Are you ready for a good time? Because it's time for Friday Night SmackDown and there's always a chance it might make for one! Welcome back to our live play-by-play coverage; I'm your host tonight, the original SmackDown Savior, Mike "Hulk" Hogan! While our official preview wasn't exactly informative, at least they posted it, right? Because--spoiler alert!--Seth Rollins returns to SmackDown tonight as "the SmackDown Savior." We literally had no idea at all that this was going to happen as they definitely did not show a dozen commercials on Raw and NXT promoting this. To quote a famous singer, "that is brand new information!" Also, announced late this afternoon, Roman Reigns will have a "blockbuster announcement" regarding the Universal Championship.
So with all that said, let's get things started! For those of you who want just the results and not the novella, click here!!
WWE Friday Night SmackDown Live Results (2/12/2021) - ThunderDome II (Tropicana Field), St. Petersburg, FL
Show Opener
Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcome us to the critically-acclaimed ThunderDome and, as always, we're sponsored by Progresso. No, Progressive. Whatever, Flo sponsor's our show. We get straight to the big announcement it seems.
In the Ring Promo: Universal Champion Roman Reigns with Jey Uso & Paul Heyman and Adam Pearce
We hear Roman's music. Two minutes later, he's now beginning to walk down the ramp. He's actually walking at a senior citizen's brisk pace to the ring. We cut to a clip of Edge from Raw a few days ago, in which Edge said he wouldn't make his decision to choose a champion to challenge until the dust from Elimination Chamber settles. In case you think I'm exaggerating about the long walk, his music started at 8:01pm EST. He made it to the ring at 8:06pm EST. Finally in the ring, Roman raises his Blueniversal Championship high as the digital crowd boos him heavily. Adam Pearce is in the ring, and backed up in a corner. The digital crowd begins a "you suck" chant.
Reigns asks Pearce as to why he's standing in the corner. He tells Pearce to come closer. Pearce is too slow for Roman's liking, and he tells Pearce to hurry his "ass up and get over here." He's upset that Pearce is wasting his time by walking too slow. The irony doesn't escape me. Roman proceeds to tell Pearce that he's a nobody, he doesn't have any power to do anything, he doesn't have any authority over Roman. Roman then addresses Edge and tells us that last week, Edge looked into Roman's eyes and knows he doesn't want any of Roman. Reigns says that he'll beat Edge so bad, he'll have to retire and get a Legends Contract. Reigns goes on to say that he's not waiting. He then states that Edge won't choose him as Edge fears him. He then goes on to say that he won't lose the Blueniversal Championship until he's damn well ready. Roman now asks Adam what he's here for.
Adam tells Paul Heyman that he's had the contract for a week, but they made him wait for this. Pearce announces that Roman Reigns will defend his title in an Elimination Chamber just like McIntyre will with his. Heyman walks over and introduces himself...okay. Heyman goes on to tell us that Roman Reigns' contract with the WWE has stipulations regarding when he appears and wrestles. He tells Pearce that Reigns contract says that he has to defend the title at the Elimination Chamber, but doesn't have to defend it in the Elimination Chamber match. Heyman tells Pearce to pick anyone he wants to face Roman. He tells us that they'll give a Universal Championship on the spot to whomever wins the Elimination Chamber a week from Sunday as a way to determine who he faces that night. Heyman goes on. "What the hell are you gonna do about it? Fire Roman Reigns?" He then asks Pearce what would happen to WrestleMania--look at WrestleMania last year, it was the lowest-attended WrestleMania in history because Roman wasn't there. (Yep, he said that).
Heyman reiterates that the winner of the Elimination Chamber will get a shot against Heyman that same night. Pearce says that he's going to have some qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber. He can think of two Superstars that don't need to qualify as they deserve the shot. Heyman starts to interrupt him; Pearce responds, "don't you ever shut up?" Pearce tells them that they're familiar with the two men. The first is a man who took Roman Reigns to his limit, Jey Uso. "And while we're at it," he says as he exits the ring, "while we're at it, I can think of a second Superstar who doesn't need to qualify. His name is Kevin Owens." Roman hands his belt to Paul and exits the ring, getting in Pearce's face. He tells Pearce he doesn't understand him, and says something about not caring about Pearce. Heyman tells Roman that "we've got this, on your time" repeatedly to get Reigns to not attack Pearce. Heyman tells Roman not to tip his hand just yet, and that's just a suggestion.
Video Promo: Seth Rollins Returns Tonight
It's a video, Cole excitedly exclaims that Seth is back, we see a few clips of Seth, and that's it. We head to our first commercial break.
