WWE Champion, AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura both declared their intentions for WrestleMania.
WWE Champion AJ Styles did what many pundits believed to be “impossible” when he walked out of the Six-Pack Challenge at WWE Fastlane with his title still in hand. And as Styles arrived to kick off SmackDown LIVE, The Phenomenal One focused squarely on his upcoming blockbuster title defense against 2018 Men’s Royal Rumble winner Shinsuke Nakamura at WrestleMania 34.
Styles spoke to how important it was for him to enter WrestleMania as WWE Champion, his improbable ascension to the top of WWE and his dream match against The King of Strong Style at The Show of Shows.
Nakamura seemed to agree that their match at WrestleMania is indeed a dream, but he also made it clear that he came to WWE to become WWE Champion, and The Phenomenal One was now the only roadblock remaining. However, just when it looked like tension could possibly rise between the two Superstars, Rusev and Aiden English arrived, as The Bulgarian Brute prepared to take on Styles next on SmackDown LIVE. (Via WWE.com)
Styles spoke to how important it was for him to enter WrestleMania as WWE Champion, his improbable ascension to the top of WWE and his dream match against The King of Strong Style at The Show of Shows.
Nakamura seemed to agree that their match at WrestleMania is indeed a dream, but he also made it clear that he came to WWE to become WWE Champion, and The Phenomenal One was now the only roadblock remaining. However, just when it looked like tension could possibly rise between the two Superstars, Rusev and Aiden English arrived, as The Bulgarian Brute prepared to take on Styles next on SmackDown LIVE. (Via WWE.com)
WWE Champion, AJ Styles defeated Rusev by disqualification.
Following his nail-biter loss to Shinsuke Nakamura at WWE Fastlane, Rusev squared off against AJ Styles on SmackDown LIVE, as WWE’s Rockstar and The Drama King observed from ringside.
Rusev was aggressive in the early goings, wearing down the WWE Champion with an onslaught of offense that was both grounding and dynamic. Just when Styles executed a slick counter to trap The Bulgarian Brute in the Calf Crusher, Aiden English jumped into the ring and attacked the WWE Champion.
Styles was awarded the disqualification victory, but it was small potatoes compared to the beating that he was receiving from English and Rusev. After observing the attack for a few moments, The King of Strong Style came to the aid of his WrestleMania opponent, disposing of English and then connecting with the devastating Kinshasa on Rusev.
The mutual respect between Styles and Nakamura remained strong enough tonight, but can it last all the way to WrestleMania? (Via WWE.com)
Rusev was aggressive in the early goings, wearing down the WWE Champion with an onslaught of offense that was both grounding and dynamic. Just when Styles executed a slick counter to trap The Bulgarian Brute in the Calf Crusher, Aiden English jumped into the ring and attacked the WWE Champion.
Styles was awarded the disqualification victory, but it was small potatoes compared to the beating that he was receiving from English and Rusev. After observing the attack for a few moments, The King of Strong Style came to the aid of his WrestleMania opponent, disposing of English and then connecting with the devastating Kinshasa on Rusev.
The mutual respect between Styles and Nakamura remained strong enough tonight, but can it last all the way to WrestleMania? (Via WWE.com)
The Bludgeon Brothers defeated Big E & SmackDown Tag Team Champion, Jimmy Uso.
After suffering a brutal attack at the hands Harper & Rowan on Sunday night at WWE Fastlane, Jimmy Uso and Big E, the only two medically cleared members of The Usos and The New Day, teamed up to seek a measure of retribution against The Bludgeon Brothers on SmackDown LIVE.
Right from the get-go, Jimmy and Big E were in no mood for messing around, jumping The Bludgeon Brothers during their entrance and getting a solid amount of damage done to the behemoths. Uso and Big E then grabbed chairs, but Harper & Rowan grabbed their mallets and used them to knock the chairs out of their opponent’s hands, causing the unlikely duo to retreat to the outside and regroup.
From there, Jimmy & Big E fought valiantly. Although they were cleared to compete, it was evident that neither was 100 percent following Sunday’s savage attack. Harper & Rowan overwhelmed their weakened opponents with their vicious powerbomb combo on Jimmy for another emphatic victory.
