SmackDown Live Management made WWE Champion, AJ Styles vs. John Cena the main event tonight.
With his Road to WrestleMania still not fully defined, free agent John Cena kicked off SmackDown LIVE with a plan to land himself on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Cena, acknowledging that he was asking for one more chance, proposed turning the Fatal-5 Way for the WWE Title at WWE Fastlane into a Six-Pack Challenge.
Both SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan hit the scene with thoughts on Cena’s proposal; Shane stated that he thought The Cenation Leader would be a worthy addition to the title bout, noting that SmackDown is The Land of Opportunity. Bryan agreed, but also insisted that opportunities need to be earned. With that in mind, Bryan made a mega main event — John Cena vs. AJ Styles with the caveat that a win would get Cena into the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane! (Via WWE.com)
Both SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon and SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan hit the scene with thoughts on Cena’s proposal; Shane stated that he thought The Cenation Leader would be a worthy addition to the title bout, noting that SmackDown is The Land of Opportunity. Bryan agreed, but also insisted that opportunities need to be earned. With that in mind, Bryan made a mega main event — John Cena vs. AJ Styles with the caveat that a win would get Cena into the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane! (Via WWE.com)
Baron Corbin defeated Sami Zayn.
Despite suffering a loss against WWE Champion AJ Styles last week, Baron Corbin proved to be a threat to walk out of WWE Fastlane as the new WWE Champion when he decimated Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn after the match. The Lone Wolf looked to continue asserting his dominance against The “Yep!” Movement in this contest against Zayn, but Corbin also had to keep an eye on KO, who was at the announce desk. During the match, Shane McMahon voiced his displeasure with Daniel Bryan for allowing Owens at the commentary desk, but Bryan respectfully disagreed, prompting Shane to briefly exit the office.
KO held nothing back on commentary, claiming that Shane’s decision to give John Cena an opportunity to join the WWE Fastlane main event was just another example of the vendetta against The “Yep!” Movement. When Shane-O-Mac returned to the office, he seemed to be a bit amicable, agreeing with Bryan that the action was great.
In the pivotal moments, Dolph Ziggler bolted to ringside and superkicked an unsuspecting Owens square in the back of the head. Zayn didn’t see the kick, but he did notice KO sprawled out on the ground, and the distraction allowed Corbin to catch Sami off guard and drop him with End of Days for the victory. However, before Corbin could bask in his win, Ziggler slid into the ring and hit the also unsuspecting Lone Wolf with a picture-perfect Zig Zag.
Back in the office, Shane-O-Mac mockingly joked that maybe Daniel should go and check on Owens & Zayn. The “Yes!” Man declined that offer, but still clearly off-put, asked if he could leave for the evening, which Shane approved. Following that, the disgruntled Owens and Zayn ran into Shane and asked him if they had seen what occurred during the match. Shane simply, and gleefully, answered “Yep!” The Commissioner then informed them that Bryan had left for the night and that they would maybe want to leave soon as well, as Brie “hates it when they are late for dinner,” much to the dismay of The “Yep!” Movement. (Via WWE.com)
KO held nothing back on commentary, claiming that Shane’s decision to give John Cena an opportunity to join the WWE Fastlane main event was just another example of the vendetta against The “Yep!” Movement. When Shane-O-Mac returned to the office, he seemed to be a bit amicable, agreeing with Bryan that the action was great.
In the pivotal moments, Dolph Ziggler bolted to ringside and superkicked an unsuspecting Owens square in the back of the head. Zayn didn’t see the kick, but he did notice KO sprawled out on the ground, and the distraction allowed Corbin to catch Sami off guard and drop him with End of Days for the victory. However, before Corbin could bask in his win, Ziggler slid into the ring and hit the also unsuspecting Lone Wolf with a picture-perfect Zig Zag.
