Tensions continued to rise ahead of WWE Championship Fatal 5-Way Match at FastLane.
With what might be his greatest challenge as WWE Champion fast approaching, AJ Styles kicked off SmackDown LIVE to discuss his Fatal 5-Way Match at WWE Fastlane, declaring that he is always in control of his own destiny (even in a match that doesn’t require him to be pinned or submitted to lose his title). The Phenomenal One reminded the WWE Universe that he has defeated Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Dolph Ziggler, and he seemed primed to mention Baron Corbin’s name … until The Lone Wolf hit the scene.
Corbin reminded Styles that he had come away victorious the last two times they competed and seemed confident in his ability to do it again (or claim a win over anyone else) to become the new champion at WWE Fastlane. Irritated by the claims made by Styles and Corbin, KO hit the scene and claimed that the issues between him and Zayn caused KO to lose to Corbin last week. Owens suggested that he would’ve come out on top if he had all night to prepare, like Zayn did for Ziggler.
SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon then arrived to give KO that exact opportunity, first making Styles vs. Corbin in the main event and then Owens vs. Ziggler next on SmackDown LIVE! (Via WWE.com)
Corbin reminded Styles that he had come away victorious the last two times they competed and seemed confident in his ability to do it again (or claim a win over anyone else) to become the new champion at WWE Fastlane. Irritated by the claims made by Styles and Corbin, KO hit the scene and claimed that the issues between him and Zayn caused KO to lose to Corbin last week. Owens suggested that he would’ve come out on top if he had all night to prepare, like Zayn did for Ziggler.
SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon then arrived to give KO that exact opportunity, first making Styles vs. Corbin in the main event and then Owens vs. Ziggler next on SmackDown LIVE! (Via WWE.com)
Kevin Owens defeated Dolph Ziggler.
With chaos running rampant on SmackDown LIVE, Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler squared off, each wanting to carve out a stronger position with the WWE Championship Fatal 5-Way Match at WWE Fastlane on the horizon.
Continuing to show no signs of ring rust after his multi-week absence, Ziggler appeared to have KO on the ropes several times. However, in a surprise to many, Owens snatched the victory when Sami Zayn ran out to distract Ziggler, allowing KO to hit a picture-perfect superkick right to The Showoff’s dome piece for the win.
After the match, Owens seemed somewhat surprised by Zayn’s assist, suggesting that all was not yet right within The “Yep!” Movement. (Via WWE.com)
Continuing to show no signs of ring rust after his multi-week absence, Ziggler appeared to have KO on the ropes several times. However, in a surprise to many, Owens snatched the victory when Sami Zayn ran out to distract Ziggler, allowing KO to hit a picture-perfect superkick right to The Showoff’s dome piece for the win.
After the match, Owens seemed somewhat surprised by Zayn’s assist, suggesting that all was not yet right within The “Yep!” Movement. (Via WWE.com)
Jinder Mahal delivers a "Roode Awakening."
With the animosity between Jinder Mahal, United States Champion Bobby Roode and Randy Orton continuing to build, Mahal (flanked by Sunil Singh) arrived on SmackDown LIVE with a copy of what he claimed to be Roode’s SmackDown LIVE Top 10 Superstars List ballot. The Modern Day Maharaja declared that Roode voted for himself at number one and had neither Mahal nor Orton on it. Mahal used this piece of information to try and drive the wedge further between The Glorious One and The Viper, claiming that it’s clear that Roode has no respect for The Apex Predator.
Not thrilled with these assertions, the United States Champion interrupted, suggesting that he saw through Mahal’s plan to pit him and Orton against each other simply as a means for Jinder to carve out an easier path to the United States Title. This led to a heated exchange between Roode and Mahal that Orton soon broke up with his arrival.
Without saying a word, The Viper stepped to Roode, and a brawl soon erupted. Orton punched Mahal, which Roode followed up by clotheslining Mahal over the top rope. The Apex Predator then went to RKO The Glorious One, but Roode turned it around into a Glorious DDT. The United States Champion stood tall, but only for a moment, as The Modern Day Maharaja slid back into the ring and dropped Roode with the ring-shaking Khallas.
