The last SmackDown before the Elimination Chamber!
SmackDown’s tag team division is on display in a gauntlet match! Who lasts longest to win a HUGE advantage for the Elimination Chamber?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Lacey Evans & Naomi; Sasha & Bayley win.
- Sheamus VS ???; Sheamus wins.
- Carmella & Dana Brooke VS Fire & Desire; Fire & Desire win.
- SmackDown Tag Team Gauntlet: win(s) and will be the final entrants in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match.
PLAY BY PLAY
John Cena returned to SmackDown!
But just when he thought he was out, just when John Cena wanted to take a step back from WrestleMania, The Fiend pulled him back in! Bray Wyatt wants to go to Tampa, and while Cena says “You Can’t See Me,” he will see The Fiend there! What goes down when the Face that Runs the Place returns to the Showcase of the Immortals?
SmackDown presents A Moment of Bliss!
Alexa and Nikki are already in the ring in their chairs as they welcome fans to the show. The Road to WrestleMania continues to celebrate the 2020 class of the WWE Hall of Fame! Dave Batista, John “Bradshaw” Layfield, the Bella Twins, this is already a great class. But speaking of Mania, Bliss-Cross call out the Kabuki Warriors and the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. When Asuka and Kairi are done hiding on Raw, come on over to SmackDown to see these two. But speaking of SmackDown, tonight’s guests are the other inductees to the Hall of Fame, the nWo!! Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean “X-PAC” Waltman are here!
Nash, Hall and X-Pac join Alexa and Nikki in the ring and take their seats. “Hey yo.” Alexa congratulates them on their HoF induction, meaning they’re all two-time hall of famers. Nikki says she is their biggest fan, four life! Let’s get a selfie! Nikki and nWo group together and take the pics, then Alexa moves to questions. First, Sean Waltman. What do we address him by? Does he want to be “Sean”? Mr. Waltman? The 1-2-3 Kid? Six? X-Pac? He isn’t even sure. Just call him Hall of Famer. Fair. Last year he got in with DX, and now with nWo, all these factions revolutionized pro-wrestling. One of the biggest rivals of the nWo was the new Universal Champion, Goldberg.
Nash was the one to end Goldberg’s winning streak back in the day, so Alexa asks him, “What does Roman Reigns need to do to defeat Goldberg at WrestleMania?” Nash forgot he did, so thanks for bringing it up. But he talked to Roman earlier this week about that match, and he told him that he needs two things: Hall and a cattle prod. “That was a shocking finish.” Awkward silence until… Shinsuke Nakamura’s music hits! He, Cesaro and Sami Zayn are here and “The Great Liberator” asks the booing Buffalo fans to show some respect. We all love the nWo for life! 1997 was a great year, but let’s stop talking about the past and let’s talk the future! The future is Sami! The future is Cesaro! And the future is Nakamura! The immediate future is them defeating Braun Strowman to take the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
Team Sami goes to the ring and Sami tells nWo that they know all about that title. Scott Hall, Razor Ramon, “honestly, one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time.” Big Daddy Cool Diesel was an Intercontinental Champion! X-Pac was… Oh, well, he knows how much that title weighs since he carried Hall’s and Nash’s bags. X-Pac gets up and says he and Sami can go if he wants. Sami talks big for a guy who looks like sick Seth Rogen. The nWo has a good laugh off that one, and X-Pac asks what’s wrong with Nakamura. So the nWo thinks they’re funny, huh? Team Sami could drop them in there seconds. Oh please, they couldn’t touch nWo on their best day. We have a huge stare down between six big name superstars!
Fans want to see them throw down, but Sami says, “It’s not gonna happen.” Team Sami stands down because they have Elimination Chamber to prepare for. The nWo wants the Sami rub but nope! They’re not getting the headlines or the buzz, because Sami and his team are focused on their objective of destroying- BRAUN!! Strowman is here!! Sami panics and Cesaro rushes the Monster Among Men! Cesaro BOOTS and body shots but Strowman ROCKS and THROWS Cesaro into the set! Nakamura is next but he gets a headbutt! Strowman throws Nakamura into railing! Sami panics as Strowman draws closer, so he goes into the ring. Where the nWo waits!
