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Smackdown Notes

Sorry for the delay. We had a heat snap here in South Australia where I live, and I am not handling the heat well.

This week’s notes are my opinion on what I thought were the highlights

Logan Paul opened the show. I can’t stand the man. He thinks he is just so great, that he got handed a title that he never really earned as far as I am concerned. I will give him this much, he is good but he’s not that good. Do we really need to discuss the brass knuckles, along with the fact that he can’t win a match without them? Paul truly expected that Randy Orton won’t come after him after getting screwed? Logan Paul needs to be knocked off his high horse, Randy is the man to do it. Paul will be defending the United States Title at Wrestlemania against Randy/Kevin Owens. I can see a triple-threat match with Paul coming out empty-handed. Logan Paul has no clue about the enemy he has made.

**This July Money in the Bank is heading to Toronto. On Friday, July 5 will be Smackdown, July 6th will be Money in the Bank (reading rumours that possible winners could be Samy Zayn/Tiffany Straton) July 7th NXT Heatwave

Roman/Rock is in the ring waiting for Cody/Seth to arrive with their answer about Wrestlemania Night one. Ok, here goes if I got this right. Tag Team match on night 1, IF Cody/Seth wins then the Bloodline is banned from the match on night 2 between Roman/Cody. IF Roman/Rock wins then the match between Roman/Cody is Bloodline rules, (basically a no-DQ match) OK, got that. Now, This could go any number of ways, They give Cody/Seth the win which makes night two, a real fight that Roman has to win, OK but it’s not going to be that easy, Right? I can also see night 2 with Bloodline rules but Rock turns on Roman helping Cody win. This storyline has gone on long enough. From what I am reading from places, it’s time to end it, we need a new face, someone who is always around working for the fans, not being so far up himself. Roman barely works now. Why is he still holding a title when they are supposed to be defended at least once every 30 days.

I love the fact that Cody/Seth entered through the crowd, (just like The Shield used to make their entrances)

Plenty of trash talking but I would not expect anything less. Roman called Seth a cross-dressing freak(or something like it) I also like Seth’s line when he told the Rock that he had his time, and now it’s our turn. ( I know it’s a storyline but the one line that was crossed for me was when Rock said Cody was a mistake. (I was adopted, I was one of the lucky ones) Cody slapped Rock, and the show went off the air. ( I was able to find post-show footage and all Rock and Roman did was to get out of the ring and walk away.

If you want a battle for the head of the table well, you have to take the belt of Roman, Wrestlemania 41 main event, Rock/Roman for the head of the table. That match could also happen at a major event.

It’s going to get even more interesting at this point. Less than 30 days til Wrestlemania

NXT Roadblock

The show opened with Dijak facing Joe Gacy in an Asylum Match. it was like a cage match with no escape. They beat the snot out of each other with Diajak coming out on top. I just have no thoughts on this one. Dijak is a nasty piece of work. I liked Dijak more before the heel turn but he has made a name for himself working the Heel.

Tag Titles are up for grabs as Baron Corbin/Braun Brekker face off with Chase U. With Braun now on Smackdown, wondering how long he and Baron will hold the titles? The boys did well holding on to the titles a little longer. Chase U put up a good fight but just fell a little short.

Carmel Hayes bragging that the Men’s NXT Title is his and at Stand and Deliver he will take it back from Ilja.

Shawn Spears (also known as Tye Dillinger) is in the ring facing Uriah Conners ( I don’t know anything about this kid)

Women’s Tag Team titles are on the line with Lyra Valkyria/Tatum Paxley facing The Kabuki Warriors. I don’t know about this one. Roughly 30s out from Wrestlemania I can’t see the titles changing hands but stranger things have happened. (at this point the Warriors are on their own) Lyra was attacked by Roxanne Perez once the match was over. Roxy went after Lyra’s arm, looking at one point to possibly breaking Lyra’s arm. Lyra was loaded into an ambulance, I wish I had more news now.