Back in the office, Shane-O-Mac mockingly joked that maybe Daniel should go and check on Owens & Zayn. The “Yes!” Man declined that offer, but still clearly off-put, asked if he could leave for the evening, which Shane approved. Following that, the disgruntled Owens and Zayn ran into Shane and asked him if they had seen what occurred during the match. Shane simply, and gleefully, answered “Yep!” The Commissioner then informed them that Bryan had left for the night and that they would maybe want to leave soon as well, as Brie “hates it when they are late for dinner,” much to the dismay of The “Yep!” Movement. (Via WWE.com)
Ruby Riott defeated Naomi.
After Ruby Riott turned the tables on Charlotte Flair last week by defeating Becky Lynch in a Six-Woman Tag Team Match and boisterously claiming “one down, two to go,” Riott looked to continue her countdown on SmackDown LIVE, squaring off against Naomi, with The Riott Squad and Flair & The Irish Lass Kicker at ringside.
As Riott looks to gain even more momentum en route to her SmackDown Women’s Title encounter against Flair at WWE Fastlane, the rough and rugged competitor seemingly had an answer for Naomi’s dynamic and explosive offense at every turn, and she dimmed The Glow with a vicious Riott Kick for the win.
It was now “two down, one to go” on the scorecards of both Charlotte and Ruby. (Via WWE.com)
As Riott looks to gain even more momentum en route to her SmackDown Women’s Title encounter against Flair at WWE Fastlane, the rough and rugged competitor seemingly had an answer for Naomi’s dynamic and explosive offense at every turn, and she dimmed The Glow with a vicious Riott Kick for the win.
It was now “two down, one to go” on the scorecards of both Charlotte and Ruby. (Via WWE.com)
The Usos and The New Day came face-to-face and rekindled their rivalry.
The New Day will rekindle their already-legendary rivalry with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos in a title bout at WWE Fastlane thanks to their victory against Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable last week.
The frequent opponents came face to face in the ring, and a fired-up Jimmy & Jey went into a tirade about how they were overlooked and underappreciated during large portions of their time in WWE. They also made it unequivocally clear that they were hellbent on having their first-ever WrestleMania match and would do so by defeating The New Day at WWE Fastlane.
Big E retorted back at nine-year veterans, emphatically stating that he, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have worked unbelievably hard for the past several years to earn opportunities, adding that they’re not going anywhere and will enter WrestleMania 34 as five-time Tag Team Champions.
As tensions began to rise between and fisticuffs appeared imminent, The Bludgeon Brothers stalked to the ring. The New Day and Usos immediately ceased their debate and divided the ring, as Harper & Rowan entered the ring with mallets in hand. Both teams decided to exit, leaving The Bludgeon Brothers … but how much longer until Harper & Rowan strike? (Via WWE.com)
The frequent opponents came face to face in the ring, and a fired-up Jimmy & Jey went into a tirade about how they were overlooked and underappreciated during large portions of their time in WWE. They also made it unequivocally clear that they were hellbent on having their first-ever WrestleMania match and would do so by defeating The New Day at WWE Fastlane.
Big E retorted back at nine-year veterans, emphatically stating that he, Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods have worked unbelievably hard for the past several years to earn opportunities, adding that they’re not going anywhere and will enter WrestleMania 34 as five-time Tag Team Champions.
As tensions began to rise between and fisticuffs appeared imminent, The Bludgeon Brothers stalked to the ring. The New Day and Usos immediately ceased their debate and divided the ring, as Harper & Rowan entered the ring with mallets in hand. Both teams decided to exit, leaving The Bludgeon Brothers … but how much longer until Harper & Rowan strike? (Via WWE.com)
2018 Royal Rumble winner, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Aiden English.
After confronting Shane McMahon about a lack of Rusev Day on SmackDown LIVE over the past several weeks, Shane-O-Mac provided Aiden English the ultimate spotlight: A match against Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura, who looked sharp as ever, was brutally brilliant, though he suffered a setback when Rusev (who was flanking English at ringside) dropped WWE’s Rockstar behind the official’s back with a stinging kick. However, even those dirty tactics weren’t enough, as Nakamura rallied and finished English off with a thunderous Kinshasa for the win.