Strowman and the legends have Sami surrounded, but Sami begs for mercy. Fans cheer “Get These Hands!” and Sami cowers behind Alexa?! Fans boo as Sami scurries out of the ring and around the way. So Strowman throws chairs at him! Sami avoids being hit by the flying furniture, but it is only a matter of time. “This Sunday at Elimination Chamber, I promise you that all three of you are going to GET! THESE! HANDS!” And it’ll be Too Sweet!
Sasha Banks & Bayley VS Lacey Evans & Naomi!
The SmackDown Women’s Champion may have felt the Glow last week in the first go around, but she and The Boss want revenge in the rematch! Will Bayley & Banks bully Naomi and the Sassy Southern Belle into submission?
The teams sort out and Lacey starts with Sasha. The two tie up but Sasha slips away to tag Bayley. Lacey gets caught in the corner and the BFF’s mug her with body shots and stomps! Tag to Sasha and they crisscross Lacey to throw her into the buckles! Sasha stomps Lacey while Bayley goes around the way. Naomi sees her and DECKS Bayley! Sasha slides out to DECK Naomi! Sasha soaks up the heat while Bayley returns to her corner, then the Boss throws Naomi into barriers! The Sassy and the Glow are down and out while SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Sasha grinds Lacey down with a toehold. Lacey endures while Bayley taunts her from the ropes. Lacey uses her free leg to push Sasha away! Sasha tags Bayley and Bayley elbows Lacey down! Bayley covers, TWO! Lacey reaches for Naomi but Bayley stands on the bad food. Bayley taunts Lacey, things get glitchy, but Bayley stomps Lacey’s legs. Lacey pushes Bayley away! Tag to Sasha and the BFF’s just barely keep her from Naomi! Lacey throws Bayley out but Sasha gets the leg! Lacey rolls to throw Sasha off, tag to Naomi! Naomi gets both BFF’s with the wrecking ball dropkick and the tornillo plancha! Naomi throws hands on Sasha, throws her in, then springboards for a crossbody! Cover, TWO!
Naomi lights Sasha up with kicks from all sides! Fans fire up but Sasha blocks a kick to KNEE! Sasha whips, Naomi reverses and scorpion kicks! Naomi headlocks to corner bulldog! Sasha staggers, Naomi slingshot sunset flips! Bayley breaks it just in time! And she laughs, until Lacey LARIATS her down! Sasha dropkicks a leg out then dropkicks Lacey out. Naomi goes to boot, Sasha blocks but Naomi enziguris back! Naomi goes up but Bayley stops her! Sasha shoves Naomi into the post! Then tree of woe KNEES! Cover, Sasha & Bayley win!
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley, by pinfall
The Boss helps Bayley get even on Naomi! Will anyone be able to gain momentum against the SmackDown Women’s Champion with her legit back-up behind her?
Backstage interview with The New Day!
Big E and Kofi Kingston are fired up! Tonight’s SmackDown Tag Team Gauntlet gives the winner the huge advantage in the Elimination Chamber. Are they going to have Kofimania 2? That run was truly a dream come true and it is all thanks to the WWE Universe. But Kofi isn’t Al Bundy, he doesn’t live in the past! He and E are focused on the future and that is the Chamber. Ya bois know how hard it is to win a gauntlet match, but they’ve got “more stamina than a moose in mating season!” They can go for HOURS. And after they win tonight, they’ll the Chamber and go to Mania as the EIGHT time WWE, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~ BABYYYY! Why? Because New! Day Rocks! Who will be the last team standing at the end of SmackDown?!
Bayley and Sasha feel great backstage.
Having their hands raised together in victory is the best! Even without Sasha, Bayley was dominating! Naomi lost her glow, Carmella is NOT fabulous, and Lacey might be a stay at home mom. But it’s way more fun having Sasha back. But speaking of moms, the Bella Twins are in the HoF? Before the Boss and Bayley? Who cares about Nikki & Brie? Bayley might just take Mania off so she and Sasha can go straight to the HoF. Sasha dedicates her album to Bayley. No one in the past, present or future can touch these two! Women’s Revolution? PFFT! Role Model Era, baby!
