Tag: Viking Raiders

WWE SmackDown results: WWE Draft begins, The Usos come up short

Yes, the WWE Draft begins tonight, but there’s also a huge tag team title rematch in store in Corpus Christi.

It’s time to get those picks in. WWE SmackDown is hitting Corpus Christi tonight, and it’s bringing the 2023 WWE Draft with it.

Triple H has promised that this year’s draft will truly “change the game,” and assuming he wasn’t just trying to get in one more pun involving his nickname from his wrestling days, we’re looking forward to how things will get shaken up.

That’s far from the only big thing happening during this week’s SmackDown, however. There’s also the not so little matter of a rematch for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship, one now held by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn following their dramatic victory at WrestleMania 39 earlier this month.

The Usos have a chance to get their gold back, but what happens if they fail? Jey and Jimmy dedicated the match to their Tribal Chief, but if they come up short, they’re likely to face his wrath — especially since Paul Heyman has let them know Roman Reigns is already losing patience with them.

(As an aside, The Usos can also be drafted separately from Reigns and Solo Sikoa, which is something to keep an eye on over the next few days.)

The other notable match promoted ahead of tonight’s show will see Zelina Vega take on Sonya Deville. Vega bravely called for a title shot against Rhea Ripley at Backlash and got what she asked for, but now the hard work begins. She’ll be looking to get a dub against Deville to make sure she heads to Puerto Rico with some momentum.

What else do you need to get psyched for this Friday’s show? Probably not much, we’d wager.

WWE SmackDown results from Corpus Christi:

(Click here for WWE Draft picks updated throughout the night and click on any match with a link for more details)

  • Triple H introduces the first segment of the WWE Draft, announcing that the post-draft rosters will go into effect on May 8, the Raw after Backlash; with Roman Reigns as part of the first overall pick, the World Heavyweight Championship becomes exclusive to Raw
  • The Usos double down on dedicating their championship rematch to Reigns, but are joined on stage by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn and everyone agrees the time for talking is over
  • LA Knight def. Butch by pinfall
  • Heyman says tonight is the night, but Jey Uso doesn’t seem to be digging this pep talk as much as Jimmy
  • Rob Van Dam (Raw) and Michael Hayes (SmackDown) come out to the podiums to read the next two rounds of WWE Draft picks
  • The Street Profits (who are headed to SmackDown) still want the smoke
  • Street Profits def. Braun Strowman and Ricochet and LWO (Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde) by pinning Ricochet
  • Teddy Long (Raw) and JBL (SmackDown) come out to announce the Round 3 draft picks
  • Zelina Vega def. Sonya Deville by pinfall, then gets assaulted by Rhea Ripley (who also smashes Deville), who looks for Riptide but sees it countered into a DDT
  • Zelina gets props from Santos Escobar and Rey Mysterio, with Rey telling her not to worry about what anyone else thinks of her chances at Backlash
  • The O.C. heads to the ring, including the returning AJ Styles, are confronted by the Viking Raiders and Valhalla, and Styles ducks out of the way so there’s an even six-person brawl, and The O.C. quickly wins it … and Styles delivers a Phenomenal Forearm for good measure
  • Road Dogg (Raw) and Shawn Michaels (SmackDown) hit the stage to make the fourth and final round of WWE Draft picks for the night
  • Isla Dawn and Alba Fyre are interviewed after being selected for SmackDown but get challenged for their titles before they leave NXT
  • Shinsuke Nakamura is asked about heading to Raw but gets laid out by Karrion Kross
  • Heyman says he and Solo aren’t going out to the ring because the Tribal Chief wants the spotlight on The Usos, but he’s been acting sus all night
  • Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn def. The Usos by pinfall to retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship

WWE SmackDown preview: Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez face first title defense

Two title matches are on the card for this week’s WWE SmackDown in Columbus.

It’s a busy, busy time of year for sports what with the NBA Playoffs and NHL Playoffs underway and MLB in full swing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find two hours in there for WWE SmackDown, right? Fans in Columbus certainly will, as the show originates from Ohio’s state capital tonight.

Here are the top three things to watch for on this April Friday.

Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez face a title challenge from Chelsea Green, Sonya Deville

We really wish Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville had officially been dubbed The Complaint Department, but alas. The duo has only been together for a few weeks but they mesh well personality wise and are finding their chemistry in the ring too.

Whether that’s enough to dethrone Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez, making their first defense of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, remains to be seen. The guess here is no but stranger things can and do happen on SmackDown.

