The John Report: WWE SmackDown 02/28/25 Review

This is WWE Smackdown featuring Cody Rhodes, plus three singles matches leading to a triple threat match for a shot at the US Title.

It’s WWE Elimination Chamber weekend. I wrote a preview of the show and I’m sticking with those picks even though I know there’s information out there that suggests somebody else may win one of the big matches. Also, as I have mentioned in the past, I’m going to Elimination Chamber in Toronto, which is about a two-hour drive each way. We’re coming home right after the show. That means my review is coming on Sunday during the day at some point.

Tonight’s SmackDown is in Toronto in the arena where the Leafs/Raptors play and Elimination Chamber is in the Rogers Centre (fka Skydome) where the Blue Jays play. The Chamber PLE will have over 30,000+ fans in attendance. I love going to stadium shows. I’m looking forward to it.

From the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, this is Smackdown for episode #1332. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport, friend me on Facebook, or chat with me on the Bluesky App as well. Let’s get to it.

There was a video package showing The Rock’s promo with Cody Rhodes from last week’s SmackDown. The Rock said he wanted Cody to be “his champion” and Rock wanted Cody’s soul. It was Rock’s way of wanting Cody to become a heel champion. Rock said he wanted an answer at Elimination Chamber.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage in the arena. Two random dudes walked up to him saying his locker room is this way and it’s courtesy of The Final Boss aka The Rock.

It was Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on commentary.

Let’s Hear from Trish Stratus and Tiffany Stratton

Trish Stratus made her entrance wearing a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey since she’s a Toronto girl. She greeted her kids at ringside before getting into the ring for a promo.

Trish wondered what year this was since Lilian Garcia was introducing her, The Rock was in the mix and Trish was wrestling tomorrow. Trish said it’s all happening in her hometown of Toronto. Trish talked about the generational impact it has. Trish said that there was a little girl in the crowd and she said that perhaps her dad had a Trish poster. Trish said that tomorrow at the Rogers Centre will be the first time her kids see her wrestle live and her kids Max & Madi were at ringside. Trish’s husband was there too. Trish talked about how special it is to mix it up with the current talent. Trish said she’s excited to team up with somebody who has taken the women’s division by storm. Trish introduced her tag team partner.

Tiffany Stratton made her entrance as the WWE Women’s Champion and she had a Maple Leafs jersey as well. The back of Tiffany’s jersey says “Tiffy” and Trish’s says “Trishy” on it. They said it was “Trishy Time” and “Tiffy Time.” They tossed their jerseys into the crowd and fans near the front row got it. Trish mentioned they have hung out together and done yoga together. Tiffany said that’s why they’ll win at Elimination Chamber.

The US Women’s Champion Chelsea Green made her entrance joined by Piper Niven dressed as a Mountie. Green called them “Dumb & Dumber” and bragged about her title. Green said that much like Auston Matthews, she’s the best thing to step into the arena tonight, but unlike Matthews, she actually wins. That drew boos. Green got into the ring saying that when she left this dump of Canada, she became the US Champion. Green said she was honored to represent America and Green said that the people in America are better. Stratton said she’s from America and Green doesn’t represent her. Green trashed Stratton for needing “mommy” to dress her. Stratton wanted Green to have a match with her tonight. Trish thinks it’s a great idea. Trish said if GM Nick Aldis thinks it’s a great idea then he should send out a referee right now. Wade said this since he supports Green: “This is a disaster.” The match is after a break for some fans.

Analysis: It was a solid babyface promo from Trish welcoming us to the show and setting the stage for Elimination Chamber weekend. I think they are doing a good job of making Stratton more of a babyface in recent weeks and having her interact with Trish is a smart way to make fans want to cheer Tiffany even more.

Tiffany Stratton (w/Trish Stratus) vs. Chelsea Green (w/Piper Niven)

It’s a champion vs. champion match with no titles on the line. Green was in control with some kicks against the turnbuckle. Stratton flipped over Green and Stratton hit a slap to the face. Niven distracted Stratton, so Green knocked down Stratton on the apron. Green stomped on Stratton for a two count. Green hit a suplex as the show returned from a break for some fans.

