WWE NXT Full Show Live Streaming 18 November 2020 WWE NXT Highlights 18 November 2020

 

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WWE NXT Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from November 18

Sana Ejaz Khan

Credit: WWE.com

NXT's title scene is constantly evolving, and the November 18 edition promised major twists. From a massive main event to the return of Fin Balor anything could happen.

Rhea Ripley lost her NXT Women's Championship at WWE WrestleMania 36. Since then, she has struggled to remain in the title scene. Putting everything behind her, she finally challenged Io Shirai in an attempt to regain the gold.

The Prince finally returned to NXT. The NXT champion has been out for months because of injuries suffered in a grueling war with Kyle O'Reilly. It was unclear whether he would defend his championship or have to relinquish it because of his injuries.

Johnny Gargano will never live down his embarrassing loss to Leon Ruff, a match he demanded as his quick, easy victory only to lose the NXT North American Championship. Refocused, he wanted his rematch.

Two future title contenders teamed together as Toni Storm and Ember Moon were set to fight Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez. Cameron Grimes also got another chance to get over his fear of Dexter Lumis by fighting him in a blindfold match.

This edition of the black-and-gold brand felt as big as NXT has gone in months. Champions returned, and top contenders looked to build momentum to future opportunities.

NXT North American Champion: Leon Ruff (c) vs. Johnny Gargano

1 OF 8

Johnny Gargano angrily interrupted a recap of Leon Ruff's shocking victory last week to capture the NXT North American Championship. The Rebel Heart went after Ruff from the outset, viciously attacking the newcomer to NXT.

Damian Priest walked out to distract Gargano, but Ruff almost stole a victory with a roll-up. However, the former NXT North American champion would not be tricked twice. He hit the Final Beat to nearly take the win.

The Archer on Infamy dragged the current champion out of the ring and hit him in the face to cause a disqualification, making sure Ruff remained champ.

William Regal called out Priest backstage for ruining the title match. Ruff got involved and slapped Priest for making him into a joke.

Later in the night, a fight between The Archer of Infamy and The Rebel Heart broke out in the ring. Ruff got involved and dumped both men out of the ring. He ran when he saw Gargano and Priest both glaring at him. Ruff told Regal he would fight both men for his title.

          

Result

Ruff def. Gargano by disqualification to retain the NXT North American Championship.

           

Grade

B

            

Analysis

Ruff looked solid in this short but fun battle for the NXT North American Championship. He got to show off more offense, challenging The Rebel Heart more than their first outing. The DQ finish was smart to protect Gargano while keeping the title on Ruff.

Priest has gained ground as a babyface by protecting Ruff, but it would not be out of character for him to try to take advantage of the underdog champion. This story has certainly become more interesting in recent weeks.

Blindfold: Cameron Grimes vs. Dexter Lumis

2 OF 8

Cameron Grimes struggled with the blindfold and took out the referee, thinking he had Dexter Lumis. The Technical Savage took off his blindfold with the referee out, but it didn't take long for The Tortured Artist to do the same. The two fought around the ring with eyes clear.

Instead of continuing the fight, Grimes bailed, running out of the arena.

          

Result

Grimes vs. Lumis goes to a no-contest.

           

Grade

C+

            

Analysis

This was far more of a segment than a match. The initial silliness with Grimes did not last long before the referee was down, and the two were out of the match. Still, The Technical Savage is a funny persona, and this luckily did not last long enough to get uncomfortable.

Lumis vs. Grimes has built into a physical feud. The two just need to take this to a high level. Hopefully, the next stipulation allows them both to go all out.

Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell vs. Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter

3 OF 8

Shotzi Blackheart challenged Candice LeRae to bring an army to fight her in WarGames on December 6.

The Poison Pixie was unfazed as she stepped into the ring alongside her new friend Indi Hartwell. The heels dominated Kacy Catanzaro early, but Kayden Carter got the hot tag to start shifting the tide.

LeRae managed to stave off the fast-paced offense and ground Carter. Hartwell took out Catanzaro outside to set up The Poison Pixie to take the victory with the Wicked Stepsister.