Xavier Woods goes for gold against Gunther

Is it fair that Xavier Woods is seen as the least serious member of The New Day? Probably not, which is why it’s always fun to see him getting a push in serious mode.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther already said he sees Woods as a “goof,” so Xavier will be trying to change that opinion in a hurry by beating him in a title match on SmackDown. And hey, we already know the Back Woods is the most unstoppable finishing move in WWE, so maybe he’s got a chance!

Braun Strowman and Ricochet want payback against the Viking Raiders

No one likes getting jumped backstage. It’s a bad look and it’s painful. So Braun Strowman and Ricochet are none too happy that the Viking Raiders did exactly that to them last week.

Settle it in the ring? Strowman and Ricochet will look to do that tonight in Columbus.

Opening Bell: Jay White makes Dynamite debut, Trish Stratus explains her turn

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage.

Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week we’ve just begun.

WWE Raw preview – Monday, April 17, Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, AR

Why, Trish Stratus, why?

That’s what many WWE fans want to know after the Hall of Famer ruined what appeared to be a perfectly good partnership she had going with Becky Lynch and fellow legend Lita. Was it just jealousy over not being part of the tag team champions, or was Trish simply following a precedent from way back? We’ll apparently hear directly from her mouth Monday on Raw.

United States Champion Austin Theory doesn’t need to explain himself at all, given that he’s on a roll that includes a big WrestleMania victory over John Cena. Talking might not be the best idea anyway against his opponent this week, Bobby Lashley. He’s more of an actions over words guy, and besides, they know each other well from previous clashes.

A match that was originally promoted for last week until travel gremlins struck will be back in North Little Rock too. Well, half of it, anyway. The Miz was going to face Matt Riddle last Monday, but now he’s going up against Seth Rollins instead. You decide whether that’s better or worse for the A-Lister.

Last and certainly not least, Brock Lesnar will be back on Raw this week as well. You may recall that Cody Rhodes challenged him to a match at Backlash after the Beast Incarnate decided to beat him down instead of tagging with him against the Bloodline. We’ll miss happy-go-lucky Cowboy Brock, but we’re definitely interested to see what this return to his more vengeful side holds. And Backlash needs a main event, so … yeah.

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, April 19, Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh

Buckle up everyone. Jay White, a.k.a. King Switch, a.k.a. the Catalyst, a.k.a. one half of Bullet Club Gold, apparently, a.k.a. numerous other things, is ready to start making his presence known in AEW. That begins this week when he faces Komander in what looks like a fantastic Dynamite debut.

A championship will also be on the line in Pittsburgh between two large men who still have unfinished business with each other. Powerhouse Hobbs is looking to make the chapter in his book where he’s the TNT Champion a long one, but Wardlow wants that title back around his own waist. Something has to give — hopefully not the ring.

A big tag women’s tag team match is also on the slate. The Outcasts have been running roughshod for weeks, but now they’ve angered their two highest profile foes into a match. Can Ruby Soho and Toni Storm keep their winning ways going against AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker?

And that’s not all. When you tune in for Dynamite Wednesday, you can also expect:

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, April 21, Value City Arena at The Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH

O-hi-o, you’ve got championship matches incoming this week on SmackDown. Recently crowned Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will try to make their first title defense a successful one when they face the challenge of Chelsea Green and Sonya Deville.

Gunther has held his Intercontinental Championship a lot longer and fended off a number of different wrestlers with their eyes on his gold. He thinks Xavier Woods is a “goof,” but the last man standing in The New Day will try to show the Ring General he’s a serious threat in Columbus.

On top of those title bouts, there’s a tag team match that figures to be somewhat significant. Braun Strowman and Ricochet got laid out by the Viking Raiders, and they’re not likely to be in a forgiving mood when the two teams meet on Friday night.

AEW Rampage preview – Saturday, April 22, Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh (recorded on April 19)

Perhaps the most important thing to remember about AEW Rampage this week is that it’s not on Friday thanks to the NHL Playoffs. It will air on Saturday at 10 p.m. instead.

That’s pretty late on a different night, but AEW has a heck of a hook to try to get you to watch: El Hijo del Vikingo will defend his AAA Mega Championship against Dralistico. Yes, that’s an insane match to randomly throw on a show that’s on an unusual night, but don’t question it, just roll with it because it’s almost sure to be amazing.

WWE SmackDown results: Solo Sikoa spikes, buries Matt Riddle

WWE SmackDown results for April 14, 2023, as Solo Sikoa took on Matt Riddle in the main event.

