Author: Eric Lynch

The May 1st edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, and was the go-home show for Sunday’s Backlash PPV.

– This week’s SmackDown broadcast opens up with a look at Braun Strowman tossing Shane McMahon through a table at the Greatest Royal Rumble. We see Paige watching on a monitor backstage, and she says that Shane won’t be here tonight. Paige announces that AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura at Backlash will be a No DQ match, so we will have a clear winner.

– Tom Phillips welcomes us to the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and he’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton at the broadcast table.

– The Miz comes out first to kick off SmackDown with Miz TV. The Miz starts off by announcing that Daniel Bryan is banned from Miz TV due to last week’s no-show. Miz also sends a warning to Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins ahead of their match this Sunday, and he rants about how he elevated the IC Title. The Miz gets back to the subject at hand tonight, and introduces his Miz TV guest, U.S. Champion Jeff Hardy.

Jeff comes down to the ring and briefly exchanges words with the Miz. The Miz shows footage of Jeff Hardy coming to SmackDown and interacting with Randy Orton, and then Miz reveals he has another guest tonight. Randy Orton comes down, and The Miz complains that Orton interrupted his introduction. Orton says he and Jeff are cool, but The Miz keeps trying to stir up trouble between the two. Orton warns Miz that no one tells him when to strike, but adds that he will take his U.S. Title back at Backlash. Hardy says Orton can try. Shelton Benjamin comes out to interrupt and he starts talking trash to Orton. Shelton says he is the one who deserves the U.S. Title shot. As Shelton gets in the ring, Orton strikes and goes for the DDT. The Miz interrupts, and Jeff takes Miz into the corner for the Whisper In The Wind. The Miz and Shelton retreat to the floor as Orton and Hardy stand tall in the ring.

– The Miz and Shelton Benjamin vs. Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy: This match was made official during the commercial break. Orton and Shelton start off. Orton and Jeff trade tags now to keep control of Shelton, but Orton misses an RKO and Shelton capitalizes. The Miz tags in now and continues the offense on Orton. Jeff gets the hot tag and unloads on Miz with strikes for a two count. The Miz blocks a Twist of Fate, and Jeff knocks Shelton off the apron in the process. Jeff blocks a Skull Crushing Finale, and then Shelton tags back in. Jeff catches Shelton in the Twist of Fate, and then he goes up top for the Swanton, but Miz grabs his leg. Jeff kicks Miz away, and then Shelton runs up the turnbuckle and knees Jeff in the head, then Jeff gets knocked down.

The Miz takes control of Hardy on the mat now and then plants him with a DDT for a two count. Shelton comes in and Jeff stuns him with a jawbreaker, then Miz quickly tags back in and stops Jeff from tagging in Orton. Miz works over Jeff in the corner and then taunts the crowd. Miz charges at Jeff, but Jeff gets up and clotheslines him down. Orton and Shelton get the tags, and Orton cleans house. Orton slams Shelton down, then throws Miz outside and slams him on the announce table. Orton goes back in and dropkicks Shelton down, then hits a double draping DDT on Shelton and Miz. Orton hits the RKO on Shelton, then tags in Jeff who hits the Swanton on Benjamin for the three count.

Winners: Jeff Hardy & Randy Orton

– After the match, Orton immediately hits the RKO on Hardy. Orton heads to the back as Jeff recovers.

– Renee Young is backstage for an interview with Carmella and The Iconics. Carmella is supposed to be there, but she isn’t. Peyton Royce and Billie Kaye make fun of Renee and Canadians, and then they cut a promo on Asuka and Becky Lynch. They introduce Carmella, and Carmella finally walks in to the interview. She thanks them for the introduction, an dsays she’s excited to team with them tonight, and then to beat Charlotte again on Sunday. Charlotte says that The Iconics and her are an invincible team.

– Still to come: Shinsuke Nakamura demands an apology from WWE Champion AJ Styles.

– Tom Phillips informs us that Daniel Bryan is unable to perform due to not being cleared by doctors out of fear of a chest infection. We see video of Bryan at the Greatest Royal Rumble and his cut open chest from strikes by Roderick Strong.

– The Bar is backstage and they run into The New Day. The New day taunts them about losing the RAW Tag Titles at Greatest Royal Rumble, and The Bar talks some trash to the New Day. Sheamus challenges them to a match, and it looks like we’ll have a singles match between Sheamus and Xavier Woods tonight.

– Rusev and Aiden English are talking backstage about new lyrics for their song, when Lana walks in. The crowd pops big for Lana, who is wearing a Rusev Day t-shirt. Lana says Rusev day is bigger than ever, but something is still holding Rusev back. Rusev wonders what could be holding him back, since he has a holiday in his name every day.

– Big Cass comes out next, and Corey Graves says Cass wasn’t scheduled to come out right now. Cass steps in the ring and gets on the mic. Cass talks about being from New York, and that makes him better than people from other cities. Cass trashes Daniel Bryan, and says he’s too small to be a WWE Superstar, just like all the fans. Cass says his match with Bryan at Backlash won’t be a five-star match, it’ll be a five-second match. Cass says he’ll face Bryan tonight if he’ll come out. This queues the music, and out comes a dwarf dressed as Daniel Bryan, doing the “yes” chant. Cass says Bryan looks taller tonight, and continues cracking jokes. Cass goes to leave, but then he turns around and boots little Daniel Bryan down. Some referees come in the ring and tell Cass to leave, and fans boo as Cass heads to the back.

– Back from commercial break, Renee Young is in the ring for an interview with WWE Champion AJ Styles. AJ comes down to the ring as the Montreal crowd chants his name. She asks AJ about the No DQ stipulation being added to his match with Nakamura on Sunday, and says this is a benefit to Nakamura because he’s a con artist and a cheat. AJ brushes off Nakamura’s demand for an apology, and says he should have left Nakamura in the desert eating sand. AJ calls Nakamura a coward who attacks from behind and below the belt. AJ says he knows how to break rules too, and says we’ll be finding pieces of Nakamura all over the place on Sunday night. Renee asks about Nakamura’s demand for an apology again, and AJ says if he wants one he should come out and get one. Samoa Joe’s music hits and Joe comes out to interrupt.

Samoa Joe comes down and gets the pop from the crowd. Joe talks trash to AJ about losing his focus, and says he needs to focus on Joe coming for him. Joe says after he beats Reigns at Backlash, his sights are set on the WWE Championship. Joe’s music hits, but then Nakamura’s music hits to interrupt. Joe looks behind him on the stage, but no one is there. Nakamura comes out of nowhere into the ring from behind and hits another low-blow on AJ.

Nakamura waits for AJ to get up, then starts taunting AJ. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on the Champion, and then grabs AJ’s WWE Title and holds it up. Nakamura drops the belt on AJ and walks off.

– Becky Lynch is backstage talking to Asuka about last week’s loss. Asuka tells her to forget it, because tonight they’ll hit back three times harder. Charlotte walks in and says Carmella and The Iconics think they’re invincible, but they’re just annoying and have lost their minds. Flair says she’ll get her Women’s Title back on Sunday, but tonight is all about their six-woman tag match.

– Still to come: Sheamus vs. Xavier Woods

– Sheamus vs. Xavier Woods: Cesaro, Big E and Kofi are all at ringside for this one. The opening bell sounds and Sheamus takes control early on. He drops Woods and beats on him in the corner. Woods ducks a clothesline and kicks out Sheamus’ knee. Woods hits a rolling elbow and a dropkick, and Sheamus falls to the outside. Woods hits a suicide dive on Sheamus, then takes him back in the ring. Cesaro distracts Woods by taunting him with some pancakes, and Sheamus takes advantage with a big knee to Woods. Sheamus pummels on Woods as the fants chant “you look stupid” at him.

Sheamus follows up with an Irish Curse backbreaker, and continues to control the pace of the match. Woods starts firing back with strikes and a leg drop for a two count. They go back and forth until Woods hits a Shining Wizard for another two count. Woods goes up top, but Cesaro distracts him. Big E comes over and brawls with Cesaro on the floor, and the distraction leads to Woods rolling up Sheamus for the three count.

Winner: Xavier Woods

– After the match, The New Day celebrates as Sheamus and Cesaro recover.

– Paige is backstage watching footage of Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville dissing Becky Lynch. The Absolution members walk in and they all hug. They congratulate Paige on being SmackDown GM, and Paige books Mandy vs. Becky for next week. Mandy and Sonya ask Paige for special treatment, but Paige says Absolution is dead. Things get awkward between them and we go to commercial.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Zelina Vega and Andrade “Cien” Almas. Vega says SmackDown will be changing very soon when Almas arrives.

– The broadcast team hypes up this Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view.

– Asuka, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch vs. Carmella, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce: The opening bell sounds and Charlotte and Carmella start off. Carmella quickly tags in Royce before things get physical, and Flair tags in Becky. Becky takes Royce down and they go back and forth. Billie hits a cheap shot on Becky from the apron, which Peyton capitalizes on with more strikes. Asuka tags in and taunts Billie before beating on her. Billie slaps Asuka across the face, and Asuka smiles and unloads with a series of strikes. Asuka hits the hip attack, then tags in Flair for the double team. Flair continues the offense until Billie slams her down by the hair, then tags in Carmella. Charlotte blocks a superkick, and takes Carmella down for the Figure Four. Carmella escapes and rolls outside with the Iconics, and Charlotte launches herself outside with a suicide dive on them.

All hell breaks loose now between the competitors as the referee tries to restore order. It comes down to Becky and Carmella in the ring, and Becky drops her. Becky looks for the tag, but Billie and Peyon pull Asuka off the apron, and Carmella stops Becky from tagging in Charlotte. Becky fights off Carmella and tags in Charlotte, who cleans house. Billie distracts Charlotte and Carmella slams Charlotte face-first into the turnbuckle as a result. The Iconics double team Flair now, then Carmella tags in and continues the beat-down on Charlotte.

Charlotte starts fighting back and looks for a Figure Four on Peyton, but Peyton escapes. Asuka tags in and unloads with strikes, then hits a flying kick to the face. Billie and Carmella get involved now, and Asuka knocks them both off the apron with a hip attack. Peyton rolls Asuka up from behind for a two count, then argues with the ref. Charlotte and Billie fight on the floor, while Peyton and Asuka continue to go at it in the ring. Asuka counters a move and locks in the Asuka Lock. Peyton taps out for the finish.

Winners: Asuka, Charlotte & Becky Lynch

– After the match, Carmella sits on the ramp clutching her Women’s champion as the babyfaces stand tall in the ring. Charlotte leaves first and stares down Flair, who says she’s taking the Title on Sunday.

The April 30th edition of WWE RAW aired live from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec and was the go-home RAW episode for Sunday’s Backlash pay-per-view.

– RAW opens up with a video package looking at the Greatest Royal Rumble last week.

– Michael Cole welcomes us to the Bell Center, and Roman Reigns immediately comes out and heads to the ring. As Reigns steps in the ring, Michael Cole shows us a message from a WWE referee who claims he made the wrong call in declaring Brock Lesnar the winner at Royal Rumble. Reigns gets on the mic and points out the referee’s error. Reigns pauses for a “Roman sucks” chant from the crowd, then says he should be the Universal Champion right now. Reigns says Lesnar is gone now, so he’s going to turn his attention to another man, the man he will face at Backlash. Samoa Joe then appears on the big screen and gets a pop from the Montreal crowd. Joe says he’s going to put Roman’s downward spiraling career to sleep on Sunday. Jinder Mahal’s music hits to interrupt. Jinder and Sunil Singh comes out to the stage and starts talking trash to Reigns. Reigns says Jeff Hardy cheated him too, but you don’t hear Jinder complaining. Jinder thinks Reigns lost fair and square to Lesnar, and on Sunday he will lose to Joe. Jinder then speaks in his language to his people, and then Sami Zayn comes out to interrupt. Sami gets a hometown crowd reaction and he briefly speaks French to the crowd. Sami says he was sick and couldn’t make the Greatest Royal Rumble, but he’s feeling a lot better tonight.

Sami says tonight he wants to make things better in his hometown by facing Roman Reigns tonight. Kevin Owens comes out to interrupt next and also gets a big pop from the Montreal fans. Owens also speaks in his language to his people, and the crowd starts a “Oui” chant. Owens says everyone knows Sami can beat Roman Reigns, but tonight what people want to see is Reigns vs. Kevin Owens. Owens says since they all want a piece of Reigns, they’ll survey the crowd. Sami gets cheered, Jinder gets booed, and Owens also gets cheered. Owens thinks his was the loudest, and he steps up to Reigns. Reigns decks Owens with a right hand, and then Sami and Jinder start beating on Reigns. The crowd chants the four-on-one beat down of Reigns by Jinder, Sami, Kevin, and Sunil. Bobby Lashley runs in for the save but he’s outnumbered and overpowered. Braun Strowman comes out for the save next, and he and Lashley clear the ring. Strowman picks up Sunil and throws him on to Jinder, Kevin and Sami at ringside. Strowman, Reigns and Lashley stand tall then head to the back.

– Still to come: Natalya (with Ronda Rousey) vs. Mickie James (with Alexa Bliss)

– Elias is backstage drinking what we’re told is a “special tea” from Saudi Arabia.

– During the commercial break Kurt Angle books a six-man tag: Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

– Elias is in the ring for his Walk With Elias catch phrase, and he asks the crowd how many people saw the Greatest Royal Rumble which gets little-to-no response from the crow. Elias tells the fans to shut their mouths and he sings a song, but gets interrupted by Bobby Roode. Roode makes his way down to the ring, and we have a match.

– Bobby Roode vs. Elias: Roode and Elias trade holds in the opening moments. Roode takes control in the corner and hits some chops on Elias. Roode hits a Blockbuster off the midddle rope, and Elias rolls outside for a breather. Roode follows him outside and they trade blows on the floor before rolling back inside. Elias drops Roode’s neck over the top rope and then works on keeping Roode grounded. Roode fights his way up and they trade strikes now. Elias slams Roode then mule kicks him for a two count. Roode fires up with a series of clotheslines, then hits a spinebuster on Elias for a two count. They fight up to the top turnbuckle, and Roode headbutts Elias down. Roode follows up with a flying clothesline and drops Elias. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT, but Elias escapes. They trade roll-up attempts, then they fight out to the apron. Elias decks Roode with a right hand, then slams his head into the ring post. Roode is selling a neck injury on the floor, and medics come down to check on Roode. Elias gets on the mic and declares himself winner, despite no official decision from the referee yet. Elias heads to the back with his hands raised as Roode is still selling an injury at ringside.

Winner: No contest

– During the commercial break, EMT’s helped Roode to the backstage area.

– The Authors of Pain vs. John Paul & Francois: The Authors are up against some local enhancement talent. The jobbers do an interview backstage with Charly Caruso where they speak some french. Rezar starts off with a big boot on Francois, then John Paul tags in. John throws some right hands, but Rezar drops him with a right hand, and then tags in Akam. They do the Super Collider on the jobbers, and then the Last Chapter on John Paul for the win.

Winners: The Authors of Pain

– The Authors cut a promo after the match about the Book of Pain, and they say there will be a chapter for every team on RAW.

– Michael Cole shows some positive reviews about the Greatest Royal Rumble last week.

– Seth Rollins comes down to the ring and soaks up the huge pop from the crowd. The crowd gets several chants going and he then thanks the fans in French. Seth talks about the long trip back from Saudi Arabia, and he had lots of time to think. Rollins says he had time to reflect on what kind of Champion he wants to be — and he wants to be nothing like Brock Lesnar. Rollins says Lesnar isn’t even the legitimate Champion because Reigns’ feet hit first. Rollins says he doesn’t want to be a Champion like Brock who only shows up when it’s convenient and the price is right. Rollins wants to be a fighting champion. Finn Balor’s music hits and he comes out to interrupt. Balor gets on the mic and steps in the ring. Balor takes issue with Rollins only beating him by “this much” in their ladder match last week. Balor and Rollins get in each other’s faces, and then Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel interrupt. Axel and Dallas come down wearing shirts with Balor and Rollins’ faces on them. Axel and Dallas try to recruit them to form a new stable — the Four Horsemen of the WWE. Balor and Rollins appear to reject them, and Dallas and Axel go to walk away. They turn around and sneak-attack Rollins and Balor. Rollins and Balor fight them off and clear the ring. Balor then grabs Rollins from behind and hits an inverted DDT on him. Balor heads back up the ramp as Rollins recovers in the ring.

– Still to come in a six-man main event: Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn

– We see a replay of Titus tripping and falling at Greatest Royal Rumble.

– Up next: Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott (with the Riott Squad)

– Sasha Banks does an interview on the way to the ring to promote her upcoming match.

– Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott: The Riott Squad is at ringside in Ruby’s corner. Sasha starts off strong and sends her into the corner. Sasha hits a flying arm drag, and then keeps Ruby grounded with a shoulder lock. Bayley is shown backstage watching on a monitor. Ruby and Sasha get tired up in the ropes, and after the ref pulls them apart Ruby hits a boot to the face. Ruby now works over Sasha in the corner and lays into her with right hands. Sasha comes back with a Thesz Press and then beats on Ruby in the corner. Sasha continues to work on Ruby’s arm and then sends her outside. Ruby takes a breather and then gets back in the ring and goes after Sasha. Ruby takes her down and rubs Sasha’s face in the mat. Sasha comes back with a splash off the middle rope for a two count. They fight in the corner and Ruby drops her then hits a senton bomb for a two count. Sasha comes back with a backstabber, but Sarah Logan distracts the ref. This leads to Sasha dropping Ruby again and then Liv Morgan at ringside. A distraction back in the ring from Logan leads to Ruby hitting the Riott Kick on Sasha for the win.

Winner: Ruby Riott

– We see replays and Ruby and the Riott Squad all head to the back.

– Alexa Bliss cuts a pre-taped promo about a trip to Disney World with Nia Jax. She paints Nia as a bully again and says Nia made fun of her for being small. She talks about Nia having a turkey leg in each hand laughing.

– Titus does an interview backstage about falling at the Greatest Royal Rumble. He makes a joke about Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars a few years ago. He says he hopes his situation inspires others, and then Baron Corbin interrupts. Corbin makes fun of Titus for falling and says he’s a waste of time. Titus says that’s ok and smiles.

– The announcers talk about Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, and then we go to a pre-taped promo with the Woken ones. Matt talks about his and Bray’s stories, and then they appear and tell everyone to “run.”

– Michael Cole talks about Ronda Rousey’s friendship with Natalya, and shows a replay of Ronda saving Natalya last week from Mickie James.

– Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn: The opening bell sounds and this one turns into an all-out brawl early on. Some of the action spills out to the ringside floor. The fans are clearly behind Owens and Zayn in this one and they cheer every time they throw a punch. The referee restores order and Reigns starts beating on Sami in the ring. Lashley and Jinder tag in now and start going at it. Lashley beats on Jinder in the corner and looks for a suplex, but Jinder fights out. They fight into the corner and Sami tags back in and puts the boots to Lashley. Lashley comes back with a shot in the corner, and then he goes for his stalling vertical suplex on Sami. Owens runs in and boots Lashley to break it up, then Owens tags in. Owens gets a big pop as he stomps a mud hole in Lashley. Jinder comes in and works over Lashley, then Owens comes back in and applies a side headlock to Bobby. Lashley fights up and hits a facebuster on Owens. Reigns and Zayn tag in now and Reigns levels him with clotheslines. Reigns hits a series of clothesline on Sami in the corner. Reigns follows up with a running big boot on Sami, then Reigns looks out at the crowd. Sunil tries to get involved, but Reigns grabs him and throws him outside. Owens tags in and hits a DDT on Reigns for a two count.

Sami comes back in and tries to keep Reigns grounded. Reigns tries to fight up, but Owens tags in and hits a Vader Bomb on him for a two count. Owens mounts Reigns and pummels on him, then tags Sami back in and continues beating on the Big Dog. Owens comes back in but Reigns fights him off. Reigns hits a Superman punch, and both he and Owens are down. Jinder runs in and knocks Lashley off the apron, bu then Reigns hits a Samoan Drop on Jinder. Strowman gets the hot tag and cleans house. Strowman clotheslines Jinder down, then runs around ringside and tackles Sami and Owens. Strowman misses a shot in the corner and Sami looks for the Heluva Kick, but Lashley intercepts him and suplexes Sami. Jinder drops Lashley, then Reigns spears Jinder. Owens boots down Reigns and Braun. Owens looks for the running cannonball on Strowman, but Strowman gets up and grabs him. Strowman hits the running powerslam for the three count.

Winners: Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley

– Strowman celebrates the win with Reigns and Lashley in the ring as Owens and Sami recover on the ramp.

– Still to come: No Way Jose vs. Baron Corbin

– Baron Corbin comes out to the stage and gets on the stage. He talks about how a wise man once said if you want to make money you can’t be funny. Corbin trashes Titus for falling and looking stupid, and he says No Way Jose is the same with his dumb conga line. Corbin says they make him want to puke. Corbin says he makes money by cracking people in the teeth, and no one will be laughing after Corbin beats them. No Way Jose comes out with the conga line to interrupt, and we have a match.

– Baron Corbin vs. No Way Jose: Jose starts off throwing punches, but Corbin shuts him down with a lariat. Jose comes back with a big boot and an elbow to the face. Jose goes up top and misses a splash. Corbin throws Jose into the ring post, and then Titus’ music hits and he comes out to interrupt. Titus is with Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke, and they walk down to the ring. Titus carefully walks down the ramp and makes usre not to trip this time. Titus goes to step in the ring, but he falls off the apron and down on to the floor. Corbin is distracted by the whole spectacle, which leads to Jose rolling up Corbin from behind for the three count.

Winner: No Way Jose

– Jose, Titus, Apollo, Dana and the conga dancers celebrate the win on the ramp. Corbin is not happy.

– We see a new Make-A-Wish commercial with John Cena.

– Mickie James vs. Natalya: Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey are both at ringside for this one. Natalya starts off strong, but Mickie comes back with a shot in the corner. Mickie slams Natalya into the middle turnbuckle and then kicks her while she’s down for a two count. Natalya comes back and drops Mickie, then looks for the Sharpshooter. Alexa distracts her, and Mickie drops Natalya from behind. Ronda walks over and chases Alexa around the ring. Ronda and Alexa continue to run around the ring, and inside the ring Natalya rolls up Mickie for the three count after a short match.

Winner: Natalya

– Ronda gets in the ring and helps Natalya up. As Alexa heads up the ramp, Nia Jax’s music hits and Nia chases her down the ramp. Alexa runs through the crowd, and Nia gets in the ring to raise Ronda and Natalya’s hands. We go to the announcers who promote Sunday’s Backlash PPV.

– Coming up: Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor

– We see a promo video for Samoa Joe vs. Roman Reigns this Sunday at Backlash.

– They show a selfie video from Drew McIntye and Dolph Ziggler. Drew talks about deserving to be in WWE, and Dolph says the rest of the roster should be really afraid right now.

– Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins (c): Rollin’ Intercontinental Title is on the line in this one. The fight spills outside early on and Rollins hits a suicide dive on the floor. Back in the ring, Rollins whips Balor into the corner and then lays into him with strikes. Balor and Rollins exchange chops to the chest, then Balor hits two boots to the head. Rollins comes back with a Blockbuster, then he follows up with a running forearm shot and a facebuster. Rollins hits a spingboard flying clothesline and Balor rolls outside for a breather. Balor hits a suicide dive, and then goes for a second one, but Balor blocks it with a boot to the face. Back in the ring, Balor follows up with a DDT for a two count. Rollins looks for a sling bladed, but Balor evades it and hits a dropkick. Balor hits some chops to the chest of Rollins. It looks like Balor’s cut on his eye from the Greatest Royal Rumble has opened up again. Rollins comes back with the sling blade and a knee to the face. Rollins hits a kick, and Balor fires back with an elbow to the face. Rollins misses a springboard shot, and Balor drops him and hits a double foot stomp.

Balor hits a kick to the head of Rollins, and then goes up top. Balor looks for the Coup De Grace, but Rollins knocks him down. Rollins goes up top and grabs Balor for a superplex, but Balor fights him off and knocks Rollins down. Rollins runs back up the turnbuckle and grabs Balor again, and this time Rollins successfully hits the Superplex. Balor no-sells it gets up and hits the Falcon Arrow for a two count. Balor looks for a reverse DDT, but Rollins fights out. Rollins and Balor trade kicks. Balor misses the coup de grace and Rollins answers with a kick. Rollins misses the curb stomp and they trade roll up pin attempts. Balor hits a sling blade and Rollins is down. Rollins comes back with a superkick and both men are down again. Rollins hits another superkick for the three count.

Winner & still Intercontinental Champion: Seth Rollins

– We go to replays while Rollins celebrates and Balor slowly recovers. Rollins holds his IC Title belt on his shoulder as RAW goes off the air.

