Last week, WWE Champion Bray Wyatt successfully defended his title against John Cena and AJ Styles in a triple threat match. Randy Orton would approach Wyatt in the ring, saying that he refuses to face his master for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Because of this, we have a ten-man Battle Royal tonight to determine the new #1 Contender, as well as several developments in the women’s division in store for SmackDown.
Opening Segment
General Manager Daniel Bryan comes down to the ring, and he says that on the Road to WrestleMania, there are always twists and turns. On that note, Bryan calls out the SmackDown Women’s Champion, Naomi. Due to the injury (which has not been fully disclosed yet) she suffered in her championship victory, she will not be able to defend her title within the 30 day limit. Because of this, Bryan has to ask her to relinquish her championship.
Alexa Bliss immediately tries to capitalize on this opportunity and get her championship back. Bryan doesn’t let her take the easy way out, and instead creates an impromptu Women’s Championship match against the only other former SmackDown Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch.
Alexa Bliss vs. Becky Lynch – SmackDown Women’s Championship
It’s fitting that Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss are the two women fighting for the recently vacated championship. For months, Lynch and Bliss feuded over the title and helped establish themselves as big players for SmackDown. Now, we find out who will become the first-ever two-time SmackDown Women’s Champion.
The referee is distracted by putting the ring apron back where it belongs, and Alexa Bliss hits Becky Lynch in the throat with a double chop, then rolls Lynch up with tights for leverage. Stealing the win like she has been for weeks, Bliss gets the belt back. Winner, and NEW SmackDown Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
American Alpha vs. Breezango
Fandango and Tyler Breeze attack Jason Jordan and Chad Gable before the match gets underway, giving them the advantage from the get-go. The second Chad Gable gets in the match, however, the tide turns in American Alpha’s favor. With Grand Amplitude hitting seconds later, the champions pick up the win. Winners: American Alpha
After the match, The Usos cut a fiery promo from the stands, which eventually leads to them challenging American Alpha for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.
Nikki Bella vs. Natalya – Falls Count Anywhere Match
In a feud that goes all the way back to Survivor Series, Nikki Bella and Natalya have been hurling insults back and forth, brawling all over the arena, and having their matches end in no-contests. To end a rivalry that has been surprisingly personal, Daniel Bryan made this match Falls Count Anywhere, so the match has to finish appropriately and both women can move on.
During their brawl backstage, Natalya accidentally throws Nikki Bella into Maryse, who breaks up Bella’s STF attempt later on in the match. Maryse attacks Bella with a pipe until The Miz pulls her away, and she gives Natalya the perfect opportunity to cover for the pinfall. Winner: Natalya
John Cena vs. AJ Styles vs. Kalisto vs. Apollo Crews vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz vs. Luke Harper vs. Mojo Rawley vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler – #1 Contender’s Battle Royal (WWE Championship)
Since Randy Orton refuses to challenge Bray Wyatt for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, this battle royal will determine who will. There are former champions like Dean Ambrose, John Cena, and AJ Styles, as well as wild cards like Baron Corbin, The Miz, and Luke Harper. Mojo Rawley, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler and Apollo Crews are long shots to win the match, but they would definitely make things intriguing.
Order of eliminations: Mojo Rawley, Kalisto, Dolph Ziggler, Apollo Crews, The Miz, Baron Corbin, John Cena, Dean Ambrose
Luke Harper suplexes AJ Styles while falling to the floor, and the referees are confused as to whose feet fell first. The official decision is a draw, with a match next week determining who will be the #1 Contender. However, this GIF (seen below) from WWE’s Twitter account shows that AJ Styles was clearly eliminated first.
https://twitter.com/WWE/status/834235632784338944