Sheamus VS ???
The Celtic Warrior continues his quest to exterminate the “vermin that have infested” SmackDown. But will he find that the vermin are revolting?
SmackDown returns as Sheamus’s opponent is revealed. It’s Apollo Crews! But before he makes his entrance, Chad Gable walks over. Crews told Gable he doesn’t need help, but Shorty G says he respects Crews. Their goal is the same: stop Sheamus. If Crews needs help, Gable has his back. Gable offers a handshake, but Crews leaves him hanging. Can Crews control the situation all by himself?
The bell rings and Sheamus attacks Crews! Sheamus puts Crews on the outside but Crews hotshots him off the Bodhrain! Crews is up top and flies for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! SUPERKICK and standing moonsault! Cover, TWO! Sheamus sputters as Crews is on him at the ropes. Sheamus elbows Crews away then KICKS hard! He throws heavy European Uppercuts and body shots in the corner! The ref counts but Sheamus brings Crews out. Crews slips out of the suplex to shotgun dropkick! But he runs into a BROGUE!! Cover, Sheamus wins!
Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall
That was fast and furious, but it still went the way of the strong and the aggressive Celtic Warrior! Will the Fella be fighting bigger and stronger as we continue down the Road to WrestleMania?
Drake Maverick meets with Drew Gulak backstage.
The 205 Live General Manager knows what his former NXT Cruiserweight Champion is up to with Daniel Bryan. Maverick wants in. He wants after Bryan. Really? Mr. Maverick, Gulak knows ALL of Bryan’s 163 weaknesses, but respectfully, Maverick doesn’t have what it takes. There are levels to this. Take weakness 17-A for example: Bryan’s roundhouse kick. Looking very closely… Oh Bryan is here. He wants to hear about the weaknesses. Bryan says he will be in Philly this Sunday. If Gulak is so confident he can exploit Bryan’s weaknesses, why doesn’t he step up? Will the Philly Stretcher step up to the challenge in his hometown?
Carmella & Dana Brooke VS Fire & Desire!
Bliss-Cross called out the Kabuki Warriors and their WWE Tag Team Championship reign, but they’re not the only ones in the running. The FABULOUS Princess teams with The Flex Appeal to take on Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville to see if they can get ahead on the Road to WrestleMania!
But to even Mandy’s surprise, and Buffalo’s chagrin, Dolph Ziggler joins Fire & Desire! Will the Show-Off’s support help them win?
Teams sort out and Mandy starts with Carmella. The two circle and tie up, and fans chant, “We Want Otis!” Mandy powers Mella to a corner but backs off, but then Mella dodges the forearm to moonwalk. Mella dodges Mandy again but Mandy elbows and kicks back. Tag to Sonya and Fire & Desire mug Mella. Sliding wizard! Cover, TWO! Sonya keeps on Mella with pie faces but Dana rallies the fans. Sonya mocks the moonwalk then wraps Mella up in a chinlock. She thrashes Mella around and then shifts to body scissors. Mella endures and reaches for ropes but Sonya adds a cobra clutch. Mella fights her way out to throw hands! Sonya pushes Mella away but Mella dodges to Mella-Go-Round for the headscisosrs!
Mella dropkicks Sonya then brings her to the corner. Tag to Dana and they double whip to double hip toss! Dana handsprings and BOOTS! Sonya flounders to a corner, Dana handsprings to back elbow! Dana snapmares and dropkicks! Ziggler distracts, Sonya gets to Mandy! Sonya hits Mella, then elbows Dana, KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Fire & Desire win!
Winners: Fire & Desire, by pinfall
Ziggler really did help out! He also helps them celebrate. Will Ziggler be feeling just as good after his tag team gauntlet tonight?
SmackDown presents a new episode of Firefly Fun House!
John Cena now adorns ALL of the Wall of Friendship! “What do you think?” Magnifico! Everyone must be asking, “Why John Cena?” Ramblin’ Rabbit says that it’s because Cena beat Bray at WrestleMania six years ago, thus starting Bray on the “downward spiral of negativity and failure in your personal and professional life.” Bray forces himself to smile as footage replays of that very night. “You Can’t See Me!” Ramblin’ Rabbit runs off before anything happens to him.