The April 24th edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY, and was the go-home show for Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

– This week’s broadcast opens up with a graphic in memory of Bruno Sammartino, and the fans in the building chant his name. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Corey Graves welcome us to the KFC Yum! Center for this week’s SmackDown.

– The Miz comes out first to kick off tonight’s show with Miz TV. The Miz gets on the mic and declares that The A-Lister has returned to SmackDown, and it’s now the A-Show again. The Miz says all he’s missing is his Intercontinental Title, but he’ll get that back at Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble. The Miz talks about how he elevated the IC Title, and then starts trashing Daniel Bryan. Miz calls out Daniel Bryan, but Bryan doesn’t come out, and Big Cass comes out instead.

Cass comes out to the ring and says it looks like the Miz needs a guest, so here he is. Cass says no one gives a damn about Daniel Bryan, and Cass starts talking about his own road to returning to the ring after injury. The Miz and Cass start exchanging words, and then Cass continues trashing Bryan. Cass says he’s tall, educated and good looking, which makes him valuable in WWE. Cass says he’s going to beat Bryan and retire him, then mocks the “yes” chants and drops the mic. Cass walks off as The Miz looks on.

– Asuka and Becky are backstage getting ready to come out for their match next.

– We see Daniel Bryan laying on the ground, which explains why he didn’t come out for Miz TV. Bryan is clutching his arm and selling his injury. Referees check on him and call for help.

– The Iconics come down to the ring and get on mics. Peyton and Bilie talk about how good they look on the big screen, and they trash Becky and Asuka. They say Asuka and Becky are the past, and they are the future. Becky’s entrance music hits, and we have a match.

– Asuka & Becky Lynch vs. The Iconics: Becky takes control of this one early on after hitting a forearm shot on Billie. Billie misses a shot in the corner and Becky kicks her down. Becky follows up with a t-bone suplex, then Peyton tags in and Becky goes after her next. Peyton starts fighting back and chokes Becky across the middle rope. Asuka and Billie get the tags and Asuka cleans house. Peyton runs in but Becky takes her out, then Becky tags in. Billie shoves Becky into Asuka and knocks Asuka down to the floor. Billie and Peyton now double team Becky in the corner, which leads to Billie pinning Becky with her feet on the ropes for the win.

Winners: The Iconics

– Billie and Peyton celebrate the win as they retreat from ringside and run up the ramp.

– AJ Styles walks out of Shane McMahon’s office backstage and does an interview with Renee Young. AJ talks about looking forward to Friday’s Greatest Royal Rumble, and he says he just learned of a 6-man tag match for later tonight. AJ indicates that Shane has booked Nakamura & Rusev Day against AJ Styles and two partners of his choosing. AJ says his partners will be “too sweet.”

– We go to Tom Phillips at ringside who promotes this Friday’s show.

– We go backstage to The Usos and Naomi in the locker room. Jimmy makes Naomi promise not to come out during one of his matches again, but she doesn’t agree. She says she saw nothing in Rowan and Harper’s eyes last week, and she has a bad feeling about this. Uso says they’ll get their Tag Titles back on Friday and tell her not to worry about it.

– We see a Make-A-Wish promotional video and some people from the organization sitting in the front row.

– Rowan vs. Jimmy Uso: The opening bell sounds and this one spills outside early on. Jimmy and Rowan brawl on the floor before Jimmy takes things back in the ring and hits a flying cross body off the top rope. Jimmy kicks Rowan, and then goes back up top, but Rowan shoves Jimmy off the top rope all the way down to the ringside floor. Rowan follows him outside and hits a big clothesline on the floor. Rowan starts beating down Jimmy until Naomi’s music and light show hit and she dances on the ramp. Jey comes out of nowhere and attacks Harper at ringside, and then Jimmy attacks Rowan from behind and rolls him up to steal the three count.

Winner: Jimmy Uso

– Jimmy, Jey and Naomi run up the ramp and celebrate the win. Rowan and Harper are in the ring staring up at them and they’re not happy.

– Still to come: Rusev Day & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

– Renee Young is the ring with a table for a contract signing with Carmella and Charlotte. SmackDown Women’s Champion Carmella comes out first. Carmella takes the mic and says it’s unacceptable for the Champion to be introduced before the challenger, and starts cutting a promo on Charlotte. Carmella introduces a video package about her win, and then she plays it again and admonishes the fans for not respecting her. Carmella says she’s going to play the video over and over until they get it right, and then Charlotte interrupts. Flair sits down and signs the contract first, and exchanges words with Carmella. They get in each others’ faces and it appears Carmella hasn’t signed the contract yet. This leads to Charlotte slamming Carmella’s face on the table and then throwing the table on top of her. Flair walks off as Carmella scrambles to her feet with the Title belt.

– Dasha Fuentes is backstage knocking on Shinsuke Nakamura’s locker room door, but Aiden English answers and says no interviews.

– WWE United States Champion Jeff Hardy is backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– Shelton Benjamin vs. Randy Orton: Jeff Hardy comes out, but Randy Orton interrupts his entrance and walks past him to the ring. The opening bell sounds and they lock up, and Shelton takes it to the corner. They fight back and forth, and Orton looks for the RKO early on but he avoids it. Shelton starts putting the boots to Orton and works him over in the corner. Orton comes back and dumps Shelton outside, then brings him up on the apron. Orton looks for the middle rope DDT, but Shelton fights out and turns it around. Shelton hits a series of kicks and takes control of the match as Jeff Hardy watches. Orton mounts a comeback and successfully hits the middle rope DDT on Shelton. Orton looks for the RKO, but Shelton rolls out to ringside. They fight in front of Jeff Hardy, and Orton hits a back suplex on Shelton on the announce table. Back in the ring, Orton continues beating on Shelton, and a masked man runs in and attacks Jeff Hardy at ringside. The masked man gets in the ring, and Orton rips his mask off to reveal Sunil Singh. Orton gives Singh an RKO, and then Shelton grabs Orton and hits his finishing move for the three count.

Winner: Shelton Benjamin

– The New Day is backstage about to feast on pancakes and cereal. They promomote their new “Book of Booty.” Sheamus and Cesaro walk in and interrupt, and they talk about winning the tag titles on Friday. Sheamus says they have no competition on SmackDown, and The New Day tells them to get lost. They mock Sheamus and Cesaro’s “we are the bar” catch phrase.

– AJ Styles is backstage warming up when Gallow and Anderson walk in. They all hug, and AJ tells them this is where they all need to be.

– Daniel Bryan walks out of the trainer’s office backstage and does an interview with Renee Young. He says he’ll be fine for the Greatest Royal Rumble on Friday, and says Big Cass is a coward for attacking him from behind earlier. Bryan says he talked to Paige, and she’s going to give him a shot at Big Cass. Bryan says it doesn’t matter how big you are if you’re on the mat with him tapping out.

– AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev & Aiden English: English comes out to sing Rusev’s entrance, and Nakamura has a new entrance. AJ wants to start off with Nakamura, but he gets English instead. AJ takes English back to his corner, and then tags in Anderson and Gallows who take turns beating on English. Gallows, Anderson and AJ clear the ring and stare down their opponents on the floor. The referee restores order and Rusev and AJ are now going at it in the ring. Rusev hits a big boot on AJ, then English tags in and continues the offense on the Champion. Nakamura comes in now and continues working over AJ with kicks. Rusev comes in and beats down AJ in the corner then hits a powerslam. Rusev follows up with an elbow drop, and then tags English back in for a double team attack. Gallows finally gets the tag and he cleans house. He beats down English, then Rusev runs in and he throws Rusev outside. Gallows boots English outside next, and then Nakamura attacks Gallows from behind. It appears Nakamura got the blind tag before Gallows threw English outside, and Nakamura hits the Kinshasa on Gallows for the three count.

Winners: Shinsuke Nakamura, Rusev and Aiden English

– After the match, AJ immediately hits the ring and attacks Nakamura. Nakamura comes back with a low blow on AJ, then he looks for the Kinshasa but Anderson intercepts it. Nakamura hits Anderson with a Kinshasa, and then retreats as AJ watches. Nakamura heads up the ramp as AJ checks on Anderson in the ring and SmackDown goes off the air.

The April 17th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI, and featured the latest Superstar Shakeup roster trades.

– Fans have now started entering the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence.

– WWE Champion AJ Styles makes his way down to the ring to kick off this week’s SmackDown Live broadcast. Tom Philips says on commentary that the Dunkin Donuts Center in sold-out tonight. AJ steps in the ring and gets on the mic to cut a promo on Nakamura. He says Nakamura isn’t “The Artist,” he’s a con artist. The crowd duels chants for AJ and Nakamura, and AJ says instead of celebrating his win at WrestleMania he’s consumed with wanting revenge on Nakamura. AJ says last week he had a real dream match with Daniel Bryan, and Shinsuke showed his true colors again and ruined that match. AJ says he’s not letting it go, and he’s not leaving the ring until Nakamura comes down so he can confront him. AJ says Nakamura supposedly forgot how to speak english all of a sudden, but AJ isn’t here to talk, he’s here to fight. He calls Nakamura a coward and tells him to come down and fight him right now. Instead, Aiden English and Rusev come out. Aiden sings to AJ that Nakamura isn’t here tonight and he’s on vacation, but Rusev will fight him instead. Rusev hits the ring with English at ringside in his corner, and we have a match.

– AJ Styles vs. Rusev: The opening bell sounds and Rusev starts off on the offensive. AJ catches Rusev by the ropes and tackles him down, then locks Rusev in the Calf Crusher early on. Rusev looks to be in trouble, but Aiden English runs in and starts beating on AJ. The ref calls for the bell.

Winner via DQ: AJ Styles

– After the match, English and Rusev start beating on AJ until Daniel Bryan runs down for the save. AJ and Daniel fight them off, and Rusev and English retreat up the ramp.

– Shane McMahon and Paige talk backstage about what just happened in the ring. As new SmackDown GM, Paige says she’s going to channel Teddy Long, and book a “tag team match, playa” tonight between AJ & Bryan vs. Rusev & English. Paige and Shane both do the Teddy Long dance before leaving.

– Carmella is scheduled to come out later to celebrate her Women’s Title victory.

– Shelton Benjamin comes out to the ring and starts talking about his partner Chad Gable. He says Gable is an inspirational wrestler. He says his Twitter account got hacked last night, and he would never say those things about Chad. He adds that Shelton wants his own opportunities, and he has asked Paige to give him some big competition tonight. Shelton looks to the stage and wants to see what they’ve got for him. Randy Orton’s music hits, and we have a match. As Orton is walking to the ring, Jeff Hardy’s music hits, and U.S. Champion Jeff Hardy comes down the ramp and walks right past Orton. Hardy gets in the ring as Orton stands on the ramp.

– Jeff Hardy vs. Shelton Benjamin: This one appears to be a non-Title match. The opening bell sounds and Shelton goes right to work on Hardy, pummeling him down to the mat. Jeff fights back and goes up top, but Shelton cuts him off and hits a knee to the face in the corner. Shelton looks for a superplex, but Jeff fights him off and hits the Whisper In The Wind for a two count. Jeff looks for a Twist of Fate, but Shelton evades it and starts fighting back. Shelton looks for the Paydirt, but Jeff blocks it and mule kicks Shelton into the corner. Shelton blocks a kick, but Jeff successfully executes the Twist of Fate. Jeff goes up top and hits the Swanton Bomb for the three count.

Winner: Jeff Hardy

– After the match, Jeff celebrates with his U.S. Title in the ring as we go to replays.

– We see a pre-taped video of The Miz, and Miz reveals that he’s not at SmackDown tonight because he’s in Los Angeles with Maryse and their daughter. The Miz announces that he’ll be making his SmackDown premiere next week, and he will kick Daniel Bryan’s ass.

– It’s announced that Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose have been traded to SmackDown, thanks to SmackDown GM and former Absolution leader Paige.

– Jey Uso vs. Harper: Jimmy Uso and Rowan are both at ringside for this one The opening bell sounds and Harper goes right to work on Jey. Jey tries to fight back but Harper drops him again. Uso hits a boot to the face of Rowan which buys him some time to recover. Rowan and Jimmy get into it at ringside, and their involvement leads to Harper taking advantage with a discus clothesline to Jey. Harper pins to score the three count after a short match.

Winner: Harper

– After the match, Rowan and Harper beat down Jimmy and Jey, until Jimmy grabs one of their big mallets. Rowan and Harper fight him off, and they continue beating own The Usos until Naomi runs out crying. Naomi begs them to stop and the Bludgeon Brothers back off as some fans boo.

– Still to come: AJ & Daniel Bryan team up in the main event against Rusev and Aiden English.

– Sin Cara is waiting in the ring for his opponent, and Samoa Joe’s music hit. Joe makes his SmackDown debut as he is the latest star to be traded from RAW.

– Sin Cara vs. Samoa Joe: The opening bell sounds and Cara starts off strong, but Joe lays into him with a series of strikes that stuns him. Joe looks for a suplex but Cara slides away and fights back. Joe drops Cara and hits more stiff strikes, finishing with a big knee. Joe drops Cara into the Coquina Clutch for the win.

Winner: Samoa Joe

– After the match, Joe gets on the mic and says SmackDown seems more like the land of handouts than the land of opportunities. He cuts a promo about everyone on SmackDown having it easy, until now. Joe says now he will take all the opportunities, and he wants to take down Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton, and AJ Styles. Joe says to watch him compete in Saudi Arabia and at Backlash for an example of what he’s going to do to the SmackDown roster. Joe promises to put Reigns down for good if there’s anything left of Reigns after his match with Lesnar. He says if Reigns somehow beats Lesnar for the Universal Title, Joe will rip that Title away from Reigns at Backlash. Joe’s music hits and he heads to the back.

– The broadcast team talks about pay-per-views being dual branded on the WWE Network from now on.

– We see a video package about NXT group Sanity coming to SmackDown soon.

– Daniel Bryan does an interview backstage, but gets interrupted by Big Cass. Cass gets in Bryan’s face and calls him a little man then walks off.

– Carmella is in the ring with her Women’s Championship belt to celebrate being the new Title holder. Carmella gets on the mic and talks about beating Charlotte all on her own, because Charlotte was blinded by her own ego. Carmella says this will go down as the biggest moment in the women’s revolution, then introduces a video package tribute to herself. Carmella continues talking about her victory until Charlotte comes out to interrupt. Charlotte says Carmella only had the Money In The Bank briefcase because of that freak James Ellsworth, and she only beat Charlotte because of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay. Charlotte heads to the ring, but she gets interrupted by The Iconics. Peyon and Billie come down and get on the mic, telling Charlotte to look at the future. Charlotte starts brawling with both Billie and Peyton until the numbers advantage is too much and Billie rams her into the fan barricade. Becky Lynch runs down for the save, then referees come and try to break up the brawl.

– Charlotte vs. Billie Kay: This one was made a match during the commercial break and is already underway. They brawl out to ringside early on, while Peyton and Becky cheer on from ringside, and Carmella is at the broadcast table. Flair sends Billie into the ring post, then takes her back on the mat. Billie starts mounting a comeback and is now keeping Charlotte grounded. Peyton hits a cheap shot on Charlotte behind the ref’s back, and Becky runs over to chase off Peyton. Flair drops Billie with a knee, but Billie comes back with a suplex. Charlotte fights back with chops and unloadsd with strikes. Charlotte looks to finish it but Billie escapes and drops Charlotte. They trade roll-up attempts and counters until Charlotte hits a big boot to the face. Flair locks in the Figure Eight for the win.

Winner: Charlotte Flair

– After the match, Carmella attacks Charlotte until Becky gets in the ring for the save. The Icons hit the ring now and take out Becky. Carmella recovers and joins in on the beat-down on Becky and Charlotte. The music hits and the latest member to join SmackDown comes out for the save: Asuka. Asuka hits the ring and Carmella retreats. Asuka drops Peyton and Billie, then stands tall with Charlotte and Becky.

– We see a video package announcing that Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson are coming to SmackDown.

– The New Day is shown backstage and they run in to R-Truth, who has supposedly been traded to SmackDown. Tye Dillinger walks up to Truth and they do a hand shake and smile. Truth says he’s glad to be on RAW now with these guys. They inform him that this is SmackDown, not RAW. Truth says “my bad” and walks off. Truth says he’ll see them tomorrow, and The New Day and Dillinger look concerned about Truth.

– The announcers discuss the Superstar Shakeup changes, and then announce that Andrade Almas and Zelina Vega are also headed to SmackDown soon.

– AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan vs. Rusev & Aiden English: Bryan and English start things off with a lock up, and fans are already chanting for Bryan. Bryan gets the upper hand and unloads with strikes on English. Bryan puts English in a surfboard before tagging in AJ. AJ comes off the top onto English and continues to beat on him. English starts mounting a comeback, as the fans duel chants for both teams. AJ hits a gutbuster on Aiden, which prompts Rusev to run in and Bryan to run in and stop Rusev. AJ puts English in the Calf Crusher and Bryan puts Rusev in the Yes Lock simultaneously. Rusev and English finally break free and roll out to ringside for a breather. Back in the ring, English gets the advantage over AJ until AJ stuns English with a Pele Kick, and both men are down. Bryan and Rusev get the tags and Bryan unloads on Rusev with strikes. Bryan springboards off the turnbuckle and hits a clothesline on Rusev. Bryan is fired up and shakes the ropes before hitting the running dropkick on Rusev. Bryan looks for the Yes Lock but Rusev puts up a fight until English breaks it up. Bryan throws English outside, then blocks a big boot from Rusev. Bryan takes Rusev down with a dragon screw, then unloads on him with Yes Kicks. Bryan follows up with the running knee to the face on Rusev, and Rusev is hurt. Nakamura comes out of nowhere and low-blows AJ from behind while AJ is on the apron, and the ref doesn’t see it. Bryan sees what happened and Nakamura laughs. Bryan turns around into a big boot from Big Cass out of nowhere. Cass stands over Bryan on the mat and raises his hand in the air as Nakamura backs up the ramp.

Winners via DQ: AJ Styles & Daniel Bryan

– We go to replays as the announcers talk about Big Cass making his return from a knee injury. Renee Young tries to interview Nakamura on the stage about why he attacked AJ again, but Nakamura doesn’t answer. Nakamura heads to the back as Cass is still standing over Bryan in the ring, and SmackDown goes off the air.

The April 16th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW took place at the XL Center in Hartford, CT.

– WWE RAW GM Kurt Angle comes down to the ring and gets on the mic to kick off the show. He’s quickly interrupted by Sunil Singh, who interrupts and introduces Jinder Mahal. Jinder steps in the ring and says that RAW is now the A-show now that hes here. Jinder is happy to be here, but he does complain to Kurt about being driven to the arena in an SUV instead of a limo with a motorcade. Jinder starts trashing the RAW roster until the fans boo him and drown him out. Kurt asks them to email him his list of demands, but declines to give them his real email address. Kurt tells Jinder if he thinks he’s better than everyone on RAW, then he has to prove it. Kurt asks the fans if they want Jinder to prove it, and the crowd cheers, so Kurt introduces Jinder’s first opponent on RAW: Jeff Hardy.

– Jeff Hardy vs. Jinder Mahal (C): Jinder’s U.S. Title is on the line in this one. Hardy comes out and gets a big ovation from the crow. Jinder starts off strong in this one, but Hardy comes back with a dropkick and sends Jinder rolling outside. Jeff follows up with a big suicide dive on Jinder and both men crash down to the ringside floor. Jeff starts firing up and coming back but Jinder drops him over the top rope. Jinder looks for a back superplex, but Jeff fights him off and hits the Whisper In The Wind on Jinder. Sunil Singh distracts Jeff from the apron and Jeff kicks him down. Jeff goes back to work on Jinder and hits an inverted atomic drop, then a leg drop. Jeff looks for the Twist of Fate, but Jinder fights out and hits a knee to the face. Jinder pins but Jeff reaches the rope to break the hold. Jinder looks for the Khallas, but Jeff escapes and rolls up Jinder for a two count. Jinder comes back with a boot to the face for another near-fall. Jeff comes back with a kick and a Twist of Fate, then Jeff goes up top. Jeff connects with a Swanton bomb for the three count, and Jeff is the new U.S. Champion.

Winner & new U.S. champion: Jeff Hardy

– Jeff celebrates with the U.S. Title after the match.

– The Miz will be hosting Miz TV later with a mystery guest. Sasha Banks vs. Bayley is up next.

– Jinder Mahal is backstage with Sunil Singh, and Jinder is not happy. Jinder says this was a conspiracy by Kurt Angle, and he was brought to RAW to be embarrassed. Jinder says he’s going to get his U.S. Title back and bring back glory to the USA. As Jinder starts vowing revenge against Kurt Angle, No Way Jose’s music hits and he dances through with a conga line and briefly confronts Jinder.

– Sasha Banks vs. Bayley: The opening bell sounds and both women come out strong. Bayley goes for a springboard off the middle rope, but slips, and Sasha takes advantage and beats on Bayley. Bayley finally comes back and hits an elbow to the face, then a spinning reverse suplex off the middle rope for a two count. They fight to the apron and Sasha hits several knees to the face, then throws Bayley back in the ring and hits a flying knee off the top for a two count. They start slapping each other in the face then exchanging punches. Sasha gets the upper hand and hits a running knee to the face, then she locks in the Banks Statement. The Riott Squash runs in and starts beating down Sasha, and the ref calls the bell.

Winner: Bayley via DQ

– After the match, The Riott Squad beats down both Sasha and Bayley.

– Michael Cole tells us that Roman Reigns is here, “unlike The Beast.”

– The Authors of Pain vs. Rhyno & Heath Slater: We see a pre-taped promo by Slater and Rhyno before the match. The Authors totally dominate this one off the opening bell, then they focus on Slater. Slater fights free from Rezar and gets the hot tag to Rhyno. Rhyno hits an elbow to the face and then a flying clothesline. Rhyno knocks Akam off the apron, then hits a spear in the corner. Rhyno hits a belly to belly suplex on Rezar for a two count. Akam tags in and they hit the Last Chapter on Rhyno for the three count.

Winners: The Authors of Pain

– The Miz and The Miztourage are in the rin for Miz TV. The Miz introduces his mystery guests — the newest members of the RAW roster — Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Kevin and Sami come to the ring and they have a group hug with Miz, Axel and Dallas. The Miz starts talking about how this group is better than the NWO, and then Kurt Angle comes out to interrupt. Angle says he didn’t approve this, but then Sami interrupts and reads a letter from Stephanie McMahon. The letter from Stephanie apparently says that she is giving Kevin and Sami RAW contracts, and she disagrees with Kurt’s decision last week. Kurt says he’s surprised Stephanie had time to write a letter in between doing physiotherapy for her arm after Ronda Rousey ripped it out at WrestleMania. Kurt says welcome to Kevin and Sami, and also says goodbye to the Miz. Kurt explains that the reason he came out here was to announce that Miz has been traded to SmackDown. The Miz tells the fans to shut it, then tells Kurt that he can’t do that. Kurt says he can, and he did. Miz says Kurt just made SmackDown into the A-show by sending Miz there. The Miz says he and the Miztourage will make SmackDown must-see television, and Kurt points out that Axel and Dallas aren’t going to SmackDown with him. Kurt says he’s giving him a gift, a ten-man tag. Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Bobby Lashley, Braun Strowman, and a debuting WWE star, against the team of The Miz, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Axel and Dallas. Kurt heads backstage as The Miztourage talks strategy with Miz in the ring.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy backstage. They announce that they’re here, and they get ready to come out to the ring.

– The Revival vs. Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt: Sheamus and Cesaro join the broadcast team to do commentary for this one. Matt starts off strong, and repeatedly slams Wilder in the corner. Wyatt tags in and hits a boot to the face. Wyatt looks for the Sister abigail, but gets distracted by Dash. Wyatt comes back with an uppercut on Wilder, then Matt tags back in. Matt and Bray hits a leg drop and splash in tandem on Wilder. The Revival comes back with a double team on Matt, then Dawson tags in and pummels on Matt. The Revival double teams Matt some more until Wyatt gets the hot tag. Wyatt cleans house and hits a big running splash on Wilder in the corner. Wyatt follows up with a side suplex. Matt tags in, then Bray drops Dawson on the other side of the ring. Matt hits the Twist of Fate on Wilder for the win.

Winners: Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

– After the match, The Bar gets up and stands on the announce table and they stare at Matt and Bray in the ring.

– We go to the broadcast team, where Cole introduces a new WWE Network commercial with several wrestlers lip-syncing and dancing.