          

Result

LeRae and Hartwell def. Carter and Catanzaro by pinfall.

           

Grade

D+

            

Analysis

This match was surprisingly flat. LeRae dominated so soundly that it never felt like Catanzaro and Carter had any chance. It was not an exciting squash match despite the talent involved and did not show off Hartwell yet.

The big announcement in this was that WarGames is official, and we're likely getting two big matches in WarGames. Team Blackheart vs. Team LeRae should be great and help establish plenty of top female talent on the black-and-gold brand.

Kushida vs. Arturo Ruas

4 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

After a small video package to highlight Arturo Ruas, the grappler managed to outmaneuver Kushida early. The Japanese Superstar was off balance against the impressive physicality of Ruas.

Kushida knew he was in a fight, and he had to resort to some unique offense against the power of Ruas. He managed to trap his opponent in a surprise pinning combination for three.

          

Result

Kushida def. Ruas by pinfall.

           

Grade

C+

            

Analysis

This was a solid first outing for Ruas in what can be considered a restart to his career after the end of Raw Underground. He pushed Kushida early, and this was sold as the Japanese Superstar having to get creative with a man that him beat in the grappling game.

It would have been nice to see both men get more time. If this is supposed to be a start of a push for Ruas, losing in less than five minutes to Kushida does not help. His work can only shine so much when he's not allowed enough time.

Toni Storm and Ember Moon vs. Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez

5 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

Ember Moon had to keep Toni Storm focused on this coming match while she was clearly more interested in going after the NXT Women's Championship.

The former NXT UK women's champion went after Dakota Kai, but she almost lost control of the match and had to tag in The War Goddess. Moon managed to take out The Captain of Team Kick and Raquel Gonzalez on her own for a moment. Eventually, though, the tag team cohesion of the heels was too much.

Moon struggled to escape the grip of Gonzalez, eventually giving Storm a furious hot tag. Gonzalez blasted Storm into the steel post before Moon took out the tall woman. Kai thought she had Storm, only for the former NXT UK women's champion to catch her with an inside cradle for three.

Afterward, Candice LeRae attacked the faces to make a statement and appease some heel allies.

          

Result

Storm and Moon def. Kai and Gonzalez by pinfall.

           

Grade

A-

            

Analysis

The night was cold and slow at first, but this contest brought the fire. Everyone involved got physical. Gonzalez continued to show why her unique power game makes NXT special. Storm and Kai had a great preview of a future match between them. Moon brought the explosive offense in spades.

The WarGames match for the women is quickly shaping up, and this tag team match showed exactly what to expect inside the cage. It will be intense and physical as the heels show cohesion and the faces work with impressive talent.

Timothy Thatcher vs. August Grey

6 OF 8

August Grey went after Timothy Thatcher right at the bell, but he lost control of the match immediately thanks to Thatcher's focused technical style. NXT's most lethal technician. The underdog fought hard but could never get what he needed.

Grey dived at him but ran into a vicious uppercut. Thatcher followed it up with an underhook suplex then locked in a guillotine choke for a quick tapout.

Afterward, Thatcher tried to add more damage and insult, but Tommaso Ciampa arrived and intimidated the dangerous technician into backing down.

William Regal found Boa at his home, trying to get answers out of him about himself and Xia Li. He just said that "she" was coming and shut the door in terror.

          

Result

Thatcher def. Grey by submission.

           

Grade

B

            

Analysis

While the match was not overly exciting, the squash had energy thanks to the pacing. Grey continued to go after Thatcher, but the veteran just kept slapping him down. It established the newcomer's will to fight as well as the technician's lethal ability.

Ciampa vs. Thatcher is a match that NXT needs to highlight. That will get brutal quickly. The two men are known for high-impact offense and intense technical assaults on their opponents. What comes next may cause some to turn away in fear at the brutality.

NXT Women's Championship: Io Shirai (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

7 OF 8

Once the bell rang, both women were all in to take this victory. Rhea Ripley used her strength to dominate Io Shirai, taking clear control after slamming The Genius of the Sky hard face-first into the apron.