After the match, Harper & Rowan proceeded to drop Big E, who was already reeling on the outside. The message being sent? The bludgeonings are far from over. (Via WWE.com)
Right from the get-go, Jimmy and Big E were in no mood for messing around, jumping The Bludgeon Brothers during their entrance and getting a solid amount of damage done to the behemoths. Uso and Big E then grabbed chairs, but Harper & Rowan grabbed their mallets and used them to knock the chairs out of their opponent’s hands, causing the unlikely duo to retreat to the outside and regroup.
From there, Jimmy & Big E fought valiantly. Although they were cleared to compete, it was evident that neither was 100 percent following Sunday’s savage attack. Harper & Rowan overwhelmed their weakened opponents with their vicious powerbomb combo on Jimmy for another emphatic victory.
After the match, Harper & Rowan proceeded to drop Big E, who was already reeling on the outside. The message being sent? The bludgeonings are far from over. (Via WWE.com)
SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair and Asuka went face-to-face.
Following her shocking decision to challenge SmackDown Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair for the title at WrestleMania, Asuka made her first appearance on SmackDown LIVE to go face-to-face with The Queen.
Charlotte did not even remotely beat around the bush, making it clear that she was ecstatic that Asuka chose her as her WrestleMania opponent because it now allowed her the opportunity to end The Empress of Tomorrow’s undefeated streak and cement her own legacy.
Asuka absorbed every word The Queen had to say, but she reinforced the idea that she bows to no competitor and that no one – not even Charlotte Flair – is ready for Asuka. (Via WWE.com)
Charlotte did not even remotely beat around the bush, making it clear that she was ecstatic that Asuka chose her as her WrestleMania opponent because it now allowed her the opportunity to end The Empress of Tomorrow’s undefeated streak and cement her own legacy.
Asuka absorbed every word The Queen had to say, but she reinforced the idea that she bows to no competitor and that no one – not even Charlotte Flair – is ready for Asuka. (Via WWE.com)
Tensions continued to rise between Randy Orton, Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal.
Randy Orton won the United States Championship for the first time this past Sunday at WWE Fastlane, overcoming Bobby Roode in a highly-contested matchup to become a Grand Slam Champion, though he got more than he bargained for when he suffered surprise attacks from both Jinder Mahal and then Roode after the contest.
The Viper stepped out on SmackDown LIVE to celebrate his victory and congratulate Roode on his hard-fought performance at WWE Fastlane. Before long, however, The Glorious One hit the scene, declaring his intentions to invoke his rematch clause for a United States Title Match at WrestleMania. However, Mahal arrived and claimed he was going to defeat Roode right now, and he wanted Orton to sit at the commentary desk to watch. (Via WWE.com)
The Viper stepped out on SmackDown LIVE to celebrate his victory and congratulate Roode on his hard-fought performance at WWE Fastlane. Before long, however, The Glorious One hit the scene, declaring his intentions to invoke his rematch clause for a United States Title Match at WrestleMania. However, Mahal arrived and claimed he was going to defeat Roode right now, and he wanted Orton to sit at the commentary desk to watch. (Via WWE.com)
Jinder Mahal defeated Bobby Roode.
After Bobby Roode dropped The Modern Day Maharaja with a Glorious DDT at WWE Fastlane, and the two engaged in a heated exchange on Team Blue, it was not a surprise to see The Glorious One and Jinder Mahal come out swinging on SmackDown LIVE.
Sunil Singh paid for hopping onto the apron when Roode shoved him into the ring post, but The Modern Day Maharaja capitalized by connecting with the Khallas for the win. The Modern Day Maharaja did not get long to celebrate, though, as Orton slithered into the ring and hit the unsuspecting Mahal with a ruthless RKO outta nowhere.
For now, The Road to WrestleMania remained quite rocky for the United States Title. (Via WWE.com)
Sunil Singh paid for hopping onto the apron when Roode shoved him into the ring post, but The Modern Day Maharaja capitalized by connecting with the Khallas for the win. The Modern Day Maharaja did not get long to celebrate, though, as Orton slithered into the ring and hit the unsuspecting Mahal with a ruthless RKO outta nowhere.
For now, The Road to WrestleMania remained quite rocky for the United States Title. (Via WWE.com)
Carmella defeated Naomi.
