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– Michael Cole welcomes us to SmackDown. He’s joined at ringside by Pat McAfee. They announce that Roman Reigns will give a State of the Universal Title Address later tonight.
– We go right to the ring and out first comes SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair for our mixed tag team opener as Greg Hamilton does the introductions. We see stills from Belair’s Hell In a Cell win over Bayley. Belair takes the mic and talks about how we’re just weeks away from returning to crowds. Belair says she’s about to whoop up on Bayley again. Belair goes on about her Hell In a Cell win and while she will never forget all the pain Bayley put her through, she can’t stop smiling and celebrating because she walked out with the title, and she is so proud of herself. Belair goes on talking about bullies and then she raises the title. The music interrupts and out comes Seth Rollins, who is all smiles.
Rollins goes on about celebrating with Belair because he also won at Hell In a Cell. Rollins brags but fans keep booing him. He talks about dominating Cesaro at Hell In a Cell and says now he’s moving on up. He says Belair didn’t dominate Bayley like he did Cesaro, and some would say her win was a fluke, but win at all cost and tonight we’ve got a party. They have a few words until Bayley’s music hits and out she comes to interrupt. Belair talks some trash until Belair challenges her to come into the ring for a fight.
Bayley enters the ring and gets in Belair’s face. Bayley calls her a pathetic loser as Rollins keeps laughing. Belair drops Bayley out of nowhere for a big pop. Bayley uses Rollins’ interference to tackle Belair and unload on her. The music interrupts and out comes Cesaro. He hits the ring and ducks a microphone shot from Rollins. Cesaro knocks Rollins out of the ring as Bayley tosses Belair out of the ring. Cesaro and Bayley face off now. Bayley yells at Cesaro, saying he ruined her show. Belair comes in and Cesaro scoops her, using her to knock Bayley out of the ring. Belair’s music hits as she dances around while Cesaro looks on. Rollins watches from ringside as we go to commercial.
Bianca Belair and Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins and Bayley
Back from the break and Cesaro takes Seth Rollins down as the match begins. Bayley and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bianca Belair watch from their corners. Rollins fights back but Cesaro catches a second rope crossbody and drops him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Bayley and Belair tag in now. Belair gets the upperhand and taunts Bayley. Cesaro and Rollins are back in now. Rollins ends up dropping Cesaro face-first into the corner to turn it around.
Rollins with a Slingblade for a 2 count. Rollins drops a knee to the face now. More back and forth now but Rollins takes control and keeps Cesaro down. Bayley and Rollins celebrate some. Rollins with a knee to the gut, and another. Rollins goes for a suplex but it’s blocked, and again. Cesaro powers up but Rollins lands on his feet. More counters between the two now. Belair tags in so Bayley runs in. Belair with a dropkick, a kip-up and another dropkick, and another kip-up. Belair with more offense, then a backbreaker, and another. Belair with a standing moonsault for a close 2 count.
Bayley goes to the floor but Belair follows. Belair charges and Bayley drops her into the barrier to turn it around. Bayley then shoves her into the ring post at the steel steps. Belair goes down and sells an injury on the floor as Bayley returns to the ring. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Bayley is in control, focusing on Belair’s injured arm. Bayley prevents a tag and slams Belair back to the mat for 2. Bayley goes right back to work on the arm. Cesaro finally tags in and knocks Rollins off the apron. Cesaro runs around the ring and delivers a big uppercut against the barrier. Cesaro with more offense at ringside. He brings it back in for a top rope crossbody for 2. Cesaro with the Cesaro Swing in the middle of the ring now for a pop. Rollins uses a distraction from Bayley to block the Sharpshooter and roll Cesaro for 2. Cesaro comes back with the corkscrew uppercut for a close 2 count.
Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer by Bayley flies in and he catches her. He uses her but this leads to Rollins dropping Cesaro for 2 count that Belair breaks up just in time. Belair taunts Rollins and he seethes now. Rollins unloads on Cesaro but Cesaro fights back with a right and an uppercut. Bayley tags in, as does Belair. Belair brings Bayley in from the apron. Belair sends Rollins off the apron into an uppercut from Cesaro at ringside. Bayley rolls Belair up for 2 but Belair comes back with a Spinebuster for 2.
Rollins and Cesaro brawl at ringside. Rollins rolls in to prevent Belair from hitting the KOD on Bayley. Belair loses her balance and Bayley takes her knee out. Bayley comes right back with the Rose Plant for the pin to win.