Backstage with WWE Official Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville
Pearce is walking backstage, talking a cell and comes across Deville. She congratulates him for standing up to Roman. Deville has a great idea for a tag team match, in which the winning team will be added to the Elimination Chamber. He says that sounds like a great idea, and she tells him that's good because she's already set it up and our first match is now!
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Tag Team Match: Rey & Dominick Mysterio vs King Corbin & Sami Zayn
The winning team will gain two spots in the Elimination Chamber. The Mysterios make their way out first, excited for this big opportunity. Rey's wearing an absolutely awesome new tee design. Graves remarks that if the Mysterios win, father will have to fight son. Out next is King Corbin. He awaits his partner, who turns out to be Sami Zayn with documentary crew in toe. Sami immediately gets on the mic and complains his whole way down the ramp, feeling that he shouldn't have to qualify for the Elimination Chamber. He claims he and Corbin might not see eye to eye but they both suffer from the same injustice, and this is their chance to get theirs. He tells the ref that he's got his documentary crew watching the ref so the ref doesn't 'accidentally' give the win to the Mysterios. He's really on a long rant right now. Too long; didn't read: Zayn's conspiracy theories, blah blah. Finally Zayn drops the mic and Rey & Dominick double clothesline him out of the ring! The bell dings and here we go! Corbin and Rey clash as soon as the bell rings. Rey attempts to ground the Golden Gloves champion. A smidge of chaos ensues, and Dominick streaks across to fly out and onto Zayn at ringside as we go to break. Dominick's face collided with the announcer's table, looked kind of sick and not in a good way.
We return from the break and Corbin has Rey in a neck wrench. Dominik is up on the apron, face intact. Rey tries to fight out but Corbin hits a knee to the midsection on Corbin. Corbin looks for a rope-assisted Powerbomb but Rey hits a headscissor to drop Corbin across the middle rope in Corbin's corner. Zayn tags himself in just as Rey dives over and tags in Dominik. Dom is quick, taking Zayn down before sending him into the corner. Dom hits a middle rope DDT that floors Zayn. We're reminded that in 2002, Triple H created the Elimination Chamber and Eric Bischoff presented it. Dominik loses control of Zayn. Zayn with a big forearm and a lariat. Zayn continues his assault, capping it with a Blue Thunder Bomb and getting a close two. Dom counters a move from Zayn and attempts a pin but Corbin dives in to make the save. Corbin is sent again onto the middle rope and both Mysterios hit a 619 on Corbin at the same time! Corbin rolls out. Zayn, however, is the legal man. He catches Dom with an Exploder Suplex into the corner, setting Dom up for a Helluva Kick. Sami puts it away by covering and picking up the win.
Your Winners, and Added to the Elimination Chamber Match: King Corbin & Sami Zayn!
Backstage with Adam Pearce & Sonya Deville and Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
The current SmackDown Tag Team Champions try to argue that they're worthy of the final two spots. Roode says something about two men, one pod, then says they'd get separate pods. They're willing to fight for their spot. Deville announces that they'll take on another tag team tonight and, just like our previous match, the winning team will be added.
Previously on SmackDown...
We return from break and Darth Sidious' newest clone-host, Michael Cole, sends us to a video package of the events from last week. Belair confronted Sasha Banks and Carmella. Reginald the Sommelier told Bianca Belair that if she chose Sasha Banks, she would most definitely lose. Belair beat him with her long pony tail, forcing him out of the ring.
Backstage with Sasha Banks and Reginald the Sommelier
Sasha is talking to when Reginald walks up with a glass of champagne. He's continuing to fall under her spell it seems. He tells her she'd beat Belair highhandedly. She plays with her hair and asks him if he means it, and he says yes. She tells him to go tell Carmella a message and has a lil' bit of the bubbly.
In the Ring Promo: Big E
Big E is out, celebrating his big win over Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn last week. He compares himself to Tom Brady in a round-about way. Big E then says that he's ready to issue an open challenge now that he's moved on from Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn. Apollo Crews makes his way out. He tells Big E that he knows Big E is going to offer an open challenge for his Intercontinental Title. Crews tells Big E that he's taken E to the limit time and time again and is worthy of the shot. Big E tells Crews that that yes, he was going to do an open challenge, but doesn't know who it will be--perhaps Michael Cole, he states, before adding that anyone can challenge him except Apollo Crews. The Janitor gets a shot before Crews. Crews gets in his face and both men exchange words off-mic, with E telling Crews to go back to the back as he's already beaten him enough. Crews says he won't go back to the back, and they go back and forth for a moment. Big E says to send out his opponent and we hear the familiar tune of Shinsuke Nakamura! Big E will defend his title against Nakamura right after this commercial break!
