WWE WrestleMania SmackDown saw the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal 2022 being contested as well as Ricochet defending his Intercontinental Championship in a triple-threat match against Los Lotharios.
There were a few surprises in store in the Battle Royal as we are almost set for the 38th edition of the Showcase of The Immortals.
There was a lot to cover in the latest episode of WWE’s blue brand. Sasha Banks and Naomi took on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Queen Zelina and Carmella. Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey had their last promos before their clash on Night 1 of WrestleMania.
Andre the Giant Battle Royal
The 8th edition of the Andre the Giant Battle Royal saw superstars on the mid-card fighting it out to get their hands on the prestigious trophy. There were surprise entries like Tommaso Ciampa and NXT champion Dolph Ziggler. The Blackheart is most likely to be on the main roster after his last match on NXT. He will take on Tony D’Angelo at NXT Stand & Deliver on Sunday. The 24/7 contingent was the first one to be eliminated. Ciampa was eliminated by Ziggler. There were a couple of mammoths in the ring as well in Commander Azeez and Shanky.
Surprisingly, they both ganged up to take out Eric of the Viking Raiders. Eventually, they did have a face-off as Shanky got the better of the exchange. The Commander though turned things around and looked set to eliminate Shanky when the rest of the participants joined forces to eliminate the two big men from the match. The last four men were the United States champion Finn Balor, Madcap Moss, Dolph Ziggler, and Robert Roode.
The Dirty Dawgs teamed up to try and eliminate the Prince as all three competitors were precariously positioned at the edge of the ring. Madcap Moss came from behind and tried to eliminate all three other competitors but managed only two. Balor survived showing exemplary core strength. He delivered a Sling Blade on Moss and looked to pummel him over the ropes but the man with the jokes moved out of the way eliminating Balor. Moss became the 8th winner of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
Result – Madcap Moss wins
Grade – B
Ricochet (C) vs Humberto Carrillo vs Angel Garza – WWE Intercontinental Championship Match
As expected, Los Lotharios teamed up on Ricochet with a flurry of kicks of various kinds. Carrillo delivered an avalanche hip toss. Ricochet finally managed some offense as he climbed the ropes but he was stopped in his stride by Garza as Carrillo delivered a phenomenal arm drag from the ropes. Finally, Los Lotharios got involved in an argument when Carrillo tried to roll up Garza for a win. Ricochet took advantage with a crossbody to take out both men.
It was all Ricochet from thereon. He delivered a rolling dropkick on Garza and a Shooting Star on Carrillo. Carrillo tried to deliver a superplex but Ricochet avoided catastrophe and slammed him onto Garza. Ricochet hit the stunning 630 on Garza. The champion delivered a Recoil on Carrillo to retain.
Result – Ricochet beat Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo
Grade – A
Sasha Banks and Naomi vs Queen Zelina and Carmella
We finally got the match that was initially supposed to be held at WrestleMania for the WWE Women’s Championship held by Zelina and Carmella. The two teams that were added on later to make the match at WrestleMania a Fatal-4 way were present at ringside. Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley were in the corner of Sasha Banks and Naomi while Natalya and Shayna Baszler were alongside Zelina and Carmella.
Banks would receive a beating at the hands of the Tag champs. The champions made frequent tags and did well to keep Banks on their side of the ring. Banks would use her experience and athleticism to tag in Naomi. Naomi and Sasha dominated the match from thereon as a Split-Legged Moonsault from the former Funkadactyl member gave her team the W.
Result – Sasha Banks and Naomi beat Queen Zelina and Carmella
Grade – B
Ronda Rousey-Charlotte Flair and Austin Theory-Pat McAfee segments
A clip was shown where Ronda Rousey was sparring with Shayna Baszler. She was interviewed by Kayla Braxton, who asked her if she was angry with what has transpired between her and Charlotte Flair as the Baddest Woman on the Planet looked in good spirits. Rousey said of course she is angry but she won’t wear herself down all the time.
She said she knows how to control her anger and when to “expertly apply it” and then she turned to the cameras and directed her warning to Flair. The former MMA star said that she will make Flair tap or rip her arm off and give it as a souvenir to her family.
Charlotte Flair made her entrance on the stage area. She also cut a sizzling promo. Flair talked about how cool she is as compared to Rousey. The big match is almost upon us.
Austin Theory once again ambushed Pat McAfee and ran inside Vince McMahon’s office. McAfee kicked the door down but was met with an irate Mr. McMahon. The Chairman of WWE told the SmackDown announcer if he wanted to get fired or get his match at WrestleMania canceled. McAfee didn’t want both as he backed down.
Jimmy Uso vs Rick Boogs
This match didn’t last long. Jimmy tried to match strength with Boogs and that wasn’t a good idea. Boogs curled Uso for ten reps and followed it up with a slam. Uso, however, took advantage by sending Boogs shoulder-first into the ring post. Jimmy’s dominance would be short-lived as Boogs on his knees lifted him to a military press and threw him with a fallaway slam.
Austin Theory appeared once again and seemed to take a glass of soft drink from a fan. He threw it on McAfee who was about to go in pursuit of his WrestleMania opponent but Michael Cole calmed him down. As Theory was about to escape, Balor came from behind to take out Theory. Both men continued their fight inside the ring as the match ended in a no-contest.
Result – No-contest
Grade – C
Austin Theory and the Usos versus Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Rick Boogs
In a fast-paced tag team match, both teams had their moments. Nakamura got the hot tag and fended off the heels. He tagged in the United States champion who knocked Theory onto the floor and landed a running flip dive onto all three of his opponents much to the delight of Pat McAfee.
Towards the closing stages, Usos knocked Balor off the top rope and Theory took advantage delivering the ATL for the victory.
Result – Austin Theory and the Usos beat Finn Balor, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Rick Boogs
Grade – B
“Happy Talk” didn’t end up being too much fun for Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss. Corbin had stolen McIntyre’s sword last week. He brought it to the ring with him. Corbin renamed it Euphoria.
Corbin crossed the line when he joked about the sword and Drew’s late mother. Drew stormed out and got rid of Moss with a strong right. He entered the ring and threw a steel chair at Corbin and swung with his sword but Corbin avoided disaster as he retreated outside the ring. McIntyre stood tall inside the ring to close the segment with pyros taking full effect.
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