Tony D’Angelo facing Carmelo Hayes for the right to meet Ilja for the Men’s NXT Title at Stand and Deliver. Tony gets a little help on a diversion from Trick Williams for the win. Tony with the win. There is more news to come, with Trick’s return. I can see Carmelo facing Trick at Stand and Deliver.

WWE Notes for RAW

Wrestlemania in 33 days

Cody opened the show, having to give his answer to the tag match with Seth against the Rock/Roman. Seth is on his way to the ring to join Cody. Cody gave Seth a way out if he wanted to focus on his match with Drew. Cody will be at Smackdown with Seth on Friday. That should be a great tag match, hopefully, it works how I think it should.

Gunther facing Dom Mysterio for the Intercontentional title. Gunther should have no issues with this one. Needless to say, it didn’t take long.

Feels like s slow show tonight. The crowd is there but not had as much of an impact as it could have.

Becky faces Nia once again. Why is this still going on? Liv Morgan is in for some payback

Adam Pearce announced a Gaulant Match to determine who would face Gunther at Wrestlemania. Those who got the nod are — Sami Zayn, Ricochet, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bronson Reed, J.D. McDonagh, and Chad Gable. (I am hoping for Sami or Bronson to take out the win)

Our condolences to the family of Paul “Butcher” Vachon who passed away this week

At the end of the match between Drew/Jey — guess who showed up (Jimmy/Solo) to wreck everything, Cody came to the ring to give Jey backup. Jimmy was in the ring to take out Jey, with Seth coming for back up but Drew took out Seth.

You should hear the Universe booing Drew and them some.

30 more days of this crap, show crossing and trying to stop Cody/Seth from getting to Wrestlemania. Look, I know it’s storyline and all but in a few ways, it’s frustrating.

I heard some interesting things involving The Rock along with Cody’s storyline. Waiting to see how things will play out.

WWE Notes on NXT and Smackdown

There was a lot of information about RAW and the possible matches for Wrestlemania, which is why I decided to split the notes up for this week.

*NXT — Carmelo Hayes is out with a crap load of security, demanding that Ilja make the decision about Melo’s title and return it. Ilja has til the end of the show.

Roxanne is almost a heel in my book, throwing punches in anger

Kelani James is working hard. She is holding her own but I think she needs more time. You can see her moves are getting there along with thinking outside the box, adjusting as needed. In her match today with Kiana James, it was tough, she was doing well until outside interference, and there was no way she would win. I hope she gets a push at some point.

Gallows/Anderson (Good Brothers) have returned to NXT, RAW has no storyline for them, since the split with AJ Styles. No sure if they will get them to a tag title match but it will be interesting to see if they turn heel. Other tag teams have shown up, including LWO. (How long will Braun/Corbin have the belts with Braun signing to Smackdown)

**News came through on Thursday morning for me that Virgil had passed away.

Smackdown — The show is sold out, with The Rock appearing.

More fallout from Elimination Chamber last weekend.

Of course, Roman out demanding that he be acknowledged by the WWE Universe, he did not like the response making the decision to leave but Paul Heyman stopped him, The Rock was there also. Rock is out and Roman is not looking too happy, this should be interesting. This is interesting — Night one it will be Roman/Rock facing Cody/Seth with the stipulation that if Cody/Seth wins, night 2 in Cody’s match with Roman the is no interference BUT if Rock/Roman wins then anything goes. (Bloodline Rules) Cody/Seth have been summoned to Dallas to deliver their answer. Roman wanted one thing from Rock, to acknowledge Roman as his tribal chief.

Tiffany Stratton facing Namoi. Tiffy pinned Naomi in the chamber.

It was supposed to be a tag match with Dakota/Bayley facing Asuka/Kari, but Dakota turned on Bayley mid-match. (I had a feeling it was coming)

**Backstage as Dakota and Damage Control headed to the Locker room they ran into Jade Cargill. Nick out who told Damage Contol he would deal with them but he needed to speak with Jade.

