Winfree’s WWE Smackdown Review 2.20.26

Alright everyone, it’s Friday so it’s time for another episode of WWE Smackdown. Remember we’re still on SyFy if you’re watching via normal broadcast means. Tonight we’ve got a couple more Elimination Chamber qualifying matches with Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams vs. Carmelo Hayes for the men and Charlotte Flair vs. Kiana James vs. Nia Jax. Trick seems like a solid choice in the first one given that they’ve pretty much already put the rocket on him. As for the women, Charlotte is always a safe bet and her growing drama with Alexa Bliss would make for good Chamber fodder. Kit Wilson is going to get squashed by Oba Femi again, that’ll be fun. Last week Drew McIntyre tried to get Sami Zayn into the Chamber match, but despite his efforts Cody Rhodes qualified. I expect Jacob Fatu to come after Drew this week since Drew put him through a table last week while Sami continues to search for direction and Cody now gets to lock in for the Chamber. Aleister Black has been poking around Randy Orton, which will likely result in another Black losing effort when it’s all said and done. The Wyatt Sicks are still looking at Solo Sikoa and his Marginally Functional Tribe, because the tag team division was only the clear MVP of Smackdown for about 18 months so why not just shoot it dead with this nonsense? Jade Cargill defended the women’s title for the first time ever on TV last week, so she should be good until Mania. Johnny Gargano has been in a depressive funk lately, mostly played for laughs but Alex Shelley does seem to be softening to the plight of his old friend. Still nothing solid for Rey Fenix, Shinsuke Nakamura, or Ilja Dragunov to do this week, and we still haven’t seen the Street Profits in a really long time. The last couple of episodes have been pretty solid overall, so hopefully this week continues the pattern. Now let’s get to the action.

Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett will be on commentary from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We see people arriving at the venue, on that big box from RAW with the date for opening is here in Smackdown. OK then.

After that we get a recap of the main event from last week, you know, in case you missed it.

First to the ring this week is Cody Rhodes. Cody gets a mic and takes his sweet time before asking what the gathered Floridians want to talk about. Before he can get beyond that though here’s Jacob Fatu’s music. Fatu has a mic and gets in the ring with Cody, he says Cody wouldn’t be out here speaking if Drew McIntyre hadn’t gotten involved last week. He had Cody and Sami beat last week, and they both know it. But his concern isn’t about Cody right now. His concern right now is about Drew, then he tells Drew to bring his punk ass out here so Fatu can dog walk him. Nick Aldis shows up instead, he tells Fatu he has every right to be upset but he can’t have the chaos so he gave Drew the night off. Aldis wasn’t happy having to do that but there’s too much at stake to let that kind of risk stand. This is Cody’s mic time, so please Fatu come to the back with Aldis and they can talk about Fatu getting a match with Drew. Drew starts talking on a mic, he’s up in a sky box. He appreciates the night off, but he does what he wants and he bought this suite to watch the show. As for Fatu he’s right here, what are you gonna do? Fatu charges through the fans, he’s tossing security around but Aldis talks a little bit of sense to him. Aldis tells security to get Drew out of the building and again gets Fatu to head back to his office so they can talk. The Samoan Werewolf isn’t happy but goes along. Drew says everyone is jealous of him because he’s the champ. Cody says the whole world isn’t after Drew because he’s champ, but rather because he’s an asshole. So we’re getting Drew and Fatu at the Chamber then? It wont have anything like a clean finish but I can dig it.

Next a recap of the Solo Sikoa and goons stuff from last week, it was tedious then and it’s doubly so in recap form. Who is interested in the Solo Squad and Wyatts still at this point?

In the back Carmelo Hayes warms up, Ilja Dragunov comes over and hypes him up for his match tonight. Hayes doesn’t need the help, but does hype up Ilja a bit for Ilja’s match. Ilja does say Hayes might make it to Mania but wont be US champion because they’ve still got a fight between them coming.

Ilja heads to the ring and we head to break.

In the back Fatu talks with Aldis, Aldis talks with him about the virtue of patience. Fatu isn’t going to wait much longer, but he does leave the building for the night.

