Cageside Seats - All PostsInside Pro Wrestlinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48257/CSS-Logo-fv.png2024-03-19T08:00:00-04:00http://www.cagesideseats.com/rss/current/2024-03-19T08:00:00-04:002024-03-19T08:00:00-04:00The Daily
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<p id="fMfhbw">Here’s your “Daily Open Thread” for Mar. 19, 2024. Come chat about whatever you would like. Come back all day and night for discussion of all things pro wrestling and beyond, some of the former but much more of the latter. Basically, this is the spot to yak about anything related to anything other than wrestling.</p>
<p id="T8Moe5">Don’t forget to check out everything else we have going on here at Cageside today. Keep checking that front page for content throughout the day, but for now, scroll on down to the comments and talk about whatever your heart desires.</p>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/3/19/24102486/daily-open-thread-mar-19-2024Geno Mrosko2024-03-19T01:00:03-04:002024-03-19T01:00:03-04:00Rumor Roundup: Rated R Rock, Mercedes money, WWE talent on the indies, more!
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<p id="PsQIFh">Speculating on the rumors surrounding pro wrestling is a favored pastime of many fans, perhaps second only to actually watching the matches. In this daily column, we take a look at the latest rumors being churned out by the pro wrestling rumor mill.</p>
<blockquote><p id="mLVYRH">Important reminder: Rumors are just that — rumors. None of this has been confirmed as fact, it’s just circulating around the pro wrestling rumor mill. We track rumor accuracy in a weekly feature called Rumor Look Back you can find <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/rumor-look-back">here</a>. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.</p></blockquote>
<h3 id="SKdpQT">Rumors for the Day:</h3>
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<li id="6YwGAi">Regarding the <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/3/18/24104490/rumor-roundup-mar-18-2024-the-rock-profanity-promo-smackdown-timing-sami-zayn-upset">recent report</a> about The Rock’s profanity use on WWE television and <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/15/24102107/the-rock-online-promo-video-before-wwe-smackdown-cody-rhodes-crying-mom-whip-belt-blood-wrestlemania">social media</a>, <a href="https://www.f4wonline.com/podcasts">Wrestling Observer Radio</a>’s Dave Meltzer has heard from talent who are upset about there being a double standard at the PG company. One said that Rock can do whatever he wants because he’s <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/30/24055536/dwayne-johnson-the-rock-comments-tko-board-of-directors-role-no-mention-vince-mcmahon-sex-abuse-wwe">on the TKO Board</a>, and has “an entire team of <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/2/5/24061264/rumor-roundup-feb-5-2024-rock-reigns-wrestlemania-cody-rhodes-plans-vince-mcmahon-sex-scandal">representatives</a> that he surrounds himself with” who handle any issues that come up so Rock “stays out of the mess”.</li>
<li id="XUokXC">Meltzer downplayed the idea that <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/18/24104735/the-rock-responds-complaints-using-profanity-wwe-smackdown">FOX is upset</a> about Rock’s profanity, as they get scripts of his segments in advance and know when to bleep him.</li>
<li id="qsGiNT">Both WWE and AEW offered Mercedes Moné contracts that would have been worth $10 million or more over their duration, according to <a href="https://pwinsider.com/index.php">PW Insider</a>. That means the one she signed <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/3/13/24100157/mercedes-mone-aew-debut-dynamite-big-business-promo-entrance">with AEW</a> likely makes her the <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/3/16/24102549/rumor-roundup-bray-wyatt-wwe-hof-cm-punk-booker-t-backstage-altercation-mercedes-mone-highest-paid">top paid female performer</a> in pro wrestling history.</li>
<li id="FF5GxX">Insider’s sources told them WWE had “top flight execs” involved in <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/11/28/23978946/rumor-roundup-sasha-banks-wwe-return-roster-unhappy-cm-punk-mjf-injured-labrum-jade-cargill-training">recruiting her</a> and “absolutely wanted Mone back ‘in the family’”.</li>
<li id="GJwFPR">Mercedes <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/3/14/24101256/mercedes-mone-why-she-signed-with-aew-womens-division-global-revolution-magic-ceo-thank-you-sasha">chose AEW</a> as she felt it gave her more flexibility to pursue outside <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/6/29/23778323/mercedes-mone-sasha-banks-new-movie-collective-trailer-video-ruby-rose-tyrese-gibson">acting</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Ne0DMojGLAtEIlfG1eT3Q">music</a>, and <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2022/9/10/23345921/sasha-banks-naomi-model-runway-new-york-fashion-week-pics-video-mercedes-varado-future-entertainment">fashion</a> ventures. PW Insider also reports she decided based on which deal “would allow for stronger potential, not just for herself but for additional and future women in professional wrestling.” </li>
<li id="sbC2Nd">A recent <a href="https://www.espn.com/professional-wrestling/">ESPN</a> profile on Moné <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/3/15/24101455/rumor-roundup-triple-h-will-ospreay-offer-mercedes-mone-aew-debut-big-business-cm-punk-nxt-backstage">confirmed</a> she signed a “multiyear” deal <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2024/3/13/24100157/mercedes-mone-aew-debut-dynamite-big-business-promo-entrance">with AEW</a>.</li>
<li id="tLfB6s">After <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/15/24102251/shayna-baszler-bloodsport-indie-wrestlemania-part-of-wwe-gcw-collaboration-report">Shayna Baszler was announced for Bloodsport</a>, <a href="https://www.f4wonline.com/">Wrestling Observer’</a>s Dave Meltzer wrote that allowing a WWE-contracted wrestler to work the WrestleMania week indie show Triple H’s call: “Paul Levesque has a different view on these things than Vince McMahon had”.</li>
<li id="Ao8mMO">Meltzer said on Observer Radio that he knows other indies want to bring in WWE talent in the wake of the Baszler/Bloodsport announcement.</li>
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<p id="IBif1x"><em>If you have heard of any interesting rumors that you’d like to add, feel free to post them in the comments section below. Just remember they are rumors and not confirmed as fact, so please take them as such. And check our weekly Rumor Look Back </em><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/rumor-look-back"><em><strong>here</strong></em></a><em> to keep track of how often rumors turn out to be correct.</em></p>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/3/19/24105230/rumor-roundup-mar-19-2024-the-rock-profanity-double-standard-mercedes-mone-aew-contract-wwe-indiesRandall Ortman2024-03-19T01:00:02-04:002024-03-19T01:00:02-04:00Raw recap & reactions: Little Richard Energy
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<p>Usos collide, Becky Lynch survives, and Cody Rhodes says it with his chest on this week’s <em>Monday Night Raw</em>. </p> <h2 id="5l1llz"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkRxh-8mpcQ">No More Mr. Nice Guy</a></h2>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">*mic drop*<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/3XjV25ndkK">pic.twitter.com/3XjV25ndkK</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769894705448292510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="cxYlNt">Little Dick Syndrome. </p>
<p id="Yqsgyb">Three words I never thought I’d hear Cody Rhodes utter in that order, much less on live television in front of a capacity crowd. Besides dealing with the ever-pesky Standards & Practices, it’s just not how Cody portrays himself. He’s a nice guy, even when he’s justifiably mad at the world. He’s the true white meat babyface who smiles, kisses babies, and always does the right thing. That nice guy thing doesn’t work against The Bloodline, but it <em>really</em> doesn’t work against The Rock. Especially when The Great One is in heel-ish mode. I say ish because Rock isn’t fully embracing the heel role, but that’s an argument for another day. </p>