The Nightmare wore down the NXT women's champion with a focused technical attack on the ribs. Shirai blocked a superplex and hit an elevated German suplex to finally start moving again. A few well placed shots busted open Ripley's ear, drawing blood.

Shirai knew she could not win without wearing down Ripley. She targeted the left arm with an intense focus, including several brutal shots using the apron and steel steps. Despite all that damage, she locked in the Prism Trap, having to get to the ground to save the impact on her injured arm.

The NXT women's champion got to the ropes and locked in her own cross armbar to do more damage. Ripley ducked the moonsault and turned Shirai inside outside with a clothesline. Shirai reversed the Riptide into a DDT.

The Genius of the Sky dived underneath Ripley's legs on the apron and powerbombed The Nightmare through the announce table. Ripley got back to the ring before 10 but rolled into the Over the Moon Moonsault, which gave Shirai the win.

          

Result

Shirai def. Ripley by pinfall to retain the NXT Women's Championship.

           

Grade

A+

            

Analysis

This was an unbelievable main event. Both women brought it all in a contest that could have gone all night and never gotten boring. It was two of the best women in the world going absolutely all out. The style switches from power to speed to technical showed just how many tools the women have in their arsenal.

Despite lacking a clearly built story, the contest told its own. Both women were desperate for the win, unafraid to brutalize each other. Ripley came out on fire, but it was Shirai who truly did lasting damage to The Nightmare.

Shirai continues to carry the NXT Women's Championship to new heights. Even through some incredible reigns, there may not be a better championship reign in NXT than what The Genius of the Sky is doing.

Undisputed Era Returns to Take Down Pat McAfee's Kings

8 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

Finn Balor congratulated Io Shirai, then turned to the future. He was ready to get back to wrestling. Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch interrupted immediately. The former NFL Pro Bowler taunted the NXT champion, saying that his group would take every title in NXT.

The Prince was unfazed and said he brought friends. The lights went out, and Undisputed Era arrived. A brawl broke out as Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish went after the men who attacked them.

           

Grade

B+

            

Analysis

While the women's match should have ended the night, Undisputed Era's return was a fun surprise, even if it had to happen soon. With WarGames on the way, this men's WarGames match had to be set up. McAfee's group has been set up perfectly for the most personal WarGames yet in NXT.

Balor's arrival was oversold given he had no answers yet. He is not involved with the UE vs. Kings of NXT match. He needs a rival. At least it seems likely he is back to stay and ready to defend his NXT Championship.

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WWE Raw Full Show Live Streaming 16 November 2020 WWE Raw Highlights 16 November 2020 HD

 

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WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from November 16

Sana Ejaz Khan

Credit: WWE.com

November 16 marked the final night of Monday Night Raw before WWE Survivor Series 2020. This show promised title matches that could change the complexion of that big show as well as the likely appearance of various SmackDown stars looking to get an edge for their brand.

Drew McIntyre demanded his WWE Championship rematch against Randy Orton While The Viper did outsmart and defeat The Scottish Psychopath at WWE Hell in a Cell 2020, McIntyre has more often than not had Orton's number.

New Day may be the most dominant tag team in WWE history, but fans have not gotten a chance to truly see what Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods can do without Big E. Their biggest test to date was The Hurt Business' Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin, who already held a victory over the Raw tag team champions.

Team Raw has had a rocky start, but the red brand looked to get the group on the same page. Keith Lee, Sheamus, Braun Strowman and Riddle took the fight to the cohesive unit Retribution. They hoped to show that they could work together and win, even against a dominant faction like the one Mustafa Ali leads.

This night had the typical air of the go-home show before Survivor Series. SmackDown and Raw have often sought an upper hand by invading the other brand before Sunday. It was likely someone or a whole group would appear to cause trouble.

Raw had a monumental task of elevating Survivor Series after a month of lackluster build. Luckily, this stacked card could certainly pull it off.

Drew McIntyre Refuses to Let Randy Orton or The Miz Intimidate Him

1 OF 6

Drew McIntyre opened the show to address what was to come. He called out Roman Reigns for putting himself on a pedestal over everyone else. Randy Orton appeared on the TitanTron, explaining that he was too good to lose or be fazed by any suspension he faced.

