Browsing: Jax

Rusev in a romantic angle featuring Nia Jax and Lash Legend? An interesting idea was floated by his wife, CJ Perry (aka Lana).

During their first WWE run, former Chairman Vince McMahon had booked Lana and Rusev in a breakup storyline, in which the Bulgarian Brute was out to get revenge on Bobby Lashley, who was seeing Lana as part of the angle.

In an interview with TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring, Lana confessed her love for romantic storylines in wrestling. And if it were up to her, she would book Rusev in one, with Nia Jax and Lash Legend. She feels her husband should be involved with both of them, calling Legend the new “Lashley girl,” perhaps a subtle reference to her own previous storyline.

I love romantic storylines. If I was the person writing the shows, there would be more soap opera stories, and Rusev for sure would be in a romantic angle by now. If I had anything to do with it, I’d probably have him like–isn’t there a new Lashley girl?” Lana’s question got the hosts wondering who she was referring to.

“I think it would be great for him to be in a romantic storyline with Nia Jax or Lash Legend. Maybe he could have a tag team, and he could be in a romantic storyline with both of them.”

Check out her comments in the video below:

Lana And Rusev Have Different Opinions On John Cena’s Forthcoming WWE Retirement

At Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, John Cena will retire from in-ring competition. At the time of this writing, Rusev has a chance at becoming The Never-Seen 17’s final opponent at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The Bulgarian Brute credits John Cena for getting him over in 2015. After a lengthy reign as the United States Champion, during which he even scored a technical submission win over Big Match John, Rusev finally fell to Cena at WrestleMania 31. A decade later, he feels it would be poetic to retire the man to whom he felt he owed a certain extent.

Meanwhile, Lana is not convinced that The Last Real Champion will retire for good in December. However, she admitted it is probably denial, as she could not fathom immortal guys like John Cena, The Undertaker, and Triple H ever stepping away from the ring entirely.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit TMZ Sports’ Inside the Ring and give a H/T to ITR Wrestling for the transcription.

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Gone are the days when CM Punk’s rather negative reputation was the talk of the town, and several WWE stars, including Nia Jax, have seen a totally different side of him firsthand.

Punk’s unceremonious firing from AEW felt like the end of an influential wrestling career until hell froze over and he returned to WWE at Survivor Series 2023. He has not only become WWE World Heavyweight Champion twice since then, but has also erased the blots on his name, with many people stating he is one of the most helpful veterans currently in WWE.

Beyond being the go-to guy for many young stars, CM Punk also likes to keep things playful behind the scenes, a trait he shares with Nia Jax.

Nia Jax Says She And CM Punk Are The Backstage Jokesters Of WWE

While pro wrestling is a serious business that requires a strong work ethic, the locker room also needs talents that can lighten the mood regularly.

During a recent episode of The Happy Hour podcast, Nia Jax was asked about her interactions with CM Punk, and she revealed the common thing that they shared: those who bring humor to the proceedings.

Jax noted that while she’d not known CM Punk personally until his WWE comeback, the reigning World Heavyweight Champion has been great to her and the other talents. Punk also always finds time to share his advice with the uber-talented women’s division in WWE, helping them figure out their strengths and weaknesses as performers.

Nia Jax is grateful to have a mind like Punk in WWE and also loves the reactions he gets from fans every week. The former WWE Women’s champion revealed:

You know what? I didn’t know him before, and obviously, like, everybody has their interactions and people have reputations that precede them, but that guy has been nothing but nice to me. I tend to be a jokester backstage, and he is too. So, we kind of have that in common. He is super nice. He is super funny.”

“He is always supporting us, supporting the women, and making sure, like, he lets us know what we do best and what we need to work on, the same as John has done. Somebody in his position, because like I said, they don’t have to, but CM Punk, it’s been great to have him back and for him to experience him myself and to see the fans react to him. He is a funny guy, and he is super cool.”

Another thing that CM Punk and Nia Jax will relate to is their upcoming Survivor Series assignments. While Punk will lead the charge for the babyfaces, Jax is amongst the heels in the women’s match, and rest assured, both the WarGames clashes will make for an intense PLE spectacle.