<p id="MhPkzj">Anyway, Cody usually responded to The Rock with minor insults wrapped around glowing words and topped with respect, even if it’s of the begrudging variety. It looked like we might get more of that this week when Cody, once again, gave Rock his props. But then Cody flipped a switch when he got real about everything that happened between <em>Royal Rumble</em> and now. </p>
<p id="8TNDC4">Promos like this are risky. It’s not a definite that the fans will ride with Cody when he talks about The Rock crying to the TKO board about saving <em>Mania</em>. Or that they’ll nod along when he mentions Rock feeling insecure once computers started putin with the hashtag that put Cody back in the main event. But it worked here, mostly because of Cody’s superpower that I always come back to: earnest conviction. He believes what he believes and he feels what he feels. If he says it, he means it, and he only knows one speed. Fans rock with that. So when he called Rocky a “whiny bitch” they felt it but it hit harder because it came from him. </p>
<p id="B9s3PY">Cody needed a promo like this. Besides showing some passion to keep this whole thing interesting, he needed something that says he’s not The Rock’s punching bag. It’s hard cheering against Rocky, even in quasi heel mode; the dude is entertaining and he invites those cheers from the crowd. Very few people in wrestling history can control an audience like him. With Roman remaining quiet and Cody doing his usual “aw shucks” schtick, Rock filled that void with his massive presence. Not saying Cody would get mixed responses as a result, but it wouldn't surprise me if that happened when it looked like Rock could say whatever about Cody and all the American Nightmare did was smile or offer empty threats. </p>
<p id="Bnxsdw">That changed this week. Cody also challenged Rock and tried his own mind games. I dug that a lot. What if Rock gets in the ring and can’t go? While Cody continued putting over Roman, he made sure that he hit Rock where it hurts: the ego. </p>
<p id="SvNicd">That’s why the Little Dick Syndrome comment stings so much. The Rock is used to dishing out insults like that, not being on the other end. And it’s about time Cody said it with his chest for once.</p>
<h2 id="TjxxLQ">B-Sides</h2>
<h3 id="EQw3Kt"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ootUnyEeuuI">Oh Sh*t</a></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best CREED performance ever?! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/0YIQ2lTnSb">pic.twitter.com/0YIQ2lTnSb</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769884379566710944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="gmH3q0">I’m sorry to all the DIY fans out there, and I know you are legion, but the Bros. Creed looked like the better tag team during their qualifying match this week. I don’t mean on a kayfabe tip, although the Creeds certainly looked like the “better team” on that front too. For my money, Julius & Brutus bring a flair, charisma, and insane athleticism that the Regeneration X members lack. </p>
<p id="HtyHYu">Case in point: During the third act, Julius locked Tommaso Ciampa in an ankle lock. In came Johnny Wrestling with a head full of steam with one thing on his mind. Julius cuts him off with his right hand while still holding Tommaso’s ankle in his left. The older Creed then, with one hand, put Johnny between his legs, and lifted him for a Powerbomb. With one hand. He released Tommaso and used the other hand once he got Johnny fully on his shoulders, but he already proved his point. And that’s not even talking about the the double kip ups, the Creeds throwing DIY <em>into each other</em> off their shoulders, and the just the general greatness the Creeds do. </p>
<p id="fkBedI">I have nothing against DIY but as a tag team, strictly as a tag team, the Creeds outclass them. And from a match standpoint, that truth bore out. The Creeds dominated and DIY outlasted and outsmarted them. They’re a veteran team, so there’s nothing wrong with that finish. But I can’t help but feel disappointed that the Creeds aren’t going to <em>WrestleMania</em>. </p>
<h3 id="ETY9Xv"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL7XHO6MtEA">Booby Trap</a></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Is that the way to get things done?!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZZXsxaMWRp">pic.twitter.com/ZZXsxaMWRp</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769889283802825205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="KiYtDP">I like this heel turn from Candice LeRae. It threw me off last week but as I said when it happened, the follow up matters. Her next actions involved some, ahem, ruthless aggression. </p>
<p id="gd5vAG">I don’t know if this is “the way” and neither does Indi Hartwell, but Candice clearly doesn’t care. I’m really intrigued here and hope it leads to something between Indi and Candice. Maxxine needs her revenge though, so maybe calling up<a href="https://x.com/WWE/status/1769922375418568847?s=20"> her partner</a> might even the odds. </p>
<h3 id="aA5Tag"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ANWvYj5hzg">I’m the Only Woman</a></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who will be the LAST WOMAN STANDING on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a>? <a href="https://t.co/JCO0oa6fz8">pic.twitter.com/JCO0oa6fz8</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769920862612857056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="LwTfzw">Becky Lynch said before her Last Woman Standing match with Nia Jax that this is all she knows how to do. Even before a big match against Rhea Ripley for validation and a championship she craves, she can only be herself. If that means taking on someone she’s never defeated in a match this violent, then so be it. </p>
<p id="cfI8oc">Make no mistake, Nia and Becky punished each other equally, but the story really focused on the latter taking a beating. There’s more at stake for her, so every chair shot or violent bump that Becky sustained just meant more. </p>
<p id="5Wxkge">Fantastic match and a great main event for a dope episode. It was chaotic and violent, which is all I ask for from a match like this. Rhea hit the ring during Becky’s celebration but with <em>Raw</em> bumping up against its end credits, their moment didn’t come across fully on television. Rhea’s clearly in the better position here but that makes me wonder if Becky takes on more challenges over the next two weeks. Or is she only focused on the champ with Nia finally vanquished? Liv Morgan does lurk in the background...</p>
<h3 id="sp17wk"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpVEwE4IVB8">Doe Fiend</a></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">World Heavyweight Champion <a href="https://twitter.com/WWERollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWERollins</a> gets freakin' serious on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a>! <a href="https://t.co/JgX3Br1Ero">pic.twitter.com/JgX3Br1Ero</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769910452383789275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="1CqfHC">I like Seth Rollins owning his “spotlight junkie” title that Drew O’Mac bestowed upon him last week. It’s obviously true but Seth used it to highlight Drew’s continued hypocritical stances. The promo boiled down to the fact that Drew too wants that spotlight; it’s the main reason he wants his <em>Mania</em> match. He wants the moment he never got in 2020. What’s winning a championship if there’s no one around to see it or throw roses at your feet? It’s a nice way in twisting things back on Drew but also illustrates how well-rounded his character is right now. He’s fully human with all of our contradictions and foibles. </p>