Back to the ring and here comes Tama Tonga, coming out to Solo’s music.

Match #1: Ilja Dragunov vs. Tama Tonga w/ Solo Sikoa, Tonga Loa, JC Mateo, and Talla Tonga

Ilja opens with a running boot then corner chops. Tama cares not for chops, because Brock Lesnar no sold them so everyone’s marching orders are to make Ilja’s offense look bad I guess. Some corner work from Tama, Ilja fights back with headbutts then a knee but again Tama basically no sells this. Some strikes go back and forth then Tama launches Ilja into a corner. Leaping boot from Ilja, that missed but Tama sold anyway. German suplex from Ilja but a release instead of holding on, then he boots Tama out of the ring and we head picture in picture. I’ve got a Netflix feed going though so I’ve still got you.

Back in the ring Tama avoids a German suplex and then dropkicks Ilja through the ropes while Ilja was trying a Konstantin Special. On the floor Tama with a leaping clothesline. Back in the ring Tama lands some punches then a falling elbow to retain control. Ilja avoids a corner rush and lands clotheslines then a scoop slam then a second rope knee drop for a 2 count. Ilja goes up again but Tama catches him and throws him down then follows with a Whirling Dervish for his own 2 count. That’s the state of things as we rejoin the broadcast. They start trading strikes for a bit then we get a double clothesline and double down spot. Both men pull themselves up and they resume trading strikes, Ilja with spinning chops then a German suplex and he keeps the hands locked. Ilja is able to hit another German suplex and keeps holding on to yell at Solo. Tama shoves Ilja away but Ilja hits a Konstantin Special for a 2 count, his knee brace is falling off at this point though. Ilja goes up, misses a flying nothing the Tama hits a Flatliner for a 2 count. Ore Ga Taue from Ilja to avoid a Tiger Driver or something similar. Ilja pulls himself up top, Loa distracts him though and Ilja has to headbutt Tama down then he follows with a senton. JC gets hit off the apron and Tama rolls up Ilja for 2. Leaping enziguri from Ilja, Loa then avoids a kick but that distraction lines up the Cutthroat from Tama to end things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Tama Tonga won in 9:41

Rating: 3 stars
Thoughts: Solid match, if both predictable and frustrating in terms of booking. Tama’s success is only going to be interesting if it leads to division in the group, because independent of that he’s not super interesting. Frankly his gremlin noises remind me of the Fandango-ing phenomenon more than being an indicator of Tama being over.

Post match Solo gets a mic, never a good thing, and says he’s not playing. This is his show and thankfully Ilja jumps him from behind to save us another boring Solo promo. That does lead to Ilja getting smashed by everyone, Matt Cardona runs down but gets booted by Talla like a punk. Apollo Crews reminds us that he’s alive briefly before getting crushed as well. The lights go out and the Wyatt Sicks have a video play, Howdy says Solo uses his family as a crutch so he can stay upright. If Solo’s the shining light then it’s time he prove he can stand on his own. Howdy will come down alone and expose Solo’s pathetic insecurities and failures publicly. Solo tries to have a reaction, doesn’t really succeed.

In the back Drew is in the back and Aldis comes over to chew him out. Aldis warns Drew that if he keeps pushing the lines he’ll find out what Aldis can do. Drew leaves and tells Aldis to relax.

Elsewhere in the back Byron talks with Randy Orton. Randy says everyone in the Chamber is on edge, but he gets interrupted by Zelina before he could get to talking about Cody. Zelina and Alesiter Black talk at Randy, Black says Randy used to drop people for getting this close to him. They used to fear things more than the RKO, and Black asks if that man still exists. Randy says the only version he needs to kick Black’s ass is the one right here, he’ll get a match made for later tonight. Black says he’ll dig up the dangerous version of Randy.

In the back WWE women’s champion Jade Cargill walks and will get promo time after this break.

Post break Byron talks with Nia Jax and Lash Legend in the back. Nothing of value is said for a while, they’ll get a tag team title shot next week. OK then.