Bray puts on his gloves and says time can either hurt your or heal you. Bray realized that if it wasn’t for Cena, the Firefly Fun House wouldn’t exist! So Bray officially thanks Cena, and forgives him. YAY~! “However, there is a catch.” Cena also helped create “a being built on pain, fueled by vengeance.” The Fiend is waiting at Mania. And unlike Bray, The Fiend is not forgiving. Life is a circle. It doesn’t matter how bright one side is, the dark side always comes back. “But that’s the beauty of a circle. Round and round we go. Let me in.” Bray then laughs and says bye. Will Bray break the cycle when he gets his rematch with Cena?
Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.
The Wolf King requested this time, but does not want anyone talking about his past with Roman Reigns. He is here to talk his WrestleMania plans. But then Elias starts strumming. Corbin confronts Elias but Elias apologizes. Corbin’s voice was just so annoying, though, so he decided to tune it out. Elias starts strumming but Corbin stops him. Corbin knows Elias thinks he’s a big deal just for having the guitar, but he’s not a rockstar or cowboy. He wouldn’t even get 50 cents begging on the corner. Elias is a one-trick pony that looks ridiculous with that headband. His delusion is an insult to reality, and if he keeps it up, he’ll answer to the king. Pot calling kettle black aside, will The Drifter purposefully get on the Wolf King’s bad side?
Heavy Machinery prepares backstage.
Tucker and Otis are pumped up, but Mandy passes by. Otis apologizes for Valentine’s Day. He did get a text that Mandy was running late which is why he was late, so he’s sorry for that. Mandy says this apology is a little too late. She walks away and Otis is heart broken all over again. Can he get over the Golden Goddess in tonight’s gauntlet? Can he at least make himself feel better ruining Ziggler’s run?
SmackDown Tag Team Gauntlet!
Six teams prepare for a SmackDown Tag Team Championship Elimination Chamber match on Sunday! But tonight, a prize almost as big as the gold is on the line. The team that wins this gauntlet match will be the very last entry into that Chamber match! Who survives tonight to have the best chance of winning the gold?
First out, it’s the NEW DAY! The seven-time champions hope to become eight-time W, W, E, SmackDown, Tag, Team CHAMPIONS~, but must first get through… HEAVY MACHINERY! Will Dozer and Tucky keep emotions in check to check off a huge victory?
The New Day VS Heavy Machinery!
The teams sort out and Kofi starts with Tucker. Fans cheer as Tucker and Kofi circle and tie up. Kofi waistlocks to headlocks but Tucker powers out to run Kofi over. Things speed up and Kofi back elbows Tucker down! Kofi whips but Tucker blocks with size and strength. Tucker reverses and corner splashes to then whip corner to corner. Kofi reverses and stomps Tucker, but Tucker puts him in the corner. Tucker monkey flips but Kofi lands on his feet! Things speed up again, and double dropkicks cancel out! Fans cheer, and Kofi tags to Big E! Buffalo cheers as Big E calls out Dozer! Tucker tags and we have the biggest men in the ring!
Big E and Otis have a stare down, Big E runs but Otis is solid! Otis runs and he manages to move Big E! They both run and collide! They stay up, Big E runs but into the spin cycle scoop slam! Otis tags to Tucker and they drag Big E up. Heavy Machinery double suplex and hold Big E up. Kofi gets in but Tucker intercepts to suplex Kofi! Heavy Machinery hold the New Day up for 10 then drop! Tucker and Otis double clotheslines the New Day out and then pursue. Tucker whips Otis in to double clothesline! Fans fire up for the Blue Collar Solid as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns as Otis runs Big E over! Otis runs but Big E avoids the splash! Both big men are down as Buffalo rallies up. Otis anchors Big E but Big E fights free to tag in Kofi! Kofi springboards but Tucker is in. Tucker takes the ax handles, chops and dropkick! Kofi runs and dodges to leaping ax handle! Then he runs for the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Fans fire up as Kofi aims from the corner. Tucker slowly rises but he ducks Trouble to kick back. Tucker whips, Kofi goes up, up and dropkicks back! Kofi kicks Tucker out of the ring then tags Big E. Kofi builds speed and Big E gives him the boost to FLY, into Tucker’s BELLY2BELLY! Big E runs into Tucker’s DROPKICK!