<h3 id="FewevP"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ8VPaUPTQ8">Can’t Be Done</a></h3>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well well well... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a> <a href="https://t.co/eGy9KpTdqk">pic.twitter.com/eGy9KpTdqk</a></p>— WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1769900092595622303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="fnPwdt">I obviously wasn’t the only one conflicted about Sami Zayn defeating Chad Gable last week. But whew did I love what they did with all that this week. If you know <em>Rocky IV</em>, then Chad’s whole thing about Sami not being able to defeat GUNTHER echoed Adrian’s feelings about her husband defeating Ivan Drago. In fact, it’s almost the exact same story. </p>
<p id="3aZ3Bb">GUNTHER, like Drago, is a beast. He dominates the competition and leaves them laying lifeless. Sami, like Rocky, is the prototypical underdog. He wins by outlasting his opponents and waiting for that one crucial mistake. That’s how he defeated Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang. To Chad’s point, that underdog thing doesn’t work when going against someone like The Ring General. He doesn’t make mistakes and he doesn’t leave openings. </p>
<p id="NiL7zX">Making this less about Chad’s family and more about his feelings towards Sami is a smart move. Sure, he’s mad he doesn’t get the spot for his daughter, but he’s sullen because he feels he’s better equipped to take GUNTHER down than Sami. That got into Sami’s head because obviously GUNTHER doesn’t believe Sami is the guy either. I loved the sense of urgency present in the multiple parts here. From Sami’s convo with Chad to the contract signing then back to Sami and Chad. Despite Sami’s tango with the Tribal Chief, this feels like his biggest moment if only because of that self-doubt. </p>
<h2 id="b14Vr2">Singles </h2>
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<li id="J0yi4u">Awesome Truth are going to <em>WreslteMania</em>! And so are The New Day. This six pack challenge is moving up my anticipation list. </li>
<li id="uPwSd4">Ricochet defeated Dirty Dom after Judgment Day scolded JD McDonagh for losing last week’s gauntlet match. Dom didn’t fair any better against Ricochet (duh).</li>
<li id="j9wcK7">Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso’s opening segment felt personal. Not in that they insulted each other but that it’s clearly two people who love each other fighting because they see no other option. Both men feel wronged by the other and I can see both points. That’s the sign of good writing. </li>
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<p id="Pro62h">Truly loved this three hours. So much intrigue and developing stories that will play out over the next couple weeks.</p>
<p id="GlS2VN">What say you, Cagesiders? Did this <em>Raw</em> rock your world as much as mine? Pun not intended. </p>
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https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/19/24105410/wwe-raw-recap-reactions-mar-18-2024-cody-rhodes-the-rock-becky-lynch-rhea-ripley-nia-jaxMarcus Benjamin2024-03-19T01:00:00-04:002024-03-19T01:00:00-04:00NXT results, live blog: Trick’s back in action
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<p id="gDgZma">Here's a place to check the results and comment along with the newest episode of WWE<em> </em>NXT, airing live on Tuesday night at 8 pm Eastern time slot on USA Network.</p>
<p id="lcUzzi">Advertised for the Mar. 19 show from the WWE Performance Center: Trick Williams is in the ring for the first time since <em>Vengeance Day</em>, taking on Noam Dar after last week’s big run-in with The Meta-Four, while Roxanne Perez & her new attitude will tangle with Tatum Paxley.</p>
<p id="sW1IM7">We’ll also see the tournament to determine NXT Tag champs Bron Breakker & Baron Corbin’s <em>Stand & Deliver</em> challengers continue as Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson battle Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and Axiom & Nathan Frazer go against two members of No Quarter Catch Crew. Speaking of NQCC, one of their ranks will defend the Heritage Cup against Chase U’s Riley Osborne. Plus, we’ll hear from #1 contender to the NXT title Tony D’Angelo and North American champ Oba Femi, see Sol Ruca in singles action versus Brinley Reece... and more!</p>
<p id="yo4hv1">Come right back here at 8 pm ET when the <em>NXT</em> live blog kicks off once the show starts on USA. A running record of everything that happens will be below this line here. </p>
<p id="5HLAdo">Enjoy the show!</p>
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<h4 id="3Vjg5S">WWE <em>NXT </em>RESULTS AND LIVE BLOG FOR MAR. 19</h4>
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https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/19/24105128/wwe-nxt-results-live-blog-mar-19-2024-trick-williams-roxanne-perez-tatum-paxleyClaire Elizabeth2024-03-18T22:33:50-04:002024-03-18T22:33:50-04:00DIY, Awesome Truth, The New Day qualify for Six Pack Ladder Match at WrestleMania 40
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<p>The red brand finds three teams for the WrestleMania 40 tag team title match.</p> <p id="R1706K">The Judgment Day will defend the Undisputed tag team titles at <em>WrestleMania 40</em> early next month in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in a Six-Pack Ladder match. Qualifying matches to get one of the open five slots started on <em>Friday Night SmackDown</em> last week with the first of two mini-tournaments. On <em>Monday Night Raw</em>, it was simply a win-and-in situation.</p>
<p id="W0nNNh">So there were three matches to take care of the three spots the red brand got in the match.</p>
<p id="dgTVll">First, The Creed Brothers showcased why they deserve a whole lot more shine on television by giving DIY one hell of a fun match, with all sorts of innovative and entertaining offense. Unfortunately, despite showing out in a huge way, and making clear they deserve the spot, they lost and Gargano & Ciampa move on to the big show.</p>
<p id="IhE90n">Next, Awesome Truth managed to score an improbable victory over Indus Sher when R-Truth quite literally stumbled his way into a pinfall. He was elbowed by Sanga and stumbled backwards onto Veer and that was the three count.</p>
<p id="598I3A">Finally, The New Day took care of business against Alpha Academy, overcoming big Otis stomaching people left and right. </p>
<p id="5tl9je">Here’s the updated <em>WrestleMania 40</em> card:</p>
<ul>
<li id="VSzigD">
<strong>WWE Universal Championship</strong>: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Cody Rhodes</li>
<li id="AZBQ9A">
<strong>World Heavyweight Championship</strong>: Seth Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre</li>
<li id="6CtKkj">
<strong>Women’s World Championship</strong>: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Becky Lynch</li>
<li id="wRiz7r">
<strong>Women’s Championship</strong>: Iyo Sky (c) vs. Bayley</li>
<li id="eIIz69">
<strong>Intercontinental Championship</strong>: GUNTHER (c) vs. Sami Zayn</li>
<li id="eh6vxv">
<strong>Six Pack Ladder Tag Team Championship</strong>: The Judgment Day (c) vs. DIY vs. Awesome Truth vs. The New Day vs. TBA vs. TBA</li>
<li id="NvZTUB">
<strong>United States Championship</strong>: Logan Paul (c) vs. Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens</li>
<li id="IzhNHk">The Rock & Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes & Seth Rollins</li>
<li id="3jueiu">LA Knight vs. AJ Styles</li>
<li id="bzDEYU">Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso</li>
</ul>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/18/24105400/diy-awesome-truth-the-new-day-qualify-six-pack-ladder-match-at-wrestlemania-40Geno Mrosko2024-03-18T20:00:00-04:002024-03-18T20:00:00-04:00Raw results, live blog: Last Woman Standing
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<p id="oQ3VQQ">WWE <em>Monday Night Raw</em> comes waltzing back into our lives tonight (Mar. 18, 2024) from the PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, featuring the latest build to the <em>WrestleMania 40</em> extravaganza early next month in Philadelphia.</p>