Winners: Bayley and Seth Rollins
– After the match, the music hits as Bayley joins Rollins on the ramp to celebrate. Cesaro and Belair regroup in the ring.
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– Cole and McAfee send us to a video package for tonight’s main event.
WWE Universal Title Match: Cesaro vs. Roman Reigns
We go back to the ring for tonight’s main event as Cesaro makes his way out to a pop. We see WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns in the Gorilla Position with Jey Uso and Paul Heyman now. Jey is hyping Reigns up but Reigns interrupts and questions his loyalty. Jey says he’s always riding with Reigns. Reigns says Jey sounds like his brother Jimmy Uso now, so maybe Jey should go find his brother. The music hits and Reigns heads out to the ring with just Heyman. Reigns stops on the stage and raises the title as the pyro goes off. Cesaro looks on from the ring.
Reigns enters the ring and raises the title to more pyro as Cesaro stares him down. We get formal ring introductions from Hamilton. The bell rings and they lock up. They tangle into the corner and break but there’s some tension. They lock up again and Reigns applies a headlock. Reigns takes Cesaro down to the mat now. Cesaro fights up but Reigns drops him with a shoulder. Reigns with another headlock. They run the ropes and Cesaro drops Reigns with a shoulder for a 1 count.
They trade quick pin attempts on the mat. Reigns rolls to the floor to regroup as fans boo him. Heyman talks with Reigns as the referee counts. Reigns returns to the apron and takes his time coming back in. Cesaro ducks an attempt and grabs Reigns from behind. Reigns takes him to the corner with shoulder thrusts, then a shot to the face. Reigns slams Cesaro in the turnbuckles. Cesaro hits a big springboard uppercut for a pop.
Cesaro slams Reigns and goes for the Cesaro Swing but Reigns gets away. Reigns kicks Cesaro away. Reigns tosses Cesaro over the top rope to the floor. Cesaro clutches his right arm as the referee counts. Cesaro comes back in and they trade big strikes. Reigns drops Cesaro with a strike, then sends him shoulder-first into the ring post. Cesaro falls to the floor and continues selling the right arm injury as the referee counts.
Reigns follows and slams Cesaro into the announce table a few times. Reigns brings it back in for a 1 count, then grounds Cesaro on the mat. Cesaro fights up and goes for a suplex but can’t get Reigns over. Reigns nails a suplex of his own for a quick pin attempt. Reigns talks some trash and then rocks Cesaro into the corner. Reigns with more big right hands and kicks in the corner as the referee backs him off. Cesaro fights back with punches of his own from the corner. Reigns levels him with a big punch to the mouth. Reigns wrestles Cesaro back to the mat as Heyman looks on and fans try to rally
Reigns comes right back and drops Cesaro for another quick 1 count. Reigns can’t believe Cesaro kicked out with ease. Reigns with big strikes while Cesaro is on the mat, then a headlock to ground him again. Cesaro fights up and out but Reigns catches him with a Samoan Drop for a 2 count. Reigns calls for the Superman Punch now as fans boo. Cesaro ducks it and nails the Pop-Up Uppercut for a big pop. Reigns is down but Cesaro fails to make a pin. Reigns struggles to get up. Cesaro with a running uppercut in the corner, and another in the opposite corner. Cesaro with another running uppercut and a running big boot for a close 2 count.
Cesaro goes for the Sharpshooter now but stops and kicks away at the leg and knee. Cesaro drops elbows on Reigns’ knee now. Cesaro applies the Sharpshooter in the middle of the ring but Reigns quickly gets to the bottom rope to break the hold. Reigns goes to the floor for a breather. Cesaro runs the ropes and nails a big corkscrew plancha. Cesaro is fired up now as fans cheer him on. Cesaro brings it in but Reigns rolls right back to the floor. Cesaro follows again and levels him with a running shot. Cesaro brings it back in and goes to the top. Cesaro nails a crossbody from the top but Reigns kicks out at 2. Cesaro shows some frustration now.
Cesaro goes for the superplex from the apron but Reigns fights him off. Reigns ends up leveling Cesaro with a big boot, then using the ropes to inflict more damage to the hurt arm. Reigns follows to the floor and nails the Drive By into the ring post. Reigns brings it back in for a close 2 count. Reigns smiles and laughs now, taunting Cesaro. Cesaro sees this and rocks Reigns fighting up from the mat. Reigns fights back and starts yanking the hurt arm around. Reigns laughs while yanking the arm around, taunting Daniel Bryan in the camera.
