Daniel Bryan spoke candidly on being cleared for in-ring competition.
As WWE.com revealed earlier in the day, SmackDown LIVE General Manager Daniel Bryan was cleared for in-ring competition. In a touching address to the WWE Universe, Bryan spoke openly about the struggles of being unable to do what he loved most and compete in the ring over the past two years.
The “Yes!” Man even said the night he had to step away from the ring was one of the toughest nights of his life. However, tonight was one of the best, as he could announce his return! Bryan spoke extensively on how his wife, Brie Bella, pushed him to keep trying to return. The former WWE Champion then thanked the WWE Universe, saying that there was nothing better in the world than entertaining them.
While he wasn’t sure whether he would be able to compete at WrestleMania, Bryan said he was definitely on the path back. And did he seem excited about it? “YES!” (Via WWE.com)
The “Yes!” Man even said the night he had to step away from the ring was one of the toughest nights of his life. However, tonight was one of the best, as he could announce his return! Bryan spoke extensively on how his wife, Brie Bella, pushed him to keep trying to return. The former WWE Champion then thanked the WWE Universe, saying that there was nothing better in the world than entertaining them.
While he wasn’t sure whether he would be able to compete at WrestleMania, Bryan said he was definitely on the path back. And did he seem excited about it? “YES!” (Via WWE.com)
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Rusev.
With WWE Champion AJ Styles watching on at ringside, The King of Strong Style and Bulgarian Brute faced off in an ultra-physical confrontation with stiff strikes a plenty. Rusev kept Shinsuke Nakamura grounded for most of the contest, but Nakamura caught The Super Athlete with an elaborate rollup following a thrilling sequence for the victory.
After the bell, English immediately pounced on WWE’s Rockstar, and the staggered Rusev soon joined in on the beating. The Phenomenal One looked ready to come to Nakamura’s aid (albeit slowly), but by the time Styles was finally “ready” to assist, Nakamura had already turned the tide with a flurry of kicks and cleared the ring of Rusev Day.
The mutual respect between Styles and Nakamura doesn’t necessarily seem to equate to the lending of a helping hand on The Road to WrestleMania. (Via WWE.com)
After the bell, English immediately pounced on WWE’s Rockstar, and the staggered Rusev soon joined in on the beating. The Phenomenal One looked ready to come to Nakamura’s aid (albeit slowly), but by the time Styles was finally “ready” to assist, Nakamura had already turned the tide with a flurry of kicks and cleared the ring of Rusev Day.
The mutual respect between Styles and Nakamura doesn’t necessarily seem to equate to the lending of a helping hand on The Road to WrestleMania. (Via WWE.com)
Baron Corbin defeated Tye Dillinger.
Tye Dillinger looked to make a major impact on SmackDown LIVE in his bout against Baron Corbin, the winner of the 2016 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, as both Superstars eyed their participation in this year’s annual over-the-top-rope tradition.
In a renewal of their hard-hitting rivalry, Corbin and Dillinger unloaded on each other en route to the epic free-for-all at The Show of Shows. The Perfect 10 had his moments, but The Lone Wolf prevailed by fending Dillinger off with the devastating End of Days for the win. (Via WWE.com)
In a renewal of their hard-hitting rivalry, Corbin and Dillinger unloaded on each other en route to the epic free-for-all at The Show of Shows. The Perfect 10 had his moments, but The Lone Wolf prevailed by fending Dillinger off with the devastating End of Days for the win. (Via WWE.com)
Natalya defeated SmackDown Women's Champion, Charlotte Flair.
With Natalya incredibly offended that Asuka and not her would face off against Charlotte Flair for the SmackDown Women’s Championship at WrestleMania, The Queen of Harts figured that a one-on-one contest against The Queen tonight would be the next best thing.
With the two having embarked in so many classic battles before, both Superstars were at the point where they could seemingly anticipate counters to the other’s counters. In the pivotal moments, however, Carmella changed the landscape of the contest when she dashed out with a new official, seemingly ready to cash in her Money in the Bank contract and turn the clash into a Triple Threat Match for the title.
However, Carmella’s plan was thwarted when Charlotte dropped her with a big boot right to her kisser before the referee could start the match. The distraction cost Charlotte, though, as Natalya, amidst the ruckus, rolled her up for the win.
Natalya and Carmella have seemingly been real chummy over the past several weeks, so was this an elaborate ruse from The Queen of Black Harts and Ms. Money in the Bank? (Via WWE.com)
With the two having embarked in so many classic battles before, both Superstars were at the point where they could seemingly anticipate counters to the other’s counters. In the pivotal moments, however, Carmella changed the landscape of the contest when she dashed out with a new official, seemingly ready to cash in her Money in the Bank contract and turn the clash into a Triple Threat Match for the title.