After the victory, The King of Strong Style began to celebrate on his way up the ramp, but before he could exit, he was greeted by John Cena, who was arriving for his high-stakes match against WWE Champion AJ Styles. Cena and Shinsuke stared one another down, with both pointing to the WrestleMania sign, signaling what everyone already knew: Everyone’s sights are set on The Grandest Stage of Them All. (Via WWE.com)
Nakamura, who looked sharp as ever, was brutally brilliant, though he suffered a setback when Rusev (who was flanking English at ringside) dropped WWE’s Rockstar behind the official’s back with a stinging kick. However, even those dirty tactics weren’t enough, as Nakamura rallied and finished English off with a thunderous Kinshasa for the win.
After the victory, The King of Strong Style began to celebrate on his way up the ramp, but before he could exit, he was greeted by John Cena, who was arriving for his high-stakes match against WWE Champion AJ Styles. Cena and Shinsuke stared one another down, with both pointing to the WrestleMania sign, signaling what everyone already knew: Everyone’s sights are set on The Grandest Stage of Them All. (Via WWE.com)
John Cena defeated WWE Champion, AJ Styles to be added to the WWE Championship match at FastLane.
With the stakes astronomically high, John Cena squared off against WWE Champion AJ Styles for the first time ever on SmackDown LIVE. If Cena prevailed, he would be added to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane. If not, the 16-time World Champion’s WrestleMania prospects would look bleaker.
With Cena and Styles so familiar with one another after their classic series of matches over the past several years, they were more than ready for each other’s offensive onslaughts in this pulse-pounding main event. Both Superstars kicked out of each other’s signature maneuvers and broke free from one another’s excruciating submissions, with Styles even surviving a cataclysmic Attitude Adjustment through the announcer’s table and narrowly avoiding the count-out loss.
In the match’s final moments, Cena somehow reversed The Phenomenal One’s Calf Crusher into another ring-shaking AA for the monumental victory that now granted him access to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane.
Cena would have virtually no time to bask in the victory though, as The “Yep!” Movement and Baron Corbin crashed the party, attacking both Cena and Styles. However, the sixth Superstar in the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane, Dolph Ziggler, rushed to the ring and assisted Cena and Styles in dispatching their attackers. That goodwill did not last long, as Ziggler then dropped Styles, which prompted Cena to lay out Ziggler with an AA as SmackDown LIVE went off the air in a state of complete chaos. (Via WWE.com)
With Cena and Styles so familiar with one another after their classic series of matches over the past several years, they were more than ready for each other’s offensive onslaughts in this pulse-pounding main event. Both Superstars kicked out of each other’s signature maneuvers and broke free from one another’s excruciating submissions, with Styles even surviving a cataclysmic Attitude Adjustment through the announcer’s table and narrowly avoiding the count-out loss.
In the match’s final moments, Cena somehow reversed The Phenomenal One’s Calf Crusher into another ring-shaking AA for the monumental victory that now granted him access to the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane.
Cena would have virtually no time to bask in the victory though, as The “Yep!” Movement and Baron Corbin crashed the party, attacking both Cena and Styles. However, the sixth Superstar in the WWE Title Match at WWE Fastlane, Dolph Ziggler, rushed to the ring and assisted Cena and Styles in dispatching their attackers. That goodwill did not last long, as Ziggler then dropped Styles, which prompted Cena to lay out Ziggler with an AA as SmackDown LIVE went off the air in a state of complete chaos. (Via WWE.com)
Cedric Alexander defeated TJP (Round two of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament)
Despite both Cedric Alexander and TJP competing in the Cruiserweight Classic – and TJP winning the tourney – they have never faced off in one-on-one competition in the WWE Cruiserweight division. That changed in the quarterfinals of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship, as Alexander and the inaugural WWE Cruiserweight Champion battled to keep their WrestleMania dreams alive.