Cesaro breaks free with a headbutt but Reigns comes right back with a huge clothesline for a 2 count. Reigns shakes his head at Cesaro. Reigns with more trash talking and right hands. Cesaro gets up but the punches and knees keep coming from Reigns. Reigns knocks him into the corner and delivers more knees as the referee backs him off. Cesaro is dazed from the knees, leaning against the corner. Reigns levels Cesaro with a big boot. Reigns kneels back down to Cesaro and keeps taunting him. Reigns headbutts Cesaro back into the corner and unloads with kicks as the referee backs him off again. Reigns yells at the referee and they have words. Cesaro with a big elbow from the corner, then an uppercut, and a kick. Reigns keeps coming but Cesaro clotheslines him and they both go down.
The referee checks on both competitors as Cesaro sells the hurt arm. They trade big strikes from their knees now. Cesaro with a big uppercut into the corner, then a running uppercut. Cesaro beats Reigns down in the corner and unloads as the referee warns him. Cesaro with the big second rope superplex from the apron for a pop. Cesaro covers for a close 2 count. Cesaro with a headbutt and stomp to the thigh. Cesaro with a big double stomp to the chest. Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer but Reigns counters after the bad arm goes out. Reigns takes Cesaro down into an armbar on the hurt arm.
Cesaro struggles and rolls Reigns over for a 2 count. Cesaro ducks a clothesline and goes for the springboard corkscrew uppercut but Reigns meets him in mid-air with a Superman Punch. Cesaro still kicks out at 2. Both Superstars are down now. Fans cheer as both try to get to their feet. Reigns starts smiling and talking to himself. They slowly get up and Reigns calls for the finish. He charges with a Spear but Cesaro meets him with an uppercut. Cesaro’s arm goes out when he tries the Pop-Up Uppercut. Reigns takes him down into the Guillotine submission. Cesaro powers up and slams Reigns to break the hold. Cesaro barely has strength to get the Sharpshooter applied. He stops and unloads with strikes to keep Reigns down.
The Sharpshooter is locked in now but barely as his arm slips. Reigns reaches for the ropes but Cesaro pulls him back into a Crossface submission. Reigns starts to power out of the hold. He mounts Cesaro and unloads with strikes now as fans boo. Reigns with a sitdown powerbomb in the middle of the ring but Cesaro kicks out just in time. Reigns is frustrated now as he mounts Cesaro with more big strikes. Cesaro blocks and tries to power up from the mat. He sends Reigns to the mat but Reigns comes right back and stays on him.
Reigns goes back to the Guillotine submission. Cesaro powers up but Reigns pulls him back to the mat. The hold is broken but Reigns rocks him a few times, then locks the Guillotine back in. Cesaro tries to break Reigns’ grip but Reigns wraps his legs tighter. Cesaro starts fading in the hold and the referee calls the match.
Winner: Roman Reigns
– After the match, Reigns sits up as the music hits. Heyman hands him the WWE Universal Title. Cesaro also comes back to and he’s shocked at the finish. Reigns stands tall in the middle of the ring now, raising the title. Jey Uso runs down and hits the ring, carrying a lei. Jey places it around Reigns’ beck and Reigns nods at him. Jey stares at Cesaro and Reign tells Jey to go get him. Cesaro slowly gets up but Jey drops him with a big superkick, then mounts him with strikes as fans boo. Jey goes to the top to deliver a big Uso Splash but Seth Rollins’ music interrupts.
Rollins comes marching to the ring as Uso and Reigns look on confused. Rollins enters the ring and stares Reigns down. Rollins starts laughing, then leaps onto Cesaro and beats him up while he’s down on the mat. Rollins brings Cesaro to the floor and sends him into the steel steps, then slams his hurt arm into the steps. Rollins launches Cesaro over the announce table and then slams the hurt arm into the table. Rollins grabs a steel chair and talks trash while keeping Cesaro down with chair shots as the boos continue. Rollins wraps the chair around Cesaro’s hurt arm, twisting it around and holding him against the ring post. Rollins yells in Cesaro’s face that he’s Seth f’n Rollins and nobody makes a mockery of him. Rollins then slams the chair around Cesar’s arm into the ring post. Cesaro goes down but Rollins follows up with the Stomp into the floor. Rollins stands tall in the middle of the ring ass a referee checks on Cesaro at ringside. Reigns and Uso have already moved on from the ring. Fans chant “you suck!” while Rollins stands tall in the ring as WrestleMania Backlash goes off the air.
