Location: Lenovo Center, Raleigh, North Carolina Announcers: Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett
The show opened with a look back at the official kick-off to the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania. Randy Orton’s actions from earlier in the week were highlighted, and Joe Tessitore said Orton would appear later in the night to explain himself.
Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu Brawl Before the Show Even Starts
Before SmackDown went on the air, cameras caught Drew McIntyre attacking Jacob Fatu in the parking lot. McIntyre smashed the windshield of Fatu’s vehicle and pulled him out, hitting punches and headbutts on the hood of the car. Fatu was busted open from the forehead during the attack, which took place near Jelly Roll’s illegally parked vehicle.
McIntyre entered the arena and addressed the crowd. He said the only place he should be wrestling is the main event of WrestleMania and that Fatu took that from him. McIntyre said he came to SmackDown to fight and that if anyone has wronged Drew McIntyre, “your ass is his.”
General Manager Nick Aldis confronted McIntyre and called him the most self-sabotaging person he has ever known. Aldis said he had set up a match for McIntyre and told him he could not keep his hands off Fatu, warning that McIntyre was on the way to unemployment.
McIntyre fired back, saying he had tried to quit and that Aldis would have loved that. He told Aldis that if he thinks McIntyre is acting like a child, Aldis’ son should be ashamed of having “a corporate stooge for a dad.”
Fatu then charged past Aldis and attacked McIntyre, and the two brawled at ringside. Fatu sent McIntyre into the ring post and the ring steps before sending him over the announce table. Fatu delivered headbutts and punches before security attempted to separate them. Fatu broke through the security detail and hit a splash off the ringside barrier onto McIntyre through the announce table. Fatu then walked away as the segment ended heading into commercial.
SmackDown Tag Team Championship: Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated Tama Tonga and JC Mateo (new champions)
Priest started strong against Mateo, hitting punches and a leaping flatliner before connecting with a side Russian leg sweep and corkscrew forearm combination on Tama Tonga. MFT took control after Tonga Loa pulled Truth off the apron and Mateo clotheslined Priest over the top rope. Talla worked over Priest on the outside while Mateo distracted the referee.
MFT isolated Priest for an extended stretch. Tama and Mateo hit a double headbutt, a double clothesline, and a double suplex. Mateo hit a standing moonsault for a near fall and knocked Truth off the apron with a splash into the corner. Priest finally created separation with a cyclone kick to Mateo.
Truth tagged in and hit flying shoulder tackles, a Blue Thunder Bomb, and the Five Knuckle Shuffle. Tama escaped an Attitude Adjustment attempt, and Tama and Mateo hit a dropkick into a spinning belly-to-back slam for a near fall. Truth hit a cutter on Tama and Priest hit a splash off the steps to Tama on the floor.
Truth locked in an STF on Mateo and pulled him to the center of the ring, but Solo Sikoa distracted the referee while Talla pulled Truth off and hit a chokeslam on the apron. Mateo got a near fall.
The Wyatt Sicks then appeared and brawled with MFT members at ringside. Uncle Howdy hit a mandible claw on Solo before Mateo hit a superkick and sent Howdy into the ringside barrier. Back in the ring, Truth hit a split, a leg lariat, and a Death Valley Driver on Mateo. Priest clotheslined Tama to the outside, and Truth pinned Mateo for the three count.
Damian Priest and R-Truth are the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss Confront the Bellas
Cathy Kelley interviewed the Bella Twins about their upcoming title opportunity. Brie Bella said people should not underestimate them.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss interrupted, carrying ice cream. Charlotte told the Bellas they jumped the line for a title match and called it selfish. Charlotte said they would not interrupt the Bellas’ match because they do not want to be the center of attention, but added that they get the next title shot. The Bellas invited them to watch the match and took Alexa’s spoon.
Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano Backstage
Candice LeRae and Johnny Gargano were backstage when Danhausen appeared, offering to remove a curse for $20 before disappearing.
Sami Zayn Questions Everything After Orton’s Attack on Rhodes
A video package aired showing the world’s reaction to Randy Orton’s attack on Cody Rhodes.
Cathy Kelley then spoke with Sami Zayn, who said he should be focused on his match with Aleister Black but could not stop thinking about Cody. Zayn said Cody tries to be good and goes the extra mile, and to see him stretchered out in a pool of his own blood was difficult to process.
“Randy does what he does and I look up to Randy,” Zayn said. “I don’t know what to make of it. The more I try to do things the right way, the more it falls apart. The world I believe in doesn’t exist.”