For the second straight week, Mahal left his foes down. If Roode and Orton weren’t taking notice before, they surely are now.
However, Mahal may not exactly have SmackDown LIVE management taking notice, or at least Shane McMahon, as after this dominant display, Shane decreed that it would be Roode vs. Orton for the U.S. Title at WWE Fastlane, overruling Daniel Bryan’s idea to give The Modern Day Maharaja a championship opportunity. (Via WWE.com)
Not thrilled with these assertions, the United States Champion interrupted, suggesting that he saw through Mahal’s plan to pit him and Orton against each other simply as a means for Jinder to carve out an easier path to the United States Title. This led to a heated exchange between Roode and Mahal that Orton soon broke up with his arrival.
Without saying a word, The Viper stepped to Roode, and a brawl soon erupted. Orton punched Mahal, which Roode followed up by clotheslining Mahal over the top rope. The Apex Predator then went to RKO The Glorious One, but Roode turned it around into a Glorious DDT. The United States Champion stood tall, but only for a moment, as The Modern Day Maharaja slid back into the ring and dropped Roode with the ring-shaking Khallas.
For the second straight week, Mahal left his foes down. If Roode and Orton weren’t taking notice before, they surely are now.
However, Mahal may not exactly have SmackDown LIVE management taking notice, or at least Shane McMahon, as after this dominant display, Shane decreed that it would be Roode vs. Orton for the U.S. Title at WWE Fastlane, overruling Daniel Bryan’s idea to give The Modern Day Maharaja a championship opportunity. (Via WWE.com)
The Riott Squad defeated Becky Lynch, Naomi & SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair.
With SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair targeting the members of The Riott Squad and defeating Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan over the past several weeks, it appeared that Ruby Riott was the only one left for The Queen to conquer. However, it seems fair to ask whether Riott is displaying signs of brilliance or panic at the thought of facing Charlotte one-on-one.
This Six-Woman Tag Team Match was a different story, as Riott had both Morgan & Logan by her side. Flair, Becky Lynch & Naomi did not hold back in attempting to unleash an onslaught on the always controversial Riott Squad, but Ruby picked up a point in her favor, defeating The Irish Lass Kicker with a wicked Riott Kick after a flurry of action.
After the match, Charlotte rolled into the ring to tend to her fallen friend, and in a bit of role reversal, Ruby could be seen saying “One down, two to go.” Later in the evening it was made official that both Superstars would get their chance to face off against the other when Flair vs. Riott for the SmackDown Women's Title was made official for WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
This Six-Woman Tag Team Match was a different story, as Riott had both Morgan & Logan by her side. Flair, Becky Lynch & Naomi did not hold back in attempting to unleash an onslaught on the always controversial Riott Squad, but Ruby picked up a point in her favor, defeating The Irish Lass Kicker with a wicked Riott Kick after a flurry of action.
After the match, Charlotte rolled into the ring to tend to her fallen friend, and in a bit of role reversal, Ruby could be seen saying “One down, two to go.” Later in the evening it was made official that both Superstars would get their chance to face off against the other when Flair vs. Riott for the SmackDown Women's Title was made official for WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
The New Day defeated Chad Gable & Shelton benjamin to challenge the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos at FastLane.
Following a controversial loss last week, Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable demanded a rematch against The New Day tonight on SmackDown LIVE. The New Day did not waffle in the face of the challenge, accepting without hesitation. In announcing the rematch on Twitter, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan acknowledged the interference by Xavier Woods last week and turned this match into an opportunity, with the winners earning the opportunity to face off against SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos at WWE Fastlane.
As is always the case with these two squads, the bout was action-packed and seemingly never-ending, with both pairs looking as though they were closing in on victory several times. It appeared that Benjamin & Gable may have had the victory locked up when Benjamin & Gable caught Big E with their impressive double-team Powerbomb Bulldog. However, Kofi Kingston jumped up onto the apron, taking the referee’s attention. By the time the official turned back around to the action in the ring, Big E kicked out, and The New Day prevailed after Woods caught Benjamin flush with a vicious knee to the face.