Carmella entered SmackDown LIVE fresh off scoring a victory over Naomi in tag team competition at WWE Fastlane, and she’s begun to loosely allude to the idea of cashing in her Money in the Bank contract at WrestleMania. First, however, Ms. Money in the Bank would have to square off against The Glow here on the blue brand.
The two Superstars picked up right where they left off on Sunday, ferociously battling inside the squared circle. Ms. Money in the Bank scored the win by dodging the hard-charging Naomi to leave her tangled in the ropes, then grabbing her by the hair and slamming her to the canvas for the 1-2-3. (Via WWE.com)
The two Superstars picked up right where they left off on Sunday, ferociously battling inside the squared circle. Ms. Money in the Bank scored the win by dodging the hard-charging Naomi to leave her tangled in the ropes, then grabbing her by the hair and slamming her to the canvas for the 1-2-3. (Via WWE.com)
The "Yep!" Movement viciously assaulted Shane McMahon.
SmackDown LIVE Commissioner Shane McMahon was at the center of controversy on Sunday when he cost both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn opportunities to win the WWE Championship. However, Shane-O-Mac, who seemed somewhat pleased over potentially causing a permanent rift between Owens and Zayn, claimed to have a huge WrestleMania announcement.
He first had two blockbuster revelations regarding the future of SmackDown LIVE: General Manager Daniel Bryan would return to the blue brand next week, but The “Yes!” Man would be going it alone, as Shane would be taking an indefinite leave of absence as SmackDown LIVE Commissioner.
Shane-O-Mac then declared that Owens and Zayn would compete against one another at WrestleMania 34, drawing out the irate KO & Sami, who believed Shane was just trying to toy with them one more time before he took off.
Zayn and Owens refused to have it though, mockingly “thanking” Shane for the opportunity at WrestleMania and then proceeding to deliver an unrelenting assault onto Shane that included a Helluva Kick and a Pop-up Powerbomb. WWE officials tried to stop the beatdown, but The “Yep!” Movement took them out too.
From there, Owens and Zayn continued their savage attack, first wrapping a chair around Shane’s throat and smashing it into the ring post, then dragging Shane into the backstage area and giving him a tandem Powerbomb back-first into heavy steel equipment.
From there, Owens & Zayn left the scene, but not before doing an immense amount of damage on the Commissioner, who was hauntingly loaded onto a stretcher as SmackDown LIVE concluded. (Via WWE.com)
He first had two blockbuster revelations regarding the future of SmackDown LIVE: General Manager Daniel Bryan would return to the blue brand next week, but The “Yes!” Man would be going it alone, as Shane would be taking an indefinite leave of absence as SmackDown LIVE Commissioner.
Shane-O-Mac then declared that Owens and Zayn would compete against one another at WrestleMania 34, drawing out the irate KO & Sami, who believed Shane was just trying to toy with them one more time before he took off.
Zayn and Owens refused to have it though, mockingly “thanking” Shane for the opportunity at WrestleMania and then proceeding to deliver an unrelenting assault onto Shane that included a Helluva Kick and a Pop-up Powerbomb. WWE officials tried to stop the beatdown, but The “Yep!” Movement took them out too.
From there, Owens and Zayn continued their savage attack, first wrapping a chair around Shane’s throat and smashing it into the ring post, then dragging Shane into the backstage area and giving him a tandem Powerbomb back-first into heavy steel equipment.
From there, Owens & Zayn left the scene, but not before doing an immense amount of damage on the Commissioner, who was hauntingly loaded onto a stretcher as SmackDown LIVE concluded. (Via WWE.com)
Hideo Itami & Akira Tozawa defeated Gran Metalik & Lince Dorado.
Following a successful debut as a tag team last week on WWE 205 Live, Akira Tozawa and Hideo Itami took to social media to proclaim their desire to interrupt the Lucha house party of Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado. The Golden Lynx and Metalik battled the Japanese Superstars as Kalisto watched from ringside.
Dorado and Tozawa started the contest, showing off their respective abilities inside the ring and battling to a virtual stalemate. The Golden Lynx eventually took control of the bout, tagging in Gran Metalik, who continued building on his partner’s momentum.