– Sheamus and Cesaro are backstage talking about how weird Wyatt and Hardy are, and just then The Fashion Police walk in. Fandango says The Fashion Police have been transferred to a new precinct, and Breeze starts trashing Sheamus and Cesaro’s outfits and getting heated. They give Sheamus and Cesaro fashion violation tickets. The Police walk off, and Sheamus and Cesaro start getting heated about their critiques of their appearance.

– The broadcast team runs down tonight’s new arrivals at RAW, including Kevin Owens Sami Zayn, Jinder Mahal, The Riott Squad, and Breezango.

– Ronda Rousey is backstage talking to Kurt Angle about Stephanie and WrestleMania. Kurt says WrestleMania was just the beginning. Kurt says he has a surprise — and then Natalya walks in. Ronda and Natalya hug, and Ronda mentions that they trained together. Natalya thanks Kurt and Ronda, and leaves.

– Nia Jax comes out to the broadcast table to do commentary for the next match.

– Ember Moon vs. Mickie James: Mickie and Ember trade arm holds early on, until Moon trips Mickie down and mounts her. Alexa Bliss appears on camera from backstage and says she isn’t coming out to the broadcast table because Nia is a bully, and Alexa doesn’t want to be bullied by Nia again. Back in the ring, Mickie comes back with a knee on Ember and then an elbow to the face. Mickie hits a swinging neckbreaker for a two count, then continues working on Ember. Ember hits a head scissor takedown and then a kick and a knee to the face. Ember hits a kick and a suplex. Ember hits a cartwheel splash in the corner, then goes up top. Ember hits the Eclipse off the top for the three count.

Winner: Ember Moon

– Sami and Kevin are backstage discussing their strategy for tonight’s 10-man tag. Kevin thinks Kurt is setting a trap for them. The Miz interrupts and asks what Shane is like these days, and Kevin and Sami talk about how he’s the worst. Sami tells Miz to focus on tonight’s match, and get his Miztourage in line. Miz snaps his fingers and tells them to focus on tonight’s match, before Miz leaves to make SmackDown must-see.

– Dolph Ziggler comes out on the stage, and it appears he is now on the RAW roster. Ziggler comes down to the ring and gets on the mic and talks about being back on RAW. Ziggler says he’s still the best Superstar to ever walk the aisle, but something changed. Before Ziggler can say what changed, Titus Worldwide comes out to interrupt. Titus welcomes Ziggler back, and he steps in the ring with Apollo and Dana. Titus tries to recruit Ziggler to Titus Worldwide, and he says Ziggler is a multi-talented super star. Ziggler thanks Titus for the offer, but declines. Ziggler says before he got interrupted, he was about to say something changed: he didn’t come to RAW alone. Drew McIntyre then runs in and attacks Titus and Crews from behind. Dolph and Dre continue to beat down Crews and Titus. They hit a double-team Zig Zag and Claymore on Crews before leaving.

– Roman Reigns comes out to the ring next and gets on the mic. Reigns gets on the mic and says once again he’s here, and Brock Lesnar isn’t. He says once again he’s going to face Lesnar, but it’s not going down like last time, because it’s going to be in a steel cage. Reigns says he will be the full-time Universal Champion. Reigns gets interrupted by Samoa Joe’s entrance music, and he gets a “Joe” chant from the crowd. Joe says Reigns comes out and brags about showing up to work, but he never brags about getting the job done because he can’t and never will. Joe says Reigns isn’t getting in the cage with a normal super star, but a Beast who has beaten Reigns not once, not twice, but every time he’s stepped in the ring with him. Joe says he almost feels sorry for Reigns but can’t, because Reigns is too stupid to know his place. Joe says at Backlash, he is going to put the big dog to sleep once and for all. Joe says since Reigns is so fired up tonight, he’s going to remind him what Lesnar did to him and what Joe will do to him, and we go to replays from WrestleMania. Reigns says that’s what Brock has done, and he challenges Joe to come to the ring and show what his “lazy fat ass” can do. Joe teases going in to the ring a couple times, but ends up deciding against it and tells Reigns he’ll see him at Backlash.

– Mandy Rose vs. Natalya: Sonya Deville is at ringside in Mandy’s corner. Natalya rolls up Mandy early on and Mandy comes back with a slap to the face. Natalya fires up and kicks Mandy then sends her outside. Sonya distracts Natalya at ringside, which leads to Mandy hitting a knee to the face of Natalya. Back in the ring, Mandy takes control and tries to keep Natalya grounded. Natalya fights back and Mandy misses a kick, which leads to Natalya putting Mandy in a Sharpshooter for the win via submission.

Winner: Natalya

– After the match, Sonya hits the ring and attacks Natalya from behind. Sonya and Mandy beat on Natalya until Ronda Rousey comes out for the save. Sonya goes after Ronda but Ronda drops her with punches, and Mandy hides at ringside. Ronda checks on Natalya and helps her up.

– We see a promo video highlighting Baron Corbin’s career and announcing that Corbin has been traded to the RAW roster.

– Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Tyler Breeze & Fandango: Fandango and Cesaro start off, and Fandango examines Cesaro’s camo jacket in the corner. Cesaro grabs Fandango and starts working him over. Cesaro goes for a sunset flip, but Fandango reverse and dances over Cesaro. Breeze tags in and starts fighting with Cesaro. Cesaro hits a European uppercut and then tags in Sheamus, and they start taking turns double teaming Breeze. A mix-up in the corner leads to Breeze rolling up Sheamus from behind to steal the three count.

Winners: Breezango

– Sheamus and Cesaro are shocked and outraged at the finish to the match, as they look at Breezango in shock. Breeze and Fandango retreat up the ramp and celebrate their win.

– Elias does an interview in the back where he trashes Bobby Lashley for interrupting him last night. He says Lashley should sit in the stands and worship him with the rest of the fans. Elias says he won’t perform for the fans tonight, but he knows Renee is a big fan so he’ll do a private concert for her. Renee says they don’t have time for a performance right now, but Elias tells her to shut her mouth and he starts playing. Elias keeps playing, and Renee sends it back to Michael Cole.

– Cole, Graves and Coach discuss the upcoming 10-man tag main event. They also announce that Brock Lesnar is scheduled to return on next week’s RAW.

– Bobby Roode enters last in the 10-man tag main event to make his RAW debut.

– Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, The Miz, Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas vs. Bobby Lashley, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, & Bobby Roode: Rollins and Owens start this one off, and Owens starts strong when he catches Rollins off-guard with a series of kicks. Owens stomps on Rollins while he’s down, then hits him with knees in the corner. Rollins comes back with a face buster in the corner, then a flying clothesline off the top. Rollins throws Owens outside, then hits a suicide dive on him. Axel tags in and Rollins tags in Roode. Roode hits a vertical suplex on Acel, then tags in Balor who continues the offense on Axel. Axel backs Balor into the heel corner, and Owens and Dallas take turns beating on Balor now. Dallas continues to beat on Balor, before tagging in The Miz. Lashley and Sami get the tags and Lashley hits a series of shots in the corner. Lashley knocks Owens off the apron, then clotheslines Sami down. Lashley lifts up Sami and hits a stalling vertical suplex, then he gorilla press slams Miz out of the ring on to the other heels at ringside. Chaos breaks out between all 10 men at ringside, and it comes down to Owens and Rollins in the ring. The Miz tags in now and hits a DDT on Rollins for a two count. Rollins hits a shot on the Miz and both men are down. Rollins looks for a tag, but Dallas and Axel go pulls his partners off the apron then run away. Strowan slams Owens and Zayn at ringside, then Rollins tags in Roode. Axel also tags in. Roode cleans house and then hits a splash and a neckbreaker on Axel. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT, but Axel fights out. Roode coes back with a blockbuster rfor a two count. Axel stuns Roode and Miz tags in, but Roode clotheslines him down. Strowman gets the tag and The Miz flees the ring. Strowman chases down Miz, and knocks down everyone else in his way. Strowman slams Miz into the fan barricade then takes him back in the ring. Miz tries to fight him off, but Strowman hits him then clotheslines him. The Miztourage runs in, which leads to Strowman hitting his shoulder on the ring post. Balor runs in and drops Dallas, then Rollins drops Axel and hits a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Roode hits the Glorious DDT on Sami, then Kevin hits the superkick on Roode. Lashley runs in and elbows Owens in the face, then hits a spinebuster. Miz throws Lashley outside, and it’s down to Miz and Strowman. The Miz hits some running dropkicks on Braun in the corner, but Strowman blocks the last one with a dropkick of his own. Miz looks to tag Axel and Dallas, but they hop off the apron and betray Miz. The crowd chants in support of Axel and Dallas, while Miz is left alone in the ring with Braun. THe Miz turns around into Braun, and Braun slams him in the corner and then hits the running powerslam for the three count.

Winners: Bobby Lashley, Finn Balor, Seth Rollins, Braun Strowman, & Bobby Roode

– The winners stand tall in the ring as The Miz recovers on the ringside floor and the other losers retreat up the ramp.

The April 10th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown Live was the first episode after WrestleMania 34, and took place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA.

– WWE SmackDown commissioner Shane McMahon comes down to the ring to kick off this week’s SmackDown broadcast. Shane gets on the mic and first of all, on behalf of everyone in the company, he wants to thank all of the fans for making WrestleMania such a huge success. Shane talks about his WrestleMania moment on Sunday, and talks about how great it was to see Daniel Bryan in action and doing what he was born to do. Shane says he’s accepted Daniel’s resignation as SmackDown GM, now that Bryan is wrestling again, and so Shane has to introduce the new SmackDown GM. Shane reveals the new GM: Paige.

Paige comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. Paige talks about her road to becoming GM, and quickly moves on to the topic of Daniel Bryan. Paige says since we haven’t seen Bryan wrestle on TV in so long, they’re going to make it happen tonight. Paige hesitates on revealing Bryan’s partner tonight. The fans chant for Rusev and AJ, and Paige goes with AJ. Paige and Shane head backstage as the announcers discuss AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan being booked for later tonight.

– The Usos vs. Big E & Xavier Woods: Jimmy and Xavier start this one off, and the Usos take control when Jey tags in and they do a double kick to the head of Woods. After some back and forth, Big E gets the blind tag and hits a big suplex on Jey. Woods and Big E trade tags frequently now and repeatedly double team Jimmy and Jey. The Usos come back and dump the New Day members to the outside, and Jey follows up with a suicide dive on to both of them at ringside. Back in the ring, Woods fires up with a DDT and a kick, then Big E comes in and spears Jimmy to the outside. Woods hits a flying leg drop to Jey in the ring for a two count. Woods and Jey start trading elbows to the face in the ring, until Jey hits a kick and both men are reeling. Jimmy and Big E tag in, and Big E and Xavier double team Jimmy with a suplex into a backbreaker for a two count. Woods tags back in and they go for another double team on Jimmy, but Jey breaks it up and they hit a double superkick on Big E. Woods hits a missile dropkick off the top one Jey Uso, but then Jimmy Uso superkicks him. Jey tags in now and hits the big splash off the top for the three count.

Winners: The Usos

– The Usos high-five in the ring as we go to replays. Before The Usos can leave, The Bludgeon Brothers’ music hits and they come out on the stage. Rowan and Harper stand on the stage and point their hammers at The Usos in the ring, then The Bludgeon Brothers leave.

– The commentary team promotes the AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan singles match later tonight.

– We see footage from earlier today of Naomi talking about winning the battle royal on Sunday, and then Natalya confronts her about it.

– Naomi vs. Natalya: Natalya starts things off with a headlock take down, and then they go back and forth trading holds and take downs. Naomi hits a hurricanrana, and follows up with a kick to the midsection. Naomi slingshots in with a leg drop on Natalya, then Natalya rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Natalya mounts a comeback and starts working on keeping Naomi grounded. Naomi fires back with a kick and then a split-legged moonsault on Natalya. Naomi pins and hooks the leg for the three count.

Winner: Naomi

– After the match, Naomi poses with her WrestleMania battle royal trophy, and then she high-fives the commentary team at ringside.

– Shinsuke Nakamura does an interview backstage where he’s asked about his attack on AJ Styles on Sunday. Nakamura says he doesn’t know what came over him, and he’s very sorry, but he winks as he says it. Renee Young asks him again why he attacked him, and Nakamura says he doesn’t speak English and walks off.

– Women’s Champion Charlotte is backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– Charlotte comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. She talks about how her and Asuka left everything in the ring on Sunday, and it was magical. Peyton Royce and Billy Kay make their debut and interrupt. They introduce themselves and say Charlotte’s match at WrestleMania was good but it wasn’t iconic. They say they want Charlotte to stop talking, and then mock her. They get in Charlotte’s face and Charlotte starts brawling with the two of them. Charlotte briefly fights them off, but then they start doubling teaming her and throw her into the announce table. They beat down Charlotte at ringside for several minutes and throw her into the ring post and ring steps. They do a double powerbomb on Charlotte on the floor, then they drag her back in the ring. Referees come out and chase them off and they check on Charlotte.

– Carmela runs out to the ring while Charlotte is still down. Carmella cashes in her Money In The Bank briefcase. The referee hesitates before starting the match, but he does start it, and Carmella is getting her Women’s Title shot.

– Carmella vs. Charlotte: Carmella kicks Charlotte and then immediately pins her for the three count.

Winner & new SmackDown Women’s Champion: Carmella

– After the match, Carmella grabs her Title Belt and runs around the ring with it. Carmella gets back in the ring and celebrates her win and taunts Charlotte with the belt.

– U.S. Champion Jinder Mahal is sitting at ringside in a big chair with Sunil Singh beside him. He’s here to watch this next match to determine the #1 contender for his U.S. Title.

– Bobby Roode vs. Randy Orton vs. Rusev: Aiden English does Rusev’s introduction, and he’s at ringside in Rusev’s corner. Orton looks for an RKO attempt on Roode early on, but Roode dodges it and Rusev drops Orton. Rusev and Roode go at it in the ring now and Roode hits a blockbuster off the middle rope. Orton comes in and dumps Roode outside, then he goes after Rusev in he ring. Rusev hits a kick to the head of Orton for a two count. Rusev and Orton fight out to ringside, and Orton hits a back suplex on to the announce table. Roode comes over and starts laying into Orton with right hands, then he takes Orton in the ring then hits a flying clothesline off the top. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT, but Orton escapes and they start exchanging strikes. Rusev pulls Orton out to the floor and hits a back suplex of his own on the table on Orton. Back in the ring, Rusev lays into Roode with kicks then hits a splash in the corner. Rusev follows up with a spinning heel kick on Roode, and then leads the crowd in a Rusev Day chant. Rusev hits a big boot then puts Roode in the Accolade. Orton breaks it up, then hits an RKO on Roode for the three count. Orton now has a U.S. Title shot against Jinder at Backlash.

Winner: Randy Orton

– Orton and Mahal have a stare down after the bell, and we see some replays from the match.

– We see replays of Carmella winning the Women’s Title earlier, and then Carmella does an interview backstage. Carmella talks about waiting for the perfect time to cash in, and she got it. Carmella fakes crying and says there’s someone she wants to thank who is really important — herself. Carmella says this is her time and she has the gold. Back at the commentary table, Graves asks Saxton why he isn’t celebrating Carmella’s win, and he throws a pen at Saxton.

– AJ Styles does an interview in the back where he says when he sees him he might kick his ass, but tonight his focus is on Daniel Bryan. AJ says Bryan is one of the greatest, but he’s not phenomenal. AJ walks off and gets ready to come out to the ring.

– AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan: This one is a non-Title match. AJ starts off with a side headlock, and then a shoulder tackle on Bryan. AJ and Bryan wrestle up to their feet, then Bryan connects with several kicks on AJ. Bryan starts working over AJ’s shoulder, then hits some European uppercuts. They run the ropes and AJ hits a dropkick that sends Bryan rolling outside. AJ follows up with a suicide dive on Bryan to the outside. Back in the ring, they trade elbows until Bryan whips AJ into the corner and follows up with a splash. Bryan misses a shot in the corner, and AJ capitalizes with his moonsault into a reverse DDT for a two count. Bryan and AJ trade strikes on their feet again until Bryan hits a slam and goes right into an arm bar. They wrestle around the mat and Bryan looks for the Yes Lock, but he can’t execute it. Bryan misses a shot and AJ hits the Pele Kick and then a lariat for a two count. AJ misses a shot off the top and Bryan kicks him. Bryan leads the crowd in a “Yes” chant then charges, but AJ trips him and looks for a Styles Clash. Bryan fights out and puts him in the Yes Lock, and AJ reaches the ropes to break it. Bryan hangs AJ upside down in the corner and repeatedly kicks him in the midsection. Bryan takes AJ up top and goes for a back suplex, but AJ reverses and lands on Bryan’s head. Shinsuke Nakamura comes in to interfere and he knees Bryan in the head. Nakamura then turns his attention to AJ and hits a series of strikes on the Champion. Nakamura hits a low blow on him, then the running knee to the face.

Winner via DQ: Daniel Bryan

– Nakaura picks up AJ, then drops to his knees and hits yet another low blow on Styles. Nakamura smiles and heads to the back as referees check on AJ in the ring.

The April 3rd edition of WWE SmackDown was the go-home show for WrestleMania 34, and aired live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

– SmackDown opens up with Daniel Bryan coming down to the ring. Bryan hits the ring and introduces his WrestleMania partner next, Shane McMahon. Shane comes down to the ring to join Daniel. Shane gets on the mic and first he congratulates Bryan on being medically cleared again to do what everyone loves watching him do. Shane adds that he’s had some medical issues himself, one of them thanks to Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. Daniel Bryan speaks up and wants to apologize to Shane – because he was right all along about Kevin and Sami’s motives. Daniel says there’s only way to resolve things when partners have differences. Shane apologizes for being hot-headed. Daniel says the fans don’t want to see him and Shane shake hands, they want to see them hug it out. Shane says he’s not much of a hugger, but does it anyways. Shane says they’re on the same page now, and that’s bad news for Sami and Kevin. Shane says this is an opportunity for him and Daniel to rid SmackDown of Kevin and Sami, and after WrestleMania neither of them will ever be in a SmackDown arena again. Daniel asks the fans if they’re ready to see them beat the hell out of Owens and Zayn at WrestleMania, then he and Shane hug again. Charlotte’s music hits and Daniel and Shane head to the back.

– Charlotte vs. Natalya: This one is a non-Title match. Natalya takes control early on and tries to keep Charlotte grounded after a headlock take down. They run the ropes and Natalya goes to take out Charlotte’s leg but Charlotte no-sells it, then they collide in the middle of the ring. They fight into the corner, where Charlotte rolls up Natalya in a pin for a two count. Charlotte tries to keep Natalya grounded now with headlocks. Charlotte stomps on Natalya in the corner until senior official Charles Robinson pulls her off. Charlotte slams Natalya’s head against the mat and puts her in a head scissor hold. The fight spills out to ringside where Charlotte lays into Natalya with chops to the chest. Back in the ring, Charlotte drops Natalya then climbs to the top turnbuckle. Natalya gets up and throws Charlotte off the top, then goes for a surfboard submission. Charlotte fights out and drops Natalya with a kick to the face for a two count. Natalya goes for a sleeper, but Charlotte slams her back on the mat. Charlotte goes up top for a moonsault, but Natalya blocks it with her knees. Carmella’s music hits and she comes out with her Money In The Bank briefcase. Carmella gets in the ring with a second referee, and Charlotte kicks her briefcase away. Charlotte boots Carmella in the face and she rolls out of the ring. Natalya comes back in and rolls up Charlotte from behind for a two count. Charlotte comes back and drops Natalya and puts her in the Figure Four for the win.

Winner: Charlotte

– After the match, Asuka’s music hits and she dances down to the ring. Asuka gets in the ring and briefly exchanges words with Charlotte. They both look up at the WrestleMania sign, then Charlotte’s music hits and they leave.

– We see a pre-taped interview with WWE Champion AJ Styles backstage. AJ says Nakamura is reading him all wrong, and the reality of their WrestleMania dream match is that he’s going to beat Nakamura. Later tonight, AJ & Nakamura will team up against Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin.

– We see footage from outside the arena at a country music bar in Nashville.

– The broadcast team introduces a video package looking at the history leading up to Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn at WrestleMania

– Bobby Roode comes down to join the broadcast team to do commentary on the next match.

– Rusev vs. Jinder Mahal: Aiden English introduces Rusev and watches from ringside. Randy Orton is shown backstage watching on a monitor. Rusev takes control early on and sends Jinder outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Jinder gets back in the game and hits some knees to the face of Rusev. Jinder hits a neckbreaker on Rusev and follows up with a knee drop. Jinder continues the offense until Rusev dodges a shot and takes down Jinder. Sunil Singh gets on the apron to try to distract Rusev, but Rusev kicks him in the head to knock him off. Jinder tries to capitalize on the distrction, but Rusev shuts him down with a big boot for the three count.

Winner: Rusev

– After the match, Randy Orton runs in and hits an RKO out of nowhere on Rusev. Aiden English immediately start stomping on Orton, then English goes up top. Roode gets up from the broadcast table and pushes English off the turnbuckle, then Orton hits an RKO on English. Roode and Orton come face to face in the ring, then look up at the WrestleMania sign as the fans chant “Rusev Day.”

– We see a pre-taped interview with Sinsuka Nakamura where he discusses his match with AJ on Sunday. Nakamura says the reason he’s here in America is to win the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.

– The New Day is backstage exchanging words with the Usos about their match on Sunday. They leave, and the Bludgeon Brothers come in and destroy the camera with one of their mallets.

– Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, Mojo Rawley and Primo vs. Zack Ryder, Fandango, Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger: Mojo and Ryder start things off, and Ryder hits a missile dropkick for an early 2 count. Mojo rams Ryder into the turnbuckle, and the aprons start clearing into the ring as the referee tries to restore order. Mojo and Dillinger go at it now, and Tye drops him. Fandango comes in and knocks Corbin off the apron, then starts brawling with Primo. Ziggler runs in and interferes, but Ryder runs in and clotheslines him outside. Fandango throws Corbin outside next, then Ryder hits a Rough Ryder on Mojo. The ring starts clearing and it comes down to Fandango and Corbin. Fandango rolls up Corbin for a two count, then goes to attack Corbin but Corbin catches him and hits the End of Days for the three count.

Winners: Baron Corbin, Dolph Ziggler, Mojo Rawley & Primo

– After the match, Corbin walks over to the Andre The Giant Battle Royal trophy at ringside and looks at it.

– We see a pre-taped promo by Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin. They say they’re going to beat Styles & Nakamura so badly tonight that it’ll ruin their dream match at WrestleMania.

– The announcers promo WrestleMania on the WWE Network again. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn come out from the crowd and climb up on top of the broadcast table. They start trashing Bryan and McMahon, and make some personal insults about Bryan’s wife and kid. Bryan and McMahon see this on a monitor backstage, and decide to do something about it. Shane and Bryan come out to the stage, and Owens and Zayn retreat into the crowd. Bryan gets on the mic and tells everyone to get a good look because this is the last time you’ll see Owens and Zayn on SmackDown. Shane leads the crowd in singing “goodbye” to Owens and Zayn.

– We see some more promotional videos for WrestleMania 34 on the WWE Network.

– Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable vs. AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura: The opening bell sounds for tonight’s main event, with Nakamura and Gable starting things off. Nakamura tags in AJ by patting him on the head. AJ and Nakamura exchange words, and Gable and Benjamin attack both of them while they’re distracted. Styles and Gable go at it now in the ring. Nakamura nad Benjamin tag in at the same time and Nakamura unloads with strikes. Gable tags in and joins Shelton to briefly double team Nakamura. Gable hits a moonsault off the top on Nakamura for a near-fall. Benjamin tags back in and continues working over Shinsuke. Benjamin looks for a running knee strike in the corner, but Nakamura dodges it and boots Shelton in the head. AJ and Gable tag in, and AJ clotheslines him down. AJ unloads with strikes on Gable, then hits a Pele kick on Shelton. Gable drops AJ from behind and rolls him up for a 2 count. AJ comes back with a neckbreaker, but then AJ gets distracted by Nakamura again. AJ stares down Nakamura, then hits the Phenomenal Forearm on Gable for the three count.

Winners: AJ Styles & Shinsuke Nakamura

– After the match, AJ grabs his WWE Title belt at ringside, and talks trash to Nakamura from the floor. Benjamin attacks Nakamura from behind as AJ watches. Nakamura fights off Shelton, but AJ hits the ring too. AJ looks for a Phenomenal Forearm on Nakamura, but AJ stops before he hits him, like how Nakamura stopped last week before hitting AJ. AJ pats Nakamura on the head and they have a stare-down before AJ leaves. Nakamura looks on from the ring as AJ holds his WWE Title on the ramp and SmackDown goes off the air. WrestleMania 34 airs this Sunday.

The April 2nd, 2018 edition of WWE RAW was the go-home episode for WrestleMania 34, and aired live from the Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA.