After the contest, The New Day’s celebration was temporarily halted when The Bludgeon Brothers hit the scene. The New Day couldn’t help but react to the sheer size of Harper & Rowan as the two behemoths walked past them. At one point, it appeared Rowan was ready to step to Big E, Kofi & Woods, but Harper stopped him, and the two then continued on to the ring to prepare for action. (Via WWE.com)
As is always the case with these two squads, the bout was action-packed and seemingly never-ending, with both pairs looking as though they were closing in on victory several times. It appeared that Benjamin & Gable may have had the victory locked up when Benjamin & Gable caught Big E with their impressive double-team Powerbomb Bulldog. However, Kofi Kingston jumped up onto the apron, taking the referee’s attention. By the time the official turned back around to the action in the ring, Big E kicked out, and The New Day prevailed after Woods caught Benjamin flush with a vicious knee to the face.
After the contest, The New Day’s celebration was temporarily halted when The Bludgeon Brothers hit the scene. The New Day couldn’t help but react to the sheer size of Harper & Rowan as the two behemoths walked past them. At one point, it appeared Rowan was ready to step to Big E, Kofi & Woods, but Harper stopped him, and the two then continued on to the ring to prepare for action. (Via WWE.com)
The Bludgeon Brothers defeated Local Competitors.
With making a statement to SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos (and now maybe The New Day as well) clearly on their minds, The Bludgeon Brothers continued to bludgeon their opposition in rare form, decimating their competition in short order for an emphatic and decisive victory. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Champion, AJ Styles defeated Baron Corbin.
An old rivalry was rekindled on SmackDown LIVE, as Baron Corbin attempted to make a major statement against WWE Champion AJ Styles in a non-title contest, with the Fatal-5 Way Match at WWE Fastlane casting a large shadow.
Corbin, who had come out on top against Styles the last two times they faced, competed with confidence because of his track record. The Lone Wolf used his size and strength advantages to wear Styles down, making it difficult for the WWE Champion to get rolling with his explosive offense. However, as he always does, Styles rallied, breaking free from The Lone Wolf’s clutches, taking to the skies and putting him down for three following an utterly Phenomenal Forearm.
The Phenomenal One would have no time to celebrate, however, as Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn hit the ring and pounced on Styles, knocking him out of the squared circle. KO followed Styles’ limp body to the outside, while Zayn stayed inside the ring. The tides quickly turned, though, when Corbin found a burst of energy and dropped an unsuspecting Zayn with End of Days. Owens, noticing this, hit the ring to attempt to avenge his best friend, but he felt a similar fate, also succumbing to The Lone Wolf’s End of Days.
Corbin lost the battle, but he proved that there is a lot of road left to go before anyone wins the war at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
Corbin, who had come out on top against Styles the last two times they faced, competed with confidence because of his track record. The Lone Wolf used his size and strength advantages to wear Styles down, making it difficult for the WWE Champion to get rolling with his explosive offense. However, as he always does, Styles rallied, breaking free from The Lone Wolf’s clutches, taking to the skies and putting him down for three following an utterly Phenomenal Forearm.
The Phenomenal One would have no time to celebrate, however, as Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn hit the ring and pounced on Styles, knocking him out of the squared circle. KO followed Styles’ limp body to the outside, while Zayn stayed inside the ring. The tides quickly turned, though, when Corbin found a burst of energy and dropped an unsuspecting Zayn with End of Days. Owens, noticing this, hit the ring to attempt to avenge his best friend, but he felt a similar fate, also succumbing to The Lone Wolf’s End of Days.
Corbin lost the battle, but he proved that there is a lot of road left to go before anyone wins the war at WWE Fastlane. (Via WWE.com)
Buddy Murphy defeated Ariya Daivari. (Round 1, WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament)
Training harder than ever, former NXT Tag Team Champion Buddy Murphy officially weighed in at 202 pounds, cutting 20 pounds in order to compete in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament. However, his opponent, Ariya Daivari, believed that he was entitled to the championship opportunity. As soon as the match got underway, Murphy charged forward, displaying his determination to make a statement in his WWE 205 Live debut.
The Persian Lion struggled to counter Murphy’s advance before managing to grab his opponent’s hair and drop him on the ring apron. After tossing the Australian Superstar into the steel steps, Daivari maintained the advantage with aggressive strikes and fast-paced counters.