Ah, Shinsuke Nakamura, where have you been?

The King of Strong Style wasn’t at WrestleMania and hasn’t wrestled a televised WWE match since … wow, November of last year. That changes tonight on WWE SmackDown from Lincoln, Nebraska, and we speak for many when we say it will be good to see him back in action.

Santos Escobar makes for a nice segue, since he was the last person to face Nakamura on TV. He’s had a chance of heart since last fall, of course, and now fights the good fight as part of the LWO. He’ll go head to head with The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest tonight.

Another fan favorite looking for a big victory in Lincoln is Xavier Woods. Thanks to the latest injury to Kofi Kingston, Woods is the only member of The New Day currently active, which means he’ll have no backup when he takes on LA Knight. But hey, Knight is a solo act too, so that might not be that bad. Yeah!

Also on the slate for this week’s SmackDown is a celebration for the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Unfortunately, title celebrations often turn into something a little more contentious and violent in WWE, so one can only imagine who might crash their party. Perhaps two former MMA stars will come looking for them …

And hey, Backlash is only three weeks away, so some of the card for that show should start coming together soon. We’ll see if any matches are made official tonight.

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are here to open the show, but are joined by the Bloodline … and Matt Riddle
  • Adam Perce gives instructions to the referee as he reveals Riddle and Solo Sikoa will face off in tonight’s main event
  • Xavier Woods def. LA Knight by pinfall
  • Woods’ victorious trombone solo runs afoul of Gunther, who doesn’t like goofs, but Woods thinks he’s more than ready for an Intercontinental Championship match
  • KO seems like maybe he isn’t crazy about the alliance with Riddle, but Matt is definitely focused on Solo in tonight’s main event
  • Damian Priest says he knows Santos Escobar can go and isn’t taking him lightly, and while he knows he’ll be asked about Bad Bunny, he says he’ll address that out in the ring
  • Priest does exactly that, warning Bad Bunny to just sit and watch Backlash, but he’s surprised by the sudden arrival of the LWO
  • Damian Priest def. Santos Escobar by pinfall, and Rey Mysterio arrives to fight with Dominik Mysterio again
  • Paul Heyman gives Solo a family-oriented pep talk, but Sikoa tells Heyman to tell the Tribal Chief “I got this”
  • The new women’s tag team champions want to celebrate, fighting off a rude interruption by Sonya Deville and Raquel Rodriguez
  • Shinsuke Nakamura def. Madcap Moss by pinfall …
  • … but it looks like he’s already being targeted by Karrion Kross
  • Braun Strowman and Ricochet get blindsided by the Viking Raiders backstage
  • Heyman tells Owens and Zayn that The Usos will win the tag team titles back in two weeks
  • Solo Sikoa def. Matt Riddle by pinfall
  • Sikoa hits Riddle with a uranage on the announce table, then tips it over on him

Please scroll down for more details on every match and major non-match segment.

WrestleMania 39 results: Street Profits soar in Men’s WrestleMania Showcase Fatal 4-way

Find out who won the Men’s WrestleMania Showcase Fatal 4-way match at WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles.

Was kind of hoping the Viking Raiders would come out on a full size Viking ship, but alas. The team of cleanup crew has to navigate the very big steps to the stage to grab the Solo cups when the Street Profits enter, which doesn’t look fun.

There are some fun early showdowns that lead to all eight men in the ring, which brings the crowd to life when they all brawl. Also, this match is apparently sponsored by Intuit Turbotax, so there’s that.

Ricochet takes a hard bump from the Viking Raiders, who also do the same to Montez Ford. The Raiders have time to pose with Valhalla, unaware than Braun Strowman is stalking them.

Bad move, as is Chad Gable trying to lift Braun … or maybe not, as he’s able to give the Monster Among Monsters a German suplex. Gable loves the adulation from the fans, but he’s taken out by Angelo Dawkins, who in turn has to avoid a Viking moonsault. Strowman takes flight (yes, really) for a big splash, but multiple people break up his pin.

Otis takes down Braun in turn and does a little dance. He wants to fly as well, but Ford and Ricochet are in, and now enough people gather in one corner to produce a six-man Tower of Doom spot.

The Strowman Express fires up after that, making stop after stop until Dawkins is able to shoulder tackle him off his feet, followed by a shooting star press from Ricochet.

He tries another in the ring but hits Dawkins’ knees, and Tez splashes him afterward to seal up a dub.