Although The Fil-Am Flash didn’t believe he should have to face anyone to earn an opportunity to reclaim the WWE Cruiserweight Title, he was ready to compete against Alexander while displaying his signature confidence.
Neither Superstar gained an advantage until TJP wisely countered a snapmare into a backbreaker. The first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion used that momentum to work in an innovative submission hold, nearly scoring a victory. As his confidence mounted, The Duke of Dab worked to keep his opponent on defense, using well-timed strikes and technical holds to stay in control and keep Alexander at bay.
Even though TJP seemed to have the match clearly in his favor, the resilience of Cedric was certainly in play as he reversed a suplex and found the opening he needed to build his own momentum. Battling through pain, Alexander still soared through the air to take down his opponent on the outside.
Favoring his knee, Alexander continued to advance, but TJP’s ring awareness proved near-fatal for Alexander’s WrestleMania hopes as he caught his opponent in the kneebar, though Alexander escaped the dreaded hold twice.
Exhausted, both Cruiserweights exchanged blows, leaving everything inside the ring. As TJP attempted the Detonation Kick, Alexander reversed the move and hit the back-wrenching Lumbar Check to secure the win and advance to the semifinals. (Via WWE.com)
Although The Fil-Am Flash didn’t believe he should have to face anyone to earn an opportunity to reclaim the WWE Cruiserweight Title, he was ready to compete against Alexander while displaying his signature confidence.
Neither Superstar gained an advantage until TJP wisely countered a snapmare into a backbreaker. The first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion used that momentum to work in an innovative submission hold, nearly scoring a victory. As his confidence mounted, The Duke of Dab worked to keep his opponent on defense, using well-timed strikes and technical holds to stay in control and keep Alexander at bay.
Even though TJP seemed to have the match clearly in his favor, the resilience of Cedric was certainly in play as he reversed a suplex and found the opening he needed to build his own momentum. Battling through pain, Alexander still soared through the air to take down his opponent on the outside.
Favoring his knee, Alexander continued to advance, but TJP’s ring awareness proved near-fatal for Alexander’s WrestleMania hopes as he caught his opponent in the kneebar, though Alexander escaped the dreaded hold twice.
Exhausted, both Cruiserweights exchanged blows, leaving everything inside the ring. As TJP attempted the Detonation Kick, Alexander reversed the move and hit the back-wrenching Lumbar Check to secure the win and advance to the semifinals. (Via WWE.com)
Roderick Strong defeated Kalisto. (ROUND TWO OF THE WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT)
Following an impressive first-round victory against Hideo Itami in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, NXT Superstar Roderick Strong faced a daunting challenge in former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Kalisto. Kalisto and Strong brought vastly different in-ring styles to the bout, leaving the luchador seeking a fast-paced offensive to keep his opponent’s hard-hitting style at bay.
Kalisto’s strategy paid dividends as he used his agility to keep Strong on defense. Even as Strong attempted to counter a hurricanrana on the outside, Kalisto used momentum to drive Strong into the barricade. Breaking the official’s 10-count, however, proved to be a mistake for the lucha dragon, as Strong drove him into the ring apron and dropped him on the announce table.
The effective counter and subsequent drop onto the table gave Strong the opportunity he needed to unleash his hard-hitting ability and impose his will on the former United States Champion. Focusing his attacks on Kalisto’s lower back, Strong also took the time to taunt his opponent, giving the luchador the drive he needed to continue.
As the WWE Universe cheered on the incredible action, Kalisto regained momentum and put his opponent back on defense. Unrelenting, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion attempted his patented Salida del Sol, only to be dropped onto the ropes.
A struggle on the top rope soon led to a jaw-dropping reversal by Kalisto that nearly took Strong out of the contest for good, as he landed awkwardly on his shoulder.