However, with the WWE Universe in his corner, Murphy regained his composure and showed off his impressive strength and agility. Despite Daivari targeting his opponent’s lower back earlier in the contest, Murphy showed no signs of slowing down – even taking to the air to continue to build momentum.
A fierce competitor, Daivari swung momentum back in his favor but was unable to secure victory, even after successfully executing a Persian Lion Splash and his patented hammerlock lariat. Shocked, Daivari again advanced, but his Australian opponent was prepared, and Murphy broke out a wicked maneuver to secure a pinfall victory and advance to the quarterfinals. (Via WWE.com)
The Persian Lion struggled to counter Murphy’s advance before managing to grab his opponent’s hair and drop him on the ring apron. After tossing the Australian Superstar into the steel steps, Daivari maintained the advantage with aggressive strikes and fast-paced counters.
However, with the WWE Universe in his corner, Murphy regained his composure and showed off his impressive strength and agility. Despite Daivari targeting his opponent’s lower back earlier in the contest, Murphy showed no signs of slowing down – even taking to the air to continue to build momentum.
A fierce competitor, Daivari swung momentum back in his favor but was unable to secure victory, even after successfully executing a Persian Lion Splash and his patented hammerlock lariat. Shocked, Daivari again advanced, but his Australian opponent was prepared, and Murphy broke out a wicked maneuver to secure a pinfall victory and advance to the quarterfinals. (Via WWE.com)
Drake Maverick reveals the quarterfinals of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship tournament.
With the first round of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament coming to a close, WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick announced the quarterfinal matches, beginning next week.
One of the bouts was Cedric Alexander facing inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP. Alexander and TJP appeared opposite Maverick and exchanged heated words before going their separate ways. (Via WWE.com)
One of the bouts was Cedric Alexander facing inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJP. Alexander and TJP appeared opposite Maverick and exchanged heated words before going their separate ways. (Via WWE.com)
Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik defeated Evan Daniels & Corazon Delgado.
Accompanied by their lucha brother Kalisto, Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik – two Superstars previously eliminated from the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament – teamed up to battle Evan Daniels and Corazon Delgado.
The lucha house party was in full effect, as The Golden Lynx and Gran Metalik displayed their incredible ability while former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto cheered them on from ringside. Despite defeating Lince Dorado in the tournament, Kalisto proved that the lucha bond was stronger than ever.
Metalik and Dorado used their jaw-dropping speed to their advantage. Despite a brief offensive advantage from their opponents, the combination of uncanny agility and the lucha brotherhood proved to be too much, as the lucha sensations flattened their opponents on the outside before Dorado executed the breathtaking Shooting Star Press for the win. (Via WWE.com)
The lucha house party was in full effect, as The Golden Lynx and Gran Metalik displayed their incredible ability while former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto cheered them on from ringside. Despite defeating Lince Dorado in the tournament, Kalisto proved that the lucha bond was stronger than ever.
Metalik and Dorado used their jaw-dropping speed to their advantage. Despite a brief offensive advantage from their opponents, the combination of uncanny agility and the lucha brotherhood proved to be too much, as the lucha sensations flattened their opponents on the outside before Dorado executed the breathtaking Shooting Star Press for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali defeated Gentleman Jack Gallagher. (ROUND 1, WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT)
Heeding the advice of WWE 205 Live GM Drake Maverick, Gentleman Jack Gallagher entered the final first-round match of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament without his suit, sporting more traditional ring gear. The British Superstar was focused on the task at hand, and once the match got under way, Gallagher began implementing his unique technical prowess to keep the high-flying Mustafa Ali grounded.
With the winner of this bout set to face the formidable Buddy Murphy in the second round, Gallagher focused his offense on Ali’s arms, trying to force his opponent into submission. The former Chicago police officer struggled to find the right formula to counter Gallagher’s unorthodox in-ring style. Regardless, Ali managed to hold his own, engaging in an impressive sequence of countered pinfalls with his opponent.
With the bout at a stalemate, the tension mounted, and the technical showcase briefly turned into an exchange of aggressive strikes. However, with Gallagher on the outside of the ring, Ali charged forward and slid under the ropes, only to be ingeniously caught in the ring apron by Gallagher.