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Nia Jax thinks it would only be right for a female to join The Bloodline.

Initially referenced during Roman Reigns†WWE Championship program with AJ Styles in 2016, The Bloodlineâ€s official recognition as a stable came during the Thunderdome Era. The original incarnation featured Roman Reigns and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) as the trio dominated the singles and tag team divisions.

The Bloodline would later expand to include Solo Sikoa and Sami Zayn before the Honorary Uce turned against the group to realign with Kevin Owens. The current incarnation once again features Roman Reigns and The Usos as the trio tries to navigate their path in the ever-changing landscape of WWE.

As for Solo Sikoa, he is on his own as the reigning United States Champion and the leader of the MFTs. This rebellious faction also includes Tama Tonga, Tonga Loa, Tala Tonga (formerly known as Hikuleo), and JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb).

Nia Jax talks about the possibility of a female in The Bloodline

Despite being teased over the years, no female has ever been added to The Bloodline. Naomi once spoke about the possibility of joining the group. During a recent appearance on The Happy Hour, former WWE Womenâ€s Champion Nia Jax was asked if fans could see a woman join The Bloodline one day.

“It would only be right for a female to join the Bloodline,†Jax said. “Our family runs deep in this business. There have been talks, but itâ€s always what works best for the story. I donâ€t think itâ€s ruled out that it will never happen. But the boys have been creating such a cool niche for themselves. I like doing what I do in the womenâ€s division, I enjoy creating my own path.

“Hopefully, one day. You never know. The MFTs have a cool thing going on. I love those guys and I would not mind joining in a little mixed tag action. Candice LeRae is with Johnny Gargano and (Tommaso) Ciampa. Why not throw a little mixed tag with the Bloodline? Itâ€s never a no, and itâ€s definitely been talked about. It always has to be the right timing.†[H/T: Fightful]

ALSO READ: WWE Trademarks Bloodline-Related Phrase

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
GREENVILLE, S.C. AT BON SECOURS WELLNESS ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of today 6,243 tickets were distributed so far. The arena has a capacity of 16,000 spectators when configured for concerts.

JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorchâ€s Jake Barnett to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. Weâ€ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. Weâ€ll read your emails live during the post-show.

If you canâ€t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller†and “pwtorch†in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.

VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE

LINK TO BE A VIP CALLER:

Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller†(or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).

OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE

[HOUR ONE]

Advertised Matches & Appearances

• Giulia vs. Chelsea Green – Womenâ€s United States Championship match
• Ilja Dragunov vs. TBA – WWE United States Championship Open Challenge
• Rey Fenix vs. Talla Tonga
• Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
• Cody Rhodes to appear

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Multi-time WWE champion admits to being beaten up by Nia Jax.

The recent episode of WWE SmackDown featured a singles match between Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax. Both women had an interesting and action-packed match, yet despite the best efforts of The Irresistible Force, she wasn’t able to take the victory. However, the 3-time RAW Women’s and former 24/7 Champion also wasn’t able to do it alone as her partner, Charlotte Flair, interfered in the closing moments of the clash.

Following the Friday Night SmackDown episode, Alexa Bliss took to X (Twitter) and shared that she took a major beating from Nia Jax. However, the two-time SmackDown Women’s and four-time Women’s Tag Team Champion didn’t back down. She also thanked those who were by her side to help her gain the win.

Took a hell of a beating from the irresistible force – but I still wonâ€t back down. thanks for sticking by me for the win”

Took a hell of a beating from the irresistible force – but I still wonâ€t back down. thanks for sticking by me for the win 🖤

— Lexi (Kaufman) Cabrera (@AlexaBliss_WWE) November 1, 2025

WWE Star Came In Defense Of Nia Jax And Calls Her A Locker Room Leader

Since Nia Jax is portraying a heel, she doesn’t have the warmest response from fans and her fellow superstars. However, behind the scenes, The Irresistible Force seems to have a completely different character. On X (Twitter), Chelsea Green defended Nia Jax when she botched a move on SmackDown, even calling the latter a locker room leader.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 2025
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH AT DELTA CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Commentators: Michael Cole, Corey Graves

Attendance: WrestleTix reports as of tonight 7,045 tickets were distributed before showtime. They were set up for 7,816. The arena has a capacity of 20,000 spectators when configured for concerts. Last time at the arena no Nov. 22, 2024, it drew 8,394.

JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…

PWTorch editor Wade Keller will be joined by PWTorchâ€s Jake Barnett to review WWE Smackdown LIVE on YouTube. Weâ€ll be incorporating live viewer comments into the show so join us LIVE!

Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Smackdown. Weâ€ll read your emails live during the post-show.

If you canâ€t join us live on YouTube, stream the show on demand later at YouTube or listen or stream later on a podcast app. Subscribe to all of our free podcasts by searching “wade keller†and “pwtorch†in your podcast app of choice including Spotify and Apple Podcasts and most other iOS and Android apps.

VIP MEMBER EXCLUSIVE VIDEO CALLER CODE: CLICK HERE

LINK TO BE A VIP CALLER:

Click that link during the post-show to enter the waiting room as “live video caller†(or just audio if you turn off your cam, which is fine).

OPEN TO EVERYONE – LINK TO WATCH LIVE RIGHT AFTER WWE SMACKDOWN TONIGHT: CLICK HERE

[HOUR ONE]

-Michael Cole introduced the show as they showed the location of tomorrow night’s Saturday Night’s Main Event and tonight’s Smackdown. Then they showed Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair, and Jade Cargill walking backstage.

-A clip aired of Jade attacking Tiffany Stratton last week.

-They went to Corey Graves and Cole at ringside who plugged the U.S. Title Open Challenge. Tiffany Stratton walked past them and stormed into the ring. She said she has a bone to pick for Jade and said she wants her to come out “right here, right now.” G.M. Nick Aldis walked out and told her to “please think this through.” He said she has been cleared with the qualification she cannot engage in any physical contact before tomorrow night, and he can’t put tomorrow’s match at risk. Tiffany asked if he thinks she cares what the doctors say. She called for Jade again. Jade walked out. Aldis told Jade no physical contact and called for security.

Jade said it’s not that serious and she “wasn’t going to do nothing.” She said it doesn’t serve her to engage tonight. She said what she wants it the title tomorrow after Saturday Night’s Main Event. “Taffy time is up,’; she said. Tiffany charged at Jade, but security held her back. Tiffany held her leg and limped back to the ring. She hed her belt as Jade smiled at her and backed away to the stage.

-They went back to Graves and Cole at ringside. Cole said Tiffany will be a fighting champion tomorrow night.

-A video package aired on Dragunov’s workouts to return from his injury. “Suffering is the true test of life,” he said. “The pain will entertain you.”

-Graves hyped the U.S. Title match with a mystery challenger.

-Dragunov made his entrance. [c]

-R-Truth was handing out candy dressed as Santa Claus to Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin. Sabin and Shelley said it’s not Christmas. Truth said they were wrong and left. Solo Sikoa walked out and said they shouldn’t accept candy from a stranger. Then they discussed their shared interest in becoming tag champions. Sabin challenged Solo to a tag match later. Solo said he’d go talk to Aldis and later they’d show them how much has changed in a year.

(1) ILJA DRAGUNOV vs. NATHAN FRASER (w/Axiom) – U.S. Title Open Challenge

Dragunov smile when heard the entrance theme of Fraxiom. Tomasso Ciampa marched past them. He entered the ring and protested Dragunov giving Fraser a title shot and he called him a nerd. They shoved each other. Dragunov said everyone can face him, but he said Fraser stepped up first. Cole said Ciampa “begrudgingly left the ring.” The bell rang 16 minutes into the hour.

Fraser landed a running high knee at the bell. Dragunov fired back and chopped away at Fraser. Fraser leaped through the ropes and tackled Dragunov at ringside. Dragunov ducked a leaping Fraser and then chopped Fraser to the mat. Dragunov kicked Fraser off the ring apron at 4:00. Dragunov went after him at ringside with a released German suplex onto the floor. They cut to a break. [c]

Back in the ring, Fraser rallied and landed a (pretty harmless looking in terms of impact, which Graves acknowledged) running Shooting Star Press. Dragunov slammed Fraser hard with a one-arm slam for a two count at 10:00.