Green was in control after a flatliner to the mat for two. Stratton hit a belly-to-back suplex. Stratton hit two clotheslines and cartwheel into a back elbow in the corner. Stratton hit a spinebuster for two. Stratton charged into a Rough Ryder leg lariat on Stratton for two. Stratton hit a double foot stomp while Green was seated in the ring. Niven pulled Green out of the ring, so Stratus sent Niven into the apron. Stratton hit a somersault dive off the top onto Green and Niven on the floor. Nia Jax and Candice LeRae attacked Trish on the floor. Stratton grabbed Jax, so Jax pulled Stratton out of the ring and that led to a DQ finish after six minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Tiffany Stratton

Analysis: **1/2 A decent match for the time given. They booked a finish that protected both champions because it was not a clean ending. I know people hate DQ finishes, but I don’t mind it in this spot. Stratton had the match won until the Jax/LeRae duo showed up.

After the match, Jax and LeRae were in control of Stratus and Stratton in the ring. Stratus fought back with punches on Jax. Stratton picked up Stratus, who kicked Jax out of the ring. Stratton hit a dropkick on LeRae. Stratton wanted to do more, but Jax saved LeRae to end that.

Analysis: We saw Jax splash Trish and Tiffany last week, so it’s not a surprise that they did something else here. I’m going with Trish and Tiffany winning the Chamber match.

There was a video from Nick Aldis earlier in the day announcing three singles matches to try to determine the top contender for the US Title.

* LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar

* Carmelo Hayes vs. Braun Strowman

* Andrade vs. Solo Sikoa

The winners of those matches will face eachother in a triple threat match on SmackDown tonight. Whoever wins that triple threat match will be the number one contender for the US Title.

Jacob Fatu was backstage talking to Solo Sikoa while Tama Tonga was in the background. Fatu said that what happened last week was an accident. Solo said he was sure it was an accident. Fatu mentioned Solo being in a qualifying match tonight to determine the contender for the US Title. Solo said that the family needs to make a statement by taking the US Championship. Solo told Fatu that he wanted him to represent the family and bring the US Title to this family. Solo said that what he’s doing is to show Fatu how much he loves him. Fatu snarled and walked away.

Analysis: They announced Solo Sikoa for the spot in this mini-tournament and ended up putting Jacob Fatu in it instead. Fine with me. Jacob is more fun to watch.

Andrade made his entrance for his match up next.

A commercial aired promoting WrestleMania 42 in New Orleans in April 2026.

(Commercial)

There was a clip from WWE LFG with Bubba Ray Dudley working on dance moves with his team. WWE LFG airs Sundays on A&E.

Cody Rhodes was backstage in an extravagant dressing room with a guy there to say this was all thanks to The Final Boss. It had champagne and a nice spread. R-Truth was backstage hanging out and eating some food. Cody mentioned The Rock and selling his soul. Truth got The Rock confused with his late father “Soulman” Rocky Johnson, which led to more Truth comedy. Truth asked Cody to ask The Rock to ask for jelly rolls added to the list next time. Cody looked reluctant about the whole thing.

US Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Andrade

There were “Fatu” chants for Jacob. Fatu hit a shoulder tackle by Fatu. Andrade did a chop followed by a forearm to the head. Andrade jumped off the top with a cross body block. Fatu charged, Andrade moved and Fatu bumped to the floor. Andrade jumped over the top with a hurricanrana that sent Fatu into the barricade. Andrade went up top and hit a moonsault onto a standing Fatu on the floor. They went to a break for some fans and I’ll take a break too.