Tucker puts Big E in and tags in Otis! Otis scoops, Tucker runs, the COMPACTOR!! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES The New Day!! The biggest pinfall in Heavy Machinery’s career! But they have no time to rest, here come Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik!
Heavy Machinery VS Lucha House Party!
Otis runs over but into enziguris! Metalik springboards to sunset flip! Otis stays up so Dorado springboards to crossbody! Cover, TWO! Lince fires off on Otis and then wrenches an arm. Otis keeps Lince from Metalik to scoop, but Lince slips out. Otis runs in, Tucker tags in as Lince dodges. Lince CHOPS then goes up to flying arm-drag, but Tucker cartwheels and tackles Lince! Cover, TWO! Tucker keeps on Lince with an armlock and the chants of “LUCHA! LUCHA!” start up. Lince fights up but Tucker wrangles him back down. Lince keeps fighting up and throws haymakers. Tucker whips him but misses in the corner. Metalik tags in and Lince ROCKS Tucker. Metalik uses Lince as a platform for the splash! Cover, TWO!
Metalik watches Tucker crawl and stomps him down. Otis gets in and Metalik CHOPS, but Otis doesn’t flinch! Lince runs in and he CHOPS, but Otis just powers up! LHP double whip but Otis breaks through the line to DOUBLE TACKLE! Fans fire up as Otis drags Lince up. Lince sprawls and throws haymakers, then dumps Otis out. LHP double PLANCHA! They take out Heavy Machinery as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Otis whips Lince to the corner for a splash! Cover, TWO! Tag to Tucker and he drags Lince into position. Otis scoops Tucker to slam onto Lince! Cover, TWO! Tucker drags Lince around for a Half Crab! Lince endures as Tucker pulls on the leg. Fans rally and duel and Lince slips around to kick Tucker in the head! Lince is free but Tucker knees him into a corner. Tucker whips corner to corner hard then hits a splash! Tucker whips Lince corner to corner but Lince dodges and Tucker gets buckles! Fans rally and duel again, Tucker tags in Otis! Otis drags Lince up for a waistlock SLAM! Otis brings Lince into a bear hug!
Lince endures the squeeze and fans rally up again. Lince throws haymakers and gets free to jawbreaker! Otis staggers but runs in, only to be sent out. He’s still on his feet, and he gets in to intercept Lince! Otis whips but Lince handsprings, GOLDEN REWIND! Otis wobbles as Lince crawls to his corner, hot tag to Metalik and Tucker! Metalik springboards up and over Tucker then handsprings, but Tucker gets clear to kick low. Tucker whips, Metalik BOOTS from the corner, to SLING-DOG! Metalik walks the ropes to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Tucker survives but Metailk is on him with a chinlock. Metalik grinds Tucker down but Tucker fights his way up. Tucker throws body shots and suplexes but Metalik slips out!
Lince tags in, Metalik kicks Tucker, and Lince leaps for a SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Tucker and Lince are down and sputtering, but fans fire up for “OTIS! OTIS!” Lince CHOPS Tucker, and again! And again! Lince runs, but Tucker back elbows Lince down! Tucker stomps away on Lince then drags him around for a running SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Lince lives but Tucker drags him up to whip. Lince boots Tucker back but gets caught into a trapped-arm OVERHEAD Suplex! Tucker hits Metalik down then tags in Otis! Otis runs corner to corner to SPLASH! Lince flops down and Otis has a target! Fans fire up as Otis pumps up, for the CATERPILLAR! Cover, Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES Lucha House Party! But next up are the USOS! Will Jimmy & Jey put this gauntlet on lockdown?
Heavy Machinery VS The Usos!
