The SmackDown roster stopped over in Raleigh, North Carolina for a house show that featured all of the top names in action. The rumors of Asuka’s SmackDown call-up were given another push as the current NXT Women’s Champion was in action.
SmackDown Tag Team Champions, The Usos were conspicuous by their absence while Kalisto debuted his new entrance theme which you can check out below. So here are the results and highlights from the show:
#1. Heath Slater, Rhyno, Mojo Rawley, and Apollo Crews vs. The Vaudevillians and Breezango
The house show kicked off with an 8-man tag team match featuring the lower mid-card stars. Slater and Rhyno got one of the best pops of the night and guided their team to a win over the heels. The match was said to be entertaining because of the shenanigans of the teams involved.
Result: Heath Slater, Rhyno, Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews def. The Vaudevillians and Breezango
#2. Kalisto vs. Curt Hawkins
Hawkins got some massive heat from the fans in attendance and unsurprisingly, lost to the former Intercontinental Champion in quick fashion. As noted by a fan in attendance, the high-flying Luchador debuted his new entrance theme. You can listen to it here:
Result: Kalisto def. Curt Hawkins
#3. Dean Ambrose vs. Baron Corbin (WWE Intercontinental Championship)
The two men who are scheduled to face each other at WrestleMania 33 wrestled in a warm-up match of sorts. The hard-hitting encounter had the perfect face-heel dynamic, with Ambrose getting the cheers while Corbin did a great job of getting the required heat. Hopefully, these to get an extreme stipulation for their WrestleMania 33 match.
Result: Dean Ambrose def. Baron Corbin to successfully defend the title
#4. NXT Women’s Champion Asuka, Tamina Snuka, and Becky Lynch vs. SmackDown Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss, Natalya and Carmella (w/ James Ellsworth) (Mickie James as Special Guest Referee)
Asuka made another appearance at a SmackDown live event by teaming up with Snuka and Becky Lynch. The babyfaces went over the heel team of Bliss, Natalya, and Carmella. It was a decent match with hints being dropped of Asuka eventually being called up to the blue brand.
Result: Asuka, Tamina Snuka and Becky Lynch def. Alexa Bliss, Natalya, and Carmella
#5. Bray Wyatt (C) vs. Luke Harper (WWE Championship Match)
Bray Wyatt put the title on the line against his former ally yet again in what was said to be a solid match. Harper attempted the Sister Abigail and missed on countless occasions. Wyatt eventually connected with his finisher and retained the title.
Result: Bray Wyatt def. Luke Harper to retain the WWE Championship
#6. Randy Orton vs. The Miz (w/ Maryse)
Randy Orton went up against the A-Lister in a match that has been a staple at recent house shows. Despite having Maryse by his side, Miz couldn't overcome the Viper and lost the penultimate bout of the night.
Orton was quite over with the fans while Miz masterfully drew heat at the drop of a hat.
Result: Randy Orton def. The Miz
#7. John Cena vs. AJ Styles (Street Fight)
The perennial rivals tore the house down again with another classic bout. The chemistry between the two made for a brutal main event with countless false finishes and high-octane moves. John Cena got one the best pops of the night and Styles, despite being quite over, forced the crowd to boo. True veteran traits!
Result: John Cena def. AJ Styles