– RAW kicks off with Jonathan Coachman in the ring. He previews the Angle/Rousey vs. HHH/McMahon match, and then introduces Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to the ring. The ring is setup with Coach at a podium, and the two mixed tag teams have tables and chairs set out. Coach introduces RAW GM Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey next. They’re all seated at their tables now and Triple H starts saying they’re going to shut down all of Ronda Rousey’s new fans in the WWE Universe. Triple H says he knows Kurt is an Olympic gold medalist, and that he’s all about the three I’s, but he never thought Kurt had the “intelligence” in the three I’s. Stephanie then trashes Ronda and questions who the hell she thinks she is. Kurt says she’ll answer for Ronda, she’s Ronda freakin’ Rousey, a UFC Champion and Gold Medalist, and on Sunday she’s going to make Stephanie tap. Triple H and Stephanie says Ronda may have been a big shot in UFC, but they are going to shut down Ronda on Sunday and she, and everyone else, will learn to respect authority. Kurt says no matter what kind of ring Ronda is in, she’s the baddest woman on the planet. Stephanie says Ronda’s first match in WWE will be a loss to her, and the world knows that Ronda doesn’t handle losses well. Ronda asks which arm is Stephanie’s writing hand, because she’ll break Stephanie’s other arm so she can still write her checks. Coach thanks both sides, and tells the photographers to come in the ring, then asks the two teams to pose. The two teams face off. Kurt and Triple H shake hands, but Ronda doesn’t shake Stephanie’s hand. Kurt separates them, but then Triple H cheap shots Kurt from behind. Ronda grabs HHH by the throat, but then Stephanie grabs her from behind and slams her through the table. Stephanie and Triple H raise their hands in the air before leaving. Kurt helps Ronda up and they stare down Triple H and Stephanie as they walk to the back.

– Still to come: John Cena finds out if he’ll get a shot at the Undertaker at WrestleMania on Sunday.

– Bayley is in the back getting ready to come down to the ring.

– Sonya Deville vs. Bayley: The rest of Absolution is at ringside for this one. Sonya hits a leg kick and Bayley backs off. Bayley comes back with a headlock takedown and then a running cross body. Sonya comes back with strikes, but Bayley shuts her down with a snake eyes in the corner and an elbow to the face. Bayley hits a cross body off the middle rope for a two count. Bayley and Sonya brawl on the mat until Sonya takes control with a series of knee strikes. Bayley fires up with elbows to the face then stomps a mud hole in her in the corner. Bayley goes up top and hits a flying cross body, then a running knee to the face. Sonya rolls outside and Bayley follows. They fight back up onto the apron where Bayley hits a shot to the face, but then Bayley gets distracted by Mandy on the apron. Sonya grabs Bayley from behind, but Bayley reverses and rolls up Sonya in a pin for the three count.

Winner: Bayley

– After the match, Mandy hits the ring and starts beating down Bayley with Sonya. Sasha Banks comes out for the save and they clear the ring. Sasha and Bayley start arguing and get in each other’s faces. Bayley and Sasha start throwing punches to the face now and Bayley tackles her. Mandy and Sonya hit the ring again and beat down both Bayley and Sasha. Mandy and Sonya leave Sasha and Bayley laying, then head backstage with Paige.

– Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins: IC Champion The Miz comes out to the broadcast table to do commentary. The opening bell sounds and Rollins and Balor start trading arm holds. Rollins fires up and shoulder blocks Balor down. Balor hits an arm drag takedown and they stare each other down. They go back at it and Rollins throws Balor outside. They fight around ringside and brawl back into the ring.
Balor fights up and starts laying into Rollins with chops. They fight to the corner, and Balor grabs Rollins and hits an inverted DDT for a two count. Rollins fires up and throws Balor back out to ringside, then hits a suicide dive on Balor up against the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Rollins hits a superkck and drops Balor. They fight up to the corner and Rollins hits a superplex. Rollins goes to roll through, but Balor catches him in a small package pin for a two count. Rollins drops Balor again, then goes up top for a frogsplash, but Balor blocks it with his knees. They fight out to ringside again and Rollins looks for a powerbomb on the fan barricade, but Balor escapes and hits the Sling Blade. Balor dropkicks Rollins into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Rollins starts fighting back and hits the Curb Stomp for the three count.

Winner: Seth Rollins

– We see a replay of the Angle/Rousey vs. HHH/Stephanie segment earlier in the night, and then a promo video for WrestleMania.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at the Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar feud heading into WrestleMania on Sunday.

– Paul Heyman is in the back on his cell phone. Kurt Angle interrupts and says he needs to make sure their main event stays in tact. Heyman says alright, they’ll do it Kurt’s way, and Lesnar won’t cause any drama tonight — he’ll save his energy for WrestleMania. Kurt asks Heyman not to say anything that would antagonize Reigns to attack Lesnar. Heyman laughs, and Kurt tells Heyman to please keep it civil and not ad fuel to the fire.

– RAW Tag Champs The Bar come down to the ring and get on the mic. They cut a promo saying they’re not worried about Braun Strowman’s partner for Sunday, because they won’t be a real team and The Bar will beat them. Braun Strowman comes out to interrupt, and says he does have a partner. Cesaro demands to know who the partner is, and Strowman says he wants to fight one of them first. Sheamus seems to accept, and he’ll go get his opponent. Braun goes backstage, and he comes back out in a disguise saying that he’s Braun’s twin brother. Braun hits the ring and beats down The Bar. Sheamus comes back and hits a big boot to the face of Sheamus, and he starts beating on him with Cesaro. Braun fights them off again, and tells them to bring it, but The Bar retreats up the ramp. Braun’s music hits and he motions for the title belts around his waist, then points up at the WrestleMania sign.

– Michael Cole introduces a Shattered Dreams Production from Goldust, who confirms he’ll be in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at ‘Mania. We then cut to Matt Hardy’s response, who talks about wanting to win the Battle Royal, and planning for Goldust’s deletion later tonight.

– Matt Hardy vs. Goldust: The opening bell sounds and Hardy starts off strong. Hardy drops Goldust with a right hand, but Goldust comes back and throws Hardy into the corner. Goldust lays into the Broken One with strikes, then hits a spinebuster for a two count. Hardy fires up and repeatedly slams Goldust’s head into the corner as the fans chant “Delete.” Matt ducks a clothesline and hits a Side Effect for a 2 count. Goldust comes back with a spinning powerslam for a 2 count of his own. Goldust goes to the turnbuckle and poses before going for a flying elbow drop, but Matt rolls out of way. Matt looks for a Twist of Fate, but Goldust reverses and rolls up Matt for a 2 count. Matt comes back and successfully hits the Twist of Fate for the three count.

Winner: Matt Hardy

– Matt poses next to the Andre The Giant trophy at ringside before leaving.

– Nia Jax is backstage for an interview with Renee Young. We cut to Alexa Bliss and Mickie James, who are also backstage, and they’re making fun of Nia’s appearance and weight. Bliss says Jax will be “blubbering in her blubber” after she loses on Sunday.

– John Cena is out to the ring next. Cena gets on the mic and says we’re out of time — The Undertaker has not answered. Cena says he did all he could to make the match happen, but he’s going to have to go to WrestleMania as a fan. He says he’s not entering the Andre Battle Royal, he’s just going as a fan. He calls out Undertaker again an says this is his last chance. Cena talks about how great it would be if Taker did accept the challenge and make it a WrestleMania moment. He tells Nikki Bella he’ll be home soon. Fans start chanting Undertaker’s name, and Cena says he hopes Taker hears them. He talks about how proud he is of the roster who made it to WrestleMania, including Daniel Bryan finally returning to the ring. Cena says it’s obvious Taker is ignoring him and ignoring the people. Cena says it’s obvious Taker has left his hat in the ring, and his balls at home. Cena plays to the crowd some more and gets the fans to chant Undertaker’s name before Cena leaves. Cena shakes his head in disappointment as he leaves.

– We get another replay of the opening segment of the show with Triple H, Kurt Angle, Ronda Rousey and Stephanie McMahon.

– We go to the back where Kurt Angle approaches Roman Reigns. Angle asks Reigns to keep his cool tonight and not get into with Lesnar, because Angle needs his WrestleMania Universal Title match in tact. Reigns threatens to hit the ring if they say one wrong thing about him tonight. Reigns doesn’t care what Angle wants, and tells Angle to take his peace treaty to the same pawn shop he took his Olympic Gold Medals too.

– Elias is in the ring for a song. He talks about how everyone will want to walk with him after WrestleMania. He starts trashing the Atlanta crowd, and guarantees his greatest performance ever on Sunday. Rhyno and Slater come out to interrupt.

– Elias vs. Heath Slater: The opening bell sounds and Elias takes the fight to the corner. Elias hits a big lariat then looks for a splash in the corner, but Slater dodges it. Slater starts firing up, but Elias shuts him down with a knee to the face. Elias follows up with the Dirft Away for the three count after a quick match.

Winner: Elias

– Elias points to the WrestleMania sign after the match.

– Braun Strowman is backstage and he runs into Curt Hawkins wearing a “Pick Me Braun” shirt. Hawkins wants to be Braun’s partner at ‘Mania, but Braun declines and throwsh im through a wall.

– We see a promotional video for the WrestleMania weekend events.

– Nia Jax is backstage for a sit-down interview. She says she’s disappointed in herself for letting Alexa Bliss get one over on her and making her doubt herself. Jax says some of Bliss’ comments hurt her, but she doesn’t take s–t. She says she’s strong, confident, different, and big, but she loves who she is. Jax says Bliss is an insecure pathetic fly, and she’s going to squash her like the bug she is at WrestleMania.

– Mickie James & Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka & Dana Brooke: Dana and Bliss start things off trading holds. Dana works over Alexa’s arm, but Bliss comes back with a shot to the face. Dana starts to come back, but Alexa hits a shot to the throat and tags in Mickie. Mickie and Dana brawl into the corner where Mickie boots her in the face. Mickie taunts Asuka from the apron and continues working on Dana in the corner. Mickie blocks a shot with her knees and takes back control of the match. Dana fires back with a knee to the body of Mickie, and Bliss tags in. Bliss continues working on Dana and connects with several kicks. Dana fights away, and Asuka and Mickie tag in at the same time. Asuka unloads with kicks and the running hip attack. Mickie retreats to the outside and Asuka boots her through the ropes. Back in the ring, Mickie answers with a superkick and pins for a two count. Asuka looks frustrated as Mickie plays to the crow. Mickie goes up top, but Asuka drops her down and puts her in the Asuka Lock for the win.

Winners: Asuka & Dana Brooke

– After the match, Bliss attacks Asuka from behind. Mickie and Alexa doubel team Asuka and Dana. Jax runs in for the save and beats down Mickie and Alexa. Jax hits a Samoan Drop on Mickie as Alexa retreats and watches from the ramp. Jax stands tall in the ring and stares down Alexa on the ramp.

– Kurt Angle stops Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman backstage, and begs them not to do anything crazy tonight. Heyman says he’s going to say positive things about Reigns, and to trust him. We go to commercial break.

– Back from the break, Universal Champion Brock Lesnar comes out to the ring with Paul Heyman. Some members of the RAW locker room are on the ramp with Kurt Angle to wait to do security in case Reigns comes out to start trouble. Heyman gets on the mic and mocks Angle for not having control. He introduces his client and talks about Lesnar beating Undertaker, and Reigns also beating Undertaker. Heyman admits Reigns deserves respect, but LEsnar will hit the F5 and win, and that’s the truth.

Heyman says if Lesnar does get hurt and lose, it will be the last time we see Lesnar and Heyman on RAW. Heyman says he’ll leave and Lesnar will go to UFC. Heyman continues talking up Lesnar and says Reigns must accept defeat on Sunday. Heyman says Reigns will have to go to his family on Sunday night and admit he got victimized by Lesnar, and that he’s just Lesnar’s b-tch. Reigns’ music hits and he comes down to the stage.

The Bar and Titus try to stop Reigns, but Reigns threatens them and they step to the side. Lesnar taunts Reigns, and Reigns starts walking to the ring. Some fans are chanting “lets go Roman now,” as Reigns steps up the ring steps.

Reigns and Lesnar shave a stare down, then Lesnar slides out of the ring and laughs. Lesnar gets a steel chair and goes in the ring, but Reigns hits him with the Superman punch first. Reigns hits two more Superman punches. Lesnar stumbles, and Reigns hits another Superman punch. Lesnar gets up to his feet again and Reigns hits a 5th Superman punch. Lesnar goes down flat on his back now, and Reigns picks up the Universal Title belt. Reigns holds up the belt to a mixed reaction from the crow. Lesnar gets to his feet and grabs Reigns while Reigns is looking at the WrestleMania sign. Lesnar hits the F-5 on Reigns, then takes his Title belt and leaves the ring. Lesnar and Heyman retreat up the ramp as Reigns recovers in the ring and RAW goes off the air.

The March 27th edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA.

– This week’s broadcast opens up with a video package looking at Daniel Bryan being medically cleared to return to the ring, and then brawling with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on SmackDown last week.

– Bobby Roode comes out to the ring first to kick off SmackDown this week with a tag team match alongside Randy Orton. Jinder comes out with his partner, Sunil Singh, but Singh is in an arm sling and Jinder says Sunil is in no shape to compete. Jinder says he found a new partner: Rusev. Rusev and Aiden English come out and hit the ring, and we have a match.

– Bobby Roode & Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal & Rusev: Jinder and Roode start things off here. Jinder starts off strong, but Roode shuts him down with an elbow off the middle rope. Sunil Singh gets on the apron to distract Roode, but Orton pulls Singh down and throws him into the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Orton and Rusev tag in now and Orton levels him with a dropkick. Roode comes in now and continues the offense on Rusev. He beats down Rusev in the corner and Orton tags back in. Orton puts the boots to Rusev in the corner, but Rusev fights out and tags in Jinder who hits some knee drops on Orton. Orton starts to fight up, but Jinder hits a karate chop and then some more knees to the body of Orton. Jinder hits a flying karate chop off the middle rope to Orton’s head, then puts him in a headlock. Orton fights out with a back suplex, and Roode tags in. Roode hits a series of clotheslines on Jinder, then a neckbreaker. Roode knocks Rusev off the apron, then goes up to the top rope. Roode hits a flying clothesline off the top and Jinder is down. Jinder fights away and tags in Rusev, who puts the boots to Roode. Rusev and Jinder continue to trade tags and take turns beating on Roode. Roode finally fires up with some right hands and chops to Jinder. Roode clotheslines Jinder down and Orton tags himself in on Roode’s back. Rusev tags in and Orton clotheslines him down. Orton hits the DDT over the middle rope, then Orton and Roode clear the ring. Orton and Roode get in each other’s faces, and Orton hits an RKO on Roode. Orton turns around into Rusev’s boot in his face, and Rusev covers him for the three count.

Winners: Rusev & Jinder Mahal

– Aiden English celebrates the win with Jinder and Rusev in the ring.

– We go backstage where Jinder and Rusev are talking about their win. Jinder says they need to celebrate, and he’ll buy front row tickets to WrestleMania for Rusev. Rusev says thanks, but no thanks, since he just pinned Orton, he’s going to ask Daniel Bryan to add him to the U.S. Title match at WrestleMania. Jinder is not happy about this. Rusev and Aiden walk off with Aiden singing.

– AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura exchange words in the locker room. Nakamura says he wants AJ at his best at WrestleMania, and he wants to be his best at WrestleMania, so he wants AJ in his corner tonight for his match. AJ says he’ll be out there, but it’s not for Nakamura, just because he doesn’t want anyone getting in the way of their WrestleMania dream match.

– Becky Lynch vs. Ruby Riott: Becky hits a dropkick on Ruby early on, and Ruby rolls outside for a breather. Becky follows her outside and they fight around ringside. They go up to the apron, but Ruby knocks her down then throws her into the fan barricade. Back int he ring, Ruby hits some knee drops on Becky on the mat. Ruby drops Becky with a lariat, but Becky fires back with a clothesline of her own. Becky hits an elbow to the face of Ruby then goes up top, but Sarah Logan distracts her from the apron. Ruby comes back and drops Becky then pins her with her feet on the ropes, but the ref sees and stops counting. Becky looks for the Disarm-her, but Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan distract on the apron. Ruby rolls up Becky for a two count, then Becky comes back and rolls up Ruby for the three count.

Winner: Becky Lynch

– Sarah and Liv attack Becky after the match, but Becky fights them off and throws them both out of the ring.

– Daniel Bryan is backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– Bryan comes out to the stage and gets on the mic. He talks about getting the good news that he’s medically cleared to return to the ring. Bryan says he’s out here right now because he has a job to do as the GM – and he proposes one more opportunity for Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. His idea is: Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania. Bryan adds that he’s sick of doing the tasks that come along with being GM, and that he’s ready to fight at WrestleMania and kick Owens & Zayn’s asses.

– We see a pre-taped promo backstage by Chad Gable and Shelton Benjamin, who are complaining about not having a match at WrestleMania yet. He says they’re going to make their own opportunity tonight against Nakamura.

– Tom Phillips informs us from the broadcast table that Rusev has officially been added to the U.S. Title match at WrestleMania.

– The New Day comes down to the ring, and they’ve got microphones. They cut a promo on the Bludgeon Brothers, saying that they’re trying to get in their way on their road to WrestleMania. Xavier says they’re going to take care of the Bludgeon Brothers tonight, so they can focus on regaining their Tag Team Championships at ‘Mania.

– Big E & Xavier Woods vs. The Bludgeon Brothers: Big E and Woods use frequent tags to double team Rowan early on. Harper finally tags in and they double team Big E and Woods, then throw Big E outside. Rowan continues beating on Woods in the ring and hits a backbreaker. Rowan hits some knee drops, then tags in Harper. Harper puts the boots to Woods and looks for a splash in the corner, but Woods stops him with an elbow to the face. Woods looks for the tag, but Rowan pulls Big E down to the floor and beats him down before they can tag. Harper hits a splash on Woods in the corner, then a running big boot. Rowan throws Big E in the ring, then he grabs the huge mallets. Before Rowan can put the hammers in the ring, The Usos run in for the save. The Usos brawl with Rowan at ringside, while The New Day brawls with Harper in the ring. They throw Harper outside, then The New Day and The Usos start arguing about the finish. Rowan and Harper run in with their mallets, and the ring clears out. The New Day and The Usos retreat up the ramp.

Winners via DQ: The Bludgeon Brothers

– We see a replay from earlier tonight of Daniel Bryan talking about fighting for his dream to get back in the ring and wrestle again, and issuing the challenge to Owens and Zayn for WrestleMania. Tom Phillips reveals that Sami Zayn has accepted the challenge on Twitter, and also that Shane McMahon has been released from the hospital. The announcers review the WrestleMania card before going to commercial.

– Tyler Breeze vs. Dolph Ziggler: Fandango is at ringside dancing next to the Andre The Giant Battle Royal trophy. Fandango also keeps dancing on the apron and distracting both Ziggler and Breeze. Ziggler attacks Breeze from behind then stomps on him. Ziggler looks for a dropkick, but Breeze blocks and slingshots Ziggler into the corner. Ziggler rolls outside to group and Breeze follows. They run around the ring, then back inside, where Breeze blocks a kick and hits a kick of his own. Fandango distracts Breeze again, and Ziggler rolls up Breeze from behind for a two count. Breeze misses a shot in the corner and Ziggler capitlizes with a Zig Zag for the three count.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

– Ziggler superkicks Fandango at ringside after the match, then poses next to the Andre trophy.

– Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Shelton Benjamin: AJ Styles and Chad Gable are both at ringside for this one. Nakamura starts off strong and sends Benjamin out to ringside for a breather. Nakamura follows and they fight up to the apron, where Benjamin drops Nakamura on his face. Bejmamin takes control in the ring now with knee strikes and a side headlock. They run the ropes and Nakamura stuns Benjamin with a dropkick. Nakamura is first to his feet and he starts laying into Shelton with knee strikes. He follows up with a splash in the corner, then a running knee strike. Gable gets up on the apron, but AJ pulls him off and drops him. The distraction leads to Benjamin hitting a flying knee to the face of Nakamura, then a running powerslam for a two count. Benjamin looks for the finish, but Nakamura side-steps him and applies a triangle choke. Shelton fights up and hits a spinning heel kick on Nakamura. They fight into the corner and Nakamura comes off the middle rope with a knee to the face. Nakamura follows up with the Kinshasa for the three count.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

– We go to replays as AJ applauds the win from ringside. Nakamura invites AJ into the ring after the match. Nakamura says he didn’t really need AJ’s help, he just wanted to show AJ how he’s going to beat him. AJ says they’re going to put on a clinic, but in his mind the dream match goes differently, because AJ leaves as still WWE Champion. AJ says he’ll prove he’s better than Nakamura, but Nakamura says AJ is too emotional so he’ll lose. Nakamura leaves, and Gable and Benjamin attack AJ from behind. Nakamura comes back for the save and suplexes Gable. He kicks Benjamin in the face, then looks like he wants to do the Kinshasa to AJ, but he doesn’t do it. Nakamura leaves as AJ recovers in the ring and SmackDown goes off the air.

The March 26th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW aired live from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH. This is the latest stop on the road to WrestleMania 34, which takes place on April 8th.

– WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar comes down to the ring to kick off tonight’s RAW. His advocate Paul Heyman is walking behind him. They step into the ring and Heyman gets on the mic. Heyman introduces his client Lesnar, and shows footage from last week of Roman Reigns assaulting U.S. Marshalls, and then being beat up by Lesnar. Heyman says Reigns was suspended last week, but that suspension has now been lifted. Heyman says if you think Reigns is about to interrupt and fight Lesnar, you’re wrong, because Roman Reigns is not here tonight. Heyman talks about Reigns’ family history in wrestling. He says even if Reigns ripped off Lesnar’s legs, Lesnar would come back on his knuckles with the bloody leg stumps behind him and will still beat up Reigns. Heyman says Reigns isn’t man enough to show up tonight and take another beating from Lesnar. He says Reigns isn’t man enough to take the Universal Title from him at WrestleMania either. Before Heyman can finish hyping up Lesnar, Roman Reigns appears in the crowd. Reigns limps through the crowd towards the ring, and he grabs a steel chair. Lesnar runs out to ringside to fight Reigns. Lesnar drops Reigns with a clothesline, but then Reigns shoves Lesnar into the ring post. Reigns grabs the chair and repeatedly hits Lesnar with it on the ringside floor. Reigns looks for a Superman punch off the ring steps, but Lesnar catches him and hits an overhead suplex on the floor. Lesnar picks up the ring steps and smashes them into Roman’s face. Lesnar takes Reigns into the ring where he continues the beat-down. Lesnar goes to leave, but decides he’s not finished and hits the ring to punish Reigns some more. The Universal Champion hits an F-5 on Reigns on top of the ring steps. Lesnar finally decides to leave, and he heads to the back with Heyman.

– Back from commercial break, Roman Reigns is limping up the ramp to the backstage area. Michael Cole introduces some replays of Lesnar’s beat-down on Reigns.

– Nia Jax vs. Mickie James: Alexa Bliss is at ringside for a closer look. We see a replay of Alexa talking trash about Nia on hidden camera. It’s all Nia in the opening moments as she beats down Mickie from post to post. Mickie comes back with a shot that sends Nia to the outside. Nia gets back in the ring but Mickie is able to keep up her momentum. Mickie goes up to the top rope, but Nia recovers quickly and charges the corner. Nia picks Mickie up off the corner in a gorilla press, then hits a Samoan drop for the three count after a short match.

Winner: Nia Jax

– After the match, Alexa attacks Nia from behind, but Nia no-sells it. Alexa gets scared and runs away up the ramp. Nia yells at her from the ring that she’s a little bitch, then gives chase up the ramp.

– We see a new video package looking at Triple H & Stephanie McMahon vs. Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle. The package focuses on new interviews with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, and footage of them training at the WWE Performance Center. Their personal trainer is also interviewed, and he says they train year-round to stay ready.

– Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali vs. TJP and Drew Gulak: Drake Maverick is on commentary. Gulak takes control of the match early on and beats down Ali. Cedric gets the hot tag and TJP tags in too. Cedric cleans house and hits a flying kick to TJP, then an elbow to the face. Cedric hits a boot to the face of TJP, then a flying clothesline off the top. Gulak breaks up the pin, but TJP throws him out and hits a suicide dive (which he overshoots.) Back in the ring, Cedric hits the Lumbar Check on TJP, but Ali blindly tags himself in and hits the 054 off the top on TJP for the three count.

Winners: Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali

– After the match, Cedric and Mustafa briefly exchange words over Ali’s unexpected blind tag.