However, it didn’t take too long for Itami and Tozawa to adjust and display their own teamwork. The contrast in styles between the hard-hitting Japanese Superstars and the high-flying Lucha brothers was on display with neither team extensively maintaining an edge.
Relying on his high-flying abilities, Metalik scored the advantage against Itami, even fending off an attack from Tozawa that resulted in an incredible dive to the outside by The Golden Lynx.
As the King of the Ropes zeroed in on Itami and launched off the ropes, Itami rolled away, resulting in Metalik injuring his knee. Itami quickly capitalized and managed to score the pinfall.
After the match, Itami stood over his vanquished opponent, drawing the ire of Dorado. The two exchanged words before being separated by their respective partners. (Via WWE.com)
Dorado and Tozawa started the contest, showing off their respective abilities inside the ring and battling to a virtual stalemate. The Golden Lynx eventually took control of the bout, tagging in Gran Metalik, who continued building on his partner’s momentum.
However, it didn’t take too long for Itami and Tozawa to adjust and display their own teamwork. The contrast in styles between the hard-hitting Japanese Superstars and the high-flying Lucha brothers was on display with neither team extensively maintaining an edge.
Relying on his high-flying abilities, Metalik scored the advantage against Itami, even fending off an attack from Tozawa that resulted in an incredible dive to the outside by The Golden Lynx.
As the King of the Ropes zeroed in on Itami and launched off the ropes, Itami rolled away, resulting in Metalik injuring his knee. Itami quickly capitalized and managed to score the pinfall.
After the match, Itami stood over his vanquished opponent, drawing the ire of Dorado. The two exchanged words before being separated by their respective partners. (Via WWE.com)
Gentleman Jack Gallagher def. Murphy Myers.
For the first time since becoming WWE 205 Live General Manager, Drake Maverick made his way to the commentary table to join Nigel McGuinness and Vic Joseph for an up-close look at Gentleman Jack Gallagher.
Before Gallagher competed in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament in a physical battle with Mustafa Ali, Maverick encouraged Gallagher to lose his suit and start competing in traditional gear once more. The British Superstar heeded the advice of the WWE 205 Live GM, and although he came up short in the tournament, he continued to channel his aggression to show Maverick and the WWE Universe exactly what he’s capable of.
Facing Murphy Myers in singles competition, Gallagher wasted little time using vicious strikes and innovative technical manipulation. Myers attempted to mount an attack but was stopped when Gallagher caught him in the ring apron and unleashed a flurry of strikes. Dazed, Myers was thrown back inside the ring, only to be defeated by a brutal headbutt from Gallagher. (Via WWE.com)
Before Gallagher competed in the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament in a physical battle with Mustafa Ali, Maverick encouraged Gallagher to lose his suit and start competing in traditional gear once more. The British Superstar heeded the advice of the WWE 205 Live GM, and although he came up short in the tournament, he continued to channel his aggression to show Maverick and the WWE Universe exactly what he’s capable of.
Facing Murphy Myers in singles competition, Gallagher wasted little time using vicious strikes and innovative technical manipulation. Myers attempted to mount an attack but was stopped when Gallagher caught him in the ring apron and unleashed a flurry of strikes. Dazed, Myers was thrown back inside the ring, only to be defeated by a brutal headbutt from Gallagher. (Via WWE.com)
Cedric Alexander defeated Roderick Strong. (Semi-Finals OF THE WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT)
The stakes have never been higher for Cedric Alexander and NXT Superstar Roderick Strong, as they were the only thing standing in each other’s way for an opportunity to compete for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania.
Relying on his fast-paced offense, Alexander took control of the contest, preventing Strong from unleashing his own hard-hitting arsenal. In a move of desperation, Strong knocked Alexander off the top rope, driving him face-first into the turnbuckle.
Strong quickly capitalized, worked to keep Cedric grounded and taunted his opponent, but that only fueled Alexander to battle back and even the odds.
With momentum in his favor, Alexander dropped his opponent with a devastating Lumbar Check, but Strong got his foot on the bottom rope, keeping his WrestleMania dreams alive. The two Superstars battled on the ring apron before Strong picked up his opponent and tossed Alexander back-first into the corner of the ring post. The brutal maneuver nearly resulted in Alexander being counted out, but he showed his resilience and battled back.