However, Carmella’s plan was thwarted when Charlotte dropped her with a big boot right to her kisser before the referee could start the match. The distraction cost Charlotte, though, as Natalya, amidst the ruckus, rolled her up for the win.
Natalya and Carmella have seemingly been real chummy over the past several weeks, so was this an elaborate ruse from The Queen of Black Harts and Ms. Money in the Bank? (Via WWE.com)
Harper defeated SmackDown Tag Team Champion, Jimmy uso.
Prior to Jimmy Uso’s match against Harper, SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos let The Bludgeon Brothers know that they would be put in The Uso Penitentiary, despite the recent beatings administered by the behemoths. However, the clearly still-battered Jimmy struggled to find openings against the much larger Harper. Uso battled valiantly and even looked as though he had Harper on the ropes when Jey Uso interfered by connecting with a superkick, and Jimmy did the same. However, it proved futile, as Harper defeated Jimmy with a ring-rattling clothesline. (Via WWE.com)
The animosity grew between United States Champion, Randy Orton, Bobby Roode and Jinder Mahal.
With the WrestleMania 34 Triple Threat Match for the United States Title now official, Jinder Mahal arrived on SmackDown LIVE with the mission of degrading his opponents, Bobby Roode and United States Champion Randy Orton.
Naturally, this brought out both Roode and Orton, who were determined to bring The Modern Day Maharaja’s arrogance down a peg or two. Mahal took great offense to Orton’s comments and appeared as though he was going to lash out at The Apex Predator. Instead, Jinder threw Sunil Singh into Orton and slid out of the ring. Sunil tried to get away, but Orton dragged the faithful follower back and delivered a DDT off the ropes, and Roode dropped Singh with a Glorious DDT for his troubles.
The Glorious One then followed up by attempting a Glorious DDT on The Viper, only for Orton to reverse and try to strike with an RKO. Roode was also able to counter and stop the attack, leaving the two to stare one another down while Mahal just watched on from ringside. (Via WWE.com)
Naturally, this brought out both Roode and Orton, who were determined to bring The Modern Day Maharaja’s arrogance down a peg or two. Mahal took great offense to Orton’s comments and appeared as though he was going to lash out at The Apex Predator. Instead, Jinder threw Sunil Singh into Orton and slid out of the ring. Sunil tried to get away, but Orton dragged the faithful follower back and delivered a DDT off the ropes, and Roode dropped Singh with a Glorious DDT for his troubles.
The Glorious One then followed up by attempting a Glorious DDT on The Viper, only for Orton to reverse and try to strike with an RKO. Roode was also able to counter and stop the attack, leaving the two to stare one another down while Mahal just watched on from ringside. (Via WWE.com)
Becky Lynch & Naomi defeated Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan by submission.
With all eyes on the WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal, Becky Lynch & Naomi took on Riott Squad members Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan. Morgan & Logan took the fight to The Irish Lass Kicker & The Glow, but Lynch broke through and submitted Logan with the agonizing Dis-arm-her to secure the victory. (Via WWE.com)
Daniel Bryan fired Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn and The “Yep!” Movement assaulted him.
Following their heinous actions last week, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn were all smiles tonight on SmackDown LIVE — both because of their attack on Shane McMahon last week and, seemingly, because of Daniel Bryan’s announcement that he was now cleared for competition.
Owens and Zayn seemed overjoyed, hugging Bryan and claiming that their attack on Shane-O-Mac last week was a gift to the SmackDown LIVE General Manager, but The “Yes!” Man saw it differently. Bryan was disappointed, not only by Owens & Zayn’s actions, but also their lack of remorse. Because of this, the General Manager said that he finally saw things clearly and had only one move to make: firing Owens and Zayn.
After expressing some regret, Bryan shook their hands and told them they could one day make it back to WWE, but a seething KO initiated an assault on Bryan. Owens and Zayn were relentless, but the General Manager ferociously fired back, bringing the WWE Universe to a state of absolute frenzy as he darted about the ring and unleashed a flurry of “Yes!” Kicks. However, Owens and Zayn soon overwhelmed Bryan, and the attack concluded with them decimating Bryan with an Apron Powerbomb.
KO & Sami were enraged, while medical personnel tended to the battered Bryan. (Via WWE.com)
Owens and Zayn seemed overjoyed, hugging Bryan and claiming that their attack on Shane-O-Mac last week was a gift to the SmackDown LIVE General Manager, but The “Yes!” Man saw it differently. Bryan was disappointed, not only by Owens & Zayn’s actions, but also their lack of remorse. Because of this, the General Manager said that he finally saw things clearly and had only one move to make: firing Owens and Zayn.