Trick Williams interrupted and brought up that he beat Jacob Fatu last week. Zayn told Williams they have been doing a lot of talking and maybe they should do something. Williams said if he has time, he would check out Zayn’s match and give him some pointers. Zayn laughed at the suggestion and told Williams to get a real good look.
Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin defeated Axiom and Nathan Frazer
The Motor City Machine Guns picked up a win over Axiom and Nathan Frazer with help from Candice LeRae. Shelley and Sabin controlled much of the match with crisp double-team offense, including a double back elbow, alternating elbow drops, and a double splash. They also hit their signature Chasing the Dragon combination on Axiom for a near fall.
Axiom and Frazer mounted a comeback with double superkicks, a flip dive over both opponents, and a frog splash from Frazer. The match broke down late with all four men exchanging suicide dives to the floor. In the finish, Frazer hit an O’Connor roll on Sabin, but Candice LeRae, who had come to the stage earlier in the match, punched Frazer while the referee was not looking. Sabin rolled through and pinned Frazer for the three count.
Randy Orton Explains His Attack on Cody Rhodes
A video package aired showing the world’s reaction to Randy Orton’s attack on Cody Rhodes. Cameras also showed Orton arriving at the building, walking past the scene of the Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu brawl from earlier in the night.
Orton made his way to the ring carrying the same chair he used on Rhodes last week. He sat down in the center of the ring and addressed the crowd.
Orton said that for years, when his entrance music hits, the fans sing along, and the love they show puts a smile on his face. But he called that smile “the emptiest feeling he has felt in his life.”
Orton said he has been doing this a long time, longer than most, and that things do not last forever. He said he does not want his legacy to be the moments he gave to the fans. He wants his legacy to be how much world championship gold he has put around his waist.
Orton recounted winning the Elimination Chamber and expecting to face Drew McIntyre. He said he knew what he needed to be to beat Drew. But then Cody won the title. Orton said he did not know if he could be who he had to be to beat Cody because he loves Cody.
Orton said last week, Cody took the burden off his chest when Cody told him to be the best he could be, to be the Viper, and to listen to the voices. Orton said the problem with listening to the voices is that he is not always in control and sometimes he gets hurt just as bad as everyone else.
“I need that killer instinct to get number 15 and add to my legacy,” Orton said. “I will do it with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment.”
Orton closed by reciting his signature phrase. “I hear voices in my head. They counsel me. They understand. They talk to me. They talk to me and they tell me I will beat Cody Rhodes. The voices tell me I will beat Cody Rhodes and become the WWE Champion. At the main event of WrestleMania.”
Orton Punches Matt Cardona Backstage
After leaving the ring, Orton walked through the backstage area. Rey Fenix, Angel Garza, and Humberto Carrillo walked away as he passed. Matt Cardona stopped Orton and told him he has known both Orton and Cody for years and that they are like brothers.
Orton responded by asking if “the indie nerd has some toys to play with,” then punched Cardona and told him to stay out of his business.
Aleister Black defeated Sami Zayn
Trick Williams came to ringside before the match and spent much of the contest on the announce table, drawing crowd attention away from the action.
Zayn and Black traded chops and forearms early. Zayn hit a clothesline and a back elbow from the apron. Black fought back with a knee, a leg drop, and a jumping knee for a near fall. Black locked in a knee bar and grapevined the leg. Black hit a meteora for a near fall after Zayn missed a Helluva Kick.
Zayn built momentum late, clotheslining Black over the top rope and sending him into the ringside barrier twice. Zayn hit an exploder suplex into the turnbuckles and set up for the Helluva Kick, but Black rolled to the floor. Zayn went after Black on the outside and pushed Trick’s foot off the announce table before sending Black into the table. Trick then threw his beverage in Zayn’s face.
Zayn abandoned the match momentarily to punch Trick repeatedly at ringside. He beat the count back into the ring, but Black was waiting and hit Black Mass for the three count.
Matt Cardona Wants Randy Orton Tonight
Cardona approached Nick Aldis backstage and demanded a match with Orton tonight. Aldis shut it down, saying it was not happening after what had already occurred between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu.
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov Backstage
Carmelo Hayes asked Aldis about the open challenge. Aldis said it was closed because someone had made a good argument for the match.