Surviving a superplex from his opponent, Alexander exchanged stinging blows with Strong. However, the NXT Superstar managed to counter Alexander and execute End of Heartache. With the victory seemingly within Strong’s reach, Alexander broke up the pinfall by putting his foot on the bottom rope.
Exhausted, Alexander and Strong once again stood toe-to-toe, leaving everything inside the ring. As Strong once again took control with an impactful knee strike, Alexander countered his opponent’s next move and rolled Strong up for the victory to punch his ticket to WrestleMania.
In a post-match interview, Alexander dedicated the victory to his daughter and proudly declared that he just earned the most important win of his life because it’s taking him to The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Alexander will compete at The Show of Shows for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Championship against the winner of Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak. (Via WWE.com)
Relying on his fast-paced offense, Alexander took control of the contest, preventing Strong from unleashing his own hard-hitting arsenal. In a move of desperation, Strong knocked Alexander off the top rope, driving him face-first into the turnbuckle.
Strong quickly capitalized, worked to keep Cedric grounded and taunted his opponent, but that only fueled Alexander to battle back and even the odds.
With momentum in his favor, Alexander dropped his opponent with a devastating Lumbar Check, but Strong got his foot on the bottom rope, keeping his WrestleMania dreams alive. The two Superstars battled on the ring apron before Strong picked up his opponent and tossed Alexander back-first into the corner of the ring post. The brutal maneuver nearly resulted in Alexander being counted out, but he showed his resilience and battled back.
Surviving a superplex from his opponent, Alexander exchanged stinging blows with Strong. However, the NXT Superstar managed to counter Alexander and execute End of Heartache. With the victory seemingly within Strong’s reach, Alexander broke up the pinfall by putting his foot on the bottom rope.
Exhausted, Alexander and Strong once again stood toe-to-toe, leaving everything inside the ring. As Strong once again took control with an impactful knee strike, Alexander countered his opponent’s next move and rolled Strong up for the victory to punch his ticket to WrestleMania.
In a post-match interview, Alexander dedicated the victory to his daughter and proudly declared that he just earned the most important win of his life because it’s taking him to The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Alexander will compete at The Show of Shows for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Championship against the winner of Mustafa Ali vs. Drew Gulak. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali and Drew Gulak battle next week!
With Cedric Alexander set to compete for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at WrestleMania, he’ll have to face either his friend, Mustafa Ali, or an aggressive and determined Drew Gulak.
The second semifinal battle of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament will take place next week between Ali and Gulak – two competitors with a storied and often brutal history. When Gulak kicked off his campaign to make WWE 205 Live a no-fly zone, he specifically targeted Ali, whose in-ring arsenal consists of agile and high-risk maneuvers. A proven technician, Gulak is vastly different from Ali, but the two have exchanged victories in a series of highly competitive bouts.
In the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Ali defeated Gentleman Jack Gallagher and NXT Superstar Buddy Murphy in two fast-paced and hard-hitting contests. Ali certainly proved his resilience, but he faces a Drew Gulak that has embraced his ruthlessness, fully displayed by his tournament victories against his friend and frequent tag team partner, Tony Nese, and Mark Andrews.
Who will face Cedric Alexander in the title match at WrestleMania? Tune in to WWE 205 Live next week on the award-winning WWE Network to find out! (Via WWE.com)
The second semifinal battle of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament will take place next week between Ali and Gulak – two competitors with a storied and often brutal history. When Gulak kicked off his campaign to make WWE 205 Live a no-fly zone, he specifically targeted Ali, whose in-ring arsenal consists of agile and high-risk maneuvers. A proven technician, Gulak is vastly different from Ali, but the two have exchanged victories in a series of highly competitive bouts.
In the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, Ali defeated Gentleman Jack Gallagher and NXT Superstar Buddy Murphy in two fast-paced and hard-hitting contests. Ali certainly proved his resilience, but he faces a Drew Gulak that has embraced his ruthlessness, fully displayed by his tournament victories against his friend and frequent tag team partner, Tony Nese, and Mark Andrews.
Who will face Cedric Alexander in the title match at WrestleMania? Tune in to WWE 205 Live next week on the award-winning WWE Network to find out! (Via WWE.com)