The crowd was on fire chanting for Fatu, who hit a popup Samoan Drop during the break. Andrade jumped up to Fatu’s shoulders and hit a Reverse Rana that spiked Fatu on his head. Andrade hit multiple clotheslines followed by Andrade hitting a forearm to the head. Andrade wanted a charging attack, but Fatu hit a running elbow to the face. The fans were chanting “Fatu” again. Fatu went for a running hip attack, Andrade moved out of the way and Andrade hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Andrade hit a running double knee attack against the turnbuckle. Andrade went up top and hit his double jump moonsault for a two count. Andrade went for a sunset flip, but Fatu splashed Andrade. Fatu hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle two times in a row. Fatu hit an Impaler DDT. Fatu went up top and hit a moonsault for the pinfall win after about 9 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jacob Fatu

Analysis: ***1/2 That was a great match for something that was under ten minutes. Fatu’s matches are so fast-paced, so they are always fun to watch and this was no different. Andrade is also tremendous in the ring. It would have been nice to see them get more time, but it’s also fine with me that Fatu won decisively the way that he did.

A clip was shown of The Street Profits attacking #DIY, Pretty Deadly and the Motor City Machine Guns last week.

The Street Profits were backstage talking to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who wondered what was going on. This was from earlier today. Montez Ford said that they were doing what they were doing because they had their title match taken away from them and they aren’t stopping until they get their title match. Santos Escobar and Los Garza got in The Street Profits face wanting an apology for blaming Legado for falsely accusing them for taking out the Profits. Angelo Dawkins said they aren’t apologizing. Santos said they’ll beat it out of them. Aldis told Escobar to save his energy for LA Knight and said it’s the Profits against Los Garza tonight.

Analysis: It feels like this story is going to lead to a multi-team Tag Team Title Ladder Match at WrestleMania. There are lots of teams with issues, so that makes sense. I want to see the Profits as champions again.

(Commercial)

The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins made their entrance, but WWE Tag Team Champions #DIY attacked them. Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa did cheap shots from behind. The Los Garza boys were in the ring and they attacked #DIY as well. Dawkins and Ford beat up the Los Garza guys including Dawkins sending one of them into the ring post. Pretty Deadly went into the ring leading to a running kick and a double knee attack to take out the Profits. #DIY was back up with a combo move. The Motor City Machine Guns went down to the ring to go after Ciampa with an enziguri kick. The Guns superkicked Gargano as well. The Profits faced off with The Guns, but Pretty Deadly and Los Garza got back into it. There was a lot of chaos. Angel and Berto hit a somersault/dive combo at the same time onto wrestlers and security guys on the floor. The three teams #DIY, Street Profits and The Guns were all fighting in the ring. Security and officials went into the ring to try to stop the fighting. The fans chanted “let them fight” while #DIY was out on the floor.

Analysis: That was a chaotic brawl to show that there is a lot of tension in the tag team division. As I mentioned earlier, a WrestleMania Ladder Match between the teams seems very possible at this point, but they still have nearly two months to get there. Perhaps they go another route creatively.

Drew McIntyre walked up to the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in the backstage area. Drew said that he didn’t know what he would do in Cody’s spot. Drew said that a decade ago they were so low on the card that they would do anything to get to the top and look at them now. Drew said when Rock made the offer, Cody didn’t reply and that said a lot. Drew said he wonders what The Rock is going to do when Cody says yes and Rock finds out Cody sold his soul a long time ago. Drew left.

Analysis: There is a lot of history between Cody and Drew as two young guys in their early 20s who had bright futures. Both guys left WWE, got better, and came back to be even bigger stars. I hope they get to have a proper rivalry this year.

(Commercial)

It was announced that WWE will return to Perth, Australia in 2025. It followed a video promoting TKO bringing UFC to Perth, so it will be a weekend takeover.

A video package aired about John Cena talking about competing in the Elimination Chamber, but there was an interruption from Drew McIntyre.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre did a promo calling John Cena a hypocrite. Drew said that nobody has said anything about Cena since he said he’d be in Elimination Chamber, so Drew said he’ll say some stuff about Cena.

Drew sat down on the commentary table saying he wondered what Cena 2010-11 would say about present day Cena. Drew claimed that Cena would trash himself for being a part timer that went to Hollywood. Drew mocked Cena’s bald spot as well. Drew said that years ago, he was scared of what Cena could do to him politically because Cena could end a career. Drew said he’s not that scared kid anymore because he’s the monster that people like John created and at Elimination Chamber, Drew will bury him. Drew complained about how he was screwed over in 2024 repeatedly…and here’s Damian Priest.