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Cesaro will finally get an opportunity to swing Universal Champion Roman Reigns out of his spot at the head of the table when The Swiss Superman challenges The Big Dog at WrestleMania Backlash.
The freakishly strong Cesaro has arguably never looked better. Not only has he scored several high-profile victories on SmackDown in recent months, including a huge win over Daniel Bryan, but he put the exclamation point on his ascension with a victory over Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.
Despite Cesaro’s achievements, Universal Champion Roman Reigns hasn’t acknowledged him with any level of respect and flat out refused to give him a title match. Bryan saw the injustice in the titleholder’s actions and publicly championed for Cesaro, a move that led Reigns to defeat The Leader of the “Yes!” Movement in a title match to bar him from SmackDown forever.
During a Throwback episode of the blue brand the following week, visiting General Manager Theodore Long made it clear that if Cesaro could defeat Seth Rollins again, he would finally earn his Universal Title Match at WrestleMania Backlash. After a returning Jimmy Uso hit Rollins with a Superkick, Cesaro hit the Neutralizer and made his title match official at the May 16 pay-per-view.
Like him or hate him, there is no denying that Reigns stands at the top of his game, ruling over SmackDown with an iron fist as well as an earth-shattering Spear that will so often follow. Can Cesaro finally overcome the incomparable Head of the Table? Find out at WrestleMania Backlash, Sunday, May 16, beginning at 7 ET/4 PT, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.
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Cesaro vs. Seth Rollins
We go back to the ring and out comes Seth Rollins. He hits the ring and pyro goes off. We get videos showing what led to this match. Cesaro is out next to pyro and another big pop.
Cesaro immediately charges with a big uppercut. He goes for an early Cesaro Swing but can’t get it. Cesaro with more offense but Rollins blocks another Swing attempt. Cesaro hits a big corkscrew springboard uppercut for a pop. Rollins tries to get a breather on the floor but Cesaro stops him and rocks him with a knee. More back and forth now. Rollins with a big Buckle Bomb for a 2 count.
Cesaro fights up with strikes in the middle of the ring. Rollins sends him to the apron but Cesaro rocks him. Cesaro goes to the top but Rollins runs up and nails a big superplex. Rollins holds it and goes right into Falcon Arrow for a close 2 count.
They trade more stiff offense now. Cesaro unloads with uppercuts in the corner as fans cheer him on and the referee warns him. Cesaro backs off and plays to the crowd for a pop. Cesaro with a big running uppercut into the opposite corner, and again. Cesaro levels Rollins with a clothesline for a 2 count. Cesaro plays to the crowd for another pop. They want to see Rollins swing. Rollins blocks the Swing and rolls him for a 2 count. Cesaro tries again but Rollins gets the bottom rope. Rollins counters a move and lands on his feet, dropping Cesaro with an enziguri.
Cesaro blocks the Stomp and this time he nails the Cesaro Swing for a big pop as fans count along. Cesaro’s arm is bothering him. Fans chant “one more time!” now. Cesaro goes for the Neutralizer in the middle of the ring but it’s blocked. Cesaro hits the turnbuckle with the running uppercut. Rollins springboards in with a knee to the face. Rollins with a Slingblade. Rollins goes on and hits a big corkscrew splash for a close 2 count.
Cesaro blocks the Ripcord and nails the Neutralizer in the middle of the ring for a close 2 count. Cesaro shows some frustration now. Cesaro with big strikes now. Rollins blocks another Neutralizer attempt and drops Cesaro with The Pedigree for another close pin attempt.
Rollins wastes some time, showing off and bragging. Cesaro tries to capitalize but Rollins goes on. Rollins ends up dropping Cesaro with a kick to the back of the neck but Cesaro hangs on. Rollins waits in the corner for Cesaro to get up. He charges for the big Stomp but Cesaro turns it into a big uppercut. Cesaro with Rollins on his shoulders now, spinning him around for his UFO move, with no arms. Cesaro dumps Rollins to the mat and then stands tall for another pop.
Cesaro with another big Swing in the middle of the ring now as fans count along. Cesaro breaks his own record with the number of swings, then nails the Neutralizer in the middle of the ring for the pin to win.