After expressing some regret, Bryan shook their hands and told them they could one day make it back to WWE, but a seething KO initiated an assault on Bryan. Owens and Zayn were relentless, but the General Manager ferociously fired back, bringing the WWE Universe to a state of absolute frenzy as he darted about the ring and unleashed a flurry of “Yes!” Kicks. However, Owens and Zayn soon overwhelmed Bryan, and the attack concluded with them decimating Bryan with an Apron Powerbomb.
KO & Sami were enraged, while medical personnel tended to the battered Bryan. (Via WWE.com)
Lince Dorado vs. Hideo Itami ended in a no contest.
Last week on WWE 205 Live, Hideo Itami and Akira Tozawa defeated Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik in tag team action. Following the victory, Itami stood over Metalik, and that did not sit well with Lince Dorado. The two exchanged unpleasantries before being separated, the tension did not subside, and The Golden Lynx and Itami squared off on WWE 205 Live.
Known for his hard-hitting and aggressive style, Itami immediately took the fight to his opponent, leveraging early momentum to keep Dorado on the defensive. The Puerto Rican luchador eventually countered by tossing Itami from the ring, giving him the opening needed to take control.
With an offensive onslaught in full swing, The Golden Lynx relied on his incredible agility and high-flying ability to maintain the edge against his Japanese opponent. However, Itami battled back, stopping Dorado in his track with a perfectly timed knee strike and a boot to the face. Despite the shift in momentum, the two competitors exchanged slaps before engaging in a sequence of back-and-forth attacks that left both Cruiserweights reeling.
Once again dumped to the outside, Itami jawed with Kalisto and Gran Metalik before shoving The King of the Ropes. Metalik responded by driving Itami into the ring, forcing the official to throw out the match.Back inside the ring, Dorado and Itami again exchanged words before being separated by Kalisto and Tozawa, as the animosity nearly boiled over. (Via WWE.com)
Known for his hard-hitting and aggressive style, Itami immediately took the fight to his opponent, leveraging early momentum to keep Dorado on the defensive. The Puerto Rican luchador eventually countered by tossing Itami from the ring, giving him the opening needed to take control.
With an offensive onslaught in full swing, The Golden Lynx relied on his incredible agility and high-flying ability to maintain the edge against his Japanese opponent. However, Itami battled back, stopping Dorado in his track with a perfectly timed knee strike and a boot to the face. Despite the shift in momentum, the two competitors exchanged slaps before engaging in a sequence of back-and-forth attacks that left both Cruiserweights reeling.
Once again dumped to the outside, Itami jawed with Kalisto and Gran Metalik before shoving The King of the Ropes. Metalik responded by driving Itami into the ring, forcing the official to throw out the match.Back inside the ring, Dorado and Itami again exchanged words before being separated by Kalisto and Tozawa, as the animosity nearly boiled over. (Via WWE.com)
TJP defeated Kenneth Johnson by submission.
Even though TJP was eliminated from the WWE Cruiserweight Championship Tournament by Cedric Alexander, he remains focused on reclaiming his place at the top of the Cruiserweight division. Looking to reclaim his success after becoming the first-ever WWE Cruiserweight Champion by winning the Cruiserweight Classic, The Duke of Dab squared off with the incredibly agile Kenneth Johnson.
Showing off his trademark arrogance, TJP took control, but it nearly got the best of him, as Johnson fought back, lunging his entire body at his opponent, no doubt to impress WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick.
Fending off Johnson’s offensive flurry, The Duke of Dab targeted his opponent’s knee, allowing him to regain control and execute his patented Detonation Kick. However, rather than securing a pinfall, The Fil-Am Flash applied his trademark kneebar, forcing Johnson to tap out. Victorious, TJP continued to add insult to injury by refusing to release the hold, despite pleas from the official. When he finally relinquished, TJP made sure to take a bow for the WWE Universe. (Via WWE.com)
Showing off his trademark arrogance, TJP took control, but it nearly got the best of him, as Johnson fought back, lunging his entire body at his opponent, no doubt to impress WWE 205 Live General Manager Drake Maverick.
Fending off Johnson’s offensive flurry, The Duke of Dab targeted his opponent’s knee, allowing him to regain control and execute his patented Detonation Kick. However, rather than securing a pinfall, The Fil-Am Flash applied his trademark kneebar, forcing Johnson to tap out. Victorious, TJP continued to add insult to injury by refusing to release the hold, despite pleas from the official. When he finally relinquished, TJP made sure to take a bow for the WWE Universe. (Via WWE.com)
Mustafa Ali defeated Drew Gulak. (SEMI-FINALS OF THE WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT)
The battle between Mustafa Ali and Drew Gulak in the semifinals of the WWE Cruiserweight Championship was more than just the last step to competing at WrestleMania; it was also the latest chapter in the longtime – and bitter – rivalry between the two Superstars. Both Cruiserweights were focused on the task at hand, knowing the high stakes and implications of their battle.