Damian Priest is also in the Elimination Chamber match so he made his way down to the ring. Priest said that all Drew does every week is complain and cry. Priest told Drew that the people see through his delusional thoughts. Drew told him to find a lie. Priest said that R-Truth makes more sense. Priest said that Drew is upset about his position in the company because of the year he had. Priest said that he cashed in Money in the Bank on Drew due to Drew’s weird obsession with Punk. Priest mentioned Money in the Bank and Priest beat him again because of his obsession with Punk. Drew denied an obsession with Punk, so Priest pointed out Drew was sitting like Punk on the table. Drew said that he drops the pipebombs now. Priest said that the last time they were in this building, Drew dropped his ass. Drew was ready for a fight, but there was an interruption.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance wearing a ridiculous red outfit with big sunglasses. The fans sang Seth’s song on his way to the ring. The pants that Rollins had on was particularly ridiculous.

Rollins said that they were back together like they were at Money in the Bank last year, so he was here to join the party. Rollins claimed that if it wasn’t for questionable officiating and Drew having the worst Money in the Bank cash in of all time, Seth would have beaten Priest’s ass for the World Heavyweight Championship. Seth said he wasn’t there to talk about the past because he was there to talk about the future – he pointed at the WrestleMania sign. Rollins said he felt good and told them that they didn’t stand a chance in the Elimination Chamber.

Analysis: I didn’t even remember the Money in the Bank story between those three guys, but it made sense for them to bring it up since it happened in this arena last summer.

CM Punk was the next man to join the promo party. There were “CM Punk” chants as Punk made his way to the ringside area. Punk said Rollins feels as good as he looks and Punk said that Rollins looks like an oven mitt. Punk bragged about beating Rollins on January 6th. Punk said he had no problem with Priest but he considers him collateral damage in the Chamber. Punk mentioned Drew being obsessed with him while Punk said that he was obsessed with main eventing WrestleMania. Punk said that Drew didn’t have a soul since Punk snatched his at Hell in a Cell. Punk said that you are all dealing with Hell in a Cell CM Punk come tomorrow. Punk said if you don’t feel like showing up just like John Cena on a retirement tour where he didn’t show up, Punk said that this isn’t about him, it’s about him. Rollins told Punk he won’t main event WrestleMania over his dead body. Drew said it’s been about six months since he’s dealt with Punk and that Punk is due an injury and he’s taking Punk’s ass out. Punk said he’ll take out Drew for fun. Priest said that when the Chamber is over, all Drew will do is complain about the internet. Rollins told Punk that it was over for him.

The music of John Cena started up, but instead, it was Logan Paul. The fans booed loudly at Paul walking out there to Cena’s music. The fans kept booing. Paul said that Cena doesn’t care about you. Paul said you can’t see him, but you can see Paul. Paul said that “full-timers” like them are putting in the work while Cena can’t show up like a classic celebrity wrestler. The fans were chanting “f**k you Logan” and it was muted a bit, but it got through it. Paul trashed Seth’s clothes saying he wears curtains to work and dresses like he lost a bet. Paul said Drew can’t win a championship these days and neither can the Toronto Maple Leafs. That drew boos of course. Paul said he barely knew anything about Priest, but heard he used to be a World Champion. Paul said that you can have a priest standing in that ring, but he remains the answer to WWE’s prayers. It was not a great line. Punk trashed Logan for being boring. Paul mentioned slapping Punk’s expression off his face and he did it on Monday. Paul ran away to the back before Punk could get his hands on him. The segment ended there.

Analysis: There was a lot going on there. I thought Punk and Drew were the best talkers in that segment. Rollins did a pretty good job while Priest had some solid lines trashing Drew as well. I like Logan Paul walking out to Cena’s music because it got him a lot of heat. Some of the lines that Paul said didn’t work, especially that priest line, but at least his delivery is good. An appearance from Cena would have been nice there.