WrestleMania night 1 card: Every match set for April 1

We know John Cena vs. Austin Theory will kick off WrestleMania night 1, but which match will close it?

WrestleMania 39 is almost upon us — the first half of it, anyway.

WrestleMania night 1 on Saturday, April 1 will be headlined by a battle of legend vs. rising star, as John Cena takes on Austin Theory for the WWE United States Championship. However, that match will kick off the show, so the main event on the first night is still a bit of a question mark.

A leading candidate to close Saturday night is the WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship match between Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley. Another possibility is one of the emotional highlights of the entire two-day event, with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens reuniting to try to end the record-setting run of Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos.

It’s possible that night 1 could run longer than night 2, with seven matches compared to six, though there are several bouts slated for Sunday that could be lengthy. Here’s a look at the entire WrestleMania night 1 card, and if you’re looking for what we think will happen, please check out our full WrestleMania predictions for both nights.

WrestleMania 39 night 1 matches

WWE Raw results: Cody Rhodes is ready for WrestleMania

WWE Raw results for March 27, 2023 from Phoenix, where Cody Rhodes took on Solo Sikoa in the main event.

Can you feel that? It’s WrestleMania 39, coming up quickly now. The final WWE Raw prior to the Show of Shows is tonight in Phoenix, and while it’s probably not wise to expect anything Earth-shaking, there are still some big things happening.

We mean that literally, too. Brock Lesnar and Omos will collide in Los Angeles, providing fans with the rare site of Lesnar being the smaller man in a fight. The WWE Universe will find out how much smaller on Raw, as the two titans will have a pre-WrestleMania weigh-in. And yes, that’s not usually a thing in pro wrestling, but you can’t deny it’s somewhat fascinating in this context.

Want big matches instead? This show will have one of those for sure. Cody Rhodes is less than a week away from his chance to “finish the story,” but he’s got a big test in the form of Solo Sikoa. Will Cody’s attempt to get inside Solo’s head the past few weeks pay off, or will the street champ be able to soften up the American Nightmare to make things easier for the Tribal Chief?

The Miz has certainly been letting us know whenever possible what a big deal it is to be the host of WrestleMania 39, and he’s going to head into Hollywood with one final episode of Miz TV. His guests will be none other than a trio of legendary women’s division champs, and you can probably guess who we mean: Becky Lynch, Lita and Trish Stratus.

WWE Raw results in 90 seconds:

  • Miz TV welcomes three legends, yet Damage CTRL isn’t going to let them go without a confrontation
  • Becky Lynch def. IYO SKY by pinfall
  • A video package plays up the accomplishments of Asuka and looks ahead to her WrestleMania challenge of Bianca Belair
  • We see Logan Paul boasting last Monday before Seth Rollins is interviewed backstage, and he’s not crazy about Mustafa Ali trying to put his positive spin on things, which leads to them facing each other tonight
  • Seth Rollins def. Mustafa Ali by pinfall, then cuts a promo on Paul
  • Baron Corbin complains to Adam Pearce, who has to break away to deal with Chelsea Green, who finally gets into the WrestleMania Showcase match with a partner who is equally disgruntled with AP: Sonya Deville
  • Omos and Brock Lesnar hit the scales … well, one of them does, anyway
  • A video package is shown for Charlotte Flair before Rhea Ripley says Charlotte’s unmatched legacy will not define her destiny — and she needs Charlotte’s championship for that
  • Finn Balor warns Edge there’s nothing more dangerous than a caged demon
  • Street Profits, Braun Strowman and Ricochet def. Alpha Academy and Viking Raiders by pinfall
  • Cody Rhodes is asked if he put himself in a vulnerable position by taking this match against Solo Sikoa, and he insists that he will make Solo realize he’s not ready before going on to beat Roman Reigns this weekend
  • A video package is shown to promote Bianca Belair
  • Austin Theory cuts a promo in an empty arena to prove he doesn’t do it for the fans, he does it for himself, and he’s going to make the fans stop believing in John Cena this Saturday at WrestleMania
  • Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green def. Michin and Candice LeRae by pinfall in a WrestleMania Showcase qualifying match
  • Heyman says flat out that Solo isn’t there to compete, but to ensure Cody isn’t at 100% come Sunday
  • Rey Mysterio def. Damian Priest by DQ thanks to interference by Dominik Mysterio, and Legado Del Fantasma has to save Rey fafter a short post-match beating
  • The contestants for the Andre the Giant Battle Royal are posted on the wall, and Rick Boogs is really excited to be in it while Elias is less thrilled after seeing some of the others who are too
  • Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens talk about how their match against The Usos is extra special because L.A. is where they got their first big break
  • Gunther def. Dolph Ziggler by pinfall
  • Cody Rhodes def. Solo Sikoa by pinfall

Please scroll down for more details on every match and major non-match segment.