– The Miz is in the ring with Dallas and Axel for Miz TV. The Miz says he has some personal issues to address before he introduces his guest. He then asks Dallas and Axel how they are liking the Miztourage gig. The Miz says Dallas and Axel are happy, but he’s not. He says they failed him, and if he wanted failure he would have stayed living in Cleveland. He says he needs to count on his Miztourage. Axel and Dallas plead that they’re doing the best they can. Miz yells at them and berates them, saying they’d be nothing without him. Seth Rollins comes out to interrupt. Rollins steps in the ring and says he loves seeing the Miztourage arguing, so he’ll just let them finish. Miz tells Rollins he interrupted their issue, and Rollins says he can help and mediate their argument. Rollins says Axel and Dallas seem to feel underappreciated. Rollins says Miz should be thanking Axel and Dallas more, because without them he wouldn’t be the IC Champ. Miz tells the fans to shut up as they chant “Miztourage.” Miz says he’s the one who elevated their careers, not the other way around. Dallas pipes up and says Miz is a phony A-lister that can’t fight. Rollins asks Bo to repeat that, and The Miz gets in Bo’s face. Finn Balor is out to interrupt next. Balor gets Dallas to repeat what he said, and Miz isn’t happy. Miz gets in Bo’s face then slaps him. Axel holds Dallas back. Miz says he’s trying to motivate them and fire them up for WrestleMania. Miz says he’s going to be the greatest IC Champ of all time, better than Macho MAn, Shawn Michaels, or Mr. Perfect, which strikes a nerve with Curtis Axel. Axel doesn’t look happy and Miz takes it back and says he didn’t mean it. Miz says sorry to the fans, Miz TV is now cancelled, as he tries to diffuse the situation with Axel and Dallas. Miz says let’s get out of here, but Dallas and Axel block his way. Miz pleads with Axel and Dallas not to attack him, and he backs up into Rollins and Balor. Dallas and Axel then attack Rollins and Balor. They drop Balor and Rollins and start pummeling on them. Miz says this was his plan all aong, then he looks for the Skull Crushing Finale on Balor. Anderson and Gallows come out for the save, and they brawl with Axel and Dallas up the ramp. The Miz is now left alone with Balor. Balor hits the Sling blade. Rollins gets in the ring and goes for the stomp, but Miz rolls to the outside. Rollins yells at Miz from the ring “you think you’re smarter than The Architect pal?” Rollins and Balor come face to face over the IC Title belt in the ring. Miz comes in for a sneak attack, but Balor drops him. Rollins and Balor go at it now and Balor drops Rollins. Balor holds up the IC Title belt, then leaves.

– Asuka is in the back walking towards the gorilla position.

– We see a pre-taped promo by Kane in the back, who says Cena shouldn’t call out demons who don’t want to be disturbed. Kane says he called out a demon who wants to rest in peace. Kane says Cena will pay for his indiscretion, and he won’t be going to WrestleMania, he’ll be going straight to Hell.

– Asuka vs. Jamie Frost: Jamie does an interview at ringside before the match, and this is supposedly her first match. Jamie starts off with elbows and a slap to the face, and Asuka answers with a kick to the face. Asuka pins for the three count for a very short squash match.

Winner: Asuka

– Michael Cole and Corey Graves discuss Matt Hardy’s Ultimate Deletion of Bray Wyatt. They point out a Tweet from Hardy calling Cole an obsolete mule. We see a pre-taped promo from Matt Hardy where he says the great war with him and Bray Wyatt is over, and now Hardy has his sights set on winning the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.

– Bayley is backstage in the locker room when Sasha Banks walks in. Bayley says she’s entering the women’s battle royal at WrestleMania, and there’s nothing else to talk about – Sasha knows what she did. They start arguing, which leads to fighting. Sasha throws Bayley into the lockers, then onto a table. Bayley fights back and they fight until referees and trainers pull them apart.

– Braun Strowman comes down to the ring next. The Bar comes out next, and they start cutting a promo on Strowman. They demand to know who Strowman’s tag team partner for WrestleMania is. Strowman says if they want to know, Sheamus has to come fight him in the ring right now. Sheamus and Cesaro complain that doesn’t make sense, but Strowman isn’t open to negotiating. Strowman says they might get an answer, but they’ll definitely get these hands.

– Sheamus vs. Braun Strowman: Cesaro distracts Strowman early on, which leads to Sheamus getting a shot on Braun. Sheamus knocks Braun ouside, but Braun comes back on the apron and hits a strike on Sheamus so hard that Sheamus falls out to the floor. Strowman now continues to beat on Sheamus all over the ring and ringside area. Sheamus gets Strowman caught up in the ing ropes and starts picking him apart. He puts Strowman in an arm lock and starts throwing knees to the body. Strowman fights up and hits some clotheslines on Sheamus. Sheamus rolls outside and Braun follows with a big running shoulder tackle. Back in the ring, Braun misses a spear in the corner and hits the ring post. sheamus follows up with a flying clothesline off the top for a one count. Braun fights his way up, then knocks Cesaro off the apron. Sheamus misses a big boot, and Braun finishes things up with the running powerslam for the three count.

Winner: Braun Strowman

– RAW GM Kurt Angle comes out to the ring and talks about his upcoming mixed tag match at WrestleMania 34. He then introduces his WrestleMania partner Ronda Rousey. He says he knows Ronda is ready for the big stage at WrestleMania, and to prepare because Triple H and Stephanie are going to do anything they can to stop you. Ronda says she doesn’t think Stephanie is as tough as she acts, and she’s going to rip her arm out of her socket. Absolution comes out to interrupt. Paige gets on the mic and introduces herself, and steps in the ring. She says Ronda is making the wrong decision by going after Stephanie. Ronda says she’s not worried about anything, and she has an Olympic gold medalist watching her back. Paige tries to recruit Ronda to be the 4th member of Absolution, but Ronda declines. Paige says she just made enemies, and now Mandy and Sonya get in the ring. Kurt stops Mandy from attacking Ronda, but then Sonya attacks her from behind. Ronda drops Sonya, then drops Mandy. She goes to put Mandy in an arm bar, but Angle asks her not so Ronda lets her go. Ronda and Angle raise their arms in the ring as Absolution retreats backstage.

– Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel: Anderson starts off in control against Axel. Anderson hits a flying kick, then goes up top, but Dallas distracts him. The fight spills out to ringside where Dallas hits a hard shot on Anderson against the fan barricade. Axel comes in now and continues working over Anderson and keeping him grounded. Anderson breaks free and gets the hot tag to Gallows. Gallows hits a kick to the head and a powerslam. He follows up with a running splash, then tags in Anderson. They hit the Boot of Doom on Axel, but Dallas breaks up the pin attempt. Gallows pulls Dallas outside and boots him in the face. Back in the ring, Axel looks for the Perfect-plex, but Anderson breaks free. Anderson climbs up top and hits a flying neckbreaker. Gallows tags in and they hit the Magic Killer for the three count.

Winners: Gallows & Anderson

– Elias is backstage with his guitar, getting ready to come down to the ring.

– We see a promo video for the Mixed Match Tag Challenge.

– Elias gets in the ring with his guitar, and asks the crowd who’s walking with Elias. He sings a song trashing Cleveland sports teams, and about WrestleMania. Rhyno comes out to interrupt, and we have a match.

– Rhyno vs. Elias: Heath Slater is at ringside. Elias and Rhyno trade strikes in the opening moments. Rhyno drops Elias with a shoulder tackle, but Elias fights back with an elbow to the face. Elias stomps on Rhyno while he’s down. Rhyno fights his way up and hits some chops and some clotheslines. Elias fights back with a knee to the face and a clothesline of his own. Elias hits the Drift Away for the three count.

Winner: Elias

– After the match, Slater checks on Rhyno. Elisas attacks Slater and hits the Drift Away on him too before leaving.

– We see a replay of John Cena calling out The Undertaker, and then Kane attacking him. John Cena vs. Kane in a No DQ match is up next.

– Kane vs. John Cena: This one is a No DQ match. Cena and Kane start off throwing right hands right off the opening bell. Kane takes control with a big boot to the face, and now it’s all Kane on the offensive. Kane takes Cena out to ringside where Cena tries fighting back, but Kane whips him into the ring steps. Cena comes back with a shot on Kane to the ring steps. They then fight throug hthe crowd and right through the fan barricade. They brawl back to the ring where Kane keeps Cena grounded. Kane goes to unxover the corner turnbuckle pad, but Cena sits right up like the Undertaker and pulls Kane around. Cena drops Kane and hits the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena mocks the Undertaer and then hits a Chokeslam for a two count. Cena takes a table from ringside and puts it in the ring. As Cena sets up the table, Kane sits right up. Cena goes for an AA through the table, but Kane flips over the table with his fingers and escapes. Kane drops Cena, then sets up the table in the corner. Cena starts fighting back, but Kane throws Cena through the table. Kane sets up another table and looks for the chokeslam, but Cena escapes. Cena hits an AA on Kane through the table for the three count.

Winner: John Cena

– After the match, Cena gets on the mic and says hes’s disappointed not to hear anything from the Undertaker. No bells or lights cutting out. Cena screams Undertaker’s name and says he’s a coward. Cena says every week the sold-out crowds chant his name, and silence isn’t an option, they need a yes or no. Cena tells Taker to listen to the crowds chanting for him. Cena says Undertaker only cares about himself, and he hopes he sees Undertaker next week. Cena starts walking to the back. On the ramp, he looks into the camera and rolls his eyes back and does the throat slicing motion, as RAW goes off the air.

The March 20th, 2018 edition of WWE Smackdown Live took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

– SmackDown opens up with a video montage looking back at Daniel Bryan’s retirement.

– SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. Daniel says since Shane was seriously hurt last night, he needs to address Shane’s attackers, but they’re not at the building yet. He says since he can’t talk to them, he’ll talk about something else. He talks about being forced into retirement due to medical issues, and how it caused him to be depressed and forced him to look at the positive things in life. He talks about his great fans and great wife, and his wife encouraging him to fight to get back in the ring. He talks about the doctors clearing him to compete in a WWE ring again, and he thanks the fans for always supporting him and being the best fans in world. He talks about his road to being medically cleared, and thanks his wife for pushing him to see specialists. Bryan says he doesn’t know when he’ll be getting back in the WWE ring, but he is medically cleared to do so. The crowd starts chanting “WrestleMania” and he looks up at the sign. He asks the fans if they think that would be a good idea, which prompts a “yes” chant.

– Daniel Bryan heads backstage and is greeted in the hallway by senior official Charles Robinson who congratulates him. Dolph Ziggler approaches Bryan next and congratulates him, then says he can’t wait to beat him. Bryan says he can try, and Ziggler walks off.

– Rusev vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: WWE Champion AJ Styles is at ringside for a closer look at this one, and Aiden English is at ringside in Rusev’s corner. The opening bell sounds and Rusev wrestles Nakamura down to the mat early on. Nakamura gets up and starts firing off with kicks. Rusev throws Nakamura into the corner and pummels on him, then hits a boot to the face for a two count. Nakamura comes back with strikes and then starts working over Rusev in the corner. He hits a variation of the Good Vibrations in the corner, but Rusev is able to fight back and level Nakamura with a shot to the face for a two count. Rusev looks for the big boot, but Nakamura ducks. Rusev ducks a kick from Nakamura, but then Nakamura latches on to him and looks for an arm bar. Rusev breaks free, but Nakamura rolls him up in a small package pin for the three count.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

– After the match, Aiden English attacks Nakamura from behind. English and Rusev go to double team Nakamura, and AJ very slowly starts to get up and looks like he’s going to help. Before AJ gets in the ring, Nakamura is able to fight off Rusev and English by himself. AJ and Nakamura have a brief stare-down before leaving.

– Natalya confronts Charlotte Flair backstage and says she knows Flair is scared of Asuka. She says Charlotte’s time is coming to an end, and Charlotte tells Natalya to lay off the cat nip. Charlotte says she’s excited about facing Asuka. Natalya is still mad about Asuka taking “her” WrestleMania spot. Natalya says she’s the one who would beat Charlotte at WrestleMania, and Charlotte tells her to prove it.

– Shinsuke Nakamura confronts AJ Styles in the back. They have a brief exchange, which ends with Nakamura telling AJ again that he’s going to beat him with a knee to the face at WrestleMania.

– Baron Corbin vs. Tye Dillinger: It’s all Corbin in the opening moments of this one. Corbin runs around the ring post and looks for a lariat, but Dillinger shuts him down with a boot to the face. They brawl to the outside, where Tye hits him with another kick. Back in the ring, Corbin comes back and looks for the End of Days but he botches it. He holds Tye in the front face lock, then throws him outside. He throws Tye back in the ring, then successfully hits the End of Days for the win.

Winner: Baron Corbin

– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair is out to the ring next. The broadcast team informs us that Daniel Bryan booked her in a non-title match against Natalya tonight.

– Charlotte vs. Natalya: Charlotte starts off strong here and hits a series of headscissor take downs on Natalya. Natalya fires up and looks for the back slide pin, but Charlotte escapes and hits a big boot. Both women are slow to get up, and Natalya gets on the offensive first. Natalya works over Charlotte in the corner, but Charlotte starts firing up and hitting some chops to the chest. They fight over to the corner where Charlotte hits a vertical suplex. Charlotte goes to pick up Natalya, but Natalya drops her face-first into the turnbuckle. They scramble across the ring and Charlotte slams Natalya into the turnbuckles. Charlotte goes up top, but Natalya hops up and grabs her, and hits a sit-down powerbomb on the Champion. Both women are slow to get up, and Natalya hits a spinning lariat for a two count. Charlotte comes back with an inside cradle for a two count. Charlotte looks for the Figure Four, but Natalya kicks her away and throws her outside. Natalya follows her out to ringside, but Charlotte drops her with a spear and throws her back in the ring. Charlotte goes for the Figure Four, but Natalya rolls over to the ropes to break the hold. Charlotte goes up top, but Natalya runs up and hits a superplex. Carmella’s music hits, and Carmella wants to cash in her Money In The Bank briefcase. Carmella runs in the ring, but Charlotte drops her with a big boot. Natalya capitalizes on the distraction with a roll-up for the three count.

Winner: Natalya

– The broadcast teams shows us some headlines about Daniel Bryan being cleared to wrestle again.

– The Usos come out to the ring and cut a promo about holding it down for the tag team division. They talk about still having their Tag Team Titles, and being in the best damn tag team in WWE. They say it doesn’t matter if they’re at 100% or 20% health, they’re ready to go to war with the Bludgeon Brothers.

– Jimmy Uso vs. Luke Harper: Jey Uso and Eric Rowan are at ringside for this one. Jimmy starts off fired up here but Harper takes control early on. They brawl at ringside, where Uso sends Harper into the apron. Uso runs back in the ring for a suicide dive, but Rowan appears on the apron and distracts him. Uso turns around into Harper and they start going at it again. Rowan tries to get back in the ring, and the referee stops him. Jey takes advantage of the distraction to superkick Harper behind the ref’s back. Jimmy isn’t able to capitalize on it with a pin. Jimmy and Harper fight in the corner which leads to Uso’s head getting slammed on the ring post. Harper follows up with a big clothesline for the three count.

Winner: Luke Harper

– Jey pulls Jimmy to safety after the match as Rowan gets in the ring. Corey Graves announces that Jinder has been added to the U.S. Title match at WrestleMania with Bobby Roode and Randy Orton.

– Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh are backstage heading towards the gorilla position.

– Jinder and Sunil are in the ring, and Jinder has a mic. He talks about how everyone there is jealous of him, and should be bowing down to him. He says the people claim to want change and diversity, but they also want to keep the status quo with people like Randy Orton. Jinder trashes the American fans until Bobby Roode’s music hits and he interrupts. Roode walks down to the ring, and then Randy Orton interrupts next. Orton says if not for Jinder’s lackeys, he wouldn’t have any success in WWE. Jinder throws Sunil to Orton as a human shield, and leaves the ring.

– Naomi and Becky Lynch are backstage getting ready to come out for their match against the Riott Squad.

– Naomi & Becky Lynch vs. Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan: Ruby Riott is at ringside. Things look good for Becky and Naomi in the opening moments as they trade tags and take control of the match. Becky misses a shot in the corner and goes face-first into the middle turnbuckle. Sarah Logan hits a shot to the face of Becky, then puts her in a head lock on the mat. Becky fights out, but Logan slams her back down. Becky gets up and throws Sarah to the outside. Becky looks for the tag, but Sarah runs back in and knocks Naomi off the apron. Sarah goes back to work on Becky, but Becky grabs her and locks her in the Dis-arm-her. Liv runs in for the save, but Naomi also runs in and stops her. Logan taps out for the finish.

Winners: Naomi & Becky Lynch

– We go backstage, where Daniel Bryan is told by a staff member that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn have finally arrived. Bryan tells him to have Owens and Zayn meet him in the ring.

– Daniel Bryan comes out to the ring and leads the crowd in a “yes” chant. Bryan gets on the mic and tells Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn to come down to the ring. They walk down and hug Bryan. Owens gets on the mic and says they weren’t even going to come tonight, since Shane isn’t here, but they raced over here when they heard the news about Bryan being cleared. They say they got pulled over by a Texas ranger for speeding, but they talked their way out of it because “everyone’s dumber in Texas.” They congratulate Bryan on his medical clearance, and they thank Bryan for treating them fairly when everyone else on SmackDown hated them. Sami says SmackDown is now without a doubt the “A-show” with the three of them on it, and if Bryan joined them it would be like a dream team. Bryan says that’s nice, but the real reason he brought them down here is because of their assault on Shane McMahon last week. Sami says it might have looked extreme, but Shane deserved it. Bryan says they don’t get it — this is a big deal. Bryan says that while Owens and Zayn are two of the best performers in this generation, they went way overboard last week by assaulting their boss. Bryan says Shane even admitted he was wrong and gave them WrestleMania matches, and they still attacked them. Bryan reminisces about them wrestling on the indy scene together in front of 300 people. Bryan says he doesn’t want to have to do this — but Sami and Kevin, you’re fired. Bryan says he’s been fired by WWE before, and he came back a better person. Sami and Kevin look heartbroken. Bryan says this doesn’t mean they’re gone forever, it just means they’re gone for now. Bryan shakes their hands, and then Kevin attacks Daniel and screams at him. Sami then starts pummeling on Bryan with right hands. Bryan starts fighting back and hits some kicks on Owens and a suplex on Sami. He hits running dropkicks on them, then hits the “yes kicks” on Owens. Sami runs over from behind and attacks the SmackDown GM from behind and pounds on his head. Owens then superkicks Bryan, and Sami hits the big boot. They take Bryan out to ringside and Owens powerbombs him onto the corner of the ring apron. Sami and Owens walk off as medics start putting Bryan on to a stretcher. Bryan is loaded on to a stretcher as SmackDown goes off the air.

The March 19th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW aired live from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.

– WWE RAW GM Kurt Angle comes out to the ring to kick off tonight’s episode of RAW. Kurt gets on the mic and welcomes us to RAW. He talks about Braun Strowman forcing himself into the tag match battle royal last week, and winning it. Kurt says he has a solution for what Strowman did last week, and Strowman must choose a partner in order to face The Bar at WrestleMania. Roman Reigns walks in through the crowd and interrupts. Reigns steps into the ring and confronts Angle. Angle remins Reigns that he’s suspended, and he is trespassing right now. Reigns says who cares, and that someone from the WrestleMania main event has to be here tonight since Lesnar never shows up. Kurt says he knows Reigns is mad, but Lesnar will be here and Reigns has to wait until WrestleMania to get his hands on Lesnar. Reigns says he doesn’t care, and he’s not leaving his ring until he faces Brock Lesnar tonight. Angle shakes his head and walks to the back. Reigns unfolds a chair and sits down in the ring. It doesn’t look like The Big Dog is going to move until he gets what he wants. Police walk down to the ring to deal with Reigns. They surround Reigns, and one reads him his rights. They cuff The Big Dog and he argues. When they touch Reigns to try removing him from the ring, he freaks out and starts attacking them. Reigns pummels on them with his cuffed hands and elbows them. Reigns stomps on one in the corner. Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and the former UFC CHeavyweight Champion hits the ring. Lesnar slides in the ring and the still-handcuffed Reigns swings a chair, but Lesnar ducks and hits a German suplex. Lesnar repeatedly hits Reigns with the chair, then hits another German suplex. Paul Heyman shouts instructions at Lesnar from ringside, and Lesnar hits another chair shot and German suplex. Lesnar hits Reigns with the chair a couple more times. Lesnar walks off with Heyman as referees start checking on Reigns. The police appear to have left, but Lesnar is still on the ramp. Lesnar runs back down to the ring and bashes Reigns with the chair again, then hits another German suplex. Lesnar walks off, but changes his mind again and gets back in the ring. He hits the F-5 on Reigns next, who is still handcuffed. Lesnar walks off again with Heyman up the ramp and refs check on Reigns. Paramedics load Roman on to a stretcher, and we can hear a “you deserve it” chant on TV from the Dallas fans. Lesnar’s music hits again, and Brock comes down the ramp once again. Lesnar flips Reigns’ stretcher over and laughs, then leaves again. Reigns is helped up and wheeled to the back.

– Back from commercial break, Michael Cole introduces replays of the confrontation between Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and the police.

– We see Reigns backstage being stretchered in to an ambulance.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking back at Alexa Bliss being caught on camera betraying Nia Jax last week. Bliss faces Asuka next in a non-title match.

– Before the match, Alexa cuts a promo apologizing for what she said about Nia Jax last week. Alexa says she got carried away last week, and she’s sorry to Nia. But, what she’s sorry for is that she didn’t speak the truth sooner. Alexa says she doesn’t feel any remorse, and she loves that Nia was humiliated in front of the entire world. She says she never liked Nia, she used Nia.

– Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka: Mickie James is at ringside in Alexa’s corner. Alexa starts off strong in this one and works over Asuka in the corner. She throws Asuka out to ringside where Mickie James hits a cheap shot on Asuka behind the ref’s back. Back in the ring, Asuka comes back with a shot in the corner and then the running hip attack. Asuka follows up with a running knee to the face for a two count. Asuka goes up top, but Mickie distracts her and Alexa hits a cheap shot. Alexa throws Asuka out to ringside again, where Mickie hits another cheap shot. Back in the ring, Asuka starts firing up and puts Alexa in an ankle lock. Bliss finally reaches the bottom rope to break the hold, and she rolls outside for a breather. Bliss is selling an ankle injury, and Mickie helps Alexa up the ramp as the referee counts her out.

Winner via count out: Asuka

– After the match, Nia Jax runs down and drops Mickie on the ramp. She chases Bliss now, but Bliss is able to break free and flee into the crowd. Nia continues chasing her into the back as we go to commercial.

– Still to come: John Cena wants an answer from The Undertaker.

– Alexa confronts Kurt Angle about Nia’s attack. Kurt says Alexa should be ashamed of what she said last week, because millions of girls like Kurt’s daughters saw it. Kurt books Alexa in a Women’s Title defense against Nia at WrestleMania and walks off. Alexa looks disturbed by the news.

– Braun Strowman comes out to the ring next and gets on the mic. He says he was informed by management that he must have a partner to take part in the Tag Title match at WrestleMania, but Strowman says he doesn’t need a partner. The Bar comes out to interrupt and tells Strowman he doesn’t know what he’s in for. They say to be an effective team you have to eat together, train together, and sleep together — which gets a laugh from Strowman and the crowd. Sheamus clarifies that they mean room together, not literally sleep together. Strowman says Kurt Angle told him he could have one of The Bar members tonight, and to come get these hands. Sheamus seems to volunteer Cesaro for the job, and we have a match.

– Braun Strowman vs. Cesaro: Sheamus is still at ringside to watch. It’s all Strowman in the opening moments of this one, as he throws Cesaro out to ringside early on and beats him down by the fan barricade. Back in the ring, Strowman misses a spear in the corner and crashes into the ring post by himself. Cesaro starts pummeling on Strowman now and looks for the Neutralizer, but Strowman throws him off. Cesaro drops Strowman’s neck over the top rope, then hits a corkscrew uppercut off the middle rope and pins, but Strowman kicks out with authority. Strowman goes for a back body drop but Cesaro lands on his feet, so Strowman uppercuts him down. Strowman hits a splash in the corner then looks for the running powerslam, but Sheamus causes a distraction and Cesaro escapes. Cesaro rolls out to ringside for a breather with Sheamus, and Strowman follows. Strowman charges and tackles Sheamus down, as Cesaro rolls in the ring. Cesaro looks for a sunset flip but can’t get it. Cesaro kicks Strowman away and climbs the turnbuckle, but Strowman catches him and hits the running powerslam for the three count. Strowman celebrates his win and heads to the back.

Winner: Braun Strowman

– Still to come: Matt Hardy has invited Bray Wyatt to the Hardy Compound for Ultimate Deletion.