There was a clip shown from the Elimination Chamber Kickoff show when Bianca Belair and Naomi attacked Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez during an interview. That will lead to a 6-woman tag team match later.

LA Knight made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

US Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: LA Knight vs. Santos Escobar

There was a shoulder block from Escobar and Knight came back with a knee to the ribs. Escobar sent Knight into the turnbuckle leading to a dropkick. Knight hit a kick to the chest, a stun gun into the top rope and a spinning slam. Knight went up top and jumped off with nothing because Escobar moved. Escobar kicked Knight into the turnbuckle. Knight sent Escobar out of the ring. Knight went for a kick on the floor, Escobar moved and Escobar sent Knight into the steel steps. That led to a break for some fans as the action continued. Escobar tried to send Knight into the hood of the commentary table, Knight blocked it and Knight sent Escobar’s face (hand) first into the commentary table a few times so the fans could chant “YEAH” for it. Knight did a slingshot to drive Escobar’s throat into the bottom rope. Knight jumped off the turnbuckle and Escobar punched him in the ribs to take control. Escobar applied an armbar.

Knight and Escobar exchanged punches. Knight sent Escobar into the turnbuckle followed by a jumping neckbreaker for two. Escobar hit a boot to the face and he sent Knight face first into the middle turnbuckle. Escobar applied an armbar on the right arm. Knight hit clotheslines followed by a powerslam and an elbow drop. Knight worked over Escobar with “Yeah” stomps, but Escobar came back with a trip into the turnbuckle. Escobar set up Knight on the top turnbuckle and Escobar hit an incredible hurricanrana off the top for a two count. Escobar hit a running shoulder tackle followed by a kick. Escobar hit a senton splash. Escobar went up top with a cross body block attempt, but Knight caught him with a BFT in midair for the pinfall after 11 minutes. It was like a Cutter, but it worked as a BFT out of the air. They didn’t replay the finish.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: *** They had a pretty good match with a spectacular finish. Any time you can hit a finisher on a guy jumping off the top rope it’s going to look good. Escobar got plenty of offense, but it was pretty obvious that Knight was going to win the match.

The Sami Zayn-Kevin Owens story was up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn made his entrance to a huge pop from his fellow Canadian fans who were singing along with his catchy song. Barrett said that Zayn has got himself into an absolute mess at Elimination Chamber against Kevin Owens.

Zayn talked about how he’s been through a lot with Owens. Zayn said Owens has been doing a lot of running and hiding. Zayn said he knows that Owens is in Toronto tonight. Zayn said if you had something you wanted to say, Zayn was inviting Owens out there out of respect for everything they have been through. Zayn wanted Owens to say his final peace and Zayn would say his because after tomorrow, there will be nothing left to say.

Kevin Owens was in the ring inside the Rogers Centre (Elimination Chamber venue) talking into a camera that was there. Owens said he wanted to take it all in. Owens talked about how they have had fights all over Toronto, but never like this. Owens said it’s their biggest match against eachother. Owens said that people actually believe Zayn thinking that Owens is the bad guy. Owens told Zayn he fully deserves what will happen to him tomorrow night. Owens said after Zayn is stuck in a wheelchair and he can’t provide for his family anymore, Owens isn’t going to do anything for them. Owens told Zayn he’ll watch them suffer because it was Zayn’s fault.

Zayn said he had been nervous all week. Zayn said that he’s not nervous about what might happen to him because he is worried about what Zayn will do. Zayn mentioned KO’s parents (mentioning them by name), wife, and kids and how they may not be able to forgive Zayn. Zayn said he was prepared to end this and he was prepared to end Owens. Owens said that there was one thing left to say: “See you tomorrow night.” Owens shoved the camera down.

Analysis: They were strong promos from both guys. They made it personal by talking about their families while Owens said he wouldn’t help Zayn’s family and Zayn said he would feel bad for Owens’s family. I liked the uniqueness of the promo with Owens already in the Rogers Centre and Zayn in the Scotiabank Arena. The buildings are down the street from eachother, so they aren’t that far away. I’m going with Owens to beat Zayn because I think Owens will be against Randy Orton at WrestleMania, so it makes sense for Owens to win. Then again, maybe Orton shows up to cost Owens the match. That works too.

