The WWE’s blue brand was at the Times Union Center in Albany, NY for a live show that was headlined by a ‘Street fight’ between John Cena and AJ Styles and co-headlined by a clash of two former allies.
The card also featured a 6-man tag-team matchup, Dolph Ziggler taking on Apollo Crews, and several major SmackDown titles being defended in high-octane matchups. Tamina Snuka was in action yet again in a mammoth SD Women’s title match, increasing the chances of her return for the WrestleMania 33 title match. So without further adieu, here are the results from WWE SmackDown’s 3/18 Albany, NY live event:
#1. Mojo Rawley vs. Viktor
The former defensive linebacker and mountain of a man Mojo Rawley, demolished one-half of ‘The Ascension’ Viktor, in what was a dominant display for the ‘Hype Bro’ as he enters the ‘Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal’ with all the momentum on his side.
Result: Mojo Rawley defeated Viktor.
#2. Kalisto, Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. Curt Hawkins and The Vaudevillains
In what was a decent matchup, the former SmackDown tag-team champions, Slater and Rhyno teamed up with the high-flying Kalisto to beat the heel team of The Vaudevillains and Curt Hawkins. Good showing for the Slater and co.
Result: Kalisto, Heath Slater and Rhyno defeated Curt Hawkins and The Vaudevillains.
#3. Dolph Ziggler vs. Apollo Crews
‘The Showoff’ took on Crews in an entertaining scrap. One of the best performers in professional wrestling today, Ziggler once again proved his technical superiority in a brilliant performance against Apollo Crews.
Result: Dolph Ziggler defeated Apollo Crews.
#4 WWE Intercontinental Championship Match: Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin vs. The Miz
‘The Lunatic Fringe’ once again bested his biggest rivals Baron Corbin and The Miz, defending his WWE Intercontinental strap in what was an entertaining match. With an Intercontinental title-defense against ‘The Lone Wolf’ at Mania on the horizon, Ambrose scored an impressive win in Albany and gained that precious momentum as we inch closer to the biggest show of them all.
Result: Dean Ambrose defeated Baron Corbin and The Miz.
#5. WWE SmackDown Women’s Championship (6-way championship match): Alexa Bliss (C) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Natalya vs. Tamina vs. Carmella vs. Mickie James.
The ‘Blissertation’ expert’s excellent performance served to remind us all why she’s the reigning queen of the WWE’s blue brand, defending her SmackDown women’s title against five other Superstars in what was a decent matchup. By the looks of it, Tamina could return to SmackDown or at WrestleMania and compete for the Women’s title.
After her recent fallout with close friend Mickie James, Bliss seems to be fighting tooth-and-nail as she prepares to defend her belt at Wrestlemania.
Result: Alexa Bliss defeated Becky Lynch, Natalya, Tamina, Carmella and Mickie James.
#6 WWE Championship Match: Bray Wyatt vs. Luke Harper
All things aside, let’s give a round of applause to Luke Harper for shining through as a singles competitor after being ‘set free’ from the Wyatt Family. ‘The Backwoods Brawler’ has been getting a huge pop as of late from the WWE Universe, something that’s becoming increasingly evident as of late.
Despite coming up short against Bray Wyatt in today’s championship matchup, all-in-all it was an impressive showing for Luke and a fun matchup between the two former allies.
Result: Bray Wyatt defeated Luke Harper.
#7 Main Event (Street fight): John Cena vs. AJ Styles
The man who likes to ‘Beat up John Cena!’ came up short against The Leader of the Cenation in a back-and-forth fight of skill and will. The ‘Street fight’ angle served to spice up the already combustible matchup even more, with both Cena and Styles giving it their all. Cena prevailed in the end, slamming him through a table and getting the 1-2-3.
Some mid match trash talk from @AJStylesOrg to @JohnCena #WWEAlbany pic.twitter.com/itF4s8hvW1
— Alex Mihailoff (@TruthAM) March 19, 2017
Result: John Cena defeated AJ Styles.