Intercontinental Championship Match: Big E(c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura
We return from the break. Crews is still at ringside, watching this match. Big E and Nakamura clash. Nakamura's strong strikes don't impact the champion. E takes Nakamura down, drags him to the apron, then runs along the apron to hit a Big Splash on the apron! Big E drags Nakamura in. Crews distracts Big E, and E tells him he has no right to be there. Nakamura has time to recover and hits a big kick to the back of the head. Nakamura with a forearm. Nakamura sets Big E up in the corner and drops him hard. Nakamura climbs up onto the top turnbuckle, waiting for Big E to rise before diving off and crashing into Big E, rolling up and getting a two. Shinsuke sets up for the Kinshasa but Big E catches him; Shinsuke escapes and drops the big man to a knee with a hard suplex. Shinsuke again sets up for the Kinshasa, but Big E avoids it and hits a Urinage to flatten Nakamura and cover for a close two. Big E sets up for the Big Ending, but Apollo Crews hops in the ring and attacks Big E. The ref calls for the bell and yells at him. Did not see that coming at all. Short but good match.
Your Winner by Disqualification and STILL Intercontinental Champion, Big E!
After the Match: Superstar Parade
The entire SmackDown roster make their way out, the entire large group, and they head down to the ring. Seth Rollins wishes to address them, apparently, and that's up next!
In the Ring Promo: Seth Rollins
We return from the break with the SmackDown roster surrounding the ring, lumberjack style. They're awaiting their SmackDown Savior and, with his old music blaring, out comes the Architect Seth Rollins! He's wearing a sharp leather suit, red tie, and one glove on his right hand. He's got his old music but has "Embrace the Vision" on his ribbon video. As he comes out to the ring, Billie Kay plays air guitar to his theme. Rollins stands in the ring, admiring the digital crowd, arms outstretched as he stares at the wall of fan-screens behind him. "Man, it feels good to be back! it feels to be back in the ThunderDome, it feels good to be back in this ring, it just feels right. This is where I belong. Hoof! Now, a lot has changed since I sacrificed myself at Survival Series...but in my absence the thing that has changed the most...is me. Now, as most of you know, I have recently become a parent for the very first time. I am the proud father of a beautiful, perfect, baby girl. And she has changed my life in ways I never could have dreamed of, and that change has given me a new perception and that perception has given me a new vision. And when I look around this ring, I see some of the most talented performers in the history of this industry. And I look at SmackDown and how amazing it is, and I wonder, 'where do I fit in?' And after a lot of self reflection the answer (became) very clear to me. I am the great leader that SmackDown needs to push it into the future and make it greater than it already is! Because success and leadership, it's not about what you can do for me. It's about what I can do for you. Because I can be your leader, I can be your teacher, I can be your father, your mentor." The SmackDown roster leaves the ringside area. "It's easy, all you have to do for a better tomorrow--a better SmackDown--all you have to do is embrace the vision." He smirks as cleverly as he can, and turns around to look at the digital audience. Seth looks around more and sees Cesaro still at ring side. Seth states that of all the people, of all the people, he knew Cesaro would understand. Cesaro speaks to him off mic and walks around the ring. He seems to not be interested. Rollins leaves the ring and chopblocks Cesaro! Rollins mounts and pounds away at Cesaro. He punches him repeatedly while yelling that Cesaro will never succeed without Rollins, and yells "you get me?" over and over as he punches him. Refs separate them and Daniel Bryan runs out to check on his fallen tag team partner, Cesaro, and Rollins escapes into the ring and onto the other side. Cole is very excited about all this. We're now left wondering what shape Cesaro will be in when they take on Ziggler & Roode for an Elimination Chamber match later tonight.
Video Package: the Elimination Chamber Match
We're treated to clips of many past Elimination Chambers, showing highlights from the various athletes who have participated. The Elimination Chamber is a week from this Sunday (don't forget, TakeOver is this Sunday!)