Randy Orton facing Austin Theory (Greyson Waller at ringside) with Kevin Owens at the announcer’s desk. Love the fact that Randy can hit an RKO out of nowhere. Randy winning was no surprise but Kevin had to jump into the ring to help Randy out. Fist bumps out of respect between Kevin and Randy.

Fallout from Elimination Chamber on Raw

Ole Anderson has passed away at the age of 81

The card for Wrestlemania is taking shape. What we know so far

Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes for the Universal Championship. (this should be the main event night 2, IMO) One of the Women’s Title matches should close night 1 (Rhea vs Becky is my choice)

**Possible match — Roman/Rock in a tag team match against Seth/Cody

Rhea Ripley vs Becky Lynch for the RAW Women’s Title

Bayley facing Iyo Sky for the Smackdown Women’t Title

Seth Rollins vs Drew McIntyre for the Heavyweight Belt

(** possible matches I will call rumours at this point, nothing is locked in as of yet)

**Andre the Giant Battle Royal — This is a good battle but they need to start putting a reward with this. Why can’t the winner of this get his own title chance of his choice?

**Judgement Day vs Awesome Truth — (IMO) I would rather it be against DIY. At this point, I am hearing that Finn Balor has no new contract. You can see that cracks are starting to appear in Faction. The Miz taking part I think will also depend on how Maryse is doing in her medical journey. (The tag titles really need to split up. The men’s tag division is getting boring)

**AJ Styles facing L.A. Knight — This feud started when Knight beat Styles for the Elimination Chamber. AJ showed up this past Saturday making sure that L. A was eliminated from the chamber

**Kevin Owens vs Logan Paul vs Randy Orton for the United States title. I have 2 words for you Brass Knuckles. (enough said)

**Legado Del Fantasma facing Andrade/LWO — This feud is just starting to build, need to see where this goes.

**Jey Uso facing Jimmy Uso — I thought I read this morning that this match was a street fight. (it has come out that Jey was supposed to beat Gunther for the title but not sure if the change was to set up the match.)

**Gunther vs Sheamus — Sheamus has not returned as of the writing of this but that could happen anytime. This could be one of the best matches yet. In the last few matches that Gunther has had, you can see he has been rocked by the opponent. Gunther looks awkward when he climbs up to the ropes.

The Women Tag Team titles should be on the line. I had read that they wanted to build a feud between Damage Control facing Katana Chance/Kayden Carter. Don’t count out Indi Hartwell/Candance LaRue.

**Raw — Rhea in the ring talking about Elimination Chamber. Here Comes Becky. Nia is out to take out Becky. Adam Pearce threatened Nia with a fine if she attacked Becky any further.

Sami Zayn facing Shinsuke Nakamura. Watch out for the Myst. Finally Sami with a much-needed win

Street Fight between New Day and Imperium.

Cody Rhodes had a match with Greyson Waller which Cody won but it was what took place after that, to be honest, I should have expected. Paul Heyman and his henchmen showed up. The Bloodline are trying everything to make sure that Cody doesn’t get to Wrestlemania. Paul Heyman was pleading, gravelling to Cody to rescind his request for a match against The Rock at Wrestlemania. Cody is done being nice about anything.

This is starting to get interesting

Elimination Chamber

On the preshow, the Women’s Tag Team titles were on the line with Damage Control facing Indi Hartwell (wearing the Aussie Green/Gold) Candance Hartwell. The title did not change hands

42 nights until Wrestlemania

**MATCH 1 — Women’s Elimination. The plastic panels used in the pods are also used for Bulletproof panels.

1)Bianca Belair — in a pod — 4th Pod opened

2)Raquel Rodriguez — in a pod — 3rd pod opened

3)Tiffany Straton — in a pod — 1st pod opened

4)Liv Margan — in a pod — 2nd pod opened

Naomi and Becky Lynch to start

Tiffany eliminated Naomi. Liv eliminated Tiffany. Bianca eliminated Raquel. Liv eliminated Bianca and Becky Eliminated Liv to win the chamber

Becky heading to Wrestlemania

*MATCH 2 — Men’s Tag Team titles are on the line with Pete Dunn/Tyler Bate (The New Catch Republic) facing Finn Balor/Damien Priest of Judgement Day. (Dum Dum (Dom Mysterio is with them)

**This match can go either way. I hope that Pete/Tyler can take the titles.

Dirty Dom just got tossed.