Separately, Ilja Dragunov told Hayes he had thought about what Hayes said and that he will always be fighting himself. Dragunov said he will not be the man unless he takes the shots. Hayes responded that someone will be enjoying champagne and the other will be dealing with pain.
Nia Jax and Lash Legend on the Bellas
Nia Jax said it has been years since the Bellas tagged together and they have never won a tag title. She questioned why they think they have a chance. Lash Legend said the Bellas are trying to relive their glory days, and noted that Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, and the Kabuki Warriors all want a shot at the women’s tag titles as well.
Jade Cargill Calls Out Rhea Ripley, Gets Backup From Michin and B-Fab
Jade Cargill came to the ring and told Rhea Ripley to come out. Ripley obliged and asked if they were going to talk or do something.
Cargill said Ripley needs the title, but that she herself does not need the title, the ring, or the fans. “With or without wrestling, I am that bitch,” Cargill said. “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to make money.”
Ripley said Cargill is successful if her goal is not to have friends. Ripley said she needs wrestling and has been doing this since she was 16. She told Cargill that she does not understand the business if she thinks Ripley needs the title. “That title needs me,” Ripley said. “Now I want that title, so I am going to take that title. That is why I am giving you a big WrestleMania match. Welcome to the big leagues, bitch.”
Ripley invited Cargill to take the first shot. Cargill declined and said “on my time” before leaving the ring. B-Fab and Michin then cut off Cargill’s exit and forced her back toward the ring. Cargill smiled as B-Fab and Michin joined her side.
Ripley hit a thrust kick on B-Fab, but Michin struck Ripley with a kendo stick. Michin and B-Fab held Ripley while Cargill hit a thrust kick followed by Jaded, leaving Ripley laid out.
MFT Backstage: Tama Tonga Tells Solo He Has Been “Acting Like Roman”
Solo Sikoa was furious that MFT lost the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. He told Tama Tonga and JC Mateo they can say goodbye to WrestleMania. Mateo blamed the Wyatt Sicks for the loss. Solo said it was on them for losing.
Tama looked at the lantern Solo has been carrying and told Solo to give it back to the Wyatt Sicks. Tama said Solo has not been acting the same since he took the lantern. “You’ve been acting like Roman,” Tama said. Solo stared at Tama and asked him what he just said before Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu flew past them, brawling into the truck entrance area as security once again failed to keep them separated. McIntyre went for Fatu’s eyes during the altercation.
Miz, Kit Wilson, and Danhausen Backstage
Kit Wilson said he has the “Miz Method” down to deal with Jelly Roll. Miz said his family vacation was delayed because of weather, he had to sit in a middle seat, and he got sunburned. Danhausen appeared and offered to help them against Jelly Roll. Miz declined, and a ladder fell behind him. Miz told Kit to handle it by himself.
Men’s United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes defeated Ilja Dragunov (retains championship)
Hayes and Dragunov delivered a hard-hitting match that built in intensity throughout. Dragunov controlled the early going with chops, headbutts, and a Konstantin Special. He worked over Hayes with a front face lock, an abdominal stretch with repeated elbows, and multiple German suplexes. Dragunov told Hayes to “try harder” while holding on through the German suplexes.
Hayes fought back with La Mistica for a near fall, a flip dive to the floor that sent him into the announce table, and a frog splash that he could not capitalize on due to rib damage. The match escalated to the apron, where Dragunov hit a Death Valley Driver.
The closing stretch saw multiple near falls from both men. Dragunov hit the H-Bomb, but Hayes got his foot on the rope. Hayes countered a Torpedo Moscow with First 48 for a near fall. Hayes went up for Nothing But Net but Dragunov moved, and Dragunov connected with Torpedo Moscow. Dragunov went for a powerbomb, but Hayes countered with a Code Red for the three count to retain.
Jelly Roll Talks Randy Orton Down Backstage
After congratulating Priest and Truth on their title win, Jelly Roll stopped to talk to Randy Orton. Orton apologized for last week and asked for forgiveness.
Jelly Roll said he was worried about Orton. “I know what it feels like to be known for your worst action,” Jelly Roll said. “You did the work to change yourself and become a better man. I don’t know why you’re trying to be a version you already beat.”
Jelly Roll spoke about the husband, father, and man that Orton is. “That is who I know. That is the man who had my back at SummerSlam,” he said. “I don’t know the Randy who was here last week. Money and titles come and go. Family is always there.”
Orton asked Jelly Roll how to deal with the Cardona situation. Jelly Roll said they would start with Cardona. Orton told Jelly Roll he loves him.