With the ring of the opening bell, both competitors locked up and exchanged in a dual showcase of technical prowess. Advantages shifted, but Ali maintained leverage by using his agility. The clash of styles continued as Gulak utilized high-impact blows while Ali tried his hand at quick strikes with the objective of keeping his opponent’s aggression at bay.
Taking down Ali with a huge clothesline and countering a high-flying maneuver from the top-rope, Gulak managed to channel his rage, stomping on Ali in the corner and keeping him grounded. However, the more that the Philadelphia native unleashed his aggression, the more Ali seemed to feed off of it and begin showing signs of his own anger. Using that to his advantage, Ali moved for more powerful strikes that kept Gulak on defense.
Gulak’s ring awareness proved crucial, as he drove his opponent face-first into the turnbuckle before laying him out with a huge spinning clothesline. Continuing to press forward, Gulak laid out Ali a second time before attempting a pinfall. Amazingly, Ali reversed the pin into an innovative submission hold that Gulak barely escaped.
With his opponent recovering outside the ring, Ali threw caution to the wind with a high-risk move, taking down Gulak. After unloading fists on his opponent, Ali threw him back in the ring and prepared the 054. Unfortunately for the Chicago native, Gulak knocked him off the top rope, crashing to the floor below. Remaining aggressive, Gulak threw Ali into the barricade and then the ring, but Ali rolled back out.
Keeping the battle outside of the ring, Ali countered a charge from Gulak, first tossing him over the announce table before leaping over and unloading a flurry of strikes on his opponent.
Refusing to win by count-out, Mustafa prepared to put Gulak through the announce table, but Gulak countered and launched Ali over his head onto the arena floor. With no love lost for his longtime rival, Gulak threw Ali face-first into the ring post before dumping him into the timekeeper’s area. Although Gulak tried to win by count-out, Ali showed his resilience, narrowly beating the 10-count.
With his opponent still stunned, Gulak attempted the Dragon Sleeper, but Ali managed to counter the hold into a rolling DDT. Seizing the opening, Ali quickly ascended the ropes and executed the 054 and secured his place on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
After the match, Ali told the WWE Universe that he wasn’t going to WrestleMania, but “we” were going, gesturing to the WWE Universe, and that no matter who you are, all that matters is what’s in your heart.
Ali will take on his friend Cedric Alexander for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Championship in what is sure to be a thrilling title bout at The Show of Shows. (Via WWE.com)
With the ring of the opening bell, both competitors locked up and exchanged in a dual showcase of technical prowess. Advantages shifted, but Ali maintained leverage by using his agility. The clash of styles continued as Gulak utilized high-impact blows while Ali tried his hand at quick strikes with the objective of keeping his opponent’s aggression at bay.
Taking down Ali with a huge clothesline and countering a high-flying maneuver from the top-rope, Gulak managed to channel his rage, stomping on Ali in the corner and keeping him grounded. However, the more that the Philadelphia native unleashed his aggression, the more Ali seemed to feed off of it and begin showing signs of his own anger. Using that to his advantage, Ali moved for more powerful strikes that kept Gulak on defense.
Gulak’s ring awareness proved crucial, as he drove his opponent face-first into the turnbuckle before laying him out with a huge spinning clothesline. Continuing to press forward, Gulak laid out Ali a second time before attempting a pinfall. Amazingly, Ali reversed the pin into an innovative submission hold that Gulak barely escaped.
With his opponent recovering outside the ring, Ali threw caution to the wind with a high-risk move, taking down Gulak. After unloading fists on his opponent, Ali threw him back in the ring and prepared the 054. Unfortunately for the Chicago native, Gulak knocked him off the top rope, crashing to the floor below. Remaining aggressive, Gulak threw Ali into the barricade and then the ring, but Ali rolled back out.
Keeping the battle outside of the ring, Ali countered a charge from Gulak, first tossing him over the announce table before leaping over and unloading a flurry of strikes on his opponent.
Refusing to win by count-out, Mustafa prepared to put Gulak through the announce table, but Gulak countered and launched Ali over his head onto the arena floor. With no love lost for his longtime rival, Gulak threw Ali face-first into the ring post before dumping him into the timekeeper’s area. Although Gulak tried to win by count-out, Ali showed his resilience, narrowly beating the 10-count.
With his opponent still stunned, Gulak attempted the Dragon Sleeper, but Ali managed to counter the hold into a rolling DDT. Seizing the opening, Ali quickly ascended the ropes and executed the 054 and secured his place on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
After the match, Ali told the WWE Universe that he wasn’t going to WrestleMania, but “we” were going, gesturing to the WWE Universe, and that no matter who you are, all that matters is what’s in your heart.
Ali will take on his friend Cedric Alexander for the vacant WWE Cruiserweight Championship in what is sure to be a thrilling title bout at The Show of Shows. (Via WWE.com)