Attempting to prepare his patented 0-5-4, Ali was met on the top rope by Gallagher, who once again targeted his opponent’s arm. First using the ropes and then driving Ali shoulder-first into the ring post, Gallagher began to show his familiar brand of cruelty, relentlessly targeting Ali’s limb.
With one good arm, Ali tried to fight back, pulling out all the stops with a high-flying maneuver to the outside. Unfortunately, Gallagher moved out of the way, and Ali crashed to the arena floor. Gallagher took advantage and again brutally targeted Ali’s arm. The Chicago native refused to give in, even after being dropkicked off the top rope into the barricade and being driven shoulder-first into the corner of the barricade. Gallagher continued to assault his opponent’s arm, but Ali remained resilient, refusing to give in.
Finally, Ali countered a high-risk move from the top rope, landing on his feet. Even with an injured arm, Ali found the determination to charge forward, stunning Gallagher with two fast-paced strikes before executing the 0-5-4 for the incredible victory. (Via WWE.com)
With the winner of this bout set to face the formidable Buddy Murphy in the second round, Gallagher focused his offense on Ali’s arms, trying to force his opponent into submission. The former Chicago police officer struggled to find the right formula to counter Gallagher’s unorthodox in-ring style. Regardless, Ali managed to hold his own, engaging in an impressive sequence of countered pinfalls with his opponent.
With the bout at a stalemate, the tension mounted, and the technical showcase briefly turned into an exchange of aggressive strikes. However, with Gallagher on the outside of the ring, Ali charged forward and slid under the ropes, only to be ingeniously caught in the ring apron by Gallagher.
Attempting to prepare his patented 0-5-4, Ali was met on the top rope by Gallagher, who once again targeted his opponent’s arm. First using the ropes and then driving Ali shoulder-first into the ring post, Gallagher began to show his familiar brand of cruelty, relentlessly targeting Ali’s limb.
With one good arm, Ali tried to fight back, pulling out all the stops with a high-flying maneuver to the outside. Unfortunately, Gallagher moved out of the way, and Ali crashed to the arena floor. Gallagher took advantage and again brutally targeted Ali’s arm. The Chicago native refused to give in, even after being dropkicked off the top rope into the barricade and being driven shoulder-first into the corner of the barricade. Gallagher continued to assault his opponent’s arm, but Ali remained resilient, refusing to give in.
Finally, Ali countered a high-risk move from the top rope, landing on his feet. Even with an injured arm, Ali found the determination to charge forward, stunning Gallagher with two fast-paced strikes before executing the 0-5-4 for the incredible victory. (Via WWE.com)
The Second Round begins next week!
With Buddy Murphy and Mustafa Ali advancing to the second round in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, the first round has officially ended. The first two matches of the tournament’s second round will take place next week. After defeating Gran Metalik in the first match of the tournament, Cedric Alexander kicks off the second round in a battle against inaugural WWE
Cruiserweight Champion TJP. The Fil-Am Flash advanced in the tournament following an impressive victory against first-ever U.K. Champion Tyler Bate and hopes to continue building his momentum all the way to WrestleMania.
Plus, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto – who vanquished his lucha brother, Lince Dorado, in the first round – takes on NXT’s Roderick Strong. Entering the first round of the tournament against Hideo Itami, Strong’s impressive and hard-hitting performance against the Japanese Superstar has made him an early favorite to win the tournament.
Who will be the first two semifinalists – and just one win away from challenging for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania? (Via WWE.com)
Cruiserweight Champion TJP. The Fil-Am Flash advanced in the tournament following an impressive victory against first-ever U.K. Champion Tyler Bate and hopes to continue building his momentum all the way to WrestleMania.
Plus, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto – who vanquished his lucha brother, Lince Dorado, in the first round – takes on NXT’s Roderick Strong. Entering the first round of the tournament against Hideo Itami, Strong’s impressive and hard-hitting performance against the Japanese Superstar has made him an early favorite to win the tournament.
Who will be the first two semifinalists – and just one win away from challenging for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania? (Via WWE.com)