Winner: Cesaro
– After the match, an emotional Cesaro recovers and stands tall as the crowd gives him a standing ovation. Graves says you can bet the locker room is doing the same thing. Cesaro gets up and plays to the crowd to celebrate. We go to replays. Cesaro continues his celebration as the announcers play up how big the moment is.
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– We go back to the ring and out comes Seth Rollins as the pyro goes off. Rollins marches down the ramp as flames shoot up on each side. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and Rollins talks about the complaint he sent WWE management last week. He goes on about how it got a great response and trended on social media. He’s quickly interrupted by the music of Cesaro. Cesaro marches to the ring and looks ready to fight. Rollins starts pleading and talks about how they go back a long way together.
Rollins says what previously happened wasn’t his fault and won’t happen again. Rollins says last week he didn’t call Cesaro a loser, Twitter just blew what he said way out of proportion. Rollins asks for a chance to make it right. Rollins goes on about how Cesaro is a star. Just look at you. Who says Cesaro can’t grab that brass ring and crack that glass ceiling. He goes on about Cesaro’s strength and skills. Rollins says Cesaro has it all so why is it that he always seems to come up short? Fans boo Rollins’ question. Rollins asks what is it that Cesaro is missing? Rollins will tell him what it is because Rollins has it. It’s called killer instinct. Rollins has it and he can give it to Cesaro.
Rollins came back to lead SmackDown into the future and he will start by leading Cesaro, if he will let him. Rollins has grabbed the brass ring and shattered the glass ceiling, he’s done everything Cesaro has only dreamed of, but he wants to give that to Cesaro. Rollins tells him to imagine them working together on SmackDown. They would be unstoppable. Rollins goes on and says if Cesaro would’ve listened two weeks ago he would’ve ended up winning the Elimination Chamber and would be Universal Champion now. Rollins mentions a second chance and tells Cesaro to embrace the vision, let him lead. Fans boo. Rollins tells Cesaro he doesn’t have to answer now, take a week or two weeks, think it over and come back.
Rollins says he will be waiting, he is ready. Cesaro tackles Rollins and positions him for the Cesaro Swing. Rollins yells for Cesaro to put him down. Cesaro starts swinging Rollins, and again. Cesaro finally lets go and Rollins gets up stumbling around, dazed. Cesaro levels Rollins with a big uppercut. Cesaro exits the ring as his music hits while fans cheer him on.
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– Kayla is backstage with Cesaro now. She brings up Seth Rollins’ comments from earlier. Cesaro wasn’t patronizing Rollins last week, he was respecting him and just like everyone else he was hoping the old Rollins came back. He’s known for years about Rollins’ skills and accomplishments, and everyone knew he had the chance to come back and make an impact but instead he came back as the same smug, condescending SOB that he was before. That’s why everyone walked away from him last week. Cesaro hasn’t forgotten about what Rollins did but now he needs to focus, first on tonight’s six-man match, then winning the Elimination Chamber, and then going on to win the Universal Title from Roman Reigns. Edge walks up. He doesn’t know what has gotten into Cesaro lately but he admires the grit and says not many people here still have it. Cesaro thanks him. Cesaro mentions after he wins at the pay-per-view, he will see Edge at WrestleMania. Cesaro walks off as Edge watches.
– Kevin Owens interrupts Cesaro and Daniel Bryan in the back, asking if they want to talk strategy. Bryan says they were discussing what to do if they get hit with Stunners. Cesaro says Owens would never turn on them but they sarcastically talk about how Owens has turned in the past. Owens gets it. He says last week he interrupted a big fight and decided to strike first when he saw both of them coming for him. Owens says they don’t have to worry about a Stunner tonight because they’re on the same team and he really wants to win tonight, but on Sunday… they do have to worry about several Stunners. Owens walks off and Cesaro says at least he’s honest.
Sami Zayn, King Baron Corbin and Jey Uso vs. Cesaro, Daniel Bryan and Kevin Owens
We go back to the ring for tonight’s main event as Sami Zayn and his film crew are out first. King Baron Corbin is out next. Jey Uso is out last for their team. WWE Hall of Famer Edge comes out next to join the announcers for commentary. Back to commercial.
Back from the break and announced for Talking Smack tomorrow is Reginald, Jey Uso and Apollo Crews. Kayla Braxton and Paul Heyman will host. We go back to the ring and out first comes Daniel Bryan for his team. Cesaro is out next, followed by Kevin Owens. Bryan starts off with Uso and they go to the corner. Uso unloads but backs off. Bryan brings him back to the corner for kicks. Bryan tags in Cesaro and they hit a big double team slam.