Match: Bayley vs Liv Morgan with Ruby Riott
Bayley comes out, yelling at Michael Cole (I love that) and tells us that SmackDown is her show. Perhaps setting up a feud with Rollins? After a brief break, we return and find Liv Morgan on her way to he ring with Ruby Riott in tow! Morgan starts off fast, taking Bayley down with a fast kick. Snap suplex followed by a series of strikes. Liv Morgan is all over Bayley. Morgan comes off the top with a flying forearm and covers for two. Bayley escapes to the outside. Liv gets on the apron and sees Bayley leaning against the barricade. Morgan charges, dives, and hits face-first into the barricade as Bayley moved. Bayley takes Morgan back into the ring and tries to capitalize on it with strikes. Liv Morgan hits Bayley in the breadbasket, buying some separation, then charges out of the corner and plans Bayley down, covering for a two. Liv goes to the corner, hops on different ropes, preparing an attack but Bayley catches her and slams her into the mat on her apparently injured shoulder. Bayley takes Liv down hard right onto the shoulder. Morgan cries out in pain and Ruby looks distressed for her friend. Bayley pulls Liv up and attempts to whip her. Morgan grabs the rope and Bayley keeps yanking. Finally, Liv lets go of the rope and hits a step-up Enziguri! Morgan covers for a two. Billie Kay comes to ringside with a stack of resumes. She tries to apologize to Ruby Riott, and Ruby wants nothing to do with it. Ruby slaps the stack of resumes, sending them flying into the ring and out. Liv is distracted by this and Bayley takes advantage of it, taking Liv out and picking up the win in a short but great match.
Your Winner, Bayley!
Backstage with Kayla Braxton, Daniel Bryan and Cesaro
Kayla asks Cesaro about his condition as he holds his head. He's understandably upset but ready to go. Daniel Bryan compliments the toughness of his tag team partner for the night.
Nascar Promo
Unless Dale came back from the dead, I don't know who any one in Nascar is now. Anyways, they're presented a special Daytona 500-edition of the WWE Championship belt. They're all wearing masks but I believe it was the Street Profits. Speaking of...
Tag Team Match: the Street Profits vs the Alpha Academy (Otis & Chad Gable)
To a rain of solo cups, the Profits come out with new matching blue and white stripled shorts/pants. We see a pre-recorded interview with them, stating that they want their titles back and when it comes to Roode & Ziggler, they want the smoke. We cut back to the ring where both men gyrate and pace and fire themselves up to a loud digital crowd. We go to break--their opponents are as of yet unannounced. Back from the break and out come the Alpha Academy--Otis and Chad Gable! Gable starts off with Angelo Dawkins. Both men spend the first several moments putting on a technical clinic. Dawkins rebounds off the ropes and Gable dodges, ducks, dips, dives, and dodges. Both men land a big hit on each other but seem evenly matched and show each other respect. Montez Ford tags in. Gable latches on to Ford's left arm and cranks it a few. He whips Ford into the corner but Ford rebounds out with a back flip, landing on his feet across the ring and yells "I'm back!"
Ford tags Dawkins in. Dawkins and Ford hit a double team, and Dawkins covers for a very close two. Gable fights free and tags in Otis. Otis runs in and runs over Angelo Dawkins! Otis off the ropes as Dawkins recovers and runs him over again! And a third time! Ford hits the ring to assist his partner but Otis takes him down with a suplex. Otis continues on Dawkins, hitting a suplex followed by a series of hard strikes. Otis hits the Caterpillar on Dawkins. Gable yells that he wants to be tagged in, so instead of pinning Dawkins, Otis does it. Gable wraps Dawkins from behind and yells for Otis to run to the ropes, rebound and hit a clothesline while Gable holds him. Otis runs but Ford yanks the top rope down and Otis flies out the ring! After a brief series, Dawkins escapes after dropping Gable. Ford is tagged in and hits a sky-high frog splash! He holds his ribs, grimacing, then covers Gable for the win!
Your Winners, the Street Profits!
In the Ring Promo: Sasha Banks
As the Street Profits reach the top of the ramp, Sasha Banks music plays. SHe comes out and dances with them to her music for a few moments before they head to the back, applauding her. Banks happily makes her way down to the ring wearing blue vinyl tank and pants, her belt proudly around her waist. We go to break. When we return, the Boss is ready to talk. She tells us that everyone is talking about Bianca Belair's decision because we are on the Road to WrestleMania. Banks says that she likes Belair, and respects her, and considers her a little friend. She states that the EST of WWE needs to "pick M-E." And right on cue, Bianca Belair comes out looking sharp! She tells Banks that she sees her, and walks to the ring. "I heard what you said about me, and I like you too but uh...girl...uh-uh! 'Cause uh, you not the Boss...of me! 'Cause it's my time and I'm enjoying every seocnd of it and you're right, everyone is thinking about my WrestleMania decision." She's interrupted by Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler. Jax tells them that they're insufferable and with their big egos, it's a wonder that they can fit in the same ring. She questions why everyone is questioning who Bianca will choose. Jax says no one cares. Baszler tells them that the night Belair won the Rumble, Big & Nasty won the Women's Tag Team Championships and they're now two-time champions. She says that they're on a roll. Banks tells them that she had a feeling they'd show up and asks for a clip to roll, as she came ready. We see clips from last Monday when Naomi defeated Shayna Baszler. Shayna is pissed and Jax holds her back. Banks says that wasn't the footage she was talking about. Jax exclaims "Don't you dare! Don't you dare! Don't do it!" Banks calls for the next clip--the now-infamous "My Hole" moment. And they don't edit out "My Hole"! Jax tries to attack Sasha, but Banks and Belair join forces to take on the tag champs. Baszler is taken down in the ring, and Jax is dropped on her butt on the apron agian. She does not exclaim "my hole" this time though. Disappointing. Belair and Banks then double team Baszler. Baszler and Jax hold their sides and rest against the barricade.