– We see footage from earlier today at the Hardy Compound. Hardy is at the piano with his wife, kids, and Senor Benjamin. Hardy orders his drone Vanguard 1 to survey the property all day because they’re expecting an intruder. Hardy then instructs Senor Benjamin to prepare the battlefield for annihilation.

– The Revival vs. Titus Worldwide: Dash and Dawson use frequent tags early on to double team Titus and take control of the match. Crews finally gets the hot tag and starts cleaning house. Dawson gets the blind tag behind Crews’ back, which leads to the Shatter Machine for the three count after a very short match.

Winners: The Revival

– The Revival cuts a promo after the match and declares they will be the first tag team to ever win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.

– We see a video package about Mark Henry entering the WWE Hall of Fame this year.

– Bayley comes out to the ring for her match, and Sasha Banks follows, but Sasha gets on the mic. She says she wants o fix the problems in her relationship with Bayley, and they have to talk face to face. She says at Elimintion Chamber she just wanted to go out and win, she wasn’t trying to hurt Bayley. She calls out Bayley for leaving her high and dry twice since then, but Sasha is the bigger person and she’ll forgive her. Bayley declines the hand shake and gets a microphone. Bayley says she can’t forgive Sasha for what she did at Elimination Chamber, especially because she laughed after she knocked Bayley down. Bayley asks why it was so easy for Sasha to do that if they’re best friends. Absolution comes out to interrupt and Paige gets on the mic and tells them this is their time to wrestle, not their time to talk and find answers.

– Bayley & Sasha Banks vs. Absolution: Sasha and Sonya start off with Sasha in control. Sonya stuns Sasha and then hits a cheap shot on Bayley to knock her off the apron. Sasha charges, and Sonya throws Sasha out to ringside next. Back in the ring, Sonya and Mandy now take turns beating on Sasha. Sasha tries to get to Bayley for the tag, but Sonya suplexes her down. Mandy tags in now and pummels on Sasha, then puts her in an abdominal stretch. Sasha fights out, but Mandy drops her with a dropkick. Absolution trades frequent tags again to double team Sasha. Sasha looks for the tag, but Sonya stops her. Sasha fights off Sonya, and Bayley tags herself in. Bayley beats on Sonya in the corner then hits a neckbreaker. Bayley hits a suplex and then a splash in the corner. She follows up with a flying elbow off the middle rope, but Mandy Rose breaks up the pin. Sasha runs in and starts fighting with Mandy int he corner. Bayley rolls up Sonya, but the ref is distracted by Sasha. Bayley boots Sonya down, then yells at Sasha for distracting the ref. The argument leads to Sonya hitting a cheap shot and booting Bayley in the face for the win.

Winners: Absolution

– John Cena is out to the ring next and he gets on the mic. Cena talks about his challenge to The Undertaker, and says if the Undertaker feels unworthy of being in WWE then he should know that he always has a place in WWE as long as it exists. Cena says The Undertaker’s resonse to his WrestleMania challenge: Nothing. Cena says The Undertaker won’t even get off his ass to respond, and it’s disrespectful to both Cena and the fans. Cena points out a guy in the crowd dressed as the Undertaker circa early-90’s. Cena says the fans turned Undertaker into “a god,” and without the fans there is no streak and no Undertaker. Cena says The Undertaker owes it to the fans to reply. Cena says if Undertaker is retired then say so and be retired, but if he’s not retired then he needs to come give the people what they want to see. Cena says Undertaker has become a coward, and repeats it again. Cena tells Undertaker to answer, or at least do “something stupid” like roll a casket out or make some fog. Cena says Undertaker let down everyone who ever believe in him, and he shouldn’t even call himself a man. Cena goes to leave, but Kane’s music hits and Kane walks down the ramp. Kane steps in the ring, and Cena says he must have been sent by his brother. Cena sticks the mic in Kane’s face and asks if Undertaker says yes or no. Instead of answering, Kane grabs Cena and chokeslams him. Kane walks off, as Cole wonders if that’s Kane’s way of saying he wants to face Cena at WrestleMania.

– We see a replay of Roman Reigns showing up earlier tonight, and then fighting with the police and Brock Lesnar.

– We see an unnamed Dallas Cowboys player sitting at ringside.

– There’s a clip of Matt Hardy at his compound feeding some snacks to a giraffe.

– The Miz is in the ring with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. The Miz complains about not being involved in the WrestleMania promotional campaign, despite being the Intercontinental Champion. The Miz says he gets no respect, and then he starts trashing Finn Balor and Seth Rollins. The Miz calls Rollins and Balor by their old indy wrestling names and says he’s going to send them back to wrestling in bingo halls. Gallows and Anderson come out to interrupt, and they’re followed by Finn Balor.

– Finn Balor, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Miz, Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel: Seth Rollins comes out before this one starts and joins the commentary table. The Miztourage takes control on Balor early on by using frequent tags and double teams. Balor finally gets the tag to Anderson who drops Axel with a running knee to the face. He follows up with a running kick, and he also hits a flying cross body off the top for a two count The Miz gets the tag and hits a kick and a DDT on Anderson. Axel tags back in now and works over Anderson, but Anderson fights back and fires up with a spinebuster. Balor gets the tag and cleans house. Miz gets the tag and goes for a roll up for a two count. Balor knocks Miz into Axel, then he rolls up Miz and scores the three count.

Winners: Finn Balor, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

– The Miz & The Miztourage beats down their opponents after the match. It looks like they’re about to really do some damage to Balor, so Rollins runs in forr the save. Rollins starts laying everyone out, and he hits the curb stomp on Miz. Rollins comes face to face with Balor before leaving.

– We see footage from earlier today of Matt Hardy on a canoe in his “lake of reincarnation.”

– It’s announced that John Cena vs. Kane has been booked for RAW next week.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at Ronda Rousey’s journey to WWE, and her training with Kurt Angle for their WrestleMania match.

– Now we go back to the Hardy Compound for the Final Deletion. Bray Wyatt approaches the gate of the Hardy compound and enters. Bray is welcomed by Vanguard One, and a hologram of Hardy welcoming him. Wyatt walks over to a ring set up on Matt’s property. Matt tells Bray he knew he’d come, and turns to face him. We’re told their encounter will be up next after the commercial break.

– We go to the broadcast table where they introduce the final sequence of the Final Deletion, and Michael Cole apologizes for what we’re about to see.

– Matt and Hardy go at it in the ring at the Hardy compound. Matt starts off strong, but Wyatt drops him and takes control. Wyatt goes for a chair, but then Matt gives an order to Vanguard 1 and some fireworks start going off which distracts Wyatt. Matt starts teeing off on Bray with the steel chair now. They fight out of the ring and over to another part of the compound. Matt asks if this building they’re next to reminds him of anything, and it apparently reminds Bray of his old property. Matt wakes Bray out of his daydream with a kendo stick. Bray starts fighting back and he drops Matt, then Bray starts freaking out and having flashbacks of his house burning down. Bray turns around to see that Matt is gone, and Bray starts looking for him. Bray chases Matt through another part of the property, then they start brawling in the woods. They fight over to the building where Matt has a ring and piano set up inside. Bray goes to suplex Matt onto the table, but Matt fights away and shoves Bray into the ring post. Matt then starts hitting Wyatt with a ladder repeatedly. Matt goes to run over Bray with a lawn mower, but Bray gets up and fights Matt off the mower. Wyatt drops Matt and repeatedly pummels on him with fists and elbows. Wyatt drags Matt over to the lake and puts the boots to him. Bray looks for the Sister abigail, but Vanguard 1 flies over and distracts him. Matt crawls under the dilapidated boat, and when Bray overturns it, it’s Senor Benjamin. Benjamin throws a globe at Bray and sings “he’s got the whole world in his hands,” and then Jeff Hardy briefly appears and sings it as well. Matt then reappears and hits the Twist of Fate on Bray for the three count. Matt instructs Benjamin to retrieve Bray’s carcass from the lake, but Benjamin says it’s gone. Hardy says this means the Deletion is complete, and he chants “Delete” as RAW goes off the air.

The March 13th, 2018 edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN.

– Tom Phillips welcomes us to the arena. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton, and they discuss the fallout from Fastlane and the road to WrestleMania 34.

– AJ Styles comes out to the ring first to kick off the show. AJ gets in the ring as fans chant his name. He says he odds were stacked against him at Fastlane, but he stilled pulled though. AJ says he hasn’t forgotten where he came from, and his road to WrestleMania was a tough one. He says his match with Nakamura is a dream match, and then Nakamura comes out to interrupt. Nakamura comes down to the ring and says he respects AJ, but he will knee him in the face and take his WWE Title at WrestleMania. Rusev and Aiden English come out to interrupt next, and we’ve got a match.

– AJ Styles vs. Rusev: Nakamura and English are both at ringside for this one, which is a non-title match. AJ starts working over Rusev’s leg early on. Rusev starts firing up and hits a lariat on AJ. AJ gets up and fires back with a dropkick, then throws Rusev out to the floor and follows up with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, AJ continues the offense until Rusev hits a cheap shot to the eyes. Rusev follows up with a spinebuster for a two count. Rusev hits a backdrop then goes up to the top turnbuckle, but AJ fights away. AJ fires up but Rusev shuts him down with a kick to the head. Rusev goes for another kick, but AJ ducks and hits the Pele kick. AJ hits a backbreaker then looks for a Styles Clash, but can’t execute it. Rusev drops AJ and goes for the Accolade, but AJ reverses it into the Calf Crusher. Aiden English hits the ring and attacks AJ for the disqualification.

Winner via DQ: AJ Styles

– After the match, Rusev and Aiden beat down AJ as Nakamura watches from ringside. Nakamura finally gets up and hits the ring. He drops Aiden first, then Rusev. Nakamura leaves as AJ is still recovering.

– Big E does an interview in the back where he says Kofi and Xavier aren’t here tonight, but they’ll be back. Kofi and Xavier are off selling the beating from the Bludgeon Brothers on Sunday. Jimmy Uso walks in and tells big E he isn’t alone, and the Bludgeon Brothers got Jey out of action too. Jimmy says right now, they need to put their differences aside and deal with the Bludgeon Brothers. Jimmy and Big E walk off together.

– Still to come: Jinder Mahal vs. Bobby Roode

– We see a video package looking at Kid Rock’s Hall of Fame induction announcement.

– We go backstage to AJ and Nakamura. AJ says he doesn’t need Nakamura’s help, but Nakamura disagrees. He says he wants AJ healthy for their match at ‘Mania.

– Big E & Jimmy Uso vs. The Bludgeon Brothers: Big E and Jimmy attack the Bludgeon Brothers before the opening bell at ringside. They brawl all over ringside, before Jimmy and Big E grab steel chairs and roll back in the ring to wait for the Brothers. Rowan and Harper pick up their sledgehammers and get in the ring. The ref gets out of the ring now as the two teams start swinging their weapons. Rowan and Harper knock the steel chairs out of the babyfaces’ hands, and Big E and Uso retreat to ringside. Back in the ring, the opening bell sounds and Rowan and Big E start going at it. Harper tags in and they double team the New Day member. Uso finally gets the tag and he cleans house. Harper shuts the momentum down with a big boot to Uso. Rowan takes Big E out to ringside and whips him into the ring steps. Harper and Rowan double team Uso in the ring for the three count.

Winners: The Bludgeon Brothers

– After the match, Harper and Rowan beat down Big E at ringside.

– We see a recap from Fastlane, showing the confrontations between Kevin Owens, Shane McMahon, and Sami Zayn on Sunday.

– Sami Zayn does an interview in the back where he blames Shane McMahon for Sunday’s problems. He also blames Owens, and says Owens is obsessed with Shane. He trashes Owens some more, and Sami says he played everyone including Owens at Fastlane. Sami says he’s done being guilty by association by being with Owens, and he walks off.

– Still to come: Asuka is in the house.

– Women’s Champion Charlotte comes out to the ring next and gets on the mic. She says she’s excited to be challenged by Asuka, and then she calls her out to the ring. Asuka comes down and Charlotte tells her to be careful what she wishes for. Flair says she welcomes the challenge, and looks forward to ending Asuka’s streak. Asuka says she likes a challenge, but no one is ready for her. Asuka and Flair come nose to nose as the music hits.

– WWE U.S. Champion Randy Orton comes out before Asuka and Charlotte have left. Orton gets on the mic and talks about winning the U.S. Title for the first time in his career. He mentions that he’s the 10th “grand slam” champion under the current title format, and that’s the list that really matters. He says Bobby Roode earned his respect, but the U.S. Title is his now and no one is taking it from him. Bobby Roode comes out to interrupt, and congratulates Orton on the win. Roode says he wants the rematch at WrestleMania 3, and it will be glorious when he recovers his U.S. Title. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh are out next. Jinder also congratulates Orton, and tells everyone to forget about the WrestleMania rematch, because Jinder is going to beat Bobby tonight and then take Orton’s Title.

– Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal: The opening bell sounds and they fight into the corner. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT early, but Jinder escapes and regroups at ringside. Back in the ring, Roode drops Jinder then grabs him for a reverse neckbreaker. Roode goes up top and hits a flying clothesline, then looks for the Glorious DDT but Jinder escapes again. Jinder rams Roode into the corner, but Roode fires back with a boot to the face and then a Blockbuster for a 2 count. Jinder hits a big boot for a 2 count of his own. Jinder looks for the Khallas, but Roode escapes and rolls up Jinder for another near-fall. Roode hits a spinebuster for another two count. Singh gets on the apron for the distraction, and Roode throws him into the ring post. The distraction leads to Jinder dropping Roode and hitting the Khallas for the three count.

Winner: Jinder Mahal

– Immediately after the match, Orton runs in and hits the RKO on Jinder.

– Kevin Owens does an interiew in the back where he says he’s tired of Sami Zayn blaming him for everything. He says Sami is a delusional liar who is blaming him for his problems. He says Shane screwed him out of the WWE Title on Sunday, and Shane wasn’t needed at ringside at all. Owens says he has no problem beating him Sami and showing him the truth.

– The broadcast team introduces us to a video package looking at the first ever Fabulous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania.

– Naomi vs. Carmella: The opening bell sounds and Carmella takes control of this one early on. Carmella talks trash to Naomi while she’s down and hits a running knee in the corner. She follows up with a boot to the head. Carmella wastes some time, and Naomi comes back with a shot out of the corner. Carmella slaps her across the face, and Naomi fires back with clotheslines and a knee to the face. Naomi goes to springboard off the ropes, but Carmella cuts her off and slams her down, then rolls her up for the three count.

Winner: Carmella

– We see Shane McMahon backstage walking towards the gorilla position.

– There’s a promo video for the Mixed Match Challenge with Rusev and Lana.

– Smackdown Commissioner Shane McMahon comes down to the ring as the announcers show us some shots from his involvement at Fastlane on Sunday. Shane gets on the mic and discusses the various issues with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Shane mentions Owens beating up his dad Vince months ago, and Sami intefering in the Hell In A Cell match. He says he talked to Daniel Bryan today, and Bryan will be back next week. Shane says when Bryan returns, Shane will take an indefinite leave of absence from Smackown. Before he leaves, Shane wants to make one more match, and he books Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn for WrestleMania 34. Owens comes out to interrupt and he complains about the match. Sami comes out next and says he’s glad Shane is leaving. Shane says he just gave him a WrestleMania match but he’s still ungrateful. Owens says they’ll give Shane something to appreciate, and Owens and Zayn start beating down Shane. Shane tries to fight them off, but they overpower him and boot him in the face. Owens hits the Pop Up Powerbomb on Shane next. They bring Shane down to the floor and continue the assault. The put a chair over Shane’s head then throw him into the ring post. They drag Shane up the ramp and drag him through the curtain. They powerbomb Shane onto some production equipment, and a referee calls for paramedics. Owens and Zayn walk off, as paramedics put a mask on Shane and loak him on to the stretcher as SmackDown goes off the air.

The March 12th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW aired live from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, MI.

– RAW opens up with show GM Kurt Angle coming down to the ring to kick off the night right away. He talks about his upcoming mixed tag match with Ronda Rousey against Kurt Angle and Triple H. He says he won’t be sorry for what he does to Triple H at ‘Mania. He moves on to the topic of the Universal Title, and says that Brock Lesnar didn’t show up tonight — maybe because he isn’t feeling well, or had travel issues, or just didn’t feel like it. Roman Reigns comes out to interrupt.

Reigns walks down to the ring and cuts a promo trashing Lesnar for not showing up to work again. He says if anyone else, like Kurt, him, or the fans, didn’t show up for work — they’d be fired. He says Brock is “Vince’s boy,” and this is Vince’s fault. He tells Kurt he knows he’s just the middle man here, and Vince is in charge. Reigns says he walked by Vince in the back, and Vince didn’t have the courtesy or respect to tell him what’s going on tonight. Reigns says it’s one thing to be disrespected by Vince McMahon.

Reigns heads to the back and the camera follows him behind the curtain to the gorilla position. Reigns walks right over to Vince, who is at a table with the headset on. Shane McMahon is sitting next to Vince, and he gets between Vince and Reigns. Reigns gets in Vince’s face, and Vince says to go to commercials so they can talk in private.

– We see a video package looking at Ronda Rousey’s road to WrestleMania.

– We go to Renee Young who says things have settled down between Vince and Reigns. Reigns walks out of Vince’s office, but ignores Renee n the way out. Vince walks out and tells Renee that Brock Lesnar is not “his boy,” he’s his own man. Vince says he didn’t intend to disrespect Roman, but he gave it to him straight. He reminded Roman of a phrase that his cousin The Rock used to say – “know your role and shut your mouth.” Vince says Brock has special privileges, but he’s earned them, and he’s motivated by competition in the ring and the octagon. Vince assures that next week Brock Lesnar will be in the house, and Lesnar will defend the Universal Title against Reigns at WrestleMania. He adds that due to what just happened, Roman Reigns is temporarily suspended. Vince heads back into his office.

– Sasha Banks vs. Sonya Deville: Bayley and Absolution are all at ringside. The bell sounds and the opening minutes are evenly matched until Sasha hits a series of dropkicks. She hits Sonya again, then throws her out of the ring. Back in the ring, Sonya hits a series of strikes and mounts a comeback. Deville works on keeping The Boss grounded on the mat now. The other Absolution members look to interfere, but Bayley chases them off. Sasha fires up and hits the backstabber, then the Banks Statement for the win after a short match.

Winner: Sasha Banks

– After the bell, Absolution beats down Sasha. Bayley appears to have left the ringside arena and she didn’t return to help during the post-match beat-down.

– We see a video package looking at Kid Rock’s involvement in WWE, and announcing his Hall o Fame induction this year. There’s also a video looking at Asuka challenging Charlotte at WrestleMania.

– The Miz comes down to the ring next for Miz TV. He informs us that Dallas and Axel aren’t here because they’re preparing for their match later. He then introduces his guests Seth Rollins and Finn Balor, who each make their entrances next. They all sit down, and Miz starts antagonizing Rollins and Balor. The Miz tries to turn Balor and Rollins against each other and get them fighting, but Balor and Rollins don’t bite. Balor and Rollins do finally get up and get in each other’s faces, but then they turn their attention to The Miz. Balor and Rollins take turns delivering right hands to The Miz, then Balor clotheslines Miz to the outside. Balor yells at Miz, then turns around into a cheap shot from Rollins. Rollins walks off with Balor and Miz both laid out.

– During the commercial break, Kurt Angle books a singles match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor tonight.

– Sheamus and Cesaro are down to the ring next. They have issued an open challenge to anyone who wanted to face them at WrestleMania, and Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel appear to have accepted. The Miztourage attacks The Bar from behind before the match starts, and beats them down around ringside. The Bar regroups at ringside, then they get fired up and head back in the ring. The Bar starts brawling with The Miztourage in the ring, but then The Revival runs down and starts brawling them too. Gallows and Anderson run down next and join the fight. Sheaus and Cesaro fight out of the ringside area and head up the ramp, but then Titus Worldwide, Slater and Rhyno come down and the brawl reignites. All of the teams start fighting in the ring until Sheamus and Cesaro escape again and make their exits.

– Michael Cole informs us that a “devastated” John Cena is up next to discuss his lack of a WrestleMania match.

– John Cena comes down to the ring and gets on the mic. Cena says he gave 100% last night at Fastlane, but couldn’t get the job done. Cena brings up WrestleMania and the crowd starts chanting for Undertaker, and Cena says he hopes the people backstage hear that. Cena says he won’t be contributing to WrestleMania this year, but he will be there. Cena says his road to WrestleMania is now the same as anyone else’s, because he’s going as a fan. Cena talks about the WWE Universe being important to WrestleMania, and says he’s going to the show to have fun, and may end up sitting next to anyone who goes. Cena jumps the fan barricade and gets in the middle of some fans, and says he could end up sitting next to any of them at WrestleMania. Cena joins in one some fan chants. He gets back in the ring and tells the fans to get their “Cena sucks” chants out of their systems, since he won’t be there. Cena says he could do something right now that he’s not supposed to do, and it could change his road to WrestleMania. Cena says he’s going to do it — and he looks in the camera and challenges The Undertaker to a match at WrestleMania. He says he doesn’t know if the WWE executives have a problem with the match, so he repeats the challenge a few times to see if they cut his mic off. Cena says it’s not WWE executives preventing the match – it’s The Undertaker. Cena tells The Undertaker to get over his own ego, and to stop hiding his head in the sand. Cena says Undertaker is hiding behind lame excuses, and calls him a conceited egomaniac. Cena says the fans want the match, and the ball is in Undertaker’s court. Cens says if he was Undertaker he’d want one more match, then he heads to the back.

– The Bar confronts Kurt Angle backstage and says what happened to them tonight was totally uncalled for. Angle thinks they brought it on themselves because they were trashing all the other tag teams on Twitter. The Bar says they hear rumors of a Superstar Shake-Up after WrestleMania, but they want to be traded now because they think they’re being treated unfairly. Angle says he’s not trading them, and there will be a tag team battle royal tonight to determine their WrestleMania opponents.

– We see a replay from last week of Braun Strowman beating down Elias.

– Elias is out to the ring next for a song. Elias has a neck brace on, and apparently due to his injuries he gets up and leaves before he starts singing. Elias says this is all the fans’ fault, and he heads up the ramp to the back.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Braun Strowman where he talks about destroying Elias last week and slamming the piano on him. Strowman complains about not having a WrestleMania match yet, but he’s not going to sit around, he’s going to make his own path of destruction to ‘Mania.

– Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins: The Miz is shown watching on a monitor backstage as Rollins and Balor lock up in the opening moments. They trade holds on the mat until Balor drops Rollins with a right hand. Rollins dodges a shot and fires back with an elbow to the face. Rollins follows up with chops and a kick. Rollins stomps Balor down and then beats on him in the corner. More chops from Rollins. Balor hits a dropkick, then he kicks Rollins out of the ring to the floor. Balor kicks Rollins from the apron, and Rollins is now selling a shoulder injury. Back in the ring, Rollins fights back and drops Balor with a headbutt. Rollins follows up with a running knee to the face on the apron for a two count. Balor comes back with some chops, and looks for a reverse DDT but Rollins escapes. Balor and Rollins trade strikes to the face in the middle of the ring. Balor hits a Pele kick, then Rollins hits a spinning heel kick, and both men are down. Rollins with another kick and he looks for the curb stomp, but Balor escapes. Balor drops Rollins and stomps on him, then hits the sling blade. Balor charges and Rollins stops him with a boot to the face for a two count. Rollins misses a shot in the corner and Balor drops him. Balor goes up top, but Rollins runs up and looks for a superplex. Balor knocks him down, but Rollins comes right back up. Rollins hits the superplex, but when he goes to roll through for a Falcon Arrow, Balor hooks his leg for an inside cradle. Balor gets the three count, and Rollins can’t believe it.

Winner: Finn Balor

– Rollins is not happy, and he storms off after the match before Balor leaves.

– We see a video package announcing the Fabolous Moolah Memorial Battle Royal for women at WrestleMania.

– There’s another video package looking back at the entire history between Ronda Rousey, Stephanie McMahon, Triple H and Kurt Angle leading to their WrestleMania tag match.

– Asuka comes out to teh ring next for an in-ring interview. Before she can get started, Alexa Bliss and Mickie James come out to interrupt. Alexa says Asuka’s english isn’t very good, so Alexa will explain why Asuka changed her WrestleMAnia opponent. Alexa says Asuka is scared to face Alexa because she knows she’ll break Asuka’s winning streak. Alexa tells Asuka she knows she can’t beat her, and it’s cowardly to back out. Asuka says she chose Charlotte because “to be the women you’ve got to beat the woman,” and she wants to face the ebst in WWE, which is Charlotte. Asuka ends up challenging Alexa to a match tonight, but Alexa says instead she gets “this woman,” then points to the stage. No one comes out, so Alexa and Mickie cheap-shot Asuka and beat her down together.