Uso scrambles to his corner and tags in Corbin as Cesaro waits to fight. Corbin wants none of Cesaro and in comes Sami off the tag. Cesaro grabs Sami and holds him so Bryan can come in with a kick or two. Bryan works Sami around the ring now. Sami counters and levels Bryan in the middle of the ring. Sami beats Bryan around with stiff knees to the gut. Corbin tags in and drops Bryan with a right hand. Corbin uses the middle rope on Bryan as the referee counts and fans boo. Corbin beats Bryan down in the heels’ corner now.
Sami comes back in and has words with Corbin. Bryan takes advantage and tags in Cesaro. Cesaro runs wild on his opponents, sending the other two to the floor and unloading on Sami. Cesaro goes from corner to corner with big running uppercuts on Sami. Sami rolls to the floor for a breather as fans pop for Cesaro. Sami, Corbin and Uso argue at ringside now. Corbin rolls Sami into the ring, where Cesaro is waiting to deliver a Cesaro Swing. Cesaro then catapults Sami into the corner, where Corbin is tagged in. Cesaro immediately grabs Corbin for the Swing. Corbin stops it but Cesaro stomps and starts with the Swing again as we go to commercial break.
Back from the break and Cesaro is swinging Corbin. Uso ends up coming in and attacking Cesaro. Uso pulls Cesaro to the floor and launches him over the announce table as fans boo and the referee counts. Edge watches as Uso brings Cesaro back in and dropkicks him in the corner.
Paul Heyman is also on commentary now. Sami, Corbin and Uso triple team Cesaro in the corner. Corbin with a back suplex to Cesaro. Corbin unloads on Cesaro in the corner and has words with the referee, allowing for a quick cheap shot by Sami. Uso tags back in and goes to work on Cesaro. Cesaro blocks a shot and delivers a big uppercut. Uso comes right back and whips Cesaro across the ring into the turnbuckles. Uso keeps control and covers Cesaro for a 2 count. Uso grounds Cesaro with a headlock now.
Uso takes Cesaro back to their corner and in comes Corbin to take over. Corbin misses a big running corner splash. Cesaro with a springboard corkscrew uppercut from the middle rope. Fans pop for Cesaro. Bryan and Sami tag in. Bryan ducks and dropkicks Uso off the apron. Bryan unloads on Sami into the corner now. Bryan keeps control and clotheslines Sami. Bryan with a big corner dropkick to Sami, then Yes Kicks as fans cheer him on. Bryan takes Sami to the top and hits a big hurricanrana for a close 2 count as Uso breaks it up. Owens runs in and superkicks Uso, sending him to the floor.
Owens runs off the apron with a big Cannonball to Uso on the floor. Bryan kicks away at Sami with Yes Kicks but Sami ducks a roundhouse kick. Bryan kicks out at 2. Sami comes right back with the Blue Thunderbomb but Cesaro breaks the pin up. Corbin tosses Cesaro to the floor. Owens drops Corbin, who drops Cesaro at ringside. Sami goes to the top but Bryan cuts him off and climbs up for a super double underhook suplex from the top. Bryan then rolls into the Yes Lock in the middle of the ring. Sami taps out.
Winners: Daniel Bryan, Cesaro and Kevin Owens
– After the match, the music hits as Bryan stands tall and gets the “yes!” chant going again. We see Corbin enter the ring and stand behind Bryan now, stalking him. We go to replays. Bryan continues his celebration until Corbin comes from behind and drops him with End of Days. Owens then runs up and nails a Stunner to Corbin. Sami runs up and hits a big Exploder to Owens. Cesaro runs over and nails the big uppercut to Sami. Cesaro turns around to a superkick from Uso. Edge then hits the ring and delivers a big Spear to Uso for a pop. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns then appears out of nowhere and takes Edge out with a Spear of his own. Fans boo now as Reigns stands tall over Edge, looking down at him and yelling. Heyman enters the ring and hands the Universal Title to Reigns. Reigns puts the title in Edge’s face to taunt him, and then raises it in the air. Fans chant “you suck!” as Reigns stands tall over Edge. The final SmackDown before WWE Elimination Chamber goes off the air.
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– We see Lucha House Party walking backstage to their match. SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura drop Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik from behind. Kalisto checks on his partners as the champs walk off. Back to commercial.