Fraser springboarded toward Dragunov who hit Fraser out of mid-air with a right fist. Fraser avoided a top rope senton and then landed his own top rope frogsplash for a near fall. Fraser’s chest was red from chops. [c]

Back from the second break, Dragunov had Fraser in an abdominal stretch. Fraser landed a running flip splash at ringside and then dropkicked Dragunov into the ringside steps. He urgently threw Dragunov itno the ring and then landed a Phoenix Splash for a dramatic near fall. Graves said that could be a heartbreaker for Fraser since he just landed his best shot.

Dargunov knocked Fraser off balance on the top rope with chops and then set up a back suplex. Fraser landed on the back of his head and neck in a nasty fall that seemed to concern Graves. The ref cleared him to continue. They stood and exchanged strikes. Dragunov then landed a his H-Bomb fistdrop for the win.

Fraser lifted Dragunov’s arm afterward. Cole said you can become a star even without winning the title.

WINNER: Dragunov in 20:00 to retain the U.S. Title.

(Keller’s Analysis: Keep serving those up every Friday night. Dragunov is going to be a legend by the time they run through another six or eight of these.)

-Gargano attacked Fraser as he was leaving the ring. [c]

-Cole commented on the previous match as they replayed the finish. Cole called it a classic. Then they showed Ciampa’s attack which Cole called “despicable.” They showed that Johnny Gargano joined in the right.

-They cut live backstage where everyone was still brawling. When the scene cleared, Dragunov looked at Tama Tonga who made his sinister laugh noises and admired the U.S. Title belt.

(2) KIT WILSON vs. CARMELO HAYES

Wilson made his entrance first. Then Hayes. The announcers said Wilson is tired of young minds bein poised by toxic masculinity. The bell rang 44 minutes into the hour. Wilson took it to Hayes at the start. He wrapped Hayes arms around his head and stomped on his shoulder blades. He followed with twisting neckbreaker DDT. Graves said he’s never seen a DDT delivered like that. When Hayes made a comeback, Wilson rolled to ringside. Hayes landed a running flip splash onto Wilson at ringside. Miz showed up and threw Hayes into the ringpost and threw Hayes back into the ring. Wilson then landed a top rope elbowdrop for a believable nearfall. Wilson charged, but Hayes gave him the First 48 for the win.

WINNER: Hayes in 4:00.

-Afterward, Miz attacked Hayes and told him it’s not over until he says it’s over.

-Cathy Kelley interviewed Alex and Charlotte about the Kabuki Warriors attacking them on Raw. Bliss said they know where to find us if they want to chase what they have. Charlotte said she usually doesn’t let people in, but she let Bliss in, and she thinks she’s better off for it. Bliss said, “You’re unbelievable.” Charlotte said Nia Jax lives in fear and isn’t healed, which is why she has no friends. “Classic Gemini behavior,” she said. Bliss said she will show Jax why she outgrew her. Charlotte repeated, “Classic Gemina behavior.” Bliss wasn’t sure how to react to Charlotte’s astrology.

-Nia Jax made her entrance. [c]

-Sami Zayn told Aldis backstage that he knows he’s not cleared, but he wants to stand out there and have the backs of the Motor City Machine Guns later. Aldis said he is not cleared and he cannot authorize that. He asked him to please sit this one out. Sami said he would. Cody walked up and hugged Sami. He told Sami he is proud of his U.S. Title Open Challenge series. Sami told Cody he is pulling for him tomorrow and then walked off. Aldis asked Cody if he had anything to do with what happened to Jacob Fatu. Cody said he knows it’s hsi job to ask, but he didn’t. Aldis offered Cody a chance to look at the contract. Cody said he trusted him and told him to show it to Drew McIntyre.

(3) NIA JAX vs. ALEXA BLISS (w/Charlotte Flair)

Jax made her entrance first. Then Bliss and Charlotte. Cole asked Graves about the Bliss-Charlotte friendship. He said he finds it inauthentic and detrimental to both of their careers. He said they look like two people who watched movies about friends and are faking it. The bell rang 59 minute into the hour. The ref called for the  bell while Bliss’s back was turned. Graves said Charlotte was demanding Bliss’s attention at ringside and it cost her there. Graves said Bliss was better off when she only cared about herself and same for Charlotte. He said they can try to prove to him their friendship is authentic, but it won’t be easy.