<p id="TQID8p">Advertised for tonight: Becky Lynch and Nia Jax finally settle their differences once and for all (or at least that seems to be the idea) in a Last Woman Standing match. Elsewhere, Awesome Truth takes on Indus Sher for the right to move on to the Six-Pack Challenge Ladder match while The Alpha Academy and The New Day collide for the same purposes. Plus, DIY vs. The Creed Brothers, and more!</p>
<p id="Eat6F0">Come right back here at 8 pm ET when the <em>Raw</em> live blog will kick off once the show starts on USA Network. It will be below this line here. <em>Reminder: GIFs and pics allowed, but no links to illegal streams, please.</em></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="r3ec7f">
<h4 id="3Vjg5S">WWE <em>RAW </em>RESULTS AND LIVE BLOG FOR MAR. 18</h4>
<p id="bSYEv9">The river’s a bed of sweet berries and flowers, banks of thirsty lies, please be careful. The stream is an eyeglass of heroes, bridged with bright replies, but me? I’m just here to liveblog this here pro wrestling show for you, folks.</p>
<p id="3ATUBo">The show opens with a montage of talent arriving at the arena earlier today, including Cody Rhodes and his stupid dog.</p>
<p id="SHNdDE">“Main Event” Jey Uso makes his entrance and gets on the mic.</p>
<p id="EabYzL">He immediately calls “Big” Jim Uso out.</p>
<p id="o5lu81">After a moment, Jim Uso comes to the ring and they square up. Jey says this feels different and regardless of the bad blood, he misses him. They don’t ride together and he doesn’t see him anymore and he asks him to come back to the Usos, but Jim insists that he never left and he’s been protecting him this entire time.</p>
<p id="3wOGwd">It was Jey’s idea to leave the Bloodline and he helped him because he’s his brother, and talks about all of Jey’s success on Raw, including winning the tag titles without him. He tells Jey to listen loud and clear when he says the biggest moment in his career is because of him.</p>
<p id="fW6jQ2">Jey offers simply that the biggest moment of his career is gonna be in his dream match at WrestleMania XL, just the two of them, when he knocks the yeet out of his ass. Jey cuts him down but Solo Sikoa is right there and the heel brothers quickly overwhelm the babyface... CODY RHODES MAKES THE SAVE! CODY CUTTER ON SOLO!</p>
<p id="F0MGUH">A video package for Nia Jax vs. Becky Lynch follows.</p>
<p id="On2eVR">We see footage of Becky arriving at the arena.</p>
<p id="DYF8z2">#DIY make their entrance and we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="hd1q1Y">
<p id="WmNNle">Back from commercial, Paul Heyman interrupts Adam Pearce on the phone with Nick Aldis to tell him to get his roster in order.</p>
<p id="1WGV81">Heyman says the Bloodline weren’t here on his recognizance and begs off saying they arrived ahead of him and Roman Reigns is a man of his word and Jim and Solo are already gone for the night. He tells Pearce to call his bluff and says he’s here on official business and once he’s done, he’ll be gone. </p>
<h4 id="8mALvK">#DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed) (WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Qualifying Match)</h4>
<p id="igkKEu">Ciampa and Julius to start, a little back and forth, Creed has an ankle lock and Tom gets the ropes! Gargano tags in, #DIY running hot, stereo planchas and they’re firmly in control as we go to break!</p>
<p id="btX9GV">Back from commercial, Creeds tossing each other at Ciampa, stereo delayed verticals on both of them, stereo moonsaults, no pin! Johnny saves Tom from the Brutus Bomb, back elbow sets up an Asai DDT that gets countered into a double-team! A pounce sends somebody over the table and we go to break in the chaos! </p>
<p id="WWrdjh">Back from commercial, Gargano with a hot tag, corner knee on Brutus, bulldog / lariat combo on the brothers! Charging at Julius, back body drop to the apron, enzuigiri, superkick to Brutus, Superman Spear connects... SO CLOSE! Ciampa in, avalanche Air Raid Crash... NOPE!</p>
<p id="OwR3Zd">Trading elbows on a postage stamp, Creed blocks a rolling elbow, ankle lock applied! Powerbomb on a running-in Johnny, ankle lock reapplied, Brutus has one on Gargano... REVERSED INTO STEREO BORDER CITY STRETCHES! BOTH CREEDS POST UP AND COUNTER BY THROWING #DIY INTO EACH OTHER!</p>
<p id="TmgxsB">Julius with a moonsault, Brutus with one too... TOMMASO CIAMPA WILL NOT STAY DOWN! Electric chair setup, no Brutus Bomb, victory roll, Creed breaks it up! Superkick form Johnny...</p>
<p id="znW5TE"><strong>#DIY win by pinfall with a victory roll pin from Tommaso Ciampa on Julius Creed, qualifying for the tag title match at WrestleMania.</strong></p>
<p id="77355S">Judgment Day chat with Andrade el Idolo.</p>
<p id="qDl8xq">They talk about what an exclusive club Judgment Dat is and that they’ll make things happen if he keeps trying to be impressive. Finn Balor and his bucket hat say they’ll be watching his match, and Andrade says he’ll see them before turning to see Damian Priest.</p>
<p id="bHKnVt">They exchange greetings and move on.</p>
<p id="oqYDFd">Priest says he was scouting #DIY and whatever, they can handle them, before excoriating JD McDonagh for failing to win the gauntlet. JD defends himself and Rhea Ripley says tonight Dominik Mysterio is going to make things right by wrestling Ricochet.</p>
<p id="chL8Bl">And so we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="gXZJjJ">
<p id="OPXmde">Back from commercial, we get some hype for Thunderbolt Patterson joining the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2024.</p>
<h4 id="8qDg58">Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter</h4>
<p id="DjemqH">LeRae and Carter to start, Candice on the wrong side of town but a tag to Indi saves it. Big boot, quick tags, cutting Kayden off, Chance tags in, her knee goes out and referee Eddie Orengo backs Indi off. Candice tags in and isn’t having it, posting her leg and falling back into a torture half-crab...</p>
<p id="ZCjxVP"><strong>Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell win by submission with a torture half-crab from LeRae on Katana Chance.</strong></p>
<p id="dlGLzR">Post-match, LeRae tries to celebrate but Indi is conflicted.</p>
<p id="mMvTz6">A recap of the Rock’s appearance on SmackDown follows.</p>
<p id="kPjkNA">We see Cody Rhodes walking backstage to send us to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="8oAEcv">
<p id="AVll6S">Back from commercial, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes makes his entrance and gets on the mic.</p>
<p id="rfSfT1">He says in less than three weeks he will be in the main event of WrestleMania again, challenging for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship against the greatest champion in all of sports, the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. This Friday they’re going to have a little conversation, if you will, but there are complications.</p>
<p id="jdz268">Combustible elements, namely the Rock. He rattles off a list of heels he’s known from “Superstar” Billy Graham to “Nature Boy” Ric Flair and says he doesn’t think the Rock is a heel, he’s just an asshole. And he doesn’t want him to get upset or emotional, because he knows how he feels about emotion and he gets it that there’s no crying in wrestling, but hasn’t Dwayne been crying behind the scenes this entire time?</p>
<p id="PpcdFr">He went and cried to his buddies on the TKO team about how he needed to save WWE! Cody says Rock is the only guy he’s stood across from who is a Mount Rushmore wrestler, but he’s also a terrible salesman, a carny succubus, and a whiny bitch. And Rock wants to talk about his mom? He’ll talk about Rock’s mom.</p>
<p id="ZoDpqi">She’s a lovely lady who once helped him chop Kevin Owens in a dark match! Class act! Rock thinks his mom would tremble and cower in front of Dwayne? His mom ain’t scared of nothing, she beat up an undercover cop at a Willie Nelson concert! He comes back around to WrestleMania and admits he doesn’t know if it’ll be a fair fight or if he’ll finish the story.</p>