Kit Wilson Challenges Jelly Roll to Slam Poetry, Then Attacks Him
Kit Wilson came to the ring and called out Jelly Roll, saying he crossed the line last week and that he finishes fights. Jelly Roll made his way to the ring and called for a referee, but Wilson stopped him and said they would settle things like civilized gentlemen. Wilson said he does not fight with his fists but with his words.
Jelly Roll asked Wilson if he was brought to Raleigh for a rap battle. Wilson clarified that the format would be slam poetry and pulled out a book to read his poem.
Jelly Roll said Wilson’s poem was “pretty good” but responded with his own material, which included jokes about Wilson’s mother. Wilson then attacked Jelly Roll from behind, hit a splash into the corner, went to the top rope, and connected with an elbow drop, leaving Jelly Roll laid out.
Giulia and Chelsea Green Backstage
Kiana James checked on Giulia backstage. Giulia said she would deal with Tiffany Stratton. Chelsea Green appeared in a wheelchair and said “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” offering to help. Giulia said she does not need any help. Nia Jax and Lash Legend then appeared and pushed Green’s wheelchair away.
Jelly Roll Gets a Match With Kit Wilson Next Week
Jelly Roll went to Nick Aldis backstage and demanded a match with Kit Wilson. Aldis granted the match for next week’s SmackDown.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Nia Jax and Lash Legend defeated the Bella Twins by disqualification (retain titles)
The Bellas started hot with double dropkicks to both champions and a double bulldog on Nia. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss came to ringside during the match, drawing the attention of the champions.
Nia and Lash isolated Nikki for an extended stretch, with Nia sending Nikki into the announce table on the outside and Lash working her over in the corner. Nikki eventually tagged Brie, who hit a missile dropkick on Nia and a series of kicks to the chest. The Bellas built momentum with Nikki hitting a cross body off the turnbuckles onto both champions on the floor.
The champions regained control when Nia hit Nikki on the turnbuckles and Lash hit a frog splash for a near fall. Nikki locked in an STF on Lash, but Charlotte Flair attempted to interfere by stopping Nia from using the title belt. The referee saw the interference and called for the bell, giving Nia and Lash the disqualification win and allowing them to retain the titles.
After the match, all four teams brawled. Flair sent Nikki into the apron. Alexa kicked Brie. Lash held Flair while Nia hit a leg drop off the turnbuckles. Nia also hit a splash on both Alexa and Brie. The champions stood tall over all three opposing teams.
Orton Phone Call
Randy Orton was shown on the phone backstage, telling the person on the other end that he was glad they picked up. Orton said he was going to go to the ring and “fix it.”
Randy Orton Lures Matt Cardona Into an RKO and Stomps His Arm in a Chair
Orton returned to the ring carrying the same chair from earlier, this time in a noticeably more positive mood, interacting with fans on the aisle. He sat down and said he had an apology to make to everyone and specifically to Matt Cardona. He asked Cardona to come to the ring so he could do it in front of everybody.
Cardona came to the ring. Orton said he has been out of his head the last few weeks and that he is legitimately sorry. He said action figures are cool, that he plays video games, and that he has known Cardona for 20 years. Orton asked Cardona to forgive him. They shook hands and hugged.
Orton then kicked Cardona low and hit an RKO. He sent Cardona to the floor and punched him on the announce table before rearranging the ring steps. Officials attempted to intervene, but Orton waved them off, saying he was fine. They stepped back. Orton sent Cardona back into the ring, punched him repeatedly, kicked him, placed a steel chair on Cardona’s arm, and stomped on it.
Orton backed up the aisle with security nearby.
Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu Fall Off a Railing
The show closed with footage from the parking lot appearing on the screen. Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu were fighting outside the arena. Fatu sent McIntyre against a wall and delivered headbutts. They ended up on the wrong side of a guardrail, and both men fell off the railing to the ground below as the show went to credits.
Next Week on SmackDown
Jelly Roll vs. Kit Wilson. Giulia defends the Women’s United States Championship against Tiffany Stratton. The Bella Twins face Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
Results
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship: Damian Priest and R-Truth defeated Tama Tonga and JC Mateo (new champions)
- Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin defeated Axiom and Nathan Frazer
- Aleister Black defeated Sami Zayn
- Men’s United States Championship: Carmelo Hayes (c) defeated Ilja Dragunov
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Nia Jax and Lash Legend (c) defeated the Bella Twins by disqualification