WWE SmackDown results: Jey Uso explains himself, Gunther doesn’t learn his WrestleMania opponent

Get live WWE SmackDown results for March 10, 2023, as Jey Uso reunites with the Bloodline and a Fatal 5-Way finds a contender for Gunther.

Jey Uso is coming back home … but will he be welcomed back to the Bloodline? That’s the biggest question hanging over tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

Jey left no doubt that his loyalties lie with his blood family this week on Raw, when he simultaneously superkicked Sami Zayn and ripped the hearts out of fans who hoped he would stand up to his Tribal Chief. That’s a big mark in his favor when it comes to his standing in the group.

Yet he made Roman Reigns sweat it out quite a bit, and that’s something the champ generally doesn’t like. With both men in the building tonight, we’ll see if it’s all love or tough love on the menu for Jey — and brother Jimmy, for that matter, as Reigns tasked him with getting Jey back into the fold.

A blank on the WrestleMania match list will also be filled in this week on SmackDown. Gunther knows he’ll be defending his Intercontinental Championship in Los Angeles; he just isn’t sure who will be standing across the ring from him. A Fatal 5-Way will determine that tonight, with Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Karrion Kross, LA Knight and Xavier Woods (subbing in for injured Kofi Kingston) all vying for the title shot.

There’s also tag team action on tap for Pittsburgh. Braun Strowman and Ricochet have formed an effective duo so far, one that can fend off almost any challenge. They’ll have their hands full this week, however, as they have to step in against the Viking Raiders.

Plus the word is that WWE will (finally) start announcing WWE Hall of Fame inductees for 2023, which fans have been chomping at the bit to see.

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Paul Heyman is standing outside in the rain waiting for The Usos to arrive, and Jey says he’ll say what he needs to say about his betrayal of Sami Zayn in the ring tonight
  • The Fatal 5-Way match for a WWE Intercontinental Championship shot at WrestleMania ends with both Drew McIntyre and Sheamus making simultaneous pins
  • Heyman says the Bloodline can handle challenges in many different ways, but he thinks the way to attack Cody Rhodes is with the truth
  • McIntyre and Sheamus continue to bicker backstage, with the other Brawling Brutes needing to drag their leader away
  • Rey Mysterio is announced for the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023, Dominik Mysterio quickly interrupts, and Legado Del Fantasma isn’t happy about it
  • The Judgment Day def. Legado Del Fantasma by pinfall, and Dominik Mysterio insults his dad some more
  • Charlotte Flair asks Adam Pearce for an opponent for a match tonight and tells him to “hang in there”
  • Viking Raiders def. Braun Strowman and Ricochet by pinfall
  • Gunther berates Pearce for his inability to find him a challenger, singular, but AP says Sheamus and McIntyre will face each other next week to decide who that will be
  • Charlotte Flair def. Shotzi by submission …
  • … then has a microphone showdown with Rhea Ripley
  • Is all good in the Bloodline? Jey Uso says yes, but the battle with Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn is just beginning

Please scroll down for more details on every match and major non-match segment.

Opening Bell: Hit the trumpets, John Cena returns to Raw

Get set for the week in WWE and AEW with Opening Bell: quick previews of Raw, SmackDown, Dynamite and Rampage.

Welcome to the Opening Bell, where we round up what’s been announced for WWE (Raw and SmackDown) and AEW (Dynamite and Rampage) programming for the week we’ve just begun.

WWE Raw preview – Monday, March 6, TD Garden, Boston

OK, OK, no big writeup needed, right? We all know John Cena is back on Raw in his hometown, which is a big deal. Everyone expects him to begin the groundwork for a WrestleMania match against Austin Theory.

But WWE has actually revealed quite a bit more for this week’s show. Jimmy Uso has been tasked with ending the Sami Zayn problem for the Bloddline, and he’ll get a chance to do that in Boston. Kevin Owens, meanwhile, will collide with the group’s enforcer, Solo Sikoa.