<p id="wAq58C">But Dwayne, how can you be so sure of your own self? He keeps forgetting that he hasn’t been in the ring in years in realtime action, and what happens when the bell rings? Will he bring the Great One, will it be Big Dwayne Energy or LDS— Little Dick Syndrome? Rock has called himself the Final Boss and maybe he literally is, but at WrestleMania, he’s just going to be Roman’s side chick.</p>
<p id="cS87zc">Enter Paul Heyman.</p>
<p id="wPkRuc">He says the ideals he and Cody share are much greater than the gap between them, and he’s going to offer an apology. He came out here a few weeks ago with some friends from the NYPD and he apologizes, saying for a wiseman, that was pretty stupid of him. It didn’t work and it was just plain dumb, and for that he apologizes to Cody Rhodes and the entire audience.</p>
<p id="Mextoy">Cody says he didn’t ask for an apology and tells him he doesn’t need permission to step in the ring. Paul says he has a message from the Tribal Chief, and says Cody can think of him however he likes but Roman is a Tribal Chief of his word. On Friday, live on SmackDown, Roman is going to go face-to-face with Cody.</p>
<p id="CVfmeV">And when he does so, there won’t be a single other member of the Bloodline in sight, except for Heyman, and he’s no physical threat. Cody says that’s a deal but Paul has one little crucial point he forgot... which is that Cody also has to show up alone on Friday.</p>
<p id="MudShY">Rhodes steps up to Heyman, who cowers, and tells him it’s a deal and shakes his hand.</p>
<p id="KjRJRC">Nia Jax cuts a promo about how she’s going to beat Becky Lynch tonight and hurt her so bad that she’s going to go to WrestleMania and win the title instead.</p>
<p id="5O7f4A">Ricochet makes his entrance and we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="qm9HRc">
<p id="hiKylS">Back from commercial, Cody Rhodes runs into Jey Uso.</p>
<p id="kxpSk1">Uso offers to go to SmackDown with him but Cody says he said he’s going alone. Jey says he knows the Bloodline are gonna cheat and he’ll be there if Rhodes needs him, but Cody says he’s going alone.</p>
<h4 id="FXWjO0">Dominik Mysterio vs. Ricochet</h4>
<p id="e43r8u">Ricochet sending Mysterio to the floor early, McDonagh shoves Dom out of the way of a dive but Rick gets him with a tornillo anyway! The One and Only gets caught up arguing with JD, Mysterio blasts him, and we go to break!</p>
<p id="AspbnW">Back from commercial, Mysterio in control, Ricochet turns him around, Benadryller connects... SO CLOSE! Folding press gets Dominik two, Rick cuts him off with a superkick and goes up top, nobody home on the 450 splash! Another superkick, JD runs interference, Mysterio sets Ricochet up for the 619, nobody home...</p>
<p id="EU6huM"><strong>Ricochet wins by pinfall with Recoil.</strong></p>
<p id="zlo0hJ">Sami Zayn chats with Chad Gable backstage.</p>
<p id="gJ0LJS">Gable is upset and Sami pries until Chad tells him the WrestleMania title shot meant more to him. Zayn says that’s unfair and he’s not the only one that this matters to and he’s not the only one whose children cry when he loses. Gable raises his voice and says it’s not about any of that, it’s just that he doesn’t think Sami can beat GUNTHER.</p>
<p id="jxE9CK">On that note, we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="A8jOSc">
<p id="0d3e1O">Back from commercial, general manager Adam Pearce is in the ring for an Intercontinental Championship contract signing.</p>
<p id="TiNXjB">Sami Zayn and GUNTHER take their places at the table and the Ring General interrupts by talking about what an important this match is and telling Sami he’s dressed like a bum. Zayn fires back and talks about everyone he’s surprised in his career and says he’s going to make history by ending the longest Intercontinental Championship reign of all time and he immediately signs the contract.</p>
<p id="GM51MC">GUNTHER tells Sami to listen to Chad Gable because he doesn’t think Zayn can beat him, the crowds that love him don’t think Zayn can beat him, and if he’s being honest with himself, Sami doesn’t think he can beat him either. So he’s standing on his doorstep and begging GUNTHER for the beating of a lifetime, so whatever he needs to do, keep doing it.</p>
<p id="xStAZ0">At WrestleMania, his dreams will meet reality. GUNTHER signs the contract and goes to leave. Sami cuts him off and tells him to look deep into his eyes, into the eyes of the man who’s going to take him down at WrestleMania.</p>
<p id="uo74U4">The camera follows Zayn as he exits, all the way to where #DIY are hanging out with Awesome Truth, which credit where it’s due was a very cool take.</p>
<p id="qOZZLC">Miz says Sami’s got the attitude they need, Indus Sher walk by all intimidating, and we follow Awesome Truth back out to the stage.</p>
<p id="7F9noU">They make their entrance and we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="sByOSx">
<h4 id="yaLGdE">Awesome Truth (R-Truth & the Miz) vs. Indus Sher (Sanga & Veer Mahaan) (WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Qualifying Match)</h4>
<p id="rQ7q2C">Sanga and Truth to start but Ron immediately tags Miz in. The A-Lister immediately gets run over, scoop, tag to Mahaan, big slam and an elbow drop and they’re fired up! Miz gets away, Truth tags in hot, shoulder block, shoulder block, fall-forward Blue Thunder Driver, “You can’t see me” Five Knuckle Shuffle connects!</p>
<p id="FGhTQh">Fireman’s carry, Veer slips out, drop toehold into the STF! Assisted Skull-Crushing Finale, Miz sent to the floor, running interference as Truth literally falls onto Mahaan...</p>
<p id="dzA7tH"><strong>Awesome Truth win by pinfall with a lateral press from R-Truth on Veer Mahaan, qualifying for the tag title match at WrestleMania.</strong></p>
<p id="JQJ2vk">Drew McIntyre is shown walking backstage to send us to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QbEXJR">
<p id="Qj1iSO">Back from commercial, Sami Zayn confronts Chad Gable over why he thinks he can’t beat GUNTHER.</p>
<p id="u4xevd">Gable says Sami’s built his whole career around being the underdog and waiting for an opportunity, but that won’t happen with GUNTHER and if he doesn’t change his mentality, he can’t beat him.</p>
<p id="TiVLqo">We get a vignette for CM Punk’s comeback where he says he’s going to be at WrestleMania.</p>
<p id="l7QrVb">Drew McIntyre makes his entrance and is interrupted halfway down the ramp by Seth Rollins.</p>
<p id="yUiLT2">They both get in the ring and Drew leans in the corner sullen while Seth welcomes us to Monday Night Rollins, etc. McIntyre tells him to get it out of his system because after WrestleMania, the spotlight will be all his. Rollins says he came out here to admit that one thing Drew said was absolutely correct.</p>
<p id="9MPIPZ">The first step on the road to recovery is hardest and this is going to be difficult for him, and he puts his hand up and tearfull admits that he’s a spotlight junkie. McIntyre asks if everything is a joke to him and says he’s becoming a parody of himself but he doesn’t care about the BS anymore.</p>
<p id="ZH3LOf">At this point he literally only cares about their match and the world title, and the punchline is when he beats him for that title at WrestleMania. Seth tells him he’s being dead serious and he wants that spotlight and he knows Drew is trying to entertain people on the internet, but night one of WrestleMania he takes the biggest star in Hollywood and his side chick and he makes them his bitches.</p>
<p id="JfW0ty">Night two, the spotlight is on them and the World Heavyweight Championship, and he’s also going to win. Drew says he wants that passion and he had him to the finish. They’ve both done this for 20 years and given their lives to the industry and it’s the workhorse championship, and he had him until he mentioned the big spotlight. </p>
<p id="EsWe59">He tells Rollins his priorities are backwards and all he cares about is Seth making it to the ring on night two even if he has to carry him bodily to the ring, because he’s not going to get the moment he deserves, he’s going to get the moment he has earned. Rollins laughs about it and says Drew wants the spotlight just as bad as he does.</p>