What a hell of a match. Judgement Day keeps the belt to head to Wrestlemania but should lose them there.

**Greyson Waller (Austin Theory) effect with Cody Rhodes/Seth Rollins. My one question after that is — Will Theory ever learn to shut up?

*Match 3 — Men’s Elimination Chamber match.

Kevin Owens — in a pod — 1st pod to open
Bobby Lashley — in a pod — 2nd pod to open
Logan Paul — in a pod — 4th pod to open
Randy Orton — in a pod — 3rd pod to open

Drew McIntyre and L.A. Knight to start.

Drew Eliminated Bobby Lashley. Thanks to A.J. Styles Drew was able to Eliminate L.A Knight. Randy has eliminated Kevin Owens. Randy Orton has taken out Logan Paul and his brass knuckles. Thanks to Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre is going to Wrestlemania.

Attendance is 52,590

*Match 4 — Women’s Raw Champion Rhea Ripley defending the belt against Nia Jax. (first time in WWE history that 2 women from the host country are in a main event) It was a hell of a match but when all looked lost, Rhea pulled it out taking the win.

Wrestlemania is set and will have Becky Lynch facing Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Title

WWE Notes week ending February 17

Sending love and prayers to The Miz and Maryse as she has shared about her medical journey.

**RAW — Elimination Chamber is the 24th here in Australia in Perth.

This week’s show is in Lexington, Kentucky.

54 Nights until Wrestlemania.

I like the little format change in the show of just getting straight into the first match of the night, tonight it’s the New Day along with Jey Uso facing Imperium. (I love Pat standing on the desk when Jey comes out)

Men’s and Women’s Qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber. Bobby Lashley, Liv Morgan, L. A Knight are all heading to Perth.

Cody is in the ring to chat about what happened in Vegas. The match with Cody/Roman is now official. Seth Rollins is out to chat with Cody but offers to be in his corner. He doesn’t come right now and say it but Wth tells Cody that he has his back. Seth understands why he needs to finish the story. Seth has made some very valid points. (if you can find this chat on YouTube, look at it. watch Cody’s reactions to what Seth is saying) Seth made some great points. Cody needs Seth.

J.D. from Judgement Day facing R-Truth. Doesn’t end well for Truth but he gets a little help from D.I.Y.

Drew needs to just go away. I’m so tired of him with his holy-thou attitude. (just my opinion. I know it’s storyline but I am over it. Still, no word if Drew has signed a new contract or not. Last I knew his contract expires just after Wrestlemania. )

Sami Zayn facing Shinsuke, knew it would be a hard match, no mist for a change. Shinsuke with the win thanks to Drew coming out, why is Drew coming out to do a beat down on Sami, Drew had to tell Sami just to leave him alone and not mention his name ever again. Cody to the rescue though. Cody will meet Drew next week on RAW. Drew screamed at Cody that he not making it to Wrestlemania.

**NXT — I Wonder if more fallout from Vengeance Day is still coming?

Carmelo Hayes is out to wrestle Joel Gacy. Needless to say, he got booed. (Carmelo)

Josh Briggs to face Brooks Jensen next week

The Family facing Braun Brekker/Baron Corbin for the NXT Tag Belts. That was one hell of a match. These matches are hard to write up due to the fact, that they move so quick. Braun Brekker/Baron Corbin won the match to become the new Champions.

**Post-show news has reported that during a recent taping of the match with Shotzi against Lyra for the NXT Women’s title, Shotzi blew out her knee. No reports of the extent of the injury or how long she will be out.