– Mickie James vs. Asuka: This gets made a match dring the commercial break, and it’s all Mickie in the opening moments as she beats down Asuka. Asuka finally comes back with a flying hip attack, then she puts the boots to Mickie. Mickie rolls outside for a breather, and Asuka kicks her from the apron. Mickie tries to escape over the barricade, but Asuka grabs her and throws her into the ring post. Asuka goes for a kick, but Mickie ducks and Asuka kicks the ring post. Asuka is now selling a leg injury from the kick. Asuka gets back in the ring, and Mickie immediately starts working over the bad leg. Mickie looks for a reverse DDT, but Asuka escapes and hits a kick to the head. It sounds like there’s a “Rusev Day” chant in the crowd. Asuka hits a splash in the corner, then a knee to the face for a two count. Mickie continues going to Asuka’s bad leg. Mickie goes up top and Asuka follows, which leads to Mickie hitting a sunset flip powerbomb for a two count. Mickie goes for a kick, but Asuka ducks and puts on the Asuka Lock. Mickie taps out for the finish. Alexa leaves ringside and heads to the back as soon as the bell rings.

Winner: Asuka

– Alexa walks into Nia Jax’s locker room and asks her why she didn’t come out to back them up against Asuka. Nia says Kurt told her not to go out because she has a match coming up. Alexa says Nia is her best friend and she loves her, and Nia says she loves her too, and they hug. Alexa says she needs Nia’s word that she’ll have her back in taking out Asuka, and Nia agrees.

– Nia Jax vs. A jobber: The opening bell sounds and Nia’s opponent wants no part of her. Nia throws her across the ring then hits an elbow drop. Nia follows up with the Samoan Drop for the three count after a short squash match .

Winner: Nia Jax

– After the match, the big screen turns on and we see Alexa Bliss and Mickie James in the locker room trashing Nia. They make fun of Nia’s weight and Alexa says she uses Nia because she’s a vulnerable person. Alexa says Nia will be right where she wants her next week, because she’s easy to manipulate. They continue to trash Nia over and over. Charly Caruso walks in the locker room and informs them that they have been on camera this whole time. Alexa and Mickie make their escape out of the arena. Nia heads to the back and is not happy. Nia walks in the locker room and starts throwing everything and asking where Alexa is. Nia trashes the room and screams, then walks off.

– Corey Graves introduces a video package looking at the “great war” between Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. We see footage from The Hardy Compound with Matt’s family including Senor Benjamin and the drone. We then go to Bray Wyatt in a dark room, who cuts a promo about Matt Hardy being a liar and a fool.

– Kurt Angle is shown backstage, saying to himself “I knew Bray was crazy, but what the hell happened to Matt.” Kurt Angle then appoints a referee to the match at the Hardy Compound. The referee asks if he did something wrong to deserve this, but Angle says he just needs someone there to make sure they leave the compound in one piece.

– We see replays of the exchange between Vince McMahon and Roman Reigns earlier tonight.

– Tag Team Battle Royal: The Bar joins the commentary table for this one. Before the opening bell sounds, Braun Strowman comes out and marches down to the ring. Strowman yells at the ref to ring the bell, and the ref rings it. Strowman immediately eliminates Crews, then everyone starts brawling in the ring. Strowman and Slater go at it, and Slader goes under the bottom rope to escape him. Strowman follows him outside and beats him down at ringside before throwing Slater back in the ring. Strowman then throws Slater over the top rope for the elimination. The rest of the participants of the match now gang up on Strowman and try to eliminate him. The Revival breaks off and eliminates Rhyno. Strowman starts cleaning house, and all the wrestlers roll out under the bottom rope for breathers. Titus comes in and challenges Strowman, but decides against it and leaves the ring to consult with the other wrestlers at ringside. All the other wrestlers get back in the ring and gang up on Strowman until he shoves them all off. Gallows, Anderson and Titus all put the boots to Strowman, and Strowman falls outside through the middle ropes. The Miztourage and The Revival beat down Strowman at ringside wih the steel ring steps. Titus starts cleaning house in the ring until the Miztourage double teams him. The Miztourage and The Revival start going at it now in the ring, and they eliminate The Revival. Strowman gets back in the ring and eliminates Titus. Gallows hits some kicks to the face of Strowman, but Strowman comes back with a clothesline to eliminate Gallows. The Miztourage tries to eliminate Strowman, but Strowman decks them both and hits powerslams on each of them. Strowman eliminates The Miztourage. Anderson hits a series of kicks to Strowman, but Strowman catches one and slams him down. Strowman picks up Anderson, yells that he’s going to WrestleMania, then he throws Anderson to the outside onto the other wrestlers at ringside. Strowman raises his hands to celebrate the win as The Bar looks on from the commentary table with concern. Strowman looks at the WrestleMania sign, and then at The Bar, as Strowman is now supposedly the #1 contender for the The Bar’s Tag Team Titles. Strowman gets on the corner and celebrates as RAW goes off the air.

The March 6th edition of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI, and was the go-home show for Fastlane on Sunday.

– This week’s broadcast opens up with Tom Phillips welcoming us to the Resch Center in Green Bay. He’s joined by Corey Graves and Byron Saxton at the commentary table.

– WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair comes down to the ring for an in-ring interview with her Fastlane opponent. Ruby Riott comes out next with the rest of the Riott Squad, but her partners stay back on the stage while Ruby hits the ring. Ruby gets on the mic and discusses her history with Charlotte, and her jealousy of the Women’s Champion. Ruby said she formed the Riott Squad to destroy the myth that Charlotte is the queen of the women’s division. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan head to the ring now, and it looks bad for Charlotte. Bobby Roode comes out to interrupt, as he’s here to do commentary for tonight’s first match. The Riott Squad backs off and heads backstage. Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal is up next.

– Randy Orton vs. Jinder Mahal: Sunil Singh comes out and introduces Jinder Mahal. The opening bell sounds and Orton and Sign trade holds. Orton takes over with an elbow to the face, then he puts the boots to Mahal. Orton looks for the RKO early on, but Jinder escapes and regroups at ringside. Back in the ring, Jinder gets some shots in on Orton and then drops him with a flying knee to the face for a two count. Jinder keeps Orton grounded, until Orton finally fights up and hits a powerslam. Orton hits some clotheslines and another powerslam. Orton hits a fallaway slam for a two count. Orton lays into Jinder with chops and uppercuts, then a backbreaker. Jinder rolls outside and uses Singh as a shield. Orton throws Sunil aside, then Jinder nails Orton. Orton counters and throws Jinder into Roode at the announce table. Roode goes down, and Orton brings Jinder back into the ring and hits a DDT. Orton looks for the RKO, but Roode gets on the apron and cuases a distraction. Jinder hits Orton from behind, sending him into Roode on the apron. Jinder follows up with the Khallas on Orton for the three count.

Winner: Jinder Mahal

– After the match, Jinder celebrates as Roode gets back to this feet on the floor. Jinder heads up the ramp with Sunil as Orton recovers on the mat.

– Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are backstage talking about the Six-Pack Challenge. Owens reminds Sami that this is every man for himself, and reminds Sami previously saying he would sacrifice himself for Owens. Sami agrees, and Owens says Sami is a great guy for that. Sami says his time will come, but WrestleMania 34 is Kevin’s time. Sami reiterates that he’ll lay down for Owens at Fastlane, and then they laugh and hug.

– We see Baron Corbin backstage cutting a promo about John Cena coming back to SmackDown. He says he owes Cena a beating, and says he’s going to turn Cena’s WrestleMania dream into a nightmare.

– We see a video package looking at the New Day vs. Usos feud.

– Shinsuke Nkamura is backstage for an interview where he says he hopes AJ wins on Sunday so he can beat him at WrestleMania. Rusev and Aiden English interrupt, and they say Nakamura may have damaged Aiden’s singing voice last week in their match. Rusev challenges Nakamura to a match at Fastlane, and Nakamura accepts, and says Sunday will be Nakamura Day.

– Carmella vs. Becky Lynch: The opening bell sounds and Becky takes control early on. she goes up top, but Carmella drops her and takes hear down with a head scissors. Carmella pummels on Becky now and yells at Becky as she rubs her face into the mat. Becky looks for an armbar, but Carmella locks and continues the offense. Naomi is shown backstage watching on a monitor. Carmella and Becky briefly brawl at ringside, then back in the ring Carmella slams Becky down. Becky drops Carmella with a spinning heel kick, and now both women are down. They get up and trade shots in the middle of the ring until Carmella gets the upper hand with a boot to the face. Becky ducks a shot and hits the Bexploder suplex. They trade strikes until Becky grabs Carmella with the Disarm Her for the win.

Winner: Becky Lynch

– The announcers discuss some of WWE’s international events that were announce this week.

– WWE Champion AJ Styles comes down to the ring to talk about Cena. AJ talks about his journey to the WWE Title, and complains about the possibility of losing the Title without being pinned on Sunday. AJ brings up Cena beating him last week and fans boo. AJ gives props to Cena, but takes issue with some of Cena’s words. He says he’s not interested in making his WrestleMania match a three-way with Cena and Nakamura. AJ says no one ever thought he and Nakamura would have a WWE Title match at WrestleMania, and he doesn’t want Cena there and neither do the fans. Dolph Ziggler comes out to interrupt, and says AJ used to be cool but he changed. Ziggler says AJ isn’t phenomenal, he’s desperate. AJ makes fun of Ziggler for being in WWE for 13 years and not reaching his potential. They trade insults and Ziggler discusses his previous World Title victory. AJ tells Ziggler that’s enough talking, let’s fight. Ziggler seems to accept, and AJ calls for a referee.

– Dolph Ziggler vs. AJ Styles: This one is a non-Title match. The opening bell sounds and Ziggler goes for a superkick early, but AJ dodges it and unloads on Ziggler with strikes. Ziggler rolls outside for a breather, then comes back in the ring and wrestles AJ down to the mat. AJ slams Ziggler down, then Ziggler gets up and hits a dropkick. They fight into the corner now, then Ziggler drops AJ and hits an elbow drop. AJ fights up and hits some elbows, then the Champion hits a running dropkick. Ziggler rolls outside again, and AJ goes flying onto him with a suicide dive. Ziggler knocks AJ off the apron and AJ is hurt. Back in the ring, Ziggler pounds on AJ in the corner then hits a backdrop. Ziggler hits some more strikes before AJ fires back with some of his own. AJ hits a running forearm on Ziggler, then a splash in the corner. Ziggler hits a cheap shot to the eyes, then a Fame-asser for a two count. They trade strikes again until Ziggler kicks out AJ’s leg, then kicks him int he head. They fight out to the apron where Ziggler throws AJ into the ring post. Back in the ring, Ziggler tries to do a Styles Clash, but AJ escapes. AJ looks for the Calf Crusher, but Ziggler fights up and hits the Zig Zag for a two count. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens run in, which puts an abrupt end to this one. The referee calls for the bell and it’s a no contest.

Winner: No contest

– Zayn and Owens attack both AJ and Ziggler. AJ and Ziggler finally fight up, and they beat down Owens and Zayn and throw them out of the ring. Shane McMahon comes out to try to restore order. Shane calls out Owens and Zayn for the sneak attack, and books a five-way match that will start right now: Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin.

– Fatal 5 Way: Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. AJ Styles vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin: AJ and Sami start going at it, then Corbin comes over and throws Sami into the fan barrier. Corbin throws Owens next, then beats on Sami back in the ring. AJ and Corbin go at it now, but Corbin gets the better of him and stomps out the Champion. Owens comes back in, but Corbin drops him too. Corbin and Ziggler start going at it, and Ziggler throws Corbin outside. Owens and Sami gang up on Corbin at ringside and throw him into the ring steps. Back in the ring, Sami beats on Ziggler while Owens attacks AJ. Owens then hits a senton on Ziggler, and Sami stomps on Corbin on the apron. Sami and Kevin double team AJ now, and Owens hits a senton on AJ for a two count. They kick Corbin back outside the ring, but Corbin comes right back in and drops Sami. Corbin walks into a superkick from Owens, but then Ziggler drops Owens. AJ hits a Pele kick on Sami elsewhere in the ring.

Everyone starts fighting in the corner, which leads to a five-man powerbomb pyramid spot. Everyone is down, and AJ and Owens roll out to ringside. Sami, Corbin and Ziggler go at it in teh ring now. Corbin falls out to ringside, and Sami hits a Blue Thunderbomb on Ziggler, but AJ breaks up the pin attempt. Sami throws AJ outside, then Ziggler throws Sami outside. Owens hits the ring and hits a German suplex on Ziggler, then drops Corbin. Owens hits the cannonball on Ziggler in the corner, then a KO Bomb, but AJ breaks up the pin. AJ gets thrown outside, and Ziggler hits a Zig Zag on Corbin. Ziggler hits a superkick on Sami next. Corbin beats on AJ and throws him outside, then he clotheslines Sami down. Corbin hits a chokeslam backbreaker on Ziggler, then a Deep Six on Owens. Corbin covers, and AJ breaks up the pin.

AJ boots Corbin down, then kicks Ziggler in the head too. Sami nails AJ in the corner, but AJ comes back with a big reverse DDT. AJ drops Corbin on the apron, then throws Ziggler outside. Owens and Sami throw AJ outside next. Sami turns around and hits a big boot on Owens, and the crowd goes nuts. Sami covers for the three count.

Winner: Sami Zayn

– After the match, Sami is on his knees next to Owens, as the others recover at ringside. We see replays as the announcers promote Sunday’s Fastlane show. Sami makes his exit, and Owens looks mad. Dasha Fuentes comes out to interview Sami, and asks why he attacked Owens. Sami says her question is stupid and he did that because he’s the most underlooked performer in WWE. Sami says tonight wasn’t about the WWE Title, it was just to prove who is the best, and he proved he is. Sami heads to the back as SmackDown goes off the air.

The March 5th, 2018 edition of WWE Monday Night RAW took place at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwuakee, WI.

– Michael Cole welcomes us to Milwuakee, as he’s flanked by Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman at the broadcast table on the stage.

– RAW GM Kurt Angle comes out to the ring to kick off the show. Angle gets on the mic and thanks everyone for coming, then says he needs to get serious. He talks about Triple H sucker punching him last week, and calls out Triple H right now to come face him like a man. Stephanie McMahon comes out instead. Stephanie walks down and tells Kurt to calm down, and says Triple H hasn’t arrived at the building yet. Stephanie tells Kurt that his Olympic gold medals and WWE Hall of Fame accolades don’t pay the bills, being RAW GM does, and Angle should remember that. She blames Angle for ruining the Ronda Rousey contract signing, and tells Angle to know his role and just make matches for RAW. Ronda Rousey comes out to interrupt.

Rousey walks down to the ring and hugs Angle and Stephanie offers her hand for a shake. Rousey says what Stephanie did to Angle last week was enlightening for her. Stephanie says WWE has done a lot for Rousey, including booking her in-ring debut for WrestleMania 34. Rousey points out that her contract lets her pick her opponent for wrestleMania, and then she picks Stephanie as her WrestleMania opponent. Stephanie says she’s not a member of the roster, and then Triple H’s music interrupts and The Game comes out to the ring.

Triple H gets on the mic and says this won’t happen. Triple H tells Angle to forget his gold medals and stop being a tough guy and start doing his job as GM. Angle points out that Stephanie said Triple H wasn’t here tonight, and adds that Stephanie does have a contract as a WWE superstar. Angle says he makes the matches, and he says Rousey vs. Stephanie at WrestleMania is on. Angle says Triple H also has a contract.

Angle reminds Triple H that he warned him after Survivor Series, and then Angle adds himself to the WrestleMania match. So it looks like Kurt Angle & Ronda Rousey vs. Triple H & Stephanie McMahon at WrestleMania 34.

Stephanie gets in Kurt’s face and talks trash. She goes to slap Angle, but Ronda steps her. Triple H tells everyone to calm down and says things don’t have to go this way. Triple H then goes for a cheap shot on Angle, but it’s blocked and Kurt starts pummeling on Triple H. Angle drops HHH then puts the ankle lock on him until Triple H finally fights free. Stephanie cheap shots Ronda from behind, but Ronda gets right back up and Stephanie runs away. Triple H looks to attack Kurt again, but Kurt drops Triple H again for another ankle lock. Stephanie helps pull HHH to safety from under the bottom rope. Ronda pulls Stephanie into the ring by her hair and then drops her. Stephanie and Triple H retreat as Ronda and Kurt stare them down.

– Still to come: John Cena is in the house, and Asuka will take on Nia Jax.

– Referees are seen helping Triple H and Stephanie up and to the back.

– Asuka vs. Nia Jax: The opening bell sounds and Nia overpowers Asuka early on. Some headbutts and body shots from Nia now. We see a shot backstage of Alexa Bliss doing an interview where she predicts Nia will win tonight. Jax and Asuka briefly brawl at ringside, before going back on the mat where Jax hits a backbreaker. Jax looks for another one, but Asuka counters and boots Nia in the face. Asuka continues fighting back, then climbs up top but Nia drops her. Nia continues the beat down until Asuka fires back with a Shining Wizard for a near-fall. Nia comes back with a Samoan Drop for a two count of her own. Jax slams Asuka again then looks for a leg drop, but Asuka dodges it. Asuka locks in an arm bar, but Jax powers up and slams Asuka after a struggle on the mat. Asuka doesn’t break the hold, so Jax slams her again and again. Jax powers up again, but Asuka still has the arm bar locked in and pulls Nia back down to the mat. Jax finally taps out.

Winner via submission: Asuka

– After the match, we see Alexa Bliss backstage watching on a monitor and looking concerned. Jax walks to the back selling an arm injury.

– Coming up: A look at John Cena’s road to WrestleMania 34.

– The Revival vs. The Bar: This one is a non-title match. If The Revival wins, they get a title shot at WrestleMania. Dawson and Sheamus start off trading holds on the mat until Sheamus drops him with a shoulder block. Cesaro tags in now, and The Bar starts taking turns beating on Dawson. Sheamus gets distracted hitting Wilder, and turns around into a shot from Dawson. Dawson starts turning it around, then Wilder tags in and they double team Sheamus for a two count. The Bar regroups on the floor, then comes back in he ring and drops Wilder, then double teams Dawson. Dawson starts fighting back against Sheamus, then hits a jawbreaker and tags in Dash. They double team Sheamus and take turns beating on him in the corner. Sheamus finally fires back with a backdrop, then tags in Cesaro. Cesaro starts cleaning house, but Dawson catches him and hits a DDT for a two count. Sheamus tags back in now and works over Dawson with knee strikes. Cesaro tags back in, but Dash causes a distraction and allows Dawson to turn it around. Sheamus gets sent to the floor, then Dawson hits a superplex on Cesaro. Dash follows up with a frog splash, but Cesaro kicks out at 2. Dawson tags back in for the double team, but Sheamus boots Dash out of the ring first. Dawson fights off Sheamus, but then Cesaro grabs him and hits The Neutralizer for the three count.

Winners: The Bar

– Still to come: John Cena is in the house, and Corey Graves will preview the new “Strangers: Prey at Night” movie.

– We see a promo for WWE Ride Along on the WWE Network.

– John Cena comes out to the ring next to a mixed reaction. The announcers plug WWE Fastlane as he walks down the ramp. Cena gets on the mic and says he’s here to talk about SmackDown, and says Kurt Angle granted him this opportunity to speak because he realizes the importance of the Fastlane pay-per-view. Cena talks about being privileged to be the only free agent in WWE, and talks about his WWE Title shot at Fastlane. Cena says on Sunday he will break a record by becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, and that’s the reality of the matter. Cena says he’s heard all the criticism about himself, and hears people saying he is handed everything by WWE. Cena says he earned his spot, and says he encourages AJ to use his rematch clause after Fastlane to make a three-way for WrestleMania: Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura. Music hits, and Goldust comes out to interrupt.

Goldust dros some movie quotes and says he should be the WWE Title contender, and he steps into the ring. Goldust rants about dreaming of sharing the spotlight at WrestleMania, and that dream begins with stopping Cena’s dream. Goldust says he’s in control now and is Cena’s new director, and Cena’s dreams will be shattered tonight. Cena goes to say something, but Goldust hits him with a right hand, and we have a match.

– Goldust vs. John Cena: Goldust starts off in control and poses over Cena. Cena starts hulking up, but Goldust drops him again for a two count. Goldust continues the beat down and hits an inverted atomic drop. Goldust works on keeping Cena grounded, and poses and rubs Cena weirdly. Cena once again tries to fight up, but Goldust catches him with a spinning powerslam for a two count. They scuffle and Goldust hits a low-blow, as fans are now dueling chants for Cena and Goldust. Cena starts making a comeback and hits the shoulder blocks and back suplex. Cena follows up with the Five Knuckle Shuffle and the AA for the three count.

Winner: John Cena

– After the match, Cena celebrates the win as the announcers plug Fastlane.

– Kurt Angle gets confronted by Elias backstage. Elias wants Angle to cancel the Symphony of Destruction match tonight. Elias heard there will be instruments around the ring for the match, and he thinks music shouldn’t be used as a weapon. Angle thinks about it, and says he’s not cancelling it. Angle says what happens tonight is up to Elias, and Angle also makes it a Falls Count Anywhere match for good measure.

– Still to come: The Miz presents the third annual “Mizzie Awards.” Paul Heyman will respond to Roman Reigns.

– Bayley is backstage heading towards the gorilla position.

– Michael Cole introduces a video package looking at 2018 WWE Hall of Famer Hillbilly Jim.

– Bayley comes out and does a brief interview with Charly Caruso, but before she can really get started Absolution interrupts. Paige, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville come out, and Paige cuts a promo on Bayley calling her a stupid little kid.

– Bayley vs. Mandy Rose: Mandy and Bayley start off trading holds until Mandy hits a dropkick in the corner to take over. Mandy works over Bayley’s arm, then slams her into the corner. Bayley starts fighting back and hits a running elbow shot. Rose rolls outside for a breather with Absolution. Back in the ring, Rose tees off on Bayley with strikes. Bayley misses a shot and Rose answers with a running knee for a two count. Mandy keeps control and works over Bayley on the mat. Bayley counters a slingshot and drops Rose over the middle rope. Bayley fires up with some clotheslines and strikes now, then slams Mandy into the corner over and over. Bayley hits a suplex, then climbs to the middle rope but Sonya distracts her. Bayley still hits a flying elbow on Rose. Sonya gets back on the apron, and the distraction leads to Rose rolling up Bayley for a two count. Bayley comes back with a rollup pin of her own for the three count.

Winner: Bayley

– Rose and Deville immediately start beating down Bayley after the bell. Sasha banks runs down to make the save, and Absolution retreats. Sasha goes to hug Bayley, but Bayley declines and walks away.

– Michael Cole introduces a Women’s History Month video about Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

– We take a look at footage of the history between Elias and Braun Strowman.

– We see Strowman backstage, who says he’s not finished with Elias, and Elias is gonna get these hands tonight… as well as these keys, drums, and any other instrument he can get his hands on. Braun says this will be Elias’ extinction.

– We see Elias backstage with his guitar heading to the ring.

– Symphony of Destruction match: Elias vs. Braun Strowman: Elias is on stage with a piano, and there are other instruments set up all around the arena. Elias plays the piano and drums for a bit, and sings a song knocking Strowman. Elias sings about Milwuakee, and steps in the ring as the lights go out. The lights come back on, and Elias is gone. Elias is seen running through the crowd towards the back now. Elias runds through the backstage area and gets in a car. He starts it up and tries to back out, but the car isn’t moving. The camera backs out to reveal Braun lifting the car up off it’s back wheels. Braun says he’s not finished with Elias, and Elias hops out of the car and starts running. Strowman chases Elias through the arena and back to the stage. Braun starts beating down Elias on the stage, and drags him to the ring. Strowman throws Elias in the corner and hits a big running splash, then some strikes. Strowman goes for a slam, but Elias escapes and hits Strowman’s knee from behind. Elias starts working the knee, then grabs the guitar and smashes it over Braun’s back. Elias starts pummeling on Braun, then knocks him off his feet. Elias goes up top and hits a flying elbow for a one count, and Braun kicks out with authority. Elias looks for the Drift Away, but Braun fights out and drops him with a right hand. Braun sends Elias outside, and follows him out and up the ramp. Strowman brings Elias over to the announce table and goes for a powerslam, but Elias rakes the eyes and escapes. Strowman shoves Elias into the stage wall, and beats him down near the instruments. Strowman smashes a big bass over Elias’ back, then throws a piano on him. Strowman shoves the piano out of the way and pins for the three count.

Winner: Braun Strowman

– After the match, Strowman raises his arms and yells. He talks trash to Elias as he walks away. Paramedics put Elias in a neck brace and load him ont oa stretcher as we go to replays.

