a pinfall was countered, and Andrews finally scored a three-count in an incredible upset. (Via WWE.com)
Andrews had The Stamina Monster well-scouted, focusing on his opponent’s leg before applying a unique submission to keep Tozawa on defense. However, the resilience of the Japanese Superstar took centerstage as he turned the tide with impactful strikes and brutal technical holds.
Despite Tozawa’s relentlessness, Andrews’ uncanny ability to escape even the most complex maneuvers switched the momentum, allowing Andrews to reassert his offense, once again focusing on his opponent’s extremities. Unfortunately for the Welsh Superstar, Tozawa lived up to his “Stamina Monster” moniker and battled back, taking out his opponent with a dive to the outside.
Running on pure adrenaline, both Superstars threw everything at each other, knowing what was at stake. Desperate to return to Wales with a first-round victory, Andrews ascended the ropes to attempt a Shooting Star Press. Tozawa rolled away and charged at his recovering opponent with a huge kick, but his attempt at a pinfall was countered, and Andrews finally scored a three-count in an incredible upset. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali vs. Gentleman Jack Gallagher & Buddy Murphy vs. Ariya Daivari announced for next week.
WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick revealed the final two matches of the first round in the 16-man Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. Next week will see Gentleman Jack Gallagher – who Maverick commanded to ditch the suit for traditional ring gear – battle the high-flying Mustafa Ali. Additionally, Ariya Daivari will attempt to advance in the tournament against NXT Superstar Buddy Murphy.
Determined to seize the opportunity for a potential WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match at WrestleMania, NXT’s Buddy Murphy has trained harder than ever and is ready to show the WWE Universe that there is truly a new era of WWE 205 Live.
Maverick made it clear to Gentleman Jack Gallagher that he is not a fan of the suit Gallagher wears inside the squared circle and demanded that his fellow countryman wear more traditional ring gear. Additionally, Drake reminded Gallagher that he is one of the best competitors in the world. The unorthodox British Superstar has a huge opportunity against the talented Mustafa Ali next week; will he heed Maverick’s advice? (Via WWE.com)
Determined to seize the opportunity for a potential WWE Cruiserweight Championship Match at WrestleMania, NXT’s Buddy Murphy has trained harder than ever and is ready to show the WWE Universe that there is truly a new era of WWE 205 Live.
Maverick made it clear to Gentleman Jack Gallagher that he is not a fan of the suit Gallagher wears inside the squared circle and demanded that his fellow countryman wear more traditional ring gear. Additionally, Drake reminded Gallagher that he is one of the best competitors in the world. The unorthodox British Superstar has a huge opportunity against the talented Mustafa Ali next week; will he heed Maverick’s advice? (Via WWE.com)
Drew Gulak defeated Tony Nese by submission.
Last week on WWE 205 Live, Drew Gulak and Tony Nese were confronted by Drake Maverick, who believed neither Superstar was living up to his true potential. The WWE 205 Live GM then announced that the friends and frequent tag team partners would compete against each other in the Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. Despite their history, Gulak and Nese do have some tension following a skirmish a few months prior that left Nese down in the center of the ring.
That tension was evident as Nese kicked away Gulak’s offering of peace before the match began. The longtime allies finally clashed, both attempting to apply pressure to each other’s lower bodies in hopes of gaining the advantage. Eventually, the two started to throw down with hard-hitting strikes. The Premier Athlete used his incredible agility to execute fast-paced moves to take control of the bout.
Nese continued to use his athletic prowess to stay one step ahead of his opponent, but Gulak was able to recalibrate his strategy on the outside, countering a kick and back-slamming Nese onto the floor. This gave Gulak the opening he needed to show off his skillset, targeting The Premier Athlete’s
extremities.
Nese continued to attack, growing frustrated that he could not secure victory. Remaining resilient, Gulak continued to fight, grabbing his opponent by the beard and unleashing a flurry of open-handed strikes. Nese once again nearly secured victory with an incredible dive to the outside. The match continued to the delight of the WWE Universe, as the longtime friends put it all on the table. Displaying his raw power, Nese deadlifted Gulak into a massive slam, but it still wasn’t enough.
The Premier Athlete pressed on, but something clearly went off in Gulak’s head, and he unleashed a brutal attack on his opponent outside the ring, tossing him into the announce table multiple times. Back inside the squared circle, Gulak leveled Nese with a cringe-worthy clothesline before applying the Dragon Sleeper to the nearly unconscious Nese for the win. (Via WWE.com)
That tension was evident as Nese kicked away Gulak’s offering of peace before the match began. The longtime allies finally clashed, both attempting to apply pressure to each other’s lower bodies in hopes of gaining the advantage. Eventually, the two started to throw down with hard-hitting strikes. The Premier Athlete used his incredible agility to execute fast-paced moves to take control of the bout.
Nese continued to use his athletic prowess to stay one step ahead of his opponent, but Gulak was able to recalibrate his strategy on the outside, countering a kick and back-slamming Nese onto the floor. This gave Gulak the opening he needed to show off his skillset, targeting The Premier Athlete’s
extremities.
Nese continued to attack, growing frustrated that he could not secure victory. Remaining resilient, Gulak continued to fight, grabbing his opponent by the beard and unleashing a flurry of open-handed strikes. Nese once again nearly secured victory with an incredible dive to the outside. The match continued to the delight of the WWE Universe, as the longtime friends put it all on the table. Displaying his raw power, Nese deadlifted Gulak into a massive slam, but it still wasn’t enough.
The Premier Athlete pressed on, but something clearly went off in Gulak’s head, and he unleashed a brutal attack on his opponent outside the ring, tossing him into the announce table multiple times. Back inside the squared circle, Gulak leveled Nese with a cringe-worthy clothesline before applying the Dragon Sleeper to the nearly unconscious Nese for the win. (Via WWE.com)