Back to the ring and here’s Jade. Jade gets a mic and says she defends her title on her time. Jordynne Grace tried and wasn’t good enough. She asks for a reaction, doesn’t really get it. Everyone can be loud online but everyone folds when they step to her. As for Liv Morgan, well she lives in Atlanta where RAW is and she’ll be there for Liv’s decision about Mania. So whether it’s Liv or whoever comes out of the Chamber she’s leaving Mania as women’s champion because she’s still that bitch. Rough promo.

As Jade is leaving Charlotte Flair comes out, this is about the fourth time they’ve done this bit where they cross paths on the ramp and stare down with nothing coming of it. Both women chirp at each other before a couple of refs separate them and Jade heads to the back. Charlotte heads to the ring for our next match. No Alexa Bliss with Charlotte, and we head to break.

Post break we get confirmation of Randy and Black for later tonight. Back to the ring and Kiana James heads down followed by Nia Jax. Jax, like Charlotte, is flying solo.

Match #2 – Triple Threat Match: Charlotte Flair vs. Kiana James vs. Nia Jax

Jax and Charlotte yell at each other, Charlotte then elbows James before shoving her into a Jax shoulder block. Jax shoulder blocks Charlotte as well. James wants to team up with Jax, Jax is uninterested and grabs James, but Charlotte chop blocks Jax. Charlotte with corner work to James but Jax kills her with a pop up headbutt then one for James as well. That winds up setting up hip attacks from Jax to both women. Charlotte fights back and Jax then posts herself and falls to the floor as we head to break.

James attacked Charlotte and works her over on the mat while Jax powders. Chin lock from James, Jax gets to the apron and James boots her down then kicks Charlotte and chin locks her again. Charlotte fights free and starts landing elbows but then she runs into a shoulder block from James. Corner shoulders from James then Jax shows up to hit a double clothesline. Jax tries to double suplex James and Charlotte, they block that and hit a double team suplex on Jax. James then rolls up Charlotte for 2. We come back to broadcast as Charlotte gets sent to the apron, but she punches James then heads up top for a crossbody. Charlotte starts firing up with chops to James and Jax then a superkick for Jax. Walk over clothesline to James from Charlotte, Jax then knocks James to the apron and Charlotte starts chopping away at Jax. Charlotte heads to the apron and lands a boot to Jax but James hits her with a superkick. Jax grabs James for a Samoan Drop, and stands around until Charlotte can superkick her to complete the move. Charlotte then heads up top for a moonsault onto both women but she can’t find a pin. Jax picks up Charlotte for a powerbomb but Charlotte counters into a hurricanrana but then runs into a Smaoan Drop. James with a Samoan Drop to Jax, nice showcase for her strength, but she only gets 2 on the pin. Jax rolls to the floor and Charlotte boots James then starts fighting with her on the top rope. Ultimately they take forever but Charlotte hits a Spanish Fly for the closest of near falls. James didn’t kick out there, I’m not sure who screwed that up but that clearly should have been 3. Jax pulls Charlotte out of the ring and rams her into the ring post. James kicks Jax on the floor then avoids a charge and Jax wipes herself out into the ring post. Charlotte with a pop up powerbomb to James then the Figure 8 but Jax breaks it up with a leg drop on Charlotte. Jax then looks for an Annihilator on James, connects but Charlotte now breaks up the pin. Charlotte and Jax start trading strikes now, Charlotte says Jax hits like a bitch so Jax headbutts her down. After a bit Charlotte climbs up top, Jax joins her, but Charlotte slips free and hits a Sunset Powerbomb then locks in the Figure 8. James shows up to Crucifix Charlotte though and steal the pin.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Kiana James won in 12:34

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: A little surprising in terms of the outcome but Charlotte still struggling to win matches without Alexa Bliss with her is a decent little story. A few awkward spots, James missing that kickout being a big one, but all in all a good match for the time given.

In the back Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky watch TV at an odd angle. Byron comes over to ask about James qualifying. Rhea doesn’t care, neither does Iyo as Rhea will beat Giulia tonight and Iyo will qualify for the Chamber. That leads to Byron asking about the tag team title match next week, and they both say they can handle the schedule and pressure easily.

We see Oba Femi in the back, he’ll kill Kit Wilson after this break.