SmackDown Tag Team Titles Match: Lucha House Party vs. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
Back from the break and Greg Hamilton does the introductions as SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura are out first. The Lucha House Party is out next – Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik with Kalisto.
Nakamura starts off with Metalik and dominates him. Cesaro tags in with a running low elbow drop for a 2 count in the middle of the ring. Cesaro grounds Metalik but gets tossed with a hurricanrana. Metalik leaps off the ropes again but Cesaro catches him in mid-air and nails a sitdown powerbomb for a close 2 count. We get a promo from John Morrison and The Miz in a sidebar video as they are watching backstage. Nakamura comes back in and covers Metalik for a 2 count after more offense.
Cesaro comes back in and works over Metalik while he’s down for another 2 count. More frequent tags between the champs. Cesaro slams Metalik over the top rope. Metalik fights back from the apron and climbs to the middle rope with Cesaro. Metalik ends up sending Cesaro flying with a hurricanrana. Kalisto tries to rally for his partners now.
Nakamura and Dorado tag in. Nakamura runs into a big boot. Dorado flies from the top and keeps on top of Nakamura. Dorado dodges an attack in the corner and unloads with strikes. Dorado ducks a kick and drops Nakamura with one of his own. Dorado with a moonsault. Dorado with another moonsault from the second rope now. He goes for a third moonsault from the top now and hits it. Cesaro breaks the pin up at 2.
Dorado counters Cesaro and sends him flying to the floor. Metalik comes in and runs, leaping off the ropes to drop Cesaro on the floor again. Nakamura takes advantage and hits the reverse Exploder on Dorado. Nakamura goes to the floor to kick Metalik, keeping him down. Nakamura returns tot he ring and goes for the Kinshasa but Dorado rolls him for a 2 count. Dorado catches Nakamura with a springboard Stunner. Cesaro tags in and Dorado doesn’t see it at first. They tangle and trade roll-ups. They go on and tangle some more but the sequence ends with Cesaro rolling through and rolling Dorado up for the pin to retain.
Winners: Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
– After the match, Cesaro and Nakamura exit the ring with the titles as the music hits. Dorado looks on and Kalisto checks on him. Dorado almost pushes Kalisto away and they have words. Metalik gets in the middle of them and Kalisto gets knocked down. Kalisto and Dorado continue arguing as Metalik holds them back from each other.
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Cesaro vs. Lince Dorado
Back from the break and out come the SmackDown Tag Team Champions – Cesaro with Shinsuke Nakamura. The Lucha House Party is out next – Lince Dorado with Gran Metalik. Greg Hamilton does the introductions. We get a sidebar video from earlier today with Dorado and Metalik talking about showing Cesaro how to party tonight.
Back and forth to start the match. Cesaro easily takes control and drops Dorado. Dorado tries to power up but Cesaro clotheslines him. Dorado ends up sending Cesaro out. The lights flicker again and Graves jokes about RETRIBUTION. Dorado runs the ropes and leaps out but Cesaro catches him. Dorado counters and stands on the barrier. He leaps off with a hurricanrana, sending Cesaro into the apron. Dorado brings it back in and they tangle. Dorado rocks Cesaro with a kick but Dorado flies and Cesaro catches him in mid-move. Cesaro with a backbreaker for a 2 count.
Cesaro keeps Dorado grounded in the middle of the ring now, working him over. Cesaro with a 2 count as he shows some frustration now. The crowd rallies as Cesaro grounds Dorado again. Dorado fights up and out. More back and forth again. Dorado catches Cesaro with a big springboard Stunner for a pop. Dorado with a moonsault from the bottom rope, then the middle rope. Dorado goes up for a third moonsault but Nakamura runs interference from the apron.
Dorado swings and Nakamura goes back to the floor but Cesaro takes advantage and turns it around. Cesaro goes for a big Razor’s Edge Bomb but Dorado counters and takes him down for a 2 count. Cesaro quickly takes back control with an uppercut, then nails the Gotch Neutralizer in the middle of the ring for the pin to win.
Winner: Cesaro
– After the match, Nakamura joins Cesaro in the ring and they stand tall with the titles as the music hits. We go to replays.
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– We go back to the ring and out come the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions – Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley. They join the announcers for commentary. Back to commercial.
The New Day vs. Lucha House Party
We go back to the ring and out come SmackDown Tag Team Champions The New Day – Big E and Kofi Kingston. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women’s Champion Bayley are on commentary. Lucha House Party’s Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado are out next for this non-title match.