The Miz and John Morrison interrupted as McIntyre headed to the back. They explained that they would make an impact regardless of who won in the main event. The A-Lister and The Shaman of Sexy said Bray Wyatt was afraid of them as they held control over the WWE Championship that no one else did.

           

Grade

D

            

Analysis

This was an overlong reminder of everything that has already been done on Raw recently. The red brand is cycling without direction. Every week, it is the same story. McIntyre said it clearly that he and Orton have said the same things over and over without resolution.

Especially with a huge show ahead, this should have been a much better opener. The Scottish Psychopath tried his best to elevate the content, but even his natural charisma can only go so far. This was flat and uninteresting, amounting to wasted time.

Asuka, Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke vs. Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax and Lana

2 OF 6

Lana put on a brave face as she agreed to team with the women who had tormented her, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler. The WWE women's tag team champions did not let Lana do much early as they isolated Mandy Rose, badly injuring her elbow on the steel steps.

After Jax and Baszler dominated Asuka and Dana Brooke as well, Lana found an opportunity to potentially pin the Raw women's champion. However, The Empress of Tomorrow kicked out and then trapped her in the Asuka Lock to force a submission.

Jax feigned respect for her partner and then grabbed Lana and sent her with a Samoan drop through the announce table for the ninth time.

Backstage, Reckoning attacked Brooke as she was trying to explain the extent of the injuries Rose had suffered at the hands of Baszler and Jax. Peyton Royce and Lacey Evans replaced Brooke and Rose for Sunday.

          

Result

Asuka, Rose and Brooke def. Lana, Baszler and Jax by pinfall.

           

Grade

D

            

Analysis

The commercial break during this match was longer than the actual in-ring action, and it barely felt like anyone benefited in this contest. Once more, Lana plays the heel in trying to steal a win, but she failed. She does not earn the Samoan drops. However, she also has not earned anyone's sympathy.

At best, this story has kept Lana relevant without overexposing her weekly. Maybe WWE can make her a middle-of-the-road babyface for the red brand. It will take a seriously impressive effort at Survivor Series to make it happen.

Raw Tag Team Championships: New Day (c) vs. The Hurt Business

3 OF 6

Credit: WWE.com

MVP explained that The Hurt Business needed to represent Raw because the group was the best of the best. Shelton Benjamin promised he and Cedric Alexander would defeat The Street Profits at Survivor Series while Bobby Lashley takes out Sami Zayn. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were not impressed.

Hurt Business started out trying to slow down and dominate Kofi, hitting an impressive top-rope Famouser/powerbomb combination. The former WWE champion fought out with a tilt-a-whirl DDT to get the tag to Woods.

Woods went off with momentum that allowed him to clear the ring of both men. An impressive missile dropkick on Alexander nearly took the win. Kofi survived an Angle Slam and brainbuster and then set up Daybreak for the pinfall win on Alexander.

          

Result

Woods and Kofi def. Alexander and Benjamin by pinfall to retain the Raw Tag Team Championships.

           

Grade

B

            

Analysis

This match attempted to save the show, but the pacing with commercial breaks was awkward. It never felt like the teams got going until the second commercial break. From that point on, the teams truly shined in what became a great athletic showcase.

If this were on pay-per-view, it would have been fantastic. Instead, the start and stop held the teams back. The contest was better than anything else on the show to this point, though, which is worth quite a bit.

New Day vs. Street Profits needed to happen to sell Survivor Series. At the moment, the card is flat, but that tag team match could be the absolute selling point of the entire night.

Team Raw vs. Retribution

4 OF 6

Jeff Hardy was angry about a flier floating around on Elias' accident. He found the musician backstage and attacked him, telling him to drop the accusations.

AJ Styles handed out matching Raw T-shirts to Team Raw, but no one was interested. The Phenomenal One then found out that his bodyguard could talk based on comments from Riddle.