<p id="OToGW9">He’s an addict just like he is, and he’s been begging for the spotlight, but under those lights Drew is going to find out he isn’t as good as he thinks he is.</p>
<p id="iuYghB">Becky Lynch cuts a promo down the barrel of the camera about how all she knows is taking risks.</p>
<p id="IV5snh">New Day make their entrance and we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="CxoKr6">
<h4 id="QmZfSn">Alpha Academy (Akira Tozawa & Otis Dozovic) vs. New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) (WWE Unified Tag Team Championship Qualifying Match)</h4>
<p id="BUZtdi">Dozovic and Woods to start, big man with some headbutts, off the ropes, casual lariat into hip swivels. Tozawa tags in, double whip, big boot gets a kick, Kingston throws him into the corner, boot up, diving tijeras sends Kofi to the floor and us to break!</p>
<p id="TdAh75">Back from commercial, Tozawa rocks Woods with an enzuigiri! Tags made, Dozer in with lariats on Kingston! Off the ropes, big back elbow, clobbering Xavier with a lariat, catching Kofi into a World’s Strongest Slam! Caterpillar follows it up... NOT ENOUGH! Kingston rolls away from a Vader Bomb, Akira tags in, crossbody for two!</p>
<p id="3rQqwe">Superkick, Woods tags in, springboard DDT connects... NOPE! Up top, jockeying for position, Tozawa gets an avalanche Frankensteiner out of the deal! Back up top, diving senton connects... KOFI KINGSTON BREAKS IT UP! Kick sends him packing, Xavier blocks a Frankensteiner... REVOLUTION LIGER BOMB!</p>
<p id="kyAOhp">Woods fired up, he goes up top and walks the ropes... LIMIT BREAKER! IT’S OVER!</p>
<p id="K347Iz"><strong>New Day win by pinfall with Limit Breaker from Xavier Woods on Akira Tozawa, qualifying for the tag title match at WrestleMania.</strong></p>
<p id="tHKUdu">Becky Lynch is warming up backstage when Liv Morgan approaches to wish her luck and bid her punch Nia in the face.</p>
<p id="AErfQE">And so we go to break.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="w2gDjx">
<p id="nXmPIu">Back from commercial, Cody Rhodes is walking his stupid dog backstage when Seth Rollins rolls up to ask “one-on-one?” and Cody says “one-on-one” clearly referring to the deal to show up to SmackDown alone.</p>
<h4 id="ROGWVA">Becky Lynch vs. Nia Jax (Last Woman Standing Match)</h4>
<p id="wp7jHV">Lynch sending her to the floor immediately, baseball slide puts her into the barricade, diving forearm, Jax ducks another and fireman’s carries her into the post and then a Samoan drop into the barricade! They trade blows on the floor and we go to break!</p>
<p id="lmHaFh">Back from commercial, Becky is setting a table up on the floor when Jax comes over to smash her into the apron a few times and throw her back inside! Nia finishes setting the table up but one side collapses! Throwing chairs into the ring, slam on the chairs, no good!</p>
<p id="O0PX7P">Becky with a sleeper hold and then a running bulldog into the chair, the count... NOPE! Off the top, nobody home, Nia wallops her with a chair over and over! Back under the ring, Jax comes up with a pair of kendo sticks and goes back in the ring, cracking one over Lynch’s back!</p>
<p id="PtnQRR">Chair shots, setting a chair up and sitting atop of Lynch but she wallops Nia with a kendo stick until she stands up! Keeping the shots coming, sending Jax packing to the floor! On the floor, Nia picks up the steel steps and donks Becky in the dome with them! Back inside, leg drop, nobody home!</p>
<p id="7TDum7">Lynch with a DDT on the steel steps! Jax beats the count and we go to break!</p>
<p id="e2QSrL">Back from commercial, Becky cuts her off with a stream of CO2 from a fire extinguisher before walloping Nia over the back with the steel drum! Back inside, charging in, Samoan drop through a table leaned in the corner! Banzai Drop connects but Lynch rolls to the floor to beat the count! </p>
<p id="A7pXLB">Nia with a fireman’s carry, up on the apron, Becky fights out, elbows on elbows... MANHANDLE SLAM OFF THE APRON AND THROUGH A TABLE! They both get back up, Nia on the table, Becky climbs a ladder... LEG DROP OFF THE TOP OF THE LADDER AND THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! LYNCH GETS TO HER FEET BUT JAX STAYS DOWN! IT’S OVER!</p>
<p id="ygCbJg"><strong>Becky Lynch wins by answering the referee’s ten count.</strong></p>
<p id="iNjTFn">Post-match, Rhea Ripley comes to the ring to confront Becky. Lynch straightens up, ramrod steel, to go face-to-face with her.</p>
<p id="wsDrNX">That’s the show, folks.</p>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/18/24104493/wwe-raw-results-live-blog-mar-18-2024-last-woman-standing-becky-lynch-nia-jaxClaire Elizabeth2024-03-18T19:00:00-04:002024-03-18T19:00:00-04:00SmackDown’s numbers go down despite The Rock Concert
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<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2024-03-15/gallery/the-amazing-images-of-smackdown-march-15-2024-photos#fid-40658513" target="_blank">WWE.com</a></figcaption>
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<p id="V261TS">The Rock was not only back on the Mar. 15 episode of <em>SmackDown</em>, he led off the show with one of his popular “Concert” segments. Surely that would led to increased viewership, right?</p>
<p id="hJORQL">Wrong, and sorry for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM2K7sV-K74">calling you Shirley</a>.</p>
<p id="KeWtOJ"><a href="https://wrestlenomics.com/tv-ratings/2024/wwe-smackdown-mar-15-on-fox-2340000-viewers-0-68-p18-49-rating-tv-ratings-attendance-analysis/">According to Wrestlenomics</a>, last Friday’s show had a total audience of 2,340,000 and a .68 rating among 18-49 year olds. Both are down from the previous Friday, but above what the blue show was doing during the same week in 2023. <em>SmackDown</em> was also the top rated show on television for the night.</p>
<p id="RyNHVF">The Rock Concert represented <em>SmackDown</em>’s numbers peak, <a href="https://programminginsider.com/friday-ratings-espn-fox-and-big-ten-network-air-evenings-top-mens-basketball-conference-tournament-games/">per Programming Insider</a>. But not by a huge margin, as things were fairly stable throughout the show:</p>
<p id="efbK2B">8-8:30pm - 2.45 million viewers / .72 in 18-49<br>8:30-9pm - 2.26 / .66<br>9-9:30pm - 2.36 / .68<br>9:30-10pm - 2.29 / .67</p>
<p id="kxjEqF">So, why didn’t the episode do better? College basketball could be the culprit. Friday night cable had a full slate of conference tournament games, which feature rivalry games and have a big impact on the overall NCAA Tournament — which WWE will be competing against this upcoming Friday.</p>
<p id="due0pV">That, and a Rock-free show, should make <em>SmackDown</em>’s next set of numbers interesting. Until we get those, here’s a rundown of the show’s performances over the past year:</p>
<ul>
<li id="gUmgpB">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/3/20/23649196/wwe-smackdown-ratings-mar-17-2023-viewership"><strong>Mar. 17, 2023</strong></a> - 2.26 million viewers / .59 rating with 18-49 year olds</li>
<li id="pyur9U">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/3/27/23658994/wwe-smackdown-ratings-mar-24-2023-viewership"><strong>Mar. 24</strong></a> - 2.22 / .58</li>
<li id="5xJMfu">
<a href="https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-friday-3-31-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html"><strong>Mar. 31</strong></a> - 2.49 / .69</li>
<li id="dazTTM">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/4/10/23677862/wwe-smackdown-ratings-april-7-2023-viewership"><strong>April 7</strong></a> - 2.47 / .69</li>
<li id="DaaziE">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/4/17/23686852/wwe-smackdown-ratings-april-14-2023-viewership"><strong>April 14</strong></a> - 2.27 / .58</li>
<li id="Yli1I7">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/4/24/23696514/wwe-smackdown-ratings-april-21-2023-viewership"><strong>April 21</strong></a> - 2.18 / .54</li>
<li id="uZs1ez">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/1/23707155/wwe-smackdown-ratings-april-28-2023-viewership-draft"><strong>April 28</strong></a> - 2.47 / .67</li>