Dorado goes at it with Kofi early on. Dorado with a 2 count that stunt Kofi some. They trade out of the counters and do a stalemate in the middle of the ring now. Kofi and Lince with more back and forth. Kofi runs into a kick to the face from Metalik as he tags in. Metalik jumps off Lince’s shoulders for a 2 count on Kofi. Big E tags in and hits a big belly-to-belly on Metalik, and another. Lince runs in and he gets launched out by Big E. We see Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura watching in the back.
Kofi gets sent back to the floor. Lince and Metalik double team Big E in the ring. Metalik leaps out to take Kofi back down on the floor, right before Lince flies high and takes Big E back down on the floor to a pop. We go to commercial.
Back from the break and Big E hits a big splash on Lince in the corner for a 2 count. Big E grounds him with an abdominal stretch now. Lince turns it around but they’re both slow to crawl. Kofi and Metalik finally get the hot tag. Metalik and Kofi unload on each other. Metalik gets the upperhand and slams Kofi face-first into the mat. Metalik comes off the top and sends Kofi back down face-first for a 2 count. The crowd rallies for The New Day now. Metalik blocks Trouble In Paradise. Big E stops Lince from the double team. Metalik slams Kofi from his shoulders. Lince flies off the top for the pin but Big E saves it. Big E gets double teamed now.
Kofi then gets superkicked by both challengers after they send Big E out. Metalik goes to the top but Big E shoves him off. Kofi dodges a flying shot from Lince. Kofi drops Lince with the Trouble In Paradise. Kofi goes back to the top and hits the assisted Big Ending for the pin to win.
Winners: The New Day
– As soon as the bell hits, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura rush the ring and destroy Big E and Kofi. Cesaro drops Big E with a Neutralizer in the middle of the ring. Cesaro swings Big E around and launches him right into a Kinshasa from Nakamura. Cesaro and Nakamura go to the announce table to greet Banks and Bayley. He yells about being sick and tired of how they are treated when they’re a top team. 8 years!, says Cesaro. And this is how he’s treated? Cesar and Nakamura are upset as they leave.
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Bliss and Cross show graphics for 2020 inductees The Bella Twins, Batista and JBL. Bliss also sends a warning to WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions The Kabuki Warriors and tells them to stop hiding out on RAW, come face them. Bliss goes on and introduces 2020 WWE Hall of Famers the nWo – Kevin Nash, Scott Hall and Sean “X-Pac” Waltman. Out they come to a pop, wearing nWo t-shirts and using the signature music. Cole mentions how Hulk Hogan is also in the group for the induction this year.
Cross marks out for the nWo and takes a selfie with them. Bliss goes on and brings up how they once feuded with WWE Universal Champion Bill Goldberg. Some fans chant for Goldberg. Nash mentions talking to Roman Reigns earlier this week and jokes about using a caddie prod to beat him at WrestleMania 36. Cross, Bliss and the nWo continue their discussion until the music interrupts. Out comes Sami Zayn, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro.
Sami speaks on the way to the ring and mentions how they will win the WWE Intercontinental Title from Braun Strowman at Elimination Chamber on Sunday. Sami ends up taking a shot at Waltman, saying he carried the bags for Hall and Nash for years. Waltman stands up and asks Sami what’s up. Nash picks on how Sami looks. Sami says they could drop the nWo in seconds. Nash says they couldn’t touch the nWo on their best day. Waltman says on any day. The nWo stands up and faces off with Cesaro, Zayn and Nakamura now. Bliss and Cross watch as fans chant for a fight. Sami backs down and says the nWo just wants the rub from them, and that’s not going to happen because they are focused on destroying Braun. Sami and his crew are outside of the ring now. The music hits and out comes Strowman to a big pop.
Cesaro runs up the ramp and attacks Braun on the stage. Strowman fights back and launches Cesaro into the LED screens. Nakamura runs up now but Strowman headbutts him, then launches him into the barrier. Braun stares Sami down now. Sami runs back into the ring but falls down in front of Waltman. Sami is trapped now as Braun enters the ring. Braun approaches but Sami puts Bliss in front of him. Fans boo. Cole calls Sami a coward. Sami escapes to the floor. Braun throws a chair at him and it just misses. Braun tosses more furniture out as Sami, Cesaro and Nakamura look on. Braun takes the mic and promises that all three will get these hands on Sunday. The nWo joins Braun at the mic as he says it will be “too sweet!” this Sunday. The nWo music hits to end the segment.
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