Styles started on commentary, but he had to go meet Braun Strowman and Sheamus as the two argued. The tempers calmed as Retribution isolated Riddle for a bit and he faced the aggressive energy of T-Bar, Mace and Slapjack, guided by Mustafa Ali.

Keith Lee got the hot tag and ran over Retribution with full focus. Once Sheamus and Strowman got back into the fight, the two could not stop fighting. Ali managed to roll up The Original Bro after knocking him into The Monster Among Men to steal the win.

          

Result

Retribution def. Riddle, Strowman, Sheamus and Lee by pinfall.

           

Grade

C

            

Analysis

As a negative, this was a messy match that never really got going. Despite all the talent involved, no one found his rhythm. The arguments told more of a story than anything in the contest, and Retribution played bystander in this match.

As a positive, Retribution finally picked up a win. Following up Ali's solo victory over Ricochet the previous week, the group finally has a small amount of momentum. It may be a little too late, but every win counts.

Bray Wyatt vs. The Miz

5 OF 6

Bray Wyatt called out The Miz on "Firefly Fun House" after his comments to start the night. Nikki Cross was still looking for Alexa Bliss, sure that her friend could still be saved.

Miz tried to talk Wyatt out of this match, but Bliss arrived to make clear that the "Firefly Fun House" host was not backing down. Cross tried to interrupt The Goddess, and Bliss slapped her. A fight broke out that was calmed by the arrival of Wyatt.

The A-Lister took control early, but he just couldn't keep Wyatt down. The "Firefly Fun House" host rallied, especially after Bliss launched herself at John Morrison. Wyatt caught Miz in the corner and hit Sister Abigail for the win.

As Wyatt and Bliss held hands up the ramp, The Fiend appeared to stare down at them.

Angel Garza cut a promo about protecting the beautiful women of the world. Asuka promised that she would defeat Sasha Banks for Raw at Survivor Series.

          

Result

Wyatt def. Miz by pinfall.

           

Grade

A

            

Analysis

This was not a classically great match, but the story of it all worked so well. Everything Wyatt has done recently has been phenomenal. He and Bliss carry an energy that no one can match. Miz knew exactly how to sell his fear as things turned against him.

The segment around this match was just as good. Cross vs. Bliss has been developed into a fascinating rivalry that needs a major blowoff match down the line. Wyatt and The Fiend finding themselves at odds adds another fascinating layer to his complicated two-face tale.

WWE Championship: Randy Orton (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

6 OF 6

Sheamus gave Drew McIntyre a kilt and an impressive sword to help him remember his Scottish roots. Randy Orton was not interested in talking before his match with The Scottish Psychopath.

The Viper tried to walk out on this match early after McIntyre clearly had him off balance. However, Adam Pearce announced that this match would have a winner, so there would no longer be any count-outs or disqualifications.

Orton shifted his focus and took advantage, grabbing every weapon he could to take down McIntyre. With a steel chair and the steel steps, The Viper wore down The Scottish Psychopath and then blasted him repeatedly on the announce table.

While the challenger had taken a beating, he refused to stay down for the champion. The two battled back to the ring where McIntyre nearly caught Orton with a backslide followed by the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre knocked him off the apron through a table, finally feeling the momentum as he closed in on the win.

The champion countered the third failed attempt at the Claymore into a powerslam and then planted the challenger with a draping DDT off the announce table followed by a second in the ring. However, Orton could not save himself from a fourth Claymore, taking the loss.

          

Result

McIntyre def. Orton by pinfall to become the new WWE champion.

           

Grade

A+

            

Analysis

This was a fantastic end to the show. WWE gave the champion and challenger 30 minutes, and they used it all. The shifts in the contest highlighted the two incredible performers. McIntyre dominated early until Orton saw his opening with the allowance of weapons.

The contest was physical from start to finish. Both men sold the contest as back and forth, yet they did not over-rely on big moves. It was call and response, driven by focused use of weapons. Even at its length, the contest never lagged.

The Scottish Psychopath walked into this match feeling destined for the victory, and the two men sold it. This was McIntyre's night, and he earned this win with one of the best matches of his career. McIntyre vs. Orton will be a match to remember at Survivor Series.