[HOUR TWO]

Jax headbutted Bliss and went for an elbowdrop, but Bliss moved out of the way. A minute later Jax charged at Bliss on the ring apron, but Bliss moved. Bliss leaped off the ring apron, but Jax caught her and dropped her over the ringside barricade. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]

Back from the break, Bliss avoided a charging Jax. Jax shoved Bliss off the ring apron. Charlotte caught her and threw her back up to the ring apron. Graves said it was bending the rules. Bliss landed a crossbody press to Jax who was sitting and scored a two count. She followed with a DDT attempt. Jax avoided it, but then Bliss side-stepped Jax who went shoulder first into the ringpost. Bliss climbed to the top rope, but Jax picked her up and landed a Samoan Drop for a two count.

Jax set up an Annihilator. Charlotte stood on the ring apron, which distracted Jax. Bliss then kicked Jax and knocked her off balance. She then stack covered Jax for a three count. Jax was fuming mad afterward. Cole said the friendship paid off.

WINNER: Bliss in 9:00.

-Solo and his MFTs asked Rey Fenix what he wanted. Fenix said he doesn’t want to fight him. Solo told him to go trick or treat. Fenix stood on a crate and told Talla Tonga he wants to fight him because he put his hands on him. Solo said that’s fine, he’d see him next week. Fenix slapped Talla. Solo told Talla he’d deal with him next week.

-Cole and Graves hyped the contract signing for Cody and Drew later. Cole threw to the poker game skit with Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, C.M. Punk, and Brock Lesnar plugging WrestleMania in Las Vegas. Triple H narrated and said, “It’s anyone’s game.” [c]

-A vignette aired with Damien Priest telling Aleister Black it’s now personal and he’s coming for him. He said he won’t know when or where, but he knows why now. He said he’ll feel his venom when punishment comes for him.

-They went to Cole and Graves at ringside. They plugged the SNME line-up.

-In the back hallway, Aldis told Tiffany she’s not cleared. Tiffany said she is going to be fine. Kiana James and Giulia told her it looks like Tiffy Time is coming to an end. James said she should have accepted their offer to be their back-up. Tiffany said she’ll find the time to beat their ass like she did last wee. Giulia said Tiffany won’t be talking like that or at all after tomorrow. Chelsea Green walked up to Aldis with Alba Fyre. Green said she wants a match against Giulia for the U.S. Title. Giulia agreed to it. Aldis said it’s fine with him. Green was so happy she might become the first and fourth U.S. Champion. Nikki Cross then startled them as she was standing behind them.

-Solo Sikoa and the MFTs made their entrance. [c]

-Cole narrated a clip from earlier of two local mascots having a wrestling match in the ring earlier. One of them did a People’s Wing for the win.

(4) J.C. MATEO & TAMA TONGA (w/Solo Sikoa) vs. MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley)

Advertised Matches & Appearances

• Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax
• Carmelo Hayes vs. Kit Wilson
• Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre contract signing for Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event
• Jade Cargill to address her attack on Tiffany Stratton

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WWE referee Daphanie LaShaunn addressed her decision to stop the count when Tiffany Stratton had Nia Jax pinned in the triple-threat match that also involved Jade Cargill on Friday Night SmackDown.

In a post on her Instagram Story, LaShaunn thanked everyone who has been supportive of her and vowed to continue getting better going forward.

“I see all the love,” she wrote. “I’m just human, but I can promise that I strive to always be better. Which will forever be my goal as long as I’m on this journey. I love this just like y’all. That I can swear to you.”

The botch came when Cargill hit Jax with the eye of the storm and went for a cover, but Stratton broke it up and went to steal the pin. LaShaunn’s count got to two and she held up hitting the mat for three, even though Jax never raised her shoulder off the mat.

There was a time when WWE instructed officials to treat pinfalls as a “shoot” and not to hold up the count unless the wrestler actually kicks out, but that reportedly hasn’t been the case for awhile now.

