Last week, AJ Styles attacked Shane McMahon and was fired by Daniel Bryan. Shane McMahon reversed the decision and challenged Styles to a match at WrestleMania. Tonight, we see the fallout of that attack, as well as a SmackDown Tag Team Championship Match between American Alpha and The Usos.
Opening Segment
Like last week, AJ Styles makes his way to the ring to start the show. Styles gloats about his attack on Shane McMahon last week and says that he plans to do it again. The Phenomenal One also says that he is the backbone of SmackDown and if he leaves, the show plummets.
American Alpha (c) vs. The Usos
Both of these teams squared off in non-title action in last week’s main event, and The Usos picked up a victory over the champions. You would think this match would be saved for WrestleMania, but if the last few weeks are any indication, the tag team division isn’t getting much love right now.
The match is surprisingly good, and it only ends with help from dirty tactics. While the referee’s back is turned, Jimmy Uso pulls on Jason Jordan’s leg to cause a low blow with the middle rope, and a superkick from Jey Uso earns the twins their third set of Tag Team Championships. Winners, and NEW SmackDown Tag Team Champions: The Usos
Baron Corbin vs. Randy Orton
A couple weeks ago, Baron Corbin attacked Dean Ambrose backstage and injured him by crushing him with a forklift. The Lone Wolf has issued a WrestleMania challenge to Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship, but the injury has prevented any response. Corbin thought he had the night off, but Daniel Bryan put him in a match against Randy Orton, which is the first time these men have faced each other. Orton is getting ready for a WWE Championship match against Bray Wyatt.
Dean Ambrose shows up during the match and distracts Corbin long enough so Randy Orton can hit him with the RKO. The Lunatic Fringe then accepts the Intercontinental Championship WrestleMania challenge, then hits him with Dirty Deeds. Winner: Randy Orton
Orton heads to the back and he gets attacked by a legion of anonymous men in sheep masks.
Fandango (w/Tyler Breeze Nikki Bella) vs. John Cena (w/Nikki Bella)
John Cena gets ready for his mixed tag match against The Miz and Maryse by facing an unusual opponent in Fandango. Tyler Breeze, the other half of Breezango, joins Fandango at ringside, but he is dressed as Nikki Bella. Cena gets a couple tickets for his wrestling ability, wearing jorts, and more for good measure.
Cena hits his Five Moves of Doom on Fandango, and Breezy Bella tries to interfere. Instead, Nikki Bella hits him with a spear and the Rack Attack 2.0 while Cena hits Fandango with the Attitude Adjustment. The couple locks in STFs in stereo and forces both halves of Breezango to tap out. Winner: John Cena
Becky Lynch vs. Carmella (w/James Ellsworth)
Becky Lynch defeated Natalya in singles action last week and Carmella attacked both women right after the match ended. Lynch gets her chance for revenge against the Princess of Staten Island while Natalya sits on commentary.
James Ellsworth grabs a hold of Becky Lynch’s ankle while she is near the ropes, which gives Carmella a chance to hit a superkick. She never gets to cover Lynch, because Natalya interferes in the match. Mickie James then runs down to attack Natalya, and Alexa Bliss knocks out Mickie James. The SmackDown Women’s Champion is the only one standing tall at the end of the brawl (including James Ellsworth). Result: No Contest
In-ring Segment
AJ Styles is staking out the parking lot waiting to hit Shane McMahon with another sneak attack, and a car shows up. However, it is just the car of Heath Slater and Rhyno. Instead, Shane O’Mac makes his way to the ring and turns the tables by calling out Styles.
AJ Styles shows up and Shane McMahon immediately attacks him when he enters the ring. They brawl to the outside, where McMahon manages to get the upper hand. The Commissioner of SmackDown Live lays the former WWE Champion on the announce table, then proceeds to jump from the top rope and hit him with an elbow drop.