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WWE SmackDown Full Show Live Streaming 13 November 2020 WWE SmackDown Highlights 13 November 2020

WWE SmackDown Live 11/13/20

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WWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Grades, Highlights and Analysis from November 13

Sana Ejaz Khan

Credit: WWE.com

Just nine days until the Survivor Series pay-per-view, SmackDown hit the Fox airwaves seeking to write the latest chapter in the build to the battle for brand supremacy while simultaneously furthering its own exclusive rivalries.

What did Universal champion Roman Reigns have in store for cousin Jey Uso as he continued to pull him down to his level? What retribution awaits Carmella after her sneak attack on Sasha Banks last week? Who will be the fifth and final participant on Team SmackDown come November 22?

Find out the answers to those questions with this recap of Friday's broadcast. 

Match Card

1 OF 8

Announced for Friday's show:

   

• Roman Reigns continues his rule over the SmackDown roster

    

Whatever that means.

Coverage begins at 8:00 PM.

Drew McIntyre Interrupts Roman Reigns

2 OF 8

Credit: WWE

The Tribal Chief, The Head of the Table and Universal Champion Roman Reigns kicked off this week’s show, just nine days before a showdown with WWE Champion Randy Orton at the Survivor Series pay-per-view.

“The numbers, the analytics...they don’t lie,” Reigns said after referring to the blue brand as “The Island of Relevancy” and chalking it up to himself. He said Jey Uso will lead his team to victory, then he will further establish his reign of dominance over Orton.

This brought out Drew McIntyre, who will challenge The Viper for the WWE Championship on Raw. Big Daddy Claymore claimed he will defeat Orton and it will be the two of them squaring off at Survivor Series for the first time since McIntyre eliminated Reigns to win the Royal Rumble.

McIntyre reminded Heyman that he made Brock Leshnar his bitch at WrestleMania and said he stepped up at WrestleMania when The Big Dog left them high and dry.

McIntyre called himself “the man,” to which Reigns responded, saying he’s back now and no one knows who he is. 

A tense exchange of words gave way to Uso making the save, cutting a promo while Reigns looked on. He challenged McIntyre to a match and The Scottish Psychopath answered with an insulting shove. Reigns and his cousin left the ring, leaving McIntyre to watch on as they made their exit.

     

Grade

A

    

Analysis

Take away the complete disregard for the brand split and you had a hell of a segment to kick off this week’s show.

McIntyre bringing up Reigns’ absence from WrestleMania and insinuating that he stepped up to become the top dog in WWE during his extended leave was a nice touch, as was The Tribal Chief’s arrogant rebuttal in which he claimed no one knew McIntyre now that he is back.

Jey thinking he is doing the right thing by stepping up and confronting McIntyre, only for Reigns to look on with an almost dismayed expression on his face, fit the ongoing story of the former tag champ looking for approval from the head of the table.

Reigns exploding after the break, taking exception to Uso and berating him only supported what we saw moments early and further put Uso in the proverbial doghouse.

Intercontinental Championship Match: Apollo Crews vs. Sami Zayn

3 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

Denouncing the idea that he just found out about his Intercontinental Championship defense an hour before the start of the show, Sami Zayn cut a scathing promo on WWE officials for booking him against Apollo Crews.

Crews attacked early and often, overpowering and punishing the loudmouth heel.

As the action spilled to the floor, Zayn pulled the apron from the ring and proceeded to tie his opponent’s foot to the ring. The referee counted to 10 and awarded the victory to Zayn as Michael Cole protested the “win.”

    

Result

Zayn defeated Crews to retain

    

Grade

B+

     

Analysis

This was an excellent way to put over the resourcefulness of the champion.

Wholly overpowered and outmatched, he used his brain to pick up a win, no matter how tainted or underhanded it might have been. He will need to think like that at Survivor Series when he meets an even bigger, more powerful competitor in Bobby Lashley.

For Crews, the loss protects him as he doesn’t endure a loss by pin-fall or submission and has a legit out.