The Miz was backstage talking to Carmelo Hayes saying they were 1-0 because they’re Melo Don’t Miz. The Miz said it’s better than awesome, it’s Awes-him. Melo left.

Cody Rhodes walked up to The Miz, who asked Cody what is he going to do? The Miz said that The Rock runs Hollywood right now. Miz said that the WWE fans don’t get it. Miz said that there’s so much more than being at the top of WWE. Miz said that Cody wants more and the only way to get it is if he takes The Rock’s offer. The Miz said if Cody doesn’t take it, maybe somebody else will take the offer.

Analysis: There is another veteran wrestler trying to talk Cody into taking The Rock’s deal. The Miz is perfect in a spot like that since he goes way back with Cody.

Braun Strowman made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

US Title #1 Contender’s Qualifying Match: Braun Strowman vs. Carmelo Hayes

Braun tossed Melo across the ring. Melo left the ring, so Braun ran around the ring and hit a shoulder tackle to knock Melo down. Tama Tonga went on the apron, the referee was looking at him and Solo Sikoa hit Braun in the back with a steel chair. Braun no sold that and hit Solo with the steel chair. Tama tried an attack, so Braun tossed Tama over the commentary table. Melo had the steel chair, hit the mat with it and tossed the chair to Braun. The referee turned around to see Braun with the chair, so the referee called for the DQ. Poor Braun. It lasted about two minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Carmelo Hayes

Analysis: * That’s the classic Eddie Guerrero steel chair finish where he fakes being hit by it and the referee is fooled by it. It cost Braun the match while putting over Melo as a crafty heel.

After the match, Braun threw Tama Tonga into the ring post. Braun put Tama in the ring and Braun hit a Powerbomb.

Analysis: A simple way for Braun Strowman to get some revenge on the guys that cost him the match.

The trio of Bianca Belair, Naomi and Bayley were in the locker room talking about their match. They agreed tonight they will handle it as a team and they all said at Elimination Chamber may the best woman win.

The team of Roxanne Perez and WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Bianca Belair, Naomi & Bayley vs. Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez

Five of the six women are in the Women’s Elimination Chamber match. Raquel is not in it while Alexa Bliss is the sixth woman in the Chamber match.

Naomi sent Liv into the turnbuckle and Naomi hit a running dropkick. All six women went into the ring, so it turned into a slugfest. Naomi nailed Liv with a kick to the head. Bayley tagged in leading to a suicide dive cross body block onto two opponents. Bayley hit a third suicide dive cross body block on Raquel as the show went to a break for some fans. I’ll take a break too.

The heel side was in control isolating Bayley by working on her left knee. Raquel tried a move, but Bayley hit a bulldog. Bayley managed to reach over Raquel and Belair got the tag. Belair hit a top rope cross body block. Belair hit a running shoulder tackle on Raquel two times in a row. Belair jumped over Raquel and Belair hit a suplex. Belair hit a handspring moonsault for a two count. Belair worked over Raquel with punches. Raquel hit a slam on Liv onto the knee. Naomi tagged in with a double knee attack that spiked Raquel into the mat. Raquel sent Naomi throat-first across the top rope. Perez tagged in, Naomi greeted her with a kick and Naomi hit a neckbreaker. Bayley tagged in and Bayley hit an elbow drop off the top onto Perez for two because Liv made the save. Belair spiked Liv with a spinebuster. Raquel kicked Belair out of the ring. Naomi gave Raquel a headscissors over the top to the floor. Perez tried Pop Rox, Bayley avoided it, Perez hit a chop block to the knee and Perez hit Pop Rox on Bayley for the pinfall win after about 10 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Roxanne Perez, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez

Analysis: *** A solid tag team match. They did the usual thing in matches like this by having everybody hit moves and then leave the ring. Bayley beating Perez would have been okay, but I like seeing Perez win instead because it shows she belongs in there with these other top women. Perez continues to impress.