SmackDown returns and Jimmy has Tucker in an armlock. Tucker reaches for Otis but Jimmy headbutts him down. Jimmy and Jey talk trash but fans rally for “OTIS~! OTIS~!” Tucker fights his way up but Jimmy wrenches, only for Tucker to club him back. Tucker reaches for Otis but has to punch Jimmy more. Jimmy kicks, Tucker scoops but Jimmy slips out. Jey tags in, Jimmy ends up on the apron, and Jey shoulders into Tucker. Jimmy ROCKS Tucker with a right then SUPERKICKS Otis! Tucker BOOTS Jimmy but Jey SUPERKICKS Tucker! Cover, TWO!! INTO A GHOST PIN!! Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES The Usos!?! No one can believe it but it happened!
But now the SmackDown Tag Team Champions themselves enter the match! Miz and Morrison, hey hey, ho ho! But will they end the AWESOME~ streak Heavy Machinery’s been on tonight?
Heavy Machinery VS The Miz & John Morrison!
Morrison and Miz see Tucker is tired and Otis is down. Miz gets in and goes right at Tucker with fast hands! He puts Tucker in the corner then Morrison tags in. Miz manages to lift Tucker, FLYING CHUCK HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO!! Tucker lives but Morrison grounds ‘n’ pounds. Morrison sits Tucker up for a point-blank Shining Wizard! Miz tags in to basement boot! Cover, TWO! Miz isn’t bothered and he just mocks Otis. The ref keeps Otis in his corner while Miz brings Tucker over. Morrison tags in and the 21st Century Classic hits! Cover, TWO! Tucker still lives but Morrison kicks him back down.
Morrison kicks Tucker more, then goes back for some ground ‘n’ pound. Otis coaches Tucker up and Tucker throws body shots. Morrison goes for a leg, Tucker sprawls, but Morrison gets away, to get CLOBBERED! Both men are down but Buffalo fires up for Otis again. Morrison crawls and tags in Miz, and Miz goes after Otis. Otis clobbers Miz then Tucker dropkicks! Tucker manages to move, but Miz trips Otis up! No tag for Tucky and Miz slides in. Miz jumps, into Tucker’s arms! But Miz slips out of the scoop to throw It Kicks in the corner! Miz runs to big knee! Then again! Morrison tags in and Miz whips him in for a SUPER FOREARM! Miz hits the A-List Lariat! Down goes Tucker and up goes Morrison, for the PARKOUR 450!! Cover, Otis breaks it!!
Miz and Morrison go after Otis, DOUBLE BOOTS send Otis down and out! Morrison whips Miz to wreck Otis with a dropkick! Fans are divided but Tucker gets Morrison! Heavy Machinery ELIMINATES Miz & Morrison!! And that infuriates Miz and Morrison! They go after Tucker with stomps and fists as Buffalo boos. Miz brings Tucker up, full nelson, Morrison goes up, DOUBLE STOMP FINALE!! Otis runs in but he gets mugged 2v1 too! They throw Otis out then go after him against barriers. They double whip Otis into and through the barriers!! Otis wrecks the timekeeper’s area! “REMEMBER THAT!” The greatest tag team in the 21st Century just wrecked Heavy Machinery!
Mandy is watching backstage as this happens, but Ziggler walks over. Is she really worried about Otis? More glitching on screen as Ziggler has Mandy wish him luck. Not that he needs it now. But that means the GLORIOUS Show-Offs can pick the bones of Tucker and Otis! The last round of the gauntlet begins after the break!
Heavy Machinery VS Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode!
SmackDown returns once more, and Tucker fights up against Roode, only to get a SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Otis is still in the wreckage but Tucker keeps the team in the match. Fans rally up for Otis while Roode grinds Tucker down with a chinlock. Tucker endures, fights his way up, and throws body shots on Roode! Tucker runs, but Roode catches him in another sleeper hold, but Tucker back suplexes free! Both men are down but Otis is still nowhere near his corner. Roode crawls to tag in Ziggler, and Ziggler taunts Tucker. Tucker counter punches Ziggler, and both men kick each other. Ziggler elbows Tucker down then covers, TWO!