Carmella Attacks Sasha Banks

4 OF 8

Credit: WWE

A week after enduring a cheap superkick from the returning Carmella, SmackDown Women’s Champion Sasha Banks made her way to the squared circle to address her seemingly newfound rival.

Just as she began to speak her mind, Bayley’s music played and her familiar foe provided a distraction. Carmella attacked from out of nowhere, delivering a second superkick and planting her with an X-Factor in the center of the ring.

The segment ended with the self-proclaimed “Untouchable” competitor exiting, obviously proud of her actions.

    

Grade

C

    

Analysis

This was such a blip on the show that it almost begs the question, “why was it even here?”

Banks, fresh off an appearance in this week’s episode of The Mandalorian, said nothing of note while Carmella benefited from Bayley’s appearance, despite showing no signs of an alliance of any kind.

If there is a positive, it is that the audience is left with questions to chew on for awhile and that WWE is learning to be more patient with its storyline developments rather than giving it all away at once.

Otis vs. Dolph Ziggler...Again

5 OF 8

Credit: WWE

After a backstage encounter, Otis battled Dolph Ziggler in the renewal of their rivalry from this past spring. 

Ziggler nearly benefited from interference by Robert Roode, delivering a Zig-Zag but failing to keep the former Mr. Money in the Bank down.

Otis fought his way back into the match, delivered the caterpillar elbow drop and set up for the Vader Bomb. Roode again attempted to interfere but this time backed down as Otis stared him down. The big man executed his new finisher and put The Showoff away for the win.

    

Result

Otis defeated Ziggler

    

Grade

C-

    

Analysis

This did nothing for anyone involved.

Otis has beaten Ziggler so often in 2020 that a win here is of little meaning. For Ziggler, losing further diminishes whatever credibility he has left at this point while Roode looks like a total weakling for backing down without any sort of physical encounter.

The only saving grace? The backstage promo afterward in which Chad Gable approached Otis and pitched him on the idea of discipline under his guidance.

The Final Chapter: Rey Mysterio vs. Seth Rollins

6 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

The long, long rivalry between Rey Mysterio and Seth Rollins finally came to a head Friday night in a match dubbed by the mass marketing team of WWE and its voice, Michael Cole, as The Final Chapter. Angie, Dominik and Aalyah Mysterio all accompanied Mysterio to the squared circle for the no holds barred contest.

Mysterio struck first with an ugly tornado DDT on the ring apron that left The Messiah reeling while Murphy watched from the floor. Mysterio delivered a sunset flip powerbomb into the guardrail but Rollins recovered and drove his opponent spine-first onto the announce table.

Corey Graves put over the effect Rollins’ targeted attack to the back of Mysterio would have while Cole reminded the viewers at home of Mysterio’s many instances of incredible resiliency.

Mysterio mounted a momentary comeback but Rollins cut it off and sent him crashing face and sternum-first onto the floor. Rollins blasted the future Hall of Famer with the steel steps before shooting an intimidating glare at the Mysterio family. 

Just in time for the break, Rollins crashed back-first into the steel steps he had setup at ringside. 

A recovered Rollins introduced a table to the fray and, despite tenacious fight from Mysterio, powerbombed him through it. Mysterio kicked out. 

A frustrated Rollins removed a rubber stopper off the chair and attempted to go after Rey’s eye. Dominik pulled him from the ring but ate a superkick for his troubles. Murphy watched as Mysterio delivered a dropkick, driving the chair back in Rollins’ face. 

The Disciple handed him a chair, then betrayed Rollins with a leaping knee to the face. Mysterio capitalized, delivered a 619 after a botched first attempt and followed with an apropos frog splash on the 15th anniversary of the death of Eddie Guerrero for the win.

The Mysterio family embraced in the center of the ring while Murphy contemplated his actions. Rey prevented Aalyah from joining Murphy, then confronted him. He gave his approval, as did Dominik and Angie, and the group left together in a fitting ending for the bloated, overlong storyline.

     

Result

Mysterio defeated Rollins

     

Grade

A

    

Analysis

For as overly long, unnecessarily messy and horrifically soapy as this storyline became, this was the perfect ending to it all.