After everyone gathered themselves following the both, Stratton hit Jax with the prettiest moonsault ever for the pin to retain the WWE women’s championship.

It was revealed after the match that Stratton will challenge women’s world champion Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE women’s crown jewel championship at Crown Jewel on Oct. 11.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

This was a bizarre episode of Smackdown, full of unintended surprises, great wrestling, and a Crimson Mask! Smackdownâ€s inconsistency, though, shows again, and I wonder if each episode is written and structured by completely different teams. Compared to Raw, Smackdown feels formulaic and tired, with infrequent flashes of energy and excitement. Letâ€s get to it, friends! As always, Iâ€m Chris Adams, and you can reach me at cadamsowj@gmail.com if you think Iâ€ve Missed!

PAUL HEYMAN, CODY RHODES, AND THE BRONS: HIT

My initial reaction to this promo and the whole segment was one of admiration and praise. In particular, it was Cody Rhodes calling out Paul Heyman that made this segment a hit. Running down Heymanâ€s history of going into business for himself cast doubt in the minds of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, both of whom came out looking less than menacing. Randy Ortonâ€s run-in created an opportunity for him to eye the prize that is the WWE Championship. All in all, a fine yet fun way to open the show.

STREET PROFITS VS. MELO DONâ€T MIZ: HIT

This match was decent, not outstanding. Nothing was outright bad, but nothing really stood out as a truly memorable sequence. What will be remembered is the face of Carmelo Hayes†face as he watched the Miz take a pinfall. Like a cold-hearted killer, he watched his partner get pinned and suffer defeat without a hint of emotion. I was initially critical of the pairing of Hayes and the Miz, but the tension they’ve been playing with has been surprisingly rich. Unfortunately, Iâ€ve come around to liking their pairing just as it seems they’re about to split. If they split before the Street Profits, then their partnership simply wonâ€t get the recognition it deserves. Regarding the Profits, Iâ€m excited to see singles runs from both, but hope it happens without an actual breakup. Let Angelo Dawkins be the corner man for Montez Ford, and vice versa. Teammates donâ€t have to hate each other to move beyond the tag division. A little positivity, please!

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of “The Nicky’s Club” with Nick Barbati, part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

GIULIA, JAMES, B-FAB, AND MICHIN: HIT

All four of these performers deserved more crowd reaction. At least there was more than crickets by the end of the match. Itâ€s Michin I feel the worst for, as I really enjoy her work, but I must admit that she has yet to establish a strong connection with the crowd. She has it all though: skill, attitude, and natural charisma. There is much to develop in B-Fab, yet she is promising in every aspect. She needs to prove her mettle quickly though, as she could fall to the bottom of the card faster than Hit Row imploded. Giulia and Kiana James seem like odd bedfellows, and if the purpose of pairing them was to give Giulia a mouthpiece, theyâ€re failing. Neither of them has commanded the mic. Props to Kiana James for her selling, though, appearing as if she was unconscious like a true rag doll. This match was a hit, but just barely.

DREW MCINTYRE PROMO: HIT

Seeing Drew McIntyre in an orthopedic boot was worth the price of admission alone. His dour face walking down the aisle gave way to a sullen, self-pitying promo, his specialty of late. He is great in this role, as his own worst enemy. A new feud was thrown into focus with the arrival of Jacob Fatu in the ring, which bodes well for Friday nights. Their chemistry, especially the aggressive back-and-forth exchange of the microphone, was comedy gold. Babyface Fatu FTW!

SAMI ZAYN AND JEâ€VON EVANS: HIT

The match of the night. Sami Zaynâ€s Open Challenge for the United States Championship has delivered some incredible matches, but this one reigns supreme. Jeâ€Von Evans shined in the spotlight, and Sami was as generous as anyone could be. He sold Evans†moves, allowed him literally fly, and showed him respect in the end. In fact, this match felt like it could have gone the other way, with Evans taking the title. When you can inject that kind of tension into the conflict, making it feel natural and organic, youâ€ve succeeded in making professional wrestling more than just pantomimed fighting. They made it real. Amazing!