**Smackdown — More matches for qualification to the Elimination Chamber match. Kevin facing Dom Mysterio. (Kevin Owens with the win) Tiffany Stratton facing Zelina Vega (Tiffany wins) The Miz facing Logan Paul (Thanks to brass knucks and a plate in his right hand, Paul is coming to Perth) (Phil and I figured that Miz might lose, him wanting to be at home to support his wife Maryse in her medical journey)

The Bloodline is out to basically trash-talk Cody along with Wrestlemania. Roman just announced that The Rock was part of the Bloodline. (Here is a twist — Rock setting up Roman, thinking he is part of the Bloodline but then screws Roman during his match with Cody, giving Cody the win). The last thing said by the Rock is that he will make sure that Cody leaves Wrestlemania empty-handed.

WWE Notes ending February 10

The road to Wrestlemania 40 has begun. One match that has been booked is Bayley facing Iyo Skye for the Smackdown Women’s Title

Seth has opened the show, and Cody has joined him in the ring. Cody was about to give his decision when Drew came out. Needless to say, it didn’t end well.

D.I.Y won the fatal 4 way for the right to face Pete Dunn/Tyler Bate for the right to go to Elimination Chamber to face Balor/Priest for the tag team belts (those belts really need split)

Becky Lynch faced off against Shayna Baszler for the right to enter the Women’s Elimination Chamber match in Perth. Becky won, (she has never taken part in the Elimination Chamber) (Rumor is that Becky will win that match but don’t count Liv Morgan out either)

Rhea Ripley will defend the Raw Women’s title against Nia Jax at Elimination Chamber. (Somehow Rhea will manage to win, so there won’t be a title change on the road, and there is no need for the belt to change hands at this point unless Creative have gotten a stupid idea)

Jey Uso will face Gunther for the Intercontentional title next week.

Cody faced Shinsuke in a bull rope match. Cody wins despite the mist. (Hubby Phil called it on the mist) It is always a tough match. Drew couldn’t keep his nose out of it, Cody had no time to celebrate.

**NXT — Fallout from Venganance Day. This will be interesting just because of the heel turn of Carmel Hayes. Guess who just walked out carrying a chair. You can’t hear the Universe booing. The announcers didn’t even try to say anything cause it was so loud. Melo said “Not Yet” and walked out of the ring.

Braun Brekker/Baron Corbin are out chatting about their Dusty Rhodes Cup win.

Ilja was out talking about his match with Trick this past Sunday. Ilja gave Trick credit for the level of the match they had. It was the match of the night in my book. Ilja calls Melo out about what he did, and Melo has returned to the ring. Melo was pissed that Trick went after what he felt was rightfully his. Melo admitted to attacking Trick behind his back. Melo is saying that Trick will always just be his hype man and nothing more.

Ilja facing Dijak after their confrontation from earlier. No title on the line. With a little help from Joe Gacy, Ilja with the win but Melo clipped Ilja, all Melop wants is the NXT men’s title back.

**Smackdown — There is fallout from the launch of Wrestlemania 40 from Vegas this past Thursday. I read that Triple H will be on Smackdown to talk more about what happened. Also, read that the winner of the Men’s Elimination Chamber will be facing Seth at Wrestlemania 40. (Nick has confirmed on Smackdown) Qualification starts tonight on Smackdown. Those invited to take part in qualifying are, Randy Orton, Bronson Reed, Kevin Owens, Logan Paul, A.J Styles, The Miz, Bobby Lashley, Ivar, Drew McIntyre, Sami Zayn, Don Mysteryo, L.A Knight (6 matches over 3 events)

Triple H is in the ring, he is the one with the answers, only him. Triple H has made the Roman/Cody match official.

Drew facing A.J. Styles for the right to the Elimination Chamber. (Drew Wins)

Michin facing Bianca to head to the Elimination Chamber. (Bianca Wins)

Bayley is in the ring but here is a question for you — Where is Dakota Kai in all of this?