After the match, Alexa Bliss showed up behind Perez and Bliss hit her Abigail DDT. As Bliss stood over Perez, some Wyatt Six style imagery was shown.

Analysis: That’s a good way to involve Bliss without putting her in the match. It shows that Bliss is ready. I’ll still take Belair to win the Women’s Chamber match.

The Women’s Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair was interviewed by Byron Saxton in the backstage area. Flair talked about how cute it was for Tiffany to hang out with Trish. Flair said Tiffany Stratton will have a bigger problem to deal with when she faces Flair at WrestleMania. Flair said that everywhere Stratton goes, Flair will remind her that time is rapidly slipping away and Flair will see her at WrestleMania 41. Flair did a ”WOO” to end it.

Analysis: A simple promo. They will need to turn up the heat on that Stratton-Flair story over the next month and a half.

The Fatu-Hayes-Knight triple threat match was next.

(Commercial)

A video aired of Triple H announcing that rapper Travis Scott will be at the Elimination Chamber PLE. There was a rundown of the card.

* Will Cody Rhodes Accept The Rock’s Offer?

* WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton & Trish Stratus vs. Nia Jax & Candice LeRae

* Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: Liv Morgan vs. Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley vs. Naomi vs. Roxanne Perez

* Unsanctioned Match: Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens

* Men’s Elimination Chamber Match: John Cena vs. CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Logan Paul vs. Damian Priest vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

A video aired about the United States Champion Shinsuke Nakamura as he spoke in Japan and the translations were shown on screen. Nakamura issued a warning for whoever becomes the US Title contender.

Solo Sikoa was backstage telling Jacob Fatu that he took care of Braun Strowman, so Fatu has to finish the job. Tama Tonga wanted to go with Fatu, but Solo held Fatu back. Fatu did a promo spoke into the camera saying whoever gets in his way, he’s going to dogwalk their ass. Jacob Fatu made his entrance for the triple threat match.

(Commercial)

US Title #1 Contender’s Match: Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight vs. Carmelo Hayes

There are no disqualifications and no countouts in WWE triple threat matches. The first pinfall or submission wins.

Fatu stomped on Knight a few times. Knight knocked Fatu into Melo, who bumped to the mat. Fatu charged, Knight got a boot up and Knight hit a bulldog. Fatu no sold that, he ran and Knight sent Fatu out of the ring. Melo got a rollup on Knight for two. Knight hit a powerslam on Melo. Knight jumped to the top turnbuckle for a top rope elbow for two. Fatu sent Knight out of the ring. Fatu sent Melo into the edge of the ring apron. Knight fought with Fatu on the floor leading to Fatu sending Knight into the barricade. Melo headbutted Fatu, which doesn’t work and Fatu hit an uppercut punch. Knight sent Fatu into the barricade at ringside. Fatu sent Knight into the barricade. Fatu sent Melo into Knight against the barricade. Fatu went for a running cross body block, but Knight and Melo moved, so Fatu went flying over the barricade. That was a big bump by Fatu. The show went to a break for some fans as the action continued. Knight sent Melo’s head into the commentary table a few times. Melo kicked Fatu to keep him on the ground while Melo hit a senton splash onto Knight. Knight gave Melo a back body drop for two. Melo hit a jawbreaker on Knight. Fatu was back in with a superkick on both opponents. There were some “Fatu” chants. Fatu hit a splash on Melo and Fatu hit another running splash. Knight got a boot up on Fatu, but Fatu came back with a clothesline. Melo rolled up Fatu for two and Fatu hit a clothesline to knock Melo down.