– Still to come: Paul Heyman is in the house.

– Bray Wyatt vs. Rhyno: The opening bell sounds and Rhyno attacks early. Rhyno unloads with strikes in the corner. Wyatt comes back with a boot to the face, then he taunts Slater at ringside. Wyatt starts pummeling on Rhyno, then picks him up. Wyatt follows up with the Sister Abigail for the win after a very short match.

Winner: Bray Wyatt

– After the match, Slater checks on Rhyno as Wyatt stares him down. Wyatt gets on the mic and calls out Matt Hardy, saying he’s a coward. Fans chant “Delete,” and Wyatt says The Final Deletion and The Great War are far from over. Matt appears on the big screen and concurs, the war is far from over, but it can no longer continue inside WWE – it must happen at The Hardy Compound. We see video of Hardy and his Vanguard 1 drone on the grounds of the Hardy Compound. Hardy challenges Wyatt to The Ultimate Deletion, as Wyatt looks on and smiles.

– The Miz is backstage getting ready to come out to the ring.

– WWE Intercontinental Champion The Miz comes down to the ring with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. He welcomes us to the third annual Mizzie Awards, and trashes the Oscars. The first category is “Superstar who is best at patting themself on the back,” which he declares a tie between Finn Balor and Seth Rollins. Miz says they’re not here to accept their awards because they weren’t invited. The next award is “Worst decision by a RAW GM,” and he mentions Kurt Angle letting Rollins and Balor into the Elimination Chamber, and mentions him failing to name a WrestleMania opponent for The Miz. The Miz starts to introduce a Lifetime Achievement award, but Seth Rollins interrupts. Rollins says the people of Milwuakee were begging for someone to interrupt because the Miz is dragging on. Finn Balor interrupts next, and says he can do one better than Rollins. Miz intrrupts and says neither of them are worthy of facing him at WrestleMania. Miz cuts promos on both of them for being losers, then challenges them to a handicap match. Rollins and Balor accept, and we have a match.

– 3-on-2 Handicap Match: The Miz & The Miztourage vs. Finn Balor and Seth Rollins: Axel and Balor start this one off. Axel starts strong, but Balor quickly turns it around. Rollisn tags in for the double team. Dallas tags in, but Rollins takes him down quick then scares Miz off the apron. Dallas starts firing up and works over Rollins in the corner. Miz tags in and stomps on Rollins, then Axel comes back in. Axel drops Rollins then hits a knee to the back. Axel dropkicks Rollins, then Dallas tags in. Rollins starts to fight back and boots Dallas down. Balor tags in and cleans house. Miz distracts Balor and Balor follows him out to the floor, where Axel and Dallas sneak attack him. Back in the ring, Balor drops Axel with a boot to the head. Rollins and Miz both tag in, and Rollins springboards in with a shot on the IC Champ. Rollins hits a knee and a splash, then suplex into a Falcon Arrow for a 2 count. Rollins boots Miz, then knocks Dallas off the apron. Miz rolls up Rollins from behind for 2. Rollins hits a kick to the face and pins, but Axel breaks it up. Rollins throws Axel outside, then hits a suicide dive on The Miztourage. Miz gets thrown outside next and Rollins looks for another suicide dive, but Balor tags himself in. Rollins and Balor argue, then Balor hits a suicide dive on Axel and Dallas. Balor hits a slingblade on Miz, then a dropkick. Balor goes for the Coup De Grace, but Rollins tags himself in and hits the curb stomp on Miz for the three count.

Winners: Seth Rollins & Finn Balor

– After the match, Kurt Angle comes out and announces a new WrestleMania match: A Triple Threat for the IC Title: The Miz vs. Finn Balor vs. Seth Rollins

– Still to come: Paul Heyman

– We go to Corey Graves, and while he’s talking the USA Network abruptly ends RAW and starts the next program. The USA Network feed cuts back to RAW shortly, and we see Paul Heyman coming down to the ring with the Universal Title in his hand.

– Paul Heyman steps into the ring and lays the Universal Title belt down in the ring. Heyman says he has a special message from his client Brock Lesnar. Heyman starts talking about Roman Reigns and WrestleMania, and gives Reigns props for beating Undertaker last year. Heyman says he won’t be beating Lesnar this year, and if he doesn’t like it, he can do something about it next week when Lesnar is here. Heyman mentions Reigns’ family in wrestling, and says he knows Reigns wants the Universal Title because of his bloodline, but it won’t happen. Heyman says Reigns doesn’t want to shoot on the mic with him or in the ring with Lesnar. The music hits and Reigns comes down to the ring.

Reigns steps in the ring and gets on the mic. Reigns says he said some harsh but true things last night, and thought Lesnar would show up tonight instead of just sending Heyman. Reigns says Lesnar is a b*tch for not showing up to work. Reigns says he’ll be here next week too, so Brock can say anything he wants to his face, but he better be dressed to fight, not dressed for a promo segment. Heyman and Reigns have a stare down as Heyman leaves and RAW goes off the air.

The February 27th episode of WWE SmackDown Live took place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca.

– WWE SmackDown opens up with Tom Phillips welcoming us to the Staples Center. John Cena comes out to the ring to kick off the show. Cena gets in the ring and talks about not having a road to WrestleMania, and he wants a shot at the WWE Title at Fastlane. Shane McMahon comes out to interrupt and questions Cena wanting to put himself in the Title picture. Daniel Bryan comes out to interrupt next, and says they will give Cena and opportunity, because that’s what they do on SmackDown. Bryan says if Cena wins his match tonight, he’ll be in the WWE Title match at Fastlane. Bryan reveals that tonight Cena will have to face WWE Champion AJ Styles in a non-title match, and if Cena wins, he earns a spot in the WWE Title match at Fastlane. Cena leaves, and Shane seems to approve of Bryan’s idea.

– Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin is coming up next.

– We see some pre-taped promos for the mixed tag team challenge after SmackDown.

– Baron Corbin vs. Sami Zayn: Kevin Owens is on commentary for this one. The opening bell sounds and Corbin backs Zayn into the corner. Zayn fights out of the corner, but Corbin drops him with a lariat. Corbin takes Zayn outside and beats him down next to the barrier. Corbin charges, but Zayn throws him over the barricade. Zayn takes Corbin back in the ring and beats on him, while Shane and Bryan watch on a monitor backstage. Zayn works on keeping Corbin grounded in the ring, and a “Rusev Day” chant breaks out in the crowd. Shane and Bryan are still bakstage watching, and they disagree over allowing Owens to be on commentary. Back in the ring, Zayn comes flying off the top, but Corbin swats him out of mid-air. Corbin follows up with a chokeslam backbreaker, and then a lariat for a two count. Zayn knocks Corbin outside and then attempts a suicide dive, but Corbin catches him and launches Zayn into the table. Zayn and Corbin start fighting back in the ring, and then Dolph Ziggler comes out of nowhere and attacks Owens at ringside. Meanwhile in the ring, Corbin hits the End of Days on Zayn for the three count.

Winner: Baron Corbin

– After the match, Ziggler attacks Corbin from behind with a Zig Zag. We go backstage to Shane and Daniel, who still seem to be disagreeing about the treatment of Sami and Kevin. Bryan says he’s leaving the night, so it sounds like Shane is in charge by himself for the rest of the night.

– Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn confront Shane in the back, and they complain about Ziggler attacking. Shane informs them that Daniel Bryan has left for the night, so they’ll be dealing with Shane the rest of the night.

– Ruby Riott vs. Naomi: The Riott Squad is ringside, and so are Charlotte and Becky. Naomi sends Ruby rolling outside for a breather. The six women come face to face at ringisde as we go to commercial. Back in the ring, Ruby takes control until Naoim starts firing up with kicks. Naomi hits a series of kicks, and finishes with a springboard heel kick off the middle rope for a two count. Naomi misses a shot off the top, then misses a kick but Ruby sells it. Naomi misses a shot in the corner, and Riott comes back with a kick to the face for the three count.

Winner: Ruby Riott

– Charlotte and Becky chase off the Riott Squad after the match.

– We’re backstage with the Fashion Police, who are interrupted by an actor from Unsolved. The Fashion Police taunt him, saying that all their cases get solved, and they could help solve his case. The New Day walks in and they make some “Big E” and “Biggie” puns, relating to the Unsolved series.

– The New Day comes to the ring to talk about recapturing the Tag Team Titles. Big E requests that Kofi sprays cologne on his crotch area, and Kofi does several times. They discuss their strategy for Fastlane, and say they’ll go on to Party in New Orleans for WrestleMania as the Tag Champs. The Usos come out to interrupt and trash The New Day for coming out dancing and dressing like skittles. The Usos say they’ve been overlooked for WrestleMania year after year, and they won’t be on the sideline any more. The New Day says they didn’t get here because of their daddies like The Usos. Big E gets in their face, and they slap the mic away from him. They get in each other’s faces, then the Bludgeon Brothers interrupt. The Usos leave, and then The New Day leaves, as Rowan and Harper stand tall in the ring.

– We see footage from earlier today of Aiden English and Rusev approaching Shane McMahon. They want an opportunity, and Shane gives one — to Aiden. Shane books Aiden in a match against Shinsuke Nakamura.

– Bobby Roode does an interview in the back, where Randy Orton quickly interrupts and announces his intentions on capturing the U.S. Title from him.

– Aiden English is in the ring with Rusev beside him. English sings a song and Rusev cheers him on. English is in action next.

– Aiden English vs. Shinsuke Nakamura: English starts off strong, but Nakamura shuts him down with a knee. Nakamura continues to tee off on English, then takes him outside. English distracts the ref, and Rusev hits a cheap shot on Nakamura. Back in the ring, English starts beating Nakamura down in the corner. Nakamura kicks English away, then gets distracted by Rusev. English capitlizes with a shot in the corner and a version of the Death Valley Driver for a two count. English looks for a splash in the corner, but Nakamura avoids it. English hits a splash off the top, but Nakamura comes back with a flying kick to the face. Nakamura takes English to the corner for the Good Vibrations, then a running knee strike. Nakamura hits the Kinshasa next, and that’s it for this match.

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura

– After the match, Cena interrupts Nakamura’s exit and hits the ring.

– John Cena vs. AJ Styles: Cena hits an elbow to the face early on to take control of the main event shortly after the opening bell. Cena works over AJ in the corner now with right hands and kicks. AJ starts firing back with chops to the chest, but AJ stuns him with a DDT. Cena comes back with a back suplex and then the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Cena looks for the AA, but AJ escapes and hits a fireman’s carry into a neckbreaker. Cena comes back with a shot in the corner and a powerslam for a two count. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are shown watching backstage, as is Baron Corbin. Cena takes AJ up top for an AA, but AJ escapes and hits a spin out powerbomb for a two count. Dolph Ziggler is also backstage watching. Cena grabs AJ and hits the electric chair drop for a two count. Cena follows up with a running clothesline for another two count. Cena goes for another one, but Styles stops him with a boot to the face. Cena comes back and connects with an AA, but Styles kicks out at 2. AJ comes back with a lariat now, and goes for a Lionsault but misses. Cena hits the Code Red for a two count, then the STF. AJ escapes and hits a shot to Cena, then hits a Phenomenal Forearm off the top for a two count. Cena comes back and hits an AA, then goes for a second one but AJ escapes. Cena follows him outside and hits an AA on AJ through the announce table. Cena rolls back in the ring and the ref starts counting. AJ rolls in at the 9 count. Cena charges, but AJ locks Cena in the Calf Crusher. Cena escapes and hits the AA for the three count.

Winner: John Cena

– After the match, Kevin Owens’ music hits for his entrance, but Baron Corbin then runs in from the crowd and attacks Cena from behind. Owens and Sami hit the ring next, and they all start beating down Cena and AJ. Ziggler runs in for the save and starts superkicking the heels. Ziggler hugs AJ, but then attacks him and throws him outside. Cena grabs Ziggler and drops him, as SmackDown goes off the air.

The February 26th, 2018 edition of WWE RAW aired live from the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA. This was the first episode after Sunday night’s Elimination Chamber pay-per-view.

– This week’s broadcast opens with a video package looking at last night’s Elimination Chamber 2018. Michael Cole welcomes us to the arena, then he introduces footage of last night’s Ronda Rousey contract signing segment.

– RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss comes down to the ring alongside Mickey James. Alexa gets on the mic and says she amazed herself last night by winning the first ever women’s Elimination Chamber match last night. Alexa says she also wants to give credit where it’s due to Mickie James. Alexa starts trashing Asuka and says she’ll be the one to beat Asuka’s undefeated streak, and talks about Nia Jax beating her last night. Asuka comes out to interrupt. Alexa makes fun of Asuka’s english speaking skills, and then brings out Nia Jax who comes down the ramp. Asuka strikes first and kicks down Alexa and Mickie, but then Nia drops Asuka from behind. Asuka grabs Nia for a choke, but Alexa and Mickie get back up and beat down Asuka. Bayley and Sasha Banks run in for the save, but Nia clotheslines them down. Asuka starts fighting back against Nia with kicks, but then she gets hit from behind by Alexa. Alexa, Mickie and Nia all leave together as Sasha, Asuka and Bayley recover.

– Michael Cole says that John Cena is in the house to talk about his road to WrestleMania.

– During the commercial, Kurt Angle books a six-woman tag match for the women in tonight’s opening segment.

– Sasha Banks, Bayley & Asuka vs. Mickie James, Alexa Bliss & Nia Jax: Mickie and Bayley start things off. Mickie hits a kick and a hurricanrana out of the corner early on. She follows up with an elbow to the face for a two count. Nia tag in next and continues beating down Bayley. Alexa comes in next, but Bayley starts to come back and drops her. Bayley hits a lariat for a two count, then Sasha tags herself in. Sasha hits a running knee strike on Alexa for a two count. Alexa starts firing back with strikes, and Alexa comes back with a knee to the body. Sasha whips Alexa into the corner and hits some knees to the head, then she knocks both Alexa and Mickie outside. Sasha follows them outside, but Nia drops her while the ref is distracted. Alexa takes Sasha back in the ring and beats her down on the mat. Alexa whips Sasha into the corner and puts the boots to her, and Sasha rolls outside for a breather. Back in the ring, Nia tags in and continues the beat down on Sasha. Mickie tags in now and drops Sasha with a snapmare before booting her in the face. Sasha is finally about to get the tag, but Bayley hops off the apron and leaves Sasha hanging. Mickie goes back for Sasha but Sasha rolls her up, then tags in Asuka. Asuka starts cleaning house, and then hits a series of kicks to the head of Mickie. Alexa breaks up the pin, then Bayley hits a suplex on Alexa. Mickie goes to slap Asuka, but Asuka catches her and puts her in an armbar for the win via submission.

Winners: Asuka, Bayley & Sasha Banks

– Sasha & Bayley have a brief stare-down after the match.

– Michael Cole says last night wasn’t a good night for John Cena after losing the Chamber match. We see footage of Cena looking sad on RAW Talk last night after the pay-per-view. Cena is getting ready to come out next.

– John Cena makes his way down to the ring to a mixed reaction from the crowd. Cena gets on the mic and says last night he failed, and stares at the WrestleMania sign in the arena. Cena talks about failure and gives some motivational quotes. Cena says he has to prove himself, so he’s putting out a WrestleMania challenge to The Undertaker. The crowd reacts in approval, and Cena says it’s time for them to face off at WrestleMania. Cena says “and that match is not happening.” He says he doesn’t make the matches, and he’s been told “that match is impossible.” Cena says now everyone understands how disappointed he is. Cena says his road to WrestleMania is through SmackDown, so he’s going to SmackDown Live tomorrow night to try to earn a spot at WrestleMania. Cena says he’ll see us tomorrow night, then leaves.

– Bray Wyatt is out to the ring next.

– Bray Wyatt vs. Heath Slater: Wyatt attacks Rhyno before the match, which prompts Slater to attack him. Wyatt comes back with an elbow to the face of Slater. Rhyno comes running back in, but Wyatt stops him with a side suplex. Wyatt starts freaking out as the crowd chants “Delete,” then continues beating on Slater. He hits a Sister Abigail on Slater. Wyatt sits in the corner and gets on the mic, saying this is Matt Hardy’s fault for making him hurt these innocent men. Wyatt says the great war is far from over, and that Matt will have to face him again. Wyatt tells Matt he’s coming for him, and to run.

– Intercontinental Champion The Miz is backstage with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. They start walking towards the gorilla position to find out who The Miz will face at WrestleMania.

– We see another video package recapping the Ronda Rousey contract signing segment last night.

– The Miz makes his way down to the ring with Dallas and Axel. Miz gets on the mic and talks about his road to WrestleMania, and why he thinks he’s the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. He plugs his new TV show before complaining about being treated like “any other superstar.” The Miz complains that he has no merchandise like the other wrestlers. Miz says it should be him facing Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, because he could beat him. He complains Kurt Angle is treating him unfairly, and then Seth Rollins comes out to face Miz tonight.

– The Miz vs. Seth Rollins: This one is a non-title match. The opening bell sounds and Rollins starts off strong. Rollins reverses a hip toss attempt, then snapmares Miz down and kicks him in the face. Rollins clotheslines Miz outside, and Dallas and Axel check on him. Rollins runs the ropes and goes for a suicide dive on them, but they move out of the way. Rollins follows Miz outside and takes him back in the ring. Dallas and Axel briefly distract Rollins, which leads to Miz knocking Rollins off the apron and onto the fan barricade. Miz takes Rollins back in the ring and hits a big knee to the midsection. Rollins fires back with chops to the chest, but Miz drops him again. They start trading strikes in the middle of the ring, and this leads to Rollins getting the upper hand and hitting a springboard flying clothesline. Rollins follows up with the sling blade, then a boot to the face of Miz. Rollins hits a blockbuster off the top for a two count. Miz fires back with kicks and a facebuster. The Miz follows up with dropkicks in the corner, then a running clothesline. They fight up the corner and Rollins comes back with a superplex and a Falcon Arrow. Rollins hits a suicide dive onto the Miztourage at ringside for good measure, then he clotheslines Miz outside. Rollins follows up with a suicide dive on all three of them, then takes Miz back inside. Rollins hits a knee to the face, then climbs up top. Rollins hits a frogsplash off the top all the way across the ring onto Miz, and he pins for the three count.

Winner: Seth Rollins

– Immediately after the match, Finn Balor comes out to interrupt Rollins’ celebration. We are informed that The Miz now has to face Finn Balor, by order of Kurt Angle.

– The Miz vs. Finn Balor: As soon as the opening bell rings, Dallas and Axel interfere and attack Balor. Gallows and Anderson run in for the save. Kurt Angle appears on the big screen and banishes Gallows, Anderson, Axel and Dallas from ringside. The Miz says if he doesn’t compete, he won’t have a match at WrestleMania this year. The opening bell sounds again, and Miz and Balor start brawling. Miz gets the upper hand and hits a flying knee to the face. Balor fires back with some clotheslines and elbows to the face, then a double stomp. Miz looks for a Skull Crushing Finale, but Balor escapes. Miz comes back with a neckbreaker for a two count. Balor answers with some kicks for a two count of his own, then Miz rolls outside. Balor follows him out and dropkicks Miz into the barricade. Back in the ring, Balor hits the slingblade, then a dropkick into the corner. Balor hits the Coup De Grace off the top and pins for the three count.

Winner: Finn Balor

– Roman Reigns is out to the ring next. He says the truth is Brock Lesnar isn’t here tonight, because something happened and he didn’t show up. Reigns says Lesnar is an entitled piece of crap who hands behind his contract. Reigns criticizes Lesnar for no-showing so close to WrestleMania. Reigns says he makes every date WWE books, and he was born in this business. He says he doesn’t respect Lesnar and “I damn sure don’t fear that bitch.” Reigns walks off.

– We see a pre-taped promo from Braun Strowman where he talks about shutting up Elias last night. Strowman says tonight he’s playing a symphony of pain.

– The Bar vs. Titus Worldwide: This one is a best 2-of-3 falls match. Cesaro distracts Titus early on, and Sheamus immediately hits a Brogue Kick on Titus for the first fall of the match right off the opening bell. Crews coes in now and goes at it with Cesaro. Crews hits a boot and a flying cross body for a two count. Titus comes in now and starts punishing Cesaro with chops and kicks. Crews tags in for a quick double team on Cesaro, then Titus tags right back in for some shots in the corner on the Swiss Superman. Crews comes back in now and slams Cesaro, then hits a standing shooting star press for a two count. Cesaro rolls outside, and Crews hits a suicide dive onto the Champions at ringside. They fight back into the ring, and then Sheamus and Titus get the tags. Titus backs Sheams into the corner with chops and punches. Titus charges but Sheamus stops him with a shot to the face. Titus answers with a body slam and then a big splash in the corner. Titus bumps Cesaro outside, then hits a Dominator on Sheamus for a two count. Crews tags and goes up top for a frogsplash. Crews pins, but Cesaro breaks it up. Titus takes Cesaro outside, then Crews boots Sheamus in the head. The two teams exchange several roll-ups and near-falls before Sheamus takes Titus outside and beats him down. Back in the ring, Cesaro and Sheamus double team Crews for the three count to win the match. This one finished 2-0 for The Bar.

Winners: The Bar

– After the match, the Bar does an interview in the ring where they make fun of Titus Worldwide. They claim there is no one left for them to beat at WrestleMania becuase they’ve already gone through the whole roster.

– Michael Cole introduces a WWE Hall of Fame video package for 2018 Warrior Award recipient Jarrius “JJ” Robertson.

– We see a video package looking at the short history between Braun Strowman and Elias.

– Elias is in the ring for a song. He asks the fans: Who wants to walk with Elias? Then he talks about last night’s match not going as planned for him. He says he’s still focused on WrestleMania 34, and he starts talking about Strowman. Elias starts singing, but Strowman interrupts, and it’s on.

– Elias vs. Braun Strowman: They lock up off the opening bell and Elias stumbles out of the ring for a breather. Elias gets back in and strikes first, but Braun shuts him down and sends him back out to ringside. Braun follows him out and chases Elias back in the ring. Elias starts throwing right hands, but Braun drops him. Braun charges and Elias stops him with a boot. Elias goes to grab Strowman, but Braun drops him again. Braun starts throwing Elias around the ring, then hitting a running splash in teh corner. Strowman beats Elias down to the mat, then they roll outside and Braun throws Elias into the fan barrier. He throws Elias back in the ring, but Elias rolls right back out. Braun follows Elias around ringside and Elias crawls under the ring. Braun grabs Elias back out, but Elias has a fire extinguisher and he sprays it in Braun’s face. The ref calls for the DQ.

Winner via DQ: Braun Strowman

– After the bell, Elias continues to spray Strowman and starts beating on him. Back in the ring, Elias continues the beat down until Strowman connects with a right hand. Braun chases Elias up the ramp now and drops him. Braun drags Elias to the announce table and looks for a running powerslam, but Elias rakes the eyes. Elias runs away and Braun follows. Elias seems to get away, and Strowman is not happy. We see a limousine arrive in the background.

– Nia Jax vs. Asuka is announced for next week.

– Triple H and Stephanie McMahon make their entrance and come down to the ring. They get on the mic, and Stephanie says last night’s contract signing with Ronda Rousey was ruined by one man — RAW GM Kurt Angle. She says Angle flipped out and made things up, and that Ronda was out of line. Stephanie says Ronda acted out of savage instinct, and tells her that from now on she must report directly to Stephanie. Stephanie says she needs to call everyone out here so she can tell them their roles. She calls out Kurt Angle, but Ronda Rousey comes out instead. Angle comes out behind Rousey and tries to calm her down. Triple H and Stephanie leave the ring as Rousey enters. Angle follows her trying to calm her down. Rousey gets on the mic and says she meant every word last night, and is happy to be in WWE, but she’s never been slapped before and refuses to be disrespected. Angle understands, but says this is a different world and Rousey has to work within the system. Angle says he needs this job, and he lied last night at the PPV. Stephanie and Triple H come back in the ring now, as Angle says he’s had double pneumonia and doesn’t even know what he said last night. Angle apologizes, and Stephanie thanks him. Stephanie says they should all put this behind them, and says they will make Rousey the star she deserves to be. Rousey says that still doesn’t address the slap, and Stephanie needs to apologize. Rousey says if Stephanie doesn’t apologize, she’ll rip out her arm. Stephanie walks up and says she is sorry, and she reacted to Rousey putting her husband through a table, but it’s no excuse. Stephanie apologizes again and welcomes Ronda to WWE. Stephanie and Triple H go to leave, but Triple H drops Angle with a sucker punch first. Triple H and Stephanie head backstage as Ronda checks on Kurt. Kurt gets to his feet in the ring as RAW goes off the air.