Resilient and determined to continue on his Road to WrestleMania, Strong countered a series of strikes from Kalisto into the perfect trifecta of jumping knee strike, backbreaker and the End of Heartache to secure a hard-fought win and advance to the semifinals to face Cedric Alexander. (Via WWE.com)
Kalisto’s strategy paid dividends as he used his agility to keep Strong on defense. Even as Strong attempted to counter a hurricanrana on the outside, Kalisto used momentum to drive Strong into the barricade. Breaking the official’s 10-count, however, proved to be a mistake for the lucha dragon, as Strong drove him into the ring apron and dropped him on the announce table.
The effective counter and subsequent drop onto the table gave Strong the opportunity he needed to unleash his hard-hitting ability and impose his will on the former United States Champion. Focusing his attacks on Kalisto’s lower back, Strong also took the time to taunt his opponent, giving the luchador the drive he needed to continue.
As the WWE Universe cheered on the incredible action, Kalisto regained momentum and put his opponent back on defense. Unrelenting, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion attempted his patented Salida del Sol, only to be dropped onto the ropes.
A struggle on the top rope soon led to a jaw-dropping reversal by Kalisto that nearly took Strong out of the contest for good, as he landed awkwardly on his shoulder.
Resilient and determined to continue on his Road to WrestleMania, Strong countered a series of strikes from Kalisto into the perfect trifecta of jumping knee strike, backbreaker and the End of Heartache to secure a hard-fought win and advance to the semifinals to face Cedric Alexander. (Via WWE.com)
The Quarterfinals continue next week!
Next week on WWE 205 Live, The Road to WrestleMania continues as the second set of matches in the quarterfinals of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament get underway.
Mustafa Ali will square off against NXT Superstar Buddy Murphy in a battle of sheer willpower and determination from both competitors. The incredibly agile Mustafa Ali believes it is his time to carry the WWE Cruiserweight division as champion. During a hard-hitting battle with Gentleman Jack Gallagher, Ali displayed incredible resilience and the spirit of a champion, persevering through his opponent’s offensive onslaught to claim an incredible victory.
Training harder than ever and seizing the opportunity for a potential WrestleMania moment, former NXT Tag Team Champion Buddy Murphy made weight and entered the tournament, battling Ariya Daivari in the first round. Victorious, Murphy advanced to the quarterfinals, set to battle Ali.
Plus, Drew Gulak will face Mark Andrews in next week’s quarterfinals showdown. Facing former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Akira Tozawa in the tournament’s first round, Andrews shocked the WWE Universe by defeating The Stamina Monster to advance to the quarterfinals. The Welsh Superstar will face a newly-aggressive Gulak, who laid waste to his friend and frequent tag team partner Tony Nese in the first round. Will Andrews’ high-fiving and skydiving attitude be enough to stop Gulak’s rage?
Don’t miss the next quarterfinal contests in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, next week on WWE 205 Live. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali will square off against NXT Superstar Buddy Murphy in a battle of sheer willpower and determination from both competitors. The incredibly agile Mustafa Ali believes it is his time to carry the WWE Cruiserweight division as champion. During a hard-hitting battle with Gentleman Jack Gallagher, Ali displayed incredible resilience and the spirit of a champion, persevering through his opponent’s offensive onslaught to claim an incredible victory.
Training harder than ever and seizing the opportunity for a potential WrestleMania moment, former NXT Tag Team Champion Buddy Murphy made weight and entered the tournament, battling Ariya Daivari in the first round. Victorious, Murphy advanced to the quarterfinals, set to battle Ali.
Plus, Drew Gulak will face Mark Andrews in next week’s quarterfinals showdown. Facing former WWE Cruiserweight Champion Akira Tozawa in the tournament’s first round, Andrews shocked the WWE Universe by defeating The Stamina Monster to advance to the quarterfinals. The Welsh Superstar will face a newly-aggressive Gulak, who laid waste to his friend and frequent tag team partner Tony Nese in the first round. Will Andrews’ high-fiving and skydiving attitude be enough to stop Gulak’s rage?
Don’t miss the next quarterfinal contests in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, next week on WWE 205 Live. (Via WWE.com)