Post break here comes Kit Wilson. He’s followed by Oba Femi.

Match #3: Oba Femi vs. Kit Wilson

The bell rings and Wilson gets a mic from the floor, he feels Femi has grown since last week and he’s got a poem for him. Femi invites him to the ring to do so and Wilson gets on the apron to do so. His poem starts by putting over Femi, but does liken him to a teddy bear. Femi comes over, and thanks him for the poem then tells him to read another one. Wilson says he only has one, Femi tells him to read another one. Wilson has an older one and he tries to beg indulgence. He’s got 9 things he hates about men and goes on for a bit and eventually it becomes clear he’s talking about Femi in particular. Femi then yanks him into the ring, chops the crap out of him and does the corner uppercuts. Wilson tries to kick him but Femi just yanks him into the air for a release back suplex. Fall From Grace and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Oba Femi won in 3:50

Rating: Spaghetti SQUASH
Thoughts: Delicious squash, and now Femi is likely to move on to a more appropriate challenge.

In the back Aldis wants to know what’s int he WWE development box, R-Truth comes over and says it’s a major award. Bless you Truth for that reference. Truth with some amusing comedy and Aldis tells a PA to send the box back to RAW. Damian Priest comes over and Truth thought he was in the match tonight. He liked Aldis better when he was bald. That got a laugh out of Priest. Priest appreciates the shot tonight.

Back to the ring and here comes Tiffany Stratton, she’ll take on Alba Fyre after this break.

Post break Alba Fyre wheels Chelsea Green down with her broken ankle.

Match #4: Tiffany Stratton vs. Alba Fyre w/ Chelsea Green

They tie up and Fyre with a bit of an arm drag. Tiffany then grabs a side headlock and starts cranking on it. Headlock takeover from Tiffany and she keeps the headlock. Eventually Fyre slips free and Tiffany hits the ropes then does some gymnastics before hitting a hip attack in the ropes and a low shotgun dropkick. Fyre gets tripped down then Tiffany with a rolling senton then an Oklahoma Roll for 2. Backslide from Tiffany gets 2 again, she keeps going through pin attempts then Fyre with a rake of the eyes and a tornado DDT to get a little offense in. That sends us to break.

Some chops from Fyre then corner work. Tiffany tries another roll up but then Fyre drops her with a clothesline. Neck crank from Fyre then she stomps on Tiffany. Neck crank from Fyre, Tiffany slips free and avoids a knee drop as we come back to broadcast. Tiffany fires up and hits the handspring back elbow in the corner, Fyre lands a superkick then tries a School Boy for 2. Fyre heads up top, Tiffany hits her though and climbs up with her to hit a superplex then she floats over and sort of hits a Falcon Arrow for a 2 count. Tiffany with the cartwheel attempt, Fyre counters into a Gory Special for a 2 count. Tiffany hits the Alabama Slam then Fyre shoves her out of a Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Fyre lines up a dive, but Tiffany cuts her off with a right hand. Green yells at Tiffany, that distracts her so Fyre can hit the suicide dive. Back in the ring Fyre goes up top, but Tiffany blocks a Swanton Bomb with her knees then Fyre returns the favor to block a handspring back elbow. Tiffany then hits the Finlay Roll into the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Tiffany Stratton won in 9:47

Rating: 2 stars
Thoughts: This really didn’t need almost 10 minutes, about 3-4 shorter and they’d have had a better punch to everything. Tiffany winning was academic but it was nice to see Fyre actually get to work a bit.

In the back Cody walks and finds a sad Sami Zayn. Sami doesn’t feel good, Cody says he has nothing to be ashamed of. Sami knows and says Cody should be ashamed, Sami helped Cody when Drew got involved and that led to Cody beating him. Cody says it was chaos and he took advantage of the opportunity, and you have to do that and Sami not doing that is why he’s never been champion. Sami says it’s easy to say that when you’re the golden boy. No one has chosen Sami, he’s been trying to finish his story for 10 years, he’s been trying to do the right thing and it keeps blowing up in his face. Cody cuts that off because in Germany he did the right thing and it cost him everything so spare him the moralizing. He could walk Sami into the locker room right now and Sami could beat any of them, the only thing standing in Sami’s way is himself. Cody walks off but Trick Williams shows up to mock Sami before he walks off. Sami then charges after Cody and apologizes for losing his temper but Cody was right, he knows Cody will be champion again so next time around just remember you had some help along the way. Cody says he wont forget. OK, Sami’s turn to the dark side continues to simmer and I can mostly dig it.