<li id="5A8ymo">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/8/23715875/wwe-smackdown-ratings-may-5-2023-viewership"><strong>May 5</strong></a> - 2.06 / .52</li>
<li id="yIRnnQ">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/15/23724528/wwe-smackdown-ratings-may-12-2023-viewership"><strong>May 12</strong></a> - 2.15 / .56</li>
<li id="GwN8W1">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/22/23733432/wwe-smackdown-ratings-may-19-2023-viewership"><strong>May 19</strong></a> - 2.13 / .53</li>
<li id="OJm76x">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/5/30/23742877/wwe-smackdown-ratings-may-26-2023-viewership"><strong>May 26</strong></a> - 2.16 / .52</li>
<li id="SfRRCi">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/6/5/23749976/wwe-smackdown-ratings-june-2-2023-viewership"><strong>June 2</strong></a> - 2.56 / .73</li>
<li id="xIa53Y">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/6/12/23758449/wwe-smackdown-ratings-june-9-2023-viewership"><strong>June 9</strong></a> - 2.28 / .60</li>
<li id="nG0GT0">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/6/20/23767589/wwe-smackdown-ratings-june-16-2023-viewership"><strong>June 16</strong></a> - 2.43 / .67</li>
<li id="ge0nqN">
<a href="https://wrestlenomics.com/2023/06/26/tv-ratings-wwe-smackdown-and-aew-rampage-june-23/"><strong>June 23</strong></a> - 2.35 / .61</li>
<li id="tJ5wuA">
<a href="https://wrestlenomics.com/2023/07/03/tv-ratings-wwe-smackdown-and-aew-rampage-june-30/"><strong>June 30</strong></a> - 2.51 / .69</li>
<li id="JDTFhp">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/7/11/23790922/wwe-smackdown-ratings-june-16-2023-viewership-bloodline-tribal-court-huge-numbers"><strong>July 7</strong></a> - 2.56 / .76</li>
<li id="Uoonme">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/7/17/23798166/wwe-smackdown-ratings-july-14-2023-viewership"><strong>July 14</strong></a> - 2.31 / .62</li>
<li id="gRZ2DN">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/7/24/23806110/wwe-smackdown-ratings-july-21-2023-viewership-fs1"><strong>July 21</strong></a>* - 1.23 / .36</li>
<li id="yN9LrV">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/7/31/23814564/wwe-smackdown-ratings-july-28-2023-viewership-fox-roman-reigns"><strong>July 28</strong></a> - 2.32 / .61</li>
<li id="5TlQhH">
<a href="https://wrestlenomics.com/2023/08/07/wwe-smackdown-aug-4-on-fox-2248000-viewers-0-62-p18-49-rating-aew-rampage-on-tnt-434000-0-14/"><strong>Aug. 4</strong></a> - 2.25 / .62</li>
<li id="IlFziq">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/8/14/23832075/wwe-smackdown-ratings-aug-11-2023-viewership-summerslam-fallout-nfl-pre-season"><strong>Aug. 11</strong></a> - 2.1 / .55</li>
<li id="iJB9Zk">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/8/21/23840572/wwe-smackdown-ratings-aug-18-2023-viewership-edge-last-match-nfl-pre-season"><strong>Aug. 18</strong></a> - 2.09 / .55</li>
<li id="BJnyLX">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/8/28/23849665/wwe-smackdown-ratings-aug-25-2023-viewership-bray-wyatt-terry-funk-tributes-nfl-pre-season"><strong>Aug. 25</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 2.65 / .78</li>
<li id="ZqlwtZ">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/9/5/23860345/wwe-smackdown-ratings-sept-1-2023-viewership-john-cena"><strong>Sept. 1</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 2.44 / .65</li>
<li id="n38gAV">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/9/11/23868924/wwe-smackdown-ratings-sept-8-2023-viewership-payback-fallout-no-roman-reigns-john-cena"><strong>Sept. 8</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 2.09 / .53</li>
<li id="wM1HzW">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/9/18/23879421/wwe-smackdown-ratings-sept-15-2023-viewership-the-rock-john-cena-pat-mcafee"><strong>Sept. 15</strong></a> - 2.57 / .70</li>
<li id="BSGUCr">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/9/25/23889854/wwe-smackdown-ratings-sept-22-2023-viewership-john-cena"><strong>Sept. 22</strong></a> - 2.23 / .63</li>
<li id="C711vQ">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/2/23900497/wwe-smackdown-ratings-sept-29-2023-viewership"><strong>Sept. 29</strong></a> - 2.30 / .60</li>
<li id="N3c16r">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/9/23910449/wwe-smackdown-ratings-oct-6-2023-viewership-john-cena-cody-rhodes-la-knight-jey-uso-fastlane"><strong>Oct. 6</strong></a> - 2.32 / .64</li>
<li id="gYZp7i">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/16/23919665/wwe-smackdown-ratings-oct-13-2023-viewership-roman-reigns-season-premiere"><strong>Oct. 13</strong></a> - 2.42 / .62</li>
<li id="CwOi8N">
<a href="https://twitter.com/wrestlenomics/status/1716549320705466626"><strong>Oct. 20</strong></a> - 2.25 / .59</li>
<li id="Lx94GC">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/30/23938975/wwe-smackdown-ratings-oct-27-2023-viewership-fs1-cable-preempted-world-series"><strong>Oct. 28</strong></a><strong>*</strong> - 1.15 / .35</li>
<li id="wBP69R">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/11/6/23949538/wwe-smackdown-ratings-nov-3-2023-viewership-pre-taped-crown-jewel-go-home"><strong>Nov. 3</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 2.12 / .53</li>
<li id="GUO4Q5">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/11/13/23959569/wwe-smackdown-ratings-nov-10-2023-viewership-live-fox-crown-jewel-fallout"><strong>Nov. 10</strong></a> - 2.2 / .57</li>
<li id="4CyVpP">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/11/20/23969769/wwe-smackdown-aew-colllision-rampage-ratings-nov-17-2023-viewership"><strong>Nov. 17</strong></a> - 2.21 / .62</li>
<li id="RV312k">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/11/29/23981082/wwe-smackdown-ratings-nov-24-2023-viewership-black-friday-fs1-less-than-aew-dynamite-chris-jericho"><strong>Nov. 24</strong></a><strong>*</strong> - 789,000 / .24</li>
<li id="x5qx1q">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/4/23988227/wwe-smackdown-ratings-dec-1-2023-viewership-pac-12-title-game-survivor-series-fallout-orton-paul"><strong>Dec. 1</strong></a> - 2.04 million / .59</li>
<li id="yCaKwj">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/11/23997514/wwe-smackdown-ratings-dec-8-2023-viewership-cm-punk"><strong>Dec. 8</strong></a> - 2.38 / .63</li>
<li id="Y0SZ8e">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/18/24006738/wwe-smackdown-ratings-dec-15-2023-viewership"><strong>Dec. 15</strong></a> - 2.24 / .55</li>
<li id="Gda3gB">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/12/26/24015679/wwe-smackdown-ratings-dec-22-2023-viewership"><strong>Dec. 22</strong></a> - 2.11 / .55</li>
<li id="84vV66">
<a href="https://wrestlenomics.com/2024/01/02/wwe-smackdown-dec-29-on-fox-1355000-viewers-0-28-p18-49-rating-tv-ratings/"><strong>Dec. 29</strong></a>** - 1.36 / .28</li>
<li id="rpFK59">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/8/24030558/wwe-smackdown-ratings-jan-5-2024-viewership-new-years-revolution-roman-reigns-rock-royal-rumble"><strong>Jan. 5, 2024</strong></a> - 2.47 / .67</li>
<li id="K6fciB">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/16/24040553/wwe-smackdown-ratings-jan-12-2024-viewership"><strong>Jan. 12</strong></a> - 2.38 / .64</li>
<li id="nzVCVY">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/22/24047291/wwe-smackdown-ratings-jan-19-2024-viewership"><strong>Jan. 19</strong></a><strong> </strong>- 2.41 / .62</li>
<li id="DQWt8U">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/29/24054884/wwe-smackdown-ratings-jan-26-2024-viewership-royal-rumble-go-home-sex-trafficking-lawsuit"><strong>Jan. 26</strong></a> - 2.48 / .71</li>
<li id="jkrwLk">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/5/24062678/wwe-smackdown-ratings-feb-2-2024-viewership-rock-cody-rhodes-roman-reigns"><strong>Feb. 2</strong></a> - 2.47 / .74</li>
<li id="euqUbT">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/12/24071128/wwe-smackdown-ratings-feb-9-2024-viewership-wrestlemania-kickoff-fallout-triple-h-rock"><strong>Feb. 9</strong></a> - 2.58 / .75</li>
<li id="l555Iu">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/21/24078996/wwe-smackdown-ratings-feb-16-2024-viewership-rock-roman-reigns-logan-paul"><strong>Feb. 16</strong></a> - 2.56 / .75</li>