Tyler Bate/Pete Dunn facing D.I.Y for the right to head to Perth, facing Judgement Day for the Tag Titles. (Tyler/Pete win)

Randy facing Sami Zayn — this match can go either way. I have no clue what to think about this. Sami made Randy earn this win.

Wrestlemania 40 Kick-Off from Las Vegas

This is the opening press conference

Triple H opening the press conference

April 6 and 7 in Philadelphia

The Road to Wrestlemania 40 is officially open

Michael Cole/Pat Macfee are hosting

Bianca Belair on the stage. Bianca will face Michin for the right to go to the Elimination Chamber

Rhea Ripley is on stage next. Rhea will face the winner of the Women’s Elimination Chamber. At Elimination Chamber, Rhea will put the Women’s Raw title on the line against Nia Jax. Rhea was in mid-sentence when Becky Lynch’s music started. (this is a good set-up for possible things to come)

Seth Rollins is on stage now. Seth went to introduce Cody and Roman’s music started. Roman says it’s his choice as to who will face him at Wrestlemania. Roman says he will be facing The Rock. Roman says that Cody’s moment has passed him by, so The Rock’s music started and he has come to the stage. Roman is acting like all this is beneath him, not liking the crowd. Cody just walked out as Rock just finished what he was saying. Cody just told Roman that it’s him who makes the final call. Cody is unloading life mad on Roman. Cody asks Roman about family and looks at what happened to Jay. Rock just slapped Cody. (this has made things really interesting, to say the least) It’s still not set as to who will face whom.

Well, that basically solves nothing. Rock and Roman walked by Triple H being interviewed by Jackie, Rock told Triple H to fix this, You don’t talk about family and get away with it. Excuse me, Roman ran off at the mouth talking about Dusty so what’s the difference.

Anyway, that is my 2 cents on that. hehe

Just more questions than answers, see you for RAW

Vengeance Day 2024

I played catch-up yesterday but now having a better look, I was surprised at some results. Just when I thought it could not get any better, it did.

**Dusty Rhodes Cup final with Braun Brekker/Barron Corbin facing Carmelo Hayes/Trick Williams. It was a dogfight that could have gone either way. ( I couldn’t see them giving Melo/Trick the win along with the NXT men’s title later on)

**Dijak facing Joe Gacy in a No Disqualification match. These matches make me cringe. The stars can get legitimately hurt in matches like this. They pulled out all the stops in this match but it would be Diajk in the end with the win.

**Tag Team match with OTM facing The Family (Tag Team champs)(Tony D and Stacks) Mixed tag team.

**Womens NXT Title Match — Roxanne Perez facing Lyra Valkyria (title holder) The ladies are evenly matched and I was really looking forward to this faceoff. Lola Vice out to cash in her Breakout Contract. Tatum Paxley gets rid of Roxanne so it’s a one-on-one to help Lyra pin Lola. Turning things into a 3-way match. Lyra manages to hold off both Roxy/Lola for the win.

***NXT RoadBlock is Tuesday, March 5

**North American Title on the line between Dragon Lee and Oba Feme. To this point, I’m my book this was the match of the night. It was a David Verses Gloith kind of match. Obi outweighs Dragon by 100 pounds.

**Main Event — Trick Williams facing Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Men’s title. I knew this match would get ugly to say the least. To look at Ilja you would not think he is as strong as he really is. Trick/Ilja were both bloodied in the match but they seemed to get stronger as the match went on. (I had a feeling that Carmelo would play a part in this, trying to help but it would eventually backfire) Carmelo was up on the rope trying to argue with the Ref when Trick took out the original ref, Trick pinning Ilja for the win but the new Ref arrived too late. Ilja somehow managed to get one final hit in to be able to pin Trick for the win. Ilja keeps the title. Once Ilja had departed the ring, Carmelo turned on Trick damaging his knee. (to be honest, I was not surprised this happened. With the show going off the air, Melo was yelling at the audience “This is your fault, you made me do this”