Ziggler taunts Tucker that Otis is down, and then dares Tucker to stand. Tucker does, and Ziggler dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler and Roode grow frustrated, and Ziggler tells Tucker to just give up. Tag to Roode, they double whip Tucker, and then Ziggler whips Roode for Roode to whip Ziggler for the splash! Roode kicks low for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Somehow Tucker still has fuel in the tank. Roode stomps Tucker and brings him over to tag Ziggler. They mug Tucker, then Ziggler digs his fingers into Tucker’s face! The ref reprimands but Ziggler taunts Tucker more. Tucker kicks from the mat, and fans fire up as OTIS RISES! Otis still lives!! Roode hurries after Otis with clubbing forearms, but Otis hits back! Otis bumps Roode off the desk!
Fans are thunderous as Otis makes his way back to his corner! Tucker powers Ziggler backwards towards the corner, but Ziggler pulls Tucker’s hair for a neckbreaker! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler drags Tucker up, tags Roode and the two work on Tucker in a corner, They double whip Tucker corner to corner, then whip Ziggler in. Tucker dodges and Ziggler hits buckles, Tucker clotheslines Roode! All three are down but fans are fired up! Tucker heads for the corner, hot tag to OTIS! The Dozer bulldozes Roode! And again! Otis double whips Roode corner to corner to then back drop! Otis DECKS Ziggler!
Roode staggers over into Otis’s scoop but Roode fights out. Roode kicks but Otis powers up again! Fans are thunderous as Roode CHOPS but Otis THRUSTS. And does jumping jacks!? Otis EXPLODERS Roode! Roode boots Otis from the corner then hops up, but leaps into Otis’s arms! He escapes and dropkicks Otis into the corner. Roode runs in but gets posted! Ziggler tags in, Otis corner splashes and hits them both! Roode flops down but Ziggler is the legal man! Otis still gives Roode a CATPER- SUPERKICK!! Ziggler takes Otis down, covers, Ziggler and Roode win!!
Winners: Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, by pinfall (last entrants in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Camber match)
The GLORIOUS Roode-Dolph end the glorious run of Heavy Machinery! Otis and Tucker could not run the gauntlet, but can they get payback for this and more on Sunday? Or will they even make it to the end, when Roode and Ziggler finally enter the match?
My Thoughts:
What a great go-home for Elimination Chamber! Granted, there were still some mediocre and even awkward parts, but still a lot more good than bad. Sheamus VS Crews was a rather quick squash match, and Gable keeps reaching out to Crews without Crews accepting it. I feel like they’re telling the story of that 2v1 Handicap Match they had not too long ago in backwards order. Gable and Crews should’ve kept facing Sheamus, doing better each time only to lose, and then we get a handicap match as the blow-off. It seems they’ve set up Corbin VS Elias for Mania, or at least Mania Week, which I suppose is fine. Better than the once rumored Elias VS Cena which makes no sense. Hopefully Elias wins that feud.
The awkward stuff was during A Moment of Bliss. The nWo were just fine, it was really when they were set up against Team Sami. It was all meant to give Strowman a chance to get even from last week’s contract signing, but it was rather clunky. I can’t be sure who wins that 3v1 for the Intercontinental Championship, and I’m not even sure how it works for Team Sami. Is the person who pins Strowman the new champion? That’d make the most sense, and could be a way for Sami to get that title without having to do all the work. It could even cause dissension within the ranks if Sami were to win that way, since Nakamura and Cesaro would want the title for their own. In fact, that story might be reason enough for me to want Team Sami to win.
I did appreciate Bliss-Cross making the quick challenge to Kabuki Warriors. I said for my NXT UK article the other day that the WWE Women’s Championships should have a contender from each brand. Fire & Desire got a win thanks to Ziggler, so unless the IIconics are returning next week, I feel like they might be moving up. And of course, the tag team gauntlet was a great match! I did not expect them to go with Heavy Machinery so strongly but I am so happy they did. The love triangle is doing wonders for Otis especially, and that story combined with the eliminations they got in the gauntlet have really propelled Heavy Machinery to the top. I don’t know if they’d win the titles, but Heavy Machinery has to at least last long enough to eliminate Roode-Dolph for even just a little bit of pay off.
My Score: 8.5/10