Back to the ring here comes Carmelo Hayes. After this match we’ll get the next Chamber qualifying match.

Post break here comes Damian Priest followed by Trick Williams. Trick’s music is over as heck.

Match #5 – Triple Threat Match: Carmelo Hayes vs. Damian Priest vs. Trick Williams

Trick and Hayes share some words about their former history, Priest is annoyed by that and clotheslines both men down then settles into working with Hayes. Hayes with a dropkick but he runs into a Flapjack. Trick shows up to chop at Priest but Priest turns that around and chops away at Trick. Hayes with a corner splash to Trick then Priest boxes his ears and sets up corner work on both men. Lifting Flatliner for Trick from Priest and he stands tall. Hayes with a kick to the knee of Priest but Priest slings him onto Trick on the mat then he punches Hayes and follows up with a Headlock Driver for a 2 count. That move really does need a revival. Trick avoids a South of Heaven but Hayes then hits Trick with a springboard clothesline. La Mistica from Hayes to Priest but Priest then just hits a Broken Arrow for a 2 count. That sends us to break.

Priest punches Hayes down then turns to Trick and starts unloading on him in the corner. Trick low bridges a charging Priest though and Priest spills to the floor. That leaves Hayes and Trick alone in the ring, that gets an NXT chant as they circle. Both men trade roll ups then we get stereo punches and both men drop. Priest stalks around the ringside area and pulls Hayes out of the ring then drops him face first onto the ring apron. Back in the ring for Priest and he punches away at Trick. Trick hits Priest with a jumping neckbreaker then Hayes shows up and chops at Trick. 10 Punch from Hayes gets to 7 before Trick slips free and drops him face first into the corner. Bit of a jumping DDT from Hayes to Priest then Trick tosses Hayes out of the ring. That’s about the size of things when we come back. Trick and Priest trade punches then Hayes shows up to hit a double fade away DDT. Trick and Priest powder, Hayes dives onto Priest then runs around to hit a dropkick on Trick. Back in the ring Hayes with a Frog Splash to Priest for a 2 count. Priest powders again, Hayes tries to dive but Trick cuts him off with a side kick in the ring. Uranage to Hayes but only a 2 count for Trick. Trick tells Hayes that he doesn’t have what it takes and chops him. Hayes just chops him repeatedly then Trick shoves him out of the ring. Priest walks over to Pounce Hayes onto the announce table, then Trick hits Priest with a Flapjack onto the announce table. In the ring Hayes takes the Tornado Kick from Trick but only a 2 count. Trick puts Hayes up top, Hayes fights with him but Trick climbs up there with him then Priest shows up to kill Trick with a Razor’s Edge but only a 2 count on the cover. Hayes then hits Priest with Nothing But Net and Trick has to break up the pin and save the match. Everyone’s down now. Hayes and Trick start trading from their knees as they fight upright, then Priest with big head kicks to both men, then tornado kicks for both of them. Priest hits the ropes but runs into a double pump kick then Trick helps launch Hayes into Priest and they both try pins but neither lets one go through. Hayes counters a Uranage and then lands a superkick for a 2 count. Crucifix from Trick gets a 2 count then Hayes hits the First 48. Hayes goes up top but he’s way out of position and Priest intercepts him with a right hand. Trick with a Trick Shot to Priest as he was trying a Razor’s Edge on Hayes, Hayes falls to the floor and Trick hits another Trick Shot on Priest then pins Priest to win.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Trick Williams won in 12:38

Rating: 3.5 stars
Thoughts: Pretty good match, Priest played big brother early but couldn’t maintain it. Hayes doesn’t feel like they believe in him enough for a Chamber spot and they clearly like Trick so putting him in the Chamber tracks. He’s unlikely to win that match but Trick being elevated into that spot will do him good.