Backstage with Daniel Bryan and Cesaro
We get a quick clip of them talking but can't hear it as Cole run's his mouth off. They're in a tag team main event match, and that's happening now!
Elimination Chamber Qualifying Tag Team Main Event Match: SmackDown Tag Team Champions Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode vs Cesaro & Daniel Bryan
Ziggler and Roode come out to their new music and sporting their newer outfits. We head to break. When we return, Cesaro makes his way out first as Cole and Graves question his injured knee--injured by Rollins earlier tonight. Cesaro makes his way half down the ramp and awaits Daniel Bryan who comes out to loud "yes! yes! yes!" chants from the digital audience. Both men fist bump and make their way to the ring.
We start off. Ziggler and Roode use a series of quick tags to isolate Cesaro for the first minute or two. Cesaro finally breaks away when Roode whips him into the ropes, and Cesaro hits a kick to Roode on the rebound. Cesaro tags in Bryan. Bryan quickly grounds Roode and attempts the Lebell Lock but Roode gets to the rope. A bit of a brawl occurs, and Bryan attempts a suicide dive--only to have Roode move and Bryan takes out his own partner! Sami Zayn & King Corbin begin making their way to the ring and we head to break!
Back from the break. Roman Reigns is shown backstage, keeping eye as Ziggler and Bryan brawl in the ring. ZIggler is firmly in control, attempting a pin before taking Bryan intot he corner. ZIgger sits Bryan on the top rope, positions his legs, and climbs up top. Ziggler pulls Bryan to stand on the top rope, too, and Bryan throws fists to Ziggler's side. Ziggler falls back awkwardly but pops up okay--just in time to catch a Missile Dropkick from Daniel Bryan! Both men are down! Bryan's trying to crawl to his corner; Ziggler dives over to tag in Roode. Roode runs into the ring and across, striking Cesaro off the apron! Bryan rolls Roode up off the distraction but only gets a two count. Roode takes control, suplexing Bryan. Pin attempt but no joy. Roode tags in Ziggler and both men work together to hit a double team move in which they swing Bryan's body up into the air, and Ziggler hits a form of a cutter as Roode seems to slam the lower half Sidewalk Slam-style. Ziggler covers but only gets a two yet again. He's frustrated and gets sloppy, and Bryan escapes. Cesaro gets the hot tag, coming in and clearing house. Cesaro with a huge European Uppercut that flattens Ziggler! Cesaro covers for two. Cesaro grabs Ziggler's legs, preparing for the King of Swing. Roode makes the save. Bryan runs in and hits a running knee on Roode, and Roode rolls outside as does Bryan. Cesaro hoits Ziggler up into the Torture Rack, then drops him down onto Cesaro's knee! Cesaro hits the King of Swing on Ziggler! Cesaro finishes the swing and converts it into a Sharpshooter! Ziggler taps! Ziggler taps! By gawd, they did it!
Your Winners, and Added to the Elimination Chamber Match: Daniel Bryan and Cesaro!
After the Match: Mayhem Ensues
Corbin and Zayn in the ring, attacking Cesaro and Bryan. Jey Uso joins in. Cole tells us that this is going to be every man for himself and, on cue, Sami Zayn attacks his partner Corbin! Kevin Owens makes his way out and hits a stunner on everyone, sits a steel chair in the ring, takes a seat and speaks into the camera. "I'm not going away (Roman). See you real soon!" And our program ends.
In Closing
Thanks for joining us tonight in our live SmackDown coverage! The show featured decent matches all around, and the show's pacing helped the two hours to fly by. The weather outside is frightful--we're even getting two days of snow in Mississippi--so please, stay warm, stay frosty, and be safe out there. I expect to see you all here Monday for Raw! Also, don't forget that TakeOver: Vengeance Day is this Sunday and we'll have live coverage here! Happy weekend, brother!
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