There’s lots more in store as well, including:

AEW Dynamite preview – Wednesday, March 8, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento

Are there any drops of blood left unspilled by the AEW roster? If so, they may need them for the next stop on the California swing, as Dynamite rolls into Sacramento for the fallout from Revolution.

There’s even fallout from prior to the PPV, as Wardlow will get no rest after winning the TNT Championship. That’s because California’s own Powerhouse Hobbs is coming for that belt after winning the Face of the Revolution ladder match, and even Wardlow probably should be wary of that.

There’s bound to be much more announced for Wednesday, so keep an eye on AEW’s social channels, assuming Twitter decides to keep working.

WWE SmackDown preview – Friday, March 10, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh

It’s the home of Kurt Angle, though we don’t expect the Olympic hero to make an appearance on this visit. What we do know is that Braun Strowman and Ricochet will continue their odd couple pairing as they face off with the Viking Raiders.

And a Fatal Five-Way will have big stakes for WrestleMania. Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Kofi Kingston, Karrion Kross and LA Knight will all try to emerge victorious, with the prize a bit of good news, bad news: a match at Mania … but against dominant Intercontinental Champion Gunther.

Good luck with that!

AEW Rampage preview – Wednesday, March 10, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento (recorded on March 8)

Ha, yeah, with so much uncertainty as the week begins about what’s going to be on Dynamite, we have zero clue what will take place on Rampage. It’s also in Sacramento and will be taped on Wednesday night, so we’ll have a good idea about what to expect by that night.

WWE SmackDown results: Flair, Ripley face off, The Usos still have issues

Full WWE SmackDown results for Feb. 24, 2023, with Charlotte Flair going face-to-face with WrestleMania challenger Rhea Ripley.

Sometimes pointing at the WrestleMania sign isn’t enough. Sometimes you have to get in the ring and actually look your opponent for the biggest show of the WWE year in the eye and show them that you aren’t backing down. Conveniently, that’s what’s happening tonight on WWE SmackDown, in Evansville, Indiana.

Rhea Ripley has the momentum, having battled through the Royal Rumble to earn her shot, and in an overall sense for being an important part of The Judgment Day. Charlotte Flair has the SmackDown Women’s Championship and owns a previous WrestleMania victory over Rhea. Something has to give, though it would be surprising if either woman flinched tonight.

The Firefly Fun House is also making its return this week. Bray Wyatt warned the winner of a certain big, meaty men slapping meat match at Elimination Chamber he’d have his eye on the winner. That means Bobby Lashley will almost certainly be in the crosshairs of Wyatt and his puppet friends.

How about some matches, since this is a wrestling show? One that has weeks of buildup behind it will see Rey Mysterio once again go up against Karrion Kross. The bigger problem for Rey is that his son has promised to accompany Ripley to pay dad a visit, and that never turns out well.

And Imperium will be in six-man tag action against Braun Strowman, Ricochet and Madcap Moss — which sounds like a pretty even matchup except that Moss has apparently been leaning on the edge of going to the dark side.

WWE SmackDown results in 60 seconds:

  • Kayla Braxton wants a word with Jimmy Uso, who says he hasn’t spoken to Jey yet despite many efforts to do so, but he wants his brother to look him in the eye tonight
  • Imperium def. Braun Strowman, Ricochet and Madcap Moss by pinfall
  • Drew McIntyre, who came out on the ramp to watch the previous match, is assaulted by the Viking Raiders, though Sheamus comes to his aid
  • Rey Mysterio vows to put an end to Karrion Kross, but Dominik Mysterio is unimpressed with Santos Escobar‘s show of respect for his dad
  • Jimmy Uso tells Solo Sikoa things feel different in the Bloodline since Montreal, and Paul Heyman suggests maybe Solo should hang back tonight so Jimmy can settle things with his brother alone
  • LA Knight wants to talk about the other L.A., but The New Day don’t think he’s earned it, and Kofi Kingston would love the chance to shut him up
  • Kofi Kingston def. LA Knight by pinfall
  • Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley have a brief showdown after Dominik Mysterio spends a lot of time running his mouth
  • Shayna Baszler def. Natalya by submission
  • Firefly Fun House asks a pressing question: Can you keep a secret?
  • Heyman tells Jimmy Uso he needs to handle things with Jey Uso, or Roman Reigns will next week
  • Karrion Kross def. Rey Mysterio by submission thanks to interference from Dominik
  • Jimmy Uso wants to talk to Jey, but he ends up talking to Sami Zayn instead … and the drama continues

Scroll down for more details on every match and major non-match segment.