In the back the tag teams get their TV time for the week by looking at the mystery box. Candice LeRae comes over to point out that Johnny Gargano on top of the box like Snoopy being sad. Jordynne Grace comes over to try and talk with Aldis, Candice and Grace get catty so Aldis makes the obvious match next week. Johnny continues to be sad, and fairly funny.

Giulia heads to the ring, she’ll take on Rhea Ripley after this break.

Post break we find Jade getting photographed in the back. B-Fab shows up, as does Michin and they both complain about Jade injuring them. Jade just leaves, what an odd segment.

Back to the ring, Giulia wants on Rhea Ripley. Ripley comes out solo, makes me worried for Iyo in the back but we’ll see if anything comes of that.

Match #6: Giulia vs. Rhea Ripley

Circling to start then they tie up, Ripley backs Giulia into a corner then they trade shoves on the break. Another tie up, this one hits the ropes then Giulia slaps Ripley on the break. Satellite guillotine choke from Giulia, Ripley puts Giulia on the top rope though then slaps her. Kick from Giulia then she tries a diving DDT but Ripley stalls her out and hits a suplex. Giulia avoids a Riptide and slams Ripley down by the hair. Corner attack from Giulia then a second rope dropkick. Ripley out of the corner lands a back elbow then a corner attack but Giulia avoids a charge and Rhea posts herself. On the floor Giulia dropkicks Ripley into the ring steps and we head to break.

Giulia sends Ripley back into the ring and stomps on her. Ripley tries body blows but Giulia just slugs her to the floor. Back slap from Giulia, that’s just mean, as she batters Ripley around the ringside area. Ripley fights back and rams Giulia into the barrier before they head back into the ring. Giulia stomps on Ripley and ties her up in the ropes then tears at her face before hitting a running dropkick to the lower back. Modified Curb Stomp from Giulia, she actually did get up on the head instead of the back so it looked really nice but only gets a 2 count. Giulia grabs a neck crank, Ripley fights back with body blows but Giulia yanks her down again by the hair. As we rejoin the broadcast Giulia is still in control and stomps at Ripley. Ripley blocks an Arrivederci Knee then lands an enziguri. They trade blows as they stand then Ripley fires up with wrist control clotheslines and a thrust kick then back suplex into a face buster and running dropkick. Ripley goes up top but Giulia clocks her then climbs up with her, Giulia wants the avalanche Butterfly suplex but Ripley slips free, ties up Giulia then superkicks her and follows with an Electric Chair facebuster for a 2 count. Giulia elbows her way out of a Riptide then hits a head scissors and an Arrivederci Knee for a near fall. Ripley avoids a Northern Lights Bomb, lands a headbutt then tries Riptide but Jax and Lash Legend show up to attack her.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Rhea Ripley won via disqualification in 9:19

Rating: 2.5 stars
Thoughts: These two delivered a hard hitting affair, exactly what you’d expect from them. Giulia holding her own with Ripley was important despite the finish being what it was. Hopefully we get a little more of this kind of Giulia going forward. That said the finish does drop this down a bit, but honestly I could go for more of these two in the future.

Iyo Sky runs down to help, she palm strikes Lash a few times then Ripley clotheslines her out of the ring. Jax was already out of the ring so the faces get to stand tall.

Oba Femi walks in the back and finds Miz, Miz puts him over and then offers to be his mentor and show him the ropes. Femi would love Miz to show him the ropes next week and goes to Aldis. Miz, way too late, realizes Femi is setting up a match and he’s not happy about it. OK, Miz works for a first more substantial program for Femi.

That sends us to break with our main event still to come.

Post break we find Charlotte being sad. Alexa Bliss comes over and Charlotte says this is hard for Bliss but she’ll be OK despite Charlotte losing. Charlotte totally isn’t upset that her friend is in the Chamber while she’s not. Kiana James comes over to say they’ve become co-dependent. Giulia is here too and Bliss brings up that James is in the Chamber while Giulia isn’t. Bliss laughs at James calling themselves powerful, that pisses off Giulia and James has to drag her off. Charlotte reiterates that she’s fine and drags Bliss off with her. OK then.