Mysterio and his family had their happy ending, while Murphy was accepted by all involved and given blessings to continue dating Aalyah. Rollins got his comeuppance and all was right with the world.

This was probably the worst of the big matches in the program, but the commercial break hurt the flow and an amped-up Rey flubbing the first 619 attempt didn’t help matters.

Still, the grade reflects the overall execution of the story in this, The Final Chapter, and is apropos for what WWE presented.

Fatal 4-Way: Liv Morgan vs. Tamina vs. Natalya vs. Chelsea Green

7 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

What was originally slated to be a Triple Threat Match to determine the latest member of Team SmackDown at Survivor Series became a Fatal 4-Way Match with the debut of Chelsea Green and her joining Natalya, Liv Morgan and Tamina Snuka.

The action was fast and furious, none of the four competitors gaining any sort of sustained advantage.

Natalya looked to sap the energy out of Morgan, grounding her and applying a rear chin lock in search of a submission. Morgan fought back and eyed victory, delivering consecutive facebusters, including one to Tamina that earned her the win.

    

Result

Morgan defeated Natalya, Tamina and Green

    

Grade

C+

    

Analysis

Kudos to Morgan for scoring a big win to cash her ticket to Survivor Series. She has been fantastic in 2020 and deserves the opportunity to showcase herself on pay-per-view.

Green’s debut and insertion in this match was quite the curiosity.

Why put her in that spot after months of leaving her in limbo, only to have her barely involved in the match and definitely not in the finish? It was a total waste of a fresh new face and further evidence tht Vinnie Mac and Co. have no idea what to do with the talented Canadian. 

A talented wrestler with character in spades, she should be a focal point of the division rather than the afterthought she was here. 

Be better than that, WWE, or stop wondering why Superstars fail to make the successful jump from NXT to the main roster.

Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso

8 OF 8

Credit: WWE.com

Labeled an “Unsanctioned Match” due to the interpromotional nature of the contest, Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso served as the main event of Friday’s broadcast, the result of an overzealous Uso jumping the gun and putting his foot in his mouth earlier in the broadcast.

An aggressive McIntyre punished Uso from the opening bell, sending a message to Roman Reigns in the process while Corey Graves questioned the intelligence of expending energy and emotion just days before his WWE Championship Match against Randy Orton on Raw.

Uso seized control during the break, pounding away at the face of the former WWE Champion as the show returned from the commercial timeout. He cut McIntyre’s attempt at a comeback off with a Samoan Drop, then stomped away in the corner. 

McIntyre answered with a Glasgow Kiss headbutt, then a Sky High for a two-count. Uso rocked him with a superkick and scaled the ropes, only for McIntyre to meet him up top. Uso hung him in the Tree of Woe but McIntyre sat up and delivered an overhead superplex. 

He looked for the Claymore Kick but Uso bailed to the floor. McIntyre followed, attacking him until Reigns’ music played. The Tribal Chief walked with purpose as he headed to the ringside area. Uso capitalized on the distraction, sending The Scottish Psychopath into the steel steps. 

“I don’t care if you beat him. Make him understand,” Reigns demanded.

A confused Uso slid back into the ring and unloaded with a flurry of punches to the face. McIntyre recovered and delivered the Claymore for the win as the Universal Champion stared him down, seemingly unfazed by McIntyre’s win or the potential showdown with him. 

“Get you one of these, then we’ll talk on Sunday,” Reigns said, leaving McIntyre behind as he headed up the ramp.

    

Result

McIntyre defeated Uso

    

Grade

A

    

Analysis

What happens when someone strays from orders and goes into business for themselves?

This. This happens.

McIntyre overcame Uso to pick up the win, almost certainly guaranteeing an unpleasant week for Uso as he continues to serve The Tribal Chief.

The post-match exchange between Reigns and McIntyre was great and the Universal Champion continues to be the best thing about WWE television right now.

Arrogant, confident, imposing and intimidating, he is the epitome of a great heel and the character around whom SmackDown should absolutely revolve now and well into the future

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