<li id="24OQFc">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/27/24084011/wwe-smackdown-ratings-feb-23-2024-viewership-elimination-chamber-go-home-pre-tape"><strong>Feb. 23</strong></a> - 2.27 / .62</li>
<li id="uiPgY8">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/5/24091112/wwe-smackdown-ratings-mar-1-2024-viewership-rock-reigns-wrestlemania-challenge"><strong>Mar. 1</strong></a> - 2.35 / .64</li>
<li id="NlPBAh">
<a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/11/24097825/wwe-smackdown-ratings-mar-8-2024-viewership-rock-reigns-rhodes-rollins"><strong>Mar. 8</strong></a> - 2.44 / .69</li>
<li id="tSlnep">
<strong>Mar. 15 </strong>- 2.34 / .68</li>
</ul>
<p id="55K3hs"><small>* Aired on FS1</small><br><small>** “Best of” clip show</small></p>
<p id="cpn53W">For complete results and this week’s <em>SmackDown</em> live blog click <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/15/24100208/wwe-smackdown-results-live-blog-mar-15-2024-the-rock-responds-cody-slap-bayley-dakota-rey-mysterio"><strong>he</strong></a><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/1/24087327/wwe-smackdown-results-live-blog-mar-1-2024-the-rock-responds-cody-rhodes-dakota-kai-in-ring-return"><strong>r</strong></a><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/16/24074648/wwe-smackdown-results-live-blog-feb-16-2024-the-rock-roman-reigns-return-tribal-chiefs-logan-paul"><strong>e</strong></a>, to read a recap & review of the night’s events click <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/10/7/23907090/wwe-smackdown-recap-reactions-oct-6-2023-fastlane-go-home-show-bloodline-judgment-day-cena-knight"><strong>h</strong></a><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/2/3/24060034/wwe-smackdown-recap-reactions-feb-2-2024-the-rock-roman-reigns-match-wrestlemania-40-cody-rhodes"><strong>e</strong></a><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/16/24102547/smackdown-recap-reactions-mar-15-2024-rock-concert"><strong>r</strong></a><a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/2/24088222/smackdown-recap-reactions-mar-1-2024-the-rock-acknowledges-roman-reigns-tribal-chief"><strong>e</strong></a>, and to check out video highlights of the episode click <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/16/24102559/wwe-smackdown-highlights-videos-stunner-into-rko-randy-orton-kevin-owens-austin-theory"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/18/24105145/wwe-smackdown-ratings-mar-15-2024-viewership-rock-concertSean Rueter2024-03-18T18:00:00-04:002024-03-18T18:00:00-04:00Jey Uso on the Bloodline: ‘This might go on for another three years’
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DTsgSEdX_3c7_xSsu6A-zlxARk8=/0x30:756x534/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73216527/012_Presser_09172022rf_096__b48a623399260cbc6d1f4cc5ab1d2090.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a class="ql-link" href="https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/gallery/logan-paul-and-roman-reigns-press-conference-photos#fid-40590698" target="_blank">WWE.com</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>‘Main Event’ Jey believes his family can dominate WWE for years to come.</p> <p id="NoRKIp">Recent estimations over <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/17/24102193/roman-reigns-silence-wrestlemania-demise-cody-rhodes-the-rock">the potential demise of Roman Reigns</a>, The Tribal Chief, may have been premature, as word from a former resident of the Island of Relevancy makes its way around the world.</p>
<p id="c1vHyF">Jey Uso, the man who stabbed his brother Jimmy in the back and ruthlessly betrayed Roman Reigns after being led astray by the likes of Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, had a lot to say about the future of the Bloodline. Speaking to the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/battleground-podcast/id1337888247"><em>Battleground Podcast</em></a>, Jey Uso was optimistic about the familial group’s place in WWE.</p>
<p id="MzYfAe">“Man, the future’s bright is all I’m gonna say. The story keeps evolving. This might go on for another three years,” said Uso.</p>
<div id="FUwBun"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VIN-9599oe0?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="ewRvQh">Uso said that if the family came together in WWE, the possibilities could be mind-blowing, and he may not be wrong. Currently, there is a lot of speculation over the future of highly touted prospect Jacob Fatu. WWE Hall of Famer Booker T has taken an interest in the cousin of Jimmy and Jey Uso and <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/1/29/24054219/jacob-fatu-wwe-roman-reigns-bloodline-booker-t-plan">has made it his goal to help Fatu reach WWE stardom</a>.</p>
<p id="UESZEY">Another promising star is Zilla Fatu. The son of Umaga and former student of Booker T began his career last July and is a chip off the old block. Like his cousin, Solo Sikoa, Zilla uses the Samoan Spike, a finishing move made famous by his father. Zilla is physically filling out fast, adding to his aura of being someone not to trifle with.</p>
<div id="qEFLBd">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" align="center">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Where it all started at …<a href="https://twitter.com/TheOfficialROW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheOfficialROW</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BookerT5x?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BookerT5x</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEUsos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWEUsos</a> <a href="https://t.co/XXq6zpRr7F">pic.twitter.com/XXq6zpRr7F</a></p>— ZILLA FATU (@Zillafatu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zillafatu/status/1767289086035800358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="gT3uON">Also on the independent market right now is Lance Anoa’i, who previously competed for Major League Wrestling before receiving his release from the promotion last year. Previously, Anoa’i stated that <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2023/11/10/23955968/mlw-rejected-lance-anoai-pitch-appear-wwe-bloodline-tribal-court-samoan-dynasty-ae">MLW rejected a pitch</a> for him to appear in a segment with the Samoan dynasty.</p>
<p id="ky1LIZ">Not counting <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/1/20/24044966/tama-tonga-last-njpw-singles-match-new-beginning-nagoya-results-kazuchika-okada-farewell">Tama Tonga</a>, who has ties to the Anoa’i clan and is a free agent, though he’s not on the family, the Bloodline has several potential members who can add layers and years to the family saga that has overtaken WWE. According to Jey, that appears to be the plan.</p>
<p id="o9YsL9">“We’re going to keep doing it,” said Uso. “The Bloodline brought the drama, brought the theatrics, brought that cinema word, whatever they want to call it. I feel like your boy was the heart of The Bloodline, real talk, you know? And they can add The Rock, man, they can add them all, Uce. It ain’t ain’t gonna be Bloodline until Jey Uso’s back. That’s real talk.”</p>
<p id="iAdKpo">Wait.</p>
<p id="ESfCtc">Is Jey Uso teasing a return to the Bloodline? <a href="https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/13/24099299/jey-uso-return-bloodline-jimmy-uso-wrestlemania-wwe">That sounds brilliant to me</a>.</p>
<p id="F5kCiC">Additionally, if WWE can extend the Bloodline’s run for another three years or more, as Jey suggests, Roman Reigns could potentially surpass Bruno Sammartino as the longest-reigning world champion in company history, holding the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion title until, and beyond, May 4, 2028.</p>
<p id="JFnD3l">Imagine that. Roman Reigns shattering the most sacred mark in all of pro wrestling.</p>
<p id="MGdOm0">YEET. </p>
<p id="OBwVX9"><strong>Double YEET</strong>.</p>
https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2024/3/18/24104961/jey-uso-talks-bloodline-future-continuation-longevityM. G0MEZ