Commentary run down next week’s card. Women’s tag team title match of course, Rhiyo vs. Jax and Lash, we’ll get Uncle Howdy and Solo Sikoa too.

In the back Solo has the lantern and tells his goons to get the car. He tells Tama that he’s proud of him and knows Tama will be US champion one down once they get done with the Wyatts. Solo leaves and Shinsuke Nakamura comes over to talk with Tama and asks if he’s happy to just be in Solo’s shadow as a soldier being held back. He says Tama should be his own man and tells Tama to leave his family tree in the forest next time and we can see what Tama’s really made of. Nakamura being the manipulator is nice enough but again, I’m not sure what they’ll let him do with that apart from facilitate Tama’s leaving Solo.

Back to the ring here’s Aleister Black, our main event will be up after this break.

Post break here comes Randy Orton.

Match #7: Randy Orton vs. Aleister Black w/ Zelina

Circling to start then they tie up, Randy grabs a side headlock then hits a shoulder block and poses. More rope running then Black and Randy get into a pose off as Black sits down when Randy goes to taunt the RKO. Both men slowly stand then Randy takes over and tries a 10 Punch, he gets it and per usual does something different for the 10th and this time it’s a clothesline to send Black out of the ring and us picture in picture.

Randy follows Black to the floor but Black starts hitting him with kicks to the chest and face and they head back into the ring. Again Randy tosses Black out of the ring, he really wants the table spot and does hit the release back suplex on the announce table. The crowd want another one and Randy obliges them. A third one from Randy connects as well and he poses. Randy keeps breaking the refs count then sends Black into the ring for a 2 count. Black now tries to powder but Randy follows and they start brawling around the ringside area as Black lands kicks but Randy then dumps him over the barricade with a Gordbuster. Back in the ring Randy finds a 2 count as we come back to broadcast. Garvin Stomp from Randy, Zelina hops on the apron to distract things and that does leg Black hit a knee that sends Randy back out of the ring. PK from Black on the apron then he rams Randy into the ring post. Back in the ring again and Black with another PK for a 2 count. Black grabs a chin lock, after a bit Randy is able to fight free but Black lands a knee to block a suplex. Another knee strike from Black then a tomahawk elbow. Another chin lock from Black, Randy fights free with an uppercut then he tries the draping DDT but Black avoids it and snaps Randy over the top rope. Front kick from Black on the apron then he lands an elbow strike. Again Black with the chin lock, Randy looks annoyed then counters with a back suplex. Randy looks angry now and he fires up with clotheslines then the snap powerslam. Draping DDT from Randy, with a “whoop that Trick” before doing so because Randy is a man of the people. Randy lines up the RKO, Black avoids it though and powders. On the floor Randy stalks Black but walks into a head kick. Randy pokes Black in the eye though then Black avoids a back suplex on the table so Randy trips him into a front bump on it. Zelina is a little too close for Randy’s liking, he stares at her then looks at the fallen Black and hits him with a draping DDT on the floor. They head into the ring but Drew runs behind the ref to clock Randy with the title belt. Cody shows up to chase off Drew but back in the ring Randy takes a Black Mass and Black wins.

OFFICIAL RESULT: Aleister Black won in 13:11

Rating: 3 stars
Thoughts: Solid match for the most part, Black overplayed the chin lock for my taste though. Perhaps most sadly we know that this wont lead to anything for Black down the line, he can get a singular win but the man hasn’t actually won a feud since coming back.

Post match Drew poses with the belt and Cody checks on Randy to close the show.

8.0

The final score: review Very Good

The 411

Very few complaints this week, the show was pretty well paced, the matches were solid with nothing being really bad. The triple threat matches delivered, frankly the only downside was some of the specific layout for Tama vs. Ilja and the slightly deflating ending to Giulia vs. Ripley. Femi got a fun squash and will move on, Black got another asterisk win over a former champ, Sami and Johnny Gargano continue to be sad in very different ways. All in all I think this one did hit Very Good, while nothing was really great if the only rough part of your show is a quick Jade promo I think you've done a solid job.