It was Fatu in control as he suplexed Melo across the ring. Fatu hit a hip check on Knight. Fatu headbutted Knight. Fatu suplexed Melo across the ring again. Fatu suplexed Knight ribs-first across the top rope. Fatu went for a running hip attack, Knight avoided it and Fatu hit a running elbow. Knight kicked Fatu and Fatu came back with his own kick. Melo avoided a senton splash and Knight hit a springboard DDT. That didn’t work as Fatu was back up with a popup Samoan Drop. Knight hit a jumping neckbreaker on Fatu for two. Fatu hit a clothesline on Melo and then Melo hit a First 48/BFT combo with Knight on Fatu. Melo covered Knight for a two count. Each of Melo’s knees hit his opponents. Melo went up top, Knight was back up and Knight shoved Melo onto Fatu on the floor. Fatu sent Melo into the steel steps. Knight hit a springboard cross body block onto Fatu by the commentary table. Knight doesn’t do moves like that very often, but it was impressive. Melo hit a necksnap on Knight onto the top rope. Melo jumped off the top with Nothing But Net, but Fatu broke it up with a Swanton Bomb off the top. Fatu hit a running hip attack on Melo and an Impaler DDT. Fatu hit a moonsault off the top onto Melo. Knight pulled Fatu out of the ring and Knight covered Melo for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: LA Knight

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very entertaining and exciting triple threat match. I wanted Fatu to win and I think the fans wanted Fatu to win, but at least he wasn’t pinned. That’s what Melo was for. I’ll admit that I thought Fatu was going to win and when he didn’t it upset me a bit because he’s so great. Anyway, good job by everybody involved.

The win by LA Knight means he’ll get to challenge Shinsuke Nakamura for the US Title.

Analysis: That Knight/Nakamura match was already announced for this week’s SmackDown and then they decided to run this mini-tournament to…set up the match already advertised? Strange. It filled a lot of time on the show at least.

Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, walked up to CM Punk backstage. Punk asked Cody what does The Rock mean he wants his soul. Punk said that he knows Young CM Punk would take that deal in a heartbeat. Punk said he’s wise enough to know that the offer never came for him. Punk said that he has no love for Dwayne, but he would like to see Cody take the offer. Punk told Cody to shove it p his part-time Hollywood candy ass. Punk said that Cody got here because he followed his instincts and listened to his heart. Punk told Cody to do what he wanted. Punk told Cody he’ll win Elimination Chamber and he’ll see Cody in the main event of WrestleMania. Cody left for an interview segment.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes Interview

Michael Cole was in the ring and he introduced the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for a promo segment. Cody was in a suit like usual while the fans were cheering for him. There were loud “Cody” chants.

It was mentioned by Cole that at Elimination Chamber, Cody had to give his soul to The Rock. Cole recapped Cody’s career while saying now Cody represents WWE. Cole said Cody is living up to his father’s legacy. Cole said if Cody accepts the offer, he can defend the title when he wants, he could get a seat on the Board and run this place. Cole said that Cody could get rid of the bus while saying he could be home whenever he wanted. A special gift was shown driving into the building. There was a red truck that had the American Nightmare logo on it and Cody Rhodes’ name on it.

A video aired featuring The Rock saying he was ready to board the private jet right now to come to Toronto. Rock said that he knows Cody is going to do the right thing. Rock told Cody to enjoy the Raptor Truck that Rock had made for him. Rock claimed he talked to Cody’s daddy all week long and he claimed that Cody was talking to Dusty too. Rock said that he can make all of Cody’s dreams come true. Rock said that they’ll be waiting all night long to hear Rock’s music. Rock said he’ll walk to Cody as he embraces him his champion and Cody will give Rock his soul. Rock said that The Rock would make it happen. Rock mentioned meeting Cody’s wife and daughter. Rock said that Cody would give Rock his soul and become Rock’s champion. Rock had a belt that said Cody’s Soul on it. It had the date June 11, 2015, on it. Rock said that was the day that Cody’s dad Dusty died and it broke Rock’s heart since Dusty was one of Rock’s heroes. Rock told Cody to make his decision to be Rock’s champion. Rock said he loved him. Rock walked toward his plane.

Cody Rhodes stood by the truck by the entrance area and Cody was looking around as if he was confused about what to do. That was the end of Smackdown.

Analysis: They promoted an interview with Cody Rhodes all night and he was out there for ten minutes, but he didn’t say anything. It was more of the same by having Rock talk more about wanting Cody’s soul. Find out at Elimination Chamber to see what happens.

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I’ll add my thoughts later in the evening.