NIA JAX, JADE CARGILL, AND TIFFANY STRATTON: MISS

What an unfortunate series of events! The match had a fairly good flow, although it often felt like a typical one-on-one with alternating opponents. It fell apart badly after Jade Cargill was busted open and joined the club of the Crimson Mask. Reviewing the footage, it seems both Stratton and Jax were waiting for Cargill to break open the pin. She didn’t, and we got a botched finish that made the referee seem responsible when it was a trainwreck all around with no one person to blame.

Nia Jaxâ€s attitude, including flipping off the referee, was good heel behavior but strange for SmackDown. She likely knows her bloodline keeps her safer than others. Overall, something good turned into something bad, but thatâ€s okay. All three wrestlers made sacrifices for us, and I appreciate it. I just canâ€t call it a hit.

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News and notes from Friday’s WWE SmackDown episode including a Randy Orton title match tease, a surprise US title challenger, and new number one contenders.

Randy Orton —

Orton made the save for Cody Rhodes as he was being menaced by The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at the direction of Paul Heyman. Orton picked up the WWE title belt and stared at it, hinting at a future title challenge against his former protege in Rhodes.

Je’Von Evans —

On the same night he was named as the next challenger for TNA’s X-Division Championship for Bound for Glory, Je’Von Evans answered Sami Zayn’s United States Championship open challenge in a losing effort on Friday’s SmackDown.

The Street Profits —

Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins of The Street Profits defeated Carmelo Hayes and The Miz to earn the next shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship on Friday’s show. The Tag titles have been held by Dexter Lumis and Joe Gacy of The Wyatt Sicks since they defeated the Profits for them in July.

Booker T —

Booker T filled in for Corey Graves on commentary as it was announced that Graves will miss “weeks” of shows selling injuries sustained when Brock Lesnar attacked him on last week’s SmackDown.

Tiffany Stratton vs. Nia Jax vs. Jade Cargill —

The main event WWE Women’s title three-way between Stratton, Jax, and Cargill fell apart towards the end of the contest. Cargill was busted open while working with Jax.

Later in the bout, Jax didn’t kick out on a pinfall attempt but the referee held up the count as though Jax did kick out.

Stratton retained the title and will face Stephanie Vaquer for the Crown Jewel Women’s Championship at the PLE in Perth, Australia on October 11.

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Tiffany Stratton beat Jade Cargill and Nia Jax in a Triple Threat match on Friday night’s episode of SmackDown to retain the WWE Women’s Championship.

Stratton won after hitting Jax with the Prettiest Moonsault ever.

After the match, current Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer walked out to the ring. The two champions then stared each other down with their title belts held high as the show went off the air.

Those two will be fighting for the WWE Women’s Crown Jewel Championship in Perth, Australia on Oct. 11.

Stratton has had long-running rivalries with both Jax and Cargill, and it all came to a head Friday when she had to put the title on the line against both of them.

The issues between Stratton and Jax date back to Stratton’s time as Miss Money in the Bank. Tiffany was in an alliance with Jax, but she tossed it aside by successfully cashing in on Nia to become women’s champ back in January.

More recently, Stratton entered into a program with Cargill, who became No. 1 contender for the WWE Women’s Championship by winning the Queen of the Ring tournament.

Cargill’s Queen of the Ring triumph set up a women’s title clash with Stratton at SummerSlam, but Stratton prevailed, denying Jade her first taste of singles gold in WWE.

Rather than simply accepting the loss and moving on, Cargill kept pushing for another title shot, and she put herself in position for one by helping Tiffany beat Jax and Becky Lynch in a tag team match on the Aug. 22 episode of SmackDown.

The rematch was set for the Sept. 12 edition of SmackDown, and both Superstars proceeded to empty the tack in what was a highly physical affair.

It ended in a double count-out when neither woman was able to make it back into the ring before the count of 10, but the night wasn’t over yet for Tiffany and Jade, as Nia arrived on the scene to attack both of them while they were in a weakened state.

The next week on SmackDown, there was a confrontation between Stratton, Cargill and Jax, and the decision was made for them to duke it out in a Triple Threat match with the title on the line.

While all three Superstars had their chances to prevail and leave SmackDown with the title in tow, it was Tiffany who once again overcame the odds to keep her title reign intact.

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